by Adalyn Grace
*Advanced Reader Copy*
- Fantasy
- Romance
- High Fantasy
The Wretched Divine follows Aurelie, a knight born to serve her kingdom. When the time comes for her to become soulbound with an angel, her world changes instantly. Thrust into the unknown from the moment the bond is formed, Aurelie is forced to make difficult choices in a desperate attempt to save both her family and her country. But the path she chooses may lead not to salvation, but to ruin.
This is a classic adult romantasy set in a world shaped by angels, demons, and powerful bonds. While romance is a strong element of the story, the fantasy itself leans heavily into high fantasy, with political tensions, lore, and magic at the forefront. There is some spice woven throughout, but it never overwhelms the plot.
The novel begins at a fast pace and immediately pulls you in with its intriguing premise. However, the middle section slows considerably at times, making it feel a little difficult to push through in places. It is a lengthy novel, so be prepared to fully settle into the world and story.
Aurelie is initially a compelling protagonist, and her sense of duty and determination make her easy to root for. As the story progresses, though, I found myself wanting a little more depth from her character. At times, her naivety becomes frustrating, but it also feels intentional, likely setting up stronger character development in future books, which could make the continuation of the series very rewarding.
The world-building is immersive, blending an almost Earth-like setting with the constant presence of angels and demons. The inclusion of different countries and traditions adds richness to the story, and I would love to see these explored further in later books.
The novel explores themes of morality and whether good and evil are ever truly clear-cut. Are angels purely good and demons entirely evil, or is there more complexity beneath the surface? Alongside this are themes of forbidden romance, redemption, trust, second chances, and the emotional weight of magical soul bonds, including feelings of loss and betrayal.
Overall, The Wretched Divine is an engaging high fantasy romantasy that will likely appeal strongly to readers in their twenties and beyond. Despite some slower sections, the story remains gripping, with interesting characters, emotional tension, and romance that feels natural within the narrative. The cliffhanger ending leaves plenty to anticipate for the next instalment.
This book is expected to be published on 22nd September, pre order now:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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