Queen of Shifting Sands was such a fun romantic adult fantasy. The world building was extremely well done and the storyline kept me reading well into the morning hours. I cannot wait for the sequel!

This was a beautiful read! i havent read the prequel! I love the premise its set on, I understand the pain Lystra goes through and what she does for her people! I like how we see a differently abled main character! I love the slow burn between them, the tug of war to realise their goals and the journey they go through! Looking forward to the next one!

This book was so good!
I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll just summarise.
The world building was beautifully done
The plot was so interesting, I really couldn’t put this book down
The cover of this book as absolutely stunning!
The cliffhanger….
I need more.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!!!

I enjoyed this book quite a bit and will be very eager to read the sequel when it comes out next year!

I liked both Lystra and Elerek, and I liked them together. On the other hand, it did feel maybe a touch fast for them to both catch feelings, with them both being hung up on other people.

Without spoiling… Certain aspects of the resolution near the end with Razhar I found a bit confusing and am hoping the sequel will provide some clarity on, but other than that, I found El’s curse really compelling both for plot advancement and for providing sort of a never ending sort of trauma for him.

Lystra’s grandma reminded me of Margaery Tyrell’s grandma in GOT! I loved the rest of Lystra’s family, and El’s found family. It was an interesting choice by the author to never show us Cormek directly - makes sense in that the story is about Lystra and El, but also puts a lot on the reader in terms of trusting that this larger-than-life persona will translate through their memories of him… it sort of prevents us from truly seeing what they lost, I think, but at the same time, I don’t know that I would have done it any differently.

All in all, this was a solid YA fantasy that ends on a cliff-hanger. Looking forward to seeing where it goes!!

Queen of Shifting Sands definitely left me wanting more! The book had a well developed plot with some SLOW burn romance. The world building was noteworthy as I could easily envision the scenes the author was portraying in the writing in great detail.

The first half of the book was a bit slow; I had to stop to look up a few things which made it harder to get into but once I was to the scene with Corsha at the night markets I was invested. I thought having both perspectives gave a lot of depth to the characters and story.

The use of starlight (hope) and a few of the quotes are memorable and whimsical but I felt there were times the writing was repetitive or a phrase was overused.

Razhar was one of my favorite characters and I feel there is so much left to learn about him and his story and I can’t wait to see where the author takes these character next. I also loved Sama!

I was very impressed seeing a cursed character/ disabled character shown with strength and in a leadership role! This is something you don’t see often and was giving some Chaol vibes for my Throne of Glass fans but in an entirely different story. His coming into his strength and the choice to finally live was so inspiring.

Thank you NetGalley and Whimsical Publishing for my first book selection in change for an honest review!

I wanted to like this more than I did since the premise was so interesting. I think the way the curse works in this world was actually really unique and I liked the desert setting. I will say that the characters were just okay for me and the story itself moved too slow to the point of dragging. I don’t love how much Lystra compared Elerek to her dead husband (even though they are brothers).. it just didn’t sit right with me and I don’t think I’m that interested to continue, even though I didn’t hate it.. It just fell flat to be honest.

Let me start off with saying this book is available, and you should be making this your next read. The writing style is whimsical and the author does a great job of transporting you into the story. There’s not a moment where you question where you are or what something looks/feels like. You feel the sand blowing on your face and the heat surrounding you as you move into this world. There’s grief, war, curses, political struggles, conflict, slow burn romance, delightful banter, and more to this tale.
Lystra is such a well developed character. I never got bored of her and liked the progression of her personality. She embodies what I believe a young queen would be going through, that constant struggle of “what is best for me or what is best for my people.”
Elerek, our poor cursed man is the 1st MMC I’ve read in a long while that has a disability and I thought how his character was written was BEAUTIFUL. I cannot speak from any sort of knowledge on being disabled in such a way but I really thought it was done well. He is strong, sensitive, and devoted to the position he was never meant to take.
Both characters form their bond over a terrible grief and are duty bond to their kingdom/people. I was hooked from the moment I started reading. The book leaves on a cliff. This is no hanging you’re plummeting to the ground at the end of this book. But, I like pain so I found the ledge to be fun jumping off of. Cannot wait to see where this author takes the story.

This book is about Lystra and Elerek who get married after Elereks Brother and Lystras fiancee Cormak (I don't even know if thats his actual name) gets murdered.

First of all: I couldn't have cared less about what happenend in this book. I neither cared about the characters nor the plot.

