Review:
Alwyn Hamilton's debut novel is a high-concept, and highly enjoyable, epic fantasy adventure for young adults. Picture a gun-slinging, hard-drinking wild west, transpose it on to a sweeping, romantic desert, then add a rebel prince bent on overthrowing a wicked sultan, and a little magic in the manner ofA Thousand and One Nights. It's a winning combination. (Guardian)
A hugely entertaining, lushly painted Western with a rich seam of Arabic culture, djinni magic, breathless romance and show-stopping action sequences. (Bookseller - Ones to Watch)
Combining a whirligig narrative with a richly evoked fantasy desert setting, Hamilton barely lets the reader pause for breathe and the best news is there is more to come: it's the first in a trilogy. (Metro)
"Alwyn Hamilton's Rebel of the Sands is a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre, with a unique setting blending the Wild West and Arabian Nights, a complex heroine, a touch of magic, and a very cool twist that made me want to go back to the beginning and start reading all over again." (Erin Lange, author of BUTTER and DEAD ENDS)
From the irresistible opening paragraph, this rollicking caper expertly mashes up a gritty Middle East with a steampunk Old West, succeeding through the infectious voice of its heroine: brash, witty, cynical, and fierce, with an aching, vulnerable core and a suppressed streak of idealism. The secondary characters are just as memorable, from snarky, secretive Jin to their various foes, who range from cartoonish to terrifying to darkly tragic. Amani's adventures through this immersive alternative landscape continually veer off into unpredictable detours, looping back to an almost overstuffed climax that manages to deliciously satisfy while dangling tempting hints for a sequel.Romantic, thrilling, hilarious, and just plain great fun. (Kirkus Reviews - starred review)
I was hooked and raced through the book, completely missing any clues to the secrets revealed in this first in a trilogy. I may just have to re-read it while I wait for the sequel. (The School Librarian)
Rebel of the Sands is a must-read for lovers of fantasy and YA alike. It's pleasingly refreshing in its world-building, and diverse in its cast, down to the gender-fluid Demdjii that morphs between male and female at will. And with a heroine as ballsy as Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Rey, this story is right on trend. It deserves the buzz that's coming its way. (Fantasy Literature)
A wonderful mix of fantasy, mythology, romance and good-old-fashioned girl power! (Inis Children's Books Ireland)
19 Of The Best YA Books Of 2016. (Buzzfeed)
This atmospheric fantasy combines magic, mythology, and the Wild West to create a riveting tale. (Booklist)
Book Description:
The first in a trilogy packed with shooting contests, train robberies, festivals under the stars, powerful Djinni magic and an electrifying love story.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.