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The Divine Between #2
Between Despair and Hope
During the longest night, will you sink into the darkness or call upon your light?
Emmeline has experienced more heartache and sorrow than any one person should. Though she now has immeasurable divinity granted by the gods, her new status came at a price she never would have paid.
Haunted by the events of the Cascade and the horrifying acts she bore witness to, she must work alongside people she never would have expected to undo the atrocities committed on that dreadful day—starting with what was done to her daughter. With the help of trusted friends and new allies, she must learn to harness and control her powers, live with guilt and grief in the face of her decisions, and work to save the one man who never gave up on her.
Will her love be enough to bring back those she loves—not only physically, but mentally, as well?
Please Note: This book contains explicit and darker
Emmeline has experienced more heartache and sorrow than any one person should. Though she now has immeasurable divinity granted by the gods, her new status came at a price she never would have paid.
Haunted by the events of the Cascade and the horrifying acts she bore witness to, she must work alongside people she never would have expected to undo the atrocities committed on that dreadful day—starting with what was done to her daughter. With the help of trusted friends and new allies, she must learn to harness and control her powers, live with guilt and grief in the face of her decisions, and work to save the one man who never gave up on her.
Will her love be enough to bring back those she loves—not only physically, but mentally, as well?
Please Note: This book contains explicit and darker
816 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2022
270 people are currently reading
3664 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
August 17, 2022
*Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
Jess Wisecup has upped her game in almost every aspect for this sequel. I could not put it down, devouring it in under 24-hours time. Which made me both elated and left me desolate because now we have to wait again. I was so impressed with the pacing, the character and relationship development was elevated and as we get deeper into the heart of this world, I was captivated.
I fell for Rain & Emma earlier this year and I have been eagerly anticipating what Jess Wisecup was going to do next. With this next installment in The Divine Between series she is biting off a lot. It could have easily felt like too much, as we jump from 1 POV to six and we are now in several new locations all at once. I really liked all the new insights we received, new romances we are being teased about, and some new flying creatures to love.
There are more heavy topics that are brought to the forefront and based on the author's note and some things I have heard the author say, I can see how they were very tough to sit with and digest. I loved how trauma and PTSD were looked at and shared with us. Those topics are different for everyone and they can be done dirty by an author who doesn't give it proper care. I was very moved with watching our characters deal with those things and it only made me love them more. There is one specific thing that a character does to help their love with their nightmare's and I literally burst into tears. It was so beautiful.
Well, I know I've just done a lot of gushing, and I also didn't really tell ya'll much of what is happening. But you'll just have to dive in for yourself. If you love Epic Fantasy, magical myths and legends, Romance that makes you swoon and characters to die for... you really need to get into this series.
I can't wait to see what the next two volumes bring us and how our characters continue to evolve and power up. I have a feeling when this series is done, it will stand among some of the best.
5 stars
3.5 on my spice scale
Jess Wisecup has upped her game in almost every aspect for this sequel. I could not put it down, devouring it in under 24-hours time. Which made me both elated and left me desolate because now we have to wait again. I was so impressed with the pacing, the character and relationship development was elevated and as we get deeper into the heart of this world, I was captivated.
I fell for Rain & Emma earlier this year and I have been eagerly anticipating what Jess Wisecup was going to do next. With this next installment in The Divine Between series she is biting off a lot. It could have easily felt like too much, as we jump from 1 POV to six and we are now in several new locations all at once. I really liked all the new insights we received, new romances we are being teased about, and some new flying creatures to love.
There are more heavy topics that are brought to the forefront and based on the author's note and some things I have heard the author say, I can see how they were very tough to sit with and digest. I loved how trauma and PTSD were looked at and shared with us. Those topics are different for everyone and they can be done dirty by an author who doesn't give it proper care. I was very moved with watching our characters deal with those things and it only made me love them more. There is one specific thing that a character does to help their love with their nightmare's and I literally burst into tears. It was so beautiful.
Well, I know I've just done a lot of gushing, and I also didn't really tell ya'll much of what is happening. But you'll just have to dive in for yourself. If you love Epic Fantasy, magical myths and legends, Romance that makes you swoon and characters to die for... you really need to get into this series.
I can't wait to see what the next two volumes bring us and how our characters continue to evolve and power up. I have a feeling when this series is done, it will stand among some of the best.
5 stars
3.5 on my spice scale
February 28, 2023
3.5 stars. This is the 2nd book in the Divine Between series and after loving Between Wrath and Mercy (and that cliffhanger!) I had to continue on to this book! So this definitely picks up with where things left off in the epic ending of the first book, so I can’t stay too much without spoiling all the things. Lol But basically, this adult fantasy romance series is so good!
This one does have a lot going on, we went from just the heroine’s POV in book 1 to 6 POVs in this book. Because of some events happening and where characters were in this book, the other POVs were needed to keep the story moving and let us get to know some of them better too. Which I love multiple POVs in fantasies. But at times I didn’t care about everyone’s and feel like with the world opening up so much in this book, we definitely needed more of some things and less of others. The characters are great in this and I liked seeing more of all of them! We learn more about the world and magic and people in this book, definitely more so than from the first book. There are still some things I want answered/expanded on from book 1. And of course even more things have been brought up in this book that I want more of. 😅
The characters definitely GO THROUGH IT in this series, which I love that the author isn’t afraid to put them through things. This one has darker moments and you really feel for these characters. Their trauma and PTSD was handled so well and I liked that the characters were given time to go through all the things, they don’t just bounce back easily. While this one does leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger too, it wasn’t as bad as book 1 🤣! Now to wait until the summer for the 3rd installment!
This one does have a lot going on, we went from just the heroine’s POV in book 1 to 6 POVs in this book. Because of some events happening and where characters were in this book, the other POVs were needed to keep the story moving and let us get to know some of them better too. Which I love multiple POVs in fantasies. But at times I didn’t care about everyone’s and feel like with the world opening up so much in this book, we definitely needed more of some things and less of others. The characters are great in this and I liked seeing more of all of them! We learn more about the world and magic and people in this book, definitely more so than from the first book. There are still some things I want answered/expanded on from book 1. And of course even more things have been brought up in this book that I want more of. 😅
The characters definitely GO THROUGH IT in this series, which I love that the author isn’t afraid to put them through things. This one has darker moments and you really feel for these characters. Their trauma and PTSD was handled so well and I liked that the characters were given time to go through all the things, they don’t just bounce back easily. While this one does leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger too, it wasn’t as bad as book 1 🤣! Now to wait until the summer for the 3rd installment!
August 7, 2022
Y’all aren’t ready.
Honestly, I really enjoyed the first book but I LOVED this installment of the series. There is (perhaps) a specific duo that owns my heart and Jess spent a wonderful amount of time traumatizing me with them.
TLDR; expect to cry. Expect to laugh. There’s some cool…beings. This book gets really horny and really sad and sometimes both at the same time! It’s quite an adventure, order it now (ง’̀-‘́)ง support indie authors!
Side note: I am Cy’s biggest fan and Dewalt’s like 14th biggest fan. Cyran is my dear heart, bye! 💕
Honestly, I really enjoyed the first book but I LOVED this installment of the series. There is (perhaps) a specific duo that owns my heart and Jess spent a wonderful amount of time traumatizing me with them.
TLDR; expect to cry. Expect to laugh. There’s some cool…beings. This book gets really horny and really sad and sometimes both at the same time! It’s quite an adventure, order it now (ง’̀-‘́)ง support indie authors!
Side note: I am Cy’s biggest fan and Dewalt’s like 14th biggest fan. Cyran is my dear heart, bye! 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2022
Boring as hell… I was kinda liking it…. But it just was so slow and would not pick up! There are some side characters that I absolutely love and want books just about them… so I’m so sad that I didn’t love this. She needed to edit this down ALOT. Just because the first book was long doesn’t mean ALL the books have to be long… I literally hate when authors do this. Write books the length that they deserve! This should not have been a 600 pager. I don’t know if I will finish this series… we’ll see.
August 6, 2022
How can I give this book more stars? Like, seriously, all the stars.
