The Diviners

 

A. Bibliographic Data

  Bray, Libba. 2013. THE DIVINERS. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

    ISBN: 0316126101

B. Summary

A young woman discovers her mysterious powers could help catch a killer in the first book of The Diviners series--a stunning supernatural historical mystery set in 1920s New York City, from Printz Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Libba Bray.

Evangeline O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and sent off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is ecstatic. It's 1926, and New York is filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult. Evie worries he'll discover her darkest secret: a supernatural power that has only brought her trouble so far.

When the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer. As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfurl in the city that never sleeps. And unknown to all, something dark and evil has awakened....

C. Critical Analysis 

 This book is posi-tute-ly intriguing. With young adult books, you must keep the readers wanting more and this book is one to do that. It is somewhat of an odd book though because there is so much to take in from all the elements of the 1920’s to the supernatural nature and occult tie-ins. I think the author did an amazing job of reminding readers about all things 1920 from jazz, speakeasies, slang teens used, bootlegged liquor, swing dancing, and the world of flappers. Past the setting of the 20’s you get a great description of growing up in a small town, yet you feel Evie’s rebellious, big-spirited teen girls dream of wanting something more. Because of her rebellious nature and special gift that others don’t know about Evie must move to her uncles in NYC, where she has the time of her life with all things New York and the party world. All these elements are a major part of the story yet not exactly the story.

Evie is working with her uncle at a Creepy Museums who ends up being asked to help with strange and gruesome murders that are occurring. Throughout the story, you meet other important (main) characters Memphis, Henry, Theta, and Maple, and learn the beginning about The Diviners and what their gifts are and how they will be useful in the end, and lastly darkness and evil that’s lurking around the corner- Naughty John.

This is just the first book, and I am shocked that I enjoyed this book as much as I did, and I am ready to get the next book. Just be prepared for a chilling paranormal tale. I think we could see this series turn into movies one day.

D.  Book Reviews

A Publishers Weekly Best YA Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Editor's Choice

A Kirkus Best YA Book of the Year

A Top Ten Amazon Best Book of the Year for Teens

A Library Journal Best YA Book for Adults

An Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy Finalist

"The Diviners delivers an addictive and terrifying story of young New Yorkers investigating a rash of occult-based murders. Bray sustains a breathless energy throughout this ambitious series-starter, deftly evoking the exuberance of 1920s city life and the evil lurking beneath it."―Entertainment Weekly

* "1920s New York thrums with giddy life in this gripping first in a new [series] from Printz winner Bray...The intricate plot and magnificently imagined details of character, dialogue and setting take hold and don't let go. Not to be missed."―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

* "The compelling and dramatic supernatural plot explores self-actualization, predestination, the secrets everyone hides, and, of course, good versus evil. An absolutely terrific read and, thankfully, the first in a planned series."―School Library Journal (starred review)

*Everyday moments and a romance or two help lighten the mood of this creepy, dark, twisted tale of things that go bump in the night."―VOYA (starred review)

E. Connections

 This would be a hard book to use in your classroom I think because of the chilling, occult, and gruesome storyline. Possibly in small groups or a book club of students who can handle this book you could discuss:

-        the hype of paranormal interest in the 20’s.

-       The ’20s and why was it known as the “roaring 20’s”

-       How did Evie’s teen life relate to teens today?

-       Paranormal interest

-       Author study- her inspiration?

-       Who would you cast for each character if it was made into a movie?