Glen Harrington’s debut novel, The Trials of Divinia, invites readers into a richly imagined world of elemental gods, fierce competitions, and high-stakes adventure. With a cast of compelling characters and a story full of twists, this young adult fantasy is perfect for fans of epic trials, mythology, and character-driven storytelling.
About the Book
The Trials of Divinia follows the story of Talon Drakeforge, a lowly drake farmer from the small village of Emberholt. Talon becomes the shock choice of the god of fire, Thoros, to represent his region of Ferroxia in the Celestial Trials – a prestigious annual competition held to determine which of Divinia’s seven regions will rule over the others for the next year. Talon and his friends must overcome rival champions, devious gods, and many other surprises as they navigate a series of challenges and seek to become champions.
Quick Look
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy
Release Date: 13 August 2025
Format: Paperback & eBook
Series: Book 1 of The Chronicles of Divinia
Rating: 5.0/5 (2 ratings)
Why read it
- Epic world-building with elemental gods and mythical regions
- Themes of unity, courage, and compassion
- Engaging YA fantasy adventure with twists and surprises
Q&A with Glen Harrington
What is your book about and what inspired you to write it?
I have always enjoyed fantasy as a genre and The Trials of Divinia was inspired by lots of the stories I read growing up and later as an adult, including the Hunger Games, Divergent, and Shadowhunter series. I also have a love of Greek and Roman mythology which inspired the elemental-themed gods and their role within the story. Writing a story like this has been a lifelong dream and this idea was the one which finally got me there.
When did you start writing, and why publish now?
I have been writing all my life – I enjoyed creative writing at school and would write fan fiction for books and television series I enjoyed, particularly Harry Potter, as I didn’t want the stories to end. As a teenager I pursued a career in sports journalism and would use my love of storytelling for describing football and cricket matches. For the past 10 years I have worked in marketing and communications for a children’s charity. I decided to write this book around the time of the birth of my second child – with the pressure at work and home steadily increasing, I needed a world which I could escape into during the quiet moments, and a project of my own which I could be passionate about.
Which character was the most fun—or most challenging—to write, and why?
I really enjoyed writing Cassian – who doesn’t love the cocky rival with a secret heart of gold! Having such a big supporting cast really allowed me to branch out and include lots of different personalities and characters which I hope readers would really enjoy.
What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your book?
The main theme of the book is unity in diversity – though the regions are divided by gods, landscapes, and values, the Trials bring their champions together, showing that cooperation and respect across differences are possible. Other themes include freedom vs control, identity and expectations, and corruption of power.
The main message is that true strength is not domination. The Trials of Divinia shows that true greatness lies not in conquering others, but in the courage to defy expectation, embrace compassion, and unite across division.
Were there any real-life experiences that influenced your story or characters?
There are lots of small influences – from things I have read and watched, to real people and experiences – but there is no one single major influence.
What is your favourite trial?
Mine is the Dreamer’s Crucible (Chapter 20) – I had the concept very early on and loved how it came together when writing it.
Do you have a favorite quote or moment from the book you’d like to share?
My favourite moment is the Champions’ dinner (Chapter 15) – a brief respite from the competition, a chance to develop characters and subvert established norms and expectations.
I also really liked writing the attempted murder reveal (or non-reveal) when the main suspect is proven innocent by a highly surprising source (Chapter 17).
What was the biggest challenge in writing or publishing it?
I wrote the first 10 chapters without knowing the ending! Once I realised the project had potential, I planned out the rest of the story, and then had to retrospectively rewrite the first half to make it all tie together. But I loved the experience and wouldn’t have changed any of it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The Trials of Divinia is the first in a planned series – a trilogy, a sequel trilogy, and two standalone prequels – to be known as The Chronicles of Divinia. I also plan on writing short companion stories which I will release for free on my website: www.thechroniclesofdivinia.co.uk.
Fun Facts About Glen Harrington & The Trials of Divinia
- Glen wrote the first 10 chapters without knowing the ending!
- He draws inspiration from Greek and Roman mythology, blending it with modern YA fantasy tropes.
- The Trials of Divinia is Book 1 of a planned series, with a sequel trilogy and standalone prequels on the horizon.
- Glen maintains a strong connection with readers via his website and Instagram: @trialsofdivinia.
Reviews
Lydia Norton – 5.0/5 stars
“An excellent read. I couldn’t put it down. A cross between Hunger Games and Divergent in all the best ways. The character development and plot twists are so exciting. I can’t wait to read what happens next.”
Where to Find the Book
- Amazon
- Author Website
- Instagram: @trialsofdivinia
About the Author
Glen Harrington is a YA fantasy author from Loughborough, England. He published his debut novel in August 2025 and plans a full series within The Chronicles of Divinia.
Glen Harrington’s debut blends adventure, mythology, and compelling characters, making The Trials of Divinia a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy. Dive into the Celestial Trials today and follow Talon Drakeforge on his epic journey!
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