The Court of Undying Seasons

by A.M. Strickland

Sarah J. Maas meets A Deadly Education in A.M. Strickland's lush, queer YA dark fantasy novel. In becoming a vampire, I'm less than a girl. And more.
Or maybe I'm becoming what I always have been, deep inside.
A blade. When nineteen-year-old Fin volunteers to take her secret love's place in their village's Finding, she is terrified. Those who are chosen at the Finding are whisked away to Castle Courtsheart, a vampire school where human students either succeed and become vampires, fail and spend the rest of their lives as human thralls...or they don't survive long enough to become either. Fin is determined to forge a different learn how to kill the undead and get revenge for her mother, who was taken by the vampires years ago. But Courtsheart is as captivating as it is deadly, and Fin is quickly swept up in her new world and its inhabitants - particularly Gavron, her handsome and hostile vampire maker, whose blood is nothing short of intoxicating. As Fin begins to discover new aspects of her own identity and test her newfound powers, she stumbles across a string of murders that may be connected to a larger ritual - one with potentially lethal consequences for vampires and humans alike. Fin must uncover the truth and find the killer before she loses her life ... or betrays her own heart. Court of the Undying Seasons is a deliciously dark romantic novel and a pitch perfect modern take on classic vampire tropes.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Young Adult, Queer, LGBT, Paranormal, Romance

1 pages, Audio CD

First published May 16, 2023

About the author

A.M. Strickland was a bibliophile who wanted to be an author before she knew what either of those words meant. She splits her time between Alaska and Spain with her spouse, her pugs, and her piles of books. She loves traveling, dancing, tattoos, and writing stories about sympathetic monsters. She is the author of Court of the Undying Seasons, In the Ravenous Dark, and Beyond the Black Door.

Reviews

[A.M. Strickland]

UPDATE!

It’s time for me to talk a little more about COURT OF THE UNDYING SEASONS, including content highlights and content warnings!

First, the highlights! The world is queernormative, especially among the vampires. The main character, Fin, is a pansexual demigirl exploring outside of gender norms—though none of those words are used on the page, because it’s a medieval fantasy setting. The love interest Gavron is pansexual, and his ex, Kashire, is as well. Fin’s best friend Marai would identify as a lesbian. There’s a bigender major side character, an agender side character, and aro/ace side characters. While again, none of these words appear on the page, the text should make it obvious.

Content/age-appropriate warnings! There is an on-page highly sexual scene and some light cursing throughout (though only one f-bomb, which might be a record low for me). Otherwise, be warned that this book contains:

-Blood drinking (both voluntary and forced)
-Violence
-Gore
-Death/murder
-Child abuse
-Child neglect
-Mind/body control
-Consent issues
-Uneven relationship dynamics
-Death of a queer character (but most are queer)
-Parent death (off-page)
-Mentor death (on-page)
-Substance use (alcohol, mushrooms, and vampire blood)
-Mild gender dysphoria
-Mild body horror

As usual for me, this book is dark. I know it won’t be for everyone! Despite that, it’s also a lot of fun at times, so if you want, proceed with caution and I hope you enjoy!

***(Previously)***

Author here! More info to come as we get closer to a cover and a publication date, but for now, since it might not be clear from the posted deal announcement: This is queer--BECAUSE VAMPIRES. WHY WOULD THEY NOT BE QUEER.

Also, did you see VAMPIRE SCHOOL? Because VAMPIRE SCHOOL. VAMPIRE SCHOOL IN A QUEERNORMATIVE DARK FANTASY WORLD.

There are HOUSES and MOTTOS and SCHOOL COLORS and even BLOOD COLORS. This is the most fun, escapist thing I've ever written and it's been keeping me afloat and I can't wait for you all to nerd out with me.

[Ellie]

forget 2021 and 2022, I just want to be in 2023 and reading this super gay vampire school novel 😭

[Maria Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENEMIES TO LOVERS🔥!
⚡Humana V/S Vampiro
⚡Academia de vampiros
⚡Rituales sangrientos
⚡Crímenes
⚡Oscuridad
⚡Romance
⚡"No sabes cuánto te odio, pero no veas cómo me pones".

Vamos, que estás tardando en sumergirte en esta apasionante historia❤️‍🔥!
Tanto así que no sabes la que te espera ni lo que la vas a gozar, pero ya te digo que será en mayúsculas y alargando el gozaaaaaarrrrrrrrlaaaaaaa hasta el extremo de casi gemir…

Es más, si lo tuyo son los romantasy con criaturas oscuras y personajes grises tirando a negro, con rivalidades, odios y venganzas teñidas de sangre, lo vas flipar🔥

Pero, espera, porque además es tomo único😍!