This book catapulted this from one of my favorite series of the year to one of my favorite series ever. I am forever grateful to be on the arc team for this book.
In this installment we get more POV's allowing us to get to know some of the characters besides Em and Rain better. This insight really just enhances the world, emotions, and storyline. All of which, for the record, is masterfully crafted to draw you in, make you invested, and provide the most emotional damage in all the very best ways.
The story itself is anxiety inducing, edge of your seat gripping, insane twisting perfection. There is still a lot to be revealed and more questions than answers but I could not be more fully invested.
Also - sad and horny. Like, so many times. But just...perfection.
The emotions this book made me feel were (begrudgingly) deep. I think one of the things I love most about this series, and specifically this book, is how much depth we get of the characters emotions. Not only does Jess tell us what they're feeling, but goes a layer or two deeper into how it actually feels, the trajectory of those feelings, and how those emotions play into the story. It's something I don't think a lot of authors can achieve.
I'll say it - this may rival ACOTAR as my most emotionally invested and beloved series. I cannot wait to see what is next. And if you haven't yet - pick this series up immediately!
This book catapulted this from one of my favorite series of the year to one of my favorite series ever. I am forever grateful to be on the arc team for this book.
In this installment we get more POV's allowing us to get to know some of the characters besides Em and Rain better. This insight really just enhances the world, emotions, and storyline. All of which, for the record, is masterfully crafted to draw you in, make you invested, and provide the most emotional damage in all the very best ways.
The story itself is anxiety inducing, edge of your seat gripping, insane twisting perfection. There is still a lot to be revealed and more questions than answers but I could not be more fully invested.
Also - sad and horny. Like, so many times. But just...perfection.
The emotions this book made me feel were (begrudgingly) deep. I think one of the things I love most about this series, and specifically this book, is how much depth we get of the characters emotions. Not only does Jess tell us what they're feeling, but goes a layer or two deeper into how it actually feels, the trajectory of those feelings, and how those emotions play into the story. It's something I don't think a lot of authors can achieve.
I'll say it - this may rival ACOTAR as my most emotionally invested and beloved series. I cannot wait to see what is next. And if you haven't yet - pick this series up immediately!
August 28, 2022
JESS DOES IT AGAIN! Damn what a great book, is impossible for me to put into word the amount of love I have for the characters and world she has built. This fantasy romance series is going to be one of my favorite ever.
This second book brings us multiple POVs, tears, spice and so much more. I’m so excited to see where this series will go but in the meantime go read it!!!!!!!
This second book brings us multiple POVs, tears, spice and so much more. I’m so excited to see where this series will go but in the meantime go read it!!!!!!!
June 23, 2023
2.75 ✨
Yikes.. I was deeply disappointed. What started as a fun and smutty series quickly devolved into a giant mess.
We’ve lost the plot. Literally. You leave the first book on the heels of a great battle sequence. Sacrifice, prophesied war, godly blessings, etc. It was honestly a blast! But unfortunately we reach book two, and it’s like the looming battle of the Accursed/Beloved is less than a second thought. So much time is wasted on random sojourns to Emma’s family home, the distance between Rain and Emma after the traumatic events of book 1, and a journey to basically meet merpeople???
In book two the POVs of Dewalt and Lavenia are added. It’s completely unnecessary. Lavenia is basically a background character at this point. At least Dewalt has a moment to shine the last quarter of the book, but their POVs in general were a waste of page space.
When we left off in book 1, Rain tries to battle with Declan so that Emma can try to get to Elora and attempt to kill the king. Much of the beginning of book two is Emma thinking that Rain thought her incapable of handling things herself and being pissed that he jumped into fighting Declan (and being taken by him). It’s incredibly frustrating to read, because Rain is a very straightforward character. Everything he does is out of an undying devotion toward Emma. He did this so she could finally save her daughter. And she resents him for the unfounded assumption that he thinks her incapable. 🙄
Many plot points were unbelievable based on what we knew of the characters in book one. The Rain I read about would never buy into the hallucinations that were being shown to him in captivity. He knew they were drugging him and had a shapeshifter. I could understand after weeks finally being weak enough to buy it, but immediately he’s being torn apart thinking Em is there being tortured beside him. It’s all over the place and messy. One moment he knows she could never be there, the next he’s thinking she’s preg? Ridiculous.
Emma is an increasingly frustrating character. You would think after her daughter being taken in book 1, she would toughen up a bit. NO. She sinks into a horrible depression after Rain is taken. She’s alway so overcome with emotion. She can’t eat, she can’t sleep, she’s anxious, she’s grieving. In moderation these make a good story, but all the damn time it makes her seem weak. I shit you not, for a while it would be noted that she cries every 5 pages.
Declan comes and goes very sparsely. He’s supposed to be the big bad wolf and yet we don’t ever see him. Even when she goes to save Rain we don’t encounter him. I’m sure it’s some grander plan, but he scurries off without even having to have a confrontational moment with either one of them. The majority of the time in this book is taken up with Emma longing for Rain. Rain hallucinating Emma. Emma worrying for Elora. Rain recovering from the torture done to him by an Emma lookalike. Emma blaming herself for her daughter’s death. And a shit ton of fucking crying. Emma refuses to leave her daughter’s side while she won’t wake, and j they waste so much time while Rain’s been taken doing nothing to get him back!
A coronation happens at one point. Zero fanfare. It felt random and like no one gave a damn??
This whole thing is lip service to the average mother and it’s quickly gone from cute to annoying. I GET IT. She’s soft and curvy and has stretch marks. Why is that her entire personality.
Yikes.. I was deeply disappointed. What started as a fun and smutty series quickly devolved into a giant mess.
We’ve lost the plot. Literally. You leave the first book on the heels of a great battle sequence. Sacrifice, prophesied war, godly blessings, etc. It was honestly a blast! But unfortunately we reach book two, and it’s like the looming battle of the Accursed/Beloved is less than a second thought. So much time is wasted on random sojourns to Emma’s family home, the distance between Rain and Emma after the traumatic events of book 1, and a journey to basically meet merpeople???
In book two the POVs of Dewalt and Lavenia are added. It’s completely unnecessary. Lavenia is basically a background character at this point. At least Dewalt has a moment to shine the last quarter of the book, but their POVs in general were a waste of page space.
When we left off in book 1, Rain tries to battle with Declan so that Emma can try to get to Elora and attempt to kill the king. Much of the beginning of book two is Emma thinking that Rain thought her incapable of handling things herself and being pissed that he jumped into fighting Declan (and being taken by him). It’s incredibly frustrating to read, because Rain is a very straightforward character. Everything he does is out of an undying devotion toward Emma. He did this so she could finally save her daughter. And she resents him for the unfounded assumption that he thinks her incapable. 🙄
Many plot points were unbelievable based on what we knew of the characters in book one. The Rain I read about would never buy into the hallucinations that were being shown to him in captivity. He knew they were drugging him and had a shapeshifter. I could understand after weeks finally being weak enough to buy it, but immediately he’s being torn apart thinking Em is there being tortured beside him. It’s all over the place and messy. One moment he knows she could never be there, the next he’s thinking she’s preg? Ridiculous.
Emma is an increasingly frustrating character. You would think after her daughter being taken in book 1, she would toughen up a bit. NO. She sinks into a horrible depression after Rain is taken. She’s alway so overcome with emotion. She can’t eat, she can’t sleep, she’s anxious, she’s grieving. In moderation these make a good story, but all the damn time it makes her seem weak. I shit you not, for a while it would be noted that she cries every 5 pages.
Declan comes and goes very sparsely. He’s supposed to be the big bad wolf and yet we don’t ever see him. Even when she goes to save Rain we don’t encounter him. I’m sure it’s some grander plan, but he scurries off without even having to have a confrontational moment with either one of them. The majority of the time in this book is taken up with Emma longing for Rain. Rain hallucinating Emma. Emma worrying for Elora. Rain recovering from the torture done to him by an Emma lookalike. Emma blaming herself for her daughter’s death. And a shit ton of fucking crying. Emma refuses to leave her daughter’s side while she won’t wake, and j they waste so much time while Rain’s been taken doing nothing to get him back!
