started the sketches of the bookcovers + found inspiration and started moodboards and stuff

I'm expecting this to come up because of the style I chose for my animation so here are my reasons.

I have read almost 150 books in the past 2,5 years (both ya and adult) so I feel like I've got a good idea of what qualifies as an adult and ya novel now.

There are arguments for both:

adult:

• complex themes (but simplistic handling)

• intricate worldbuilding (but at the cost of the plot and characters)

• sophisticated language and tone

ya:

• lack of character depth and improvement

• plot driven (only cuz it is definitely not character driven)

• simplistic handling of themes

• clear good vs evil

I've compared it too several adult and ya books I've read as to give an idea on why I feel like it is an YA book that wants to be an adult book

First I compared it to Babel by RF Kuang
In this book Kuang delves deeply into themes like colonialism, the violence of imperialism, racism, and the moral dilemmas of academia. She uses intricate historical parallels and heavy philosophical questions to challenge readers, making it thought provoking in ways that sollidify it's stand as an adult novel. The themes are not only central but explored in great depth.
Meanwhile A Master of Djinn also touches on some of these themes but these elements are often woven into the backround rather than explored in depth which makes it fall more to the background which can feel like it lacks the gravitas.

Same goes for the characters. Kuang's characters are very complex with moral conflicts, personal growth and layered relationships. You can see this in the main character robin who grapples with intense inner conflict, betrayal, and identity issues.
For Fatma in the other book this isn't the case. Fatma while a compelling and fun character, is not very developed. Her stroy is driven by external plot points rather than a transformative inner jouney.

The world building is the part where I do think it fits into the category of adult literature, but it overshadows everything which makes it even more clear how lacking it is in the plot and charachter depth.

Secondly I compared it to The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
This book is an epic fantasy. Thematically, it addresses power, gender dynamics, faith, and policial intrige with characters deeply embedden in these tensions. In amod the scope is smaller and more contained focussing on Cairo (which is not a bad thing). The themes, such as colonialism and social justice, are present but explored less deeply and ofter secondairy to the action and adventure.

Shannon's novel features a large cast of multiple POV'S. The multi pov structure allow each characters personal journey and growth to unfold in depth, giving readers insight into their motivation, insecurities and moral struggles. This complexity makes it allign more with the adult literature than amod where Fatma is the primary focus. This ofc doesn't automatically make it a ya book but her arc is less complex with a clear sense of right and wrong that leaves little room for moral ambiguity. The supporting characters are also engaging but lack the development or emotional growth in Priory. The same can be said for Fatma herself.

Thirdly I compared it to the YA book Sofi and the bone song by Adrienne Tooley
Sofi is a ya fantasy that emphasizes character growth, emotional journeys and personal stakes. All of these are features that appeal to a YA audience.
In Sofi her journey is deeply tied to her sense of identity and her struggle to prove her worth. Similarly amod explores Fatmas sense of identity as a young woman in a male-dominated profession. Her journey to solve the mystery while starying true to herself and her values mirror YA themes of personal discovery and navigating complex social dynamics.

In Sofi the main character is a determined, talented protagonis who is dedicated to her art and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her father's legacy. Fatma is similarly strong and independent, breaking norms as one of the few female agents in the Ministry. Fatma's drive and self-assuredness are relatable qualities for ya readers looking for role models of empowerment and independence.

For the plot it is also similar. Amod is a plot driven book that has a clear sense of direction.

In different ways amod shares the qualities YA novels and adult novels. I rest in the middle of it not reaching the adult novel level but also having more adult like aspects than the normal YA standard.
This is why I believe it to be a YA book and not an adult one. Since adult readers would be easily dissapointed and I can't say the same the other way around for YA readers.