The Last Diva

The new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Vanishing Half

You might think that feuds are about hatred, but really they are love stories.

When Roz Randall and Cleo Wright form a singing group as teenagers in 1963, they are instantly bound by talent and ambition. Like their friendship, their fame appears fated—until rivalry seeps in. As their trajectories splinter and their lives churn through towering success and bottomless regret, Roz and Cleo remain consumed by each other to the end. Sometimes envy burns even hotter than talent.

When Cleo dies, the world mourns the legendary diva and hungers for her story. Roz Randall, her greatest rival, might be the one person who can tell it. Roz, facing her legacy, now has the chance to re-shape the portrait of their decades-long friendship and feud. What does she owe to Cleo and their past? Who owns a star’s secrets when the performance finally ends?

Spanning the 1960s to the present and pulsing with the sounds of R&B, soul, gospel, and disco, The Last Diva richly illustrates the price of fame, the bonds that define us, and a culture that leaches from its legends. Intimate and epic, it confirms Brit Bennett as one of the most extraordinary writers of her generation.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs