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Divine
What if Rome never fell?
In an alternative reality, the Roman Empire never fell, and the world was never the same. Present-day Appia, real-world North America, fractured by a mythical war in recent history has been divided into five Imperial fortress states. These states, shielded by an invisible forcefield and known as Havens, are designed to protect inhabitants from the world beyond. What lies beyond? Electa Steel wants to know.
Electa, on the cusp of womanhood, faces an uncertain future in Latia, the capital state in Appia. While sun-drenched Latia may be a paradise for some, it is a prison for others. Feeling suppressed by her society’s rules, expectations, and religion, she rebels quietly in the only ways she knows how – drinking, smoking, fighting, and partying. Her youthful but futile resistance cannot last for long. Her seventeenth birthday looms and with it, the Choosing. This rite of passage promises wealth and happiness for a chosen few but Electa, as a plebeian faces an almost certain fate – expulsion from her Haven and homeland.
Electa’s fate takes an unexpected turn when, against all the odds, she is Chosen to remain in her society for the rest of her life and to compete in Imperial Panore, a once in a generation event to find a wife for the future Emperor. A mysterious terror organization, Spartaca, from outside her Haven, recruits her, to bring down the Empire from the inside. Spartaca uses Electa as a pawn, and in the process, she must learn to adapt to the politics and power her new life brings. To win the competition, she must first seduce the Prince, and future Emperor, Asher Ovicula. Then she must defeat the other competitors in a series of brutal gladiatorial games. Why did Spartaca choose her? The truth will change Electa’s world forever.
For fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen series, the Hunger Games, and The Man in the High Castle.
In an alternative reality, the Roman Empire never fell, and the world was never the same. Present-day Appia, real-world North America, fractured by a mythical war in recent history has been divided into five Imperial fortress states. These states, shielded by an invisible forcefield and known as Havens, are designed to protect inhabitants from the world beyond. What lies beyond? Electa Steel wants to know.
Electa, on the cusp of womanhood, faces an uncertain future in Latia, the capital state in Appia. While sun-drenched Latia may be a paradise for some, it is a prison for others. Feeling suppressed by her society’s rules, expectations, and religion, she rebels quietly in the only ways she knows how – drinking, smoking, fighting, and partying. Her youthful but futile resistance cannot last for long. Her seventeenth birthday looms and with it, the Choosing. This rite of passage promises wealth and happiness for a chosen few but Electa, as a plebeian faces an almost certain fate – expulsion from her Haven and homeland.
Electa’s fate takes an unexpected turn when, against all the odds, she is Chosen to remain in her society for the rest of her life and to compete in Imperial Panore, a once in a generation event to find a wife for the future Emperor. A mysterious terror organization, Spartaca, from outside her Haven, recruits her, to bring down the Empire from the inside. Spartaca uses Electa as a pawn, and in the process, she must learn to adapt to the politics and power her new life brings. To win the competition, she must first seduce the Prince, and future Emperor, Asher Ovicula. Then she must defeat the other competitors in a series of brutal gladiatorial games. Why did Spartaca choose her? The truth will change Electa’s world forever.
For fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen series, the Hunger Games, and The Man in the High Castle.
383 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2021
75 people are currently reading
7111 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Woodman
1 book130 followersM.J. Woodman is a student of Ancient History and Archaeology and debut author of Divine. A Classics enthusiast and self-proclaimed book-nerd, M.J. began writing Divine when she was thirteen. She revisited the untouched manuscript several years later, re-writing the novel with a clear, and mature voice.
M.J. grew up on isolated Dartmoor, in England, surrounded by nature, and as an only child, there wasn’t much to do but read. Books soon became her best friend, so it was only natural that she should develop a passion for creative writing at school.
Inspired by a creative writing course at the University of Toronto, and by her studies of the Ancient World, her writing has culminated in Divine, an alternative-history, YA novel set in a rich and detailed world where the Roman Empire never fell.
She spends her time reading, studying, writing, and developing new projects inspired by the enigmatic and mythical world of history. She hopes one day to use her platform as an author to engage young people with history, which she believes, is crucial to building a better, brighter future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
June 3, 2022
i had high hopes for this but, regardless of how unique the synopsis sounds, this is anything but.
the entire story is honestly just one cliché after the other. you have your MC, who is sooooo gorgeous that every guy throws themselves at her. i swear, at one point, there are at least 5 different guys fawning over her. and get this!? she doesnt even know shes pretty!? *gasp* and, to quote her, shes “not like other girls.” omg, spare me. lol.
and even though i think the idea is so very cool, there is absolutely no world-building to support the awesome premise. other than the roman names, nothing about this explores a world where the roman empire never failed. this is basically just a poor mans mash-up of ‘the hunger games,’ ‘the selection,’ and ‘red queen.’
however! i binge read this like crazy, which is why im rounding up. its that kind of terrible story that is really easy to get through, with just enough drama to keep me hooked. lets see if im still intrigued enough to pick up the second book when it comes out.
↠ 2.5 stars
the entire story is honestly just one cliché after the other. you have your MC, who is sooooo gorgeous that every guy throws themselves at her. i swear, at one point, there are at least 5 different guys fawning over her. and get this!? she doesnt even know shes pretty!? *gasp* and, to quote her, shes “not like other girls.” omg, spare me. lol.
and even though i think the idea is so very cool, there is absolutely no world-building to support the awesome premise. other than the roman names, nothing about this explores a world where the roman empire never failed. this is basically just a poor mans mash-up of ‘the hunger games,’ ‘the selection,’ and ‘red queen.’
however! i binge read this like crazy, which is why im rounding up. its that kind of terrible story that is really easy to get through, with just enough drama to keep me hooked. lets see if im still intrigued enough to pick up the second book when it comes out.
↠ 2.5 stars
May 24, 2021
‘How are people believing the stercus she spouts?’
After checking Goodreads, I’m pretty sure this is the first genuine review this book has received to date. I bought this e-book for the eye-watering price of £8.99, which is not something I do often, but the social media campaign for this book had been so extensive (and dare I say, mildly suspicious for an unknown author) that I bit the bullet to see what the fuss was about.
I read this book in one painful sitting, but forgot half of what happened within a few hours and have found myself flicking through the book again to write this review. Unfortunately, I still have next to no fucking idea what is happening. Beware, spoilers ahead.
To start, Divine is a regurgitation of the young adult dystopia that was loved around half a decade or so ago. I found myself cringing at the direct parallels to the Hunger Games, Divergent and Red Queen. Now, don’t get it twisted, I don’t mean I cringed because the genre has outlived its popularity and no longer appeals to me. I cringed because it was so obvious that the author had used pivotal parts of these stories and inserted them into her own work veiled as something new and exciting.
