In Sands of Ashari, the second book in the Kingdom of Adara series, Kiara, the Ghost Princess and Breaker of Souls, finds herself stranded in the cursed lands of Ashari, separated from her warrior, Aidan, and her moon goddess. Haunted by doubt and facing a looming war between Adara and Gaveal, Kiara must locate the other Breakers to prevent total annihilation. Meanwhile, King Byrne and his assassin, Aisling, fight to rescue his sons and protect his kingdom from the Masters of Night. As a powerful, ancient force threatens humanity, Kiara races against time, battling betrayal, uncovering hidden truths, and forging unlikely alliances in a world teeming with elemental magic, danger, and romance. This epic fantasy, filled with action and intrigue, is recommended for mature readers.
Review Sands of Ashari
Wow, Sands of Ashari really blew me away! Picking up where The Divide left off, this second book in the Kingdom of Adara series throws Kiara and Aidan right into the deep end. The shifting sands of Ashari are more than just a setting; they’re a palpable symbol of the uncertainty and danger that hangs over every page. The feeling of being lost and unsure, mirroring Kiara's own internal struggle with her fading faith and the weight of her destiny, was truly gripping. Hansen masterfully crafts a world where the stakes are impossibly high, and the constant threat of war between Adara and Gaveal only adds to the tension.
I loved how the author deepened the world-building in this installment. We get more insight into the histories of both kingdoms, uncovering secrets that shook my understanding of previous events. The magic system, steeped in elemental power, felt even more robust and fascinating this time around. The descriptions were vivid enough to make me feel the heat of the desert sun and the chill of encroaching darkness. The detail was impressive, creating a world that felt both fantastical and remarkably believable.
The characters, both old and new, were equally compelling. Kiara's journey of self-discovery and doubt was intensely relatable. Seeing her struggle with her powers, her faith, and her relationship with Aidan kept me completely invested. Speaking of Aidan, I found myself continually surprised by his depth. He remained a captivating enigma, and the author expertly teased out layers to his personality, making me reconsider my initial impressions. Even characters I initially disliked underwent fascinating transformations, displaying a surprising level of nuance and complexity. The character development throughout the book is truly outstanding; it's rare to find such well-rounded and believable individuals in a fantasy novel.
But it wasn't just the characters; the pacing was perfect. The narrative pulled me in from the first page and never let go. I found myself completely engrossed in the plot twists, the betrayals, and the constant looming sense of impending doom. I honestly read it faster than the first book; I couldn't put it down! The romantic tension between Kiara and Aidan added another layer of emotional depth, without ever overshadowing the overarching plot. It's the perfect blend of action, intrigue, and heartfelt moments.
The ending, oh my goodness, the ending! It was a cliffhanger of epic proportions, leaving me breathless and desperate for the next book. Hansen expertly crafted a conclusion that left me with more questions than answers, but in the best possible way. It left me wanting more, eagerly anticipating the resolution of the conflicts, the unveiling of further secrets, and most importantly, discovering what happens to all these incredible characters. If you enjoy fantasy with a strong female lead, compelling world-building, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, Sands of Ashari is an absolute must-read. I wholeheartedly recommend adding this to your TBR pile – you won't regret it.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 1.64 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 652
- Publication date: 2024
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