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A Desert of Bleeding Sand #1
A Desert of Bleeding Sand
West African Mr and Mrs Smith collide in a sentient desert palace in this inventive fantasy debut that is perfect for fans of The City of Brass and Dance of Thieves.
Zair, a reviled half-aziza (African fae) with magical powers, is determined to stop the traitors attacking her academy and kidnapping its students—especially as her beloved sister is targeted. Sent to the palace during the king’s coronation, her mission is clear: unmask the culprits behind the disappearances. But when she crosses paths with Dathan, a rival spy from another academy, his hidden motives complicate everything.
As danger escalates and more students vanish, Zair and Dathan realize they must join forces to stop the looming threat. As they close in on the traitors, a shimmering attraction pulses between them, threatening to unravel their focus. In a palace where hunger is for power and night magic guards its halls, Zair must protect her heart from the one person she cannot afford to trust and save her fellow students before it’s too late.
Zair, a reviled half-aziza (African fae) with magical powers, is determined to stop the traitors attacking her academy and kidnapping its students—especially as her beloved sister is targeted. Sent to the palace during the king’s coronation, her mission is clear: unmask the culprits behind the disappearances. But when she crosses paths with Dathan, a rival spy from another academy, his hidden motives complicate everything.
As danger escalates and more students vanish, Zair and Dathan realize they must join forces to stop the looming threat. As they close in on the traitors, a shimmering attraction pulses between them, threatening to unravel their focus. In a palace where hunger is for power and night magic guards its halls, Zair must protect her heart from the one person she cannot afford to trust and save her fellow students before it’s too late.
Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
8 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Lucia Damisa
6 books21 followersLucia Damisa is a fantasy and romance writer who discovered a passion for writing at age 13 and has amassed stacks of notebooks filled with handwritten stories. She has a BA in Mass Communication and has experience as a journalist and freelance writer for websites around the world. When she is not world-building and hanging out with her characters, she is reading or taking photographs of nature. Find her on all platforms at Lucia Damisa.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 15, 2025
The glossary was a bit intimidating at first, but the intricate world-building and compelling premise made it all worth it. The power plays and prejudices felt so realistic, adding depth to an already immersive story.
The vivid descriptions of the beautiful places in this book made me wish I could step into the world—though, realistically, I doubt I’d last more than three days, let alone a week in such a brutal setting. There wasn't a single dull moment, with Zair and Dathan keeping the adrenaline pumping throughout.
The characters were incredibly well-written, and this book once again reminded me that reading is political. If you love fantasy with depth and nuance, this is an absolute must-read. Can’t wait for book 2!
From the book,
When a mind tries to absorb too many things at once, it will absorb nothing. Take it one sentence, one page, and one book at a time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The vivid descriptions of the beautiful places in this book made me wish I could step into the world—though, realistically, I doubt I’d last more than three days, let alone a week in such a brutal setting. There wasn't a single dull moment, with Zair and Dathan keeping the adrenaline pumping throughout.
The characters were incredibly well-written, and this book once again reminded me that reading is political. If you love fantasy with depth and nuance, this is an absolute must-read. Can’t wait for book 2!
From the book,
When a mind tries to absorb too many things at once, it will absorb nothing. Take it one sentence, one page, and one book at a time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2025
Thank you to Darkan Press and Lucia Damisa for the ARC I received of A Desert of Bleeding Sand!
I have been fortunate to follow Lucia on her journey to get this book published. I remember when she announced her book deal. I've been following along as she edited the novel and got ready to take it to press. It was so exciting to finally get my hands on it as a reader.
We open the book on a visiting day at Nergal, an elite military academy in the kingdom of Thalesai, with a student named Zair as she shows her family around. During their visit, a group of mercenaries who have been abducting children and teenagers from the military academies attack and mark Zair's younger sister for future abduction. These mercenaries know too much about the inner workings of Thalesai to be outside the inner sanctum of the royals, so Zair's academy commandant asks her to attend the coronation as a representative of Nergal, but more importantly as a spy. When Zair arrives, she is shunned by everyone for her mixed heritage– she is half Esan, a tribe reviled for their magical ancestors– and finds herself in competition with a spy from a rival academy, Dathan. Dathan has been given the same mission by his commandant, but if he and Zair continue down their individual paths in pursuit of the same goal, will they achieve their desired outcomes?
I always come out of the first novel in a new fantasy series with more questions than answers, and I definitely have a lot of questions about what will come next! But first, let's talk about the things I really enjoyed in this book.
Number one: this book is written in first person, past tense. The trend toward present tense narration is one of the banes of my existence in fantasy novels today. Most authors get bogged down in the tense and it ends up being sloppy. Past tense is clean and I think helped Lucia really differentiate between Zair and Dathan's voices. I could have figured out who was narrating even without the chapter indications.
The action writing in this book is really where the story shines. Some romantasy authors are gifted with the intimate scenes, some thrive in the world building and some write killer action scenes. As I was reading the fight sequences and action scenes in A Desert of Bleeding Sand, I literally said out loud, "This is where the writing sparkles." I'm not a very visual reader (meaning, I don't imagine myself in the scenes. I tend to process the text more as data) but I was able to visualize the action sequences because they were so well done.
The social structure of Thalesai was another place where this book was exceptional. Thalesai is supposed to be a united kingdom of four established tribes plus the Esan but that is not how it functions in actuality. The tribes are bitterly divided, especially the two largest, and they are constantly trying to undermine each other. It led to lots of political intrigue and I think sets up the world for even more drama and division in the future books. These tribal divisions also helped move the story along by providing motive for characters who otherwise seem like they should be happy with the status quo.
There are some things in the author's note that really help with understanding the story. Lucia wrote this book in response to the kidnapping of hundreds of children by the terrorist group, Boko Haram. I know we all want the villains in our books to have some kind of motivation that, from their point of view makes sense, but these villains are straight up terrorists. If you know that going in, I think you'll have a more impactful reading experience.
A Desert of Bleeding Sand does have some rough moments– it's a debut, after all. Some of the plot writing was a little blunt, but we also have to remember our main characters are basically still kids. They're only 18-19 so it makes sense that they're not the most subtle people out there! I think she did a great job on pacing the book. I never got bored which is always a win in a fantasy novel.
Overall a great first outing and I can't wait to see where the series goes. We left off on quite the cliffhanger which sets us up for a wild ride in book 2. 4.5 stars.
I have been fortunate to follow Lucia on her journey to get this book published. I remember when she announced her book deal. I've been following along as she edited the novel and got ready to take it to press. It was so exciting to finally get my hands on it as a reader.
We open the book on a visiting day at Nergal, an elite military academy in the kingdom of Thalesai, with a student named Zair as she shows her family around. During their visit, a group of mercenaries who have been abducting children and teenagers from the military academies attack and mark Zair's younger sister for future abduction. These mercenaries know too much about the inner workings of Thalesai to be outside the inner sanctum of the royals, so Zair's academy commandant asks her to attend the coronation as a representative of Nergal, but more importantly as a spy. When Zair arrives, she is shunned by everyone for her mixed heritage– she is half Esan, a tribe reviled for their magical ancestors– and finds herself in competition with a spy from a rival academy, Dathan. Dathan has been given the same mission by his commandant, but if he and Zair continue down their individual paths in pursuit of the same goal, will they achieve their desired outcomes?
I always come out of the first novel in a new fantasy series with more questions than answers, and I definitely have a lot of questions about what will come next! But first, let's talk about the things I really enjoyed in this book.
Number one: this book is written in first person, past tense. The trend toward present tense narration is one of the banes of my existence in fantasy novels today. Most authors get bogged down in the tense and it ends up being sloppy. Past tense is clean and I think helped Lucia really differentiate between Zair and Dathan's voices. I could have figured out who was narrating even without the chapter indications.
The action writing in this book is really where the story shines. Some romantasy authors are gifted with the intimate scenes, some thrive in the world building and some write killer action scenes. As I was reading the fight sequences and action scenes in A Desert of Bleeding Sand, I literally said out loud, "This is where the writing sparkles." I'm not a very visual reader (meaning, I don't imagine myself in the scenes. I tend to process the text more as data) but I was able to visualize the action sequences because they were so well done.
The social structure of Thalesai was another place where this book was exceptional. Thalesai is supposed to be a united kingdom of four established tribes plus the Esan but that is not how it functions in actuality. The tribes are bitterly divided, especially the two largest, and they are constantly trying to undermine each other. It led to lots of political intrigue and I think sets up the world for even more drama and division in the future books. These tribal divisions also helped move the story along by providing motive for characters who otherwise seem like they should be happy with the status quo.
There are some things in the author's note that really help with understanding the story. Lucia wrote this book in response to the kidnapping of hundreds of children by the terrorist group, Boko Haram. I know we all want the villains in our books to have some kind of motivation that, from their point of view makes sense, but these villains are straight up terrorists. If you know that going in, I think you'll have a more impactful reading experience.
A Desert of Bleeding Sand does have some rough moments– it's a debut, after all. Some of the plot writing was a little blunt, but we also have to remember our main characters are basically still kids. They're only 18-19 so it makes sense that they're not the most subtle people out there! I think she did a great job on pacing the book. I never got bored which is always a win in a fantasy novel.
Overall a great first outing and I can't wait to see where the series goes. We left off on quite the cliffhanger which sets us up for a wild ride in book 2. 4.5 stars.
September 18, 2024
I was a beta reader for A Desert of Bleeding Sand and I was amazed with what I read. This is a story with a spy/rival romance with fun banter, family and friendship themes and magic. It has great world building, interesting characters, action and political intrigue which kept me invested from start to finish. I love a story that moves quick, yet keeps me interested and this story did just that! I can't wait to see how this series evolves!
March 20, 2025
4.5 Stars!! Beautifully written and unique.
When I got to read the first chapter of this book a while ago, I knew it would be special.
We are first introduced to Zair. A strong, brave girl who is already quite accomplished in her skills. She’s grown up being shunned for what she looks like and has learned it’s better to not let anyone in.
Dathan is our other main character. He’s very accomplished as well, and he is well thought of by everyone.
Zair and Dathan are invited to represent their groups at the Kings coronation events. But they both have different motives for being sent there.
The world building was well done. Lucia has written a plot that is dear to her heart. She left a beautiful author’s note at the end that really ties it all together and makes us understand as a reader what pushed her to write it this way.
The rival spy aspect was so fun to read and in turn made the building romance so great. Zair has had to be strong her whole life so far, and it was wonderful everytime her tough exterior was cracked a little bit more with Dathan. I also enjoyed the underlying mystery throughout the book as well. It kept me guessing!
This is a wonderful foundation for a great series to come! I am looking forward to being able to continue their story in the future.
Thank you to Lucia and Darkan press for an early copy of this book.
When I got to read the first chapter of this book a while ago, I knew it would be special.
We are first introduced to Zair. A strong, brave girl who is already quite accomplished in her skills. She’s grown up being shunned for what she looks like and has learned it’s better to not let anyone in.
Dathan is our other main character. He’s very accomplished as well, and he is well thought of by everyone.
Zair and Dathan are invited to represent their groups at the Kings coronation events. But they both have different motives for being sent there.
The world building was well done. Lucia has written a plot that is dear to her heart. She left a beautiful author’s note at the end that really ties it all together and makes us understand as a reader what pushed her to write it this way.
The rival spy aspect was so fun to read and in turn made the building romance so great. Zair has had to be strong her whole life so far, and it was wonderful everytime her tough exterior was cracked a little bit more with Dathan. I also enjoyed the underlying mystery throughout the book as well. It kept me guessing!
This is a wonderful foundation for a great series to come! I am looking forward to being able to continue their story in the future.
Thank you to Lucia and Darkan press for an early copy of this book.
March 23, 2025
Lucia Damisa’s debut novel is as close to a four dimensional experience as you can get without reading the book in the actual desert. Her prose evokes the feeling of sand between your toes, the oppressive feeling of the sun scorching your face, the reality of a harsh landscape, where life is cruel, violent - a place where only the strongest can survive.
