Reviews with content warning for Slavery - Empire of Sand

Okay so maybe hets can have some rights.

This is a good book with a solid story set in a compelling world with characters to match.

While the writing was clumsy at times, there were enough gems of language in terms of description and characterizations that make it easy to believe this is the same author who eventually wrote The Jasmine Throne (one of my fav books I've read this year). I even thought the writing improved significantly from the beginning to the end of the book.

I listened to the audiobook, and the reader did the book justice. Her voice was clear during narration and distinctive enough between characters.

Although I understand why she didn't, I feel like the relationship between the main characters had a lot more potential for complications. Though it would have added wordcount to an already long book, with obstacles and conflicts aplenty, it did make Aman (sp? Sorry I listened to it.) It made him seem a little one note, especially next to a wonderfully fleshed out Mehr.

Despite this, I loved them.

They are so soft with each other in the face of such horror. Even near the beginning before the Mahah finds out they haven't fully consimated their marriage the love and respect that builds between them was one of my favorite aspects of this book.

All in all, I really liked this book and would recommend it for anyone who wants a good fantasy. This is definitely that. 4/5.

Content Warnings

kaceyatwood's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I really liked this book but something about the way it was written just didn't hit right for me. It was still a great read and an interesting story. I'm not sure exactly what but something just felt like it was missing from the book. I probably won't reread it but I dont regret reading it either.

Content Warnings