Blood of the Sands
The Ballan Desert, Book 1
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Blood of the Sands
Buy Now for £16.99
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Narrated by:
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Kate Genevieve
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Ryan West
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By:
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S.C. Grayson
About this listen
Keera is used to protecting herself from the dangers of the Ballan desert. Guarding her heart may be the most difficult challenge of all.
Keera is an exile struggling to survive, forced to rob passing travelers or face starvation. When she steals from the wrong man—a vicious masked warrior named the Viper—his hand around her throat awakens an ancient magic within her, and she uses it to escape his clutches. Now, Keera must master her power to protect the city of Kelvadan—the only place an exile like her can find a home—from the Viper and his growing army.
The Viper serves the magic of the desert, but the sins of the past threaten to destroy it. To protect his home, he will do everything it takes, even marching on the great city of Kelvadan. However, the real key to healing the desert’s magic might lie in the infuriating but intriguing exile who slipped through his fingers and now fights for his sworn enemies.
Keera and the Viper are on opposite sides of a war to save the Ballan desert, but the strange bond they share could be the key to saving their home—or destroying their world as they know it.
Blood of the Sands is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and L.J. Andrews.
©2024 S.C. Grayson (P)2025 Recorded BooksListeners also enjoyed...
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Wow. Just wow. Blood of the Sands is the kind of book that absolutely grips you and doesn’t let go, and I’m still reeling from its emotional rollercoaster. The plot, the world, the characters—it’s all just so damn good. If you want a book that makes you feel every twist and turn, to the point where you're practically raging at the cliffhanger ending, this is it. It’s rare for a book to trigger such intense emotions, but this one managed to do it effortlessly.
First off, the worldbuilding is fantastic. The desert landscape, with its warring clans and a city promoting peace, is a refreshing change of setting that makes for an immersive experience. The first half of the book focuses heavily on worldbuilding and politics, laying the groundwork for an intricate society and complex magic system. The magic in this book is so unique and well-thought-out, drawing me in with its mystique and originality. The beasts that roam this world are terrifying yet captivating, a perfect reflection of the harsh, unforgiving environment.
When it comes to the characters, both Keera and the Viper are unforgettable. The slow-burn romance between them is chef’s kiss—you really have to be patient for it, but when it finally hits, it's totally worth the wait. S.C. Grayson gives us a dual POV that delves deep into the characters' psyche. Keera’s longing for acceptance after a lifetime of exile and the Viper’s fierce dedication to saving his desert home both feel so raw and real. Their relationship isn’t an insta-love; it’s earned through shared struggles, emotional vulnerability, and mutual respect, which makes it all the more satisfying.
Before diving into the ARC for book two, I actually did a full reread of Blood of the Sands via the audiobook—and it was fantastic. Both narrators were strong and really captured the tone of the characters and the intensity of the story. I do wish it had been a duet narration (but let’s be honest, I always wish that), though that didn’t take away from how immersive the experience was. It actually deepened my emotional connection to the characters the second time around.
And the plot? Holy hell, does it escalate. The second half of the book flips the narrative into high gear, blending action, magic, and romance seamlessly. The trials to become the Desert’s Champion, the war against the rising dangers in the desert, and the balance of political intrigue and heart-pounding action kept me hooked from start to finish. It has a bit of everything—romantasy, action, mystery, and some unexpected twists that had me gasping out loud.
However, if I had one minor gripe, it’s that some details were repeated a bit too much. It wasn’t enough to pull me out of the story, but there were moments where I found myself wishing the narrative would push forward instead of rehashing certain points. Still, it didn’t detract much from the overall experience.
The ending, though. I’m not over it. The cliffhanger was brutal, leaving me desperate for book two. I need to know what happens next! This is definitely one of the best ARCs I’ve read in a long time, and I’ll be counting down the days until the sequel drops.
In short, Blood of the Sands is a powerful, beautifully written story with well-rounded characters, intricate worldbuilding, and a romance that will melt your heart. If you love romantasy with a heavy dose of politics, magic, and tension, you need this book on your shelf.
Immersive, Emotional, and Addictiv
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