Dark Books for Teens
Your prophecy begins with a single review.
The Stronghold is calling. And this time, it’s watching who speaks. 👁️
THE SENDING FILES: Contest Reveal
If Sovereign haunted you in the best possible way…
If Harper’s unraveling world left you breathless…
This is your moment.
To celebrate the upcoming release of Elysium, I’m giving away a signed copy of Book 2 (yes, before it hits shelves 😈) to one reader who shares their raw, emotional, chaotic-good thoughts on Sovereign.
Here’s how to enter:
- Post a video review of Sovereign on any social platform (TikTok, IG Reels, YouTube Shorts—your vibe, your rules).
- Tag me in your caption (Social links below)
- Use the hashtag #ajwhitneybooks
That’s it. Whether it’s a breakdown, a thirst edit, or a whispered monologue in the dark—make it yours.
🗓️ Contest ends January 30, 2026
🏆 Winner announced the week after
Early Elysium readers will know things others won’t. Secrets. Names. Fates.
Will you be the first?
Whispers from the Archives
Currently Reading: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline — YA dystopia in which North America’s Indigenous peoples are hunted and harvested for medicine
Currently Writing: Never Say Neverland — a horror retelling of the classic Peter Pan tale, in which Pan is the villain and only Hook can save Wendy
Upcoming:
* July 12: KC Nerd Fest in Pleasant Valley, MO
* August 2: Harry Potter Pop-Up in Blue Springs, MO
Check the Events Page for details.
Next month in the stronghold
Before Maggie demanded justice for all children, someone else wanted to stop the Sending. And they wanted her help.
A personal letter was found, tucked beneath the floorboards in the Orphan Home attic.
It was never logged. Never shared. And it names names.
You’ll read it first.
AJ Whitney is a young adult dark fiction author. She writes thrillers, horror, fantasy, and other speculative fiction for teens from her home in Kansas City, MO.