This book exceeded my expectations when reading it. It reminded me of From Blood and Ash, but for a Young Adult style audience. I thoroughly enjoyed the LGBTQ+ representation in this book with a pansexual female main and polyamorous presentation in a healthy, non-conflict manner. And Japha stole the show! I fell in love with the fact they were nonbinary and asexual. It made them a unique and interesting character that I couldn’t help but develop an emotional attachment.
I think my only complaint is that I wish it was more than one book. I would have loved to see this book as a trilogy instead. It would have allowed for slowing down and enjoying some of the simpler moments in the book. However, the pacing is strong, and I finished the book satisfied with the ending. I just wanted to linger in the world a little longer for my own sake.

*Review contains mild spoilers* I was so excited to be approved for an early copy of this book. The description made the book sound so unique and a new and fresh contemporary fantasy. I read a little over 100 pages before I decided to DNF because while I found the world interesting and the magic system unique, I wasn't a fan of the writing. To me, the dialogue was very cringy at times and there was no conviction behind anything the characters did. I loved the prologue; I thought that was the best part of what I read, I wanted more badass bloodmage scenes, and I know being within the royal palace is a main part of the plot, but it was pretty boring. I'm super sad I didn't end up enjoying the part that I read, but I know many of the other early reviews are stellar, so if it sounds interesting to you then definitely check it out regardless of my opinion!

I love a good dark fantasy book, so it’s no surprise that I ate this one up! Rovan is a bloodmage but has hidden her powers since her father was murdered in front of her. She hated what magic brought, what it represented to her. One thing leads to another and she is exposed. Her exposure leads to being bound to a keeper… and finds out that maybe the magical world isn’t quite what she thought but she’s the perfect one to upend everything when secrets come out.

Love, love, love this book! I didn’t feel like the book dragged at all; the storyline just kept chugging along and there was plenty of action. Rovan is such a tumultuous character and yet seeing the journey, the inner struggle added to the plot. There were several other stand-out characters with their own personalities you may love, hate, or love to hate. Overall, quite the adventure!

This book offers readers a fast-paced dark fantasy with action, sexual tension, and deep characters. It is also an own voices, lgbtq+, and polyamory read. I very highly recommend it!

What a great book! In the Ravenous Dark is a story of a girl who is hiding that she is a bloodmage so that she won't be taken by the king to be a soldier. In the first chapter she watches her father killed by the guards for being an unwarded bloodmage, and then we flash 12 years in the future when she is found out herself. In this land, all bloodmages (people with magic) are warded to a spirit to protect themselves and the people around them.

This book was so much fun to read. Not only do we have a great cast of characters but the plot took me places I never thought I would go! The worldbuilding was also fantastic, I felt like I could see so much in this book, even of the places we never got to travel to. Each character was written so diversely and felt like they worked great together, even if they were enemies. Our main character is pansexual, but there are also characters that are gay, trans, ace - and it didn't feel like lgbt+ bingo.

We also have the age old favorite trope of Enemies to Lovers - which actually worked great here. Also an arranged marriage. And a healthy polyamorous relationship.

The pacing felt a bit off. The first60% of the book seemed to have a steady pace, not the fasted but not horribly slow either. But the last part of the book felt like it was trying to shove too many things into it. Around 75% a big twist happens, and I felt like I was suffering from whip lash the rest of the book because of it. I hate to say it because I love standalone fantasy books, but I really felt like this could have really succeeded as a series, especially with how much went down at the end.

I would recommend this book to 14-17 year old fans of YA fantasy. There were some one page sex scenes but they were very much fade to black; and while there was some gore/blood it was described in a way that didn't make it gross. I think most people would enjoy this story, it fell into some ya fantasy romance tropes, but was never to the point of making my eyes roll.

My final thought is the last chapter wrapped everything up too perfectly for my taste. I understand that that is something I don't like, and that many people will be happy with how it ended.

In conclusion - I really loved this book. The writing was easy to read, but not too easy, I fell in love with the characters, and the plot was unique and interesting. I totally recommend!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Blood. Magic. Death. Kisses upon kisses upon kisses for everyone who wants them. A girl and her ghost buddy, tag teaming against the universe, killing those alive and in the afterlife. In the Ravenous Dark has it all. If you like books with kissing, just imagine one where everyone gets kissed and GUESS WHAT? No one gets jealous. No one gets angry. Everyone is happy to share the kissing and the love.

