However, as I read the book, almost none of that was included. When I saw it was Greek-inspired, I was over the moon! I was stoked to dive into a rich and immersive world of deities, rituals, and ancient culture. Nearly everyone raves about the world-building in In The Ravenous Dark, but I was rather disappointed by it. I loved how it was an important part of who they are, but not the only aspect worth exploring. However, In the Ravenous Dark was a perfect balance of queer rep that didn’t overshadow other aspects of each character.

There seems to be an overwhelming trend of making characters as obviously queer as possible, which is great for those it resonates with, but it doesn’t quite reflect the experiences of those who are quieter souls about their sexuality. To be honest, I normally struggle with LGBT+ representation in many books, especially YA, because too few stories make it about the whole person rather than just their sexuality. She grows in the face of adversity, and I couldn’t help rooting for her to kick some serious ass.Īdditionally, I appreciated the diverse LGBT+ representation in In The Ravenous Dark. I don’t think I’ve ever read a YA dark fantasy brimming with both non-binary characters and pansexual polyamorous relationships, but I deeply enjoyed the inclusion in the story. I especially enjoyed watching as Rovan confronted the horrors of her life-the lies, her magic, the truth that threatens to destroy Thanopolis-but it doesn’t derail her. It’s a rather endearing trait, in my humble option.Īll the characters are coming into their own, discovering what they’re capable of, learning to use and control their magic, and finding their own, unique voices to speak up. I love how she’s a snarky asshole at times, even to the King of Thanopolis. She is fiercely protective of those who matter to her, never knows when to keep quiet, holds people accountable for their actions, and questions everything, especially things others turn a blind eye to. Rovan is, perhaps, the most reckless and trouble-making of them all. Lydea is steadfast, loyal, fiery, and open-minded, but she doesn’t stand for the evils of the world and will fight against them for those she loves. There’s Japha, a non-binary badass with a witty tongue, an eye for fashion, and a total gossip (but I love that about them!). The characters were undeniably the best part of the book. The gorgeous cover, the Greek-inspired setting, and a premise that hooked me from the start-everything about this book was fate!

It has everything I love about dark fantasy novels: magic, monsters, a kiss of horror, and characters who straddle the blurry line between life and death. In the Ravenous Darkis a decadent, spellbinding, and richly-imagined dark fantasy about Rovan Ballacra, a bloodmage forced to follow in her father’s footsteps. Narrative style : third person | Perspective(s) : dual (Rovan and Ilviros)

In the Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland