Book Review: Dividing Eden

Dividing Eden (Dividing Eden #1)

By: Joelle Charbonneau

Published By: HarperTeen

Publication Date: June 6, 2017

Page Count: 432

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: Kindly Provided by Publisher

Young Adult - Fantasy

Dividing Eden is the first book in a 2 part series by the author of The Testing series. Like The Testing, this duology features a series of trials between the main characters, and I was both excited and wary of this; would it be original or derivative? Happily, it was highly original and I was captured by the struggles of Andreus and Carys, to overcome their inner demons and strive to how the world what they are made of. 

 This was what I particularly enjoyed about Dividing Eden; both characters show strength and weakness, in equal measure, and the characterisation is particularly strong. I developed more of an affinity for Carys, as she is particularly self-sacrificing and would make the better monarch, even though she doesn’t know it. She is also a seriously butt kicking heroine in a man’s world, and I loved her fiery spirit! Andreus was a little bit too much of a womaniser to gel with; I found him a bit smarmy! I also really enjoyed the political machinations of the court around the twins, meaning they never quite know who is on their side and who they should trust. 

 I found the start of the book pretty slow moving, as the setting is explained and the scene set to explain that Eden is entirely dependent on wind power to keep the lights on and the local scary monsters, Xhelsoi, away. They also depend on the Seer of Eden to provide visions and help channel the winds successfully. I felt like this part of the story was a little weaker, as it didn’t receive that much development until much later in the book. I found myself totally gripped by about 65% the way through though, and the ending zipped by; I think this is really because it took quite a while for the trials to get going and they were the best bit of this. The story ends on a pretty good cliff hanger, meaning you might want to grab the next one, Conquering Eden, immediately. Happily it is out now so that’s shouldn’t be a problem.

Summary:

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?