Reviews

Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri

dumbarton's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0

_holdy_'s review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense slow-paced

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

3.75

This took me a while to get through. Overall, I enjoyed it! I do feel that it could have used a trigger warning when it comes to a few of the scenes. 

meowyagnes's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

heatherrrr's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

3.0

hailstorm3812's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was an enjoyable book. Not sure why it was chosen for the romance book club but hte subplot of the romance is quite compelling. I liked the world building and characterization. Overall a stong book but I kept comparing it to her later work which I like much better unfortunately.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Genocide

Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, Grief, Death, Trafficking, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and Misogyny

Minor: Slavery, Sexual harassment, and Sexism

yeahyeahyeah's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

lohopkins's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

valkira's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

bookish_withsky's review against another edition

2.0

Full Review on my blog!
https://theinklingspodcast.blogspot.com/2023/10/empire-of-sand.html

I gave this one a 2.5. There were so many great things about it, with the lush and beautiful world building and the sweet slow burn romance. I thoroughly enjoyed those two aspects of the book. Unfortunately, it didn't hold up well in other instances.

lini002's review against another edition

mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Mehr is an Amrithi, an outcast nomad descended from desert spirits. Hidden as a noble woman she finds herself under the scrutinous eye of the Maha after being caught dancing a storm away. Forced into a marriage to Amun she is expected to take part of the burden of his vows and protect the empire.
 
I found this book lacking. The plot moves slowly and not a lot happens. It is very straightforward with minimal character development or intrigue. I found this read mostly disappointing. But I will try her other series. 2/5