LJ Amber
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LJ Amber
@ljamberfantasy.com
2.3K followers 3.3K following 2.2K posts
#1 Best Rated Tragic Fantasy Author on Royal Road

The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon is free to read rrtewwbad.ljamberfantasy.com

Queer Irish author living in Scotland. I write fantasy fiction for adults using accessible language.

www.ljamberfantasy.com
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ljamberfantasy.com
Really, word? In what world–
appent’ce's
November 20, 2025 at 4:18 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
Motherfu–
di’n't
November 11, 2025 at 2:31 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
Here we go again.

The word I typed: shouldn't

The word that Microsoft Word decided I'd meant:
sho’ldn't
November 11, 2025 at 12:29 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
I'm definitely on my way toward making it as a professional author writing under a name I own.
Patreon showing $1k a month and 135 paid members.
October 19, 2025 at 11:25 PM
ljamberfantasy.com
Microsoft Word strikes again.

This actually *is* a word, being the simple past of "wardrive," which is a jargon word referring to driving around searching for a wifi network.

Why in the *fuck* is this in the dictionary?
Microsoft word failing to flag "wardrove" as a typo.
October 2, 2025 at 8:34 PM
ljamberfantasy.com
ahahahaha
News article: Disappointed Christians say 'God is delaying the Rapture' until Epstein Files are released After the rapture failed to happen on Tuesday, many Christians are blaming it on the fact Donald Trump hasn't released a trove of documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein
September 24, 2025 at 3:49 PM
ljamberfantasy.com
Recently received one of the best reviews I've ever had. No idea who this person is, but very happy they like my work 🧡

Listen to them, and come read the story 👇
The best story I’ve ever read 12/09/2025 03:33 5 Stars Overall 5 Stars Style 5 Stars Story 5 Stars Grammar 5 Stars Character I finished reading the latest chapter probably half and hour ago, and I’m still sitting here catatonically stunned and viscerally in awe at the skill with which this author bends words to their will. Every chapter that I read, I become more and more impressed. I keep on thinking to myself “Is this the best story I’ve ever read? Surely not… It can’t be better than Dune and Dungeon Meshi and all of the Terry Pratchett books… right? Right?” And then this latest chapter released and just… yeah. It is. This is the best story I’ve ever read. My doubt is gone. That it’s the best novel I’ve read on this site wasn’t even in question. That was a given. But this isn’t just that. It’s the best story I’ve ever read. Period. Which is not something that I say lightly. It’s like a PHD-level thesis on developmental psychology disguised as a cute fantasy story. It’s the only coming-of-age story I’ve ever read that makes me actually *get* it, despite being so much more than just a coming-of-age story. If I was an English teacher (high school or college), I would somehow find a way to make this book into the primary reading material even if I had to stretch it out across multiple semesters or even years. This book is just that good, and I don’t say that lightly.
September 13, 2025 at 8:00 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
*Really,* Microsoft Word? This is fine? No spelling mistake here?
"Forgie me!"
August 21, 2025 at 12:05 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
Do you think I made my point?
I cannot be clear enough: if you take a permissive attitude to AI, or integrate AI into the platform in any way, I will go elsewhere, and so will a huge swathe of far more talented, far more lucrative creators. Patreon makes money from artisanal creation, and AI runs completely contrary to this. Do not be fucking stupid: don't fall for the AI productivity hype being pushed on credulous businesses, and do not strip the copper from your walls to sell it for a quick buck.
August 16, 2025 at 5:53 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
Been a while since I gave updates!

