Hello
happy readers! I hope you had a better
weekend than me. We have swapped to a
new system at work and it is NOT user friendly and keeps crashing so lots of frustration
to be had. Still trying to keep a
positive attitude because I did get some reading time in and oh yeah Game of
Thrones started last night!!! Something I did this year is also finally get
to a book that had been on my TBR since last year, Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands #1) by Alywn Hamilton. I listened to the audiobook narration which I
found quick and easy listening.
Rating: 4 Stars
So
the story follows Amani, a girl who grew up in the gunpowder city in the desert
of Dustwalk. She'd taught herself to
shoot with the best of guys in secret feeling herself with a pistol in her
hands. The world is rules by mortals but
Gene used to roam free with their magical off spring, djinni, and other magical
creatures roaming around the desert.
There are millions of stories about them and the past and Amani knows
them all. Stuck under her Uncles care
after her mother was hung she is bound and determined to escape and make it to
her mothers home, the place she talked about so often. She meets Jin, a handsome foreigner who is
also pretty good with a gun in a contest she is trying to win to secure funds
for her travel. Things change and she is
forced to adjust her plans. Jin seems
like a better means of escape, fleeing from the Sultan's army with a treasonous
fugitive who will help her figure out her place and who she really is.
I
liked the idea of this story from the start giving me an Aladdin vibe. While I'm not a huge fan of deserts in person
as I don't like the heat, sun, or sand I like reading about them. Following Amani and Jin on this journey was
full of exciting moments. The scenery
was well described with the different towns and the methods of travel. I really found myself captivated as it felt
like the desert. Despite the magic it
felt realistic, the fact that they were in the desert and the strain that puts
on a person was never forgotten and that is always a plus.
Still
like many books for me I fell in love with the characters. Amani was bad ass. She wasn't happy with her situation and what
was to happen to her so she changed things.
She took charge and wasn't going to let anyone made decisions about her
life for her just because she is a SHE. Even
as she starts to develop feelings for Jin she doesn't let that cloud her
judgment completely but simply a factor to be considered along with all the
other options. I respected her for
that. Jin, I had my ups and downs with
him at times but far more ups to be sure.
I liked his attitude form the beginning and most important is he doesn't
underestimate her simply for being a female.
He never considers her weak but instead expects more of her knowing her
grit. I also adored some of the others
as we got to meet them as the story progressed.
The
story morphs from one of escape to one of rebellion and I love it. I enjoyed how the story had lots of twists
and turns and always kept the pace moving. It walked a line of real and magical well as
there would be times when you don't realize the world has magic until you are
faced with a magical sand horse or a djinni who can use their powers. It's like a world within a world and I love
it. The political aspect of the Sultan
and the Rebel Prince, the foreigner soldiers that practically rule nation
taking what they are allowed and more.
It
was fascinating and I can't wait to read the sequel, which thankfully as I waited
so long to get to this is already out. I
just have to wait for my next credit to kick in and I will be able to start on
the sequel which has me equal parts excited and nervous given where things are.
Until
next time…