A coronation happens at one point. Zero fanfare. It felt random and like no one gave a damn??
This whole thing is lip service to the average mother and it’s quickly gone from cute to annoying. I GET IT. She’s soft and curvy and has stretch marks. Why is that her entire personality.
April 30, 2023
Stop it. I need more now.
The character development. The relationships. The romance. The spice. The world and the powers. I loved it!
The character development. The relationships. The romance. The spice. The world and the powers. I loved it!
September 13, 2022
5/5 ⭐️s
I don’t have enough words to say to express how much I loved this book! Seriously, I’ve left this Currently Reading shelf for over a month now because I knew writing this review would be hard.
What’s there to say?
Jess Wisecup is shaping up to be one of the great fantasy writers of our generation. Her storytelling and characters are immaculate. I felt like book one was too reliant on character exposition, but that’s gone here. This plot and the evolution of these characters isn’t passive anymore; it’s active and addictive. I loved every page!
It was amazing watching Rain and Emma find their way back to each other and learn how to work as a couple. What I love about this couple is they’re both flawed individuals. There’s grit to them and frustration and ire…but there’s so much love and grace too. Jess wrote a relationship that feels so real, and you can’t help but love them!
And the side characters! I will literally walk through fire for Dewalt. I want the world for him, and watching him learn to want more for himself was such a treat. I’m excited about revisiting all of these characters in book 3, but Dewalt more than anyone else. Elora and Cyran are another couple that I’m eager to see evolve. Jess wrote their pain and earnestness so, so well. There’s not a thing I would change for them. And Lavenia’s arc felt primarily like build-up for what’s to come in book three, but I can’t complain because that storyline sounds so very promising!
If I have to find a flaw (and, honestly, we’re stretching it here), I’d say I wish we had less filler time between the major moments with Declan. He’s an amazingly written antagonist, and I think it’s a disservice to relegate him to such limited page time in a book this size. Small complaint, and it’s more a personal preference!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel! I have so many questions still waiting to be answered, so I’m impatiently waiting for book three!
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶
I don’t have enough words to say to express how much I loved this book! Seriously, I’ve left this Currently Reading shelf for over a month now because I knew writing this review would be hard.
What’s there to say?
Jess Wisecup is shaping up to be one of the great fantasy writers of our generation. Her storytelling and characters are immaculate. I felt like book one was too reliant on character exposition, but that’s gone here. This plot and the evolution of these characters isn’t passive anymore; it’s active and addictive. I loved every page!
It was amazing watching Rain and Emma find their way back to each other and learn how to work as a couple. What I love about this couple is they’re both flawed individuals. There’s grit to them and frustration and ire…but there’s so much love and grace too. Jess wrote a relationship that feels so real, and you can’t help but love them!
And the side characters! I will literally walk through fire for Dewalt. I want the world for him, and watching him learn to want more for himself was such a treat. I’m excited about revisiting all of these characters in book 3, but Dewalt more than anyone else. Elora and Cyran are another couple that I’m eager to see evolve. Jess wrote their pain and earnestness so, so well. There’s not a thing I would change for them. And Lavenia’s arc felt primarily like build-up for what’s to come in book three, but I can’t complain because that storyline sounds so very promising!
If I have to find a flaw (and, honestly, we’re stretching it here), I’d say I wish we had less filler time between the major moments with Declan. He’s an amazingly written antagonist, and I think it’s a disservice to relegate him to such limited page time in a book this size. Small complaint, and it’s more a personal preference!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel! I have so many questions still waiting to be answered, so I’m impatiently waiting for book three!
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶
December 5, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶🥵
I took my time with this book because it made me FEEL A LOT OF FEELINGS
The way the author really honoured the battle of grief & trauma & ptsd was some of the best I’ve e ever read. It didn’t make it an easy read, but wow did I appreciate it all so much & I think this story will always hold a special place in my heart.
All of these characters are extremely memorable & the introduction of new POV’s was inspired - especially Dewalts!
They all added such a great dimension to the story & I’m genuinely intrigued by all of their storyline’s.
The SPICE 🥵 the author made you work for it but WOW when you got it it was amazing!! Em & Rain relationship is everything 😭 the way he worships her & her plus sized body is SO refreshing
I personally felt the pacing throughout the first 65% was good, it is a much more character driven book but with enough plot to drive the story forward. But I felt it dragged a bit between the 65% - 85% mark with a bit of unnecessary information that felt like could have been halved with the same impact.
But WOW - the ending was EPIC! Just what it needed.
I loved the reveals - that the whole book had been leading up to with so many crumbs!
There are a lot of questions heading into the next book & I’m really excited to see where the story & characters go from here
I can’t wait for b3 🫶🏼
3.5 🌶🥵
I took my time with this book because it made me FEEL A LOT OF FEELINGS
The way the author really honoured the battle of grief & trauma & ptsd was some of the best I’ve e ever read. It didn’t make it an easy read, but wow did I appreciate it all so much & I think this story will always hold a special place in my heart.
All of these characters are extremely memorable & the introduction of new POV’s was inspired - especially Dewalts!
They all added such a great dimension to the story & I’m genuinely intrigued by all of their storyline’s.
The SPICE 🥵 the author made you work for it but WOW when you got it it was amazing!! Em & Rain relationship is everything 😭 the way he worships her & her plus sized body is SO refreshing
I personally felt the pacing throughout the first 65% was good, it is a much more character driven book but with enough plot to drive the story forward. But I felt it dragged a bit between the 65% - 85% mark with a bit of unnecessary information that felt like could have been halved with the same impact.
But WOW - the ending was EPIC! Just what it needed.
I loved the reveals - that the whole book had been leading up to with so many crumbs!
There are a lot of questions heading into the next book & I’m really excited to see where the story & characters go from here
I can’t wait for b3 🫶🏼
December 6, 2024
Highlights:
“Time makes us look at things differently.”
“You’re allowed to feel however you feel,
I wanted to hug her, hold her, and make sure she knew I would never do to her what my parents did to me. I had to wonder if any parent had any idea what they were doing. Were we all just trying to do better than our own?
it is pressure and hardship which makes the most precious of gems
“Time makes us look at things differently.”
“You’re allowed to feel however you feel,
I wanted to hug her, hold her, and make sure she knew I would never do to her what my parents did to me. I had to wonder if any parent had any idea what they were doing. Were we all just trying to do better than our own?
it is pressure and hardship which makes the most precious of gems
August 23, 2022
I truly love this series! I struggled w/ deciding how to rate this because there were parts I felt it was slow compared to book one. (Most of the slow parts for me were in the first half of the book) But at the same time there were so many parts I love more than book one. Overall I’ve settled at 4.5 ⭐️.
One thing I enjoyed so much was the chapters from the other characters pov. As much as I enjoyed Rain/Em I found myself wanting more chapters from Dewalt, Cy, and Lavenia. I’m excited for where the story is going, and the new info we got in this book.
I can’t wait for the next one 😍
One thing I enjoyed so much was the chapters from the other characters pov. As much as I enjoyed Rain/Em I found myself wanting more chapters from Dewalt, Cy, and Lavenia. I’m excited for where the story is going, and the new info we got in this book.
I can’t wait for the next one 😍
September 17, 2022
My heart!! I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel with so many POVs, but I actually really enjoyed all the different perspectives. Especially Cyren and Dewalt. They are both so precious. There was something that I absolutely freaked out about and had to message the author right away. I can’t say because *spoiler*. Em and Rain are couple goals and they had such a rough journey, but by the end of the book-worth it! I can’t wait for the next book. I’m sure my heart will be ripped apart again 😂
August 28, 2022
Thank you to BookFunnel and the author Jess Wisecup for providing me with an e-ARC of this highly anticipated sequel of Between Wrath and Mercy, and being part of the discord group to chat about the chapters read.
Before I start this, I want to first say: Jess, if you're reading this, scroll away. No, seriously, scroll away. Skip to the next one. Not today, Jess. Not today! LOL
Okay, now that I said that, I can say that....