Would you like some proof, dear reader? Allow me to elaborate. The Havens and the Choosing/Unchoosing? Very Divergent, it even has the same name for god’s sake. The gladiatorial style event with an interviewing process prior? The assigned stylist? The Caesar Flickerman knockoff? The Prim/Rue knockoff? The Gale knockoff? It was so Hunger Games it hurt my head. The superpower stuff shoehorned in at the last 30%? Very derivative of Red Queen indeed. I could get more specific with these, but honestly, I do not want to.
Now, the characters. Personally, I found them indistinguishable from one another in terms of voice. Electa, our main character, is so violently ‘not like other girls’ that I wanted to scream, very loudly. I thought we evolved past the phase of pick-me girls? I want to read about women supporting women, not one teenager saying that she’s ‘not other girls’ when literally every other female character is more likeable. The prince, Asher, was a wet fart personified, and one of the most boring love interests (and characters) I’ve ever read. Lysander was the only one I enjoyed reading about because we had a singular sprinkling of character development, then he went and married 17-year-old Electa as a 30-YEAR-OLD MAN and I felt my last dregs of hope die violently.
Also, I’m 90% sure that I read somewhere that the author claimed this book/series was ‘enemies to lovers’. All I have to say regarding this can be summarised by this quote from Tyler, the Creator: “So that was a fucking lie”.
Regarding the rest of the characters, I don’t know what to say. They were all so utterly interchangeable and disposable that I didn’t care in the slightest what happened to them.
Elaborating on the plot is a struggle. I could feel my eyes glazing over with every overused trope, and unfortunately they made up the majority of the book. Also, as mentioned previously, this book borrows far too much from other stories to make it interesting or exciting, even with the idea that Rome never fell.
The whole concept is one of the things that convinced me to buy this book, but I never felt like my expectations were met. To clarify, it wasn’t even like they were high expectations. We never have any further insight into why people are living in climate-controlled Havens, or why this version of Rome is in America for some reason, to be honest I still don’t even know what a Grey is. I understand that this is the first book in a series, but why was there no insight to at least make me want to read the next book? The cliffhanger at the end just consolidated the fact that absolutely none of these characters have any redeeming features and I simply don’t want to spend any more time in this world.
A few inconsistencies caught my attention too, Electa gets her face beat in within the first 5% (in this household, we support Magnus and his decision to pummel Electa), and references that something broke when she was hit in the face…yet when she goes home to her father and her brother, they pass no comment on the fact her nose is probably sideways? M.J., please explain? I know Fake-Rue/Prim gives her a plant or something but I fail to see how that’s going to fix her obviously broken face? I sure as stercus don’t have a clue what’s going on. Also, the bruise that’s actually a tattoo, but also isn’t a tattoo, it’s a bruise? I get that it’s supposed to be a Divine mark or whatever but it made no sense. There’s also reference to her cutting off said tattoo at some point, with little explanation of that or any repercussions. The whole thing is incoherent at times.
Basically, if what I’ve written above doesn’t bother you, I find you questionable but go off, I guess. It’s your choice what you do with your money. However, if you are reading this as someone interested in an engaging concept, interesting characters and a gripping storyline, read literally any other young adult dystopia.
After checking Goodreads, I’m pretty sure this is the first genuine review this book has received to date. I bought this e-book for the eye-watering price of £8.99, which is not something I do often, but the social media campaign for this book had been so extensive (and dare I say, mildly suspicious for an unknown author) that I bit the bullet to see what the fuss was about.
I read this book in one painful sitting, but forgot half of what happened within a few hours and have found myself flicking through the book again to write this review. Unfortunately, I still have next to no fucking idea what is happening. Beware, spoilers ahead.
To start, Divine is a regurgitation of the young adult dystopia that was loved around half a decade or so ago. I found myself cringing at the direct parallels to the Hunger Games, Divergent and Red Queen. Now, don’t get it twisted, I don’t mean I cringed because the genre has outlived its popularity and no longer appeals to me. I cringed because it was so obvious that the author had used pivotal parts of these stories and inserted them into her own work veiled as something new and exciting.
Would you like some proof, dear reader? Allow me to elaborate. The Havens and the Choosing/Unchoosing? Very Divergent, it even has the same name for god’s sake. The gladiatorial style event with an interviewing process prior? The assigned stylist? The Caesar Flickerman knockoff? The Prim/Rue knockoff? The Gale knockoff? It was so Hunger Games it hurt my head. The superpower stuff shoehorned in at the last 30%? Very derivative of Red Queen indeed. I could get more specific with these, but honestly, I do not want to.
Now, the characters. Personally, I found them indistinguishable from one another in terms of voice. Electa, our main character, is so violently ‘not like other girls’ that I wanted to scream, very loudly. I thought we evolved past the phase of pick-me girls? I want to read about women supporting women, not one teenager saying that she’s ‘not other girls’ when literally every other female character is more likeable. The prince, Asher, was a wet fart personified, and one of the most boring love interests (and characters) I’ve ever read. Lysander was the only one I enjoyed reading about because we had a singular sprinkling of character development, then he went and married 17-year-old Electa as a 30-YEAR-OLD MAN and I felt my last dregs of hope die violently.
Also, I’m 90% sure that I read somewhere that the author claimed this book/series was ‘enemies to lovers’. All I have to say regarding this can be summarised by this quote from Tyler, the Creator: “So that was a fucking lie”.
Regarding the rest of the characters, I don’t know what to say. They were all so utterly interchangeable and disposable that I didn’t care in the slightest what happened to them.
Elaborating on the plot is a struggle. I could feel my eyes glazing over with every overused trope, and unfortunately they made up the majority of the book. Also, as mentioned previously, this book borrows far too much from other stories to make it interesting or exciting, even with the idea that Rome never fell.
The whole concept is one of the things that convinced me to buy this book, but I never felt like my expectations were met. To clarify, it wasn’t even like they were high expectations. We never have any further insight into why people are living in climate-controlled Havens, or why this version of Rome is in America for some reason, to be honest I still don’t even know what a Grey is. I understand that this is the first book in a series, but why was there no insight to at least make me want to read the next book? The cliffhanger at the end just consolidated the fact that absolutely none of these characters have any redeeming features and I simply don’t want to spend any more time in this world.
A few inconsistencies caught my attention too, Electa gets her face beat in within the first 5% (in this household, we support Magnus and his decision to pummel Electa), and references that something broke when she was hit in the face…yet when she goes home to her father and her brother, they pass no comment on the fact her nose is probably sideways? M.J., please explain? I know Fake-Rue/Prim gives her a plant or something but I fail to see how that’s going to fix her obviously broken face? I sure as stercus don’t have a clue what’s going on. Also, the bruise that’s actually a tattoo, but also isn’t a tattoo, it’s a bruise? I get that it’s supposed to be a Divine mark or whatever but it made no sense. There’s also reference to her cutting off said tattoo at some point, with little explanation of that or any repercussions. The whole thing is incoherent at times.
