Emma Lord’s latest YA novel, The Rival, brings a fresh perspective to the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope, setting it against the backdrop of college journalism and family expectations. The story follows Sadie Brighton and Sebastian “Seb” Adams, next-door neighbors and lifelong academic rivals who find themselves competing once again at Maple Ride University for a coveted position on the school’s prestigious zine, Newsbag.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story unfolds with natural momentum, weaving together multiple narrative threads:
- The central competition for the Newsbag position
- Sadie’s journey to embrace her authentic self
- The evolution of Sadie and Seb’s relationship
- A larger conflict involving student organizations and university politics
Lord demonstrates considerable skill in balancing these elements while maintaining narrative tension throughout. The plot never feels contrived, even as coincidences and complications pile up, largely because the emotional foundation remains solid and believable.
Character Development
Sadie Brighton
The protagonist’s journey from “responsible Sadie” to someone who embraces her creative, chaotic side is particularly well-executed. Her struggle with family dynamics and self-expression feels authentic and relatable. Lord captures the internal conflict of someone who has spent years suppressing parts of themselves to maintain family harmony.
Sebastian Adams
Seb’s character avoids the typical “popular guy” stereotypes, instead offering a nuanced portrayal of someone struggling with parental expectations and his own aspirations. His evolution from rival to partner feels earned through carefully crafted moments and revelations.
Supporting Characters
The novel features a strong supporting cast, particularly:
- Christina, Sadie’s best friend, whose own struggles with athletic scholarship pressures add depth to the story
- The Brighton family, each member distinctly drawn and contributing to the narrative
- The Newsbag staff, especially Amara and Rowan, who bring both humor and gravity to the story
Writing Style and Dialogue
Lord’s writing shines in several areas:
Strengths:
- Sharp, witty dialogue that feels natural for college students
- Effective use of humor to balance heavier themes
- Strong voice that captures both the uncertainty and excitement of early college life
- Skillful handling of multiple timelines and flashbacks
Areas for Improvement:
- Occasional overreliance on internal monologue
- Some repeated phrases and reactions that could be varied
- A few plot points that feel slightly rushed in resolution
Themes and Deeper Messages
The novel explores several meaningful themes:
- Identity and Authenticity
- The pressure to maintain a specific role within family dynamics
- The courage required to embrace one’s true self
- The balance between responsibility and personal growth
- Competition and Collaboration
- How rivalry can both hinder and foster growth
- The importance of challenging systemic problems together
- Finding strength in unexpected alliances
- Family and Communication
- The complexity of sibling relationships
- Parental expectations versus personal dreams
- The impact of unspoken feelings and assumptions
Romance Development
The romantic arc between Sadie and Seb is particularly well-crafted. Lord takes the enemies-to-lovers trope and adds depth by:
- Establishing a long history between the characters
- Creating genuine obstacles beyond mere rivalry
- Developing their relationship through shared challenges and understanding
Setting and Atmosphere
The college setting is vividly realized, with Lord capturing both the excitement and uncertainty of freshman year. The fictional Maple Ride University feels authentic, complete with:
- Distinct campus locations and traditions
- Realistic student organizations and dynamics
- Well-developed social and academic pressures
Social Commentary
The novel thoughtfully addresses several contemporary issues:
- University funding and priorities
- Student athlete pressures and mental health
- The role of student journalism
- Class and privilege in higher education
Comparison to Other Works
Fans of contemporary YA authors like Rainbow Rowell and Jenny Han will find familiar elements here, but Lord brings her own distinct voice to the genre. The novel builds on themes explored in her previous works like Tweet Cute and Begin Again, while offering a more complex narrative structure.
Minor Critiques
While generally strong, the novel has a few areas that could be stronger:
- Some secondary plot resolutions feel rushed
- The university administration conflict could be more nuanced
- A few side characters deserve more development
- Some emotional revelations could be more subtle
Impact and Resonance
The Rival by Emma Lord succeeds in being both entertaining and meaningful, offering:
- Authentic representation of college freshman experiences
- Thoughtful exploration of family dynamics
- Realistic portrayal of young adult relationships
- Strong messages about personal growth and authenticity
Final Thoughts
Emma Lord has created a compelling addition to the YA romance genre that manages to be both fun and substantive. While maintaining the charm and humor readers expect from her work, she tackles deeper themes about identity, family, and the courage to be oneself.
Recommended for:
- Fans of contemporary YA romance
- Readers who enjoy college settings
- Those who appreciate complex family dynamics
- Anyone who loves the enemies-to-lovers trope
- Readers looking for stories about finding your voice
The Rival by Emma Lord proves that romantic comedy can be both entertaining and meaningful, offering readers a story that satisfies on multiple levels while never losing sight of its core message about the importance of being true to oneself.