Leatrice "Elle" McKinney, writing as L.L. McKinney, is an American author of young adult literature known for her diverse and often dark fantasy stories. She draws heavily on her love of comics, anime, video games, and sci-fi/fantasy, incorporating elements of these genres into her work. McKinney’s writing style is characterized by fast-paced plots, complex characters, and exploration of themes related to identity, power, and social justice. Her debut novel, A Blade So Black, gained significant attention and established her as a rising voice in the YA fantasy scene.








