Dividing Eden Review

Synopsis from Edelweiss:

Twins Carys and Andreus were never destined to rule Eden. With their older brother next in line to inherit the throne, the future of the kingdom was secure. But appearances—and rivals—can be deceiving. When Eden’s king and crown prince are killed by assassins, Eden desperately needs a monarch, but the line of succession is no longer clear. With a ruling council scheming to gain power, Carys and Andreus are faced with only one option: to take part in a Trial of Succession that will determine which one of them is worthy of ruling the kingdom.

As sister and brother, Carys and Andreus have always kept each other safe—from their secrets, from the court, and from the monsters lurking in the mountains beyond the kingdom’s wall. But the Trial of Succession will test the bonds of trust and family. With their country and their hearts divided, Carys and Andreus will discover exactly what each will do to win the crown. How long before suspicion takes hold and the thirst for power leads to the ultimate betrayal?

About: Dividing Eden is a fiction novel written by Joelle Charbonneau. It will be published on 6/6/17 by Harper Teen, an imprint of Harper Collins, 336 pages. The genre is young adult fantasy. This book is intended for ages 13 and up, grades 8 and up. There are two books to this duology: book 1 is called Dividing Eden and book 2 is called Eden Conquered. According to Harper Collins’ website, the company is the second-largest consumer book publisher in the world, originally founded by two bothers, James and John Harper in New York City in 1817 and currently has publishing operations in 18 countries. Please see below for more information about the author.

My Experience: I started reading Dividing Eden on 3/24/17 and finished it on 3/28/17. I enjoy reading this book. I like the start of it and the fantasy world. There were hints of magic toward the end of the book, but I wish there were more of it throughout the book. I do enjoy the lack of trust that requires Princess Carys and Prince Andreus to meet in secret for privacy and to seek secret passageways within the castle to avoid the guards. I like how the author introduces readers about the prince and princess each having their own secrets that they kept and slowly revealing it out. I like that this book brings in a new fantasy with the concept of windmills and the power to control the light for the kingdom and its citizens.

This book has two point of views: Princess Carys and Prince Andreus, 17 years old twins where Princess Carys grows up protecting her brother Prince Andreus at all costs. They protect each other’s secrets and keep guard for each other. Their older brother Micah is the crowned King and often accompanied their father, King Ulron (Keeper of Virtues, Guardian of Light, Ruler of Eden) at court and out on the battlefield. The kingdom of Eden utilize windmills to provide light and believe in seers to foretold the future. Despite having a seer at the castle, seer Imogen failed to predict what’s to come. When Princess Carys and Prince Andreus found themselves having to compete against each other in sets of trials set by the high lords of Eden to take over the throne, they found their relationship is at risk. Concerns of who to trust and who is plotting against the throne are high risks.

The plot, world building, and characters in this book are worth the read. I like Princess Carys. She questions and analyze situations. She’s a critical thinker. I’m not too fond for Prince Andreus much, despite him saving Max. I really like Errik and his witty conversations. I’m curious of what secrets Lord Garret and Errik have up their sleeves. I am looking forward to reading the sequel. The ending leave me in a bit of a cliffhanger. I could use a little bit more humor, magic, and a little bit more adrenaline rush due to the plotting and the secrets but overall, this book is worth the read and I do recommend it.

Pro: secrets, who to trust, trials/challenges, good pacing, interesting plot, good ending twist, more than 1 POV, cover

Con: not enough magic & adrenaline rush, xhelozi & adderton is weak in this story

I rate it 4.5 stars!

Grab yourself a copy here: Harper Teen Website or Book Depository

About the Author:

Joelle Charbonneau has performed in opera and musical theater productions across Chicagoland. She is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Testing trilogy, as well as two adult mystery series. Her YA books have appeared on the Indie Next List and on the YALSA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers list and state reading lists across the country. Her newest standalone YA thriller, Need, has been optioned for a feature film.

More Information about Harper Collins

Website: https://www.harpercollins.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarperCollins | Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarperCollins | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harpercollinsus

***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author Joelle Charbonneau, publisher Harper Teen, and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review. Please assured that my opinions are honest.

xoxo,
Jasmine