Review: Divinity (Divinity, #1)

Author: Patricia Leever
Series: Divinity, #1
Release date: September 25th 2012
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Paperback, 200 pages
Source: Publisher for review
Buy: Amazon

Demons. They're everywhere, hiding in plain sight. Chances are, you've interacted with one or two of them in your lifetime without even realizing it... Demon hunter Evelyn Brighton saves unsuspecting humans from the malevolent creatures masquerading around them every day. Working under the Lebriga Corporation's direction, she never fails to bring her A-game with her keen skill, fiercely independent spirit, and the best weapon in her arsenal: the Divinity blade. Evelyn's world is turned on its ear, however, when she is ordered to train cocky new recruit Daniel Summers. They both feel an instinctive pull drawing them to one another, the ancient spells tattooed into their skin illuminating whenever the two hunters come into contact. But with evil looming over the city of Los Angeles, Evelyn and Daniel's mutual competitiveness and sense of duty to Lebriga and all mankind forces them to hold back their desires. Will their restraint be enough to keep them focused and save southern California, or will the dark forces prevail? Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Divinity is an action-filled, fast-paced marriage of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Edgy, witty, and sexy, it will bind you in its spell.

Divinity is equally divided between Evie and Daniel’s points of view and each of them brings something different to the story. Evie is 135 years old, she is – first and foremost – a demon hunter, and she’s very inflexible and unwilling to change. Daniel is younger, newly trained and still fairly optimistic. His devilish grin is a powerful weapon, especially when aimed at Evie and her hardened heart.

Unlike Evie, Daniel doesn’t take himself too seriously. He is strong and reliable in a fight, but away from battle, he is a pretty lighthearted guy. He is a perfect match for the all-too-serious woman, but at the same time, he benefits from the much needed calming effect she has on him. The two aren’t just good for each other, they are destined to be together, but Evie is too set in her ways and afraid of letting go.

Leever’s worldbuilding is pretty straightforward and simple: a group of hunters supervised by the archangel Gabriel lives in the same house and hunts demons. They are apparently immortal (or just long-lived, it’s never properly addressed) and th
ey use various incantations when they fight. Each of them is covered with magical tattoos that channel their magic in a way that is also not properly explained.

I loved that it wasn’t all about Daniel and Evie, though. All their friends, hunters and handlers both, were given due attention and I felt that I really got to know them exceptionally well for such a short book. They make this series much stronger and their presence promises strong future installments.

Divinity can be read in no more than a couple of hours and it will leave you with a smile on your face, which is the very definition of a good summer read.

Thank you all for your endless patience while I was handling my end-of-the-academic-year mess. Honey, I'm home!