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The Wretched Divine #1
The Wretched Divine
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26Aurelie Chantelune was born to serve. Raised as a knight in a kingdom ravaged by demons, she's spent her life honing her blade, driven by the memory of the monsters who tore her family apart and by the knowledge that she's one of the few who can stop them.
If Aurelie can claim her first kill, she'll inherit a legacy passed down through the Chantelune bloodline: a soulbond with Yuriel, an angel whose power is vital to her kingdom's survival. But when those she loves begin turning into the very monsters she's sworn to destroy, Aurelie is forced to seek help from the last place she ever imagined. Desperate, she forges a second and far more dangerous bond with Severin, a demon she can hardly trust, but who claims to know how to end the war for good.
With their lives and fates entwined, Aurelie, Yuriel, and Severin must team up to hunt down a cure capable of turning demons back into humans. But the more they learn about one another and the deeper their relationships grow, the more Aurelie begins to question the war and her place in it. With both of her bonded on opposing sides, she'll have to make a choice: continue to stand with the angels, or risk everything by trusting a demon.
If Aurelie can claim her first kill, she'll inherit a legacy passed down through the Chantelune bloodline: a soulbond with Yuriel, an angel whose power is vital to her kingdom's survival. But when those she loves begin turning into the very monsters she's sworn to destroy, Aurelie is forced to seek help from the last place she ever imagined. Desperate, she forges a second and far more dangerous bond with Severin, a demon she can hardly trust, but who claims to know how to end the war for good.
With their lives and fates entwined, Aurelie, Yuriel, and Severin must team up to hunt down a cure capable of turning demons back into humans. But the more they learn about one another and the deeper their relationships grow, the more Aurelie begins to question the war and her place in it. With both of her bonded on opposing sides, she'll have to make a choice: continue to stand with the angels, or risk everything by trusting a demon.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Adalyn Grace
11 books10.6k followersAdalyn Grace is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, International, and Indiebound bestselling author of Belladonna and the All the Stars and Teeth duology.
Prior to becoming an author, Adalyn spent several years working in live theatre and studied storytelling as an intern on Nickelodeon Animation’s popular series The Legend of Korra.
Local to San Diego, Adalyn spends her non-writing days by watching too much anime, and by playing video games with her two dorky dogs.
Prior to becoming an author, Adalyn spent several years working in live theatre and studied storytelling as an intern on Nickelodeon Animation’s popular series The Legend of Korra.
Local to San Diego, Adalyn spends her non-writing days by watching too much anime, and by playing video games with her two dorky dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
Want to Read
October 2, 2024She said its like a more mature version of daughter of smoke and bone and The infernal devices but set in a world like the stormlight archives!! I AM SCREAMING BECAUSE BRANDON SANDERSON SUPREMACY EVERYONE!
Read
April 29, 2026Hello and goodbye! Before this book launches and I must hide from Goodreads again, I wanted to share where you can find signed and exclusive editions.
In the US: (all bold text should be clickable)
The B&N Limited Angel edition:
- Signed
- A stunning designed red case printed straight onto the hardcover
- Gilded edges
- A deleted chapter
- Alternate jacket coloring with golden x on the cover
- Red designed angel wing endpages
This limited signed edition is exclusive to B&N
The Standard Demon Edition:
- A beautiful red case design printed straight onto the hardcover
- Red metallic edges
- Gold angel wing endpages
- Red X on jacket
Signed editions of this version can be pre ordered through my local indie, Mysterious Galaxy. All pre orders will be signed. If you'd like personalization, please include how you'd like it personalized in the order notes at checkout.
In the UK:
Signed Waterstones Exclusive:
- Signed
- Very limited and nearly sold out
- Alternative gold dust jacket colorway
- Deleted Chapter
- Fiery edges
- Beautiful red hardcover case design (matches US)
- angel wing endpages
We also have the beautiful silver standard edition. Some indies should also be getting signed editions of this version. I will share information as it comes.
This is my favorite book yet, and I'm so so excited to share it with you! If you like big, epic fantasy worlds, plot driven stories that still have a ton of romance, angels, demons (including a demon bard), knights, a medieval inspired fantasy world, and a boatload of magic, TWD might be the book for you! I really hope you love it as much as I do.
