A.K. Larkwood

A.K. Larkwood is a British fantasy author best known for The Serpent Gates series, which began with her 2020 debut novel "The Unspoken Name." Prior to becoming a published novelist, Larkwood worked as a legal professional in London. She holds a degree in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Cambridge. "The Unspoken Name" gained attention for its blend of epic fantasy and science fiction elements, featuring an orc priestess who chooses to abandon her destined sacrificial death to become a warrior-servant. The second book in the series, "The Thousand Eyes," was released in 2022. Larkwood's work has been noted for its exploration of LGBTQ+ themes and complex character relationships within fantasy settings. She currently lives in Oxford, England with her wife and cat.

Readers praise Larkwood's unique world-building that blends fantasy and science fiction elements through portal travel and magical technology. Many reviewers highlight the nuanced LGBTQ+ representation and complex character relationships. What readers liked: - Fresh take on orc characters and fantasy tropes - Detailed magic system and world mechanics - Natural integration of queer characters and relationships - Strong character development, particularly the protagonist Csorwe - Immersive prose style What readers disliked: - Pacing issues in the middle sections - Complex names and terms that some found difficult to follow - Some found the plot structure unconventional and hard to track Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: The Unspoken Name - 3.9/5 (15,000+ ratings) The Thousand Eyes - 4.1/5 (3,000+ ratings) Amazon: The Unspoken Name - 4.3/5 The Thousand Eyes - 4.4/5 One reader noted: "The worldbuilding feels like traditional fantasy got mixed with Dying Earth sci-fi in the best possible way." Others compared the tone to Le Guin's Earthsea series.

The Unspoken Name (2020) An orc priestess abandons her fate as a sacrificial offering to become a warrior-servant for a powerful wizard, launching the first entry in The Serpent Gates series.

The Thousand Eyes (2022) The second installment in The Serpent Gates series follows mercenary Csorwe and her companions as they confront an ancient power threatening multiple worlds.

Tamsyn Muir combines space fantasy with necromancy and features complex queer relationships between characters who navigate loyalty and betrayal. Her Locked Tomb series employs similar genre-blending elements as Larkwood's work.

N.K. Jemisin creates intricate fantasy worlds with non-traditional power structures and characters who must navigate complex political systems. Her work features similar themes of duty versus personal choice that appear in The Serpent Gates.

Yoon Ha Lee merges fantasy elements with space opera and explores identity and obligation within rigid institutional structures. His Machineries of Empire series shares Larkwood's interest in characters caught between duty and personal freedom.

Katherine Addison writes fantasy that focuses on political intrigue and personal relationships within structured societal systems. Her work features protagonists who must navigate complex social hierarchies while maintaining their own identity.

Ann Leckie builds detailed worlds that challenge traditional gender concepts and explore themes of identity and belonging. Her work combines elements of fantasy and science fiction with careful attention to power dynamics and character relationships.