My Top 5: Influences That Inspired the GwenSeven Saga (Part 2)

When people ask what inspired the GwenSeven Saga, the answer isn’t just other books. It’s a mix of science fiction, fantasy, film, and real-world science storytelling. As a sci-fi fantasy author, I pull inspiration from anywhere that expands my imagination and challenges what we think is possible.

If you’re into #BookTok, sci-fi worlds, space exploration, or fantasy storytelling, these influences will give you a deeper look into what helped shape the GwenSeven universe.

This is Part 2 of my 3-part series:

• Part 1: Top 5 books that shaped me as an author

• Part 2: My Top 5 influences that inspired GwenSeven (you’re here)

• Part 3 (coming next): The authors and creators I keep up with

1. The one I won’t name…

There’s one major influence I’m intentionally leaving out because it gives away the ending to Drawing the Dragon. Bonus points if you can figure it out. Let me know on the Part 2 post on Instagram: @authorapriladams

2. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

The gold standard for epic world-building. The depth, the history, the sense of scale. It’s something every fantasy writer studies whether they realize it or not.

3. Star Wars

The blend of science fiction and mythology is something I’ve always loved. It proves you can tell deeply human stories on a massive, galaxy-spanning scale.

4. The Universe, Documentary Series

This series fed my curiosity about space, scale, and the unknown. It’s hard not to think bigger after watching it.

5. Through the Wormhole, with Morgan Freeman

A huge inspiration when it comes to exploring the “what ifs” of science: reality, time, and the nature of existence itself.

These influences helped shape the tone of GwenSeven. You'll find a mix of expansive sci-fi, grounded human emotion, and big “what if” questions about the universe.

If you love space-driven stories, immersive fantasy worlds, and high-stakes adventure, you’ll start to see exactly where those threads connect.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where I share the authors, scientists, and creators I constantly follow to keep pushing my ideas further.

Thank you for following along this three part series about my influences and book recommendations. Want to know something else? Let me know HERE.

Follow along on social: @authorapriladams (FB, IG, TT, X)