Exacto, aquí no hay trilogías, ni bilogías ni demás ías🤭; eso sí, te lo advierto desde ya, rezarás para que la autora siga escribiendo más historias de este fasciante y oscuro mundo❤️‍🔥

Y ¿SI TU ÚNICA SALVACIÓN FUERA CONVERTIRTE EN LO QUE MÁS ODIAS?

[Victoria ✮⋆˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Instantly adds to tbr*

—————————

Honestly somewhat unexpectedly I adored this! An easy 5*! It was a bit rocky for me at first, despite my love of vampires, I wasn’t really vibing with it (I’m not sure why!)…but my GOD could I not put it down the further I got! I’m so glad I didn’t stop reading it. The twists and turns just kept on coming and coming. I’m truly in awe that so much could be crammed into 400 pages as well!

It was truly so fun and thrilling and a great mystery, with a side plot romance that ruined my life…enemies to lovers vibes fr! I loved the characters in this a lot. Fin really was an interesting MC and I enjoyed her a lot!

I can’t explain properly but this book gave me the same feeling reading ACOTAR* for the first time when I was 16 gave me. Just…same vibes truly? Might be the whole seasons and Fin giving the same female MC vibes but I think it just added to my enjoyment? It felt like old 2017 YA and it was refreshing and somehow nostalgic! (Funnily enough I couldn’t get into ACOTAR at first either so wild!)

My only complaint about it was I wanted a little more show than tell at times!!

Having just read a few goodreads reviews after writing this and reading the GR description I guess my ACOTAR comparison was spot on! Loveeeee

[Joana’s World · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all the vampire vibes

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solidly fun read & an enjoyable spin on vampire academia/romance. The authors prior two novels, I personally found to be far more original and unique--even at times bizarre, which I loved--but this one sustained my interest and it was a fast read, just less complex and less suggestive. I would give it a 3.5. As always the prose structure is solid, the world building is there, the pacing is perfect. The characters just felt a bit too familiar as did the storyline, and this surprised me as Strickland's prior work, so rich and wildly innovative, really blew me away.

[Brittany Taft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve had AM Strickland on my radar since Beyond the Black Door (for the ace rep) and enjoyed it, then absolutely LOVED In the Ravenous Dark, so I was super excited to hear about The Court of the Undying Seasons and even more to read it.

The Court of the Undying Seasons follows Fin (a demi-girl) who volunteers to be taken at her village’s Finding, where court vampires come to pick the next generation initiates, and is whisked away to a vampire finishing school with only two outcomes: pass and become a vampire, or fail and become a thrall. Fin has to deal with opposing vampire factions, being coached into their newfound powers, and a brooding and sexy vampire maker, but if that wasn’t enough… a string of murders all revolving around Fin, that hint at a dark ritual.

It’s bold, it’s bloody, and it’s full of betrayal.

I think that this book could have EASILY fell into a boring and basic finishing school story, which made me slightly apprehensive of this when I read the synopsis, but it didn’t. It never failed to be exciting, indulgent, dark, and unashamedly queer. I loved the heat and tension of the romance (this is a YA though so don’t expect erotica) the push and pull of their attraction and wondering what each would do next. Aside from the main character being a demi-girl and pansexual, many other characters were attracted to multiple genders, or sapphic, or fell under the trans umbrella.

Both In the Ravenous Dark and The Court of the Undying Seasons just WORK for me in ways I cannot really explain. They are delectable standalones that stand apart from other young adult books, and reading them feels like eating a luscious dessert. I would LOVE to see this author write an adult fantasy novel.

Not relevant to the contents of the book, but I am really not a fan of the cover of this at all.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vampire school with dark romance and lots of queer characters. I've struggled with how to review this because I liked this book and I think a lot of other people might love it. It's just that Strickland's last two novels were both favorites of mine the years they came out and this one didn't quite live up to my own hype for it. I blew through those books whereas this one took me much longer to get through. Not because I didn't like it, but because I wasn't hooked in a pulled along in the same way.

This is a bit slower and less propulsive, with a main character I felt middle of the road about. But all of this is so specific to my own experience, I'm not sure how that will translate for other readers. This also includes a trope I'm iffy on where the love interest is in a position of power over the main character. And while this tries to ameliorate the problems, this take on vampires and this sort of relationship come with consent issues baked in. Which is a harder sell for me, even though I think other people will eat it up.

