The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Book Details
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Hardcover, 384 pages
2009, EgmontUSA
ISBN: 1606840576
Series: Book 1 of Dark Divine

Synopsis
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
The Dark Divine creates a new and definitely unexpected take on werewolf mythology by basing it in religion. The resulting story is an interesting mix of wholesome goodness and supernatural danger. While I usually prefer to avoid religion in my fiction, the references were put to good use, never preachy and aided in making the story that much deeper.

The mysterious story unfolds at just the right pace and the emotions exhibited by the characters are honest and realistic. The best friend turned mortal enemy rivalry between Jude and Daniel hits just the right notes of hostility and sorrow while Grace's reactions to the the situations she finds herself in feel true.

The Dark Divine is a young adult novel that showcases themes in adolescent life often missed by other novels for teens. The characters have homework. They have parents that are actively involved in their lives and the story itself. Grace's mom, for example, got under my skin as a mom who cares about her children above all else. You truly feel Grace's frustration in certain scenes when her mother is ordering her to do things, as moms are apt to do.

The book is a pleasure to read. The writing style is great - easy to read and understand, a total immersion into the world and action and yet, a complete lack of descriptive overkill. The Dark Divine is an all-around authentic and enjoyable story.

Rating

Links
Bree Despain's
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