Basically, if what I’ve written above doesn’t bother you, I find you questionable but go off, I guess. It’s your choice what you do with your money. However, if you are reading this as someone interested in an engaging concept, interesting characters and a gripping storyline, read literally any other young adult dystopia.
September 8, 2021
Divine by MJ Woodman is perhaps the most unfocused and ill-paced book I’ve read recently.
It suffers from flat characters, a completely unlikeable, contradictory, “not like other girls” (an actual quote from Electa around the 90 page mark) protagonist, and a plot that appears to be nearly entirely ripped off from The Hunger Games, Divergent and Red Queen. It is not engaging, drags (yet somehow bullets through five million things in a chapter), and is riddled with the most convenient of plots I’ve ever seen.
This book is NOT GOOD.
(Spoilers from now on)
The first few chapters serve to tell us that Electa is a bad fighter, and setting up a relationship with Lana... and then the crux of the plot becomes about her ability to lie and save her brother. Who we see for about a page and a half. Who I then promptly don’t care about. Lana was RIGHT THERE! If you’re gonna to rip off THG Prim motivation at least use the option you set up?
Speaking of The Hunger Games, I was literally groaning at points. Oh, a ceremony where the poorest are disadvantaged? A group the MC is up against who are more likely to win because they’re Patricians (*cough* careers)? Mentors, who becomes their closest confidant and is basically Poundland Cinna? Right down to A TALK SHOW HOST, Jesus give me a break.
Everyone in this book either conveniently is in love with Electa or conveniently is aware of the Sparatca ploy. Cosimo, Trixie etc. It’s boring. I was bored. Everything ever so neatly slot in to place so that Electa barely qualified as an active protagonist. The love triangle is, at worst, pointless, and at best, just dumb. It also did not help that Lysander is literally 30. There are cases where this sort of dubious age difference is effectively used (Shadow and Bone), but instead here we just have Electa telling me that she’s got the hots for both and not really convincing me as to why.
Don’t get me started on the “twists”. Unearned, nonsensical and frankly, cliche. Oh no, long lost son is right there all along? Really?
I believe page 191 is the page I broke down in tears of laughter at the absurdity of this entire novel. Divines. Genetically engineered to be ✨special✨ (*cough* divergent), which basically serves to make Electa a chosen one and also so she can Deus Ex Machina her way out of the fights. It’s a clear set up for potential sequels, but frankly, I couldn’t be brought to care.
I also would like to point out that this book is riddled with far more errors than I would reasonably expect from a published novel. Whether it be misspellings that would not have been caught by a computer, inconsistencies, or incorrect dialogue punctuation, barely a chapter went by where I didn’t have to stop and sigh at the mistakes. This book likely needed another edit.
The main crux of the problem with this novel is this:
It is unfocused.
It does not know what genre it wants to be, and it delivers on absolutely nothing it promises. For fans of The Man in The High Castle? Laughable. Science fiction elements are used for convenience, and Woodman never commits to the Brave New World-esque eugenicist utopia world I had initially assumed it was going for.
Frankly, I was confused as to why this book was even set in Roman America. The map was all well and good (although isolated “havens” where one has defected from a totalitarian society - it becomes excruciatingly obvious Woodman has a love for THG), but it’s just... not used? With the exception of Calix’s Umbrian origins, they’re barely even mentioned. I was utterly confused about the names - I had assumed Ore was the city inside Latia which was in the ULA... but then the Emperor was of Ore? To put it simply, Woodman had an actually interesting premise but over the course of 300 pages manage to butcher it. No amount of “look at me I know Latin” can save it. The book screams for an aesthetic but when you pull back the curtain it contains next to no substance.
I have many other thoughts, specifics that I could go on about, but I suppose I’ll leave it with this:
There’s typically a word of warning that goes out to aspiring authors: your first manuscript is at best, bad, and at worst, unpublishable. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone told Woodman this. It is heavily emphasised in the notes and promotional material that Woodman initially wrote this when she was 14, and unfortunately, IT SHOWS. I don’t honestly believe this book would have been picked up by traditional publishers this side of 2020.
(I would also like to point out my concern regarding the five star reviews of this book. Numerous new accounts with no other books to their name? It’s not a good look and, in my opinion, dubious author practice)
Despite it’s oh so obvious sequel bait (really? The ending wasn’t even satisfying as it was), I will be leaving this as a standalone. Woodman has potential, but this wasn’t it.
[An edited version of this review is featured on Northumbria Life Magazine]
It suffers from flat characters, a completely unlikeable, contradictory, “not like other girls” (an actual quote from Electa around the 90 page mark) protagonist, and a plot that appears to be nearly entirely ripped off from The Hunger Games, Divergent and Red Queen. It is not engaging, drags (yet somehow bullets through five million things in a chapter), and is riddled with the most convenient of plots I’ve ever seen.
This book is NOT GOOD.
(Spoilers from now on)
The first few chapters serve to tell us that Electa is a bad fighter, and setting up a relationship with Lana... and then the crux of the plot becomes about her ability to lie and save her brother. Who we see for about a page and a half. Who I then promptly don’t care about. Lana was RIGHT THERE! If you’re gonna to rip off THG Prim motivation at least use the option you set up?
Speaking of The Hunger Games, I was literally groaning at points. Oh, a ceremony where the poorest are disadvantaged? A group the MC is up against who are more likely to win because they’re Patricians (*cough* careers)? Mentors, who becomes their closest confidant and is basically Poundland Cinna? Right down to A TALK SHOW HOST, Jesus give me a break.
Everyone in this book either conveniently is in love with Electa or conveniently is aware of the Sparatca ploy. Cosimo, Trixie etc. It’s boring. I was bored. Everything ever so neatly slot in to place so that Electa barely qualified as an active protagonist. The love triangle is, at worst, pointless, and at best, just dumb. It also did not help that Lysander is literally 30. There are cases where this sort of dubious age difference is effectively used (Shadow and Bone), but instead here we just have Electa telling me that she’s got the hots for both and not really convincing me as to why.
Don’t get me started on the “twists”. Unearned, nonsensical and frankly, cliche. Oh no, long lost son is right there all along? Really?
I believe page 191 is the page I broke down in tears of laughter at the absurdity of this entire novel. Divines. Genetically engineered to be ✨special✨ (*cough* divergent), which basically serves to make Electa a chosen one and also so she can Deus Ex Machina her way out of the fights. It’s a clear set up for potential sequels, but frankly, I couldn’t be brought to care.
I also would like to point out that this book is riddled with far more errors than I would reasonably expect from a published novel. Whether it be misspellings that would not have been caught by a computer, inconsistencies, or incorrect dialogue punctuation, barely a chapter went by where I didn’t have to stop and sigh at the mistakes. This book likely needed another edit.
The main crux of the problem with this novel is this:
It is unfocused.