It's not very often you get a book like this, that loves LOVE and doesn't try to hide it. Moving well past the YA novels of the late 2000s/early 2010s where love triangles and jealous lovers were the trend, In the Ravenous Dark shows us the future: where books can be downright bloody and dark, but also blissfully unapologetic in their romance. Strickland shows us just how diverse books SHOULD be, where it's not even an afterthought, or even a major plot point, but just part of the novel's worldbuilding, feeling as a natural as anything else.

I will post the natural CW of: blood, mentions of rape, mentions of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and death. However, it's all done tastefully and not gratuitously. Strickland knows their craft well and handles each with care.

Within In the Ravenous Dark, Rovan quickly finds out her father is still alive and that the bloodline and magic she has inherited from him may be stronger than anyone has seen before. She is capable of more than anyone, even the Skylleans (where the bloodlines originated from) expected. When she is forced to accept her fate far earlier than she wants, she's bound to a four hundred year old guardian named Ivrilos, which she won't deny is kind of easy on the eyes, even if he isn't corporeal. Throw on top of that a newfound relationship with the Princess and a betrothal to someone horrific and Rovan is throwing herself head on into the chaos of Thanopolis' chaotic world. The deeper she gets involved and the more she discovers, the faster she realizes the fate of the world, and those she loves, is at stake. It gets heartwrenchingly dark, but follows it up moments of romance so touching, you too will want to cry tiny droplets of blood without realizing that's something you're capable of doing now, as well.

It's made me a beggar for more books with kissing, between everyone and anyone. The world needs more kisses and I hope this novel is the start of that trend. Too much of life is spent being jealous. Kiss who you want to kiss, you know?

In Thanopolis, bloodmages are prized possessions of the King. They’re bound to guardians from the underworld to both protect … and to control them. Rovan’s father died trying to save her from this very fate, so she has spent her life having to hide her magic. However, when she accidently reveals her powers, she’s captured and thrown into a court of intrigue.

Be still my heart. As soon as I heard In the Ravenous Dark pitched as a story about a pansexual bloodmage, I was sold instantly. I love any book related to necromancy, so the blood and death magic components were completely up my alley.

I also really enjoyed the characters and the relationships in this book! Rovan is great as an MC. She’s flawed, impulsive, and filled with sass and wit. Not to mention, the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Rovan and her ghostly guardian was probably my favorite aspect of the book.

However, I do feel like this book suffers from serious pacing issues. The story starts off incredibly strong with a fantastic hook. Then it suffers from a mid-novel slump with balls and tutor lessons, and by the second half, it becomes kind of a hectic mess with rushed character and plot developments. To be honest, I feel like a lot of my main gripes would have been resolved if the story had been told as a duology instead of a standalone—especially since it feels like the story also has 2 separate climaxes.

Pacing issues aside though, In the Ravenous Dark is an enjoyable queer fantasy filled with multi-faceted characters, delicious dark magic, and a steamy ghost romance.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

In the Ravenous Dark piqued my interest with the first lines of the blurb: “pansexual bloodmage reluctantly teams up with an undead spirit to start a rebellion among the living and the dead.” Yes, please! Add to this that the world is unapologetically queer friendly for the most part, even featuring a polyamorous (MFF) relationship, a non-binary supporting character, and other characters representing myriad shades of the LGBTQIA + rainbow.

Rovan is exactly the sort of protagonist that intrigues me: complex and messy. She’s dealing with the fallout from her father’s murder, caring for her mother, and hiding her identity as a bloodmage. I loved her arc over the course of the story, as she builds a new found-family around her and rebuilds herself.

And I really enjoyed both of her love interests. Her relationship with Ivrilos does have a bit of a power imbalance, but she holds her own very well. And while I did feel that the relationship with Lydea was a bit instalovey, I still enjoyed them together for the most part. And it’s so nice to read a YA that doesn’t make the lead choose between the two love interests for the sake of prolonged drama, when both are valid options.

While this appears to be stand-alone, I’m interested in what Strickland writes next, especially if it’s just as queer. If you’re looking for a dark queer YA/NA fantasy, I think you’ll love this one.

I was really excited about this book and it did not disappoint.

**Trigger Warning...There is a lot of blood. If Blood magick is not your thing, this is not your book.**

Do not miss this amazing new read! Fast-paced with great character building and a wonderfully developed world...it will for sure take you on an adventure.

"A pan-sexual bloodmage reluctantly teams up with with an undead spirit to start a rebellion among the living and the dead."

