Empire of Sand delighted me with its well-crafted world inspired by Mughal India. One could argue that it could have been more detailed on some aspects but perhaps thanks to the palpable atmosphere, I needed nothing more. I loved Mehr, I adored Amun, I was enraptured by everything about the rites and the mythology, and absolutely repulsed and terrified by the villain.
Somewhere, immortal dreams of his death lay, crushed beneath the weight of the mystics’ prayers and the rite. If he had managed to twist himself into something so inhuman through the power of the rite, what had he done to the Empire? What had he done to the world?
I’ve seen reviews complaining that the plot was predictable and really, I do get it. I think, maybe, that when we read and review a lot we tend to lose a bit of our early freshness. Are our reviews better? In some aspects, of course. Yet in others I can’t help but think that there’s a very thin line between noticing tropes and giving them such power that they make enjoying a novel bloody tough. For me though? It was never annoying but on the contrary, Empire of Sand fulfilled my expectations perfectly. I mean, I got everything I wanted. I’m not going to whine about it, surely? Plus – in my opinion the romance between Mehr and Amun was handled beautifully: so so slowly building trust and learning each other – I believed in them, and loved them very much, okay?
“Please. I need you to remind me.” His voice was suddenly raw, wild.
Now – Was it slow? I don’t know. It certainly didn’t feel slow – not much happened sometimes, but it was never boring. The pacing felt right to me. In all honesty, I often find “nothing happens” quite subjective because really, it all depends on what your expectations are : do you mean plot-related actions and twists? Then sure, some parts feel a bit repetitive and not a lot happens then (still enough in my opinion, but – not the point : I’ve always preferred my fantasy on the quiet side, question of taste first and foremost). But if the stuff happening is inward, as are thoughts and hurt and character development, then well, for me plenty of stuff do happen in Empire of Sand. Condemnation of imperialism, colonization, and the genocide of indigenous folks happen. Reflections about the sense of belonging and (at times found-) family happen. Love between two beautiful imperfect souls happen. A most satisfying ending happens.
“A choice like a knife at your throat is an illusion,” Amun said bluntly.
Bottom line: In the end, I don’t know about you, but I very much intend to read Arwa’s book. Recommended.
CW – Racism, manipulation, physical and psychological abuse, violence, execution (slit throat), blood magic
ive been meaning to read this book for the longest time & your review has just convinced me that i need to do so asap. loved the review !
Thank you so much!!! Let me know what you think when you read it!
Nice review! I agree, I often find that complaints of “too slow” just means that the internal conflict is being addressed instead of the external one. But both are so important to have in a book! And if a book is too fast paced, I get exhausted reading it because there’s no break in the action.
Thank you! And absolutely! It’s all a matter of balance (and of personal taste, too!).
Great review! I’ve been waiting to read this one. I like that you pointed out that sometimes predictability can still lead to an enjoyable read. I completely agree with you.
Thank you!!! I hope you enjoy it 😀 And exactly! I mean, take romance for example – sure, we know how it ends, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to ruin our read, but quite the opposite imo!
Great review! I just got a copy, can’t wait to pick it up!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Thank you!!! And enjoy 💕
Love this review! I don’t mind the so called ‘slower’ fantasy books. I tend to enjoy them even more. This will now go on my TBR 🙂
Thank you so much!!! I’m the same, really. I do enjoy fast-paced fantasy novels sometimes but most of my favorites are more on the quiet side 😊
I’ve been hearing a lot about Tasha Suri’s books recently and definitely need to try them. It’s good to hear that you enjoyed this book! The fact that it is inspired by Mughal India has intrigued me further.
It’s really fun! I’m curious to see what you’ll think 😀