In the US: (all bold text should be clickable)
The B&N Limited Angel edition:
- Signed
- A stunning designed red case printed straight onto the hardcover
- Gilded edges
- A deleted chapter
- Alternate jacket coloring with golden x on the cover
- Red designed angel wing endpages
This limited signed edition is exclusive to B&N
The Standard Demon Edition:
- A beautiful red case design printed straight onto the hardcover
- Red metallic edges
- Gold angel wing endpages
- Red X on jacket
Signed editions of this version can be pre ordered through my local indie, Mysterious Galaxy. All pre orders will be signed. If you'd like personalization, please include how you'd like it personalized in the order notes at checkout.
In the UK:
Signed Waterstones Exclusive:
- Signed
- Very limited and nearly sold out
- Alternative gold dust jacket colorway
- Deleted Chapter
- Fiery edges
- Beautiful red hardcover case design (matches US)
- angel wing endpages
We also have the beautiful silver standard edition. Some indies should also be getting signed editions of this version. I will share information as it comes.
This is my favorite book yet, and I'm so so excited to share it with you! If you like big, epic fantasy worlds, plot driven stories that still have a ton of romance, angels, demons (including a demon bard), knights, a medieval inspired fantasy world, and a boatload of magic, TWD might be the book for you! I really hope you love it as much as I do.
Currently Reading
June 7, 2026⚔️ 𝖕𝖗𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉 ⚔️
i got a sample!! thank god for booktrovert ❣️❣️❣️
ADALYN GRACE??????? GIVE HERE
i got a sample!! thank god for booktrovert ❣️❣️❣️
ADALYN GRACE??????? GIVE HERE
Want to Read
February 10, 2026Angels, demons, AND Renaissance-inspired?
Yes. Without a doubt, yes.
Update: Adalyn Grace just posted the first character art on Instagram and I am IN LOVE.
Update 2: We've got a release date (just before my birthday!!) and an epic description.
Update 3: We have a cover!
Yes. Without a doubt, yes.
Update: Adalyn Grace just posted the first character art on Instagram and I am IN LOVE.
Update 2: We've got a release date (just before my birthday!!) and an epic description.
Update 3: We have a cover!
Want to Read
February 12, 2026so sat for this release.
May 25, 2026
4.25 or 4.5. Undecided.
Ooooo ya’ll are going to eat this up!
Ooooo ya’ll are going to eat this up!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
dnfed at 30%
i couldn't care less if I tried
unfortunately, this book doesn't have interesting enough politics or narration for me to care. it's meant to be new adult i think? the only time it feels like new adult instead of YA is for the yuri chapters. the demon and aurelie chapters are very reminiscent of a really boring prototype of bantery enemies to lovers we're seeing these days. a lot of themes we begin with also feel very ya and the chemistry between the demon and aurelie is very middling. aurelia feels not much different from a staple fantasy fmc and her decisions are very impulsive and not interesting enough to hold my attention. she doesn't really have a unique characteristic so I didn't care much about her.
the one who I did care about, was yuri. the angel character is ironically the most interesting character in the book. he's got a set up and arc that feels very unique and mature. a sort of character that doesn't feel box-ed or boring. his pov kept me up from dnfing a lot sooner. he brings a fresh and interesting pov into the book and the world as an angel navigating humans and I'm sure his interactions with demons at the later part (if we ever get them) will be just as nice.
ultimately, I need my fantasy books perfect in setting their vibe from page 1 and building on it, so this wasn't for me as I don't think it blew my mind with unique ideas. i wish everything was as interesting as yuri but well, I'll never find out even if it is.
edit: okay I skimmed the middle part and then got to the ending and LOLLLL this might be one of those fantasy books that is insanely good in the last 50-100 pages. what a ride. I wish the beginning wasn't that slow but yeah whatever. I don't regret dnfing but OOOF that was some intense last 50 pages. and the ending???????? i wish i cared cause it's actually peak 😭😭😭😭😭 WHY COULDN'T I ENJOY THIS BOOK UGHHHHH
(and why was the yaoi serving so much)
thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for the arc
i couldn't care less if I tried
unfortunately, this book doesn't have interesting enough politics or narration for me to care. it's meant to be new adult i think? the only time it feels like new adult instead of YA is for the yuri chapters. the demon and aurelie chapters are very reminiscent of a really boring prototype of bantery enemies to lovers we're seeing these days. a lot of themes we begin with also feel very ya and the chemistry between the demon and aurelie is very middling. aurelia feels not much different from a staple fantasy fmc and her decisions are very impulsive and not interesting enough to hold my attention. she doesn't really have a unique characteristic so I didn't care much about her.
the one who I did care about, was yuri. the angel character is ironically the most interesting character in the book. he's got a set up and arc that feels very unique and mature. a sort of character that doesn't feel box-ed or boring. his pov kept me up from dnfing a lot sooner. he brings a fresh and interesting pov into the book and the world as an angel navigating humans and I'm sure his interactions with demons at the later part (if we ever get them) will be just as nice.
ultimately, I need my fantasy books perfect in setting their vibe from page 1 and building on it, so this wasn't for me as I don't think it blew my mind with unique ideas. i wish everything was as interesting as yuri but well, I'll never find out even if it is.
edit: okay I skimmed the middle part and then got to the ending and LOLLLL this might be one of those fantasy books that is insanely good in the last 50-100 pages. what a ride. I wish the beginning wasn't that slow but yeah whatever. I don't regret dnfing but OOOF that was some intense last 50 pages. and the ending???????? i wish i cared cause it's actually peak 😭😭😭😭😭 WHY COULDN'T I ENJOY THIS BOOK UGHHHHH
(and why was the yaoi serving so much)
thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for the arc
May 5, 2026
I’m going to be thinking about this book for a while , how am I supposed to move on ??. Easily a 6 star read with the most amazing world building and characters you want to slap and cheer for !! Aurelie is this crazy awesome knight who I just adore and I do not envy the choices she has to make. Surrounded by two very sexy guys , one demon .. one angel. I normally have very strong leanings towards the bad guys , but my angel , Yuriel , gave some strong vibes I was having a hard time saying no to. Severin is everything fun and wicked I love in my demon boys. Who knew the dynamic that would get me was grumpy angel and sunshine demon !!! Totally here for it !! Oh yah and there is a kingdom in peril and her dad got changed into a demon and she has to save him. Honestly this whole plot was riveting and I loved the story as it unfurled. That ending ended me. I’m gonna cry having to wait for book two and will just console myself by buying all the special editions.
Want to Read
October 1, 2024IS THIS A NEW ADALYN GRACE BOOK!!!!!!
- Will I eat this book up? Yes
- Will I fall in love with the mmc? Probably
- Will the writing be amazing? Uh duh it's by Adalyn Grace!
- Will I eat this book up? Yes
- Will I fall in love with the mmc? Probably
- Will the writing be amazing? Uh duh it's by Adalyn Grace!
Want to Read
October 2, 2024a love triangle with a vengeful demon, battle hardened angel, and a human knight (which are all hot) who is thrust into the middle of an ancient war??? a Renaissance-inspired magical world?? an adult romantasy written by the queen Adalyn Grace herself?? i am sat. they are trying to kick me out of B&N because it doesn’t release until 2026, but I am simply too seated. ✨
March 8, 2026
I was really confused by the plot and world building here. I ended up just having to DNF because I was so lost in the sauce. It is a medieval world where humans are bonded to angels fighting demons, but that’s about all the explanation you are given, and it just gets more confusing from there. Then there’s this weird 3 way bond between an angel, human, and demon. I was like ???? I guess someone who is really into angel and demon mythology would love this. The author had such a witty and creative voice in her Belladonna series. This reads too serious and tortured. It just wasn’t for me.
Want to Read
October 1, 202499.99% of why i want to read this book is because of lotusbubble’s artwork of it
Want to Read
February 11, 2026Coming out September 22
remind-me-once-out
February 15, 2026oh?
Want to Read
May 12, 2026after the disappointment that was Belladonna, I'm kind of scared to get my hopes up, but this sounds too good to pass 😂
March 8, 2026
This is easily going to be one of the big books of the year. Completely addictive from start to finish—I devoured every chapter. And the ending? Absolute chef’s kiss.
lost-interest
May 26, 2025An adult book by Adalyn Grace, which is described to be a mix of 'Daughter of Smoke & Bone', 'The Infernal Devices' AND 'The Stromlight Archive'?
Do you hear me screaming, crying and fangirling? No, of course not. Because I'm announcing this thorugh a post. 😅
Do you hear me screaming, crying and fangirling? No, of course not. Because I'm announcing this thorugh a post. 😅
Want to Read
June 5, 2026woohoo did not expect to be approved for this arc after my long hiatus but thank you Hachette!!
May 9, 2026
2.5/5⭐️
~~~
First, i would like to thank NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and Adalyn Grace for the opportunity to read and review this book early. All thoughts and opinions are my own
~~~
I wanted to love this book so badly, but unfortunately i didn’t; i simply don’t think this book was for me. It wasn’t all terrible the entire time i read it, but there was a lot i did not enjoy.
For starters, i did not like the female main character, Aurelie. This entire book was just her making one poor decision after the next, and i feel like she didn’t really reflect on those choices at all, nor did she have any growth as the novel went on. Her choices left me frustrated to the point where it often took me out of the story, because i couldn’t believe a heroine would act the way Aurelie did.
I also did not like one of the two male main characters. Severin was infuriating the entire time, and it was blatantly obvious that he didn’t care about Aurelie and was only usually her for his own gain. and I know that he’s a demon, but he was presented as a “love interest” for Aurelie, but there wasn’t any romance between them either! A little bit of attraction and lust, sure, but he treated her terribly for the entire duration of the book, and it was overall annoying to read. As the book progressed, it felt as if the story was put on the back burner, and everything just became the Severin and Aurelie show— despite her being bonded to Yuri as well! For a book that says it includes romance, there was no romance in here to me, only lust.
Yuriel, the angel who is bonded to Aurelie, was the only character i actually liked. He would almost always think before he acted, and tried to consider how his choices would impact not only Aurelie but the general population of humans too. I think his character had a lot of depth, and i actually enjoyed when his point of view would pop up. His character is the main reason that i actually pushed through to finish this book; getting his backstory sprinkled throughout the present story was great.
Overall, i’m sad that i didn’t enjoy this book, but i hope someone else will! And i’m thankful to have been given the opportunity to read and review it early.
~~~
First, i would like to thank NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and Adalyn Grace for the opportunity to read and review this book early. All thoughts and opinions are my own
~~~
I wanted to love this book so badly, but unfortunately i didn’t; i simply don’t think this book was for me. It wasn’t all terrible the entire time i read it, but there was a lot i did not enjoy.
For starters, i did not like the female main character, Aurelie. This entire book was just her making one poor decision after the next, and i feel like she didn’t really reflect on those choices at all, nor did she have any growth as the novel went on. Her choices left me frustrated to the point where it often took me out of the story, because i couldn’t believe a heroine would act the way Aurelie did.
I also did not like one of the two male main characters. Severin was infuriating the entire time, and it was blatantly obvious that he didn’t care about Aurelie and was only usually her for his own gain. and I know that he’s a demon, but he was presented as a “love interest” for Aurelie, but there wasn’t any romance between them either! A little bit of attraction and lust, sure, but he treated her terribly for the entire duration of the book, and it was overall annoying to read. As the book progressed, it felt as if the story was put on the back burner, and everything just became the Severin and Aurelie show— despite her being bonded to Yuri as well! For a book that says it includes romance, there was no romance in here to me, only lust.
Yuriel, the angel who is bonded to Aurelie, was the only character i actually liked. He would almost always think before he acted, and tried to consider how his choices would impact not only Aurelie but the general population of humans too. I think his character had a lot of depth, and i actually enjoyed when his point of view would pop up. His character is the main reason that i actually pushed through to finish this book; getting his backstory sprinkled throughout the present story was great.
Overall, i’m sad that i didn’t enjoy this book, but i hope someone else will! And i’m thankful to have been given the opportunity to read and review it early.
June 2, 2026
Obsessed!! Blown away again by this author’s brilliant mind. Everything about this book is captivating. This story keeps you enthralled throughout and then stunned into shock by the time you have finished. Book finishes with a few jaw dropping reveals and a cliffhanger. There also some partial reveals that will make you wonder but I am sure will be fully revealed in book 2. I cannot wait to read book 2.
This is a story of angels and demons. Of knights and soldiers. Endless war and loss. Aurelie is our vehement FMC. Severin is our charismatic wine enthusiastic demon. Yuri is our confused broody angel soldier. What is truth and what are lies? Who are the monsters? Each character questioning what they believe and who they should be loyal to. Each one holds secrets and nightmares of their pasts. Not to mention conflicted emotions towards one another.
The demons in this story are separated by their sin bloodline. Lustborn, greedborn, wrathborn and so on. Each line carries different features that represent their sin. Everyone has some demon blood in them. Don’t give into any of the sins to heavily or you just might turn into one.