I’ve never read a book where the enemies are pitted at each other in the way it is here - Mr and Mrs Smith comparisons are very accurate. The pull between our two leads is undeniable, two halves of a whole coming together in spite of the walls they throw up, and the secrets they keep - and it makes for some sizzling tension and a dynamic which you’ll eagerly consume
A Desert of Bleeding Sands is out on 27 March 2025.
I’ve never read a book where the enemies are pitted at each other in the way it is here - Mr and Mrs Smith comparisons are very accurate. The pull between our two leads is undeniable, two halves of a whole coming together in spite of the walls they throw up, and the secrets they keep - and it makes for some sizzling tension and a dynamic which you’ll eagerly consume
A Desert of Bleeding Sands is out on 27 March 2025.
March 25, 2025
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
A Desert of Bleeding Sand is a whirlwind of adventure, betrayal, and action. The last few chapters of this book were intense, and I couldn't stop until I was done.
The world-building in this one is amazing and so well thought out. It was easy to understand, and the social structure and divisions in the world were explained really well. I loved the imagery in the writing that made you feel like you were in the desert, along with the characters.
The plot of this one was very interesting, and I found it even more special after reading the author's note at the end of the story. Tied to real-life events, the plot weaves magic and love into a story of politics, racism, and prejudice. It's a sad reality that plays out in a fantasy novel, and I loved how Lucia tied everything together.
The main characters are definitely enemies to lovers - and I love how their story played out. I'm excited to read what happens next with them and their world.
A Desert of Bleeding Sand is a whirlwind of adventure, betrayal, and action. The last few chapters of this book were intense, and I couldn't stop until I was done.
The world-building in this one is amazing and so well thought out. It was easy to understand, and the social structure and divisions in the world were explained really well. I loved the imagery in the writing that made you feel like you were in the desert, along with the characters.
The plot of this one was very interesting, and I found it even more special after reading the author's note at the end of the story. Tied to real-life events, the plot weaves magic and love into a story of politics, racism, and prejudice. It's a sad reality that plays out in a fantasy novel, and I loved how Lucia tied everything together.
The main characters are definitely enemies to lovers - and I love how their story played out. I'm excited to read what happens next with them and their world.
Want to read
October 4, 2024"In this inventive fantasy debut perfect for fans of Dance of Thieves and The City of Brass, West African Mr & Mrs Smith collide in a magical desert palace."
March 27, 2025
I’ve been a longtime follower of Lucia’s blog, so spent her entire journey to publication crossing my fingers that A Desert of Bleeding Sand would be picked up by a publisher so the world could read what sounded like an amazing African-inspired fantasy. I fell in love with these characters, and I love how this book just transported me to a fantastical version of Africa, largely inspired by the Sahara Desert and West Africa.
Inspired by the Bring Back Our Girls movement after countless girls were kidnapped from schools over a decade ago, A Desert of Bleeding Sand calls attention back to these horrific and terrifying kidnappings, and gives the youths of today a voice and a fire to do something about it as they challenge the scheming older generations. Zair is half Esan and half Baihan, but people only see her Esan eyes and instantly mark her as unwanted due to the magic in her blood. As a military student, she has the ability to protect her younger sister from being taken by kidnappers, but, because of her Esan blood, no one looks at her, until an unknown sponsor and her Commandant decide to root out the traitor at the very top of the human kingdom’s government and she’s sent to the Sand Palace as her school’s representative for the young king and queen’s coronation. At the same time, top student Dathan, at a rival school, has been selected by his Commandant and the Admiral for the same reason, but Dathan carries a dark history with him that could spell disaster for him and his family if he’s recognized by the wrong people. Despite their similar missions, and a growing attraction between them, Zair’s and Dathan’s ultimate goals are different, and they’ll stop at nothing to fulfill their missions.
A Desert of Bleeding Sand presents a world steeped in history, and I love how it was woven throughout the story, because it’s a crucial element. The human kingdom, Thalesai, is relatively new and constantly weathers threats from the neighboring kingdoms. There are the wraiths, the shapeshifters, and the azizas who would all see the humans fail. The Esan tribe carries aziza blood, automatically making them outcasts no matter how human they actually are. But the world building goes far beyond just offering this history; it hints at far more beyond the borders of Thalesai, both geographically and politically, while also telescoping in on Ari’el, the capital of the Thalesai, and all the unrest that lies between the five tribes. This world is an integral part of the story, offering both a canvas and stumbling blocks for the characters. I love how intricate it is, and it feels like what we’re given in this first book is just the tip of the iceberg. It was so much fun watching all the palace politics and scheming, and it always felt like everyone was plotting in some way.
As much as I adored the world and can’t wait to see it expand over the next four books, it’s Zair and Dathan who won my heart, and even the sentient Sand Palace. I loved that the palace is steeped in magic, that it comes alive to protect the people at night. It was amazing to see the ways in which it responded to Zair’s magic, and I loved how it could be both a boon and a hindrance as the palace’s magic chose when to respond. But I loved Zair and Dathan the most. Their relationship is delightfully prickly, and delightfully steamy when they were doing nothing more than verbally sparring. The fire between them smolders in the best way. I’m not a huge fan of romantasy, but I loved the blend of romance and fantasy in A Desert of Bleeding Sand. It struck just the perfect balance. Though I think I would happily watch the romance between Zair and Dathan all day.
What made them and their romance so beautiful was who they each are. They both carry deep wounds, one a terrible history that has had him masking everything he really is and the other a hated magic that’s affected her entire life and her entire family. I loved Dathan. He’s noble and complex, and his growing love for Zair was everything. But, as much as he’s clearly falling for her and wants to help and support her, he keeps his head straight and always remembers his mission and the friend depending on him. His wounds cut, and my heart bled for him. He’s a complicated character, and sometimes his past affected his mission, making him feel all the more human. He’s almost single-minded in his pursuit of one suspect because of it, and sometimes I wanted to yell at him, and Zair, to look more broadly, but then I remember he’s just a young adult, and sometimes it’s hard to ignore the young adult brain. Zair tore me to shreds. Her story just hit so hard I wanted to cry for her. She’s so strong and works so hard, but, just because of her Esan eyes, she’s ignored and overlooked, distrusted and hated. And yet she’ll do anything for the kingdom she was born and raised in, for the people who despise her, because, no matter how she looks, she knows in her heart she’s one of them. My heart ached for her every step of her journey, and her insecurities dug deep into my soul. But, despite the pain she carries, she’ll do anything to prove herself and her loyalty. It hurt to see her falling for Dathan, only to know she’s unworthy, and yet she can’t help but desperately want him.
As much as I loved the romance between Zair and Dathan, as much as I loved them as individuals, the story also had a stranglehold on me. I remember seeing coverage of the kidnappings on the news, and then complete silence afterwards. I love how A Desert of Bleeding Sand gives the youths of today the agency and voice to fight for these students, and to operate against the indolence of the older generations. It was fantastic, too, to see the newly selected king and queen are young, but certainly not stupid. I love that this book gives younger generations a voice, to say they’re capable of doing what older generations are afraid of, and a way to work for what they believe in. Beyond that, I loved the intricacies of the palace politics. I do think Zair and Dathan were too narrow-minded, and I did want to scream at them to look at other suspects, but I really loved all the plots and conspiracies. I loved how they challenged the king and queen, too. There was so much going on, from the politics to the coronation events to the sinister plots against the students. I loved picking out all the threads, and I can’t wait to see how they’ll all play out. This is intricate without being overly complex, guided by the love Zair and Dathan have for each other and their kingdom.
A Desert of Bleeding Sand is an incredible African-inspired fantasy. The characters shine every step of the way, and the story is complex without being complicated. It hurt to see some of the sentences be chopped when they could have been beautiful and lyrical, but I hope Lucia’s prose gets more of a chance to shine in future books. Otherwise, it actually sometimes worked really, really well, highlighting the most important pieces and even adding more definition and sharpness to the characterizations. But my favorite part was how every element just worked together, flowing seamlessly into a beautiful, sometimes brutal, tapestry.
Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Inspired by the Bring Back Our Girls movement after countless girls were kidnapped from schools over a decade ago, A Desert of Bleeding Sand calls attention back to these horrific and terrifying kidnappings, and gives the youths of today a voice and a fire to do something about it as they challenge the scheming older generations. Zair is half Esan and half Baihan, but people only see her Esan eyes and instantly mark her as unwanted due to the magic in her blood. As a military student, she has the ability to protect her younger sister from being taken by kidnappers, but, because of her Esan blood, no one looks at her, until an unknown sponsor and her Commandant decide to root out the traitor at the very top of the human kingdom’s government and she’s sent to the Sand Palace as her school’s representative for the young king and queen’s coronation. At the same time, top student Dathan, at a rival school, has been selected by his Commandant and the Admiral for the same reason, but Dathan carries a dark history with him that could spell disaster for him and his family if he’s recognized by the wrong people. Despite their similar missions, and a growing attraction between them, Zair’s and Dathan’s ultimate goals are different, and they’ll stop at nothing to fulfill their missions.
A Desert of Bleeding Sand presents a world steeped in history, and I love how it was woven throughout the story, because it’s a crucial element. The human kingdom, Thalesai, is relatively new and constantly weathers threats from the neighboring kingdoms. There are the wraiths, the shapeshifters, and the azizas who would all see the humans fail. The Esan tribe carries aziza blood, automatically making them outcasts no matter how human they actually are. But the world building goes far beyond just offering this history; it hints at far more beyond the borders of Thalesai, both geographically and politically, while also telescoping in on Ari’el, the capital of the Thalesai, and all the unrest that lies between the five tribes. This world is an integral part of the story, offering both a canvas and stumbling blocks for the characters. I love how intricate it is, and it feels like what we’re given in this first book is just the tip of the iceberg. It was so much fun watching all the palace politics and scheming, and it always felt like everyone was plotting in some way.
As much as I adored the world and can’t wait to see it expand over the next four books, it’s Zair and Dathan who won my heart, and even the sentient Sand Palace. I loved that the palace is steeped in magic, that it comes alive to protect the people at night. It was amazing to see the ways in which it responded to Zair’s magic, and I loved how it could be both a boon and a hindrance as the palace’s magic chose when to respond. But I loved Zair and Dathan the most. Their relationship is delightfully prickly, and delightfully steamy when they were doing nothing more than verbally sparring. The fire between them smolders in the best way. I’m not a huge fan of romantasy, but I loved the blend of romance and fantasy in A Desert of Bleeding Sand. It struck just the perfect balance. Though I think I would happily watch the romance between Zair and Dathan all day.
What made them and their romance so beautiful was who they each are. They both carry deep wounds, one a terrible history that has had him masking everything he really is and the other a hated magic that’s affected her entire life and her entire family. I loved Dathan. He’s noble and complex, and his growing love for Zair was everything. But, as much as he’s clearly falling for her and wants to help and support her, he keeps his head straight and always remembers his mission and the friend depending on him. His wounds cut, and my heart bled for him. He’s a complicated character, and sometimes his past affected his mission, making him feel all the more human. He’s almost single-minded in his pursuit of one suspect because of it, and sometimes I wanted to yell at him, and Zair, to look more broadly, but then I remember he’s just a young adult, and sometimes it’s hard to ignore the young adult brain. Zair tore me to shreds. Her story just hit so hard I wanted to cry for her. She’s so strong and works so hard, but, just because of her Esan eyes, she’s ignored and overlooked, distrusted and hated. And yet she’ll do anything for the kingdom she was born and raised in, for the people who despise her, because, no matter how she looks, she knows in her heart she’s one of them. My heart ached for her every step of her journey, and her insecurities dug deep into my soul. But, despite the pain she carries, she’ll do anything to prove herself and her loyalty. It hurt to see her falling for Dathan, only to know she’s unworthy, and yet she can’t help but desperately want him.
