The third book in The Song of Shattered Sands series--an epic fantasy with a desert setting, filled with rich worldbuilding and pulse-pounding action.
Since the Night of Endless Swords, a bloody battle the Kings of Sharakhai narrowly won, the kings have been hounding the rebels known as the Moonless Host. Many have been forced to flee the city, including Ceda, who discovers that the King of Sloth is raising his army to challenge the other kings' rule.
When Ceda finds the remaining members of the Moonless Host, now known as the thirteenth tribe, she sees a tenuous existence. Ceda hatches a plan to return to Sharakhai and free the asirim, the kings' powerful, immortal slaves. The kings, however, have sent their greatest tactician, the King of Swords, to bring Ceda to justice for her crimes.
But the once-unified front of the kings is crumbling. The surviving kings vie quietly against one another, maneuvering for control over Sharakhai. Ceda hopes to use that to her advantage, but whom to trust? Any of them might betray her.
As Ceda works to lift the shackles from the asirim and save the thirteenth tribe, the kings of Sharakhai, the scheming queen of Qaimir, the ruthless blood mage, Hamzakiir, and King of Swords all prepare for a grand clash that may decide the fate of all.
Industry Reviews
Praise for The Song of Shattered Sands series:
"Ceda and Emre share a relationship seldom explored in fantasy, one that will be tried to the utmost as similar ideals provoke them to explore different paths. Wise readers will hop on this train now, as the journey promises to be breathtaking." -Robin Hobb, bestselling author of Fool's Assassin
"Fantasy and horror, catacombs and sarcophagi, resurrections and revelations: the book has them all, and Beaulieu wraps it up in a package that's as graceful and contemplative as it is action-packed and pulse-pounding." -NPR
"The Song of Shattered Sands series is both gripping and engrossing." -Kirkus Reviews
"Beaulieu's intricate world-building and complex characters are quickly becoming the hallmarks of his writing, and if this opening volume is any indication, [this series] will be one of the next great fantasy epics." -B&N SF&F Blog
"The city of Sharakhai and surrounding area is a living, breathing thing and I revel in it. Beautiful writing, a deep and exciting story and characters you care about." -Shelf Inflicted
"[Beaulieu's] writing is more an immersive experience than anything else; he draws the reader in with such great skill. The first novel was an electrifying start to the series, providing a spectacular introduction to a multi-layered and captivating character living in a world whose layers match her own." -SFF World
"[With Blood Upon the Sand] is an ambitious sequel, larger in scope than its predecessor - and it pulls it off magnificently. It's intelligent, well drawn and a lot of fun to read - and so I'd recommend it wholeheartedly." -Sci-fi and Fantasy Reviews