In Court of the Undying Seasons, Fin volunteers to take the place of the girl she secretly loves at a vampire school. There she must either succeed in winning the favor of 3 or more courts and become a vampire, or fail and become a thrall/servant to the vampires. But some one is killing vampires and human classmates, Fin wants to destroy the vampires that took her mother from her, and she can't help the attraction to her brooding and mysterious vampire mentor. It's darkly sensual and has some interesting twists. I liked it, but I expected to love it and instead I have mixed feelings. Which is a little disappointing. But your mileage may vary and I expect there are people who are going to be raving about this. Note that it is quite graphic in terms of violence, blood consumption, and murder. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the cover and the concept!

I'm a sucker for anything vampire related. However, the book wasn't as fleshed out or as immersive as I would have liked.

Overall, decent but nothing mind-blowing.

***Thank you to NetGalley, A.M. Strickland, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends for graciously sending me the ARC to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

[Lyra (Cardan's tail's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have SO MANY TABS ON THIS BOOK
LOVED IT
RTC (eventually babes 😭)

[Sanja ✵ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first encounter with Strickland's work were In the Ravenous Dark which I loved, so I went into this book with high expectations. While I found this book good in a lot of aspects, it didn’t grip me the way the previous book did.

I enjoyed the concept of a vampire school where you learn different skills before being turned and the different courts that each had their unique powers. But while the concept and the setting work, I wanted the world to be explored and explained more. We didn’t really get any backstory on how the vampires took over, how the school were established or how their powers worked and manifested.

There’s a lot of action and twist that wanted me to keep reading, but there’s also a lot of big time jumps that keeps the story from flowing effortlessly. We don’t get to read about the fallout from certain events and sometimes several weeks pass without any progress, but I’m not really convinced on that.

I also didn’t buy the romance between Fin and Gavron, it moved way too fast, and I felt like the consent were dubious. The fact that I didn’t really like either character didn’t help the case either. Gavron did some really shitty things and were never held accountable (yes, we weren’t in full control, but still). Fin knew she had to get at least three houses approval to not be turned into a thrall, but still gave up way to easy, which lead to some storylines which would be completely redundant is she weren’t that bleak.

Before starting this book, I read the content warnings and expected the book to be really dark. I don’t know if that were my mistake, but the book came across as rather bleak in comparison to what was hinted. There was supposed to be a highly sexual scene but that was just a make out scene with some light touching. I think this book would’ve been a lot better if it got upgraded to adult and went full out on the dark and sexual scenes, now it didn’t really live up to its potential.

Even though I have a bit of criticism, I still rated the book four stars, so the parts it did good were really good, but it could’ve been even better.

[Adelaide · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very very disappointed in this book, for a number of reasons, and by the looks of it, I may just be the only one. I'll first put this with a disclaimer that if you did love this book, like many others have, this is not an attack on you (or by extension, the author). I think it is great that people can find love and joy where they can, especially where I cannot. And I did not find it in this book.

I had two major issues with this book: Gavron and the lack of nuance. Also some issues with the supporting cast, but we'll get to that. I realize that a lot of these issues are likely to be a Me issue. I may very well be growing out of YA--as I'm now out of teens officially--and I've also started working and pursuing a degree in psychology and education. I take education very seriously, especially the decorum of teacher and student. I also had an experience in high school with a teacher who did not respect this decorum with my peers--someone a lot like Gavron: tall, handsome, older but not old enough to be considered creepy, but rather alluring. I am having to confront these memories and suspicions as I go through my career, so the visceral reaction I had to this book may be due to that. However, I do think what I have to say does bring some value.

First, I found Gavron to be completely unlikeable. I found him to be completely hypocritical and overly severe to Fin, even after the big reveal of him being somewhat controlled by Big Bad. There's a scene in which Fin says she can stand by herself, against Gav's wishes. In response, Gav holds her down, drains her of some more of her blood, and smugly tells her that she can either listen to him now and drink his blood or die. This is after they've built up a relationship and are friendly with each other, and just read as very wrong to me, especially considering all that we know about Fin. Also, Gavron then proceeds to send Fin into something even worse than slavery: enthrallment.

In enthrallment, one is not even given the dignity of protesting--her nos are changed to yeses based simply on the wishes of the vampires around her. She is a blood bag. And while Gavron says that no one will bite her because yada yada blood mate crap that's leftover from a SJM novel, and that she can blithely defend herself from others if they hurt her, that doesn't mean the other freaks in the castle can't be creative. One vampire, Yuhan, has her crawl and constantly torments her with blood that Gavron has disallowed her to drink. Also, note, I find it funny that Gavron gives her permission to fight against people, despite the fact that the narrative constantly tells us that she will always be outmatched by these older vampires.

