I really enjoyed this book! I absolutely love dual perspectives & having the MMC be bound to a wheelchair was a great inclusion for representation. I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next. I struggled in the beginning bc I had to google quite a few words, but once I was passed that I was golden. I NEEEED the next book!

I was very surprised with this book, it hit the nail on the head in every aspect. I absolutely loved getting to read this and have fallen in love with this authors writing. The characters, world building, and romance were great and I can’t wait to read more!!

Thank you so much for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley, author, and publisher for this ARC!

I have many different thoughts for this novel. I didn’t know about the prequel once I started to novel about 20% in. Based on my overall thoughts, I am curious as to if it’ll clarify more about her and Cormek if he is apart of the story, otherwise, I probably won’t read it.
I wanted to start by saying that I loved the writing and its style. I thought it flowed very nicely and it was descriptive but done well. The world building and setting was balanced really well. I feel like it didn’t get in the way of the plot and stunt any other aspect of the novel. Also, the characters were very well fleshed out most of the time. The side character’s we’re great as well. I thought Lystra was a very interesting character and I loved her tenacity and her will to do anything for her people. Elerek was also intriguing. I felt like I learned a lot about him without having to have so many flashbacks. The chemistry between was strong, but sometimes I felt that their turning point of having feelings for each other was a little forced and happened too quick. Even though they had a lot of interaction together, it was always short and it still felt like they didn’t develop their relationship. There wasn’t enough of their relationship for Lystra to be in love with him so quickly. I wished I saw them interact more throughout the beginning. They were dealing with their own issues separately for a large majority of the novel.
That all being said, what really took away from a great story was the pacing and plot. I felt that it started off strong, but we didn’t see them together much until they were married and that was about 50 percent-ish in. Even when we reached that point, the plot was still very stagnant. Up until around 70%, we didn’t see anything else until the first attack in the library with Lystra and Razhan. The book synopsis was centered about Lystra and Elerek working together to fight the Jarkins and their attack for the end of the summer months, which begin sooner than they thought. There was no plan or working together seen in the novel, and when the first attack happened to her, the only focus they had was evacuating the city folk away from the river and ports. The pacing was what really took me so long to finish the novel. Because the pace was off and slow, it did take me almost a week and a half to finish it. The plot twists were great, and really added to the plot. But the plot was almost non-existent until about 85%. Even at around 90/95% the climax was starting and the plot was finally really developing. Once we really met Gaudab, I loved him as a villain. The ending really set up for the second book, and I hope that we see a better pace then.

Overall, I thought the writing and it’s flow was great. It was beautifully written. The character development was also very well done, but wish Elerek and Lystra’s relationship progressed stronger. I am excited for the second novel and I’m curious about the dynamic of Elerek’s and Lystra’s shift after seeing now that she is cursed and figuring out how to cure everybody without any more depth. If the pacing wasn't lacking so much, I would've rated this at least a 4.5/5. I give this novel about a 3.5 with my opinions and thoughts.

This is the first installment in the series and it is beautifully penned down by the author. I finished in one go and the writing was amazing. I am eagerly waiting for the next part in this series and the cover art is so beautiful ❤️ i am in love with it.

I'm a bit blown away by how enjoyable this was! For once, a book actually lives up to its summary and delivers what it claims to. It truly was a fantasy romance adventure. The romance was great, the characters solid and the central conflict believable and interesting. Very solid novel, I'm excited to read more!

Thank you to NetGalley and Whimsical Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was blown away by how good this book is. Deep and complex characters who grow and change.
So much of this story is fresh and new. The world building and characters.

3.5 stars

First of all i want to thank whimsical publishing and netgalley for the arc in exchanged for a honest review

Now for the review. I think this book was okay but unfortunately it didn't really steal my heart...

I think the start of the book was good with starting how Lystra and Elerek both grieving over Cormak.

And i like the disability rep with Elerek the main male lead is in a wheel chair.

And i kinda like how the relationship with Elerek and Lystra grew but i don't like how the pacing is with this book

But overall a nice book that you should try giving it a read

the world building, the characters, the SLOW BURN, the banter, the conflicts?!?! i’m screaming! this is probably my favorite book of 2024! i will definitely be purchasing copies as soon as i can!

This book was all stunning imagery, engaging dialog, and faulty, loveable characters. The world and characters were vibrant, and the politics were easy to follow. I felt all the emotions reading this, and I’m dying to get my hands on the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So this novel wrecked me and left me WANTING.
I lovedd the setting , tho I'm not sure if it's accurate.
The characters were interesting, though Lystra, being an excellent depiction of grief, felt very.....flat as a character.i also appreciated the disability rep.

Overall, four stars. Can't wait for the next book.

Lystra’s world is one of desert heat, riding lizards, and a kingdom unready for the war it’s been thrown into. With her intended dead in a sudden attack, she finds herself not only grieving what she could have had, but married to Elerek, a man her grandmother wants her to kill so that she can become queen. No matter there’s an army marching on their city, Lystra’s grandmother has every intention to reclaim her own lost position of queen — lost when Elerek’s bloodline supplanted hers.

For all that Lystra and Elerek are supposed to be at odds, the two of them work well together. There’s a natural rapport and a mutual respect. The friendship slowly grows into something more — and I appreciated it that it felt organic and relied upon the two of them getting along rather than Elerek finding her beautiful and Lystra finding him hot. Elerek is a scholar, not a fighter, and having hidden away for so long because of his cures, he’s not familiar with the families and politics of his own kingdom, which have him relying on Lystra for her invaluable training.

Elerek is crippled, unable to use his legs and who has a wheeled chair which has to be carried down stairs or lifted into a modified carriage. His disability is less of an issue than the curse, which is spread by touch and leaves him wary of and afraid of getting too close to anyone. He’s neither helpless nor hopeless, with a stubborn streak and a bit of a temper. Lystra is thoughtful, optimistic, and plays an active role in her own story, which I appreciated.

The writing can be flowery, sometimes feeling a little overwritten, but considering that both Elerek and Lystra are very romantic souls, it does more or less work. There is no ableism in the book, no one spurning Elerek for his difficulties — except for the bad guys — but it’s also not that much of a focus of his life. It’s just part of him.

The book ends … abruptly. It’s a cliffhanger, yes, but it also feels like the book just ended mid-sentence. I’ll be curious to read the next book when it comes out.

"Queen of Shifting Sands" by Kaitlyn Carter Brown invites readers into a world where a crownless queen and a cursed prince must unite against looming threats.

In the kingdom of Instanolde, Lystra's dreams of a fairytale wedding are shattered when tragedy strikes, leaving her beloved king dead and the realm teetering on the brink of chaos. As invaders threaten from the desert, Lystra must make an unthinkable choice: marry Elerek, her lost love's enigmatic brother, to save her kingdom.

Elerek, burdened by a curse he believes will consume him, finds unexpected hope in Lystra's resilience. Together, they face not only the imminent invasion but also the shadows of their own pasts and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart.

With rich world-building and a captivating slow-burn romance, "Queen of Shifting Sands" promises a thrilling journey through a land of danger and intrigue. While the pacing may falter at times, and some characters feel underdeveloped, the chemistry between Lystra and Elerek shines, drawing readers deeper into their struggle for survival and love.

For fans of fantasy romance craving adventure and passion amid the sands of chaos, Brown's novel offers an escape into a world where duty and desire collide with thrilling consequences.

I wanted so badly to love this book and unfortunately it just didn't stand up to my expectations. The plot itself is amazing and so intresting but the execution was not the best. At times it felt like the author was more worried about showing off their impressive vocabulary than pacing and character development. That being said, when the author did develop certain characters it was amazing and I did genuinely get attached to them.

I'd give this a solid 3.5.

An overall enjoyable story with some really unique elements. For example, the wheelchair bound king and his way of functioning was explained well and logically e.g. having to be lifted down stairs, wider coridoors for his chair etc. His curse was the main focus of the plot rather than his disability which was done well. As well, he was not a character described as hating the chair but instead saw it as a tool to help him get around, which was unfortunately refreshing in the fantasy world of disability rep.

The author did a good job of describing the emotions each of the characters felt, making them feel compelling and believable. For example, the love suplots felt natural and progressed logically.

The pacing did fluctuate throughout this book though - took me a while to get into it and a few attempts to actually get into the rhythm of the book. However once I was there I enjoyed the ride.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

If you are looking for a book with lots of adventure and a good plot then this book is for you! It’s a slow burn epic romantasy with lots of good banter and loveable characters. The ending left me wanting more and I can’t wait until the next book to see what happens!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

I-loved-this-book! This is a new author to me and I already am a true fan. The world building was epic including curses and reptilian creatures trained to race. The emotional depth to the writing and the clever premise captured me immediately. Not to forget the gorgeous cover...

Elerek is the eldest brother who should have been the rightful king from the start. Unfortunately, he was cursed in infancy and the affliction is so devastating. He is also crippled and, in a wheelchair, because no one could attend to his needs to heal him. Anyone he touches is also cursed. Lystra has been raised to become a queen someday...the plan is finally in place as she is set to marry Elerek's brother. Then he is killed and a whole new plan must take place in order to save their people.

The storyline was so fascinating and at times utterly heartbreaking. Our main couple is drawn together by grief and the love of their people that they both are determined to protect. Watching Elerek and Lystra's relationship change and slowly grow into something more was special. The side characters were so well drawn, too. Even Myra who I wasn't rooting for in the romance department, made my heart tug in deep understanding. I had complete empathy for so many...oh, my heart hurt! And bile rose in my throat every time the grandmother was on the page...I hope justice is served!!

My only complaint is that the book ended! I have so many burning questions...AHHHH! When is the next book out?! Sigh. I don't know if I can wait...double sigh.

5 stars

Title: Queen of Shifting Sands by Kaitlyn Carter Brown
Instanolde Chronicles #1

Release Date: March ,12th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

In the kingdom of Instanolde, Lystra eagerly anticipates her wedding to the king, believing her future is secure. However, tragedy strikes when her betrothed is killed, leaving the kingdom vulnerable. In a desperate attempt to protect her realm, Lystra forges a marriage alliance with Elerek, the brother of her deceased love, who bears a curse that threatens his life. As they face impending invasion and navigate their own personal struggles, Lystra and Elerek must unite to save their kingdom and confront the dangers lurking in the desert.


"Queen of Shifting Sands" is a thrilling fantasy romance filled with intrigue, high stakes, and the enduring power of love and duty.

The relationship between the two main characters is beautifully portrayed, with a slow burn that adds depth and complexity to the story.

As the plot unfolded, I could feel the weight of grief and tragedy that glooms over the characters and was fully immersed in their world.

Tropes:

Slow-Burn Romance
Political Intrigue
Grief and Tragedy
Quest and Adventure
Strong Female Lead
Fantasy


This is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance, and the ending will leave you eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.


Thank you to Whimsical Publishing, The Author Kaitlyn Carter Brown & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

"Queen of Shifting Sands" by Kaitlyn Carter Brown is a captivating journey into a world of magic, intrigue, and self-discovery. After an attack that kills the king, there are two people who are hurt the most- and who have to come together to protect their home and their people.

Lystra has just lost the love of her life, the man she was supposed to marry. She has been raised to be a Queen and her people cry out for her - but her future was taken with her King. Now her only way to protect her people and become queen is to marry his brother, Elerek- the now heir to the throne. And they only have one summer to make their city safe, and she’s determined to pull through.

Elerek has spent his life alone and avoiding people, waiting to die. Despite being the firstborn, he was never supposed to be the King. Everyone doubts him, everyone he needs support from to save his country - because he’s unknown, because he’s in a wheelchair. How could he possibly be strong enough to lead them through a war? And what they don’t know, what would definitely make the elite revolt against his rule- Elerek is cursed.

Both of them are grieving the loss of the King- a brother and a fiancé. But they need to come together if they want their people to survive the coming war.

A beautiful story about grief and resilience, and about hope and determination.

————————

Key points i really loved about this book that

- there was no instant love between Lystra and Elerek. So often in fantasy, the loss of a previous partner isn’t holding them back. There is real and raw grief of both characters part, and they struggle with knowing they have to be married and what the recently deceased King would think of their marriage. But there’s a stunning show of respect and mutual admiration that grows into some affection.

- the creativity and devastation of the curse the Elerek has. Everyone he touches gets cursed as a result, so he must live his life touching no one, or people he’s already accidentally doomed to a torturous death. Their skin turns translucent, their insides slowly becoming water until they’re a sack of fluid and organs. And when the curse finally takes them, they burst like a water balloon - leaving nothing behind but water on the ground. No body to bury or burn. It’s supremely devastating and tragic

I was sent this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, for a full review see Amazon or Goodreads.

I loved the premise of this and the cover caught my attention straight away! Quick read and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

In Queen of Shifting Sands by Kaitlyn Carter Brown, the narrative unfolds through the captivating lens of two distinct points of view, creating a rich blend of tension and romance that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

One of the highlights of the book is undoubtedly its choice of trope - the combination of arranged marriage and forbidden love injects a fresh perspective into the narrative, keeping readers guessing until the very end. However, while the tension between the protagonists is palpable, I found myself yearning for more interaction between them.

Visual stunning, the book´s cover is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that permeates every aspect of the world-building. From intricately crafted settings to nuanced character portrayals, the author demonstrates a keen ability to immerse readers in a richly imagined universe. The characters themselves are multifaceted, their complexities gradually revealed as the story unfolds, allowing readers to witness their growth and development firsthand.

Yet, despite its many strengths, this book leaves some lingering questions unanswered, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. As someone who was thoroughly captivated by the first installment, I cannot wait to delve deeper into the world crafted by the author and explore the unresolved mysteries that linger tantalizingly on the horizon.