Yesterday, hit Top 16 on Royal Road. Currently jostling around the bottom quarter of front page Best Rated. #1 Best Rated in Tragedy and Psychological genres 🧡

Finally cracked 1,000 followers today, too. I think this qualifies as a sleeper hit? 👀

Come see why 👇
The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon ranked #16 on Royal Road.
August 3, 2025 at 6:04 PM
ljamberfantasy.com
The bullied ugly duckling spends a night getting furiously laid and then kicks the bully's ass.

ljamberfantasy.itch.io/song-of-the-...
Book cover for "Song of the Wild Knight — Song of the Squire" by LJ Amber. The cover is displayed against the sunset lesbian/sapphic flag. The cover features the silhouette of two women embracing in woodland, outlined against a sunset, one taller than the other, the shorter with obviously long, elven ears. Scattered around the glade are pieces of armour in green, a white dress, a pair of glasses, and the hilt of a sword with a curved, moon-shaped cross guard. The title and author's name are depicted in warm, orange hues, while the scene contrasts the bright, golden oranges of the sunset with the dark greens and browns of the forest. It looks warm, intimate, but not intrusive, and feels as though it was painted with a feminine gaze.
August 1, 2025 at 6:39 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
Wattpad has zero organic discoverability. It won't be your writing: it's the platform.

On Royal Road my story is #23 Best Rated Overall, #1 in Tragedy, #1 in Psychological, #4 in drama, 4.9/5 stars...

