[Review] The Diviners by Libba Bray

Sunday, October 14, 2012



Title: The Diviners
Author: Libba Bray
Format: Hardcover, 578 pages
Genre: YA, Dystopian Fiction
Publication Date: September 18, 2012
Published by: Little Brown for Young Readers
Source: Bought for Review
Rating: 5/5

Purchase
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Synopsis
Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."

When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.


My Thoughts
There is nothing I love more than a well written period novel, especially ones that are set in the 1920s. That period in history is so rich in culture and extravagance that I can't help but fall directly into that world. In The Diviners, Libba Bray lets her readers immerse themselves into a time where women discover their sexuality and their voice in society. Not only was the setting of New York City a magical event, Libba creates characters that flow extremely well in that world. Their diction, including their slang and their view of the world is something I loved so much in this novel. Add in some paranormal activity and wow do you end up with an amazing story. 

The book starts off with a bang that includes drinking, peer pressure and an Ouji Board. This combination proves to be deadly for some, and terror for others. I read this book in just over a week, and considering its mammoth size, I believe that to be fast. I remember wanting to savor every moment of this book; the detail that was created on every page made me wish that the world Libba created was real, and that I could actually go to the Flapper parties and talk the way they did! 

The writing in this novel was extraordinarily brilliant. I don't even know if I can read another YA novel without comparing the writing to The Diviners. I hate to say that I haven't read anything else by Libba Bray, but I will now. The Diviners captures the imagination and creeps the hell out of you sometimes. The characters are extremely memorable and none are insignificant. They each have their own voice in the novel and I think that was the part I loved the most. I got a glimpse into so many different lives that seemed to eventually connect. I loved every second of this novel. I don't think I have enjoyed myself this much while reading, it was fun, flirty and thrilling. As you can tell I will not be bashing this book in any way, shape, or form, and all I will say is that if you havent picked this book up yet, you should. It will be the best book you read this year!

Amazing :)
 
 

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13 comments

  1. I really enjoyed The Diviners like you, but I don't think it was the best book I've read this year. At times, I felt really overinformed while I was underinformed other times. Then again, this was my first time reading Libba Bray and I've been told she has a very unique writing style.

    Great review!

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    1. Thanks so much Lili! I'm glad you liked the Review and I agree with you about Libba Bary having a very unique writing style, but I will read something else of hers soon just so I can see if her style has changed since she started writing.

      Thanks for the comment :)

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  2. Thanks for your thoughts! After reading your review and a few others, this book is moving up on my to-read list!

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  3. I've had this on my TBR list since I read the premise of the book. Your review made me move it to the top of the list :)

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    1. Oh good! Thanks so much for stopping by :)

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  4. Thanks for the review! I'm so excited to read this one.

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    1. You should be excited it is AMAZING :) lol

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  5. Great review! This book sounds so incredible - I really need to read it soon!

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  6. I've been looking forward to reading this one. Libba Bray! I think I'll really like it. Thanks for the review!

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  7. Wow! Your review alone has me eager to read this one, but now I'm looking forward to it more than ever.

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