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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book suprised me! I picked it base on cover, and ended up really enjoying it. The last few chapters were ....eh? But still a good read.
dark
hopeful
sad
I really enjoyed this book but it took me ages to read because of the focus on power dynamics and abuse, which I’m dealing with at a personal level currently so it was a little too real.
That said, it was emotional and compelling. The descriptions were rich and the magic is very cool. I found it touching, with the abuse she has to endure sometimes hard to read but very well handled, in my opinion.
That said, it was emotional and compelling. The descriptions were rich and the magic is very cool. I found it touching, with the abuse she has to endure sometimes hard to read but very well handled, in my opinion.
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I now have a YouTube channel that I run with my brother, called 'The Brothers Gwynne'. Check it out - The Brothers Gwynne
My expanded review for Empire of Sand is now on Booknest! Looking forward to the publication of the sequel in a few months... Empire of Sand review
Empire of Sand was a great debut by Tasha Suri that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has definitely made sure that I will read its sequel, Realm of Ash.
The world building and culture was efficiently depicted, and something I easily understood although I have not read many books with the influence of Indian culture.
The main character was someone who I really enjoyed following as a PoV as they were really believable and had such an intriguing plot-line within which she battles social class, race divides and gender expectations. Mehr was a likeable character with faults that made her 3-dimensional and allowed me to bond with her. The villains were also cleverly portrayed with so much of their character being revealed in every encounter and interaction.
The plot-line was unguessable to such an extent I never had a clue what would happen in the next chapter. This was very refreshing as in most books it is easy to discern at least a portion of the upcoming story.
The only thing I wanted more of was action, as that is one of the main things I look for most. But although there was not as much in Empire of Sand as I am used to, I still really enjoyed it and imagine those with similar tastes to mine will as well.
So Empire of Sand was a very unique read for me that is different to almost everything I have read before. It focuses on character building and has an interesting world. I look forward to Realm of Ash being released in a few months?
My expanded review for Empire of Sand is now on Booknest! Looking forward to the publication of the sequel in a few months... Empire of Sand review
Empire of Sand was a great debut by Tasha Suri that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has definitely made sure that I will read its sequel, Realm of Ash.
The world building and culture was efficiently depicted, and something I easily understood although I have not read many books with the influence of Indian culture.
The main character was someone who I really enjoyed following as a PoV as they were really believable and had such an intriguing plot-line within which she battles social class, race divides and gender expectations. Mehr was a likeable character with faults that made her 3-dimensional and allowed me to bond with her. The villains were also cleverly portrayed with so much of their character being revealed in every encounter and interaction.
Spoiler
I hated the Maha!The plot-line was unguessable to such an extent I never had a clue what would happen in the next chapter. This was very refreshing as in most books it is easy to discern at least a portion of the upcoming story.
The only thing I wanted more of was action, as that is one of the main things I look for most. But although there was not as much in Empire of Sand as I am used to, I still really enjoyed it and imagine those with similar tastes to mine will as well.
So Empire of Sand was a very unique read for me that is different to almost everything I have read before. It focuses on character building and has an interesting world. I look forward to Realm of Ash being released in a few months?
Arranged marriage / strangers to bastions of strength in a dark place to lovers / like if "The Blue Sword" and the story of Esther had a baby
I found this book via an "Arranged Marriage" rec list from the "Be the Serpent" podcast, and I devoured it in about a day- I saved the final hour of reading as a wake up apperitif, so I didn't wreck my sleeping habits TOO badly. It's delightful.
I commend the author on her use of twists, her clever characters, and the bravery and headstrong survival of horrors. Mehr doesn't always make the best decisions, but she's constantly growing, and her strength as a leader is palpable. Looking forward to reading the sequel!
I found this book via an "Arranged Marriage" rec list from the "Be the Serpent" podcast, and I devoured it in about a day- I saved the final hour of reading as a wake up apperitif, so I didn't wreck my sleeping habits TOO badly. It's delightful.
I commend the author on her use of twists, her clever characters, and the bravery and headstrong survival of horrors. Mehr doesn't always make the best decisions, but she's constantly growing, and her strength as a leader is palpable. Looking forward to reading the sequel!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot