"Joy's debut has all the trappings of a riveting fantasy novel: enviable world building, elements of magic, and scintillating glimpses of a powerful backstory...not to mention a slow-burning romance sure to get readers swooning...Gripping political intrigue and cinematic action." Booklist, starred review
"A sibling rivalry like nothing you ve ever read before. Joy weaves a dark yet delicate treatise on race, heritage, and power whilst never losing that addictive just one more chapter allure. I devoured it in one sitting!" Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire
"A dark and bloody delight of a debut, Amanda Joy's A River of Royal Blood is a seductive tapestry of extraordinary magick delving into the terrifying lengths we will go to claim our destiny." Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles
The world of this book is fascinating, the characters and their relationships are compelling, and that plot twist wow! Readers of fantasy will enjoy it immensely. VOYA
A surprising twist and multiple unsolved mysteries will leave readers looking forward to the next book. . . A compelling debut. Kirkus Reviews
[A] fast-paced magicaladventure. . . Filled with mythical creatures, ancient traditions, sibling rivalries, political intrigue, and epic world-building, this book stands out as a masterful adventure. School Library Journal
Joy creates a complex, intriguing fantasy world. . . [Readers] will enjoy exciting fight scenes and a variety of abilities reminiscent of Kristin Cashore s Gracelingtrilogy. The Bulletin of the Center for Children s Books
[This] engrossing, North African inspired series opener draws effectively on real-world prejudices to inform [a] richly created universe. Publishers Weekly
A dark and complex fantasy of bloodlust and rich imagination. . . Fascinating characters, both regal and warrior-like, fill the narrative, and the pageantry is richly detailed in a swirling cacophony of colors, dance, and swordplay...This first book in a series is riveting...[and] will leave readers wanting more. School Library Connection
Amanda Joy has an MFA from The New School, and lives in Chicago with her dog Luna. You can find her on twitter and Instagram at @amandajoywrites.