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The Divine and the Damned
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 20, 2026
WTF? I didn’t expect this
Ok well, yeah. Didn’t think I was a dark romance girl but this one changed my mind. Let me just say this isn’t a book for bible thumpers or those easily triggered. With that disclaimer… it’s really good and extremely spicy. A dark, atmospheric fantasy where the line between good and evil blurs. With morally gray characters, shifting loyalties, and a strong sense of tension, the story explores what it really means to be divine… or damned.
Ok well, yeah. Didn’t think I was a dark romance girl but this one changed my mind. Let me just say this isn’t a book for bible thumpers or those easily triggered. With that disclaimer… it’s really good and extremely spicy. A dark, atmospheric fantasy where the line between good and evil blurs. With morally gray characters, shifting loyalties, and a strong sense of tension, the story explores what it really means to be divine… or damned.
April 5, 2026
EGLENTINE BRIAR!! You genius.
This book reimagines the fall of Lucifer through the eyes of a forgotten scribe, Pari. Pari is wickedly funny but vulnerable and like-able. I found myself really loving how the romance was built upon. I don’t usually go for books with a huge trigger but these didn’t feel senseless. The actions within this world made sense.
Ready to see what comes next!
This book reimagines the fall of Lucifer through the eyes of a forgotten scribe, Pari. Pari is wickedly funny but vulnerable and like-able. I found myself really loving how the romance was built upon. I don’t usually go for books with a huge trigger but these didn’t feel senseless. The actions within this world made sense.
Ready to see what comes next!
April 13, 2026
Riveting Narration
I absolutely loved the portrayal of Lucifer and Pari! This was such a healing experience to read through someone else’s religious trauma and how they managed to conquer fears that were instilled since their creation. Wonderful story!
I absolutely loved the portrayal of Lucifer and Pari! This was such a healing experience to read through someone else’s religious trauma and how they managed to conquer fears that were instilled since their creation. Wonderful story!
June 24, 2026
Listen, if a book has angels, demons, Lucifer, and forbidden tension, I’m already interested. What I wasn’t prepared for was just how effortlessly Eglantine Briar pulled me into a world that was dark, seductive, and impossible to look away from.
This book took me by surprise in the best way because from the very beginning, it felt like stepping into something dangerous, intoxicating, and completely immersive. The premise alone had me hooked, but what really kept me invested was the depth layered into every part of this story.
What really made this book stand out for me was Briar’s take on the lore. I’m always a sucker for celestial mythology, but this felt fresh, layered, and so compelling. The way she explores Heaven and Hell, divinity and damnation, love and temptation—it never felt overly simplistic or one-dimensional. No one exists as purely good or purely evil, and I loved that nuance so much.
Especially when it came to Lucifer.
And speaking of Lucifer… wow.
I did not expect to understand him as much as I did, but Briar writes him with so much depth and complexity that it becomes impossible not to feel for him. There’s power there, obviously, but also pain, longing, and this underlying ache that made him incredibly compelling. I found myself constantly trying to untangle his motives, and honestly, I loved every second of it.
Now Pari.
Oh, Pari.
I need it to be known that she frustrated me to no end at times. She was genuinely so insufferable in certain moments that I wanted to shake her. But weirdly, that’s also part of what made her feel real. She’s flawed, stubborn, emotional, and messy—and while she absolutely tested my patience, I was still deeply invested in her journey.
And the romance? So well done.
This book explores love, desire, devotion, and lust in such a beautiful way. Not just as physical attraction, but as something powerful, consuming, and transformative. There’s this constant push and pull between emotional intimacy and raw desire that made every interaction feel charged.
And the spice? Chef’s kiss.
Tasteful, intentional, and actually meaningful to the story—which is something I appreciate so much. It never felt like spice for the sake of spice. Every intimate moment added to the tension, emotional stakes, and relationship dynamics. It was sensual, addictive, and written with so much care.
More than anything, this book felt emotional. Beneath all the fantasy, tension, and celestial chaos, this story is really about connection—about love in all its messy, painful, beautiful forms. Love as devotion. Love as temptation. Love as destruction and salvation all at once.
And I ate every single second of it up.
This book made me feel frustrated, emotional, obsessed, and completely invested, which honestly is exactly what I want from a fantasy romance. I want to scream, swoon, and occasionally threaten fictional characters—and this delivered.
Eglantine Briar created a world that feels dangerous, seductive, and impossible to look away from, and I already know these characters are going to live in my head for a long time.
