I thoroughly enjoyed the satirical fantasy element to this book, it was everything that I wanted from the description. I was engaged with the world and how the characters worked with this. Cearnach Grimm wrote this in a charming way and I was hooked from the first page. I wanted to continue reading this and getting to know the characters, it was everything that I wanted and hope there is more.

A wizard, a dwarf, a rogue and a Druid meet in the forest after chasing down a gnome. Wilhilm the wizard needs to capture a gnome to restore his soul. Of course, Wilhilm falls for the gnome’s fantastic story about not being able to help him, but he has a really great rock that he will give Wilhilm as a quasi-consolation prize.

The rock turns out to be an EchoStone that can connect to the EyeStone network, the medieval version of the internet. Wilhilm and his friends soon find out how to get free food and ale by showing themselves eating and drinking and becoming influencers. Of course this brings them no closer to restoring Wilhilm’s soul until they set off on their final quest to find the lost city in the desert. And in the greatest tradition of all the “Raiders of the Lost Ark” adventures, nothing is ever as easy as it looks.

This is a great thumbing-of-the-nose to social media. It is an hilarious romp through the Middle Ages with an enjoyable team of misfits.

I received this free copy from the author and NetGalley. This was apparently an early release copy and had a number of spelling and syntax errors. The editor replied very promptly to my list to correct them.

Never trust a gnome…

"Craving of the Sands" by Cearnach Grimm is a delightful fantasy romp that combines magic, humor, and a touch of modernity in a medieval setting. This novel stands out not only for its inventive plot but also for its memorable characters and satirical take on contemporary phenomena like social media.

The story kicks off with an eclectic group of adventurers—a wizard, a dwarf, a rogue, and a druid—meeting in a forest after pursuing a gnome. Wilhilm Grindtosser, the wizard, is on a quest to restore his soul, and capturing a gnome is supposedly a step in that direction. However, the gnome, with his knack for storytelling, convinces Wilhilm that he cannot help but offers a peculiar rock called the EchoStone as a consolation. This EchoStone connects to the EyeStone network, a clever medieval analog to the internet, which brings a unique twist to the narrative.

The introduction of the EchoStone leads to a series of hilarious events as Wilhilm and his companions become medieval influencers, discovering ways to get free food and ale by broadcasting their adventures. This satirical element serves as a sharp critique of modern social media culture, highlighting its absurdities in a fantastical context.

Despite their newfound fame, the quest to restore Wilhilm’s soul remains unresolved, propelling them towards a final adventure in the desert in search of a lost city. Grimm’s narrative mirrors the adventurous spirit of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," where every turn is fraught with unexpected challenges and nothing is as simple as it seems.

Grimm excels in world-building, vividly bringing to life a harsh desert environment that feels both fantastical and real. The elemental forces dominating this world add depth and tension to the story, making the setting a character in its own right.

The characters, especially Wilhilm Grindtosser, are well-crafted and engaging. Wilhilm’s ability to bend reality and his desperate quest for soul restoration make him a compelling protagonist. The camaraderie among the misfit team adds warmth to the story, as they navigate both internal conflicts and external threats. Themes of loyalty, survival, and the perils of magic are explored thoughtfully, adding layers to the high-stakes adventure.

Grimm masterfully balances humor with action. The narrative is peppered with comedic moments that provide relief from the intense, magical confrontations. This balance ensures the story remains engaging without becoming overwhelmingly dark.

One of the novel’s strengths is its ability to surprise. Just when the plot seems predictable, Grimm introduces unexpected twists that keep readers on their toes. The fast-paced storytelling, combined with well-drawn characters and relatable struggles, makes for an immersive reading experience.

"Craving of the Sands" is a must-read for fans of fantasy adventures. Cearnach Grimm has crafted a story that is as humorous as it is thrilling, with rich world-building and a unique take on modern technology in a medieval setting. The novel’s inventive plot, memorable characters, and satirical edge make it a standout addition to the genre. Despite a few early-release errors, promptly addressed by the editor, the story's charm and originality shine through, ensuring a fun and satisfying read from start to finish.

Craving of the Sands starts with a bang - Wilhilm has rented a golem to find a gnome and it goes berserk. He is trying to repair his soul - using magic takes pieces of it and he has big holes in his.
This is a fun mix of modern and medieval and you can’t help but root for Wilhilm. It’s very entertaining but there is a dark side. I loved the chapter titles!

Hilarious yet thrilling! I laughed quite often upon the sarcatical comments yet there was no time to relax with the fast paced action.