This is Romantasy but I didn't felt like there was much Romance or Fantasy. The only magical aspect we get is Elereks curse and we know not basically nothing really about that. I honestly feel that making the curses widly unknown was a missed opportunity. I'd love to read a book in which everybody curses everyone.

I also have basically no clue about the world, we know a little about Istandole (?). Shouldn't existing in a desert pose some chanllenges for these people?

The writing was nice but nothing special and the pace was very all over the place: it takes them 100 pages (of 355) to get married and the invasion the entire book has been building up to is like 3 chapters.

I also feel like the book would have benefitted from more perspectives (Myra, maybe someone who joins their army (?) I'm not even sure if they have an army)

4.5/5 stars
First of all, can we talk about this cover? Absolutely gorgeous!
This was such an amazing book, the story of two people who suffered so much, and yet found companionship, understanding and love in each other.
I can’t wait to read how this story continues and to learn more about the world in this book. The cliffhanger destroyed me! I need the next book right now!
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

This was an interesting read. My major issue was I didn't really enjoy the characters but that was a me thing rather than an issue with the writing.

“Queen of Shifting Sands” invites readers into a realm teetering on the brink of chaos, where political intrigue intertwines with a haunting curse and the burdens of leadership weigh heavily on its protagonists. In this fantasy narrative, author Kaitlyn crafts a tale of love, duty, and resilience amidst the looming threat of war.

What I Loved About It
One of the most enchanting aspects of “Queen of Shifting Sands” is its meticulous world-building, which immerses readers in the kingdom of Instanolde with vivid imagery and rich detail. From the sweeping landscapes to the intricacies of court life, every facet of this realm feels alive and tangible.

The characters, particularly Lystra and Elerek, are compellingly drawn, each grappling with their own inner turmoil and external challenges. Lystra’s strength, though not of the conventional warrior ilk, shines through her unwavering determination to protect her people. Elerek’s curse makes things more complicated for him, but it also makes his character more interesting and inspiring. Confined to a wheelchair, he shattered expectations, proving his disability wouldn't hinder him from becoming an exceptional king. His unwavering love for his family and his fierce determination to secure peace for his kingdom were truly inspiring.

Lystra and Elerek's journey towards love felt achingly real. Their grief, both for their lost loved one and the weight of sudden responsibility thrust upon them after Cormack's death, intertwined beautifully, creating a complex and deeply relatable bond.

The gradual development of their relationship, set against the backdrop of grief and newfound responsibilities, unfolds with a sense of authenticity that resonates deeply with readers. Additionally, Kaitlyn’s prose is nothing short of exquisite, evoking emotions and painting scenes with a masterful touch that captivates from start to finish.

What Didn’t Resonate With Me
While “Queen of Shifting Sands” excels in many aspects, there are a few elements that may give readers pause. Sometimes the pacing feels slow, with parts of the story meandering instead of moving it along. This, along with the occasional use of unfamiliar terminology, pulled me out of the story and detracted from the overall immersion in the world of Instanolde.

Also, although the character development is good, some readers might want to see Lystra and Elerek’s relationship grow more emotionally.

Also there was one thing that irked me, but I can't explain it without giving away spoilers. Let's just say there was one character whose motivations I didn't quite connect with, but this minor detail didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story

Themes
At its core, “Queen of Shifting Sands” grapples with themes of grief, duty, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Lystra and Elerek’s journey, as they deal with the complexities of their roles as rulers and the weight of their personal losses, serves as a poignant exploration of these themes. It’s a reminder that love, friendship, and the choices we make can transform our lives.

This book delivers a captivating blend of classic tropes like the cursed prince, arranged marriage, fantastic creatures and found family.

Conclusion
In conclusion, “Queen of Shifting Sands” is an amazing story that takes you to a magical world full of intrigue and the power of the human heart. While it may have its pacing issues and occasional stumbling blocks, its compelling characters, lush setting, and poignant themes make it a journey well worth embarking on for fans of fantasy fiction. Kaitlyn’s debut novel marks her as a talent to watch in the genre, and I look forward to what she has in store for readers next.

3.5/5 stars! This was such a unique read! Curses and preparing a kingdom for war I loved the story and world building. Lystra is such an enjoyable character to read and was my favourite character from the book hehe maybe I’m a bit biased because she was definitely inspired by Middle Eastern/South Asian culture in its own unique fantasy and it’s so difficult to find something to read and feel seen in a beautiful way so I love it! Elerek’s descriptions of Lystra was just so beautifully poetic AH! But boy is it a slow burn which only makes me want to read the next book more I need more scenes with them. The only teeny tiny thing that annoyed me (slight spoiler) was Myra, I’m generally not a fan of putting women against each other over a man but ignoring that I really enjoyed this book and again I cannot wait for the next one!

First, thank you, Netgalley and Whimsical Publishing, for providing me with an ARC to review. I picked this book to read because I felt the premise was interesting, and I am pleased to say it was. I liked the setting and the driving force that made the characters continue to work towards the greater good. However, I will have to take away one star because of the lack of direct communication between the main characters, Elerek and Lystra. They emphasized always giving each other the truth, but neither ever asked the other questions because they decided that the other would tell them when the time was right. This frustrated me, but because I enjoyed different aspects of the book, I had to let it slide.
I look forward to reading more of this series by Kaitlyn Carter Brown!

Elerek has always lived with a ticking clock - his curse is slowly killing him and he knows the end is near. When his brother is killed, and Elerek is thrust into being king when that was never the plan, he knows he has one summer to get everything in order to protect his kingdom before he dies. Part of that protection includes marrying Lystra. Lystra was betrothed to Elerek's brother and has trained all of her life to be a queen - the people of Instanolde adore Lystra, and she is his only chance at convincing the kingdom to work together. One summer; that's all Lystra and Elerek know they have, but despite a definitive end date and knowing one touch would doom Lystra, they can't help the feelings brewing between them

The world-building in this book was so unique and I enjoyed the characters so much. Seeing Lystra discover that Elerek didn't have any ulterior motives and truly wanted Lystra to be queen was so gratifying - Lystra had been manipulated and mistreated by her grandmother, so of course she expected Elerek was going to do the same, but Elerek is a such a genuinely good person. The pacing could have been a little better, but over all I really enjoyed Queen of Shifting Sands.

I didn't know that this was going to be a series, so I kept thinking to myself "how is this going to be resolved in X number of pages???". Queen of Shifting Sands ends on a cliffhanger, so I'm eager to see what happens next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. ✨

This book was a pleasant discovery, I really enjoyed reading about the interesting world and amazing characters this book has.

This book tells the story of Lystra, a lady from an important family who is engaged to the future king, however after being attacked by enemies the king dies and Lystra, who loves and wishes to protect her kingdom, is forced to marry Elerek, the cursed brother who now becomes the new heir and future king of Instanolde so that she can become queen and protect her people from their enemies.
Let's talk about the characters!

“The people are obsessed with Torra Lystra,” Elerek muttered. He could hardly blame them. The image of the beautiful queen who had survived a Jarkin attack and returned with her betrothed's body burned into his mind with the heat of the funeral pyre.

I loved Lystra, she is such a strong and kind character, her devotion and love for her kingdom is admirable, I really liked her evolution throughout the book. Her people love her, although, I would have liked more explanation of her relationship with her people and the reason why there is such love for her. 👑

Elerek sat tall upon a cardant—Sama, she realized. Clad in armor, his shoulders were broad beneath the halberk. His eyes blazed with wrath, with fire, with a consuming vengeance. A king to execute the justice the invaders served.

Elerek was a refreshing character to read, I loved being able to read a character in a wheelchair and knowing that this was not a difficulty that prevented him from reigning as an excellent king, the love he has for his family is admirable and the desire to seeing his kingdom safe and at peace is something that moved me a lot. Knowing his story with his curse and everything he had to go through broke my heart. 💔

“I meant what I said, you were beautiful tonight.”

I really liked the relationship between these two characters, I would have liked to see more of the evolution of the love between the two, however I felt that their relationship was instantaneous and quick, having both lost someone important, it was difficult for them to confess their feelings. I loved seeing their dynamics and chemistry in some scenes and I hope that the next book shows more about their relationship. 🥰

what to expect?
✅ dual POV
✅ Cursed Prince
✅ Fantastic creatures
✅ Arranged marriage
✅ Found family

3.5 stars

I feel like the world building, the uniqueness of the curse, and the absolutely amazing disability representation in this book are definitely the strongest points for it. Those elements kept me engaged and very entertained throughout the story, and I'm so glad for that because of the pacing... was a nightmare. This book is so slow. It's a bit way too much for my taste, so I'm glad it compensated with the world building.
Now our main characters, with Lystra, I felt like something was missing, and after finishing this, I discovered a prequel is out, so I feel like it definitely should be read in order to give her some depth. With Elerek, I love him. I'm not saying much because I don't want to give spoilers, but I'm so glad that he proved that a disable hero on wheelchair works and can be as awesome as any other hero.
The romance I feel like it was a but too fast, so it didn't fully work for me, but I liked them together.
Overall, this was a great book, and I'm excited to read more of this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book swept me away on an enchanting adventure through a world brimming with intrigue, romance, and magic. From the very first page, I was captivated by the unique premise and expertly crafted storytelling.

The novel introduces us to Lystra and Elerek, two characters whose destinies become intertwined amidst a kingdom teetering on the edge of collapse. Their journey is filled with heart-stopping moments and tender exchanges that kept me utterly engrossed from start to finish.

What truly sets Queen of Shifting Sands apart is its masterful blend of romance and fantasy. The chemistry between Lystra and Elerek is palpable, drawing me deeper into their world with each passing chapter. And the vividly imagined setting, with its intricate details and rich history, added another layer of depth to an already captivating story.

Overall, it was a delightful escape into a world filled with magic and adventure. It's a must-read for anyone craving a dose of escapism and romance, and I can't wait to see what the author has in store next.

"Daughter of the Desert" is an enchanting and gripping read that transports you to a world of tragedy, love, and bravery. The story follows Lystra, who, after suffering a devastating loss, finds herself navigating a future filled with uncertainty. Forced to forge a marriage alliance with Elerek, the brother of her lost love and heir to the throne, Lystra and Elerek must face their own demons and protect their kingdom from impending threats.
Kaitlyn's vivid and immersive writing brings the desert kingdom of Instanolde to life, evoking the sights, sounds, and emotions of the world. From the grief and fear of the characters to the promise of new love, the book is a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Lystra's determination and Elerek's transformation are beautifully portrayed, making them characters you can't help but cheer for.
Overall, "Daughter of the Desert" is a captivating debut novel that sets the stage for an epic series. I eagerly await the next installment and highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling and immersive fantasy read. Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC!

Queen of Shifting Sands is a slowwww book. I feel as if I spent forever reading it, and that's its main flaw. I read the prequel before getting into this, and it almost feels like it was written by two different people, because the pacing there was so much better than it was here.

Based on the blurb (and pretty cover), I was expecting this to be right up my alley, so I'm a bit sad it wasn't. For how exciting and action-y the prequel was, this was the complete opposite. All the way up to the end I wasn't sure if I wanted to read the next one, but that was when things finally started happening, so I think I will because I do want to know what's going to happen next.

Now for the good stuff, the characters!! Okay so, I liked Lystra the most in Daughter of the Desert, but my, how the tables have turned. I still like her, don't worry, but Razhar stole the show. He's my absolute fav in this book. I also liked Elerek a smidge more than Lystra.

I wonder though, if my ranking would've been different had I not read the prequel. Maybe Lystra would seem like a more engaging MC, but knowing what she's capable of, she just didn't give much of that here. There's still time for her to do so in the sequel, so I'm not too worried.

I also loved that Elerek was a disabled main character & love interest. He uses a wheelchair and proves that disabled MCs belong in fantasy worlds, so I will be shoving this book in the next person's face who dares to tell me they don't. I think it was very respectfully done, so hats off to Kaitlyn Carter Brown, you did such a good job, thank you.

I liked the romance between them, but it developed a bit too fast. Especially knowing how much she cared for and loved his brother. If they'd fallen in love by the end of the duology or somewhere in book two I think it would've worked for me more.

The plot reminded me a bit of The Wrath and the Dawn at the start and I liked it overall, I just wish more was happening throughout.

The curse aspect was so unique and it's probably one of the things I'm most excited to see more of in the next book.

Speaking of, if it continues where we left off, and with a similar pace, I could see the next one hitting four or more stars. It just had a bit of a rough start is all, now on we go to more adventures!!!

*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely adored this! I loved the characters, the setting, the plot. This book does really well in adding magic with the hundreds of well thought out little details sprinkled throughout. Even the cover is beautiful. The author did such a wonderful job describing the setting that it almost felt like I could taste the food, smell the flowers and hear the music playing in the markets.

This book also has curses, political alliances, war, scheming, found-family.

I felt like the world building could have been better, but I've since read that book 0.5 focuses more on this, so it's probably worth reading the prequel before picking this book up.

I loved the dual POV, going between Elerek and Lystra. I did think their relationship moved a little too quickly, despite this being marked as a slow burn. I felt as though they didn't actually have much time to get to know one and other before they began falling in love. I did love that Elerek and Lystra were older than most fantasy main characters in popular fantasy books. I needed a break from the teenagers of the fantasy world shouldering the entire nations burdens for a change.

It was a very good first book in what I'm guessing is going to be a duology or a trilogy and I'm looking forward to seeing how things develop, especially with the way book 1 ended on such a cliffhanger.