🪽Multiple POVs
😈Slow Burn
🗡️Forbidden Bond
🪽Angels x Demons
😈Ancient War
Thank you to the author, @macmillanchildrenspublishinggroup and @netgalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story of angels and demons. Of knights and soldiers. Endless war and loss. Aurelie is our vehement FMC. Severin is our charismatic wine enthusiastic demon. Yuri is our confused broody angel soldier. What is truth and what are lies? Who are the monsters? Each character questioning what they believe and who they should be loyal to. Each one holds secrets and nightmares of their pasts. Not to mention conflicted emotions towards one another.
The demons in this story are separated by their sin bloodline. Lustborn, greedborn, wrathborn and so on. Each line carries different features that represent their sin. Everyone has some demon blood in them. Don’t give into any of the sins to heavily or you just might turn into one.
🪽Multiple POVs
😈Slow Burn
🗡️Forbidden Bond
🪽Angels x Demons
😈Ancient War
Thank you to the author, @macmillanchildrenspublishinggroup and @netgalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.25 stars
You guys are going to eat Severin up.
The beginning of this one really impressed me in particular. You can tell Adalyn upped her game; she manages to convey this new sprawling kingdom and its multi-faceted worldbuilding to us beautifully and w/o feeling info-dumpy while getting the story rolling. And when Yuri and Severin really step in I started GRINNING- their opposing personalities make for such hilarious banter!
Now, I gotta be honest. I was told this wasn't a romantasy... but the entire middle portion of the book felt very much romantasy to me! Yes, there was a fantasy plot driving the middle but the tone and focus shifted to a lot of sexual tension for quite a while and you know what- it's not a bad thing, I love romantic fantasy too! I just wasn't expecting it when I heard this was a fantasy forward book and I think the marketing is doing it a disservice when the romance felt quite in balance with the plot actually. There is spice, but it doesn't start overwhelming the story- though I could have done with a little less focus on lust in the middle.
The romance winds back down for the last hundred or so pages as shit hits the fan. There was a twist that is pretty easy to guess, but then another that I didn't anticipate until it was revealed that had me SQUEALING and so desperate for book two already since it left the series feeling like it just opened up more!
Definitely try this one of you like royalty, demons and angels, love triangles, irreverent bards(!!), strained bromance and magical bonds. Also Kronk from the Emperor's New Groove is in the acknowledgements and that's very important too.
You guys are going to eat Severin up.
The beginning of this one really impressed me in particular. You can tell Adalyn upped her game; she manages to convey this new sprawling kingdom and its multi-faceted worldbuilding to us beautifully and w/o feeling info-dumpy while getting the story rolling. And when Yuri and Severin really step in I started GRINNING- their opposing personalities make for such hilarious banter!
Now, I gotta be honest. I was told this wasn't a romantasy... but the entire middle portion of the book felt very much romantasy to me! Yes, there was a fantasy plot driving the middle but the tone and focus shifted to a lot of sexual tension for quite a while and you know what- it's not a bad thing, I love romantic fantasy too! I just wasn't expecting it when I heard this was a fantasy forward book and I think the marketing is doing it a disservice when the romance felt quite in balance with the plot actually. There is spice, but it doesn't start overwhelming the story- though I could have done with a little less focus on lust in the middle.
The romance winds back down for the last hundred or so pages as shit hits the fan. There was a twist that is pretty easy to guess, but then another that I didn't anticipate until it was revealed that had me SQUEALING and so desperate for book two already since it left the series feeling like it just opened up more!
Definitely try this one of you like royalty, demons and angels, love triangles, irreverent bards(!!), strained bromance and magical bonds. Also Kronk from the Emperor's New Groove is in the acknowledgements and that's very important too.
April 30, 2026
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 ★
I loved Adalyn’s Belladonna series, so when I heard she was gifting us with an entirely new adult series, I could not wait to get my hands on it. The Wretched Divine, while not what I initially expected, ended up working its way into my soul. As someone who had a tough time through the earlier parts (mostly due to the multiple POV), I will say to those feeling the same that Adalyn has a plan. Trust the process, there’s a reason, and it all comes together (in an “oh sh!t” way) in the end. I am so eager for the sequel.