This book took me by surprise in the best way because from the very beginning, it felt like stepping into something dangerous, intoxicating, and completely immersive. The premise alone had me hooked, but what really kept me invested was the depth layered into every part of this story.
What really made this book stand out for me was Briar’s take on the lore. I’m always a sucker for celestial mythology, but this felt fresh, layered, and so compelling. The way she explores Heaven and Hell, divinity and damnation, love and temptation—it never felt overly simplistic or one-dimensional. No one exists as purely good or purely evil, and I loved that nuance so much.
Especially when it came to Lucifer.
And speaking of Lucifer… wow.
I did not expect to understand him as much as I did, but Briar writes him with so much depth and complexity that it becomes impossible not to feel for him. There’s power there, obviously, but also pain, longing, and this underlying ache that made him incredibly compelling. I found myself constantly trying to untangle his motives, and honestly, I loved every second of it.
Now Pari.
Oh, Pari.
I need it to be known that she frustrated me to no end at times. She was genuinely so insufferable in certain moments that I wanted to shake her. But weirdly, that’s also part of what made her feel real. She’s flawed, stubborn, emotional, and messy—and while she absolutely tested my patience, I was still deeply invested in her journey.
And the romance? So well done.
This book explores love, desire, devotion, and lust in such a beautiful way. Not just as physical attraction, but as something powerful, consuming, and transformative. There’s this constant push and pull between emotional intimacy and raw desire that made every interaction feel charged.
And the spice? Chef’s kiss.
Tasteful, intentional, and actually meaningful to the story—which is something I appreciate so much. It never felt like spice for the sake of spice. Every intimate moment added to the tension, emotional stakes, and relationship dynamics. It was sensual, addictive, and written with so much care.
More than anything, this book felt emotional. Beneath all the fantasy, tension, and celestial chaos, this story is really about connection—about love in all its messy, painful, beautiful forms. Love as devotion. Love as temptation. Love as destruction and salvation all at once.
And I ate every single second of it up.
This book made me feel frustrated, emotional, obsessed, and completely invested, which honestly is exactly what I want from a fantasy romance. I want to scream, swoon, and occasionally threaten fictional characters—and this delivered.
Eglantine Briar created a world that feels dangerous, seductive, and impossible to look away from, and I already know these characters are going to live in my head for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A bold, irreverent, and surprisingly tender debut. Eglentine Briar bursts onto the dark fantasy romance scene with a story that's equal parts mythology and mayhem. "The Divine and the Damned" reimagines the Fall of Lucifer through the eyes of Pari, God's forgotten scribe, Gabriel's twin, and arguably the most relatable archangel ever put to page. Her voice is wickedly funny and disarmingly vulnerable, and she carries the novel effortlessly.
The romance at the heart of this book is genuinely earned. Briar builds the connection between Pari and Lucifer from the very beginning of creation itself, so by the time the present-day tension ignites, you're already completely invested. Lucifer is brooding without being insufferable and powerful without being one-dimensional, and the slow unraveling of his softer side is deeply satisfying.
What sets this book apart is its wit. Fans of Good Omens will find familiar energy here, featuring celestial beings with very modern sensibilities, theology handled with a light and self-aware touch, and a central relationship that is equal parts tension and tenderness. Pari's running commentary on her own role in scripture is a comedic and thematic goldmine. She wrote the Bible, and nobody even knows her name.
Readers who love mythology-rooted romance with heat, humor, and genuine emotional stakes will find a lot to love here. Book 2 cannot come soon enough.
The romance at the heart of this book is genuinely earned. Briar builds the connection between Pari and Lucifer from the very beginning of creation itself, so by the time the present-day tension ignites, you're already completely invested. Lucifer is brooding without being insufferable and powerful without being one-dimensional, and the slow unraveling of his softer side is deeply satisfying.
What sets this book apart is its wit. Fans of Good Omens will find familiar energy here, featuring celestial beings with very modern sensibilities, theology handled with a light and self-aware touch, and a central relationship that is equal parts tension and tenderness. Pari's running commentary on her own role in scripture is a comedic and thematic goldmine. She wrote the Bible, and nobody even knows her name.
Readers who love mythology-rooted romance with heat, humor, and genuine emotional stakes will find a lot to love here. Book 2 cannot come soon enough.
