Queen of Shifting Sands

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

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.

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.