As much as I loved the romance between Zair and Dathan, as much as I loved them as individuals, the story also had a stranglehold on me. I remember seeing coverage of the kidnappings on the news, and then complete silence afterwards. I love how A Desert of Bleeding Sand gives the youths of today the agency and voice to fight for these students, and to operate against the indolence of the older generations. It was fantastic, too, to see the newly selected king and queen are young, but certainly not stupid. I love that this book gives younger generations a voice, to say they’re capable of doing what older generations are afraid of, and a way to work for what they believe in. Beyond that, I loved the intricacies of the palace politics. I do think Zair and Dathan were too narrow-minded, and I did want to scream at them to look at other suspects, but I really loved all the plots and conspiracies. I loved how they challenged the king and queen, too. There was so much going on, from the politics to the coronation events to the sinister plots against the students. I loved picking out all the threads, and I can’t wait to see how they’ll all play out. This is intricate without being overly complex, guided by the love Zair and Dathan have for each other and their kingdom.
A Desert of Bleeding Sand is an incredible African-inspired fantasy. The characters shine every step of the way, and the story is complex without being complicated. It hurt to see some of the sentences be chopped when they could have been beautiful and lyrical, but I hope Lucia’s prose gets more of a chance to shine in future books. Otherwise, it actually sometimes worked really, really well, highlighting the most important pieces and even adding more definition and sharpness to the characterizations. But my favorite part was how every element just worked together, flowing seamlessly into a beautiful, sometimes brutal, tapestry.
Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 4, 2025
I devoured A Desert of Bleeding Sand and was left completely breathless—sun-scorched, heart-punched, and utterly hooked. Lucia Damisa crafted a story that felt like it was written just for me—full of danger, desire, and secrets buried under glittering sand.
Zair is the kind of heroine I adore: fierce, flawed, and aching to protect the people she loves—even when the world deems her unworthy. Her power doesn’t just lie in her magic but in her stubborn fire, her raw vulnerability, and that constant feeling of being othered. I saw so much of myself in her need to prove she belongs, her battle to stay soft while navigating a world that demands steel.
And then there’s Dathan… oh, Dathan. I wanted to scream at him, trust him, and maybe kiss him all at once. The tension between him and Zair? Absolutely electric. The forced alliance, the unspoken pull, the “can I trust you or are you going to stab me in the back” dance—it had me clutching my Kindle like my life depended on it. Their chemistry burned just as hot as the Saharan sun.
But beyond the romance, this story thrums with stakes. The royal court is dripping with danger, and the magic has teeth. Every twist had me second-guessing, and the deeper Zair dug, the more I felt like I was right there beside her, trying to survive.
This book gave me the perfect blend of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, palace intrigue, and gut-wrenching emotional depth. It made me feel everything. If you love stories where trust is a luxury, power is a weapon, and love grows like a stubborn flower in the sand—you need this book.
Lucia Damisa, you have my full attention. I’m ready for the next storm.
Zair is the kind of heroine I adore: fierce, flawed, and aching to protect the people she loves—even when the world deems her unworthy. Her power doesn’t just lie in her magic but in her stubborn fire, her raw vulnerability, and that constant feeling of being othered. I saw so much of myself in her need to prove she belongs, her battle to stay soft while navigating a world that demands steel.
And then there’s Dathan… oh, Dathan. I wanted to scream at him, trust him, and maybe kiss him all at once. The tension between him and Zair? Absolutely electric. The forced alliance, the unspoken pull, the “can I trust you or are you going to stab me in the back” dance—it had me clutching my Kindle like my life depended on it. Their chemistry burned just as hot as the Saharan sun.
But beyond the romance, this story thrums with stakes. The royal court is dripping with danger, and the magic has teeth. Every twist had me second-guessing, and the deeper Zair dug, the more I felt like I was right there beside her, trying to survive.
This book gave me the perfect blend of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, palace intrigue, and gut-wrenching emotional depth. It made me feel everything. If you love stories where trust is a luxury, power is a weapon, and love grows like a stubborn flower in the sand—you need this book.
Lucia Damisa, you have my full attention. I’m ready for the next storm.
April 1, 2025
🔖REVIEW
I just read one of the most beautiful fantasy book of my entire life!
Safe to say I haven’t read much fantasy books at all because I have never been a fan but I chose to apply to arc read this book because of the book cover.
I have always been a girl teased by colors and details and I loved it about this book cover.
Lucia Damisa is a Gem!
I devoured this book. The description made me feel like I was in it… the main character if you will!
It gave me a bit of Dune and Mr and Mrs smith all in one delightful package.
I cannot believe this is your debut book, it is beautiful and you have to give me a sequel as soon as possible.
Ending it the way you did is Diabolical!
I absolutely enjoyed reading and weeping with the characters and I will be reading more from the author.
Chef’s kiss on your author’s note and how well you managed to merge the things you spoke about into your book!
Chef’s kiss on the depth you gave both characters. I loved Zair and Dathan and I felt their plight and joy throughout the book.
Thank you,Author and best believe that you just found yourself a staunch fan.
I will be rating this book a 5/5 and you need to read it, you guys!
I just read one of the most beautiful fantasy book of my entire life!
Safe to say I haven’t read much fantasy books at all because I have never been a fan but I chose to apply to arc read this book because of the book cover.
I have always been a girl teased by colors and details and I loved it about this book cover.
Lucia Damisa is a Gem!
I devoured this book. The description made me feel like I was in it… the main character if you will!
It gave me a bit of Dune and Mr and Mrs smith all in one delightful package.
I cannot believe this is your debut book, it is beautiful and you have to give me a sequel as soon as possible.
Ending it the way you did is Diabolical!
I absolutely enjoyed reading and weeping with the characters and I will be reading more from the author.
Chef’s kiss on your author’s note and how well you managed to merge the things you spoke about into your book!
Chef’s kiss on the depth you gave both characters. I loved Zair and Dathan and I felt their plight and joy throughout the book.
Thank you,Author and best believe that you just found yourself a staunch fan.
I will be rating this book a 5/5 and you need to read it, you guys!
March 24, 2025
A thrilling and atmospheric debut. I was captivated the whole time, particularly by the growing relationship between Zair and Dathan. The burn is slow, but the connection is immediate and enthralling. I can’t wait to see how it continues to develop over the course of the series.
