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The Strandlock
The strandlock is failing.
The ancient wizard imprisoned within it is already reaching beyond his prison, releasing violent storms across the world of Spira.
Dark clouds and hail sweep across the plains, reaching Tima, a girl the Elders call cursed. Forced to hide her silver hair and treated as an outcast, Tima is determined to leave the primitive plains camp.
When she makes a pledge that risks her spirit, she becomes bound to Lord Dranger, a moody shapeshifter with secrets of his own. Together, they embark on a daring journey to save the strandlock before the wizard escapes.
To survive, Tima must accept the magic she has spent her life hiding, face the unbreakable pledge she made, and discover the truth about her destiny.
A thrilling fantasy adventure of hidden magic, dangerous secrets, and a world on the brink of disaster.
The ancient wizard imprisoned within it is already reaching beyond his prison, releasing violent storms across the world of Spira.
Dark clouds and hail sweep across the plains, reaching Tima, a girl the Elders call cursed. Forced to hide her silver hair and treated as an outcast, Tima is determined to leave the primitive plains camp.
When she makes a pledge that risks her spirit, she becomes bound to Lord Dranger, a moody shapeshifter with secrets of his own. Together, they embark on a daring journey to save the strandlock before the wizard escapes.
To survive, Tima must accept the magic she has spent her life hiding, face the unbreakable pledge she made, and discover the truth about her destiny.
A thrilling fantasy adventure of hidden magic, dangerous secrets, and a world on the brink of disaster.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2026
About the author
K.L. Small
12 books31 followersK. L. Small writes fiction for young readers and the young at heart. A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale is her debut middle grade novel. The Brass Ring Series includes The Magic Carousel, The Christmas Carousel, and The Haunted Carousel. Letters from Shadow Oaks is a women's fiction that readers have described as a "heart-warming read".
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 28, 2026
An amazing first fantasy novel from a beloved author of the Magic Carousel novels, the Strandlock introduces a marvelous world, full of imaginative, creative lore and magic, and unforgettable characters.
‘The Strandlock’ opens with welcome YA fantasy tropes that anchor the story and make it feel familiar but quickly evolves into an exciting tale with unexpected twists. Tima is a downtrodden girl that protects her closest friend by accepting a quest that becomes much more than she expected. Lord Dranger is a shapeshifting Prince who hides his weaknesses but is willing to jeopardize his humanity to save his kingdom. The story revolves around hidden heirs and magic powers and plants the seeds of a budding romance, too!
The author's voice carries you on the journey and weaves a realistic world with an entirely unique magic system. I really enjoyed the unique setting filled with “bark monkeys,” “kringer cats,” and “dewroot tea.” The writer has crafted masterful action sequences and interesting side characters. This is a great start to a series and highly recommended. Do yourself a favor and get this book today. And it's appropriate for any age readers, a wonderful fact in this time of inappropriate Romantasy everywhere!
‘The Strandlock’ opens with welcome YA fantasy tropes that anchor the story and make it feel familiar but quickly evolves into an exciting tale with unexpected twists. Tima is a downtrodden girl that protects her closest friend by accepting a quest that becomes much more than she expected. Lord Dranger is a shapeshifting Prince who hides his weaknesses but is willing to jeopardize his humanity to save his kingdom. The story revolves around hidden heirs and magic powers and plants the seeds of a budding romance, too!
The author's voice carries you on the journey and weaves a realistic world with an entirely unique magic system. I really enjoyed the unique setting filled with “bark monkeys,” “kringer cats,” and “dewroot tea.” The writer has crafted masterful action sequences and interesting side characters. This is a great start to a series and highly recommended. Do yourself a favor and get this book today. And it's appropriate for any age readers, a wonderful fact in this time of inappropriate Romantasy everywhere!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I was so impressed with how immersive this world felt. Tima Rien is such a compelling heroine, cast out by her village for being different and forced to hide who she really is, and when she steps in to take her friend's place as a sacrificial bride to Lord Dranger, it kicks off a journey full of danger and real self discovery. The world building genuinely mesmerized me, the creatures, landscapes, and cultures of Spira all felt so vivid and detailed, and watching Tima slowly uncover her hidden magic and destiny gave the story real emotional weight. I loved how the relationship between Tima and Dranger developed with actual care over the course of their journey, completely subverting what the village legends had led me to expect. The pacing and tension stayed strong throughout, and even the secondary characters got thoughtful development. What really stood out to me was how the story challenges typical hero narratives, exploring sacrifice, responsibility, and what heroism actually looks like. It ends on a twist that has me desperate for the sequel. A beautifully written, imaginative fantasy that I'd recommend to just about anyone.
I was so impressed with how immersive this world felt. Tima Rien is such a compelling heroine, cast out by her village for being different and forced to hide who she really is, and when she steps in to take her friend's place as a sacrificial bride to Lord Dranger, it kicks off a journey full of danger and real self discovery. The world building genuinely mesmerized me, the creatures, landscapes, and cultures of Spira all felt so vivid and detailed, and watching Tima slowly uncover her hidden magic and destiny gave the story real emotional weight. I loved how the relationship between Tima and Dranger developed with actual care over the course of their journey, completely subverting what the village legends had led me to expect. The pacing and tension stayed strong throughout, and even the secondary characters got thoughtful development. What really stood out to me was how the story challenges typical hero narratives, exploring sacrifice, responsibility, and what heroism actually looks like. It ends on a twist that has me desperate for the sequel. A beautifully written, imaginative fantasy that I'd recommend to just about anyone.
September 23, 2026
The Strandlock is an engaging fantasy adventure. Tima, different from the other members of her tribe, lives under harsh conditions until she volunteers to leave by pledging herself to Lord Dranger.
The story is filled with surprises and adventures that make for a great read. The strands themselves were clever beyond words. Those she encountered on the mission added another dimension to the story. With twists and turns along the way, it kept me turning the pages and unable to put the book down until I finished.
I received an advance review copy of this book.
The story is filled with surprises and adventures that make for a great read. The strands themselves were clever beyond words. Those she encountered on the mission added another dimension to the story. With twists and turns along the way, it kept me turning the pages and unable to put the book down until I finished.
I received an advance review copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In the enviable situation of being in the right place at the right time, I received an advance reader copy of THE STRANDLOCK by K. L. Small, and I am delighted to review it. I am also in awe of K. L. Small’s scope of genres, from middle-grade adventure to contemporary women’s fiction, and now a full-fledged fantasy with all the bells and whistles!
The heroine of THE STRANDLOCK is Tima-Rien. Orphaned at an early age and foisted on her aunt, Tima barely survives the neglect and scorn heaped upon her by the people of her village because she is “different” – her eyes and her hair (which must remain covered at all times) set her apart as “cursed.” Everyone, including Tima, knows there are special forces around her, but not even she knows what they are or how to use them. Dreaming of the day she can escape the village, her reprieve comes in the unlikely guise of a trader on his way to see the Wrenlar, shapeshifting beasts who live in the mountains, that the villagers believe have powerful magic that is causing the terrible weather that is destroying their crops.
The elders decide to make a bargain with the lord of the Wrenlar – they will offer him a “joining mate” to appease his evil tendencies. When the elders choose Tima’s best friend, who is already promised to another as their offering, Tima steps in and convinces the villagers to send her instead. Her aunt agrees, and so Tima, who has given her word to be pledged to Lord Dranger for the village’s safety, leaves with the trader and his servants for their journey to the blue mountains; a journey fraught with dangers and magical beasts.
I found the details of THE STRANDLOCK to be intriguing and, at the same time, mesmerizing. The descriptions of the landscape, the creatures, and the main characters—shape-shifting Wrenlar Lord Dranger and Tima-Rien—are wonderfully depicted, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow over the course of their journey.
The pacing and tension of THE STRANDLOCK are superb, and even the secondary and tertiary characters are well-drawn. There is a twist at the end that I am not even going to hint at, but I can hardly wait for the next book!
As with all of K.L. Small’s books, THE STANDLOCK is well-written, imaginative, and keeps you turning the pages way past your bedtime.
The heroine of THE STRANDLOCK is Tima-Rien. Orphaned at an early age and foisted on her aunt, Tima barely survives the neglect and scorn heaped upon her by the people of her village because she is “different” – her eyes and her hair (which must remain covered at all times) set her apart as “cursed.” Everyone, including Tima, knows there are special forces around her, but not even she knows what they are or how to use them. Dreaming of the day she can escape the village, her reprieve comes in the unlikely guise of a trader on his way to see the Wrenlar, shapeshifting beasts who live in the mountains, that the villagers believe have powerful magic that is causing the terrible weather that is destroying their crops.
The elders decide to make a bargain with the lord of the Wrenlar – they will offer him a “joining mate” to appease his evil tendencies. When the elders choose Tima’s best friend, who is already promised to another as their offering, Tima steps in and convinces the villagers to send her instead. Her aunt agrees, and so Tima, who has given her word to be pledged to Lord Dranger for the village’s safety, leaves with the trader and his servants for their journey to the blue mountains; a journey fraught with dangers and magical beasts.
I found the details of THE STRANDLOCK to be intriguing and, at the same time, mesmerizing. The descriptions of the landscape, the creatures, and the main characters—shape-shifting Wrenlar Lord Dranger and Tima-Rien—are wonderfully depicted, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow over the course of their journey.
The pacing and tension of THE STRANDLOCK are superb, and even the secondary and tertiary characters are well-drawn. There is a twist at the end that I am not even going to hint at, but I can hardly wait for the next book!
As with all of K.L. Small’s books, THE STANDLOCK is well-written, imaginative, and keeps you turning the pages way past your bedtime.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Romantasy masquerading as YA fantasy, The Strandlock pulls the reader into a vivid and very different world.
Tima is an outcast in her Plains tribe, forced to cover her hair, blamed for every ill event. With her loved father dead, and only a strict aunt to care for her, Tima’s life seems doomed to be one of servitude, carrying out the meanest tasks and forever pushed to the background. She has one friend, the beautiful and popular Amalon.
Life on the plains is never easy, but then strange, dangerous weather events begin to occur, threatening life and sustenance. Then a trader appears and suggests that, in an attempt to allay the frightening weather events, he takes a young woman to the far mountains to be joined with a legendary, and feared, shapeshifter. When the tribe reluctantly offers up their best – Amalon – a horrified Tima finds herself stepping forward to take her friend’s place, pledging a most solemn vow to become the shapeshifter’s joining mate.
But when Tima reaches her destination after a journey fraught with peril, she discovers the stories of the shapeshifters bear little resemblance to the reality.
The Strandlock is a classic and well told tale about a young woman learning and embracing her destiny, and is the first in what I believe is going to be at least two books. Beautifully described, the strange animals, landscapes and people of this deeply imagined world come to life on the pages. Tima herself proves to be a worthy heroine, facing her fears, determined to fulfil her sacred vow – a vow that in time becomes more than just an unbreakable pledge. The reader roots for Tima all the way from page one, travelling alongside her as she places tentative step after tentative step into her new future. The Strandlock is a story which will engross readers from a young age upwards. Highly recommended, and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
Tima is an outcast in her Plains tribe, forced to cover her hair, blamed for every ill event. With her loved father dead, and only a strict aunt to care for her, Tima’s life seems doomed to be one of servitude, carrying out the meanest tasks and forever pushed to the background. She has one friend, the beautiful and popular Amalon.
Life on the plains is never easy, but then strange, dangerous weather events begin to occur, threatening life and sustenance. Then a trader appears and suggests that, in an attempt to allay the frightening weather events, he takes a young woman to the far mountains to be joined with a legendary, and feared, shapeshifter. When the tribe reluctantly offers up their best – Amalon – a horrified Tima finds herself stepping forward to take her friend’s place, pledging a most solemn vow to become the shapeshifter’s joining mate.
But when Tima reaches her destination after a journey fraught with peril, she discovers the stories of the shapeshifters bear little resemblance to the reality.
The Strandlock is a classic and well told tale about a young woman learning and embracing her destiny, and is the first in what I believe is going to be at least two books. Beautifully described, the strange animals, landscapes and people of this deeply imagined world come to life on the pages. Tima herself proves to be a worthy heroine, facing her fears, determined to fulfil her sacred vow – a vow that in time becomes more than just an unbreakable pledge. The reader roots for Tima all the way from page one, travelling alongside her as she places tentative step after tentative step into her new future. The Strandlock is a story which will engross readers from a young age upwards. Highly recommended, and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fairy tales have lasted hundreds of years because they are good stories. So many fairy tales are simply rewrites of the originals we all loved. Imagine a fairy tale written in a similar but different world, with characters who think and act unexpectedly. You have to question: can a story have more than one hero? Can characters change their expectations? Do some have more responsibility than others to the success of their race? Can a hero have a personal life - does he or she want or have time for one? Is sacrifice worth it?
This story pulls the rug out from under you as you travel and meet success and defeat. It teaches a different point of view for heroism.
I recommend the book highly.
This story pulls the rug out from under you as you travel and meet success and defeat. It teaches a different point of view for heroism.
I recommend the book highly.
October 2, 2026
The world building was beautifully written, the creatures, and cultures of Spira all felt so vivid!! I was entertained and found myself wanting to continue reading and wanting to know what's going to happen!
This wasn't a bad read—it simply never reached the emotional payoff I was looking for. The ideas behind the story are compelling, but I found myself wanting stronger character development and a smoother execution to fully bring them to life.
Overall, A lovely, imaginative fantasy that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a romantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This wasn't a bad read—it simply never reached the emotional payoff I was looking for. The ideas behind the story are compelling, but I found myself wanting stronger character development and a smoother execution to fully bring them to life.
Overall, A lovely, imaginative fantasy that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a romantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This was an interesting read with a premise that grabbed me in the beginning. I appreciated where this story was headed. However, I felt that the execution was left wanting. Each chapter felt like someone was talking without taking a breath as there were little transitions between scenes and it made it hard to follow.
I also found the main characters hard to connect with and the MMC's aggressiveness made it difficult to want to root for him as a romantic lead.
I am a little surprised to see that this will be marketed as a teen/YA novel, as it reads more like a romantasy.
This was an interesting read with a premise that grabbed me in the beginning. I appreciated where this story was headed. However, I felt that the execution was left wanting. Each chapter felt like someone was talking without taking a breath as there were little transitions between scenes and it made it hard to follow.
I also found the main characters hard to connect with and the MMC's aggressiveness made it difficult to want to root for him as a romantic lead.
I am a little surprised to see that this will be marketed as a teen/YA novel, as it reads more like a romantasy.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews