2023 saw manyfantasyromance novels go viral, but two of the most popular BookTok sensations wereFourth WingandDivine Rivals. The two books gained much traction among readers when first released, especially when their sequels,Iron FlameandRuthless Vows, were published in the same year. ForFourth Wing, the hype continued into the following year as the story was far from finished, and anticipation for thethird book in the Empyrean Series,Onyx Storm, brought love for it to new heights. However, the hype forDivine Rivals, being a duology, eventually fell off after its sequel’s release.
The BookTok community rapidly moves on from book to book, so a duology with only two novels, while well-received upon publication, can quickly be forgottenin the sea of newer recommendations. Ironically, this coincides with the increase in duologies in general — yet other examples have maintained popularity through additional writings by the author. However, it looks likeDivine Rivalsis about to get a leg up in the romantasy space, as author Rebecca Ross has announced her new book,Wild Reverence, will live within the same world as herLetters of Enchantment duology.
2 Years After Going Viral On BookTok, Divine Rivals Is Getting A New Spinoff Book
Wild Reverence Is Expected To Release In September
Two years later, Ross is revisiting the world she built within the viralDivine Rivalswith her new release,Wild Reverence. Thefantasy romance standalonewill dive deeper into the world of the gods and goddesses featured in the previous books, and introduce readers toa young goddess named Matilda, who is blessed with humble messenger magic, allowing her to carry words and letters through the realms.While she must be careful to hide in a world where the gods are known to kill each other to steal power, she holds onto one dangerous secret.
The premise of Matilda’s power in delivering letters is a nod to one of the most beloved parts ofDivine Rivalsand its sequel.
Vincent of Beckett used to dream of Matilda when he was young, befriending the goddess despite the two never meeting in person. However, after Vincent wrote to Matilda asking for help in a time of need and received no response, the boy grew into a hardened man who forgot all about her — until Matilda comes crashing through his bedroom window. Ross' new spinoff fits well within the world of the Letters of Enchantment duology, as the premise of Matilda’s power in delivering letters is a nod to one of the most beloved parts ofDivine Rivalsand its sequel.
Rebecca Ross' New Divine Rivals Book Could Reclaim The First Installment’s Success
Wild Reverence’s Release Gives Readers More To Look Forward To
AfterDivine RivalsandRuthless Vows’viral success among romantasy readers in 2023, Rebecca Ross’Wild Reverencecould be met with the same enthusiasm, recreating the first installment’s success. One of the reasons hype around the original duology has died down in recent months is that the story was seemingly finished. But, now that readers have more to look forward to,the hype surroundingDivine Rivalsitself could surge once again. Additionally, while the original duology is categorized as young adult,Wild Reverencewill be Ross' first adult novel.
BookTok’s Other Viral 2023 Fantasy Book Should Be As Big As Fourth Wing (& Why It Isn’t)
Fourth Wing isn’t the only fantasy book to go viral on TikTok in 2023, but the popularity of BookTok’s other hit wasn’t as long-lived.
TheDivine Rivalsduology may not have originally attracted readers who prefer a bit ofspice in their romantasy novels, butWild Reverence’s adult categorization will likely open the series up to a whole new audience — and inspire readers to give Ross' other fantasy novels a try. There’s a while to wait for Ross' adultfantasyromance to release, but high praise for the original duology and continued anticipation for the next few months will only further propelWild Reverenceto matchDivine Rivals' initial publishing success among fans and critics.
