The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (The Dark Divine #1)

Released: December 22nd, 2009

Publisher: Egmont USA

Pages: 372

Rating: 5/5

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Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude''s high school. Despite promising Jude she''ll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel''s shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy''s dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul. 

I really liked the way this book was written. It's a complex story, with both contemporary and historical plot threads, and I thought the author did a great job of weaving them together. She reveals information when you need it, and not a moment before. There's a lot of suspense, and I loved the twist at the ending - one I haven't seen in a paranormal before and one that bodes well for a sequel.

The book has a strong Christian perspective, which some readers will not enjoy. However, fans of C. S. Lewis and Ted Dekker will like The Dark Divine. 
The plot gets better as you get farther in the book. I thought at first it was a little boring by moment, but in the end, I was hooked. Her style is enjoyable and easy to read. I'm already craving for the sequel, The Lost Saint, even if the book doesn't end with a cliffhanger.