Girls of Dark Divine by E. V. Woods

My love for books always shines brightest toward the end of the year. Even though I’m behind on my reading goal, I’ve decided to spend these final 12 days focusing on quality over quantity. I want to get lost in great stories rather than just checking boxes, and Girls of Dark Divine is exactly the kind of book that makes that shift worth it.

I have to highlight the cover—even on my Kindle, it is absolutely stunning! The design is so striking that I find myself just staring at it before I even open the chapters. As a debut novel, this gothic horror-fantasy gives me so much hope that E.V. Woods will be an author on my radar for a long time. The story weaves together the high-stakes world of ballet, a dangerous Puppet Master, and an ancient curse to create a truly unique gem.

The sisterly dynamics were the heart of the book for me. Their bond felt incredibly authentic—a fierce, “no matter the cost” kind of love that holds steady even when faced with the darkest stakes. Watching them navigate their loyalty to one another, even in the shadow of death, made the emotional weight of the story feel so much higher.

I also appreciated how the author explored the theme of selfishness within those sisterly bonds. It was refreshing to see the characters portrayed as deeply human; they aren’t perfect, and their moments of selfishness made them feel very real. While I would have loved a bit more detail regarding the origins of the curse, the atmosphere and character growth kept me fully engaged throughout.

This is a solid 4-star read and a welcome addition to my digital library. I love discovering new authors whose work I can confidently recommend, and this was a perfect reminder of why I love to read.

Girls of Dark Divine by E. V. Woods