Review: The Dark Divine

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

released: December 22, 2009

publisher EgmontUSA

372 pages

intended audience : Young Adult

RATING:

Description:
Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

REVIEW: This book is so amazing. SO. AMAZING. I whizzed through this one in just a few days. I was awed that within just the first few pages, I already had a strong sense of each of the main characters. The Divine family dynamic was so interesting to me, each one seems to have their own strength. I thought one of the most interesting characters was the father, it took some time to sort of figure him out, how he was really feeling about his place in the family and the community, and how much he knew or didn't know about what was going on with Grace,Jude and Daniel. The only character I didn't like was April, Grace's best friend. I mean, she was beautifully written just like the rest of the characters, but I didn't like her. Poor Grace, I can't imagine having such a flakey, unsupportive best friend, especially when she could have used someone to confide in!! The plot was strong and unfolded with the just the right amount of suspense and romance..each chapter unveiled something new until the end just explodes off the page. I had originally climbed into bed thinking I would read a bit and finish the next day---not happening! I ended up glued to the page until the very end (at 3 am!!) . This is a buyer...I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this one!