11 new science fiction and fantasy book releases to make your May magical
By Lacy Baugher
May 2021 release: In the Ravenous Dark – A. M. Strickland
A pansexual bloodmage reluctantly teams up with an undead spirit to start a rebellion among the living and the dead. If that’s not enough to pique anyone’s interest…
The latest novel from Beyond the Black Door author A.M. Strickland, In the Ravenous Dark is a dark complex fantasy set in a world where those who possess magic are assigned undead spirits as sort of otherworldly guardians – and personal jailers. Ever since Rovan Bollacra lost her father to the king’s blood mages, she has carefully hidden her own inherited abilities from all around her. But when she accidentally reveals her powers in order to save a friend’s life, she’s immediately captured and bound to Ivrilos, a handsome, long-dead 23-year-old whose job is to guard her and make sure she does the king’s will.
Now a pawn in a dangerous world of political intrigue, Rovan is more determined than ever to expose the king’s secrets and break the bonds he holds over her. But as the threat of an unnatural blight threatens Thanopolis, that may turn out to be more difficult than she ever could have predicted.
The official synopsis describes the story as follows.
"In Thanopolis, those gifted with magic are assigned undead spirits to guard them—and control them. Ever since Rovan’s father died trying to keep her from this fate, she’s hidden her magic. But when she accidentally reveals her powers, she’s bound to a spirit and thrust into a world of palace intrigue and deception. Desperate to escape, Rovan finds herself falling for two people she can’t fully trust: Lydea, a beguiling, rebellious princess; and Ivrilos, the handsome spirit with the ability to control Rovan, body and soul. Together, they uncover a secret that will destroy Thanopolis. To save them all, Rovan will have to start a rebellion in both the mortal world and the underworld, and find a way to trust the princess and spirit battling for her heart—if she doesn’t betray them first."
In the Ravenous Dark is available on May 18.