Scan barcode
A review by daisreads
In the Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland
5.0
Firstly thank you to Hodder for sending me a copy of In The Ravenous Dark!
This book is a standalone YA/NA dark fantasy - I would say it is on the cusp of both genres. It is definitely not for younger readers simply due to the nature of the book and there are many many times characters swear.
I knew that when I saw the words 'pansexual polyamorous bloodmage' I needed to read this book.
And it did not disappoint. I love love love Rovan, she is an absolute whirlwind who does not tolerate anyone's rubbish.
The dynamic between Ivrilos and Rovan at the beginning of the book made me smirk so much, oh my gosh I had to put the book down for a few seconds because I was just laughing to myself. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop over the course of the novel, though at times I did want to punch Ivrilos in the face and give Rovan a hug.
I also love Lydea, I think she is an utter badass. Japha is amazing too, their loyalty to Rovan was refreshing. I adored their wit and banter too.
The characters do talk about sexuality and gender a fair few times throughout the book, and even though these discussions are important and educational it threw me off slightly as the rest of the book is heavy and bloody, so it just felt like a juxtaposition in my brain.
I also did have some questions about the pace of the romance, but as soon as I remembered it is a standalone novel I answered my own question.
I think if I did not see myself in Rovan, I would rate this four stars, but as this book gave me what I have wanted for a very very long time (a main character who has both a girlfriend and a boyfriend) and made me feel many emotions it is a five star for me.
If you are looking for a queer bloody fantasy that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster then I think you will adore this.
I have included some content warnings for In The Ravenous Dark below.
Content Warnings:
* blood and gore
* violence
* death
* mention of suicide
* enforced gender roles
* threat of abuse of the main character
* forced marriage and pregnancy (off-page)
* on-page sex scenes (in my opinion they aren't graphic)
This book is a standalone YA/NA dark fantasy - I would say it is on the cusp of both genres. It is definitely not for younger readers simply due to the nature of the book and there are many many times characters swear.
I knew that when I saw the words 'pansexual polyamorous bloodmage' I needed to read this book.
And it did not disappoint. I love love love Rovan, she is an absolute whirlwind who does not tolerate anyone's rubbish.
The dynamic between Ivrilos and Rovan at the beginning of the book made me smirk so much, oh my gosh I had to put the book down for a few seconds because I was just laughing to myself. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop over the course of the novel, though at times I did want to punch Ivrilos in the face and give Rovan a hug.
I also love Lydea, I think she is an utter badass. Japha is amazing too, their loyalty to Rovan was refreshing. I adored their wit and banter too.
The characters do talk about sexuality and gender a fair few times throughout the book, and even though these discussions are important and educational it threw me off slightly as the rest of the book is heavy and bloody, so it just felt like a juxtaposition in my brain.
I also did have some questions about the pace of the romance, but as soon as I remembered it is a standalone novel I answered my own question.
I think if I did not see myself in Rovan, I would rate this four stars, but as this book gave me what I have wanted for a very very long time (a main character who has both a girlfriend and a boyfriend) and made me feel many emotions it is a five star for me.
If you are looking for a queer bloody fantasy that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster then I think you will adore this.
I have included some content warnings for In The Ravenous Dark below.
Content Warnings:
* blood and gore
* violence
* death
* mention of suicide
* enforced gender roles
* threat of abuse of the main character
* forced marriage and pregnancy (off-page)
* on-page sex scenes (in my opinion they aren't graphic)