Fin has a large amount of abuses fostered upon her, not to mention being in a "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream" situation, yet the narrative never really holds Gavron, or any of the other perpetrators, accountable. Fin isn't ever really angry with Gavron, and instantly assumes he must have some reason he is doing this to her. Even when the insufferable supporting cast, and Marai (the one star is for her), point out the terrible things Gavron has done to her, all she can say is, "But he loves me." There is something so hauntingly sad and terrifying about that, but the narrative presents her as being completely in the right. After all, it turns out in the end that Gavron WAS being controlled by Big Bad who is only revealed at the end, and thus is absolved of all guilt. Hell, he doesn't even really apologize, he just makes some vague comment about it and Fin instantly assures him that she forgives him, despite him not even really alluding to being that sorry.

This has happened a lot in YA romantasy books, to the point that it has become disturbing. Something will happen in which the love interest is given complete free reign to be an absolute shithead to the main character, to the point of actively physically harming them, when suddenly--WHOOPS--the rug is pulled out from under us! The LI wasn't evil! In fact, he has suffered just like main character, if not more so! Yes, actually, even more, so therefore he has no reason to show remorse for putting her into slavery. He was actually being mind-controlled, or he was being forced to do it, or it was actually for the main character's own good! A Court of Roses and Thorns did it, Furyborn did it, and countless others. I find it somewhat emotionally manipulative of the narrative, and I hate this flippant set-dressing attitude we have towards two lovers beating the shit out of each other. This is an easy way for the author to make the plot grittier, or bloodier, or what have you, without actually looking at the implications. I know what many people are thinking--it's just a fantasy book where the dude was getting mind-control, it has no reflection on real life--and I would have to disagree full heartedly.

Fantasy is in the special place in which it can depict important events without potentially running the risk of retraumatizing those that are reading it that have experienced something similar. You could write an abusive and obsessed parent, sure, but you could also write it as a parable about an evil witch posing as your mother to lure you into another world and will never let you go (Coraline). You could write about the mentally aging effects of war on children, or you could instead write a fairy tale in which children go to a beautiful yet cruel fantasy world in their wardrobe, age emotionally and physically, only to step out and once again be expected to act like children despite what they've seen (Narnia). There's so much you can do with this, especially for YA, and it's so sad that it isn't used a lot in this age group, because there's a lot of potential.

Anyway, nothing exists in a vacuum, even fantasy books. I'm fed up with watching the heroine get the shit kicked out of her or have all her dignity sapped out of her by the male lead only to have no reason to be mad at him in the end. I'm tired of acting like this doesn't bother me. It's a trope that not a lot of people talk about, and it's stupid.

Also, the whole vampire-human relation thing was pushed to the side, in my opinion. I felt there was little commentary on how fucked up it is that vampires will keep humans impoverished only to dangle this reward of becoming one of them in front of them, like a taunt. There's a mention of children being marked by wearing a certain house's colors around their neck, that they're picked from a young age to be groomed into vampirehood. I mean, that seems like a huge ass setup for some terrible things to happen, like what? Again, mentioned in passing. Foundlings--the rando children found in backwater villages--are treated like fodder to the vampire trials, and are treated like shit by the likes of other vampires, Kashire. Again, while Fin and Gavron (UGH) make some remark about protecting humans from vampires, Kashire is still readily accepted as "family" by them. There were no humans--other than Marai and Fin, who turn in the end--that meaningfully impacted the story. They were all faceless and generic.

Another thing I find funny in a bad way is when the Blue Court says in retaliation to Fin and Gav's annoucement: "B-b-but if we don't oppress the humans, they'll burn us on the cross! They're just as bad!!!" And it's like, gee, wonder why? It's almost like you basically enslaved them and treat them like cattle. Hmmm, real thinker, that one.

The book could also get torture porny at some points as well. Fin just goes through the absolute fucking ringer. She's called a whore by her female love interest (who is taken out of the story immediately, then shows up again, only to be immediately taken out again), she's stabbed by Kashire , gets mauled by werewolves by her stupid as fuck Maker, forced into enthrallment, etc. etc. It just goes way too far, and like I said, there's no catharsis of her getting back at this people. They "become her family" in the end. It's just so cruel and bloody--and I'm fine with books like that, but I want the protagonists to be cruel and bloody right back to those fuckers. Maybe I'm just a vengeful, unforgiving bitch, idk.

Side Note: I also think this should have been adult. I think some of the issues I had with this would have been lessened if done so. I know with adult romances that have fantasy elements you just need to shut the fuck up and enjoy the ride, but--ironically--I do like to hold YA to some standards, due to certain messages that are probably going to reach very impressionable teenagers. I mean this in regards to the fucked up love interests and toothless main characters, not sex, I don't really have a hat in that race.

