This was such a beautiful and powerful book!
A young woman beloved by her people, a Prince cursed to the shadows, and a fantastical desert kingdom that everyone wants to rule. The story already begins with heartache and tension, and it got me hooked from the first chapter. Kaitlyn has done an astounding job at writing about grief, pain, self-loathing, and the power of love, family and friendship. The characters were real, and you can't help loving some and hating some.
Beautiful book, amazing cliffhanger, I need to know what comes next!

The blurb of this book sounded captivating and the cover was beautiful, so this book immediately caught my interest. While this book definitely had a ton of potential, I felt as though it fell flat for a variety of reasons. This book was very slow in pace. I also found that the conflict/purpose of this story was not very clearly defined and didn’t seem very urgent, so it was hard to capture my interest. The characters also fell a bit flat for me and weren’t very multi-dimensional, with the exception of one or two characters. What I did like about the story, though was the disability representation and the quality of the writing! The writing was well done & the scenery was beautifully described, making it easy to imagine the setting. The male main character is also a wheelchair user, and never once was it treated as a hindrance or was he discriminated against for it. I love how that showed that people with disabilities have a place in both fantasy and romance novels.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Joy still resides among the living.”

This book was a joy to read. It truly is refreshing to read good fantasy books again. Queen of Shifting Sands deserves all the hype it will undoubtably receive.

As always, thank you to NetGalley, and Ms. Brown for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is marked as a romance fantasy book, however if you read it for only the romance, you will probably be disappointed. This is the slowest of slow-burn’s, will-they-won’t they with an arranged marriage of sunshine-grumpy in a love triangle. I love all the fantasy elements of the book - the unique curse was fascinating, along with the interesting animals. This has lots of hidden secrets and family drama, some of my favorite things to read. I didn’t care for the cliffhanger ending, but that just means I’ll be reading the next book in the series.

*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

**this review has been cross-posted to Storygraph, Goodreads and Amazon Canada!

3/3.25 ⊹ ࣪ ˖

↬thank you Netgalley & Whimsical Publishing for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review⟡

I have to say, this story was very captivating from the start! The concepts were something we've seen before but the spin the author put into it was unique. The curse was unique and the world was already rather unique (in a way). I think I just struggled with not only the pacing of the story but the slight repetitiveness of certain facts. The banter between the two were really good, and I appreciated the build up to their relationship. It was odd that she kept seeing her previous husband in the new husband considering I don't think brothers really look that alike... but to each their own.

I do think the execution could've been... done better? There really was a lot of potential to the story and Im curious to see what the author has in plan for the next book in the series. Imo, I think we should've gotten to know the characters more and built a connection with them before we got into all of the politics because I honestly didn't really feel like the stakes mattered because I didn't really feel connected or care about the characters. I loved the main lead - Elerek, and loved the representation as well.

All in all, it was an okay read! I did feel like it dragged here and there but there was always something to kind of drag me back so that I ended up finishing the book. Most likely will read the next book (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)

Me reading the first two pages: I think this is going to be a five star read! Initially I requested this Arc because I loved the cover and the book title (that’s how I usually choose books). I literally INHALED this book! I just absolutely love, love, love, this book!

This read was mind blowingly transfixing! It’s been a little since I’ve had a page turner like this one. I love this book so much there was not one dull moment. I can’t wait for the next book!! Why did it have to end on a cliffhanger like that?!

Queen of the shifting sands follows Lystra and Elerek who have formed an alliance after the tragic death of Lystras betrothed and Elereks brother. Trying to save their people and the Kingdom, the two of them try to find ways to not only break curses but also the best way to battle against their enemies.

With Elerek’s vast knowledge and strategic thinking, and Lystra’s intelligence and quick thinking, they find solutions and answers for their Goals or will they?

A stunning story, I loved every page! I especially appreciated the representation of disabilities in this book - whilst many times having a disability is viewed as a hindrance or negative attribute, it is instead viewed as a strength and does not define the character! I loved the slow build up of romance between the main characters and the trials and tribulations they face throughout the book and the cliff hanger - cannot wait for the next book and reading the next chapter of Elerek and Lystra!

Thank you to Net Galley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.

DNF at about 15% , will come back and edit if I re-read it. Sorry was just not in the headspace for it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Whimsical Publishing for this ARC!

