In the Ravenous Dark

By: A.M. Strickland

Narrated by: Lauryn Allman

Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

A pansexual bloodmage reluctantly teams up with an undead spirit to start a rebellion among the living and the dead, in this dark YA fantasy by A.M. Strickland, author of Beyond the Black Door, whom Richard Kadrey calls “a storyteller of both grace and power.”

In Thanopolis, those gifted with magic are assigned undead spirits to guard them -and control them. Ever since Rovan’s father died trying to keep her from this fate, she’s hidden her magic. But when she accidentally reveals her powers, she’s bound to a spirit and thrust into a world of palace intrigue and deception. 

Desperate to escape, Rovan finds herself falling for two people she can’t fully trust: Lydea, a beguiling, rebellious princess; and Ivrilos, the handsome spirit with the ability to control Rovan, body and soul. 

Together, they uncover a secret that will destroy Thanopolis. To save them all, Rovan will have to start a rebellion in both the mortal world and the underworld, and find a way to trust the princess and spirit battling for her heart - if she doesn’t betray them first. 

An Imprint Book

©2021 A.M. Strickland (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“An utterly mesmerizing story of romance and found family. Strickland builds a deliciously dark and wonderfully intricate world full of blood, magic, and monsters that I wanted to be lost in forever. “ (Emily A. Duncan, New York Times best-selling author of Wicked Saints)

“[A] feast of forbidden magics and deadly romances that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last bloody page. Deliciously dark and riveting, it will leave you hungry for more. Perfect for fans of Wicked Saints and Gideon the Ninth.” (Ashley Poston, national best-selling author of Geekerella) 

"A deviously plotted tale of twisting complexity where diversity lives and breathes as naturally as a beating heart. It’s everything you could want in a dark fantasy." (Lisa Maxwell, New York Times best-selling author of The Last Magician)

I loved every bit

It was so good! I'll probably relisten. Hopefully the author has more to come, even if we get a whole new story. I love how this one was written. I was left gasping at the edge of my seat plenty of times and found myself falling in love and developing ties with characters along side the MC. I've noticed in some books the MC has to be dumb for the plot to continue but this one doesn't fall for that pitfall. The MC is clever and bold but also humble. If there was any criticism I'd have to give the book it might have been spending more time developing the romantic relationships but I can also see how that might have had a negative effect on pacing. Overall, though, I loved it!

4.2, Good Read

I really enjoyed the blood magic and death magic system, and the bloodlines. that was different and interesting.

I liked that there was lot of LGBTQ+ representation. I'm pansexual, so reading for the first time a pansexual MC was awesome.

I really liked Lydea, Joffa, and Roven. Roven was brash and smart and impulsive, but I liked her fiery spirit. yeah, sometimes she did stupid things, but she was still a good MC.

I hated the villains, the twists were great, but the ending ..
was really confusing and weird.

*spoilers*

why bring vampire revenant things to an otherwise great story? bleh. it's just me, I'm really over vampires. so I did not like that weird ending.

and yes, the ending was confusing and maybe a little disappointing. everyone that died, came back. made their deaths and emotions associated with that pointless.

anyway. I still really liked it. and is Roven perhaps polyamorous?

Epic Dark Fantasy

I was sold off the summary alone. This book has everything I love in a dark fantasy; Magic, spirits, scheming, secrets, plotting. The pace is fast, things take off right at the beginning. For a stand alone, the world building is fantastic. Strickland does an excellent job keeping you engaged and on the edge of your seat. I also really liked that there is a lot diversity and representation. I haven’t come across another fantasy like this.

I would also consider this more an Upper YA book. Overall I really enjoyed this and would recommend if you’re looking for an epic dark fantasy.

best book/narration combo I have hearn in a while!

amazing!!!! seriously it was hard to pause! the world building and use of descriptors were captivating

WLW storyline really lacks

The story itself is good. It climaxes as it should and keeps the reader wanting to continue. The wlw relationship wasn’t built up very well, there was very little chemistry between the two. It was difficult to believe the words being said. The straight relationship was done much better. It almost felt as though a straight person was writing about what they think a lesbian relationship is without any actual knowledge. I appreciate there being a queer character but the relationship was lacking. The non-binary character was amazing and was definitely a highlight within the book. Overall, good read for those who enjoy a good storyline. I however, invest a little more in the relationship side so was a bit let down.

Best narration of any audiobook I’ve listened to!

The narrator is so perfect, I wish every book I listened to was done by her. Nothing falls flat, or ever feels put on.

AMAZING

From the first few minutes of this story I was instantly hooked by it's rich discription of this fantasy world and the magical blood lines in it. As queer non binary person I was thrilled to have an asexual non binary character to relate to. Trust me when I say you'll love this book. The characters will tug at your heart and make you invest in all of their personal stories.

Great Performance, but story not sure

Overall, the book was great but it seemed a bit rush. I wish there was more character development with the main character and her love life. It was an easy-flowing book and the narrator did great. But, it would grab my attention in some parts but fall in others.

Great surprise.

I downloaded this real quick. didn't even know what it was about. turns out I loved it .

I adore this stand alone fantasy book!

Great narrator! The world building is intricate but not confusing. Painting a vivid picture with eloquent story telling! I enjoyed the ensemble of characters and loved the LGBTQIA’s representation! Of course the romance is my fav part! Highly recommend if you need a fantasy romance stand alone!