Beyond the Black Door is a uniquely dark and magical tale
A.M. Strickland’s Beyond the Black Door offers readers a unique and magical premise, along with an empowered main character who’s hard not to love.
Readers looking for a dark fantasy story with a lush atmosphere to lead them into winter should certainly consider giving A.M. Strickland’s Beyond the Black Door a chance. A standalone that bases its story upon the premise of soulwalking, the novel presents a world full of dark magic and an eerie, dreamlike atmosphere that’s sure to ensnare anyone who enjoys such elements.
When the book opens, we’re introduced to Kamai and her mother, both of whom have the unique ability to walk through other people’s souls when they’re asleep. Kamai’s mother has used her magic to elevate her own social status, joining a powerful group called the Twilight Guild as a spy — and then becoming a courtesan at the king’s court in order to extract secrets from its members.
Kamai is just a child at the beginning of the book, and she has little experience with soulwalking, particularly on her own. There’s only one clear instruction her mother gives her, and it’s the one readers know from the very beginning she won’t be able to follow: Don’t open the black door.
The black door follows Kamai when she soulwalks, whispering to her and offering her gifts. We follow the many times she’s tempted to open the door before she finally does — a rash action that occurs in a moment of despair after her mother and stepfather are both killed. And what Kamai finds behind the door seems harmless enough at first.
But as Kamai flees her home, takes on a new name, and begins investigating her mother’s death, she realizes she’s unleashed something horrifying upon the world. And she goes to great lengths to stop it — though with all the secrets and twists she’s forced to contend with, it’s not an easy journey by any means.
Full of court politics, familial drama, and magic, it’s difficult to see why fans of SFF stories wouldn’t enjoy Beyond the Black Door. There’s even a bit of romance between Kamai and the story’s villain, and it’s sure to appeal to fans of characters like Leigh Bardugo’s the Darkling.
There’s also much-needed discussion of asexuality throughout the novel, courtesy of Kamai. It’s clear from a young age that she’s uninterested in the physical pleasures her mother and stepfather make their living from, and as Kamai grows throughout the story, she comes to understand her sexuality and accept it. It’s the type of subplot readers don’t always see in fantasy, and it’s a refreshing one to delve into.
On the whole, Kamai’s character is a pleasure to take this journey with. While she’s a strong protagonist who strives to do the right thing, it’s her flaws that ultimately make her relatable. And the numerous mistakes Kamai makes throughout the book will keep readers flipping the pages, eager to learn how she’ll rectify them. In fact, all of the characters we meet throughout Beyond the Black Door are refreshing in their own right. They’re the types that will leave you wanting more of them — and more story — though the author has confirmed on Twitter that the novel is a standalone work.
It’s impressive how much Strickland manages to cover in just under 400 pages, and it’s a testament to how well written the book is that the story wraps every mystery up nicely. Even if we wish there was more, Beyond the Black Door feels like a masterfully woven work — and it’s one SFF fans won’t want to miss out on this year.
Next. The Beautiful is Renée Ahdieh’s most compelling novel yet. dark