Adalyn Grace Draws on Attack on Titan and Brandon Sanderson for New Dark Fantasy Trilogy
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Bestselling author Adalyn Grace discusses how anime hits like Attack on Titan and epic fantasy builders like Brandon Sanderson inspired her upcoming adult fantasy debut, The Wretched Divine.
Bestselling author Adalyn Grace is making her adult fantasy debut this September with The Wretched Divine, a high-stakes epic that drew massive publisher interest before landing a major seven-figure deal. Launching a brand new trilogy, the book leans heavily into the sprawling worldbuilding and intricate lore popularized by authors like Brandon Sanderson. Grace has also cited major inspiration from iconic anime series, shaping her dark fantasy narrative around the sweeping action and relentless tension found in Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer.
The narrative centers on an ancient war between angels and demons, with the latter embodying the seven deadly sins. Grace points to formative influences like Fullmetal Alchemist when exploring how complex, monstrous entities can still harbor profoundly human vulnerabilities shaped by prejudice, faith, and fear. For readers and creators who appreciate rich multimedia storytelling where lore spans across deeply immersive universes, this upcoming release offers plenty of connective tissue to the cinematic styles dominating modern entertainment.
Polygon recently published an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 7, introducing the angel Yuriel as he tracks a dangerous demon through a tense banquet hall setting. The full novel hits shelves on September 22, setting the stage for what publishers expect to be one of the year's defining fantasy hits. You can read the original preview and check out the chapter excerpt over at Polygon.
Tags: Books, Fantasy, Anime, Adalyn Grace, Polygon
Original article: Polygon