A review by gardens_and_dragons
Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri

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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