Divergence is the first book in Melanie P. Smith’s The Immortal series. For readers who love books steeped in Greek mythology and that give you a more adult version of Percy Jackson, then this is a book that is going to reach out and grab you.

Divergence sweeps you away into a fantasy world packed with magic, twists, tons of danger, romance, and suspense. Melanie P. Smith hits the ground running when the main character, Beckett, finds himself being targeted by an unknown enemy. A storm is brewing outside his window, but he has no idea that another storm is about to break and the consequences that it will bring to his life. While he is saved, by the skin of his teeth, by his friend, Zander, the reality that he has known is about to be changed forever.

Beckett is the main character of this story, but you’re going to find out real quick that he has some deep seeded issues. His past haunts him, and because of that he harbors a deep resentment for his Uncle. On one hand, you’ll come to understand to an extent his resentment, but on the other hand – you’ll get the feeling that he’s taking things to the extreme.

This book is packed with a variety of characters. You get the main group who must come together to fulfill a prophecy. The story will cycle through each of the characters at various points. This aspect of the story keeps you on your toes since things can shift at any time.

As you read you’re going to learn quite a lot about the characters. When they are not embroiled in intense fights, the author takes time to make sure that you get a clear picture of who they are as individuals. You will get a nice amount of detail concerning each character. You’ll get to find out what makes each of them unique. Some of them know exactly who and what they are, while others are going to get a surprise. Some will embrace their heritage, while others will try to reject it and even fight what fate has in store for them.

Looking for romance? Well, there is a lot of that going on for sure! The problem with the romance between some characters is the speed at which things happen. One could say that it’s “insta-love” that takes place between some of the characters. Actually allowing the romance to develop and grow between the characters would have added more depth to the story. It also would make it more enjoyable, because you’d get to see it grow and blossom between the characters. As it is, it feels rushed and even forced in some situations. Rushed romance tends to feel like a label of “love” slapped on feelings of “lust” instead. For some of the other characters though you get the development, since they aren’t the focus, it doesn’t take center stage.

Interspersed throughout the story are scenes of intense danger for the characters. They have a big fight on their hands, and they need to unite as a group of six. Of course, once they do the prophecy will be in full effect. You get lots of fight scenes that will pull you to the edge of your seat. Some will be intense nail-biters that will have you wondering if they are going to come out on top or will loss strike?

While the fight scenes have a lot going on, some of the scenes lack – depth. There will be situations where it feels like there are skips. Scenes lacking in-depth detail give you every detail of the situation at hand. You’ll at times think that you have missed something as you’ve been reading to only find that particular details were simply left out. A prime example is during an intense fight one of the characters gets hurt. While his fight is detailed at one point, his getting hurt is left out. Which begs the question – why? It would have added more drama to the situation and further engaged readers in the story.

Divergence gives Percy Jackson vibes with the characters’ connections to Greek gods and a dire prophecy. You’ll learn about their various heritages when they reflect on their pasts and delve more into who they are. Of course, the romance between Beckett and his love interest wouldn’t be complete without a little family backstory drama. Similar to Percy Jackson, but with enough to make it unique.

This novel settles into a pattern of drama and danger, followed by a moment of peace and rest. Don’t be deceived though. The moments of peace are rarely fully peaceful. There is training and preparation, and of course, the bad guy is off-planning as well. He intends to destroy the group before they can come together fully. In the flashbacks of the main characters, you get glimpses of Pyke, the bad guy.

Giving Pyke more attention would have really amped this book up. Allowing readers to get some insight into his character and thought process would have added another element to this book. As it is, you get small bits of insight, but not as much as it could be.

When it comes to the characters, Zander really shines. He’s level-headed, and he’s the one who’s really there for Beckett when he needs him most. Zander is the stand-out character from the beginning as he does whatever he has to keep his friend and brother alive. He also shows a nice amount of growth and development as well.

It’s nice to see the characters grow and develop as the story progresses. Think of this book as the stage being set for what is to come later on. Divergence has engaging moments of drama, and action, and then things settle down as you learn more about the characters. As this novel draws to a close if you’re one of those individuals who absolutely hate cliffhangers – no worries. Readers who love those intense cliffhangers that leave you hanging and eager for more? This book doesn’t fulfill that particular desire. It’s okay though, because since this is book one – you have the knowledge that there will be more.

Pros:

– Dramatic situations

– Nice variety of characters

– Suspenseful fights

– Engaging storyline overall.

Cons:

– Romance between some characters is rushed.

– Missing details in fight scenes

– Needed more attention on Pyke

Lesson of the book: Holding on to the past will only keep you from accomplishing what the future holds.

Cover Score: 7.8/10

Book Score: 8.3/10

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Review by Bunny

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