August 19, 2026
An Incredibly Interesting Take On The Creation Story
The Divine and the Damned is a Heaven and Hell romance that revolves around Pari, God's scribe and first attempt at making a woman, and Lucifer. Pari gives the reader insight as to what is going on in Heaven and Hell during and after creation, as well as what stories and events never made it down from Heaven.
The book begins with trigger warnings. I would make sure you are comfortable with these before proceeding. Eglentine Briar does an amazing job creating in-depth settings of both Heaven and Hell. The angels, demons, and creatures alike all have distinct roles and personalities that draw you into them, and keep you invested in what and how they are doing. The concept of this book is incredibly intriguing. I don't want to include any spoilers, but Pari reveals to us that angels, demons, and God himself are not necessarily as they seem. The romance between Pari and Lucifer feels very organic and develops over the course of the story. The last few chapters of the book took a twist I definitely didn't see coming and made me need to get the second book, The Sinner and The Saint, as soon as possible. This book is extremely well-written and, honestly, one of the best books I've read in a long time! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different with a little spice.
The Divine and the Damned is a Heaven and Hell romance that revolves around Pari, God's scribe and first attempt at making a woman, and Lucifer. Pari gives the reader insight as to what is going on in Heaven and Hell during and after creation, as well as what stories and events never made it down from Heaven.
The book begins with trigger warnings. I would make sure you are comfortable with these before proceeding. Eglentine Briar does an amazing job creating in-depth settings of both Heaven and Hell. The angels, demons, and creatures alike all have distinct roles and personalities that draw you into them, and keep you invested in what and how they are doing. The concept of this book is incredibly intriguing. I don't want to include any spoilers, but Pari reveals to us that angels, demons, and God himself are not necessarily as they seem. The romance between Pari and Lucifer feels very organic and develops over the course of the story. The last few chapters of the book took a twist I definitely didn't see coming and made me need to get the second book, The Sinner and The Saint, as soon as possible. This book is extremely well-written and, honestly, one of the best books I've read in a long time! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different with a little spice.
June 19, 2026
Spicy Romantacy wrapped in religious themes
This book has depth. And teeth. And claws. And wings!
The underlying theme of all religions tying back to "The One" is an undercurrent that explodes into a riptide of familiarity.
Yup.
It reads like fictional truth. It even says so. It starts with a very real and aware trigger warning. Bonus points for that.
There's fourth wall breaking content. Love that.
There's exploration into the roots of morally gray tendencies.
There's villains that give you the ick.
Shakespeare, take note.
Our main female character showcases as an angel with Cinderella meets Rapunzel meets modern woman problems. She is a "good girl" whose internal struggles resonated deeply within me. Pari, the struggle is real.
The main male character is a new(ish) take on the devil. He's got the "are the bad guys really that bad?" Vibe. It's all perspective.
Then there's the spice. It is well written, exploratory, honest and frequent. Some might call it smut. I would call it poetic sensuality. I give it all the🌶!
Thank you, Eglentine, for writing such a relatable experience in such a fantastical way. If you're a demon recruiting souls for the fiery pit, this one just might elevate you to CEO!
This book has depth. And teeth. And claws. And wings!
The underlying theme of all religions tying back to "The One" is an undercurrent that explodes into a riptide of familiarity.
Yup.
It reads like fictional truth. It even says so. It starts with a very real and aware trigger warning. Bonus points for that.
There's fourth wall breaking content. Love that.
There's exploration into the roots of morally gray tendencies.
There's villains that give you the ick.
Shakespeare, take note.
Our main female character showcases as an angel with Cinderella meets Rapunzel meets modern woman problems. She is a "good girl" whose internal struggles resonated deeply within me. Pari, the struggle is real.
The main male character is a new(ish) take on the devil. He's got the "are the bad guys really that bad?" Vibe. It's all perspective.
Then there's the spice. It is well written, exploratory, honest and frequent. Some might call it smut. I would call it poetic sensuality. I give it all the🌶!
Thank you, Eglentine, for writing such a relatable experience in such a fantastical way. If you're a demon recruiting souls for the fiery pit, this one just might elevate you to CEO!
July 1, 2026
25% — The SPICE
Let’s be real…
This book is not shy. It’s got graphic, bold, unapologetic spice that pushes boundaries.
If you like tension, obsession, and messy desire… this delivers.
20% — Angel x Demon Romance
This isn’t your typical fantasy romance.
You’re getting forbidden, chaotic, morally gray love between literal divine enemies.
15% — Dark Religious Reimagining
It flips everything you think you know about Heaven, Hell, and creation.
Not safe. Not clean. Not traditional.
And that’s exactly why it’s interesting.
15% — Gritty, Unfiltered Content
This book does NOT pull punches:
violence
trauma
power dynamics
heavy emotional moments
It’s intense in a way that keeps you hooked.
10% — Morally Gray Characters
Lucifer isn’t just “evil.”
Angels aren’t just “good.”
Everyone’s messy, flawed, and human-feeling… which makes it addictive.
10% — Addictive Storytelling
Once you get into the dynamic between characters, it moves.
Drama, tension, dialogue… it reads fast and pulls you along.
5% — “Did they really just write that?” moments
This is the kind of book where you stop and go:
“…oh we’re REALLY going there.”
And yeah… that’s part of the appeal.
Let’s be real…
This book is not shy. It’s got graphic, bold, unapologetic spice that pushes boundaries.
If you like tension, obsession, and messy desire… this delivers.
20% — Angel x Demon Romance
This isn’t your typical fantasy romance.
You’re getting forbidden, chaotic, morally gray love between literal divine enemies.
15% — Dark Religious Reimagining
It flips everything you think you know about Heaven, Hell, and creation.
Not safe. Not clean. Not traditional.
And that’s exactly why it’s interesting.
15% — Gritty, Unfiltered Content
This book does NOT pull punches:
violence
trauma
power dynamics
heavy emotional moments
It’s intense in a way that keeps you hooked.
10% — Morally Gray Characters
Lucifer isn’t just “evil.”
Angels aren’t just “good.”
Everyone’s messy, flawed, and human-feeling… which makes it addictive.
10% — Addictive Storytelling
Once you get into the dynamic between characters, it moves.
Drama, tension, dialogue… it reads fast and pulls you along.
5% — “Did they really just write that?” moments
This is the kind of book where you stop and go:
“…oh we’re REALLY going there.”
And yeah… that’s part of the appeal.
May 2, 2026
DO ME A FAVOR AND GO READ THIS BOOK!
This book was so good I couldn't put it down!!I'll be anxiously waiting for book two to come out!
This author did such an amazing job! I loved how at times there was a pause in the book, and the writer of that chapter (whoevers POV it was at that point) will clear or explain some things before continuing. That was a very nice touch!
Make sure you read content warnings if there are things that may be triggering for you. Such as SA (mentioned not in detail), homophobia, sexism, graphic depictions of sex
Was Lucifer actually the bad guy when he was thrown from Heaven? Why couldn't the Archangels love? Free will, how did we come upon having that? Is it a good thing Adam and Eve ate that apple?
What happens when two Archangels fall in love and it goes against all the rules? The first Archangel is banished from Heaven and Hell was created. Many many many of thousands of years later one of the reasons he was banished is place on his front door step. What does he do to her?
This book was so good I couldn't put it down!!I'll be anxiously waiting for book two to come out!
This author did such an amazing job! I loved how at times there was a pause in the book, and the writer of that chapter (whoevers POV it was at that point) will clear or explain some things before continuing. That was a very nice touch!
Make sure you read content warnings if there are things that may be triggering for you. Such as SA (mentioned not in detail), homophobia, sexism, graphic depictions of sex
Was Lucifer actually the bad guy when he was thrown from Heaven? Why couldn't the Archangels love? Free will, how did we come upon having that? Is it a good thing Adam and Eve ate that apple?
What happens when two Archangels fall in love and it goes against all the rules? The first Archangel is banished from Heaven and Hell was created. Many many many of thousands of years later one of the reasons he was banished is place on his front door step. What does he do to her?
September 4, 2026
The Divine and The Damned. Its like nothing Ive ever read before. The story is about God's Scribe and daughter Pari who is the only female arch angel and Lucifer as an arch angel. This book tells of the creation of Eden, the fall of Lucifer. Pari and Lucifer have feelings and care for each other.
I liked how Lucifer was described as being different with ideas and beliefs way before his time versus him being evil. Heaven clean and simple descriptions in the book and Hell was refreshing. It gave the tone of the book an almost whimsical vibe. If Hell could be described as whimsical this would be the closest to it. Some of the sunsets were even breathtaking in my imaginations as I read them.
You get to meet Ember once Pari and Lucifer are reunited in Hell. Embers character was so interesting. Shes funny, sarcastic, and no bullshit. Oh and she's a succubus and I loved that. I cant wait to read her story next which was just recently released.
