Where to Start Reading AdriAnne Strickland's Books
AdriAnne Strickland is a highly versatile author who writes under three different names depending on the age group, style, and genre of her stories. Because her series are self-contained and she has written several standalone novels, there is no single mandatory reading order. Instead, your entry point depends on what genre you prefer to explore first.
Option 1: The Space Opera Route (The Kaitan Chronicles)
If you love high-stakes science fiction with the crew-as-family dynamic of Firefly and the epic political maneuvering of Dune, start with Shadow Run (2017). Co-authored with Michael Miller, this duology features a diverse cast, thrilling starship battles, and a mysterious space energy source called Shadow. It is fast-paced and incredibly accessible for science fiction beginners.
Option 2: The Dark YA Fantasy Route (As A.M. Strickland)
If you prefer gothic atmosphere, dark magic, and unique character representation, start with her standalone novel Beyond the Black Door (2019). It is a dark YA fantasy that features a rare and excellent representation of an asexual protagonist navigating a world of dream-walking, secrets, and shadow beasts. Alternatively, for a sapphic dark fantasy, you can begin with In the Ravenous Dark (2021), which centers on blood magic, undead guardians, and a rebellion against a corrupt registry of mages.
Option 3: The Dystopian Debut (Words Made Flesh)
For readers who enjoy classic mid-2010s YA dystopian fantasy, you can begin with her debut novel, Wordless (2014). This series features a unique magic system where words carry physical power and divine influence, following a protagonist who can kill with a simple touch.
The Kaitan Chronicles (Sci-Fi Duology)
Co-authored with Michael Miller under her full name AdriAnne Strickland, this young adult space opera must be read in publication order. The story follows Qole, a young starship captain who harvests the volatile and valuable energy source known as Shadow, and Nev, a pilot who is secretly a royal prince. Together, they get swept up in corporate espionage, rebellion, and galactic conflict.
- Shadow Run (2017) – Introduces Qole, Nev, and the dangerous galaxy where harvesting Shadow is a deadly but necessary trade.
- Shadow Call (2018) – Concludes the duology as the crew faces the fallout of their discoveries, escalating political wars, and the true cost of the Shadow.
YA Standalone Fantasy Novels (As A.M. Strickland)
These books are completely standalone and can be read in any order. The author utilizes the pen name A.M. Strickland for these stories to distinguish them from her earlier sci-fi collaborations and middle-grade works. They are characterized by rich, gothic world-building and inclusive themes.
- Beyond the Black Door (2019) – A fantasy novel about Kamai, a soulcarver who can walk through people's minds while they sleep, but is forbidden from opening the black door in her own dreams. Notable for its asexual representation.
- In the Ravenous Dark (2021) – A sapphic dark fantasy featuring blood magic, a pansexual protagonist, and a dangerous undead guardian who must help her survive a deceptive court.
- Court of the Undying Seasons (2023) – A gothic vampire fantasy where a girl volunteers to become a vampire's thrall in a mysterious, isolated school to save her best friend, only to uncover dark secrets about the vampire court.
- Lady Dragon (2025) – A sapphic YA romantasy centering on political intrigue and dragons, published under her A.M. Strickland moniker.
The Labyrinth Series (Adult Fantasy as AdriAnne May)
For her transition into adult fantasy romance, the author uses the pen name AdriAnne May. These books must be read in order as they follow a continuous narrative thread adapting Greek mythology with a dark, romantic twist.
- Exquisite Ruin (2025) – The first book in the Labyrinth series, which offers a darkly romantic reimagining of the Minotaur myth.
- Divine Descent (2026) – The sequel continuing the mythic romance and dark labyrinthine mysteries.
Words Made Flesh Series
This was Strickland's debut YA dystopian fantasy series, written under her birth name. It takes place in a world where words are literally made flesh and carry devastating magical weight. The series should be read in chronological order.
- Wordless (2014) – Follows Tavin, a fugitive who possesses the power to kill with a touch, and his encounter with a girl named Audra who is mute but holds keys to the world's divine magic.
- Lifeless (2015) – The direct sequel that explores the consequences of the rebellion and Tavin's struggle with his destructive powers.
Middle-Grade Fiction
Strickland also wrote a singular middle-grade fantasy adventure book early in her career under her own name.
- The Way of the Wombat: Quest for Gray Ironbark (2015) – A charming standalone adventure following anthropomorphic animal characters on an epic quest.
Chronological vs. Publication Order
Because the author's series (Words Made Flesh, The Kaitan Chronicles, and The Labyrinth) do not cross over or share a unified universe, a chronological order spanning all books does not exist. The best reading path is to read each individual series in publication order, and read the standalones whenever you wish between series.