And on Wattpad?
42 Total Reads, 0 Votes
July 26, 2025 at 8:39 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
In light of the new policy changes fucking over creatives, until further notice:
Screenshot showing revenue share supporting itch.io set to 0%
July 24, 2025 at 5:57 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
Additional Reader Reviews:
Intriguing and well written by LadyAlekto 18/07/2025 08:45 5/5 Stars Overall I was hesitant at first, since i've rarely been a fan of elves. But the introduction truly caught my curiosity and following Saphienne growing up, discovering secrets and the darker aspects of the society she lives in, just keeps me glued waiting for the next chapter. The Characters are all well written and believable, and for the icing on the cake, the grammar, formatting and prose are a delight to read. Especially compared to many stories here that treat those as more optional making it a relaxing read. So anyone who likes a bit slice of life and the joy of discovery and thoughtfully looking at things from the perspective of someone who i'd clearly label as delightful realistically autistic give this story a go. It's worth it and i eagerly look forward to if my ideas about what will cause her downfall are right Complex characters and beautiful writing by quantumllama 18/07/2025 06:23 5/5 Stars Overall It's beautifully written fantasy with a philosophical bent, if that's interesting just start with chapter one now. It starts off a very traditional seeming fantasy world but as things are getting fully introduced and explained it's getting increasingly different and more interesting. Also I love the frame the story is being told in, as if it's a tale passed down by oral tradition I fear this story might not find the audience it deserves here, but I hope it does because I desperately need to know where it goes. Aurate, it's quality much beyond usual RR stories. by JeSper537 15/07/2025 22:38 5/5 Stars Overall 5 Style 5 Story 5 Grammar 5 Character Very well written, doesn't feel amateur at all. Contains a lot of subtlety and observant readers will enjoy uncovering all the hidden details. Could probably win some sort of award for debut authors. Style is peak, everything flows smoothly, the author has a diverse vocabulary that's integrated into the text without being obnoxious. The story is a slowly developing one, we get to see notable events from heroine's life, with some time skips that take about a few months each. The worldbuilding is detailed and interesting, while avoiding infodumps or other common pitfalls. The story is being presented as being told directly to the reader, so at least give the first chapter a try and give the author an opportunity to convince you to read the rest. I have found only 2 mistakes in 20 sizeable chapters, less than many published books. And some things that appeared as if they were an error, but upon closer examination turn out to be very purposeful. Characters feel natural and appear believable, and being elves a good mix of familiar and slightly different than humans. The protagonist is an intelligent but socially awkward person, if you are here on RR then she will likely be relatable :D Thoughhtful, Heartfelt Fantasy for the Ages by Anaktoria 12/07/2025 02:23 5/5 Stars Overall 5 Style 5 Story 5 Grammar 5 Character What truly sets this story apart is the sheer care and love put into it, wholly matched by the professional quality of its execution. I always begin with prose, the most important part of any read for me. The prose in this piece is polished and lyrical, but not to excess; the story breathes through the words, not in spite of them. I am put in mind of classic fantasy authors like Le Guin and even Lewis Carroll - the author strikes a fine balance between artistry and readability. Now, this piece is not only a (beautifully traditional) fantasy but also a tragedy. The crux of a good tragedy is the reader's ability to relate to the lead, to sympathize, and in Saphienne we find an exceedingly sympathetic heroine: a lonely bookworm who, despite her outward aloofness, is compassionate and gentle at heart. Who among us cannot remember a time in our childhood when we struggled to connect with our peers? This is at the heart of Saphienne's journey, and it persists as she grows. She is, fundamentally, credibly, someone trying to do right by a complicated, unkind world. The worldbuilding here is as subtle and thoughtful as the prose. It serves the narrative in all the ways it needs to: we learn the inherent prejudices of elven society that contribute to the development of Saphienne's fundamental outlook, the betrayals and injustices that seed in her righteous and long-lived fury, a vivid and poignant contrast to her innate gentleness. From the opening we know already that this story ends unhappily, which only adds weight to these unfolding revelations. Recurring details like the changing of elven hair with the seasons provide colorful, immersive, and wholly genre-appropriate flourishes. [Review continues on Royal Road]
July 23, 2025 at 12:48 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
More Reader Reviews:
