From Powells.com
Staff Pick
Get ready to be drawn into a wild ride with sharpshooter Amani as she runs from the Sultan’s army and finds out who she really is. Set in the wild desert, Rebel of the Sands is a fun and powerful love story combining realism with mythology. It will whip you up and not let go. Recommended By Richard C., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
“You will cheer for Amani the whole way as she escapes the bonds of oppression and finds her own power, and you will mark your calendar for the sequel.”—Rae Carson, bestselling author of the Fire & Thorns trilogy
Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mythical beasts still roam the wild and remote areas, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinn still perform their magic. For humans, it’s an unforgiving place, especially if you’re poor, orphaned, or female.
Amani Al’Hiza is all three. She’s a gifted gunslinger with perfect aim, but she can’t shoot her way out of Dustwalk, the back-country town where she’s destined to wind up wed or dead.
Then she meets Jin, a rakish foreigner, in a shooting contest, and sees him as the perfect escape route. But though she’s spent years dreaming of leaving Dustwalk, she never imagined she’d gallop away on mythical horse—or that it would take a foreign fugitive to show her the heart of the desert she thought she knew.
Rebel of the Sands reveals what happens when a dream deferred explodes—in the fires of rebellion, of romantic passion, and the all-consuming inferno of a girl finally, at long last, embracing her power.
Review
“Buckle up for a wild ride! Rebel of the Sands is a stunning debut full of irresistible energy, heart-stopping action, and a new voice that sings.” Alison Goodman, New York Times bestselling author of Eon and Eona
Review
“A perfect combination of American Westerns and Arabian myths.... Fans of Sarah Maas and Victoria Aveyard should give this one a try.” VOYA
Review
“Debut author Hamilton combines elements of Western and Middle Eastern civilization and lore with her own mythology, crafting an enticing, full-bodied story...successfully mingles romance with thrilling stakes, and hints at a welcome sequel.” Publishers Weekly
Review
“This atmospheric fantasy combines magic, mythology, and the Wild West to create a riveting tale…an exciting, romantic adventure that is unique and all its own.” Booklist, starred review
Review
“Romantic, thrilling, hilarious, and just plain great fun.” Kirkus Reviews, starred review
About the Author
Alwyn Hamilton was born in Toronto and lived between Canada, France and Italy until she was three, when her family settled in the small French town of Beaune. She studied History of Art at King’s College, Cambridge, graduated in 2009 and lives in London, where she works for Christie’s as Senior Administrator in the Interiors department.