Things I Enjoyed:
🌓 The Angel/Demon Dynamics and Development
🪽 Yuri - He certainly has his work cut out for him and just wants to be enough for someone. His past, those interludes… my heart.
😈 Severin - He reminded me of so many MMCs I’ve been drawn to before, like Damon Salvatore, and, bringing it back, the Cole/Balthasar dynamics (IYKYK). But we also get that side you can’t help but love for the sass and humor, think Paul Bettany’s Chaucer role in A Knight’s Tale (those bard blurbs were hilarious). Learning his backstory and motivations… oof.
🌀 The Last 35% - The twists! The reveals! The drama! My chest hurt so badly as it all unraveled. This really geared me up for the next book.
Things I Struggled With:
👫 Multiple POV - This took me a bit to adjust to simply because I wasn’t expecting it. It’s also not typically my favorite because it usually prevents me from finding a real rhythm with the characters for a hot minute.
🫧 Aurelie - I initially found her character intriguing and admired her tenacity, but she slowly slid into a YA type bubble that had me frustrated with some of her choices and naivety.
I loved Adalyn’s Belladonna series, so when I heard she was gifting us with an entirely new adult series, I could not wait to get my hands on it. The Wretched Divine, while not what I initially expected, ended up working its way into my soul. As someone who had a tough time through the earlier parts (mostly due to the multiple POV), I will say to those feeling the same that Adalyn has a plan. Trust the process, there’s a reason, and it all comes together (in an “oh sh!t” way) in the end. I am so eager for the sequel.
Things I Enjoyed:
🌓 The Angel/Demon Dynamics and Development
🪽 Yuri - He certainly has his work cut out for him and just wants to be enough for someone. His past, those interludes… my heart.
😈 Severin - He reminded me of so many MMCs I’ve been drawn to before, like Damon Salvatore, and, bringing it back, the Cole/Balthasar dynamics (IYKYK). But we also get that side you can’t help but love for the sass and humor, think Paul Bettany’s Chaucer role in A Knight’s Tale (those bard blurbs were hilarious). Learning his backstory and motivations… oof.
🌀 The Last 35% - The twists! The reveals! The drama! My chest hurt so badly as it all unraveled. This really geared me up for the next book.
Things I Struggled With:
👫 Multiple POV - This took me a bit to adjust to simply because I wasn’t expecting it. It’s also not typically my favorite because it usually prevents me from finding a real rhythm with the characters for a hot minute.
🫧 Aurelie - I initially found her character intriguing and admired her tenacity, but she slowly slid into a YA type bubble that had me frustrated with some of her choices and naivety.
March 30, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ omg this book finally cured my fantasy reading slump!!!!!! at first i wasn’t sure if i was gonna like the story bc it started kinda slow but at some point everything started clicking and i just knew it was gonna be a new favorite. i loved the characters and their relationships so much and i have soooo many expectations for how the trio is gonna interact in the sequel after that ending 👀 overall i loved everything, it just wasn’t 5 stars bc of the slower start and bc every single character annoyed me at some point (but i swear i ended up loving them all!!!)
Read
October 2, 2024an adult fantasy romance about demons and angels… I’M SO SEATED
Want to Read
October 21, 2025they mentioned....infernal devices?? and why am i only hearing about this now? 😔
May 28, 2026
If you want a story about a touch starved newly knighted woman on a mission to create a cure for demon hybridization but constantly getting sidetracked from the mission because she happens to be bonded to a shredded, wholesome, blonde and handsome angel man and a shredded, mischievous, dark and handsome demon man …then do I have the book for you.
I’m pretty impressed by this book which I believe is Adalyn Grace’s debut into the adult genre. It does have some pretty interesting and significant worldbuilding which takes up the initial 30ish percent of the book. I think it’s pretty easy to follow overall with the demon hierarchy matching the original seven sins. I think the author does a good job of creating interesting ideas for characters, and I stayed pretty invested in seeing the romance in the book play out. Until about 75% in, I had believed I accidentally was reading a why choose. But, if anything, that should tell you how close of a race our two MMCs were running. I really appreciated the bonded dynamic and logistics between our three main characters. I think a bond that gives access to one another’s thoughts and feelings creates a really interesting playground to explore the dynamics between these characters who really do not trust one another. The physical harm connection also requires the characters to protect characters that they do not trust and/or despise, which I thought was super interesting!
