I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Of Sand and Malice Made by Bradley P. Beaulieu Published by Gollancz on September 8th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Novella
Pages: 240
Format: Hardback
Source: Publisher
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Çeda is the youngest pit fighter in the history of the great desert city of Sharakhai. In this brilliant new story, a prequel to Twelve Kings, she has already made her name in the arena as the fearsome, undefeated White Wolf. None but her closest friends and allies know her true identity.
But this all changes when she crosses the path of Rümayesh, one of the sadistic creatures known as ehrekh which were forged long ago by the god of chaos. They are usually desert dwellers, but this one lurks in the dark corners of Sharakhai, toying with and preying on humans. As Rümayesh works to unmask the White Wolf and claim Çeda for her own, Çeda's struggle becomes a battle for her friends, her life, and her very soul.
Of Sand and Malice Made is a prequel to the Twelve Kings in Sharakhai a brilliant teaser and perfect to read while waiting for With Blood Upon the Sand to be released. And, as a bonus it adds another exciting layer to the story. While explaining a lot more about Ceda, her background and why she is the way she is. As the White Wolf she has already made a name for herself, and it is because of this that she caught in the web of Rümayesh, an ehrekh.
While compare to the previous book this is considered a novella. It is actually normal story size, at over two hundred pages it is no quick read, instead it requires time and patience. However the story is told over three interlinked stories that pull you in until the very end.
While this was written after Twelve Kings in Sharakhai as a prequel it doesn’t expect the reader to know anything about Ceda beforehand. This is a perfect book that can either be read as the first book in the series. Or after Twelve Kings in Sharakhai when you want to dig more into the story and to gain more information.
There is humour, excitement and wonder as we explore more of Ceda’s world. And with a chilling new villain this makes it well worth the read. Of Sand and Malice Made is one book, and one series that I can’t recommend enough.
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