This book was such a lot of fun. I quite enjoyed the mashup. It was interesting enough that I'm excited about getting the next one in the series and getting more information about the other characters.

I had a really hard time starting this book, because a white woman writing about the Middle East makes me nervous. There was certainly a lack of research, but still a pretty solid story. However, this maybe was not the best book for this author to write.

Amani is poor, orphaned, and female in the desert town of Dustwalk. She is trying to get out of town using her shooting skill, but that just ends with the shooting pit accidentally catching fire. But then Jin, the foreigner she met there turns up wounded in her uncle's shop and wanted by the Sultan's army. Helping Jin led Amani on a whirlwind trip across her desert country she never expected and let her know just what she was capable of. But she is still ticked off at Jin for the secrets he kept from her.

I heard about this title on a Library related webinar and leaped at the chance to read and review it when it came available on Netgalley.

A captivating world of desert, romance and struggles. The character's are well built, the romance is believable and the passion between them is evident. Our prince without a kingdom and our blue eyed Amani share a world that captures and engages readers while weaving myths, revolution and magic.

This book made me so happy. A fantastic, strong, and capable female protagonist. A totally crush-worthy boy, and magic fire horses. Huzzah.

Amani is a sharpshooter who needs to get the heck out of her small town where woman are considered to be chattel. Its either that or become her uncle's next bride, or another man's possession. Before she can cut out completely and after a disastrous attempt at disguising herself as a boy and attempting a shooting contest, Amani meets Jin.

Jin is a foreigner, and out to cause trouble for the town's industry (gun making), but may prove her ticket out of town. He may also have connections with the growing rebellion in the desert, which could lead to an even greater adventure for Amani despite its risks and danger.

Battling magical creatures, sandstorms, bandits, and surprises, this is a wonderful start to a new YA series. Can't wait for more!