The Cleverest Thing I've Read on this Site by Hiria Dunning 11/07/2025 21:06 5/5 Stars Overall 5 Style 5 Story 5 Grammar 5 Character This novel is exactly my jam. Style: First things first, (and I know I'm going to come off as a snob, but) this is solid, rich, well-crafted prose. I've read too many things on online platforms which are inaccessible to me because they read like they were written by children. This is the sort of writing where you know the writer is studied, confident, and thoughtful about hitting the Publish button. I appreciate not having my time wasted. Grammar: I'm surprised this is even a category of judging on this website because let's be honest. The lay person does not know a damn thing about grammar. I've studied grammar, I have a copy of the Elements of Style by my side as I write, and my grammar isn't even that great. Anyone giving the grammar of this work less than 4 or 5 stars on this site is a clown and should not be listened to. This work is one of the only true 5 stars for grammar works on this whole damn site, PERIOD. Character: I challenge you to find a deeper character study anywhere on this site, or in the majority of current trad pub literature. We are led right into the nitty gritty of Saphienne's inner workings along with her - AND THEN, we get heartbreaking glimpses into her shortcomings and blindspots that you just know are going to lead to tragedy down the line. It's so delicious. Story: This story is clever, in a very real, deep way. I've never read anything quite like it, in terms of how the characters speak about scholarly or philosophical subjects, but it all still actually works as readable and engaging storytelling (I've read plenty of didactic stuff which just falls flat - this is NOT that). I certainly could never write like this, and if I were younger and more impressionable I would probably envy and try to copy L.J. Amber's style ... [Review continues on Royal Road.] A delightful treat, don't expect to be spoonfed! by Kartho 12/07/2025 00:45 5/5 Stars Overall 5 Style 5 Story 5 Grammar 5 Character Quick Review: An amazing coming of age story with excellent worldbuilding, vibrant characters of depth and thought-provoking themes. Style: We get a little of the story-in-a-story treatment, where some of the framework of the main narrative is bounded by a delightful helping of hype and analysis. The author's writing style is not overly verbose, nor exceedingly simple such that if feels like a precisely machined result off a lathe. The style and structure of the story is also cleverly used to communicate additional information through context clues and intentional breaks from the established structure. Oh, and it is generally a third-person perspective fixed on our protagonist. Story: This is a great hybrid of a soft-hard magic system in an expansive world with rich history. It has clear arcs, logical progression, and manages to keep you wanting more. I devoured the chapters available in a single day, thats how on the edge of my seat I was. Grammar: I have no complaints, no suggestions. There was nothing that impeded my reading experience. Great job, keep up the good work. Character: Here is where we really shine. Our cast is vibrant, diverse, and constantly growing. Character development is for everyone, and there is lots of it. Each character has their own worldview, motivations, and personality. Came for dragons, stayed for the writing by Some_Random_Cultivator 12/07/2025 01:09 5/5 Stars Overall 5 Style 5 Story 5 Grammar 5 Character Look, dragons & Elves = yum yum gimmie more story. But this isn't that. Oh gods no, it's a delicate, deeply-disturbed tale of a one person's discovery into who they are, using their skills of observation, investigation and philosophy of life and those around them. This isn't number go up, this is discussion and introspection over what makes a being, nature versus nurture and the whole really messy part of being an actual person amongst a people. And that people are as interesting and flawed as any person. Overall - stop reading the review, read the story. Style: It's all "show, don't tell" so don't turn off your brain, you'll be needing it and a good sit and stare at the wall with some of the fun that unfolds. Light reading, deep concepts and an engaging story. Story: I really don't want to spoiler it, as this is a tapestry of a story and you only start with threads that bind. Only after additional threads enter and are woven does a small picture take shape, but then you can see the outlines of the rest and you've finished the most recent chapter and are howling for more. Grammar: This isn't an instant-gratification word-spew, this is literature. Characterisation: A little annoyed I can't give more than 5 stars for the characterisation. These people live and breathe. Read it - do yourself a favour. Honest to god fantasy setting? On my Royal Road? by Yatagan 22/07/2025 23:25 5/5 Stars Overall I'm a bit biased, but I find a lot of fantasy on this website to be slop. Mixes of LitRPGs or Progression Fantasies. Usually with a overpowered MC or something else. "The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon" is the kind of story that I had to double check because it's just a honest to god good fantasy, and one that isn't from a human perspective, isn't a reincarnation, just a genuinely enjoyable slow (I say this as as positive) story following Saphienne. The characters are very well written and dialogue is riveting (I deeply enjoy the in universe lessons of magic), with the authors own personal fantasy flairs that help make the world distinct and different from generic fantasy slop. Great stuff, better then most stories on this site, not just fantasy.
July 23, 2025 at 12:48 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
Top 25 Overall Best-Rated on Royal Road, #1 in Tragedy, #1 in Psychological, and #4 in Drama.