The Sahara-inspired setting is a fresh one you don’t see much of in romantasy, yet it fits so well with the genre. The author describes it vividly, but also trusts her audience and doesn’t over explain.
There is an occasional dialogue issue, like you see with a lot of debut writers, where she tries to hide information in dialogue instead of exposition dumps, and it results in chunks of conversations that are blatantly Not How People Actually Speak. This is particularly noticeable in the opening pages - push through, the rest is well worth it.
Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 0/5
Tropes:
- Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
- Games and trials
- Fake engagement
- Deadly magical beasts
- Spy vs spy
- Fated mates
- Hurt/comfort
- Sentient magical powers
Thank you to Darkan Press and RR Tours for the chance to read an advanced copy.
The Sahara-inspired setting is a fresh one you don’t see much of in romantasy, yet it fits so well with the genre. The author describes it vividly, but also trusts her audience and doesn’t over explain.
There is an occasional dialogue issue, like you see with a lot of debut writers, where she tries to hide information in dialogue instead of exposition dumps, and it results in chunks of conversations that are blatantly Not How People Actually Speak. This is particularly noticeable in the opening pages - push through, the rest is well worth it.
Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 0/5
Tropes:
- Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
- Games and trials
- Fake engagement
- Deadly magical beasts
- Spy vs spy
- Fated mates
- Hurt/comfort
- Sentient magical powers
Thank you to Darkan Press and RR Tours for the chance to read an advanced copy.
March 30, 2025
A refreshing wild ride into an immersive world full of action and surprise. A beautifully crafted story with nostalgic elements sprinkled in. The deep rooted history of the tribes, and different beings added to the motivations of political turmoil. This book keeps you turning every page in anticipation for what’s to come!
The characters and the tension between them was wonderful. My heart wrenched every time the FMC was discriminated against due to the tribal roots, and you feel the emotions surging and shifting. The MMC was instantly one of my favorites, he was so relatable and desiring to say the least. The strength and connection in even the unexpected teamwork was amazing to feel a part of both worlds. (You’ll understand this reference after reading)
Don’t even get me started in the world building… I could feel the atmosphere, the heat, the colors, even the dust.. Admittedly, the glossary at the beginning had me taken aback, BUT so incredibly useful! There is concise historical roots of all the different kinds of beings. Yes beings; Fae, wraiths, shapeshifters, and beasts! Overall an incredible book! Can’t wait for book 2!
The characters and the tension between them was wonderful. My heart wrenched every time the FMC was discriminated against due to the tribal roots, and you feel the emotions surging and shifting. The MMC was instantly one of my favorites, he was so relatable and desiring to say the least. The strength and connection in even the unexpected teamwork was amazing to feel a part of both worlds. (You’ll understand this reference after reading)
Don’t even get me started in the world building… I could feel the atmosphere, the heat, the colors, even the dust.. Admittedly, the glossary at the beginning had me taken aback, BUT so incredibly useful! There is concise historical roots of all the different kinds of beings. Yes beings; Fae, wraiths, shapeshifters, and beasts! Overall an incredible book! Can’t wait for book 2!
March 25, 2025
A Desert of Bleeding Sand blew me away. It was such a fantastic debut steeped in magic and based in reality. Intense. Tension filled. A highly engrossing tale filled with politics, intrigue, prejudice, racism, treachery, betrayal and so much more. In the midst of all that was the birthing of a love story, one with beauty at its core. I loved loved loved this book. It was filled with action, adventure, twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. To be quite honest I wasn't trying to figure it out I was too busy enjoying the ride and what a ride it was. There was never a dull moment - just pace from start to finish.
This author is a masterful storyteller. I can't wait to experience more of her words and worlds. She has definitely joined my list of fave authors. She knows how to bring a story and its characters to life in vivid detail. This was such an incredible journey filled with heartache and moments of triumph. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one especially with the way things ended. Yes, I very highly recommend it.
Copy provided by publisher
This author is a masterful storyteller. I can't wait to experience more of her words and worlds. She has definitely joined my list of fave authors. She knows how to bring a story and its characters to life in vivid detail. This was such an incredible journey filled with heartache and moments of triumph. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one especially with the way things ended. Yes, I very highly recommend it.
Copy provided by publisher
March 26, 2025
A Desert of Bleeding Sand was an immersive, high-stakes fantasy set in a richly detailed, Sahara-inspired world. The story follows Zair and Dathan, skilled operatives from rival factions! Lol my favorite trope enemy-ish to lovers! I’m a sucker for that! 🤣 Their dynamic crackles with tension, as they’re forced into an uneasy alliance.
Beyond its action-packed plot, the story explores themes of politics, racism, and power struggles with nuance. The story quickly finds its rhythm, building to an intense, unputdownable finale. I was hooked from the spidey senses in chapter one! Gotta love a powerful intuition that runs in the family!
With compelling characters and layered world-building, this is a must-read for fantasy fans.
I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series!
Thank you to Lucia and Darken Press for the Advanced Reader Copy!
Beyond its action-packed plot, the story explores themes of politics, racism, and power struggles with nuance. The story quickly finds its rhythm, building to an intense, unputdownable finale. I was hooked from the spidey senses in chapter one! Gotta love a powerful intuition that runs in the family!
With compelling characters and layered world-building, this is a must-read for fantasy fans.
I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series!
Thank you to Lucia and Darken Press for the Advanced Reader Copy!
March 22, 2025
🏜️ ROMANTASY READERS REJOICE!! ☀️
I had the pleasure of interviewing Lucia Damisa recently, and we talked a great deal about this gem of a book. Damisa, a native of Nigeria, penned this tale as a way to express her feelings during the height of the "Save Our Girls" movement. It's powerful, deep, and will resonate with readers looking for a fresh voice in fantasy. The complex and compelling characters, as well as the parallels to the struggles facing young people today, will grip audiences. I ADORE Damisa's writing, and am thrilled that there will be more in this series to look forward to!
I'd like to thank Darkan Press for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Lucia Damisa recently, and we talked a great deal about this gem of a book. Damisa, a native of Nigeria, penned this tale as a way to express her feelings during the height of the "Save Our Girls" movement. It's powerful, deep, and will resonate with readers looking for a fresh voice in fantasy. The complex and compelling characters, as well as the parallels to the struggles facing young people today, will grip audiences. I ADORE Damisa's writing, and am thrilled that there will be more in this series to look forward to!
I'd like to thank Darkan Press for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 27, 2025
This story was a whirlwind from start to finish. An excellent story full of secrets, betrayals & action.
I loved the main characters & the personalities were well shaped by the histories they'd lived through. There were some witty moments that had me laughing & shocking & intense moments that had me turning page after page.
The ending for this book was as perfect as the first chapter & I cannot wait to read the next book. I hope to experience more of the magic lore & tribal interaction in the next books.
Overall a great read, a brilliant debut & the fact that it's historical fiction has highlighted things I wasn't aware of but now plan to read up on.
I loved the main characters & the personalities were well shaped by the histories they'd lived through. There were some witty moments that had me laughing & shocking & intense moments that had me turning page after page.
The ending for this book was as perfect as the first chapter & I cannot wait to read the next book. I hope to experience more of the magic lore & tribal interaction in the next books.
Overall a great read, a brilliant debut & the fact that it's historical fiction has highlighted things I wasn't aware of but now plan to read up on.
March 29, 2025
Im sorry this review is late, I’ve had a lot going on in my personal life. This book was beautifully written! I was in a kind of funk for a while but reading this book definitely helped me get out of that funk. Zair has grown up being judged for how she looks and has learned to keep everyone out. But then you have Dathan who is well known by everyone. They are both invited by the King to represent their groups, but they are definitely both there for different reasons. Honestly I don’t want to put any spoilers in here because I’m trying not to spoil it for anyone. This book was just an amazing read and if you enjoy fantasy, I think you’ll love this book!
March 31, 2025
A Desert of Bleeding Sand is Lucia Damisa’s debut book and I am totally in awe of her world building skills. I haven’t read a lot of Romantasy books, but if anyone can immerse me in this genre and keep me hooked, it’s her. Zair and Dathan are such interesting characters and their chemistry is a delicious slow burn. I can’t wait to see how this series evolves.
Here’s a fun little surprise… this book is beautifully illustrated. I love seeing certain scenes come to life.
So if you are a fan of a Mr & Mrs Smith-esque retelling…. Rivals to lovers… Spies and Intrigue… and a storyline that will keep you glued to the pages… then this is definitely a MUST READ!!!
Here’s a fun little surprise… this book is beautifully illustrated. I love seeing certain scenes come to life.
So if you are a fan of a Mr & Mrs Smith-esque retelling…. Rivals to lovers… Spies and Intrigue… and a storyline that will keep you glued to the pages… then this is definitely a MUST READ!!!
April 5, 2025
The military, engineering, and healing academy’s mixed with romance and fantasy elements had me intrigued from the start. I did have to rely on the glossary a little more than I would have liked in the beginning but the world-building did help everything become clearer. I loved how determined both Zair and Dathan were to complete their tasks. They were resourceful and kept getting in one another’s paths. The banter was good and the found family heartwarming. The farther I got the more I really liked the characters and their connection. There was a lot of suspense and action and I thought all elements were balanced.
Thank you @estela.reads.romance for the gifted copy.
Thank you @estela.reads.romance for the gifted copy.
March 27, 2025
It has been a real pleasure to dive into this story. The Western Continent reminds me of a mythological version of Africa. On the book, the people, the kingdoms, the tribes, all are familiar enough to connect with them. The embedded insignias of the different academic divisions were delicious to have a look on. Every person in the story feels real and easy to distinguish one from the other. The path is frenetic, and it becomes from time to time a real "pageturner". So, do I recommend it? Definitely.
April 2, 2025
A desert of bleeding sand was so refreshing when it comes to the world of fantasy. The world building was so vivid beautifully depicted. This is a story between two rivals at the same war college having to work together when mercenaries are kidnapping students from the college. This story is fast paced and full of action and I really loved the banter between the two main characters. I will say I think it could have been a smidge shorter, but the cliffhanger leaves book 2 open for a wild ride and I can’t wait to read!
April 8, 2025
Wow just wow, this first book is incredible! It’s a fast paced adventure that draws you in and has you gripping the edge of your seat the whole read! The world building is amazing and you can easily visualise everything, the storyline is exciting and thrilling and our mc’s are likeable and relatable as we embark on the journey of a lifetime in the lands of the sand. Action, adventure and political intrigue, it’s a thrilling ride that I was so glad I jumped on board as we follow this incredible romantasy that totally captivated and enthralled me.
March 28, 2025
This book left me speechless! I loved the vividness of the writing. I’m a very visual reader. So it was amazing to be able to image these characters and the scenery. I truly felt like I was in the desert! Also the characters were very well written! If you’re looking for your next romantasy with political intrigue, I highly recommend this beautiful debut! I can’t wait to read the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2025
This is a beautifully written debut YA romantasy! I loved so much about this book: the chemistry between Zair and Dathan, how fleshed out they both are as individual characters, the lush worldbuilding, and I always adore themes of family in books.
The illustrations in the ebook are also a nice touch!
This does end on a cliffhanger, but it’s only a couple months until the next book in the series comes out :)
The illustrations in the ebook are also a nice touch!
This does end on a cliffhanger, but it’s only a couple months until the next book in the series comes out :)
April 5, 2025
Thank you Lucia for sending me an Arc for an honest review
DNF at 30%
I really did try but Just couldn’t get into. Felt like I was forcing myself to push through. The authors writing style might not be for me. Also the Cover looking very AI is throwing me off
DNF at 30%
I really did try but Just couldn’t get into. Felt like I was forcing myself to push through. The authors writing style might not be for me. Also the Cover looking very AI is throwing me off
April 8, 2025
DNF p339
the premise was interesting but I was kinda bored for some reasons. I preferred the MC's POV over the FMC's. I really enjoyed the beggining of the book but then I started to lose interest for some reason.
the premise was interesting but I was kinda bored for some reasons. I preferred the MC's POV over the FMC's. I really enjoyed the beggining of the book but then I started to lose interest for some reason.