Anyway, this did not deliver on the badass protagonist like I was promised. No hate whatsoever to the author, I still think their debut novel was absolutely wonderful and good asexual rep, but I just couldn't stand this one.

[Kristin Sledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Finn has lost everything....her mother, her father, her very way of life. When the one person she has left is about to be taken from her by a reaping for vampire possibles, Finn pivots to put herself in the crosshairs instead. But learning what it takes to be fully turned is more than Finn bargained for. Will she be able to survive long enough to unleash her fury upon the vampires, or will she find there are worse things to be afraid of?

The story and world building of this novel are an easy 5 stars for me, however I felt like the author did Finn an injustice by keeping her in her female box when she was meant to be so much more. I don't want to spoil the story, so I won't dive deeper Into this complaint but I hope the author and publishers.realize what a miss this was. The world is exquisite, the vampire houses and what they have to offer are such a new take that you don't find yourself rolling your eyes when a vampire feature.that has been overdone is on display. The characters are easy to love and even hate, and while nothing comes easily for Finn you aren't left with that dread of "how will.the author screw this up for her this time" like I have felt in other novels.

4 stars for a world I hope to someday adventure in again. Recommended for.those.who love a good magic school or even vampiric romance. Age recommended for 13+ as there is a little spice, but nothing graphic.

[Athena of Velaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own

In the dead of winter, the vampires arrive to take a foundling from each village. This year, Fin is taken and dragged to the heart of the vampire kingdom to study to join the immortal ranks of the undead. Should she fail in her studies, she will forever be trapped as a mortal thrall to the vampire Houses. When Gavon steps forward to sponsor her education, the vampire court is shocked, for he belongs to the mysterious Black House which keeps the balance between the four great vampire Houses. Fin, placed in an impossible situation, must navigate danger, romance, friendship and intrigue. But then vampires start to turn up dead, and the history of the vampire Houses may be even more dangerous than anyone realized.

Court of the Undying Seasons by A.M Strickland has it all. Vampires, romance, dark academia, mysterious lovers, intrigue, fight scenes, and character growth (did I mention vampires mixed with dark academia?). The world was a wonderful blend of traditional fantasy and modern flare, combining the best of both worlds. Casual queerness was a huge part of the story, as almost every character in the book didn’t fall on the traditional gender or romantic spectrum. Gender identity was fluid, and though it was important to Fin’s character, it never overshadowed her personality. The world didn’t have a default sexuality or gender, and especially in the modern era, seeing fantasy free of unnecessary constructs is crucial.

Speaking of Fin’s character, she was a wonderful protagonist to follow. For the early part of the story, she is motivated almost entirely by survival and revenge, and I adored watching her realize that there is more to life than those things. Her relationships felt natural and realistic, especially as they weren’t easily developed. She fought for her friends and they fought for her, and I appreciated how the main friendship was between two strong women/vampires.

The romance took slowburn to the extreme. I liked that while there could have been a power dynamic, neither partner took advantage of it, and the tension was unbelievably good. The jealousy, the banter, the longing stares: this was a romance with teeth and it fit perfectly into the world Strickland has created. The atmosphere of Court of the Undying Seasons was amazing. Reading was like being swept away to a dark castle full of secrets, training in moonlit woods, studying in ancient libraries, and twirling through a blood-stained ballroom.

Now this book is vicious. There’s violence and blood and death: the author is not kidding when they say it’s a dark fantasy. Beyond the darkness, though, it is a truly moving story. I cared about the characters and their relationships, and the plot had me guessing until the very last page. While I didn’t love the ending (the twist came out of nowhere and should have been established earlier), I can still respect how it sets up a sequel but could also exist merely as a standalone.

If you like books with teeth (or at least characters with fangs), then you’ll love Court of the Undying Seasons. Trust me, you’ll be trapped in its thrall until the very last page.

[Muffinsandbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alors, j'ai bien aimé le concept, que j'ai trouvé original et plutôt bien mené, l'ambiance est sympa et il y a eu un petit plot twist que je n'avais pas vu venir en plus des différents retournements de situation qu'impliquent les intrigues politiques / de cour - ou de Maisons en l'occurence. Dans l'ensemble, j'ai donc passé un bon moment de lecture, mais c'était quand même très lent, longuet même parfois et je dois avouer que les blablas de la fin m'ont pas mal laissée de marbre. J'ai eu l'impression que le grand méchant sortait de nulle part, tout comme le complot qui fait avancer toute l'histoire et même si l'univers est, comme je le disais, original et intéressant, je l'ai trouvé étrangement développé : on nous balance régulièrement plein d'infos sans que ça soit particulièrement bien lissé dans le récit et jusqu'à la toute fin on fait mention de choses qui n'avaient jamais été amenées avant... I don't know, ce n'est pas que je n'ai pas aimé ma lecture, c'est juste que certains éléments ont un peu terni mon ressenti général dessus !

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This advanced copy was provided by Hodder & Stoughton in exchanged for an honest review.

TW: blood drinking (both voluntary and forced), violence, gore, death, murder, child abuse and neglect, mind/body control, consent issues, uneven relationship dynamics, substance use, mild gender dysphoria, mild body horror.

"I will die," I reply, not bothering to wipe my face. "But you'd better hope I die all the way or else I'm coming for you."

Court of the Undying Seasons is a dark novel where every year humans, or foundlings, are sent as tribute to a vampire school where to study and succeed in becoming vampires.

We follow Fin's story as she volunteers to go in someone else's stead. Fin is torn between finding her lost mother and the power she will gain once she becomes a vampire. Throughout the book we see Fin struggle with her humanity, and what she must become in order to survive. If she fails, she will become a human thrall, someone who's been compelled to do the vampire's bidding, with no autonomy.

A.M. Strickland knows how to write compelling stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a story that can easily keep you reading 24 hours straight. The world is complex with the vampire hierarchy and rules, as well as the complexity in Fin's feelings and decision making.

As a big fan of Strickland's writing, I am anxiously waiting for a series to come to light. Their skill in writing compelling plot is remarkable but I want more character development from the main and side characters. I think this is the biggest thing missing from this novel.

Overall, it's a dark story for the paranormal/ fantastical readers. I would highly recommend.

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

i so can’t wait for this book!!!! give me all the queer vampires!!!!

I received an eARC of this book from Hodder & Stoughton through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4.5 stars

I discovered A.M. Strickland 2 years ago with In the Ravenous Dark, which became one of my all time favourite books, and I've been looking forward to her next work ever since. So when she announced a book about vampires I was instantly sold. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for vampires.

I really enjoyed Strickland's take on vampires, and on the whole learning how to be a vampire process. I love school settings, especially when it involves magic, so I really liked discovering all of Courtsheart's classes. Obviously, all the plot twists and betrayals made it even better, but even if it had just been a cozy little vampire school book with low stakes I would have still liked it.
Talking about plot twists and betrayals, Strickland's writing is always so exciting and it always leaves you wanting more. Just like In The Ravenous Dark, Court of the Undying Seasons was a real page turner and I couldn't get enough of it.

[Ray]

Dnfing at 15%. I cant bring myself to care and im getting the ick. Everyone let out a nice long sigh in remembrance of the money i wasted paying full price for this book.

[Elisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited about this book — I love academic settings, especially in dark fantasy. A hint of dark academia just promises an atmospheric read.
Unfortunately this book was fairly uderwhelming, as a whole. There were interesting parts, but it was all so coated in this vagueness, that very little actually made an impact.

The world building? Vague. What there was, was a little too heavily inspired by Nevernight IMO. The Red Church was turned into the Court, with its various classes and teachers, all very similar (seduction, blades, healing…). The shadowwalking. The attraction to a powerful, older adept with a dark beauty and even darker clothing, who becomes a mentor. The betrayal. Even one of the main reveals! The morally grey MC driven by vengeance — except Fin really doesn’t compare to Mia, not even close.

Which brings me to the characters: you guessed it, vague. Only moderately interesting, none of them compelling or particularly memorable, despite the descriptions. I had a lot of trouble keeping their names straight almost until the end.

The plot: alas, it’s three by three with the lack of definition. Fin’s motivation and goals keep changing and we see everything through her eyes so there’s a bit of vengeance — but unfocused, with moving targets depending on what happens —, survival, maybe love? Then a sort of murder mystery. The only thing that stays constant is how slow the narration is, the constant shifting focus, and how unlikeable Fin is as an MC: understandably wary and bitter at first, but then through it all always such a stubborn, prickly, obnoxious know-it-all.

Even the ending barely makes sense — slightly overwritten and yet lacking sharpness.

It’s very sad because sometimes I started feeing like it was getting more atmospheric and some of the visuals were slightly more vivid… but it never quite panned out for me.

Honestly, I don’t know to whom I’d recommend this, if at all. You might find it moderately intriguing if you love vampires but I just cannot get past the similarities to Nevernight, and the fact that those unoriginal bits were the best parts TBH.

2 STARS

[Sarah 🌺 Books in Their Natural Habitat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a good vampire book?!

Court of the Undying Seasons satiated my need for a good vampire book. Fin pulls the white feather and is therefore selected to leave her village and go to live with and become a vampire. Fin is very resistant and ultimately want to learn about vampires to take them out. But as the recruits are unexpectedly dying and Fin falls for the mysterious sponsor Gavron, she begins to waiver on what she really wants. Will she be able to protect herself, pass all the tests, and become a vampire and solve what is really going on or will she stick with her original plan?

Overall, I liked the murder mystery element to the story. It added something to whether or not Fin would make it through the schooling. Fin is such a stubborn firecracker and pushes everyone away… and for good reasons. And Gavron! Yay for mysterious brooding vampires!

Another thing I really liked was the inclusivity in the characters. Everyone is accepted as they are and are just living their lives equally without making a huge deal out of what makes them them. As it should be.

If you’re in the mood for a mysterious vampire read, pick up Court of the Undying Seasons!

Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my own opinions.

[Jan Agaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

courts should stay in the fae world

[AboutEstelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad🥹🥹
Les 20% du début sont tops et après ça perd en rythme. J’ai lu la fin en travers c’est trop dommage. Je t’ai connue bien plus peps que ça ma fille !

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never finished Interview with the Vampire. It's probably one of the only vampire books that landed in my hands at the wrong time. Don't worry. I still have the books. I might give them another try one day. But just like this author I'm incredibly happy that vampires are hot again. That there are once more countless vampire books written. And that this author got to write theirs. I'm even happier that Hodder & Stoughton granted me a review copy via Netgalley.

This book is fascinating. I guess that's the only right word for it. Fascinating. Mostly because it blurs lines. So many lines. The lines between humans and vampires. The lines between all the boxes we've created to put people in. The lines between a typical YA academy novel and political fantasy novel. The lines between prey and monsters. The lines between love and obsession. The lines between average and extremely pretty and so on.

The start of the book is quite eventful, the middle feels a little calmer and the finale is one big rollercoaster filled with reveals, double crossing, lies and manipulation. Once I read the last part of the book it was almost impossible to put the book down. Not that everything before that was boring. On the contrary. The mythology is rich and the way we explore it works incredibly well. And there is a delicious tension, both romantic tension and danger tension.

There's, as you can read, a lot going on. Luckily we have Fin at the centre. Our anchor. She's the one living this story. She's the one ending up in the middle. She's not a perfect person. She makes mistakes and there are quite a few times where you'd wanna strangle her. And yet she's also endearing, beautifully human in a non-human world, beautifully flawed in a world known for its perfection. A character growing so much and eventually earning a place in your heart.

The book works perfectly as a stand-alone, but the door is wide open and I hope a sequel might be coming one day!

[milliereadsalot · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The concept was really cool, but the execution just didn't do it for me. I struggled to get through this book, which shouldn't have been the case considering it was pretty action-packed and intense, with lots of vampires and mysteries happening. There was just something about it that didn't quite make sense to me - the character's motivations seemed to be all over the place, the worldbuilding was confusing, and I just couldn't connect to the story. I didn't enjoy the romance - it felt very unbelievable and there was no chemistry. The love interest was honestly a really horrible person - even if it turned out at the end that the events occurring weren't entirely under his control, he was never held accountable in any way. There were characters coming in and out of the story all of a sudden, in a very jarring manner, and there was just so much that just didn't make sense. This story needed some serious development in the worldbuilding (and also should definitely be classed as Adult, not YA)

[Anniek · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've absolutely LOVED A.M. Strickland's previous books, and I thought the concept of this one was SO cool. A vampire school? Sign me UP.

But unfortunately, this really didn't work for me. I felt like it was taking itself super seriously, when I want a vampire novel to be more camp and FUN. And while it was dark, I felt like we barely got to know any of the characters, so it wasn't really hitting because I didn't care that much. I was missing quite a lot of emotional depth and complexity.

[Madison · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 15%

I TRIED. I really thought I could hack it. But the second they were like "the Black Court is scary and mysterious and above the rules" the whole thing started reading like Divergent fanfic. Most YA books aren't as brazen with their "every subset within this society has a specific personality and also a color" these days, but I guess we can call this one old school. The whole thing was wayyyy too hokey for me.

[Bianca Rose (Belladonnabooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I am obsessed with Strickland’s writing. It just works for me so well.

Get ready for a dark fantasy filled with queer vampires and lush word building! Also they attend a vampire school in a gothic castle that has evil sorting houses. Each house has its own qualities and strengths, house colour, mottos etc. Can it get any better? I think not.

But there’s more! Morally grey characters, enemies to lovers and forced proximity. Oh my! In the background there’s also a murder mystery that needs to be solved. This book was so much fun to read.

I LOVED that queerness was so normalised and a big deal wasn’t made of it. It just was the way it was and it was glorious. Basically you have a whole bunch of sexy vampires who are all incredible in their own ways.

The spice level surprised me (in a good way). So much angst and tension build up!

I will happily read more gay vampire school novels. Please and thank you.

Please ensure you check the trigger warnings (the author has been transparent about this) before reading.

Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for my free copy of this deliciously dark fantasy!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, the basis of this book is that it's full of hot vampires, and I can confidently say that is one of the reasons I loved it so much. It is stunning, from the writing to the characters to the setting to the brutality of the world. I just love seeing feral people be feral.

Now, my unhinged pitch: horny vampires.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf at 26%

I love vampire books but this one unfortunately didn’t work for me. The MC was annoying me and the plot was kinda confusing. I had to dnf because it was putting me into a reading slump

[Cami L. González · Rating 3 out of 5]

No esperaba mucho del libro, pero resultó bastante más entretenido de lo que pensé que sería. Y eso que en un momento consideré abandonarlo porque daba la sensación de que sería la misma historia cliché de siempre.

Fin termina siendo elegida para convertirse en una vampira cuando se sacrifica por su amiga. Así es como terminará en una academia aprendiendo los distintos talentos de los vampiros en pruebas letales que no sabe si sobrevivirá, mientras, alguien amenaza a los elegidos de vampiros.

Por un momento, de verdad creí que sería la clásica historia en la que Fin era distinta al resto y que gracias a eso iba a demostrar ser buena en todo. No lo fue, aunque sí que se sintió como una historia juvenil cliché, logró ser bastante entretenida. Fin guardaba un odio ciego hacia los vampiros debido a que su madre era una coaccionada, humanos sin voluntad controlados por los vampiros. Así que cuando llegó a las cortes, decidió trabajar y enfocarse en cazarlos para acabar con ellos.

"Voy a dominar el arte de cazar monstruos. Y no me importa si tengo que convertirme en uno también".

Creo que lo más interesante del libro fue que a pesar del origen de Fin, no terminó demonizando a los vampiros, sino que ella con el paso de las páginas fue aprendiendo a verlos como seres capaces tanto de algo bueno como algo malo. El libro era autoconclusivo y no aspiraba a ser una gran historia de lucha entre especies, sino que algo más sencillo centrado en cómo Fin inició su camino para ser vampira (que se sabe desde el inicio) y el cómo usando esto buscó una forma de ayudar a los humanos.

Gran parte del libro fue algo muy conocido en estos libros, Fin asistiendo a clases de vampiros, en algunas demostrando ser buena, en otras fallando, mientras hay eventos sociales. Al mismo tiempo se fue volviendo más cercana con su maestro, un vampiro de la Corte Negra, la corte a la que sentía que pertenecía. Todo esto mientras una serie de asesinatos de vampiros ocurrían y Fin se ponía a investigar.

El romance de Fin con Gavron fue entretenido, de nuevo, dentro de lo que se podría esperar en estos libros. Partió como un desagrado y se fue convirtiendo en algo más a medida que cada uno fue ganando cierto respeto por el otro. Me gustó que acá fuera Fin quien cometiera errores a veces, no solo Gavron, además él me pareció bastante tierno y directo. A pesar de lo que parecía al inicio, no era (del todo) el personaje oscuro y misterioso.

"Los vampiros son extraños y complicados, al igual que los humanos. Buenos y malos y, a menudo, en algún lugar intermedio. Pero somos más poderosos que los humanos, y eso es peligroso".

El libro tuvo distintas relaciones que me gustaron bastante, la de amistad de Fin con Marai que me pareció muy linda por el cómo confiaban y cuidaban de la otra; tanto como Fin con Claudia y los demás vampiros maestros de las otras cortes, o las relaciones entre ellos. A pesar de no ser un libro largo, sus personajes y problemas lograron enganchar conmigo.

Sobre la trama y el misterio en general admito que estaba bastante perdida con quién era responsable, cuando se hizo la gran revelación quedé algo indiferente. Eso sí, eran buenas las escenas de los ataques o cuando encontraban los cadáveres. Además, el final fue algo caótico y extraño, la forma en que Fin logró solucionarlo no sé si me terminó de hacer sentido, eso sin mencionar el cómo terminó ella. Pero, de nuevo, era un libro juvenil con el que pasar el rato, no esperaba algo más complejo que lo que me dio.

Las cortes inmortales es una novela autoconclusiva en la que una chica es seleccionada para volverse vampira, pero mientras la educan debe resolver una serie de asesinatos. Un libro sencillo y entretenido que no aspiró a ser una gran historia, sino que una divertida.

"Soy un monstruo. En el fondo, creo que todos lo somos... tanto humanos como vampiros. Pero las decisiones que tomo como monstruo son las que realmente definen quién soy".