This book follows the story of a cursed prince turned king and a widowed queen. There’s strong disability representation as the MMC, Elerek, is bound to a wheelchair. Elerek deals with grief, self-love and self-acceptance. After the death of his brother he’s now inheriting a crown that he does not want. Lystra was set to marry the love of her life, Elerek’s brother, and was about to become queen. A role she had practiced for all her life. With the death of the king her role has become unsure. This book contains a lot of political scheming, character developments, a marriage of convenience and betrayal. There’s also a very cool magic system.

The setting is, obviously, in the desert. Although it’s easy enough to picture a desert, I felt that the world-building could have been a bit more extensive. I still don’t know what to imagine when a cardant is mentioned. Is it just a big lizard like a Komodo dragon? I dunno.

I had also issues with the pacing of this book. I was ensnared up until the 25% mark. This book also feels like it’s supposed to be plot-driven but I didn’t see that shine through a lot. Not a lot happened between 40%-70%. I had to force myself to read through this part. You could skip this and not have missed anything. I’d have preferred some more action and faster pacing. If I hadn’t received an ARC for this then I probably would have DNF’ed. The writing itself is very good though. The author has a very elegant writing-style.

Elerek is a lovable character. He’s stoic, protective and honorable. I feel like he’s very well-written. Although he’s described as cold, I found his character a lot warmer than Lystra’s. In fact, I did not find Lystra likable at all. I might’ve even found her a bit boring.

I also felt no chemistry between the MC’s. So my other issue is with the romance itself. It’s supposed to be a slow burn but they had no chemistry and then *BOOM!* out of nowhere they’re suddenly in love (and there’s still no chemistry). I wasn’t really rooting for them. I felt the marriage of convenience vibes but definitely not the romance vibes. All in all, the romance felt disconnected.

In conclusion, I feel like this book could’ve been a lot better. The plot is cool but the execution fell a bit flat for me. Therefore, I cannot (unfortunately) give it a higher rating than 3 stars.

After hearing so many good things, I really wanted to like this one. Unfortunately, it wasn't a book for me. I didn't dislike it, but it's not a series I'll continue with.

It took me a long time to connect with Lystra and Elerek. Razhar was my favorite character, but he also had the most/largest personality.

The romance also progressed too quickly in my opinion. While the passage of time isn't exactly clear, the novel takes place within the span of a summer. Considering the trauma and grief the characters were processing, it just felt too fast.

I liked the worldbuilding. The curse was very creative. Though I'll be perfectly honest, the scene where Lystra witnesses a drowning creeped me out. After that, the descriptions involved with the curse didn't bother me.

Overall, Queen of Shifting Sands just wasn't a novel for me.

Cautions: two kisses; moderate romance; Elerek and a side character had an intimate relationship before his marriage to Lystra, which comes up semi-frequently, non-detailed; semi-graphic descriptions; moderate violence

*Thank you to NetGalley and Whimsical Publishing for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review*

My only problem with this book, is that I didn't want a "Clean" romance. If you're going to write an arrange marriage, you can make it steamy without the whole smut. You can make it sexy without being descriptive.
The world building was excellent, and I'm shocked that this is a debut novel. The idea and the curse was really original but at times it felt reading YA trying to be adult. Hence the 4 stars.

I loved this book so much! The cover is so pretty and I would buy this book just for the cover. The romance was perfect and I enjoyed reading this book so much!

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would, and thats saying a lot as I already thought I was going to love this book.
A bit of a slow read allows for readers to really have a good grasp and understanding on what is happening. I thought it was great!
Lots of angsty romance, cursed prince, found family, and really great concept of growing romance.
Thank you to Netgally & Whimsical Publishing for allowing me to ARC read this great book! I am excited to see where it goes.

Thank you NetGalley for this book!
The characters were very lovable, and the world building was very well done. The curse itself did take me a while to understand, especially with how the other cursed didn’t blame him (I totally would), but I enjoyed the storyline! The ending did feel a bit rushed, and I have no idea what’s going on with the Kings friend.
Despite this, I will definitely be reading the next book when it comes out!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher Whimsical Publishing for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

TW: death, grief, ableism, animal death, violence

“Queen of Shifting Sands” originally attracted my eye because of its gorgeous cover. Inside, I found an engaging slow-burn fantasy set in a desert kingdom on the verge of invasion. Lystra has been trained to one day take the throne as the Queen of Instanolde alongside her beloved King for her entire life. She wants nothing more than to bring joy to the people and for a long time, she’s eagerly awaiting her wedding day. However, before this can happen, Lystra and the King are ambushed and he is killed. Grief-stricken and watching as the life she prepared for vanishes, Lystra refuses to give in to despair even as it becomes clear that their rival nations are going to invade before summer’s end. To succeed, she must ally with her lost love’s brother, Elerek, who will now become King. Elerek has spent his entire life expecting to die at any moment and unable to touch anyone for fear of passing on his curse. Cursed to turn into water and eventually drown for the misdeeds of his father and without any faith he can be cured, Elerek was never supposed to be King. Forced into the role and out of the dark where he’s hidden himself, Elerek is forced to contend with people who look down on him for his wheelchair and perceived lack of strength. He needs an ally- and with Lystra adored by the people more than he is, she’s an obvious choice. The only problem is that Elerek can never reveal the truth of his condition to Lystra, and when they fall for each other as summer’s end looms closer, they must fight for their kingdom before invasion and magic can tear them apart.

This is such a strong debut novel with beautifully written disability representation and a powerful set of characters. The world building is expansive and you can really feel the desert heat as you read this book, I adored the idea of people travelling on cardants (lizards) and condors. Lystra was a wonderful main character, hiding her grief behind a mask as she tries to continue on with the life stolen from her by a violent attack. Her family- particularly her grandmother- are so dependent on her role as Queen and they’re willing to do anything to ensure she takes her place, even considering assassinating Elerek after the wedding. I loved Elerek so much because he was beautifully written, representing so much bravery but also doubt even when he has been told repeatedly that he isn’t good enough. His complicated relationship with his dead brother, and those he’s accidentally passed the curse onto through touch who he now views as family, made him into a noble and devastating figure. He has little hope he can be saved and I found this added to the already huge tension of the novel. I really enjoyed “Queen of Shifting Sands” in part because of it’s slow pace, because you feel more connected to the characters. I can’t wait to read more!

The desctiption was throughing me of a little. I was eagerly waiting for the main characters to interact together but after a quarter of the book they barley met each other twice and no word of marriage. This usually wouldn't bother me much, but the story is built with usurping plans and rivalry yet I knew nothing will happen as their going to marry instead... It made the story feel so long. I highly recommend to change the description up a little, not mentioning anything about the marriage. Because the story is really good.

I liked the premise of this story, I thought the way it started and how it introduced us to the characters and the world was very good. At times I felt a little lost because there were many characters and I couldn't fully understand the dynamics between them.

I liked the story in general, interesting to read but nothing special...at least for me.

I know that several readers liked it and that's why I think this story will have quite a following.

Thank you Whimsical Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved, loved, loved. This is peak romantasy set in a beautiful world. This was such a gorgeous presentation of slow burn. I'm always team dual POV and the author used both characters perfectly here.

I loved the characters. The stakes were high and I did feel the pressure reading. The writing itself was great to read and I just loved getting lost in this world.

I only just realized there was a prequel book so I'm moving back for that now.

DNF - 21%

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book. Unfortunately I wasn't really into the book and had no motivation to read it so I decided to DNF it. I kinda knew that I wasn't really enjoying it pretty early on but tried reading more of it to give it a chance. I honestly just didn't care about the characters and I felt really disconnected to the death of a character who was really important to both mcs. Since we got introduced to him after his death, I had no sympathy towards him nor did I really care about his death despite the two characters grieving. We also get flashbacks of him through the main characters and learn more about him through that but honestly, it got kinda annoying and he just felt so fake? I also didn't understand why people loved the fmc so much, she was seen as the Queen and she stated that all her subjects basically loved her and that she needed to improve on being a Queen to do the best for her people. The thing is, we get no explanation of why she is so loved and why she is so important to her people. She herself is the one who is stating this but we don't really get any evidence of her subjects saying that or other people around her circle verbally saying that. The only one pushing her to be the Queen is her grandma who's a horrible character. She herself is doubting whether or not she wants to be the Queen. I haven't read that far so I don't really know how this develops but there is this girl who is in love with the mmc and she makes me feel uncomfortable because she basically guilt trips him into being in love with her because of the choices SHE made because she loved him. Girlie, it was your decision so all the consequences and fault is on you but again I can't say much because I didn't finish the book. Personally there were just things in this book that I didn't really enjoy which is why I dnfed it, however the plot does sound very interesting.

I quite enjoyed the book when it comes to characters (love Lystra and Elerek) and world building. You quickly got a connection to the characters and got behind their thinking and the world is massive but well described.
I just struggled with the pacing a lot since it was extremely slow for me.