It does not know what genre it wants to be, and it delivers on absolutely nothing it promises. For fans of The Man in The High Castle? Laughable. Science fiction elements are used for convenience, and Woodman never commits to the Brave New World-esque eugenicist utopia world I had initially assumed it was going for.
Frankly, I was confused as to why this book was even set in Roman America. The map was all well and good (although isolated “havens” where one has defected from a totalitarian society - it becomes excruciatingly obvious Woodman has a love for THG), but it’s just... not used? With the exception of Calix’s Umbrian origins, they’re barely even mentioned. I was utterly confused about the names - I had assumed Ore was the city inside Latia which was in the ULA... but then the Emperor was of Ore? To put it simply, Woodman had an actually interesting premise but over the course of 300 pages manage to butcher it. No amount of “look at me I know Latin” can save it. The book screams for an aesthetic but when you pull back the curtain it contains next to no substance.
I have many other thoughts, specifics that I could go on about, but I suppose I’ll leave it with this:
There’s typically a word of warning that goes out to aspiring authors: your first manuscript is at best, bad, and at worst, unpublishable. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone told Woodman this. It is heavily emphasised in the notes and promotional material that Woodman initially wrote this when she was 14, and unfortunately, IT SHOWS. I don’t honestly believe this book would have been picked up by traditional publishers this side of 2020.
(I would also like to point out my concern regarding the five star reviews of this book. Numerous new accounts with no other books to their name? It’s not a good look and, in my opinion, dubious author practice)
Despite it’s oh so obvious sequel bait (really? The ending wasn’t even satisfying as it was), I will be leaving this as a standalone. Woodman has potential, but this wasn’t it.
[An edited version of this review is featured on Northumbria Life Magazine]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2021
Wow. What an incredible read. Absolutely gripping storyline.
Can’t wait for a sequel.
Can’t wait for a sequel.
May 31, 2021
Truly amazing how such a young writer can tackle such complex subjects but they read so effortlessly. Reading this as someone who isn’t up to speed on the fall of the Roman Empire, I wasn’t just gripped by the twists and turns throughout but also found a love for history, a subject at school that had definitely never interested me! I fell in love with the characters, and hope to learn even more about them in the following sequels. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK MORE!
May 24, 2021
For a young girl of just 13 to have written a a book about anything is incredibly profound and should be celebrated. For a 13 year old to write a book reimagining the Roman Empire and its legions, that is something really fucking impressive. Let me start by saying I discovered this book on TikTok as I imagine many others have , I was intrigued by the premise of a modern Roman Empire. As a student of classics I have always been enthralled by the Roman world and the wonders it entails , the secrets it held and continues to hold to this day. The protagonist Electa steel is strong willed and her flaws are clear and well thought out unlike so many protagonists in YA novels these days. Although I frequently struggle to relate to female protagonists as a male reader I made a concerted effort to this time and I am glad I did as i think it allowed me to gain a much better understanding of the book as a whole and of the characters , I enjoyed the plot line and the detail within the world which was clearly considerable , my favourite character was Lysander although I feel as though this will be a common occurrence among readers ( was getting serious LOKI vibes). I noticed in other reviews that people have been commenting on the age difference between characters and love interests although it was common practice for 40 plus year old Roman men to marry 14 or 15 year old girls , I think being historically accurate is increasingly accurate when reimagining an ancient world and it shows that M.J clearly has done her research when creating her world.
Overall I would say that this book is a wonderful re imagining of the Roman world and I cannot wait for the next in the series. Keep up the good work M.J
Overall I would say that this book is a wonderful re imagining of the Roman world and I cannot wait for the next in the series. Keep up the good work M.J
August 9, 2021
I found out about this book on TikTok and was immediately sold when it was advertised as Greek/Roman mythology and enemies-to-lovers. What I did not expect, was for it to be a complete rip-off of The Hunger Games,The Selection, Divergent and Red Queen.Did I mention The Hunger Games? It's like MJ copied the entire Hunger Games,tweaked it a little and sprinkled in some Divergent(The Choosing), The Selection( Competing with other girls who are much richer than the protagonist for the hand of the prince), Red Queen (The "plot twist"). The extreme lack of originality made me want to obliviate this book from it's very existence.The Walmart Caesar Flickerman? The Dollar Tree Prim/Rue? Not to mention the terrible characters. The "I'm not like other girls" protagonist, the first main love interest with the personality of a wet cabbage and only attractive qualities about him is that he's the prince and has a pretty face, the second main love interest who is literally a 30-year-old that falls in love with a 17-year old within 5 seconds of meeting her. The love triangle between the protagonist and her 2 love interests hurts my soul. I will go so far as to say that the love triangle between Korra,Asami and Mako in Legend of Korra was wayyyy better than whatever the fck MJ has going on here. Like please enlighten me on why almost every male character falls in love or wants to be friends with Electa and every female character hates her. Are you seriously gonna tell me it's because she's pretty? Is that really how deep we're gonna go?? Also what happened between the first 2 chapters?? I thought I had accidentally skipped a few chapters. Like Electa went from getting beaten up to meeting Asher within 10 pages. On top of that she justifies being extremely rude for absolutely no reason by constantly saying she's not like other girls(something she actually says in the book). Lysander's character was okay I guess ( except for the falling in love with a minor who is significantly younger than him part ). Let me also reiterate that the author advertised this book as an enemies-to-lover. All I can say,as Khloe Kardashian would,"LIAR!". All in all, this book was trying to be too many things at the same time and failed miserably. There is a potent lack of originality, terribly written characters characters, and poor world-building(I could write a whole essay on this smh). Honestly wish I didn't spend $10 on this monstrosity of a book. I've read this book twice and i still don't know what a grey or the ore is.
May 19, 2021
Absolutely incredible, I was gripped from the first page. The description used is so vivid. This book is the perfect marriage between romance and drama, you are sucked into the glorious world of white marble and whispers!!!
Best book I have read in years
Best book I have read in years
May 24, 2021
Such a good book. Don’t usually read a book in a day but couldn’t put this one down! Can’t wait for the next one
July 26, 2021
As someone who doesn’t usually rate books low (or write reviews) i figured that I’d write one just to explain and justify my 2 star rating.
First: this book read like a first draft. It is in major need of editing. Punctuation is all over the place - there are missing commas, misused dashes, etc. A couple of times, ‘ was used instead of “. After apostrophes, there would occasionally not even be a space.
Wording was also off, as well as spelling in a few places. The word “retched” was used instead of “wretched” (these are two very different words). At one point, the name “Castel” was misspelled to be “Catsel” (page 223). The third big error that I made note of was that on page 278, there was a sentence that started with “the execution is date is set...”. There is obviously no need for an “is” after the word execution. Basically, this book suffered from a lack of a good editor.
