Lana Harper’s Rise and Divine brings a bittersweet conclusion to the Witches of Thistle Grove series. With its mix of enchanting queer romance, deep emotional themes, and a vibrant magical world, this final installment encapsulates what fans have loved about the series while also presenting some new challenges.
The story revolves around Dasha Avramov, who belongs to two of Thistle Grove’s founding witch families and holds the unique, darkly fascinating power of a devil eater. As the town gears up for the Cavalcade—a month-long festival that honours the founding families every two decades—Dasha faces not only the responsibilities of organising the event but also the personal demons of grief and regret. Harper’s signature immersive prose beautifully brings to life both the festive atmosphere of Thistle Grove and the sombre, otherworldly realms Dasha navigates.
The novel is as much about Dasha’s personal journey as it is about the external threats to Thistle Grove. Harper does a great job, as always, exploring the heavy themes of grief, depression, and suicidal ideation through Dasha’s struggles. This book isn’t just about romance or magic; it delves into how Dasha copes with the loss of her parents and the guilt she carries from her previous failed relationships, particularly with Ivy Thorn. The rawness of Dasha’s emotions makes her a compelling protagonist, one whose journey is as much about self-healing as it is about saving her town.
The relationship between Dasha and Ivy is a central thread, and while their romance is compelling, it’s not without its flaws. Some readers might find their reconciliation a bit too quick and convenient, especially considering the depth of their past hurts. However, their chemistry is undeniable, and Harper succeeds in portraying the push-and-pull of their dynamic with tenderness and sincerity. Ivy, grounded in her life magic and steady love, serves as the perfect counterbalance to Dasha’s turbulent emotions. Their relationship, though not as dramatically tense as in previous books, still offers a satisfying emotional journey, showcasing a love that endures despite immense challenges.
While Rise and Divine is undeniably a romance like the rest of the series, it also has a strong plotline involving a dark magical threat to Thistle Grove. The mystery of the demon haunting the Cavalcade adds an intriguing layer to the story, though some readers might find the resolution a bit predictable. Still, the magical elements, from the devil-eating abilities to the richly described celebrations, keep the narrative engaging and add depth to the world of Thistle Grove.
For those who have been following the series, the return of familiar characters is a welcome treat, though there’s a sense that some of them don’t get the spotlight they deserve. The book is clearly focused on Dasha and Ivy, which means that other beloved characters and storylines take a backseat. This might be disappointing for fans hoping for a more ensemble-focused finale. However, the glimpses we do get of the broader Thistle Grove community remind us of the intricate world Harper has built over the series, and it’s heartwarming to see how much the town and its residents have evolved.
In terms of pacing, the book starts a bit slow but picks up as the plot unfolds. Harper’s ability to blend magical lore with the characters’ personal struggles shines through, making Rise and Divine an emotionally resonant read despite its darker themes. The climax, involving the confrontation with the demon and Dasha’s ultimate decisions, carries the weight of the entire series and provides a satisfying conclusion to the overarching narrative.
That said, Rise and Divine might not be everyone’s favourite installment in the series. Its heavier focus on grief and inner turmoil, combined with the slightly predictable mystery and the quick reconciliation between Dasha and Ivy, could leave some readers feeling it doesn’t quite reach the heights of earlier books. However, it’s still a compelling, easy, and entertaining read that wraps up the series with heart and poignancy.
For fans of the series, Rise and Divine offers a fitting, and bittersweet, farewell to Thistle Grove, even if it leaves them wishing for more stories from this magical world.
Rise and Divine is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
A magical romantic comedy sparkling with spells and witchcraft.
To save both her town and the woman who loves her against all odds, a witch haunted by loss must reckon with her turbulent past.
Even in a family of chaotic necromancers, Daria ‘Dasha’ Avramov has always been an outlier. An event planner at the Arcane Emporium occult megastore, Dasha is also a devil eater: a rare witch with a natural affinity for banishing demons and traversing the veil.
Still grieving the loss of her parents and plagued by a dangerous obsession with what lies beyond the other side of the veil, Dasha is both fiery and guarded, an expert at dodging commitment. Her one real regret is a devastating breakup with Ivy Thorn.
When they are forced to work together to plan a festival, Dasha hopes that sparks might fly once again. But as they confront the fault lines and passion lingering between them, Dasha and Ivy must also stand against an otherworldly threat unlike anything Thistle Grove has faced before.