SIKE!!! JESS I KNOW YOU'RE READING THIS!!! MOVE ALONG NOW!!! SHEESH!!!! HAHA!
For those who have not read the first book and would like to read my review, please see here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This review will contain spoilers for the first book and of the second, so please proceed with caution.
We pick right after the battle between Vesta and Folterra, where Rain, Emma, Elora and the others were fighting Declan and the Folterran King, who then kidnapped Rain and is holding him captive in Darkhold. Elora is in a coma after Cyran slit her throat and Emmeline was visited and blessed by the fourth and final god.
When blood stopped rushing through my veins, the sound deafening, when all I could hear were moans of the dying and shouts of my remaining men chasing after the adversary, thqt was when time slowed down. When I could hear the last bloody gurgle of a man's existence. That was when time was cruelest.
After the battle, everyone is left with the mess left behind, and the trauma they are suffering from the events. And this book goes through a lot of emotional trauma and healing. I mean, A LOT. So be aware that most of this book will be mainly focused on trauma healing, relationship building and salvaging, and a lot of internal struggles.
The author introduces more POVs in this book, including Rain, Dewalt, Cyran, Elora and Lavenia. Understanding the internal struggles of each character through their POV made it easier to connect with characters, especially with Rain when he was in Darkhold. We're left to figure out with a few things:
1. Will Rain be saved? And when? And what will those repercussions be?
2. Will Elora wake up from her coma?
3. Will we understand why Cyran did what he did?
4. What is Declan's next move?
5. What roles will the Supreme and others play knowing that Emma is the Beloved, and the prophecy?
I want to share the things I loved and didn't as I do with a lot of my reviews (again, SPOILERS!!!):
What I liked:
- The Writing : Jess is absolutely one of my favorite writers. She is able to eloquently describe scenery, emotions, and immerse you into the world in such a poetic way, that's not very romanticized, but beautiful enough to make your cold dead heart ignite a small fire within. Her talent has exceeded expectations, and I'm fully invested from page 1.
"If I got out, what would I go back to? Two graves to water with my tears?"
"I fell in love with her while showing her the stars, and I'll love her until the last one falls from the sky."
- The Healing : The characters really go through a lot. And just when you think that you can't forgive someone, you're shown a glimpse of their soul and mind, and your mind completely changes.
Just because you trusted someone you shouldn't, just because you trusted a plan that went to shit, just because you were following through in action instead of tears, doesn't mean you were wrong.
- Plot twists : Though there were only a few, they were good and really made me gasp and ask so many questions.
- Character growth : To preface, I felt this happen with some characters, but not everyone. I mainly enjoyed seeing Rain take on a role of a father, and it actually made me love him more, and be more interested in him as a character. We are so used to seeing MMC's as a lover first for such a long time, and as fathers towards the end of a series, whereas this is introduced to us in book 2, and I genuinely felt so much more interest and emotional connection to him figuring out how to be a father to a daughter he just found out he had.
Cyran remains to be my favorite character (and Dewalt), and seeing the turmoil he goes through for the decisions he's made, the past he's come from, and the fear he has for the future, while finding the courage to make the right decisions, rather than what's safe and easy, just made him all the more admirable.
"It's not your decision that upsets me. It's the fact you had so little fucking consideration of me and my feelings when I've considered yours for years, D. That was a conversation we should have had."
"I think I could have truly loved you, min viltasma. If only we'd had the time."
Elora keeps growing in my eyes. Her maturity, her processing of the events that occurred to her and around her, and the changes as well - she handled them all so very maturely. And I cannot wait to see what she does in the next book. How she will continue to take hold of her confidence and courage. She is a treasure.
"This is about Papa and how horrible he is. Was. Not about the mistakes you made. You keep doing that. You keep making it about how you messed up. It's not all about you."
- Dragons : YES!! DRAGONS!! I loved that we got some mythical creatures in this book. I love how they were made from the memories that Emma had and how each one had their own special traits and personality.
- The Cussing : Yeah, you read that right. The author kept making me laugh for the colorful vocabulary she used in the book and they kept getting more entertaining.
"Afternoon, shit stain."
Hanwen's taint!
Aonara's tits!
You get the jist haha!
- Risks : The author is not scared to take risks to cause us some pain that will stay with us for a while. And there may or may not be deaths that happen in this book too. T_T
What I Didn't Like/Could Have Been Better:
- The Plot : This, sadly, fell very short for me. For almost 90% of the book, we focused on the the healing and relationship building. And though I do appreciate this in books, it felt very unbalanced for a fantasy book/series. I expect there to be more expansion on a plot in a sequel in general. And for most of this book, nothing was happening. We had a couple of scenes happen with Rain's rescue and Emma's kidnapping, but they were not enough to help carry the weight of the emotional baggage this book carried. I appreciated the intro of some historical stories of the gods, but I expected there to be more ties to that and Emma. I think what could have also helped was a POV from Declan to keep us in anticipation of something happening, seeing what his plans could've been, what he was planning to do, growing to hate him and also fear him.
- World expansion It's personally difficult for me to keep reading a fantasy book with very little plot and world-building. And we got a very quick and rushed ending in the last 10% and it was a lot to take in with POV's and settings changing, new ideas and people being introduced without any expansion of the original setup we had in book 1. I loved the new characters introduced in this book, but it was done when there wasn't enough given about the lore of this world and its magic system. And we are left confused as to how this all ties in together.
Dragons : Yup, the dragons here too. I both loved them and didn't like them. The way the dragons were introduced was out of nowhere. No talk about them in either books, or any context of them existing in this world, or the creation of them. Nothing. And it felt like the author needed a solution to a problem she couldn't solve through the writing, and a deus ex machina solution was introduced which throws you off. I was left with a a big huge HUH???? when it happened.
The Filler I felt there were some chapters in this book that were filler and could've been used more to introduce more lore and plot. I understand that authors are left with the pressure of writing as long (if not longer) books than the previous one, but it needs to make sense and needs to add value to the story and why it was introduced.
Conclusion : Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I'm incredibly invested in a lot of these characters, and I'm very much looking to see how the relationships grow, mainly for the secondary characters, as I feel like (at least for the romance aspect) Rain and Emma are in a good spot . I can't wait to see what happens mainly with Dewalt and Nor, and Elora and Cy. However, after this book, that was very heavy in healing in trauma, I really hope the next book focuses more on a plot, and that we get some more battle/fighting scenes than we did this one, as well as way more world-building. I'm looking forward to learning more about the layers of this complex world, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Ratings:
Character-building: 4.5/5
World-building: 2.5/5
Plot: 3/5
Spice: 3.5/5
Romance: 4/5
Overall: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Please also check the author's website for trigger warnings.
Before I start this, I want to first say: Jess, if you're reading this, scroll away. No, seriously, scroll away. Skip to the next one. Not today, Jess. Not today! LOL
Okay, now that I said that, I can say that....
SIKE!!! JESS I KNOW YOU'RE READING THIS!!! MOVE ALONG NOW!!! SHEESH!!!! HAHA!
For those who have not read the first book and would like to read my review, please see here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This review will contain spoilers for the first book and of the second, so please proceed with caution.
We pick right after the battle between Vesta and Folterra, where Rain, Emma, Elora and the others were fighting Declan and the Folterran King, who then kidnapped Rain and is holding him captive in Darkhold. Elora is in a coma after Cyran slit her throat and Emmeline was visited and blessed by the fourth and final god.
When blood stopped rushing through my veins, the sound deafening, when all I could hear were moans of the dying and shouts of my remaining men chasing after the adversary, thqt was when time slowed down. When I could hear the last bloody gurgle of a man's existence. That was when time was cruelest.
After the battle, everyone is left with the mess left behind, and the trauma they are suffering from the events. And this book goes through a lot of emotional trauma and healing. I mean, A LOT. So be aware that most of this book will be mainly focused on trauma healing, relationship building and salvaging, and a lot of internal struggles.
The author introduces more POVs in this book, including Rain, Dewalt, Cyran, Elora and Lavenia. Understanding the internal struggles of each character through their POV made it easier to connect with characters, especially with Rain when he was in Darkhold. We're left to figure out with a few things:
1. Will Rain be saved? And when? And what will those repercussions be?
2. Will Elora wake up from her coma?
3. Will we understand why Cyran did what he did?
4. What is Declan's next move?
5. What roles will the Supreme and others play knowing that Emma is the Beloved, and the prophecy?
I want to share the things I loved and didn't as I do with a lot of my reviews (again, SPOILERS!!!):
What I liked:
- The Writing : Jess is absolutely one of my favorite writers. She is able to eloquently describe scenery, emotions, and immerse you into the world in such a poetic way, that's not very romanticized, but beautiful enough to make your cold dead heart ignite a small fire within. Her talent has exceeded expectations, and I'm fully invested from page 1.
"If I got out, what would I go back to? Two graves to water with my tears?"
"I fell in love with her while showing her the stars, and I'll love her until the last one falls from the sky."
- The Healing : The characters really go through a lot. And just when you think that you can't forgive someone, you're shown a glimpse of their soul and mind, and your mind completely changes.
Just because you trusted someone you shouldn't, just because you trusted a plan that went to shit, just because you were following through in action instead of tears, doesn't mean you were wrong.
- Plot twists : Though there were only a few, they were good and really made me gasp and ask so many questions.
- Character growth : To preface, I felt this happen with some characters, but not everyone. I mainly enjoyed seeing Rain take on a role of a father, and it actually made me love him more, and be more interested in him as a character. We are so used to seeing MMC's as a lover first for such a long time, and as fathers towards the end of a series, whereas this is introduced to us in book 2, and I genuinely felt so much more interest and emotional connection to him figuring out how to be a father to a daughter he just found out he had.
Cyran remains to be my favorite character (and Dewalt), and seeing the turmoil he goes through for the decisions he's made, the past he's come from, and the fear he has for the future, while finding the courage to make the right decisions, rather than what's safe and easy, just made him all the more admirable.
"It's not your decision that upsets me. It's the fact you had so little fucking consideration of me and my feelings when I've considered yours for years, D. That was a conversation we should have had."
"I think I could have truly loved you, min viltasma. If only we'd had the time."
Elora keeps growing in my eyes. Her maturity, her processing of the events that occurred to her and around her, and the changes as well - she handled them all so very maturely. And I cannot wait to see what she does in the next book. How she will continue to take hold of her confidence and courage. She is a treasure.
"This is about Papa and how horrible he is. Was. Not about the mistakes you made. You keep doing that. You keep making it about how you messed up. It's not all about you."
- Dragons : YES!! DRAGONS!! I loved that we got some mythical creatures in this book. I love how they were made from the memories that Emma had and how each one had their own special traits and personality.
- The Cussing : Yeah, you read that right. The author kept making me laugh for the colorful vocabulary she used in the book and they kept getting more entertaining.
"Afternoon, shit stain."
Hanwen's taint!
Aonara's tits!
You get the jist haha!
- Risks : The author is not scared to take risks to cause us some pain that will stay with us for a while. And there may or may not be deaths that happen in this book too. T_T
What I Didn't Like/Could Have Been Better:
- The Plot : This, sadly, fell very short for me. For almost 90% of the book, we focused on the the healing and relationship building. And though I do appreciate this in books, it felt very unbalanced for a fantasy book/series. I expect there to be more expansion on a plot in a sequel in general. And for most of this book, nothing was happening. We had a couple of scenes happen with Rain's rescue and Emma's kidnapping, but they were not enough to help carry the weight of the emotional baggage this book carried. I appreciated the intro of some historical stories of the gods, but I expected there to be more ties to that and Emma. I think what could have also helped was a POV from Declan to keep us in anticipation of something happening, seeing what his plans could've been, what he was planning to do, growing to hate him and also fear him.
- World expansion It's personally difficult for me to keep reading a fantasy book with very little plot and world-building. And we got a very quick and rushed ending in the last 10% and it was a lot to take in with POV's and settings changing, new ideas and people being introduced without any expansion of the original setup we had in book 1. I loved the new characters introduced in this book, but it was done when there wasn't enough given about the lore of this world and its magic system. And we are left confused as to how this all ties in together.
Dragons : Yup, the dragons here too. I both loved them and didn't like them. The way the dragons were introduced was out of nowhere. No talk about them in either books, or any context of them existing in this world, or the creation of them. Nothing. And it felt like the author needed a solution to a problem she couldn't solve through the writing, and a deus ex machina solution was introduced which throws you off. I was left with a a big huge HUH???? when it happened.
The Filler I felt there were some chapters in this book that were filler and could've been used more to introduce more lore and plot. I understand that authors are left with the pressure of writing as long (if not longer) books than the previous one, but it needs to make sense and needs to add value to the story and why it was introduced.
Conclusion : Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I'm incredibly invested in a lot of these characters, and I'm very much looking to see how the relationships grow, mainly for the secondary characters, as I feel like (at least for the romance aspect) Rain and Emma are in a good spot . I can't wait to see what happens mainly with Dewalt and Nor, and Elora and Cy. However, after this book, that was very heavy in healing in trauma, I really hope the next book focuses more on a plot, and that we get some more battle/fighting scenes than we did this one, as well as way more world-building. I'm looking forward to learning more about the layers of this complex world, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Ratings:
Character-building: 4.5/5
World-building: 2.5/5
Plot: 3/5
Spice: 3.5/5
Romance: 4/5
Overall: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Please also check the author's website for trigger warnings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
break-or-dnf
October 23, 2024DNF @ 90%
I was obsessed with the first book and half of this one but I lost momentum and then I lost interest. Idk. I might go back at some point but my mind needs a break.
I was obsessed with the first book and half of this one but I lost momentum and then I lost interest. Idk. I might go back at some point but my mind needs a break.
August 15, 2022
I had the honor of being on the ARC team for this 5⭐️ sequel to Between Wrath and Mercy. When I finished the first book I could not wait to get my hands on this one and it did not disappoint!
Although the plot of this series is something to behold, the characters are where this book shines. The harrowing story of Emmaline continues along with all the characters we fell in love with. However, in this book we get new characters along with different POVs. The different POVs were probably one of my favorite parts because when the plot slowed I never got bored.
I was constantly learning something new from the characters, whether it was to further the plot or something about the characters that helped me understand them more.
Jess Wisecup knows how to write about trauma and feelings and it shows. I loved the emotional journey she took me on with all the characters.
The plot really picked up in the second half, but this is one of those series that have little tidbits hidden throughout.
The last 1/3 of the book is a nail biting experience that had my anxiety through the roof. I feared for the safety of my favorite characters and for good reason.
The ending of this book has me yet again itching to get my hands on the next installment.
The Divine Between series is now one of my all-time favorite series, right along with ACOTAR.
Although the plot of this series is something to behold, the characters are where this book shines. The harrowing story of Emmaline continues along with all the characters we fell in love with. However, in this book we get new characters along with different POVs. The different POVs were probably one of my favorite parts because when the plot slowed I never got bored.
I was constantly learning something new from the characters, whether it was to further the plot or something about the characters that helped me understand them more.
Jess Wisecup knows how to write about trauma and feelings and it shows. I loved the emotional journey she took me on with all the characters.
The plot really picked up in the second half, but this is one of those series that have little tidbits hidden throughout.
The last 1/3 of the book is a nail biting experience that had my anxiety through the roof. I feared for the safety of my favorite characters and for good reason.
The ending of this book has me yet again itching to get my hands on the next installment.
The Divine Between series is now one of my all-time favorite series, right along with ACOTAR.
August 11, 2022
You know, once every few years, there is just a book that just gets everything right? That you just need everyone to read and experience. And hope they enjoyed it and got out of it what you did.
I absolutely love Between Wrath and Mercy. I tell and recommend it to everyone. But this second book! Holy shnit.
I don’t know if I will be able to properly convey how much I adore this book. The growth of the characters. The pacing. The romance. The family dynamics. The friend dynamics. The twist. The turns. The fact that the trauma is dealt with and not just skimmed over. It is a part of every choice. It is a part of who they are and their lives. It isn’t something that just happened to them.
I love a character driven book. And this one DELIVERS.
