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Empire of Sand

The Books of Ambha (Book 1)

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What to expect

'Empire of Sand thoroughly swept me away'
S. A. Chakraborty, author of CITY OF BRASS

'A darkly intricate, devastating, and utterly original story about the ways we are bound by those we love'
R. F. Kuang, author of THE POPPY WAR

A NOBLEMAN'S DAUGHTER WITH MAGIC IN HER BLOOD
AN EMPIRE BUILT ON THE DREAMS OF ENSLAVED GODS

Mehr is a girl trapped between two cultures. Her father comes from the ruling classes of the empire, but her mother's people were outcasts, Amrithi nomads who worshipped the spirits of the sands.
Caught one night performing these forbidden rites, Mehr is brought to the attention of the Emperor's most feared mystics, who try to force her into their service by way of an arranged marriage. If she fails in their bidding, the gods themselves may awaken and seek vengeance...

From British debut author Tasha Suri, Empire of Sand is a lush and beautiful tale set in a magical world inspired by medieval India.

'Draws you into an intricately realised world of blood and secrets. An arresting and magical history told through the eyes of an indomitable heroine. I cannot ask for more' Jeannette Ng

'Astounding . . . the epic story set my heart free' Fran Wilde

'The best fantasy novel I have read this year' Miles Cameron

TASHA SURI is a librarian in London. Follow her on twitter at @tashadrinkstea for updates. Look out for Realm of Ash and The Jasmine Throne.

Critics Review

A stunning and enthralling debut, Empire of Sand thoroughly swept me away
S. A. Chakraborty, author of CITY OF BRASS
A darkly intricate, devastating, and utterly original story about the ways we are bound by those we love
R. F. Kuang, author of THE POPPY WAR
A beautiful story in a stunning, magical world. An enthralling debut
Claire North
Dark secrets lurk at an empire's heart in this complex, affecting epic fantasy . . . A worthy addition to any epic fantasy fan's bookshelf
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)
Empire of Sand draws you into an intricately realized world of blood and secrets. An arresting and magical history told through the eyes of an indomitable heroine. I cannot ask for more.
Jeannette Ng
The best fantasy novel I have read this year. I loved it!
Miles Cameron
The desert setting, complex characters, and epic mythology will captivate readers
BOOKLIST (starred review)
Empire of Sand is a lovely dark dream full of wrenching choices and bittersweet triumph. This gorgeous, magic-woven story and its determined heroine spin hope from hopelessness, power from powerlessness, and love from desolation
Melissa Caruso
This is the future of fantasy: rich, complex, unflinching. Empire of Sand is a stunning achievement
Mark Oshiro
Empire of Sand is astounding. The desert setting captured my imagination, the magic bound me up, and the epic story set my heart free
Fran Wilde
Riveting and wonderful! A fascinating desert world, a compelling heroine, and a richly satisfying conclusion. Empire of Sand will sweep you away!
Sarah Beth Durst
An oasis of a story that you fall into, head-first. A mesmerising tale full of magic and mystery
Sayantani DasGupta
Genuine, painful, and beautiful. A very strong start for a new voice
KIRKUS (starred review)
A powerful story of empire, magic, and resistance, told with an intimate poignancy and emotional resonance
Rowenna Miller
I was hooked from the moment I began Tasha Suri's gorgeous debut novel, Empire of sand. Suri has created a rich world full of beautiful and powerful magic, utterly compelling characters, high stakes and immersive prose. I absolutely loved it!
Kat Howard
Author Tasha Suri
Narrator Soneela Nankani
Series The Books of Ambha
Duration 17 hours
Release Date
ISBN 9781405542166
Format Audiobook
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Genre Fantasy, Fantasy romance
Availability AU, GB, IE

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