Harper Teen
June 06, 2017
336 pages
add to Goodreads/buy from Book Depository/or Amazon
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?
In Dividing Eden author Joelle Charbonneau shows us a complicated sibling relationship made all the more complicated by the fact that the siblings are twins -and royalty. Carys has been protecting her brother Andreus for nearly her whole life. Putting herself in harm's way (sometimes quite literally) so that he can keep his secret. He knew it and loved and appreciated her for it.
Or, at least, he used to. Now? Things are not so certain.
Admittedly, I did read Dividing Eden at a time when I was able to identify with Carys much more than I would have liked but I think the author did a great job with their relationship. We see not only what things were like for them in the past - both those things others knew about and the things kept hidden - but we then how things change as well. They are no longer the children of the kind and the younger siblings of the crown prince. Now there is the possibility of ruling. Of one of them ruling.
The opportunity for power, to rule Eden, what that could mean for them, the different people with stakes (apparent or hidden) in the Trial of Succession's outcome, alliances, love and betrayal will test them in ways they never expected.
There were characters in Dividing Eden that I loved, some that frustrated me, ones that made me curious to know more about them and maybe some I wanted to fall off the battlements. I am really looking forward to the second book, Eden Conquered, hopefully finding out more about some characters - who they are, what they want - and what happens between Carys and Andreus and to Eden.
Another Book You May Also Enjoy: Given to the Sea by Mindy McGinnis (They both have royal families, some magic or magical beliefs, threats to the kingdom - and threats within their families.(
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