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A review by megsbookishtwins
In the Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland
3.0
disclaimer: I received this free from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
rep: pansexual m/c, lesbian li, nonbinary side character, asexual side character, polyamory (m/f/f)
content warnings: blood, gore, death, threats of rape
In the Ravenous Dark follows Rovan, a blood mage, who has hidden her magic since her father died protecting her. In Thanopolis, having magic means being drafted into service, and having an undead spirit bound in order to guard them-and control them. When she accidentally reveals her powers to protect a lover, she is taken, bound to a spirit, and thrown into a world full of magic, death, and intrigue.
In the Ravenous Dark is a complicated one for me - I enjoyed the romance and I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics, though I favoured Rovan's relationship with Lydea purely because I felt they were more equal in terms of power, whereas her relationship with Ivrilos started off with a big power imbalance - though I did enjoy the development in that relationship and the fluctuations in power between the two. It is also a polyam relationship (m/f/f).
In the Ravenous Dark features blood magic, and I really enjoyed this aspect, and the exploration of this magic. But, in this world, being a blood mage means having a lineage - which is primarily passed down through women (though not always) and in this world, these mages are used and abused. One thing I do dislike in fantasy is rampant misogyny, which this book was rife with - constant use of rape threats which I'm not overly fond of. Granted, if done well, I do not always mind but I don't particularly think this aspect was done well.
I did, however, enjoy Rovan as a character, she's morally ambiguous, witty, defiant, and impulsive and frankly, she's a bit of a chaotic mess but she had some really great development. I enjoyed Ivrilos as a character, albeit a bit of a cliche love interest, but enjoyable nonetheless. Lydea was also a favourite - headstrong and determined. Japha is Rovan's best friend who is kind, caring, and loyal, (and is also non-binary).
In terms of plot, I feel as though it could have been improved, it kept me reading but the end was a bit of a hectic and rushed mess but I can't complain too much as it's the first book I've read in months, so that's something!
rep: pansexual m/c, lesbian li, nonbinary side character, asexual side character, polyamory (m/f/f)
content warnings: blood, gore, death, threats of rape
In the Ravenous Dark follows Rovan, a blood mage, who has hidden her magic since her father died protecting her. In Thanopolis, having magic means being drafted into service, and having an undead spirit bound in order to guard them-and control them. When she accidentally reveals her powers to protect a lover, she is taken, bound to a spirit, and thrown into a world full of magic, death, and intrigue.
In the Ravenous Dark is a complicated one for me - I enjoyed the romance and I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics, though I favoured Rovan's relationship with Lydea purely because I felt they were more equal in terms of power, whereas her relationship with Ivrilos started off with a big power imbalance - though I did enjoy the development in that relationship and the fluctuations in power between the two. It is also a polyam relationship (m/f/f).
In the Ravenous Dark features blood magic, and I really enjoyed this aspect, and the exploration of this magic. But, in this world, being a blood mage means having a lineage - which is primarily passed down through women (though not always) and in this world, these mages are used and abused. One thing I do dislike in fantasy is rampant misogyny, which this book was rife with - constant use of rape threats which I'm not overly fond of. Granted, if done well, I do not always mind but I don't particularly think this aspect was done well.
I did, however, enjoy Rovan as a character, she's morally ambiguous, witty, defiant, and impulsive and frankly, she's a bit of a chaotic mess but she had some really great development. I enjoyed Ivrilos as a character, albeit a bit of a cliche love interest, but enjoyable nonetheless. Lydea was also a favourite - headstrong and determined. Japha is Rovan's best friend who is kind, caring, and loyal, (and is also non-binary).
In terms of plot, I feel as though it could have been improved, it kept me reading but the end was a bit of a hectic and rushed mess but I can't complain too much as it's the first book I've read in months, so that's something!