Content levels
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
A nobleman's daughter with magic in her blood. An empire built on the dreams of enslaved gods. Empire of Sand is Tasha Suri's captivating, Mughal India-inspired debut fantasy. The Amrithi are outcasts; nomads descended of desert spirits, they are coveted and persecuted throughout the Empire for the power in their blood. Mehr is the illegitimate daughter of an imperial governor and an exiled Amrithi mother she can barely remember, but whose face and magic she has inherited. When Mehr's power comes to the attention of the Emperor's most feared mystics, she must use every ounce of will, subtlety, and power she possesses to resist their cruel agenda. Should she fail, the gods themselves may awaken seeking vengeance... Empire of Sand is a lush, dazzling fantasy novel perfect for readers of City of Brass and The Wrath & the Dawn.
Is Empire of sand appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This adult fantasy features themes of slavery and forced servitude, with moderate violence and a slow-burn romance. The protagonist faces persecution and manipulation by powerful mystics in an empire inspired by Mughal India.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include slavery, abuse, and captivity (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to Mehr's journey of discovering her magical heritage and resisting those who would exploit her power in a richly imagined desert empire.