If you ever read a book or series recommended by me, let this one be it!
OBSESSED!
Thank you so much for the e-arc. And letting me be one of the first to experience this book.
I absolutely love Between Wrath and Mercy. I tell and recommend it to everyone. But this second book! Holy shnit.
I don’t know if I will be able to properly convey how much I adore this book. The growth of the characters. The pacing. The romance. The family dynamics. The friend dynamics. The twist. The turns. The fact that the trauma is dealt with and not just skimmed over. It is a part of every choice. It is a part of who they are and their lives. It isn’t something that just happened to them.
I love a character driven book. And this one DELIVERS.
If you ever read a book or series recommended by me, let this one be it!
OBSESSED!
Thank you so much for the e-arc. And letting me be one of the first to experience this book.
September 8, 2022
Unfortunately, I really struggled through this book. I enjoyed the first book for the most part and looked forward to this sequel, but I think the number of characters to follow, the different POVs, and the pacing/development of the story just didn’t work for me. I got about 70% in before I skipped to the last few chapters and skimmed the ending.
September 1, 2022
AH SO SO EXCITED TO READ THIS
May 4, 2023
It's not awful, but it could have been at least 200 pages shorter.
February 12, 2024
4.5 Stars!
I read the first book not too long ago after finding it on my Kindle and forgotten about it but wish I had picked it up sooner! This series is slept on, a true romantasy lovers book, with enough mystery and political intrigue to keep you going. I wholeheartedly recommend this series. This, to me, is a romantasy done right. I'm a romantasy girl through and through and it can get repetitive but this one has been done so well that it deserves to shine.
What to expect:
✨Multi POV
✨Groveling
✨Trauma (done so well)
✨Mystery
✨Spicy
✨First person POV
✨Dragons!
What I liked:
✅In book 1 Rain and Emma got back together and we saw that relationship build, in book 2 we get to deal with the aftermath of their separation and the trauma Rain dealt with and have them rebuild their relationship in another form. It was handled so well, Emma not giving up on Rain was beautiful to see!
✅Emma's strength is amazing in this one. I loved seeing her come into her self and not only trust herself but trusts others as well. She has some great growth between book 1 and book 2 that I really enjoyed watching.
✅Rain, poor Rain, he was tortured and went through some serious sh*t. This poor cinnamon roll but seeing him grow and how it was all handled. This is how a book with trauma should be dealt with.
✅I actually enjoyed the multi POVs in this book. They weren't abrupt and each person had their own chapter. I really liked getting to know all of our other characters and some new ones too! The multi POVs created some good drama, and added to the mystery of what was going on.
✅The villain, we thought we had 1 but we actually had another one emerge by the end and I really am liking the depths this story is going to. I was like how are we going to go to book 3 but I can see the vision now and I'm honestly loving it!
✅Dragons. Need I say more?
What I didn't like:
🆗My biggest gripe was this book was a bit long, I felt like we could have had a few scenes cut as it felt a but repetitive but it also helped argue with the trauma our MCs went through or were going through.
I read the first book not too long ago after finding it on my Kindle and forgotten about it but wish I had picked it up sooner! This series is slept on, a true romantasy lovers book, with enough mystery and political intrigue to keep you going. I wholeheartedly recommend this series. This, to me, is a romantasy done right. I'm a romantasy girl through and through and it can get repetitive but this one has been done so well that it deserves to shine.
What to expect:
✨Multi POV
✨Groveling
✨Trauma (done so well)
✨Mystery
✨Spicy
✨First person POV
✨Dragons!
What I liked:
✅In book 1 Rain and Emma got back together and we saw that relationship build, in book 2 we get to deal with the aftermath of their separation and the trauma Rain dealt with and have them rebuild their relationship in another form. It was handled so well, Emma not giving up on Rain was beautiful to see!
✅Emma's strength is amazing in this one. I loved seeing her come into her self and not only trust herself but trusts others as well. She has some great growth between book 1 and book 2 that I really enjoyed watching.
✅Rain, poor Rain, he was tortured and went through some serious sh*t. This poor cinnamon roll but seeing him grow and how it was all handled. This is how a book with trauma should be dealt with.
✅I actually enjoyed the multi POVs in this book. They weren't abrupt and each person had their own chapter. I really liked getting to know all of our other characters and some new ones too! The multi POVs created some good drama, and added to the mystery of what was going on.
✅The villain, we thought we had 1 but we actually had another one emerge by the end and I really am liking the depths this story is going to. I was like how are we going to go to book 3 but I can see the vision now and I'm honestly loving it!
✅Dragons. Need I say more?
What I didn't like:
🆗My biggest gripe was this book was a bit long, I felt like we could have had a few scenes cut as it felt a but repetitive but it also helped argue with the trauma our MCs went through or were going through.
August 5, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this - Jess, thank you so much for the opportunity to read this early.
Between Wrath and Mercy was, previously, my favorite book of 2022. Between Despair and Hope blew it out of the water, no question.
The way Jess has woven an intricate world of distinct but robust characters and places, lore and legend, and drops subtle hints and references that come around in big ways at the end is immaculate. The emotional rollercoaster this took me on was intense and I loved every second of it, even when I was screaming or crying.
Read this book. Read it. You will not regret a single second (that’s a lie, you will for the barest second when all hell breaks loose, but once you come out the other side, you will be so, so happy you did).
Between Wrath and Mercy was, previously, my favorite book of 2022. Between Despair and Hope blew it out of the water, no question.
The way Jess has woven an intricate world of distinct but robust characters and places, lore and legend, and drops subtle hints and references that come around in big ways at the end is immaculate. The emotional rollercoaster this took me on was intense and I loved every second of it, even when I was screaming or crying.
Read this book. Read it. You will not regret a single second (that’s a lie, you will for the barest second when all hell breaks loose, but once you come out the other side, you will be so, so happy you did).
August 20, 2022
Literal perfection.
I loved everything about the first book. But this book??? Somehow it's even better. You will feel all the feels. Happy, sad, angry, love, forgiveness, and so much more. What a rollercoaster.
The healing all the characters go through is so complex and beautiful.
I loved the addition of the different POVs, even if it caused me major stress in the last 10%.
Still can't get over how amazing the magic system is and reeling at the new additions (thanks to Em, iykyk).
**a bit spoilery**
Cyran is my sweet baby and he must be protected at all costs. JESS, I WILL RIOT IF ANYTHING MORE HAPPENS TO THAT PRECIOUS ANGEL.
So so so fortunate to be on this ARC team.
I loved everything about the first book. But this book??? Somehow it's even better. You will feel all the feels. Happy, sad, angry, love, forgiveness, and so much more. What a rollercoaster.
The healing all the characters go through is so complex and beautiful.
I loved the addition of the different POVs, even if it caused me major stress in the last 10%.
Still can't get over how amazing the magic system is and reeling at the new additions (thanks to Em, iykyk).
**a bit spoilery**
Cyran is my sweet baby and he must be protected at all costs. JESS, I WILL RIOT IF ANYTHING MORE HAPPENS TO THAT PRECIOUS ANGEL.
So so so fortunate to be on this ARC team.
August 22, 2022
I am SO FORTUNATE to have amazing, talented, brilliant friends. And I am equally fortunate that they value my opinions enough to let me read their work before any of you get to 😜
I cannot express to you how much I love this world. I am positively OBSESSED with some of these characters. Sequels can go one of two ways, fall flat in the face of their predecessor, or be a spectacular follow-up that opens up the experience to greater places of joy. This book is without question, the latter.
I will spoil nothing, but will assure you that I (a person who never has emotions, and is essentially a rock) shed tears at this book. I fell in love with a character I had no warmth for in the last book, I nearly screamed at my computer multiple times.
This book is a spectacular follow up, and could easily stand on its own and hold a solid place in the world of indie fantasy. Jess once again delivers a cast of characters that tug at your heart, action to keep your heart racing, and enough heat to get you through the winter.
I cannot express to you how much I love this world. I am positively OBSESSED with some of these characters. Sequels can go one of two ways, fall flat in the face of their predecessor, or be a spectacular follow-up that opens up the experience to greater places of joy. This book is without question, the latter.
