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A review by roksyreads
Beyond the Black Door by A.M. Strickland
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book has everything I love: intrigue, suspense, romance, diverse and engaging characters, and a well-built fantasy world. And that's just to name a few of the many positives.
I admit that I have read many stories which focus on the sexual aspects of relationships and compatibility in that realm - though I have certainly read fewer and fewer of them in recent years. It was so refreshing to read a story which emphasises romance and explores of the numerous other foundational aspects of it beyond sex. Whilst romance is central to the story, it is not the only aspect, and does not overshadow other key relationships and themes. Strickland has put great detail and thought into the development of friendships, and of Kamai's other interpersonal relationships - both positive and not - lending further strength to the narrative. I think it would be right to say that friendships are somewhat romanticised, in a way that I truly believe needs to be more common. Friendships - those special ones that are so rare and so precious,such as that between Kamai and Nikah - deserve to be celebrated.
This, I believe, is the first book I have read featuring an asexual MC told from their point of view. In all the other books I have read, ace characters have been minor features within a broader cast. I think, at some stage, I will go back to reread a particular section and reflect on my self. Certainly, I would not consider myself ace, but this book has prompted me to think more and more about the spectrum on which sexuality lies and brought many questions to mind about the societal expectations and pressures which I face and feel I must conform to.
Kamai's development as a character is another solid point. Although Kamai frustrated me at times with her stubbornness (and not just because I saw so much of myself in her), I came to adore her for that very same trait as she grappled with the sudden and tragic upheaval of her life. Stubbornness becomes the foundation for her growth, self-reflection, and the acceptance of her nature, heart, and soul.
I can't say that this will be a book for everyone - what book is? - but I would not be doing Beyond the Black Door justice if I did not encourage at least some of you to read it.
I admit that I have read many stories which focus on the sexual aspects of relationships and compatibility in that realm - though I have certainly read fewer and fewer of them in recent years. It was so refreshing to read a story which emphasises romance and explores of the numerous other foundational aspects of it beyond sex. Whilst romance is central to the story, it is not the only aspect, and does not overshadow other key relationships and themes. Strickland has put great detail and thought into the development of friendships, and of Kamai's other interpersonal relationships - both positive and not - lending further strength to the narrative. I think it would be right to say that friendships are somewhat romanticised, in a way that I truly believe needs to be more common. Friendships - those special ones that are so rare and so precious,
This, I believe, is the first book I have read featuring an asexual MC told from their point of view. In all the other books I have read, ace characters have been minor features within a broader cast. I think, at some stage, I will go back to reread a particular section and reflect on my self. Certainly, I would not consider myself ace, but this book has prompted me to think more and more about the spectrum on which sexuality lies and brought many questions to mind about the societal expectations and pressures which I face and feel I must conform to.
Kamai's development as a character is another solid point. Although Kamai frustrated me at times with her stubbornness (and not just because I saw so much of myself in her), I came to adore her for that very same trait as she grappled with the sudden and tragic upheaval of her life. Stubbornness becomes the foundation for her growth, self-reflection, and the acceptance of her nature, heart, and soul.
I can't say that this will be a book for everyone - what book is? - but I would not be doing Beyond the Black Door justice if I did not encourage at least some of you to read it.