A review of "The Diviners" by Libba Bray

Libba Bray returns to the form she does best, the "teen historical occult thriller with romantic elements". This latest book is basically an extended Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode set in the 1920's, ,involving a rising demon, evil cultists, and a cyborg. But make no mistake: this isn't a moon-eyed Mortal Instruments-esque fantasy. This is a well researched, well plotted thriller, that doubles as a luxuriant historical novel. While it simply shuffles and deals old occult fiction tropes (for how many mystical cliches are in here, I'm surprised Cthulhu and Aleister Crowley didn't turn up),the excellent characterization and impeccable period detail shine past that little dispute.

There are also some great spooky moments that actually frightened me, and portentous foreshadowing that, unfortunately, partly set up a sequel. There isn't any of the hyper-self aware smugness that accompanies some YA books (coughHolly Blackcough) which is a definite plus. Although some weird, pulled-it-out-of-thin-air-at-3:00 AM plot twists turn up (the aforementioned cyborg), this is overall, a very good book.

Grade:
A