Another issue is that the plot was pretty basic. Typical ya dystopian plot line. Which is... fine? But with what it was advertised as, I would have hoped for something more. There was also a big twist for someone’s identity that had absolutely zero foreshadowing. Twists like that aren’t fun for the reader - readers should be able to either suspect the twist, or reread the book and say, “How did I ever miss that?” I have a feeling that if I reread, there would be no foreshadowing.
There was just a lot of stuff that was randomly thrown in halfway through the book. There were things that were mentioned and seemed to be given significance and just never came back in (Lix’s favorite purple vest? We never heard about that thing again). It just felt very scattered, unplanned, and it felt like something that was published chapter by chapter on Wattpad.
This isn’t me hating on the book or the author. Writing a book is a big accomplishment. But this book just needed more work, revisions, and revisiting done before being published.
First: this book read like a first draft. It is in major need of editing. Punctuation is all over the place - there are missing commas, misused dashes, etc. A couple of times, ‘ was used instead of “. After apostrophes, there would occasionally not even be a space.
Wording was also off, as well as spelling in a few places. The word “retched” was used instead of “wretched” (these are two very different words). At one point, the name “Castel” was misspelled to be “Catsel” (page 223). The third big error that I made note of was that on page 278, there was a sentence that started with “the execution is date is set...”. There is obviously no need for an “is” after the word execution. Basically, this book suffered from a lack of a good editor.
Another issue is that the plot was pretty basic. Typical ya dystopian plot line. Which is... fine? But with what it was advertised as, I would have hoped for something more. There was also a big twist for someone’s identity that had absolutely zero foreshadowing. Twists like that aren’t fun for the reader - readers should be able to either suspect the twist, or reread the book and say, “How did I ever miss that?” I have a feeling that if I reread, there would be no foreshadowing.
There was just a lot of stuff that was randomly thrown in halfway through the book. There were things that were mentioned and seemed to be given significance and just never came back in (Lix’s favorite purple vest? We never heard about that thing again). It just felt very scattered, unplanned, and it felt like something that was published chapter by chapter on Wattpad.
This isn’t me hating on the book or the author. Writing a book is a big accomplishment. But this book just needed more work, revisions, and revisiting done before being published.
May 25, 2021
This book was truly amazing!! If you enjoyed Red Queen, Circe, and the Hunger Games then you would LOVE this book! The best part is the strong, badass main character (Electa Steel) and her multiple love interests! I'm so obsessed with the aesthetic that this book captures and the whole world that MJ Woodman created. Honestly, I liked this book more than the Hunger Games and I think everything will too! I cannot wait for the sequel! MJ can have all my money because I'm so obsessed!
July 10, 2021
Initially gave it two stars but too many things bothered me. I was really looking forward to dive into the story after discovering Woodman on Tiktok, and boy, was I disappointed... don't get fooled by the few five-stars reviews from brand new accounts, this is not a good book. The other one/two-star/s reviews fairly sum up my thoughts on Divine (I will add that the resemblances with Red Queen bothered me A LOT). It pains me to give such a low rating but it has been stucked in my head for days and not in a good way. Baring in mind she started writing it at thirteen, it's an impressive piece; but I don't think the book should have been published. Not as it is.
January 11, 2022
One of the worst books I have read in the last ten years. I realize that it is a YA book, but did the author think she would be successful by combing all her favorite aspects of Hunger Games, Divergent, and Harry Potter (anybody remember Rita Skeeter?). It got really bad when El's wedding dress designer was a perfect rip off of Edna E. Mode of the Incredibles. The only Latin word the author makes good use of is stercus (shit). Horrible proof-reading and for some unfathomable reason eyes seem to be the only real feature that each character has. In short, a complete mess.
May 25, 2021
Gripping storyline, couldn't put the book down!
April 14, 2022
As a person who enjoys roman legends and ancient Greek myths, I am always excited about modern retellings or new versions of them. However, this book is disappointing. It is good for a 13 years old author. The writing of the book reminded me a lot about a 2016 dystopian written teenage book.
First of all, the main character, Electa Steel, is flat as the other characters. Even the author describes Electa in a conversation with the main character as 'not like other girls'.
Furthermore, it is a dystopian book but there are many similarities with The Hunger Games The Hunger Games (e.g. Casimo and the first view of Electa from the others) and even a few aspects of The Giver The Giver (e.g. weather control). I have read some of the other comments about this book and some mentioned that a few parts remind them of DivergentDivergent and Red Queen Red Queen. Personally, I have never read those books but I heard what they are about.
Additionally, the author wrote too many details. For example, Woodman mentioned suddenly the favorite purple Jacket of one of the princes and then we never heard about it. Main ideas like the Choosing, the Greys, and the family of the main character were often mentioned but there were not a lot of explanations, and questions never got answered. Why is the Choosing at the age of 17 years and how is it possible that all minors go to the war, even when they attend one year of training? Also, the mother of Electa was unchosen so she went to war probably. The fact that teenagers get married early was dragged up at the end of the book and get children at a young age was got never addressed.
What I noticed was that when there was a problem, the solution was fast found with the explanation, the story plays in the future. One of those scenes is, when suddenly Aria got bloodthirsty because of a drug, it could have a deeper meaning or been a manipulating mind move by someone other, it would be made more interesting or, when Electa went to the 'outside world', she wore a mask through security which made her look different and nobody noticed it. My question is, how is it possible that the ULA does not know about such technology?
Electra's brother gets kidnapped and tortured but I had the feeling that Lana was more important to Electa than her own brother. It seemed to me, Electa forgot sometimes about her brother or that she only wanted to rescue him because of the fact he is her brother.
The book takes place in an alternative world where 'Rome had never fallen'. Nonetheless, Woodmen address the gods, but with their greek names (p.130). The ancient Roman Empire used different names, for Zeus, they used Jupiter, and instead of Hades, they said Pluto. Also, the map of the world it plays is disappointing, it is still a fictional world but the map reminds me a lot of The United States of America. On the other side, those are just small details.
My book version has 289 pages, so they may be some differences when I mark a page.
Lastly, I am not a native speaker of English. Please forgive me for my grama and Punctuation.
First of all, the main character, Electa Steel, is flat as the other characters. Even the author describes Electa in a conversation with the main character as 'not like other girls'.
Furthermore, it is a dystopian book but there are many similarities with The Hunger Games The Hunger Games (e.g. Casimo and the first view of Electa from the others) and even a few aspects of The Giver The Giver (e.g. weather control). I have read some of the other comments about this book and some mentioned that a few parts remind them of DivergentDivergent and Red Queen Red Queen. Personally, I have never read those books but I heard what they are about.
Additionally, the author wrote too many details. For example, Woodman mentioned suddenly the favorite purple Jacket of one of the princes and then we never heard about it. Main ideas like the Choosing, the Greys, and the family of the main character were often mentioned but there were not a lot of explanations, and questions never got answered. Why is the Choosing at the age of 17 years and how is it possible that all minors go to the war, even when they attend one year of training? Also, the mother of Electa was unchosen so she went to war probably. The fact that teenagers get married early was dragged up at the end of the book and get children at a young age was got never addressed.
