A. L. Sinclair | Dark Gothic Fantasy Author
Hi, I’m Amanda!
I’m a debut adult dark fantasy author who enjoys weaving history, mythology and complex, flawed characters into wonderfully subversive narratives. With a background in law, sustainability, and somatic healing, I love exploring identity, trauma and power through a feminist lens.
My debut historical fantasy, The Witch Queen’s Gambit is a sharp, sensual, and subversive Anne Boleyn retelling, blending historical revisionism, myth, queer romance, and witchcraft into a story about power, pleasure, and feminine rage.
My nonfiction writing has appeared in Tiny Buddha and Elephant Journal, and I wrote a few screenplays whilst mentoring under an award-winning Australia screenwriter. When I’m not writing vengeful women who smash the patriarchy, I enjoy a good peaty single malt scotch whisky and working my way through my ever-growing to-be-read pile.
I live on Whadjuk Noongar country (Perth, Western Australia) with two well-traveled cats who’ve accompanied me across continents.
I’m represented by Rose Conway at Confluence Literary Agency.
With gods walking among courtiers and a 'lush,' eloquent writing style, Sinclair has established a high bar for the upcoming 2026 release. This debut excerpt signals the arrival of a significant new talent in historical fantasy, leaving the reader eager for the full weight of the narrative...
— Mandy Britt
a winter solstice gambit
3 chapter excerpt of The Witch Queen’s Gambit
In 1535, George Boleyn, his sister Anne, and the exiled god Zephyr plot to overthrow the Tudor Dynasty, destroy the Church and set up the first Witch Dynasty in the western World.
What People Are Saying
“A stunning debut that brilliantly mixes Tudor history with mythology - gods walking among courtiers, witches scheming for survival, and Anne Boleyn as a desperate queen playing her final hand…A.L. Sinclair's writing is lush, and the relationship between George and Zephyr is swoony. The queer-positive, magic-infused reimagining of the Boleyn downfall is so unique.”
— Mallory, author
“The writing is beautiful. The prose is as complex as it is clear…like a meal that is both gorgeous and delicious. The historical setting comes alive vividly as a character of its own, and as a Tudor enthusiast, the depth of accuracy so cleverly woven with fiction makes this story especially tantalizing…a feast for the brain.”
— Lauren neeley, author
“George Boleyn’s relationship with Zephyr (a god wearing a man’s name) is tender, electric, and heartbreakingly complicated, and one desperate choice shifts their dynamic in a way that instantly raises the stakes…Anne’s POV adds a sharp, fierce edge, she’s ambitious, cornered, and terrifyingly determined to protect her daughter and the future of witches, even if it means bargaining with power she can’t fully control."
— Sydney jesson, goodreads
“I am already hooked!! And I am more than a little excited to read the rest of the book! I really enjoy historical fiction. I find it to be such a fun genre, and A.L. Sinclair has absolutely nailed the weaving in of fantasy, magic and romance, to create a wonderful, captivating and engaging reimagining of history. I got lost in the pages and found the excerpt ending far too soon, leaving me desperately wanting more!”
— aimzreads, goodreads
“What a perfect introduction to the upcoming novella, The Witch Queen’s Gambit! The writing style is poetic and has a traditional feel that makes the historical setting, characters and plot feel genuine. The dialogue between the characters is snappy and meaningful, and you can feel the tension between them. I really enjoyed the dynamic between George and Zephyr, and am definitely hoping to see more of this duo…”
— MJ, goodreads
“I can say with complete confidence that if a book has me this enthralled after a teasing 50+ pages then the real deal is going to be a smash. The tension, the spice, the plot...a quick introduction of characters that already has me wrapped around their magical fingers. I love a good multi-POV and this one is going to deliver. Two thumbs way way up…”
— Amanda, goodreads
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Read the first three chapters of The Witch Queen’s Gambit and stay up to date with all the goss — announcements, behind the scenes, giveaways and so much more!