This book ends on a cliff hanger and I was like ahhhh!!! I hope to read the next part in the near future. I look forward to it.
I liked how Lucifer was described as being different with ideas and beliefs way before his time versus him being evil. Heaven clean and simple descriptions in the book and Hell was refreshing. It gave the tone of the book an almost whimsical vibe. If Hell could be described as whimsical this would be the closest to it. Some of the sunsets were even breathtaking in my imaginations as I read them.
You get to meet Ember once Pari and Lucifer are reunited in Hell. Embers character was so interesting. Shes funny, sarcastic, and no bullshit. Oh and she's a succubus and I loved that. I cant wait to read her story next which was just recently released.
This book ends on a cliff hanger and I was like ahhhh!!! I hope to read the next part in the near future. I look forward to it.
August 29, 2026
Well... What can I say about this book? It's always frustrating when you find a book that you don't want to put down, at a time in your life when you're so freaking busy!
I absolutely loved the interpretation of Lucifer's story. The way creationism was challenged. And the thoughts behind what is truly good or evil. Let's be honest, anyone can be perceived as good when they are in control of the narrative.
Pari was a beautifully relatable and flawed FMC. Showing the struggle between fighting for what you believe in Vs what you are told you should believe in.
There are also some truly repugnant characters in this book, so if you really want bad guys you can hate... They are here.
Yes, the spice be spicin' 🌶️.
Side note: make sure you check your trigger warnings.
This was an easy and enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading book two.
I absolutely loved the interpretation of Lucifer's story. The way creationism was challenged. And the thoughts behind what is truly good or evil. Let's be honest, anyone can be perceived as good when they are in control of the narrative.
Pari was a beautifully relatable and flawed FMC. Showing the struggle between fighting for what you believe in Vs what you are told you should believe in.
There are also some truly repugnant characters in this book, so if you really want bad guys you can hate... They are here.
Yes, the spice be spicin' 🌶️.
Side note: make sure you check your trigger warnings.
This was an easy and enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading book two.
July 13, 2026
A wild and fun ride!
The Divine and the Damned by Eglentine Briar is a wild ride!!
Let me be clear… this book was so much more than I expected!! Eglentine Briar did a fantastic job of getting you emotionally invested in Pari, and the story that is unfolding! Pari is not the typical super strong FMC right out the gate. She doubts herself, has huge regrets, and is blinded by what she believes to be the right thing.
The slow burn in this book is top notch!! And soooooooo worth the wait!! The ending… I’m still upset, but in the best possible way!! I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!
The Divine and the Damned by Eglentine Briar is a wild ride!!
Let me be clear… this book was so much more than I expected!! Eglentine Briar did a fantastic job of getting you emotionally invested in Pari, and the story that is unfolding! Pari is not the typical super strong FMC right out the gate. She doubts herself, has huge regrets, and is blinded by what she believes to be the right thing.
The slow burn in this book is top notch!! And soooooooo worth the wait!! The ending… I’m still upset, but in the best possible way!! I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!
August 27, 2026
First off, I loved how this book physically felt, perfect flop! Did I actually have sympathy for the devil???? What an imaginative telling of Lucifer’s story! Funny, well paced, with excellent dialogue! I can’t get over the creativity! Adam and Eve and every myth and story ever since! Loved it! And then the spicy bits! Who knew Lucifer was so hot? Great book! Highly recommend! Can’t wait for the next!
June 26, 2026
Such a great story.
Eglentine wove a story of old lore and fresh eyes.
When god created the Archangels he didn't know he had created creatures who would one day disobey.
Lucifer was just the first to fall, others were on the edge of disobedience but turned away from him. And when one of those who turned away lands right at his feet what will the King of Hell do?
Fall in love of course!!!!
Peri was great. I can't wait for Raph and Gabe's story. I want to know more about Ember.
I loved the honest relationship between Ember and Peri, without shame or jealousy.
Also give me this version of Luce any time.
Eglentine wove a story of old lore and fresh eyes.
When god created the Archangels he didn't know he had created creatures who would one day disobey.
Lucifer was just the first to fall, others were on the edge of disobedience but turned away from him. And when one of those who turned away lands right at his feet what will the King of Hell do?
Fall in love of course!!!!
Peri was great. I can't wait for Raph and Gabe's story. I want to know more about Ember.
I loved the honest relationship between Ember and Peri, without shame or jealousy.
Also give me this version of Luce any time.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews