Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - Empire of Sand

Reviews tagging 'Xenophobia'

Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri

7 reviews

gardens_and_dragons's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This was a very atmospheric book about the story of Mehr, a young woman who is the illegitimate daughter of nobility, her mother being of a people the empire is hunting down. She goes a lot through her hardships - arranged marriage, prejudice, abuse by a religious figure of the empire, amongst other things. I think the only thing preventing me from rating higher is that the plot beyond the main relationship is not the most memorable, and a bit guessable - but overall very solid.

This was a quiet book more about her growth into a woman that can use her innate magic to call on the gods and shape their dreams, instead of just a tool for the empire to keep their political power. Not much happens plot wise, much is done via conversation, the rites (dances) she performs, and introspection.

One thing that helps lend her strength is through her respect, then friendship the eventual romantic relationship with her husband. Amun was a stranger to her when they married, as it was arranged by the powers that be to keep her, and therefor her magic, under control. He is a quiet man that lived a terrible life and is without hope for escape until they work together to free themselves and their people.

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mirifairy's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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amandadevoursbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This. book. is. underrated. This is a tragedy.

In the first of a duology, we meet Mehr. She is the illegitimate child of the regional governor of a far-flung empire. Her mother is a member of the local indigenous tribes, the Amrithi. Mehr practices her traditions in secret. Her step mother disapproves. When her friend goes missing, Mehr draws the eye of the emperors mystics, and she is coerced into a marriage and shackled by her vows not only to her husband but to the empire itself.

I cannot express how wonderfully the world is built. It roots itself firmly in Southeast Asian culture and places. The desert spirits, the culture of the empire's ruling class, colonized territories and indigenous people, the sleeping gods. I LOVED all of it. While this is a slow-burn closed door romance. I rooted for the pair. I loved watching them fall for each other and make each other family. I cannot wait to read the next book.

This book deals heavily in themes of empires, colonization, genocide, cultural erasure, and grief. In the end, it is a story of hope and power and connection. 100% this is a book I will read and love again.

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