Where to Start Reading A.M. Strickland
For most readers, the best place to begin is with A.M. Strickland's breakout solo Young Adult dark fantasy novels. Because these books are standalone stories set in completely distinct universes, you can read them in any order you choose. However, starting with Beyond the Black Door (2019) is highly recommended. It perfectly introduces her signature style: gothic atmospheres, asexual representation, and sympathetic monsters. If you prefer vampires, you can dive straight into Court of the Undying Seasons (2023), or if blood magic and palace intrigue are more your speed, start with In the Ravenous Dark (2021).
The Standalone YA Dark Fantasy Novels
Strickland is most famous for her standalone YA dark fantasy books written under the name A.M. Strickland. Each novel explores unique magic systems and themes of identity, rebellion, and self-acceptance.
Beyond the Black Door (2019)
This gothic fantasy features Kamai, a 'Soulwalker' who can enter the souls of sleeping people. Every soul she visits contains a mysterious black door, which she is strictly warned never to open. But when tragedy strikes, her curiosity gets the better of her, unleashing dark forces. The book is widely celebrated for its excellent biromantic asexual representation and its atmospheric world-building.
In the Ravenous Dark (2021)
Set in the undead-ruled city of Thanopolis, this story follows Rovan, a pansexual bloodmage who must hide her abilities to avoid being bound to a spirit. When her magic is accidentally exposed, she is thrust into a dangerous court and forced to cooperate with a rebellious princess and her own undead guardian. It features a rich, diverse cast and explores themes of power and bodily autonomy.
Court of the Undying Seasons (2023)
In this dark vampire academy novel, nineteen-year-old Fin volunteers to take her lover's place in the Finding. She is taken to Castle Courtsheart, where humans are trained to become vampires. Fin's goal is to find a way to destroy the vampires and avenge her mother, but she gets caught up in the school's deadly politics and a murder mystery.
Lady Dragon (2025)
This sapphic romantasy is set in a world where a fragile peace exists between humans and dragons. The story focuses on the relationship between Samansa, a human princess, and Kirek, a dragon princess, who must work together to prevent an ancient war from reigniting.
The Kaitan Chronicles (Co-Authored Sci-Fi)
Before launching her solo fantasy career, the author co-authored a Young Adult space opera series with Michael Miller under her birth name, AdriAnne Strickland. Unlike her standalone fantasy novels, this series has a strict chronological order.
- Shadow Run (2017): Introduces Nev and Qole as they search for a rare, highly volatile energy source called Shadow.
- Shadow Call (2018): Direct sequel that concludes their sci-fi journey.
Other Works Under Alternative Pen Names
Strickland has written across several other genres and age groups using different variations of her name:
Words Made Flesh Series (as AdriAnne Strickland)
An early Young Adult science-fantasy duology about a world where an elite class uses the power of 'Words' to create, while commoners are forbidden from reading.
- Wordless (2014)
- Lifeless (2015)
The Labyrinth Series (as AdriAnne May)
Writing as AdriAnne May, the author writes adult dark romantasy. This series is a reimagining of the Minotaur myth.
- Exquisite Ruin (2025)
- Divine Descent (2026)
Middle Grade Works
She also published a middle-grade book titled Quest for Gray Ironbark (also known as The Way of the Wombat) in 2015 under her name AdriAnne Strickland.
Summary of Recommended Reading Paths
If you want to explore the full breadth of her catalog, here are the paths to follow:
- The Dark Fantasy Path (Solo YA): Start with Beyond the Black Door, followed by In the Ravenous Dark, Court of the Undying Seasons, and then Lady Dragon.
- The Sci-Fi Space Opera Path: Read the Kaitan Chronicles in order: Shadow Run then Shadow Call.
- The Adult Romantasy Path: Read The Labyrinth Series in order: Exquisite Ruin followed by Divine Descent.