Rebecca Ross has been harboring a secret, much like the protagonists in her stories.

During her recent book tour, the acclaimed author of the young adult romantasy novel “Divine Rivals” was frequently asked by fans if she considered expanding the universe with a spin-off focusing on the gods’ characters.

Unbeknownst to them, she had indeed been pondering this, jotting down her thoughts in her notebook. As is common for many fantasy writers, she had “left several doors and windows ajar,” Ross shares with YSL News.

Now, she’s thrilled to announce the release of “Wild Reverence,” a spin-off set in the same universe as “Divine Rivals” and its sequel “Ruthless Vows.” While the previous books fall into the young adult genre, “Wild Reverence,” scheduled for publication on September 2, will cater to an adult audience.

Bestselling Author Rebecca Ross Unveils Spin-Off ‘Wild Reverence’

Ross’ promotional team describes the novel as “‘Circe’ meets ‘Kushiel’s Dart’, with a dash of ‘Divine Rivals.’” According to Ross, the book presents an “epic yet intimate feeling.”

“Wild Reverence” narrates the tale of Matilda, a divine messenger tasked with delivering letters between realms. When she takes on a mission from Death to deliver a letter to a mortal lord who is destined to die, she finds out that this man is Vincent, her childhood friend she lost long ago. Rather than complete her assignment, Matilda opts to assist him in evading his fate while falling into a forbidden love and grappling with whether to tap into the darker aspects of her magic. To save him, she risks her eternal life and her heart.

This narrative occurs 600 years prior to the events of “Divine Rivals,” within a medieval landscape, where it explores the political dynamics of the divine and underling gods alongside their connections to humans.

“I wouldn’t exactly label it a prequel because it stands alone, but readers of ‘Divine Rivals’ will certainly recognize some characters,” Ross explains. “I also aimed to create a story for those who may not have read ‘Divine Rivals’ or ‘Ruthless Vows.’”

The concept for “Wild Reverence” emerged from the magical typewriters featured in “Divine Rivals,” which facilitated the protagonists’ connection and love story.

“I thought, ‘This is an enchanting element to explore in these tales; can I trace it back to the goddess who inspired it?’” Ross shares. “That’s how I discovered Matilda’s character.”

Readers can expect a blend of beloved romance themes, including childhood friendships blossoming into love, slow-burning romance, and even a fake marriage scenario. Matilda and Vincent’s romance is a star-crossed affair – with Matilda being immortal and Vincent, mortal.

Prepare to be charmed by their story. Matilda is the offspring of a lesser goddess and a skyward god she’s never met, torn between two feuding realms and brought up by a battle-hardened foster father. Conversely, Vincent grew up in a mortal household that didn’t revere the gods, forming a friendship with Matilda, who visited him in dreams. Reunited after more than ten years, he is a gruff, cynical lord who desperately needs her help yet struggles to admit it.

The hardcover edition will include a gold-foiled jacket and an interior illustration featuring Vincent and Matilda surrounded by flowers, paying tribute to the covers of “Divine Rivals” and “Ruthless Vows.” Ross is particularly excited for fans to experience the beautifully illustrated endpapers.

Rebecca Ross’s Creative Process: ‘Yearning’ Music and Therapy Chickens

Writing “Wild Reverence” marks the first occasion where Ross has created two romantic leads who share a childhood past. This presented a fascinating challenge, allowing her to delve into how time and tough circumstances can transform people, especially after dedicating the last few years to Iris and Roman, the leads of “Divine Rivals” and “Ruthless Vows.”

So, what sparked her inspiration for “Wild Reverence”? One part of her creative process involves stepping outside to observe her six chickens as they roam, ruminating on scenes and character developments while recording her thoughts on her phone.

“They serve as my little therapy animals,” she chuckles.

Ross also enjoys taking long walks to ignite her creativity, crafting playlists for her novels. The playlist for “Wild Reverence” is filled with “wistful, yearning” tracks, including “Roslyn” by Bon Iver, “A Moment Apart” by ODESZA, and an instrumental rendition of “Matilda” by Harry Styles.

Discover Your Next Read with YSL News Books

Whether you’re looking for recommendations or simply want to explore different genres, YSL News Books has something for everyone. If you enjoy romantasy, you might like our suggestions following “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros. For something lighter with lovable characters, consider delving into a “cozy mystery” or “cozy fantasy” book. Don’t forget to check out our most anticipated reads for 2025, or browse through YSL News’s Best-selling Booklist for popular titles.

Clare Mulroy is  News’s Books Reporter, covering exciting releases, interviewing authors, and exploring the literary culture.