There are some small issues I had with the book namely with the main character and perspective switching. While this is an adult novel, the main character reads as if she could be from a young adult novel. I think some of that can be attributed to how sheltered the character was, but there were definitely times I was frustrated that the character was juvenile, impulsive, whiny, and gullible. Many of her formative and driving relationships (ie her best friend, her father, and Azriel) also feel like they’re lacking some much needed depth that could create complex motivations.
There’s a lot of different perspectives in the book that the reader is switched between, and, for me, I found that to be almost against the betterment of the story. I think if we had stayed more frequently in the FMC’s POV we would have: a more fleshed out FMC, a more mysterious MMC, more shocking reveals, more mystery in general, the perception of higher stakes, etc. With that being said, Yuriel’s early life recollection chapters were my favorite to read so I did enjoy having that additional context building to a dimensional character.
The last 10% of this book was an absolute roller coaster in the best way possible! I loved all the reveals and that cliffhanger was mean! I’m definitely excited to read more!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me an early copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!!!
I’m pretty impressed by this book which I believe is Adalyn Grace’s debut into the adult genre. It does have some pretty interesting and significant worldbuilding which takes up the initial 30ish percent of the book. I think it’s pretty easy to follow overall with the demon hierarchy matching the original seven sins. I think the author does a good job of creating interesting ideas for characters, and I stayed pretty invested in seeing the romance in the book play out. Until about 75% in, I had believed I accidentally was reading a why choose. But, if anything, that should tell you how close of a race our two MMCs were running. I really appreciated the bonded dynamic and logistics between our three main characters. I think a bond that gives access to one another’s thoughts and feelings creates a really interesting playground to explore the dynamics between these characters who really do not trust one another. The physical harm connection also requires the characters to protect characters that they do not trust and/or despise, which I thought was super interesting!
There are some small issues I had with the book namely with the main character and perspective switching. While this is an adult novel, the main character reads as if she could be from a young adult novel. I think some of that can be attributed to how sheltered the character was, but there were definitely times I was frustrated that the character was juvenile, impulsive, whiny, and gullible. Many of her formative and driving relationships (ie her best friend, her father, and Azriel) also feel like they’re lacking some much needed depth that could create complex motivations.
There’s a lot of different perspectives in the book that the reader is switched between, and, for me, I found that to be almost against the betterment of the story. I think if we had stayed more frequently in the FMC’s POV we would have: a more fleshed out FMC, a more mysterious MMC, more shocking reveals, more mystery in general, the perception of higher stakes, etc. With that being said, Yuriel’s early life recollection chapters were my favorite to read so I did enjoy having that additional context building to a dimensional character.
The last 10% of this book was an absolute roller coaster in the best way possible! I loved all the reveals and that cliffhanger was mean! I’m definitely excited to read more!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me an early copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!!!
June 11, 2026
AHHHHHHHHHHHH THIS WAS SO GOOD ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?!?? Thank you to whoever at NetGalley approved this ARC for me.
Picture this: renaissance era. Knights fighting demons alongside angels. Tension. Forest creatures. Me sitting here reading it with my mouth open.
I was catching flies for the last like 50 pages it was THAT good. JAW. DROPPED.
Picture this: renaissance era. Knights fighting demons alongside angels. Tension. Forest creatures. Me sitting here reading it with my mouth open.
I was catching flies for the last like 50 pages it was THAT good. JAW. DROPPED.
Did Not Finish
June 2, 2026*ARC received through NG*
May 7, 2026
“Even the most wretched souls could masquerade as divine.”
4.75🌟
oh. my. god.
this was nothing short of incredible. I’ve been a fan of Adalyn Grace’s works for a while (hell, my favorite book of all time is written by her) and this just further solidifies my appreciation for her books.
The Wretched Divine is Adalyn’s debut into adult, and I think you can definitely feel that—not necessarily in spice *yet*, but in the tone and setting of the story. This book writes a little bit more somber and morose than the Belladonna series and has many more darker elements, but once you’re able to understand Belladonna and TWD are not the same writing, you’ll cruise straight through this!
I was a little bored during the first half, however, I believe this is partially because of the beginning of every fantasy novel: the pages upon pages of world building, magic systems, hierarchies, etc. because once we got to the action, I was ALL IN!
There was one particular scene that I wasn’t the biggest fan of and skimmed, but honestly? By the end of the book I’m not even against it anymore because it makes sense for that character.
