Surpassing:'Divine Rivals' is a BookTok hit: What to read next, including 'Lovely War'

If you’ve been paying attention to BookTok this summer then you know “Divine Rivals” by Rebecca Ross is Surpassingthe newest darling to ascend the ranks of universally beloved books. This YA historical-fantasy romance follows two young journalists covering a war amongst gods who find themselves connected through a magical typewriter. 

“Divine Rivals” has the quality of old-world epics set in an immersive fantasy world. Pulling from World War I English history, this story tugs on your heartstrings and features one of the most swoon-worthy enemies-to-lovers romances we’ve read in a long time.  

We were lucky enough to host Ross at The Novel Neighbor in St. Louis this April (in conversation with author Emily Bain Murphy) during the launch week for “Divine Rivals” and got to share our early love for this title –– and now we have some recommendations of what to read next.

Whether you are waiting for this book's sequel, “Ruthless Vows” (out Dec. 26), or haven’t gotten your hands on “Divine Rivals” yet because more copies are currently being printed, we’ve got recommendations for some books with similar vibes to fill the hole in your heart. 

'A River Enchanted,' by Rebecca Ross

Of course, the first thing you should do if you want more books with “Divine Rivals” vibes is explore Rebecca Ross’ backlist.

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The Elements of Cadence duology is one of our favorite atmospheric fantasies, and uses Scottish folklore to weave its world. Book one, “A River Enchanted,” follows two childhood enemies who must work together to solve the mystery of why girls are disappearing from their island. We love this ode to music and fairy tales with dark secrets.

'Lovely War,' by Julie Berry

If you loved “Divine Rivals,” then it’s almost a sure thing that “Lovely War” will be up your alley. 

This historical romance is set during World War I and follows two young couples torn apart by violence. The story is flush with fantastical elements as its told to the reader by the gods and goddesses who watch over the mortals while they are at war. 

If you are a lover of Greek mythology or a fan of stunning prose that will force you to pull out your page tabs, then this book is for you. 

'The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy,' by Megan Bannen

If the “You’ve Got Mail”-style epistolary elements of “Divine Rivals” is what made you fall in love with the story, then we’ve got incredible news for you, and its called “The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy."

This fantasy romance is hard to describe and a delight to read –– but you might shed a few tears as well. Set in a fantastical wild west, the story follows an undertaker and a town marshal who hate each other more than anything. That is, until they find out that the anonymous soul-baring letters they’ve been exchanging have been with one another.

'One Dark Window,' by Rachel Gillig

“One Dark Window” is a gothic fantasy filled with dangerous secrets, forbidden magic and a lifechanging quest –– if you like the vibes of “Divine Rivals,” then you’ll like this too.

The story is set in a town isolated by the heavy mist that hangs over it. Because of that mist, all of the townspeople are being held for fear of dark magic. We loved the romance in this story, as well as all of the found family.

'This Rebel Heart,' by Katherine Locke

“This Rebel Heart” is like if “Divine Rivals” met “The Book Thief” –– it’s poetic, haunting and so epic. 

This story is set during the 1956 Hungarian revolution in post-WWII Communist Budapest and follows a river that runs right through it. Csilla is a Jewish girl who knows the river is magic because it kept her family safe during the Holocaust. This story has an angel of death, student revolutionaries and some incredible queer representation.

'The Jasad Heir,' by Sara Hashe

Talk about a will-they, won’t-they that will make you want to scream. “The Jasad Heir” is a romance that takes some popular fantasy tropes and turns them on their axis. 

Ten years ago, the kingdom of Jasad burned, and with it went their magic and royal family –– except one heir survived, and now she’s hidden away. When she catches the attention of the new kingdom’s heir in an accidental display of magic, she may have to make a deal with her greatest enemy. 

This has some truly amazing enemies-to-lovers action, so if that incredible tension was your favorite part of “Divine Rivals,” then this one is for you.

Kassie King writes about books through our content partnership with The Novel Neighbor, an independently owned and operated bookstore in St. Louis.