Average rating 4.9/5 Stars on 144 Ratings and 33 Reviews.

Reader Reviews:
A Brilliant Tale by Confused Pigeon Noises 12/07/2025 09:21 5/5 Stars Overall 5 Style 5 Story 5 Grammar 5 Character The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon is turning out to be a brilliant story. The introduction of narration is uncommon for royal road, but it appears more and more fitting as I read more of Saphienne's life. I strongly recommend this story to everyone who's even a little intrigued by it, as it's a very approachable and enjoyable story with complex layers underneath. It's sort of a story within a story; not in the confusing way of Inception, but with the narration and stories Saphienne themself learns. Saphienne is a very young Elf of a people who live long, who have an old and in-depth history with strict traditions formed by their past. As you read, you start to learn this history, the choices the elves have made and the reasons for some of these traditions. We are far from the end, and far from learning the full tragedy of her life, but we see echoes in the story of what occurred before and what might occur again. If you're uncertain about the narration, don't be put off, it's Infrequent and makes more and more sense as read. If you're afraid of the tragedy, the story is far from just that; this is the story of Saphienne, the good, and the bad. There is magic explained in engaging ways that will leave you interested for more, characters with their own stories and depths to wonder about, and an intriguing world with an in-depth history. This is an incredibly high quality story, with flawless grammar, a quality style, and great characters. Overall, it's one of my new favourites. Beautiful Elven Child Arc by pranjalstomar 22/07/2025 19:46 5/5 Stars Overall 5 Style 5 Story 5 Grammar 5 Character First of all, hats off to the author for portraying such a rich elven society. The story centers on our protagonist’s experiences and what a satisfying portrayal of so many facets: a child genius, deepening friendships, hesitation around mature topics, and complicated parentage. This is a wider world of elves, gods, spirits, dragons, mages, sorcerers, and witches with a promise of more to come Because the narrative so deliberately foreshadows who she will become, readers are invested from the very beginning in uncovering what happened to this sweet elven child. The tale is framed by a retrospective narrator recounting the events of this girl’s life as if they have already happened, and the story drops clues that invite you to puzzle out who that narrator really is. That added layer of mystery. The story also doesn’t shy away from the in-depth philosophical traditions of faith and magi but dives. Deep into it, adding real thematic depth to the experience. Ultimately this is grimdark: there’s a persistent sense of bleakness and impending disaster lurking beneath the surface, punctuated by sharp, celebratory moments. My favorite kind of story. Overall, if you enjoy stories similar to Pale Lights on this site, give this one a try. A story with a planned ending by darkalter2000 28/06/2025 15:23 5/5 Stars Overall 5 Style 5 Story 5 Grammar 5 Character I hate stories that feel like they can meander forever. Thousands of chapters with no point or intention of stopping eventually grinding to a halt because the author got bored. This story is not that. This story’s ending is written on its cover and moves towards it with slow inevitably. In every action of the characters is the inevitable consequence unveiled. The characters are all distinct and well realized. You can easily see the reflections of real people in them. No one is a cartoon. They react to each other in accordance with their character and environment. The framing device adds that bit of spice that straightens my spine as I read. “Yes,” it says, “you are allowed to enjoy this work of art as an epic tale, why wouldn’t you be?”. It establishes the tone of the story. One of something that has already happened and is more worthy than gold and riches. Inevitable, breathtaking, and edge of your seat suspense. I love this story. Despite hating meandering stories that waste time forever I don’t want it to end. That is the paradox of a good story well told. If my desire was catered to it would go on until I hated it. When the end does inevitably come I will not be completely satisfied, always wanting a little more. Read it and enjoy. A Masterpiece Among Serial Fiction by Comrade Doggo 26/06/2025 17:27 5/5 Stars Overall This story deserves to be up there on this site with Mother of Learning, and is, in many ways, better than some of my favorite Sanderson books (Mistborn, Words of Radiance, though this story has a functionally different premise than Sanderson works). I cannot properly put into words how much I adore this fiction. Please give it a try if you like anything Sanderson, appreciate a good coming-of-age story, and/or some juicy tragedy. Oh and the magic system is very well thought out leading to communist forest elves (In a sense saying this is reductive, there’s more complexity than that). Take a bite, why don’t you?
July 23, 2025 at 12:48 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
A cosy dark fantasy web serial, written with accessible language for adult readers.
July 23, 2025 at 12:48 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
📣 READ FREE! rrtewwbad.ljamberfantasy.com

"The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon," is the #1 work of Tragic Fantasy on Royal Road.

A heartbreaking and heartwarming fantasy about rejection and belonging, power and consequence, and the cost of being ourselves.

More info and reviews 👇 #BookSky
"The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon," by L. J. Amber A strikingly beautiful elven woman – with ankle-length, golden, wavy hair, pale skin, and green eyes, wearing a shimmering silken dress in a style reminiscent of antiquity – is facing away from you with her hands clasped, looking back at you over her shoulder. She standing beside a field of red hyacinths, surrounded by forest to her left and right. In the background, a section of distant woodland is burning down, and above the black smoke, the golden clouds resemble a massive dragon. Yet, at her feet, in the foreground, is the same woman as a child. She ten years old, wearing a child's sundress with a brown-red coat. She is barefoot, and sits with one knee under her, the other drawn up to support her chin. A single red hyacinth, separated from the others, is growing right by her side. She too, is looking at you. This is Saphienne. In each incarnation, is she sad or angry? You find it hard to say. No matter how she feels, her gaze is judging you, and inviting your judgement in turn.
July 23, 2025 at 12:48 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
Guess what spelling errors Microsoft Word doesn't flag?

