📖 Overview
A.M. Strickland is a contemporary young adult fantasy author known for writing dark, queer-themed fantasy novels. Their debut novel "Beyond the Black Door" was published in 2019 by Imprint/Macmillan.
In Their Bright Ascendency trilogy, starting with "Beyond the Black Door," Strickland explores themes of identity, sexuality, and power through the lens of dark fantasy. The series features asexual representation and complex world-building centered around soul magic.
Strickland's work consistently incorporates LGBTQ+ themes and characters, with particular attention to ace-spectrum representation in young adult literature. Their writing style is characterized by gothic elements and intricate magical systems.
Their contributions to young adult literature have helped expand representation in the fantasy genre, particularly for asexual readers. Strickland continues to write in the young adult fantasy space, focusing on inclusive storytelling and dark fantasy elements.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Strickland's incorporation of LGBTQ+ representation, particularly asexual and aromantic characters. Several reviews note the authentic portrayal of asexual identity in "Beyond the Black Door," with one reader stating "finally seeing myself represented in fantasy."
The dark fantasy elements and world-building receive positive mentions, with readers highlighting the soul magic system and gothic atmosphere. One Goodreads reviewer called the writing "atmospheric and immersive."
Common criticisms include pacing issues, with some readers finding the plot slow in the middle sections. A few reviews mention difficulty connecting with certain characters or following the complex magic rules.
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: "Beyond the Black Door" - 3.7/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.1/5 (100+ reviews)
The majority of negative reviews focus on plot structure rather than representation or writing style. Multiple readers mention wanting more development of side characters and clearer explanations of the magic system mechanics.
📚 Books by A.M. Strickland
In the Ravenous Dark - A dark fantasy novel following a blood mage who must navigate court politics while being bound to an undead guardian.
Beyond the Black Gate - A standalone YA fantasy about a girl who makes a bargain with Death and must complete three impossible tasks.
The Drowning Dark - A YA fantasy novel that follows a siren hunter who becomes entangled with the very creatures she was trained to kill.
In This Blessed Season - A short story set in a world where seasonal magic determines social status, featuring a forbidden romance between two young women.
A Crown of Moonlight - A fantasy novella about an assassin who discovers her target is a fae prince with ties to her own forgotten past.
Beyond the Black Gate - A standalone YA fantasy about a girl who makes a bargain with Death and must complete three impossible tasks.
The Drowning Dark - A YA fantasy novel that follows a siren hunter who becomes entangled with the very creatures she was trained to kill.
In This Blessed Season - A short story set in a world where seasonal magic determines social status, featuring a forbidden romance between two young women.
A Crown of Moonlight - A fantasy novella about an assassin who discovers her target is a fae prince with ties to her own forgotten past.
👥 Similar authors
Margaret Rogerson writes dark YA fantasy with slow-burn romance and fae elements. Her standalone novels feature morally complex characters navigating supernatural worlds, similar to Strickland's blend of gothic atmosphere and relationship development.
Holly Black focuses on dangerous fae courts and mortal protagonists drawn into supernatural politics. Her books contain similar themes of power dynamics, queer representation, and flawed characters making difficult choices.
C.L. Polk creates fantasy worlds with magic systems and political intrigue that incorporate LGBTQ+ relationships. Their books feature complex character dynamics and dark themes while exploring issues of identity and power.
Melissa Caruso writes fantasy with intricate magic systems and political machinations. Her work includes morally gray characters navigating complex relationships and power structures while questioning societal expectations.
Victoria Lee creates dark academia fantasy with gothic elements and queer representation. Their books deal with similar themes of identity, power imbalances, and characters discovering their place in supernatural worlds.
Holly Black focuses on dangerous fae courts and mortal protagonists drawn into supernatural politics. Her books contain similar themes of power dynamics, queer representation, and flawed characters making difficult choices.
C.L. Polk creates fantasy worlds with magic systems and political intrigue that incorporate LGBTQ+ relationships. Their books feature complex character dynamics and dark themes while exploring issues of identity and power.
Melissa Caruso writes fantasy with intricate magic systems and political machinations. Her work includes morally gray characters navigating complex relationships and power structures while questioning societal expectations.
Victoria Lee creates dark academia fantasy with gothic elements and queer representation. Their books deal with similar themes of identity, power imbalances, and characters discovering their place in supernatural worlds.