I will spoil nothing, but will assure you that I (a person who never has emotions, and is essentially a rock) shed tears at this book. I fell in love with a character I had no warmth for in the last book, I nearly screamed at my computer multiple times.
This book is a spectacular follow up, and could easily stand on its own and hold a solid place in the world of indie fantasy. Jess once again delivers a cast of characters that tug at your heart, action to keep your heart racing, and enough heat to get you through the winter.
August 30, 2022
**A huge thank you to Jess for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!**
I may or may not be known as the #1 hype woman for Between Wrath and Mercy, and while Jess set the bar INCREDIBLLY high for herself with her debut book, Between Despair and Hope really blew past all of my expectations. Jess has hit her stride as an author, laid bare her heart and soul, and has masterfully created a world and story that I will be reading and rereading for years to come.
The multiple POVs (6 in all!) allow for really incredible character growth and development across the board, while further growing the world in which they inhabit. I love that the lore, the history, and the magic system has grown but has not been made overcomplicated.
Em and Rain have my whole heart, and I especially loved seeing their flashbacks to see how they fell in love when they were young. Both of them faced extreme challenges in this book, and it was refreshing to have their trauma given space to breathe. There were steps forward and backwards along the way, and the frustration on Emma’s part was palpable. I also fell in love with so many characters from book 1: Dewalt (oh Dewalt, my sad and horny king), Lavenia (who I want only good things for), Thyra (a man pisses you off? Behead him!), Elora (so sweet and funny – I mean, SNOOTS?!), Cyran (the sweet bean), Mairin (WHAT are you up to, girl?!), and Nor (I am jealous of you, and please throw more fruit in book 3) and all of their complicated FEELINGS.
Between Despair and Hope made me cry more than once, and there are so many small and impactful moments in it. Even weeks later, I am still thinking about this book every day. Jess has a unique talent for balancing a character-driven story with an exciting plot, incredibly HOT sex scenes, building tension, showing us sweet and funny moments, and dropping huge surprises on her readers.
I also should mention that the care that Jess has taken in crafting this story is admirable – namely in hiring a sensitivity reader to make sure that her story was the best it could be. Other authors should take note.
TLDR; The Divine Between series is my favorite book series of all time, read it immediately! And then send me a dm so we can talk theories!
I may or may not be known as the #1 hype woman for Between Wrath and Mercy, and while Jess set the bar INCREDIBLLY high for herself with her debut book, Between Despair and Hope really blew past all of my expectations. Jess has hit her stride as an author, laid bare her heart and soul, and has masterfully created a world and story that I will be reading and rereading for years to come.
The multiple POVs (6 in all!) allow for really incredible character growth and development across the board, while further growing the world in which they inhabit. I love that the lore, the history, and the magic system has grown but has not been made overcomplicated.
Em and Rain have my whole heart, and I especially loved seeing their flashbacks to see how they fell in love when they were young. Both of them faced extreme challenges in this book, and it was refreshing to have their trauma given space to breathe. There were steps forward and backwards along the way, and the frustration on Emma’s part was palpable. I also fell in love with so many characters from book 1: Dewalt (oh Dewalt, my sad and horny king), Lavenia (who I want only good things for), Thyra (a man pisses you off? Behead him!), Elora (so sweet and funny – I mean, SNOOTS?!), Cyran (the sweet bean), Mairin (WHAT are you up to, girl?!), and Nor (I am jealous of you, and please throw more fruit in book 3) and all of their complicated FEELINGS.
Between Despair and Hope made me cry more than once, and there are so many small and impactful moments in it. Even weeks later, I am still thinking about this book every day. Jess has a unique talent for balancing a character-driven story with an exciting plot, incredibly HOT sex scenes, building tension, showing us sweet and funny moments, and dropping huge surprises on her readers.
I also should mention that the care that Jess has taken in crafting this story is admirable – namely in hiring a sensitivity reader to make sure that her story was the best it could be. Other authors should take note.
TLDR; The Divine Between series is my favorite book series of all time, read it immediately! And then send me a dm so we can talk theories!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2022
* thank you Jess for giving my super slow reading, super low followers self an ARC for this beautiful book *
I mean .. WOW. The trauma healing. The spice. The HEARTBREAK. The …. DRAGONS 🐉 !!!!
I loved the different POVs, the relationship development between Rain & Elora 🥹😭, and Dewalt’s journey of learning to let go and move on❤️
And just like the first book, there were some revelations I just did not see coming! I love that the author is able to do that in a way that is shocking but also makes so much sense!
That last 10% gave me the most anxiety 😅🥴 but in the best way. For the next book and I’m most excited to learn more and the Elven, go on Ven’s finding herself quest, see Cy & Elora’s relationship develop further, and find out WHY MAIRIN BETRAYED VEN!!! 🤬
I mean .. WOW. The trauma healing. The spice. The HEARTBREAK. The …. DRAGONS 🐉 !!!!
I loved the different POVs, the relationship development between Rain & Elora 🥹😭, and Dewalt’s journey of learning to let go and move on❤️
And just like the first book, there were some revelations I just did not see coming! I love that the author is able to do that in a way that is shocking but also makes so much sense!
That last 10% gave me the most anxiety 😅🥴 but in the best way. For the next book and I’m most excited to learn more and the Elven, go on Ven’s finding herself quest, see Cy & Elora’s relationship develop further, and find out WHY MAIRIN BETRAYED VEN!!! 🤬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
**SPOILERS**
Okay this book made me FEEEEEL. This book was darker and more intense than the last in a lot of ways. It suffered with the same issues of being a little drug out. I was really invested up till about 50%. From then to 80% felt LONG. Which is the only reason for a docked star.
I usually hate when lovers are separated but at least these two were only separated for like 30% of the book. I sure hated what poor Rain had to go through. Not even the physical torture but the psychological was fucked up. Seeing Emma and then having her hurt him. Seeing what he believed was his dead daughter? ouch.
Emma was also going through it. She had to deal with Rain's Mom who is equal parts helpful and harmful. She didn't trust Emma and didn't do enough to try and save Rain. Elora was also there, not dead but they couldn't wake her up. Oh and her husband was you know being held captured and tortured. I really enjoyed watching her relationship with Dewalt flourish. That guy really stepped up to the plate. I wish we would've had more Thyra in this book. I really really adore her!
Okay the biggest chunk of this book was Emma and Rain trying to heal. Rain was afraid of hurting Emma on accident. Emma hated being alone and just wanted Rain to be there. Dewalt told her to give him space but she gave him way too much space. I felt like Rain never truly considered the fact that Emma was also traumatized. That she also went through a lot. He just focused solely on himself. It was so irritating. And the worst part is he never truly apologizes to her for it. They talk it out but he never really feels that remorseful. He never really saw her pain. He just believe his actions were justified and moves on. They honestly went back and forth with each other for like 30% of this 600 page book. Then solved it all in like a chapter. Lame. Though I did love Emma getting a tattoo for him. Though again that was her always putting him first. She was miserable but prepared to just exists like that forever if that's what he wanted. I wish she would've given him an ultimatum or something. How he treated her was bull shit and she rolled over and played dead.
I love Elora and Cyran story. I don't know how those two are going to be pulled back together but I feel like they're getting there. Which is wild considering he really did kill her. Which is pretty unforgivable in my book. But it was sweet how he brought her out of her sleep state and then protected her from nightmares. I also appreciated how he gave her space. She deserved it. They have a sweet little love story and I am here for it.
Also watching Rain and Elora develop a relationship was honestly pretty perfectly done. It never felt rushed or unrealistic. They just became friends and moved on from there. When she saved him at the end my little heart broke. I was so glad we got to hear them say they're feelings for each other in this book. I thought I was going to have to wait till the next. I also LOVE that she's a syphon. That was such an excellent twist. Oh and she got to kill that raging scum bag Declan. That was a little shocking but I'm here for it.