Aurelie is a little bland and I would love to see some more character building in the next book so we can get deeper into the marrow of who she *is*. Now, she’s a badass, so we still like her of course!! Again, will be writing this off as the first book curse.
Aside from those minor points, this was SPECTACULAR. as stated above, this book is an entirely new beast that has many darker themes and elements but I ATE THAT UP.
Yuriel (Yuri) the angel she is bonded to was genuinely so sweet but brooding ahah? And Severin the demon she is bonded to is the comedic relief, keeping this story but tenderhearted and light in the midst of a tortured setting the book seems to carry. And Yuri’s and Severin’s banter is freaking FUNNY fight with the wall. The inn scene? Laughed my ass off.
I honestly cannot wait to see more Yuri/Aurelie/Severin action in these next books because they genuinely make the perfect trio. And the fact that Adalyn says that it’s going to be a love triangle like the Infernal Devices series… and that i SEE IT… don’t talk to me. you cannot make me choose. they must ALL be together or not at all I fear! Like I simply cannot fathom them having to be separated or having permanent bad blood. No. Don’t speak that into existence.
And at this point, I should have expected the plot twists— Adalyn is KNOWN for this— but I still found myself getting whiplash?!?! I guessed a couple of things, but somehow those things MULTIPLIED and grew and then boom… more plot twists!!
As a non-reactive reader, I was gaping and had my hand over my mouth for the last ten percent of the book, most specifically the last 5%.
I cannot wait for book two!! This is one of those times where I’m ecstatic I got a highly anticipated release as an ARC, but at the same time, I have NOBODY TO TALK TO!!! and I have to wait EVEN LONGER for book two!
anywaysssss this was incredible, add it to your tbr or I WILL find you.
thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!!
4.75🌟
oh. my. god.
this was nothing short of incredible. I’ve been a fan of Adalyn Grace’s works for a while (hell, my favorite book of all time is written by her) and this just further solidifies my appreciation for her books.
The Wretched Divine is Adalyn’s debut into adult, and I think you can definitely feel that—not necessarily in spice *yet*, but in the tone and setting of the story. This book writes a little bit more somber and morose than the Belladonna series and has many more darker elements, but once you’re able to understand Belladonna and TWD are not the same writing, you’ll cruise straight through this!
I was a little bored during the first half, however, I believe this is partially because of the beginning of every fantasy novel: the pages upon pages of world building, magic systems, hierarchies, etc. because once we got to the action, I was ALL IN!
There was one particular scene that I wasn’t the biggest fan of and skimmed, but honestly? By the end of the book I’m not even against it anymore because it makes sense for that character.
Aurelie is a little bland and I would love to see some more character building in the next book so we can get deeper into the marrow of who she *is*. Now, she’s a badass, so we still like her of course!! Again, will be writing this off as the first book curse.
Aside from those minor points, this was SPECTACULAR. as stated above, this book is an entirely new beast that has many darker themes and elements but I ATE THAT UP.
Yuriel (Yuri) the angel she is bonded to was genuinely so sweet but brooding ahah? And Severin the demon she is bonded to is the comedic relief, keeping this story but tenderhearted and light in the midst of a tortured setting the book seems to carry. And Yuri’s and Severin’s banter is freaking FUNNY fight with the wall. The inn scene? Laughed my ass off.
I honestly cannot wait to see more Yuri/Aurelie/Severin action in these next books because they genuinely make the perfect trio. And the fact that Adalyn says that it’s going to be a love triangle like the Infernal Devices series… and that i SEE IT… don’t talk to me. you cannot make me choose. they must ALL be together or not at all I fear! Like I simply cannot fathom them having to be separated or having permanent bad blood. No. Don’t speak that into existence.
And at this point, I should have expected the plot twists— Adalyn is KNOWN for this— but I still found myself getting whiplash?!?! I guessed a couple of things, but somehow those things MULTIPLIED and grew and then boom… more plot twists!!
As a non-reactive reader, I was gaping and had my hand over my mouth for the last ten percent of the book, most specifically the last 5%.
I cannot wait for book two!! This is one of those times where I’m ecstatic I got a highly anticipated release as an ARC, but at the same time, I have NOBODY TO TALK TO!!! and I have to wait EVEN LONGER for book two!
anywaysssss this was incredible, add it to your tbr or I WILL find you.
thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!!
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