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.
Praise of A Queen of Gilded Horns: A 2021 Kirkus Best Book Joy's writing is exemplary; a strong plot, even pacing, and character growth (not only Eva's) all lead up to an ending that should satisfy even the pickiest readers . . . A strong and satisfying conclusion. -Kirkus Reviews, starred review At its core, this story dives deep into the themes of family, belonging, identity, and sibling rivalry. These themes are adeptly blended with a fast-paced plot and incredible world building...The stakes are incredibly high in this stunning conclusion to the duology. Highly recommended for all collections. -School Library Journal, starred review Tensions are high in this sequel and Joy's language is just as melodious, her world-building just as spell-binding . . . There's no denying Joy's talent, and readers will bask in the sisters' character arcs and the book's gratifying ending. -Booklist Praise for A River of Royal Blood: 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 Joy creates a complex, intriguing fantasy world. . . [Readers] will enjoy exciting fight scenes and a variety of abilities reminiscent of Kristin Cashore's Graceling trilogy. -The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 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