What I noticed was that when there was a problem, the solution was fast found with the explanation, the story plays in the future. One of those scenes is, when suddenly Aria got bloodthirsty because of a drug, it could have a deeper meaning or been a manipulating mind move by someone other, it would be made more interesting or, when Electa went to the 'outside world', she wore a mask through security which made her look different and nobody noticed it. My question is, how is it possible that the ULA does not know about such technology?
Electra's brother gets kidnapped and tortured but I had the feeling that Lana was more important to Electa than her own brother. It seemed to me, Electa forgot sometimes about her brother or that she only wanted to rescue him because of the fact he is her brother.
The book takes place in an alternative world where 'Rome had never fallen'. Nonetheless, Woodmen address the gods, but with their greek names (p.130). The ancient Roman Empire used different names, for Zeus, they used Jupiter, and instead of Hades, they said Pluto. Also, the map of the world it plays is disappointing, it is still a fictional world but the map reminds me a lot of The United States of America. On the other side, those are just small details.
My book version has 289 pages, so they may be some differences when I mark a page.
Lastly, I am not a native speaker of English. Please forgive me for my grama and Punctuation.
June 12, 2021
Wow, wow, WOW… holy gods, THAT ENDING.
Okay where do I begin?.. Roman world? Check. Latin? Check. Death? Check. Betrayal? Check. Secret agent? Check.
First of all, I LOVE Electa. I love her character a hell of a lot. She’s put in such a bad position and really does try to make the most of it despite all her many hardships. You can see her clearly struggle on who the real enemy is, and at this point, it seems like both sides are the enemy.
This book was very well written and I can’t wait for MJ to release the sequel to it, because I’ve got lots and lots of questions!
Is Electa okay? Is Lysander divine as well? When will we met Castel? IS ATLAS OKAY?!
I loved the use of Latin throughout the book, it made it a better reading experience (for me at least).
For a debut novel, MJ has done an incredible job and I hope she feels nothing but pride for this book. She’s done a wonderful job with it and I can’t wait for the sequel and her next series.
Okay where do I begin?.. Roman world? Check. Latin? Check. Death? Check. Betrayal? Check. Secret agent? Check.
First of all, I LOVE Electa. I love her character a hell of a lot. She’s put in such a bad position and really does try to make the most of it despite all her many hardships. You can see her clearly struggle on who the real enemy is, and at this point, it seems like both sides are the enemy.
This book was very well written and I can’t wait for MJ to release the sequel to it, because I’ve got lots and lots of questions!
Is Electa okay? Is Lysander divine as well? When will we met Castel? IS ATLAS OKAY?!
I loved the use of Latin throughout the book, it made it a better reading experience (for me at least).
For a debut novel, MJ has done an incredible job and I hope she feels nothing but pride for this book. She’s done a wonderful job with it and I can’t wait for the sequel and her next series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2021
After viewing Woodman’s TikTok's I couldn’t help but pre order the book, after waiting for it to come I read the whole thing in 24 hours. WOW, how long till the sequel because I need more! Definitely one of my favourite reads for this year. The love for both Rome and Latin show, and the fact Woodman wrote this ashen she was only 13!! What a read.
September 10, 2021
I came across advertisement of this book on my 'for you page' on TikTok, and after seeing the catch phrase 'What if Rome never fell?' I bought an eBook version and within 48 hours I had finished it.
There are many things I liked about this book and a few direct parallels to other novels. For example, the Havens and the Choosing Ceremonies, the gladiator event with an interview process before hand, and the characters having assigned stylists (Hunger Games & Divergent, but if you enjoyed those books you will definitely like this).
But I really enjoyed how the setting was a modern-day alternative, where the Roman Empire never fell, which was very captivating.
There is a wonderfully drawn map at the beginning of the book of the alternate America, (I've seen multiple reviews of people questioning why Rome is in America, but as the author states, the Roman Empire never fell.)
Divine is a young adult dystopian novel and I generally enjoyed it. I really liked how the main character Electra Steel, was a loveable, strong, female protagonist. I really enjoyed the alluring plot MJ created in this book, and the whole new world was a BONUS.
Great job MJ Woodman, and I will be waiting eagerly for the next book!
There are many things I liked about this book and a few direct parallels to other novels. For example, the Havens and the Choosing Ceremonies, the gladiator event with an interview process before hand, and the characters having assigned stylists (Hunger Games & Divergent, but if you enjoyed those books you will definitely like this).
But I really enjoyed how the setting was a modern-day alternative, where the Roman Empire never fell, which was very captivating.
There is a wonderfully drawn map at the beginning of the book of the alternate America, (I've seen multiple reviews of people questioning why Rome is in America, but as the author states, the Roman Empire never fell.)
Divine is a young adult dystopian novel and I generally enjoyed it. I really liked how the main character Electra Steel, was a loveable, strong, female protagonist. I really enjoyed the alluring plot MJ created in this book, and the whole new world was a BONUS.
Great job MJ Woodman, and I will be waiting eagerly for the next book!
June 3, 2021
i have to say, i was nicely surprised by this book. i thought it was really well written and it actually reminded me a little of Madeline Miller’s writing! it’s fast-paced, the atmosphere is alike to The Hunger Games but set in a world where the Roman empire never fell, and built around myths and legends which i found really cool. and i thought the characters are really interesting (contrary to what other reviews said)! they are all complexed, and at the end of the novel, i still don’t know who to trust (though my favorite characters are Asher and Cosimo…).
it was definitely worth reading and i cannot wait for the sequel!!
it was definitely worth reading and i cannot wait for the sequel!!
May 26, 2021
A really interesting and unique premise, very intelligently written. Full of drama and excitement and I was hanging on every word. Just have to wait for the next one now...!
May 25, 2021
A parable of our times as we are threatened by the authoritarian social system of China. In Divine authoritarianism is imagined as a modern continuation of the Pax Romana with the Romans still ruling the world with all the cruelty and impregnable hierarchy of Rome’s social system.
Advances in technology have been devoted to keeping the Plebs under control and enriching the lives of the Patricians.
The book is beautifully written with luminous imagery and the plot develops at a fair old clip with enough twists and turns to satisfy a fan of thrillers.
The motive force of the book is the character of the heroine, Electa Steel - sassy, lippy and brave - who wreaks a trail of destruction in her degraded nation before becoming its Empress.
The book is sprinkled with tags in impeccable Latin which keep you in tune with the Roman vibe.
A brilliant debut novel from a born writer.
Advances in technology have been devoted to keeping the Plebs under control and enriching the lives of the Patricians.
The book is beautifully written with luminous imagery and the plot develops at a fair old clip with enough twists and turns to satisfy a fan of thrillers.
The motive force of the book is the character of the heroine, Electa Steel - sassy, lippy and brave - who wreaks a trail of destruction in her degraded nation before becoming its Empress.
The book is sprinkled with tags in impeccable Latin which keep you in tune with the Roman vibe.
A brilliant debut novel from a born writer.
August 10, 2022
2.50 STARS
I saw one of Woodman's TikTok promoting this book and immediately bought it once I saw the whole "what if the roman empire never fell?" concept because I am a sucker for that kind of stuff. I'm honestly kind of disappointed after finishing, I would say that this book gives second draft. Meaning that it was not the 13-year-old Woodman's writing but it didn't feel like a completely mature voice either. Some of the major elements should've been developed way more before being published. In the beginning, I almost stopped reading because of the major similarities to the Hunger Games aka the Choosing at age 17, Lana & Electa (Katniss and Rue/Prim). But I pushed on because of Woodman's TikToks that made me hope that things would get better. Things that stopped this from being five stars.
!! SPOILERS !!!
1. The love triangle
2. The setting in North America,
3. Superpowers being introduced in the last half (this concept should've been introduced like in the first 40% of the book)
4. Barely any unique characters Cosimo is basically being Cinna but without the stylist part and Trixie is basically Ceasar Flickerman, and Lana is Rue/Prim. I was hoping that there would be unique characters that arent basically alternate versions of Hunger Games characters but maybe we'll get that in the sequel.
5. Half of the characters dying
6. The fast timeline
7. No family bond between Electa and Vale (the fact that she even has a brother is thrown in suddenly but isn't even supported by Electa's thoughts emotionally, he is literally a stranger. From what the readers know Electa is working with Spartaca because they have her brother captive that's it. (And and the whole Institute lying about the outside world thing) it's supposed to be the bother facing death thing that keeps pushing Electa to work with Spartaca but it doesn't even seem like a good enough reason. Vale's character is flat for someone that is supposed to be causing the major plot. If Woodman had included some memories or even a small scene that would've developed their relationship further this wouldn't have been a reason. It probably would've been more compelling if Lana was kidnapped by Spartaca instead because that bond was supported in the writing.
8. Electa was too much of a know-it-all. She's supposed to be clever which I get but I feel like that could've been expressed differently. Having her know things before other characters doesn't mean she is smart. For example, she shouldn't have figured out Lysander was the emperor's son until she was summoned by Romulus or until Lysander told her. How realistic is it that she would have known that from a necklace that said A? Lysander and Romulus had a great bond but that couldn't have meant that he was his actual son. It could’ve even been revealed later like after she won at the celebration ball or even if it was at Asher's coronation. The Lysander/Alder plot twist had A LOT of wasted potential.
Overall, I like the plot twists, the diction, and Lysander as a character and I feel like Crew was a decent villain. I really wanted to support Woodman which is why I even finished the book and this is all meant to be constructive criticism I will still be reading the sequel because I really think it will be better.
I saw one of Woodman's TikTok promoting this book and immediately bought it once I saw the whole "what if the roman empire never fell?" concept because I am a sucker for that kind of stuff. I'm honestly kind of disappointed after finishing, I would say that this book gives second draft. Meaning that it was not the 13-year-old Woodman's writing but it didn't feel like a completely mature voice either. Some of the major elements should've been developed way more before being published. In the beginning, I almost stopped reading because of the major similarities to the Hunger Games aka the Choosing at age 17, Lana & Electa (Katniss and Rue/Prim). But I pushed on because of Woodman's TikToks that made me hope that things would get better. Things that stopped this from being five stars.
!! SPOILERS !!!
1. The love triangle
2. The setting in North America,
3. Superpowers being introduced in the last half (this concept should've been introduced like in the first 40% of the book)
4. Barely any unique characters Cosimo is basically being Cinna but without the stylist part and Trixie is basically Ceasar Flickerman, and Lana is Rue/Prim. I was hoping that there would be unique characters that arent basically alternate versions of Hunger Games characters but maybe we'll get that in the sequel.
5. Half of the characters dying
6. The fast timeline
7. No family bond between Electa and Vale (the fact that she even has a brother is thrown in suddenly but isn't even supported by Electa's thoughts emotionally, he is literally a stranger. From what the readers know Electa is working with Spartaca because they have her brother captive that's it. (And and the whole Institute lying about the outside world thing) it's supposed to be the bother facing death thing that keeps pushing Electa to work with Spartaca but it doesn't even seem like a good enough reason. Vale's character is flat for someone that is supposed to be causing the major plot. If Woodman had included some memories or even a small scene that would've developed their relationship further this wouldn't have been a reason. It probably would've been more compelling if Lana was kidnapped by Spartaca instead because that bond was supported in the writing.
8. Electa was too much of a know-it-all. She's supposed to be clever which I get but I feel like that could've been expressed differently. Having her know things before other characters doesn't mean she is smart. For example, she shouldn't have figured out Lysander was the emperor's son until she was summoned by Romulus or until Lysander told her. How realistic is it that she would have known that from a necklace that said A? Lysander and Romulus had a great bond but that couldn't have meant that he was his actual son. It could’ve even been revealed later like after she won at the celebration ball or even if it was at Asher's coronation. The Lysander/Alder plot twist had A LOT of wasted potential.
Overall, I like the plot twists, the diction, and Lysander as a character and I feel like Crew was a decent villain. I really wanted to support Woodman which is why I even finished the book and this is all meant to be constructive criticism I will still be reading the sequel because I really think it will be better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2021
Beautiful descriptions
May 26, 2021
wasn’t expecting this to be that good !! as for her first novel it’s really well written and the storyline is just 🤌🏼🤌🏼
It’s a little faced pace - sometimes it jumps from scene to scene without actually having a closed ending (if that makes sense?)
The characters are also done super well, just wished we got some more background/context with some, but I’m sure most will be revealed in the series !! - i series I really can’t wait for.
This book is amazing, and I can’t wait for this whole world to unwrap for the next three books !! <33
It’s a little faced pace - sometimes it jumps from scene to scene without actually having a closed ending (if that makes sense?)
The characters are also done super well, just wished we got some more background/context with some, but I’m sure most will be revealed in the series !! - i series I really can’t wait for.
This book is amazing, and I can’t wait for this whole world to unwrap for the next three books !! <33
May 1, 2024
4,5 stars
I started reading this book in February, but let it be for a few months until finishing it now. I really liked it! It contains parts of Ancient Rome and I like that, but the storyline and plot are also very good! This book deserves more attention.
I started reading this book in February, but let it be for a few months until finishing it now. I really liked it! It contains parts of Ancient Rome and I like that, but the storyline and plot are also very good! This book deserves more attention.
May 27, 2021
The name of the book says it all! It’s DIVINE! During my reading, I felt a mixture of emotions. I cried, laughed, felt angry. MJ is an excellent writer! A creative mind! fantastic. I must say that I am not a frequent reader. Divine captivated me! I wish you much success! You deserve it !
May 27, 2021
So freaking good!!!! I stayed up until 2:30 in the morning to finish it!!!! My jaw DROPPED countless times!! I can’t wait for the second book!!
August 9, 2021
I want to tell you I loved this one and that this alternative history was awesome. But sadly that just didn't work out. The tag line grabbed me and I followed the author on BookTok so I reached out to get her on my show and to read this book. What If Rome Never Fell? That tag line drew me in!! I love retellings but sadly this one fell on all accounts.
For me it felt like the map at the start of the book was worthless since we never leave the core part of the city. I felt like it was wasted. I do understand that this is a series so maybe the cast of characters will reach new areas in later books. The next issue is why are in North America? It just doesn't make any sense. I wish she would have stuck closer to the actual history to the Fall of Rome but with this updated twist of it never actually falling. As for the characters I just hated everyone. No one felt well rounded and the cast of characters were just ugh.
Overall I felt like this wasn't very well fleshed out and that it felt more like a draft of a book vs. something ready for publication.
If you are looking for an outstanding alternative history to Rome and mythological time check out Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters by Emily Roberson!! It was outstanding and you won't be able to put it down!!! Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters
For me it felt like the map at the start of the book was worthless since we never leave the core part of the city. I felt like it was wasted. I do understand that this is a series so maybe the cast of characters will reach new areas in later books. The next issue is why are in North America? It just doesn't make any sense. I wish she would have stuck closer to the actual history to the Fall of Rome but with this updated twist of it never actually falling. As for the characters I just hated everyone. No one felt well rounded and the cast of characters were just ugh.
Overall I felt like this wasn't very well fleshed out and that it felt more like a draft of a book vs. something ready for publication.
If you are looking for an outstanding alternative history to Rome and mythological time check out Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters by Emily Roberson!! It was outstanding and you won't be able to put it down!!! Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters
August 1, 2021
This book was gifted to me as a PR product in exchange for sharing the book and providing an honest review.
This book was great. The writing is delightful and the language used is well decided and thorough. MJ Woodman has done a good job here. There are a couple of spelling/grammar errors throughout but if this novel went through another round of editing it would be even better.
First of all, I want to point out I know nothing of ancient History, but I felt this book was closer to a 21st century dystopian fantasy novel than some kind of historical alternate universe retelling - but I didn’t mind that. There are a lot of similar tropes to your usual dystopian novels (Red Queen, The Hunger Games, Shadow and Bone etc) so these are not new, but they were handled well.
I really liked the characters. I usually struggle with this in other dystopians as they’re depicted as the “chosen one” and they become quite insufferable. However, Electa was likeable as was Ash who ended up being my favourite character as his story was particularly complex. Cosimo was great too (and really reminded me of Julian in Red Queen). Lysander was painted to be creepy and evil and every time he appeared I knew to be suspicious of him. This was done really, really well. The descriptions of the landscape drew me in.
The plot was strong and I surprisingly wanted more. I wish this book wasn’t so short and we had more time to read about the fights for example. They went by far too quickly for me being the peak action in the book. Again the prologue I wish could have been explained a little more, we only got a very brief hark-back to it.
There were plot twists I didn’t see coming and the book ended on a cliffhanger (frustratingly!). I would very much look forward to reading the next book in the ‘Divine’ series. MJ Woodman shows great promise in this debut novel.
This book was great. The writing is delightful and the language used is well decided and thorough. MJ Woodman has done a good job here. There are a couple of spelling/grammar errors throughout but if this novel went through another round of editing it would be even better.
First of all, I want to point out I know nothing of ancient History, but I felt this book was closer to a 21st century dystopian fantasy novel than some kind of historical alternate universe retelling - but I didn’t mind that. There are a lot of similar tropes to your usual dystopian novels (Red Queen, The Hunger Games, Shadow and Bone etc) so these are not new, but they were handled well.
I really liked the characters. I usually struggle with this in other dystopians as they’re depicted as the “chosen one” and they become quite insufferable. However, Electa was likeable as was Ash who ended up being my favourite character as his story was particularly complex. Cosimo was great too (and really reminded me of Julian in Red Queen). Lysander was painted to be creepy and evil and every time he appeared I knew to be suspicious of him. This was done really, really well. The descriptions of the landscape drew me in.
The plot was strong and I surprisingly wanted more. I wish this book wasn’t so short and we had more time to read about the fights for example. They went by far too quickly for me being the peak action in the book. Again the prologue I wish could have been explained a little more, we only got a very brief hark-back to it.
There were plot twists I didn’t see coming and the book ended on a cliffhanger (frustratingly!). I would very much look forward to reading the next book in the ‘Divine’ series. MJ Woodman shows great promise in this debut novel.
October 4, 2021
Firstly....I could not get my head around the fact the this was written when MJ WOODMAN was 13!!!! Refined and eventually published when she was aged 20... What a gobsmackingly talented young writer this lady is!
'Set in present-day Appia, a real-world North America (in an alternative /dystopian-esque reality), which has been fractured by a mythical war in recent history and has been divided into five Imperial fortress states. These states, shielded by an invisible forcefield and known as Havens, are designed to protect inhabitants from the world beyond. What lies beyond? Electa Steel wants to know.
I enjoyed this novel right from the start. I will not deny there are many similarities to Hunger Games at the beginning, but this is in no way a criticism as I'm a HUGE Hunger Games fan. There is so much going on in this epic story and occasionally I lost my way and had to reread bits to work out what was going on but it really was gripping. It had twists which kept me interested right to the end.....and a great cliffhanger.
The characters were very well crafted and I felt very invested in the whole adventure and very much look forward to any continuations of the story.
Kudos to you @mj_woodman
What a rich, magnificent imaginative mind you have
Thank you so much to the author for my copy of the book
'Set in present-day Appia, a real-world North America (in an alternative /dystopian-esque reality), which has been fractured by a mythical war in recent history and has been divided into five Imperial fortress states. These states, shielded by an invisible forcefield and known as Havens, are designed to protect inhabitants from the world beyond. What lies beyond? Electa Steel wants to know.
I enjoyed this novel right from the start. I will not deny there are many similarities to Hunger Games at the beginning, but this is in no way a criticism as I'm a HUGE Hunger Games fan. There is so much going on in this epic story and occasionally I lost my way and had to reread bits to work out what was going on but it really was gripping. It had twists which kept me interested right to the end.....and a great cliffhanger.
The characters were very well crafted and I felt very invested in the whole adventure and very much look forward to any continuations of the story.
Kudos to you @mj_woodman
What a rich, magnificent imaginative mind you have
Thank you so much to the author for my copy of the book
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