Lavenia was such a pain in my ass. I LOATHED her chapters. She was boring and annoying and selfish and just yuck. I've never really liked her and then I had to read chapters from her perspective. Ick. I do appreciate her love story with Mairin. That was pretty sweet but they were basically on a break this whole book. Mairin thought Lavenia needed to "find herself". She came to this conclusion by talking to all her old lovers. I really hated it. She shouldn't have forced that on her. Then in the end they finally meet Mairin's queen water mother and apparently she made a deal with her to get her water form back. That back stabbing bitch. Oh and then the queen mother asks for just one sexy night with Lavenia in exchange for her armies. Weird.... Can't wait to see how that turns out. lol
I mostly loved Dewalt in this book. But I also a little hated him. He had one summer of love with Lucia when they were like 17. It's been 16 years since then. Dude. Move the fuck on. It's almost pathetic that he can't get past her. Again, I loved his relationship with Emma. It was sweet and he was the only one who saw her pain and held her through it. No one else was there for her. He was such a fucking king. Oh and he finally broke things off with Lavenia. That whole situation was weird. Being bonded to someone you don't love seems crazy to me. Especially reading that weird sex scene with him Lavenia and Mairen. It was so awkward. No wonder Lavenia's other lover couldn't put up with her being bonded to someone else while being in a relationship.
Nor is such a bad ass. He honestly doesn't deserve her. Not one bit. I don't know how she's gonna forgive him. He was dying and only wanted to look at Emma because she looked like Lucia. Gross. Really gross. I do appreciate in his almost death state he got to see and talk with her. I knew she was some sort of Seer. It was heartbreaking to realize at 16 she had to make a choice about dying to save the world. Poor thing. I'm glad Dewalt got closure. Mostly so I don't have to listen to him whine for another 600 pages about his dead 16 year old lover.
Declan being an elf I don't know why that's so important. Also Nor is his daughter. Weird. Oh and the high supreme was in love with Rain's father's first wife. And some drama went down and she died while with child. Now he's marching with the other country to invade them. I don't know the end was wild. In general the pacing was off. It was too long but there were also long stretches were nothing happened. Then in the last 20% everything happened. Even with those flaws though I still over all loved it. I love books that put the characters through trauma and healing. Found family. I mean, again, it just gave me all the feels in the very best way!
Okay this book made me FEEEEEL. This book was darker and more intense than the last in a lot of ways. It suffered with the same issues of being a little drug out. I was really invested up till about 50%. From then to 80% felt LONG. Which is the only reason for a docked star.
I usually hate when lovers are separated but at least these two were only separated for like 30% of the book. I sure hated what poor Rain had to go through. Not even the physical torture but the psychological was fucked up. Seeing Emma and then having her hurt him. Seeing what he believed was his dead daughter? ouch.
Emma was also going through it. She had to deal with Rain's Mom who is equal parts helpful and harmful. She didn't trust Emma and didn't do enough to try and save Rain. Elora was also there, not dead but they couldn't wake her up. Oh and her husband was you know being held captured and tortured. I really enjoyed watching her relationship with Dewalt flourish. That guy really stepped up to the plate. I wish we would've had more Thyra in this book. I really really adore her!
Okay the biggest chunk of this book was Emma and Rain trying to heal. Rain was afraid of hurting Emma on accident. Emma hated being alone and just wanted Rain to be there. Dewalt told her to give him space but she gave him way too much space. I felt like Rain never truly considered the fact that Emma was also traumatized. That she also went through a lot. He just focused solely on himself. It was so irritating. And the worst part is he never truly apologizes to her for it. They talk it out but he never really feels that remorseful. He never really saw her pain. He just believe his actions were justified and moves on. They honestly went back and forth with each other for like 30% of this 600 page book. Then solved it all in like a chapter. Lame. Though I did love Emma getting a tattoo for him. Though again that was her always putting him first. She was miserable but prepared to just exists like that forever if that's what he wanted. I wish she would've given him an ultimatum or something. How he treated her was bull shit and she rolled over and played dead.
I love Elora and Cyran story. I don't know how those two are going to be pulled back together but I feel like they're getting there. Which is wild considering he really did kill her. Which is pretty unforgivable in my book. But it was sweet how he brought her out of her sleep state and then protected her from nightmares. I also appreciated how he gave her space. She deserved it. They have a sweet little love story and I am here for it.
Also watching Rain and Elora develop a relationship was honestly pretty perfectly done. It never felt rushed or unrealistic. They just became friends and moved on from there. When she saved him at the end my little heart broke. I was so glad we got to hear them say they're feelings for each other in this book. I thought I was going to have to wait till the next. I also LOVE that she's a syphon. That was such an excellent twist. Oh and she got to kill that raging scum bag Declan. That was a little shocking but I'm here for it.
Lavenia was such a pain in my ass. I LOATHED her chapters. She was boring and annoying and selfish and just yuck. I've never really liked her and then I had to read chapters from her perspective. Ick. I do appreciate her love story with Mairin. That was pretty sweet but they were basically on a break this whole book. Mairin thought Lavenia needed to "find herself". She came to this conclusion by talking to all her old lovers. I really hated it. She shouldn't have forced that on her. Then in the end they finally meet Mairin's queen water mother and apparently she made a deal with her to get her water form back. That back stabbing bitch. Oh and then the queen mother asks for just one sexy night with Lavenia in exchange for her armies. Weird.... Can't wait to see how that turns out. lol
I mostly loved Dewalt in this book. But I also a little hated him. He had one summer of love with Lucia when they were like 17. It's been 16 years since then. Dude. Move the fuck on. It's almost pathetic that he can't get past her. Again, I loved his relationship with Emma. It was sweet and he was the only one who saw her pain and held her through it. No one else was there for her. He was such a fucking king. Oh and he finally broke things off with Lavenia. That whole situation was weird. Being bonded to someone you don't love seems crazy to me. Especially reading that weird sex scene with him Lavenia and Mairen. It was so awkward. No wonder Lavenia's other lover couldn't put up with her being bonded to someone else while being in a relationship.
Nor is such a bad ass. He honestly doesn't deserve her. Not one bit. I don't know how she's gonna forgive him. He was dying and only wanted to look at Emma because she looked like Lucia. Gross. Really gross. I do appreciate in his almost death state he got to see and talk with her. I knew she was some sort of Seer. It was heartbreaking to realize at 16 she had to make a choice about dying to save the world. Poor thing. I'm glad Dewalt got closure. Mostly so I don't have to listen to him whine for another 600 pages about his dead 16 year old lover.
Declan being an elf I don't know why that's so important. Also Nor is his daughter. Weird. Oh and the high supreme was in love with Rain's father's first wife. And some drama went down and she died while with child. Now he's marching with the other country to invade them. I don't know the end was wild. In general the pacing was off. It was too long but there were also long stretches were nothing happened. Then in the last 20% everything happened. Even with those flaws though I still over all loved it. I love books that put the characters through trauma and healing. Found family. I mean, again, it just gave me all the feels in the very best way!
December 18, 2024
5 ⭐️
Just finished my third reread of this via audiobook and let me tell you!!! The narration for this series is SPOT ON. If you’re an audiobook lover, definitely pick it up.
I love this series a lot – Jess Wisecup is an auto-buy author for me! She writes characters with so much depth and heartache that it’s hard not to love them with your whole heart😭I love the world building and the unique magic system, it really pulls you in and makes you forget about real life.
I highly rec this series to any spicy fantasy lovers because this SERVES🤌🏼
Just finished my third reread of this via audiobook and let me tell you!!! The narration for this series is SPOT ON. If you’re an audiobook lover, definitely pick it up.
I love this series a lot – Jess Wisecup is an auto-buy author for me! She writes characters with so much depth and heartache that it’s hard not to love them with your whole heart😭I love the world building and the unique magic system, it really pulls you in and makes you forget about real life.
I highly rec this series to any spicy fantasy lovers because this SERVES🤌🏼
November 28, 2024
I wanted to like this so much more than I did :(
the book could be cut by 200 pages, way too much telling rather than showing. A chapter would get very good and end on a cliffhanger, and then we would flip to another POV and never finish that scene? The resolution would come as a side remark three chapters later. I’m sad because the premise is so interesting
Don’t think I will be continuing to book 3
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