I've checked, and they're not in my custom dictionaries. This is un-fucking-believable. Spellchecking is meant to be a solved problem! This has to be LLM AI, I'm sure of it now.
Saphienne’s sides hurt as she supressed her laughter. Siezing the moment, Almon interrupted him.
July 16, 2025 at 6:33 PM
ljamberfantasy.com
The word I typed: hadn't

The word that Microsoft Word decided I'd meant:
ha’n't
July 15, 2025 at 10:22 PM
ljamberfantasy.com
"Ambition and Art," Banjo Paterson, 1894
Ambition and Art Ambition I am the maid of the lustrous eyes Of great fruition, Whom the sons of men that are over-wise Have called Ambition. And the world’s success is the only goal I have within me; The meanest man with the smallest soul May woo and win me. For the lust of power and the pride of place To all I proffer. Wilt thou take thy part in the crowded race For what I offer? The choice is thine, and the world is wide— Thy path is lonely. I may not lead and I may not guide— I urge thee only. I am just a whip and a spur that smites To fierce endeavour. In the restless days and the sleepless nights I urge thee ever. Thou shalt wake from sleep with a startled cry, In fright unleaping At a rival’s step as it passes by Whilst thou art sleeping. Honour and truth shall be overthrown In fierce desire; Thou shalt use thy friend as a stepping-stone To mount thee higher. When the curtain falls on the sordid strife That seemed so splendid, Thou shalt look with pain on the wasted life That thou hast ended. Thou hast sold thy life for a guerdon small In fitful flashes; There has been reward—but the end of all Is dust and ashes. For the night has come and it brings to naught Thy projects cherished, And thine epitaph shall in brass be wrought— “He lived, and perished.” Art I wait for thee at the outer gate, My love, mine only; Wherefore tarriest thou so late While I am lonely? Thou shalt seek my side with a footstep swift; In thee implanted Is the love of Art and the greatest gift That God has granted. And the world’s concerns with its rights and wrongs Shall seem but small things— Poet or painter, or singer of songs, Thine art is all things. For the wine of life is a woman’s love To keep beside thee; But the love of Art is a thing above— A star to guide thee. As the years go by with the love of Art All undiminished, Thou shalt end thy days with a quiet geart— Thy work is finished. So the painter fashions a picture strong That fadeth never, And the singer singeth a wondrous song That lives for ever.
July 8, 2025 at 6:25 PM
ljamberfantasy.com
It gives me immense pleasure to be able to say this. I really do believe in the work of Archive of Our Own. For as long as I can do so without violating contracts, I intend to share my work on AO3.

Ideally, when it comes time to do eBooks, they'll be an updated version, so I can keep this one up.
The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon ljamberfantasy Summary: The #1 Best Rated Tragic Fantasy on Royal Road, shared on AO3 out of principle. ...
June 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM
ljamberfantasy.com
*Inhaling the deepest breath in the Northern Hemisphere*
The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon ranked #69 on Royal Road.
June 30, 2025 at 6:34 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
Legally, I can now say this. It is entirely true. Even if someone overtakes me, it can never be taken away.
LJ Amber's Profile, featuring the immortal line: #1 Best Rated Tragic Fantasy Author on Royal Road
June 30, 2025 at 4:49 AM
ljamberfantasy.com
Top 70 on Royal Road.
#1 in Best Rated Tragedy.

Free to read: rrtewwbad.ljamberfantasy.com

🧵 Short selection of reviews below, more on Royal Road.
The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon ranked #70 on Royal Road. The "Best Rated Tragedy" category on Royal Road, showing The Elf Who Would Become A Dragon at #1.
June 30, 2025 at 3:40 AM