July 19, 2024
So excited for this book's release!!! And Goodluck to the author on this journey 🫶🏻
September 18, 2024
Ah you finish some books and want to forget them so you can experience it from the beginning again. 🥲 this is hands down one of the most original and educative books I’ve read in a while. I don’t know if my review will express my excitement for this story but try I will!
First!! The characters!! will make you want to sob one moment (the author once described them as two ‘silently bleeding’ people and it couldn’t be more accurate!), laugh in the next, then giggling and kicking your feet in the next, then back to sobbing.
Dathan and Zair are my new favorite duo!!!! Driven and passionate and funny, yet with histories that would break anyone, but somehow they keep going and standing up for others. I relate very much to Zair (her love of books, the outcast feeling, the love for her sisters) and Dathan says some things that hit me right in the gut. Things that made me feel seen. He is mister swoon worthy pls.
The rivals to lovers romance is slowwww burn and feisty with AHMAZING banter! I can’t wait for the release so I can share certain quotes ahahaha 🔥 That scene in Dathan’s room, where they both opened up and bled out before each other, well, I highlighted half of the dialogue.
For a while I didn’t know who to trust or doubt, and it made the side characters intriguing. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I’m eager to know much more about Lysias and Mishan, and the royals. For a pretty intense and gritty story, it also has a good balance of heart :)
Also, having MCs with families is a great inclusion to a genre that is full of orphan MCs. They give the MCs strong root and have intrigue themselves, with the very different yet connected hardships both face. Again I won’t spoil anything butttttt I’m absolutely curious about Dathan’s family dynamics. I’m also sensing big family drama coming … and I’m here for it.
The plot is fast paced, with our rivals stubbornly on different sides, making you wonder WHO is wrong when they are both certain they were right. I loved the tribal world system, which fans of the city of brass will def appreciate. Loved learning of their intricacies and then the wider kingdoms too. This is historical fantasy so it’s extra captivating how these are all older versions of lands in the real world. There’s just so much richness to this story and it’s like falling into a whole new realm.
Note, the plot can be heavy-hitting. Children are as much victims to violence as adults—if not more so. And I saw on the author’s TT that the book is based on the Bring Back Our Girls movement. I read on it and it is when Boko haram terrorists abducted many young girls from their schools. It makes you think and breaks your heart. I appreciate how the author presented it in an accessible way that passes the message across but doesn’t make it impossible to read.
I highly highly recommend this fantastic book. For desert Studio Ghibli vibes, a great academic rivals to lovers romance, interesting world building, lovable MCs and secondary characters, and high stakes! (The version I read ends on a cliffhanger so prepare yourself ;) )
Grateful to the author for a chance to beta read!
March 15, 2025
First, let me just take a moment to say: WOW! This book has a complete chokehold on me and I am so glad this is a series. I’m going to be in the fattest book hangover ever 🤩
The two main characters, Zair and Dathan, and really fleshed out, wonderful people readers can root for and love. They have many traits to them that make them relatable and unique in their own ways, while also being able to compliment one another for their romance to really click. I love their backstories and how their pasts have shaped them so acutely. It’s clear Lucia put a lot of thought and passion into her characters. AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT IS *CHEF’S KISS*
Just as her main characters are wonderful, so are her side characters. She does an impeccable job keeping everyone fresh and making them more than just side characters. They feel ✨real✨ and fleshed out.
Her world building is truly like no other. The fresh desert setting and the rich cultures she’s created are nothing short of beautiful. I know this will be capturing the hearts of many. No one can read it and *not* appreciate what she’s done with her world. And it’s truly inspiring. I feel like I could see and experience all of the cultures through the story. There’s quite a few in there, so it would’ve been easy to have them feel redundant, but Lucia is skilled and she managed to make each and every one feel unique in their own way.
Every chapter had me on the edge of my seat, gobbling down the words like they might disappear. The rivals to lovers romance felt so believable and hit all of the right notes for me!! 😍 I love Zair and Dathan, and they have a seat among my top five. This book has everything, from amazing characters, beautiful cultures, and a fresh desert setting to tense political intrigue, believable rivals to lovers, and action that will make you wonder what will happen next.
And let’s not forget the historical aspect of this book. It’s absolutely soul-crushing to know that many shocking moments in the book are actually true events that happened. Something like that has to be treated with care and sensitivity, and Lucia did an amazing job doing that.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ THIS BOOK!!!
The two main characters, Zair and Dathan, and really fleshed out, wonderful people readers can root for and love. They have many traits to them that make them relatable and unique in their own ways, while also being able to compliment one another for their romance to really click. I love their backstories and how their pasts have shaped them so acutely. It’s clear Lucia put a lot of thought and passion into her characters. AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT IS *CHEF’S KISS*
Just as her main characters are wonderful, so are her side characters. She does an impeccable job keeping everyone fresh and making them more than just side characters. They feel ✨real✨ and fleshed out.
Her world building is truly like no other. The fresh desert setting and the rich cultures she’s created are nothing short of beautiful. I know this will be capturing the hearts of many. No one can read it and *not* appreciate what she’s done with her world. And it’s truly inspiring. I feel like I could see and experience all of the cultures through the story. There’s quite a few in there, so it would’ve been easy to have them feel redundant, but Lucia is skilled and she managed to make each and every one feel unique in their own way.
Every chapter had me on the edge of my seat, gobbling down the words like they might disappear. The rivals to lovers romance felt so believable and hit all of the right notes for me!! 😍 I love Zair and Dathan, and they have a seat among my top five. This book has everything, from amazing characters, beautiful cultures, and a fresh desert setting to tense political intrigue, believable rivals to lovers, and action that will make you wonder what will happen next.
And let’s not forget the historical aspect of this book. It’s absolutely soul-crushing to know that many shocking moments in the book are actually true events that happened. Something like that has to be treated with care and sensitivity, and Lucia did an amazing job doing that.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ THIS BOOK!!!
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