AdriAnne Strickland: Crafting Worlds of Wonder
Picture an Alaskan storyteller who spins tales of interstellar rebellion and dark fantasy, pulling readers into worlds where imagination knows no bounds—meet AdriAnne Strickland! This American author has carved a unique niche in Young Adult (YA) science fiction and fantasy, blending vivid characters with thrilling narratives. From her home base in Alaska to her global adventures, Strickland’s life fuels her stories, making her a standout in the genre.
The Making of AdriAnne Strickland
Born with a book in hand—or so it seems—AdriAnne Strickland was a bibliophile before she even knew the word. Growing up, her love for stories shaped her dreams of becoming an author. She studied English Literature and Creative Writing at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, honing her craft while soaking up inspiration from her travels across Africa, Asia, and Europe with her husband, Lukas. Settling in Alaska, where she also works as a commercial fisherwoman, Strickland’s diverse experiences—from braving stormy seas to exploring distant cultures—infuse her writing with a rich, adventurous spirit.
AdriAnne Strickland’s Unforgettable Stories
Strickland’s bibliography is a treasure trove of YA adventures. Her debut, Wordless (2014), kicks off the Words Made Flesh series, following Tavin, a fugitive with the power to kill with a touch, in a dystopian world of divine powers. Its sequel, Lifeless, dives deeper into Tavin’s struggles, blending action with emotional depth. Co-authored with Michael Miller, the Kaitan Chronicles—starting with Shadow Run (2017)—is a sci-fi epic likened to Firefly meets Dune, where young starship captain Qole navigates a galaxy of intrigue and a dangerous energy source called Shadow. Its sequel, Shadow Call, ramps up the stakes with rebellion and romance. Writing as A.M. Strickland, she explores darker themes in Beyond the Black Door (2019), a fantasy tackling asexuality and identity, and In the Ravenous Dark (2021), a sapphic tale of blood magic. Her upcoming Lady Dragon promises a YA sapphic fantasy romance, showcasing her versatility. Strickland’s style is marked by vivid world-building, diverse characters, and themes of identity, power, and rebellion, making her stories resonate with teens and adults alike.
Why AdriAnne Strickland Matters
AdriAnne Strickland’s impact lies in her ability to weave inclusive narratives into fantastical settings, offering representation for underrepresented identities, like asexuality in Beyond the Black Door. Her stories empower readers to embrace their uniqueness while exploring thrilling worlds. Critics and fans praise her for blending action with emotional depth, earning her a loyal following and accolades like positive Booklist reviews for Shadow Run. By pushing YA boundaries, she inspires a new generation of readers and writers to dream big.
- Born: United States (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: Wordless, Shadow Run, Beyond the Black Door, In the Ravenous Dark
- Notable: Commercial fisherwoman, avid traveler, writes under A.M. Strickland for fantasy
Ready to blast off into a galaxy of adventure or dive into a dark fantasy? Grab Shadow Run or Beyond the Black Door and let AdriAnne Strickland’s worlds sweep you away!