Yep, that sums things up pretty well! In the Ravenous Dark is a decadent morsel of a book. Fast-paced, deliciously dark and bloody, filled with magic and death....highly recommend. Especially if you enjoy "unlikeable" heroines who refuse to fall in line, fight to their last breath, but are secretly soft with the people they truly care for. Rovan is exactly that and I love her, flaws and all.

In Thanopolis those gifted with blood magic must be controlled, and ever since seeing her powerful father die as a young girl, Rovan has been hiding her true nature. But a horrible mistake lands her in the sights of the royals. I don't want to give a lot of details because this is a book you just need to experience, but I loved it. It takes on misogyny and patriarchy, has all the queer rep, from a fabulous non-binary side character (ownvoices) to our pansexual, polyamorous heroine and more. It was a fantastic page turner of a book with some solid twists and a satisfying ending, as well as a good bit of angst, longing, betrayal, kissing, and more (note that there is some on-page sex though it is not explicitly described). I loved it and definitely would recommend. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

And because this author is the absolute best, they have provided a review with thorough content warnings! Check it out here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Rainbows and Sunshine Book Blog
May 6, 2021
Rep: pansexual MC, lesbian LI, non binary ace best friend, polyamory (m/f/f), queer side characters

In the Ravenous Dark is fantastic standalone novel with romance and lots of blood! I must say, I did not expect to love it this much but it was morbid, creepy and absolutely spectacular.

The world building is really rich and intricate and I love casually queer the book it. Rovan is a great main character and one that is easily relatable. Her sassy one-liners were so good! The entire book is from her POV except for a chapter. I devoured this book!!!

The relationships in this book are one of my favourites. I really loved Rovan's relationships with Lydea and Ivrilos. But I think Japha might have stolen my heart! Their fashion *chefs kiss*

Rovan, Lydea and Ivrilos with Japha has a an amazing bond and if you love found family, polyamory, stunning world building, blood magic, dark fantasy and a romance that transcends death, then this book is perfect for you!

This is a new adult romance with a gripping plot that makes you addicted! It is a long book but the fast pace setting and beautiful writing made me fly through the pages.

CW: Blood, gore, mention of suicide, threat of rape, death, violence, alcohol

*ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

I started reading this the same day I got it because I've been so excited for this and it DELIVERED. There are so many things I want to talk about, but they're spoilers, so instead I'll say that this is one of the gayest books I've ever read - a pansexual lead! An f/f couple! An asexual, non-binary character! There's some polyamory! This book is NOT HERE TO PLAY when it comes to The Gay Agenda.

But it's also so dark. Rovan starts out as this alcoholic, slutty, queer weaver who's trying to grapple with her father's brutal murder by the government and keep her and her mother going while hiding that she's a bloodmage and things get REAL INTENSE from there. It's goth and bloody and dark. There's a hot dead guy. There's a major mystery. There's a really intricate family tree.

And through it all, Rovan finds her family. She finds love and acceptance and figures out pieces of herself. Her character arc is truly extraordinary in ways I can't fully explain without spoilers.

On top of that, Strickland keeps this humor throughout the story. Things were bloody and grotesque and I'm cringing away, but then Rovan makes a joke that's so true to her character - and the way a lot of us handle difficult things - and I'd laugh. It's a difficult line to walk when you're writing a book that gets so dark to still bring in this humor and this light, but Strickland does it.

This is truly one of the most special books I've ever read. It's so unique and so groundbreaking for YA and I cannot wait for y'all to read it.

Thank you for the e-arc!

This was spooky and dark and full of vicious queers... which is my favorite type.

Must read!

Thank you to Fierce Reads for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

In the Ravenous Dark follows pansexual bloodmage, Rovan. Her father died when she was a child, and she's spent the years since with her mom in Thanapolois, hiding her bloodmage gift. Until one day she falls off a roof with the girl she's been seeing and saves her with her bloodmage gift.

But in Thanapolis, those with the gift are bound to a spirit, a guardian. And when she arrives at the palace, she is forced to learn her abilities and live amongst royalty, falling for a princess and her brooding guardian.

So, first of all, the magic system in this world is AMAZING, and it's so well written, It was explained so quickly and thoroughly, which was a nice change of pace for a fantasy! I loved the LGBTQIA+ rep and how open everyone seemed to be about, despite the gender roles of child bearing and court.

Ivrilos was such a well written character, and I love his dynamic with Rovan. Overall, I thought all of the characters were well flushed out, and the world building was fantastic. And honestly, i love that it was a standalone! I will say quite a bit of it read as adult. If NA were a genre, this would fit right in. Overall just above a 4 star for me, but not quite 5.

CW: blood and death

You can pretty much summon me with blood magic, ancient Greek influences, and queer fantasy. One of my favorite elements of In the Ravenous Dark was the queerness. Not only is Rovan pansexual (YAY!), but there are is so much casual queerness all across the spectrum and also features a polyamorous relationship! Major win on that front and it was also just so lovely to read about this queer accepting fantasy world. The characters in In the Ravenous Dark have to my favorite element with my faves being Rovan and Lydea.

Rovan's character development, while I would have liked a bit more space for it to bloom, was one of my favorite elements. As readers we are able to see her grow, make mistakes, and find fuel for her fire. Embrace your power and let it all burn - is the mantra I have for every book basically. Especially in a system where women are used and hides dark secrets in every corner. I also loved the found family that Strickland highlights, and celebrates. I also really loved the, what I thought was, Greek inspirations in the world!

World-building is intricate and well done, and the magic system is unique and intriguing. If you're up for an atmospheric read, then you'll enjoy this. Also I fully appreciate the LQBTQIA+ rep, and the characterization is great as well. Everything makes for an exciting and thrilling read. Definitely getting this for our collection.

I can honestly say I have never read anything quite like In the Ravenous Dark. The queer representation alone makes it worthy of picking up. A little creepy and violent for my normal tastes, but somehow I still couldn't put it down.

A wonderfully dark, incredibly LGBTQ+ inclusive novel that confused me at first with what was going on, but when I got into it I really got into it. Also, absolutely love to see poly-amorous representation.

In the Ravenous Dark follows Rovan, whose father died while trying to protect her from her fate of being controlled as a magic-wielder. After accidentally exposing her powers, she’s sent into a world of deception. In her plans to escape, she falls for Lydea and Ivrilios, two people she can’t trust. But together, they discover a secret that will destroy Thanopolis, and the three must gain each other’s trust in order to save them all.

I’m quite a fan of dark fantasy novels, so books like In the Ravenous Dark always catch my interest. It features many unique aspects in its storytelling, and while I enjoyed this book overall, it’s certainly proved a difficult one to review! There were several aspects of this book that I enjoyed, but in the same breath, there are ways this story could have been executed that would have held my attention so much more.

To start, I really liked the worldbuilding throughout this book. Once Rovan is in the process of discovering her powers as a magic-wielder, we see just how in-depth this world is in terms of how magic is controlled and the lineages behind them. I really liked how the book continually builds on this information as the story progresses, and even though most of it is taught via explaining it to Rovan, I feel like it gave the story so much depth.

I really liked the characters as well. Rovan in particular was a really well-balanced character. For someone that is settling into her powers, her character demonstrates that growth so well. I tend to not be a fan of characters who are new to their powers and skillset and show perfection on day one, so I thought In the Ravenous Dark portrayed this really well.

Additionally, I (for the most part) liked the relationships and representation behind them in In the Ravenous Dark. This book features a polyamorous relationship, which is something I’ve yet to come across in many books. There was one part of this relationship where I found there to be a big power imbalance which I wasn’t much of a fan of. But overall, I thought the relationships between these characters were represented so well.

I think what I would have liked to see more of in In the Ravenous Dark comes more to personal preference than anything. Earlier, I mentioned how much explaining is done in this book to create worldbuilding. Personally, I also like that to mix with personal discovery and descriptions of scenery and the like, which helps me fall into a book’s setting a bit better. There were some really cool scenes in this book as well (i.e. ballroom scenes), but when books focus more on dialogue I find it harder to settle into the book. But, if flowery, descriptive writing annoys you, In the Ravenous Dark would be a better pick.

All in all, In the Ravenous Dark was a very unique dark fantasy with great representation – there were just a few things I would have preferred in terms of execution! I’d tend to recommend this more towards those who enjoy dark fantasy with romance. Just be wary of content warnings going in for darker themes and violence/gore/blood.

From almost the first page, I knew I was going to love this book. The characters are interesting, and intriguing, and fun to read about. The writing is engaging and snappy, and the plot has great pace. And the world building - oh my god, the world building. Strickland's world is absolutely incredible. Based off Ancient Greece/Rome, the magic is expertly woven through, and I would give a lot to be able to spend some time here.

AM Strickland is new to me but dear god am I happy that I know her! This book will be absolutely amazing when it releases! Others are going to love this bloody, queer read!