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tokugawaa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
3.0
willrefuge's review against another edition
5.0
First let me say that this book was absolutely lovely.
It is told as an collection of three short stories whose plots are interwoven, but can also be read separately. Bradley Beaulieu illustrates a tale of Çeda--before her exploits in Twelve Kings--and an ehrekh, a being borne of the old world. This is a good starter tale for someone new to the Song of the Shattered Sands, or a great little piece for some who hungered for more between Twelve Kings and With Blood Upon.
From a typical book I expect little more than a cover hiding words, but this held so much more. I expected really nothing when I sent out for this, so when it came I was pleasantly surprised. More than pleasant, the lovely illustrations before every story made me feel a little bad for actually reading this book. Compared to what I typically receive, this was a work of art.
So buy it, find it, check it out, just read it somehow. It is truly sublime, though it may take you a moment to get caught up in the story. Really my one and only critique, and I had to reach for it.
4.9-5 of 5 stars
It is told as an collection of three short stories whose plots are interwoven, but can also be read separately. Bradley Beaulieu illustrates a tale of Çeda--before her exploits in Twelve Kings--and an ehrekh, a being borne of the old world. This is a good starter tale for someone new to the Song of the Shattered Sands, or a great little piece for some who hungered for more between Twelve Kings and With Blood Upon.
From a typical book I expect little more than a cover hiding words, but this held so much more. I expected really nothing when I sent out for this, so when it came I was pleasantly surprised. More than pleasant, the lovely illustrations before every story made me feel a little bad for actually reading this book. Compared to what I typically receive, this was a work of art.
So buy it, find it, check it out, just read it somehow. It is truly sublime, though it may take you a moment to get caught up in the story. Really my one and only critique, and I had to reach for it.
4.9-5 of 5 stars
peterkeep's review against another edition
4.0
This is a pretty cool little book! I won this as well as [b: Twelve Kings in Sharakhai|24611565|Twelve Kings in Sharakhai (The Song of the Shattered Sands, #1)|Bradley P. Beaulieu|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1434513419s/24611565.jpg|25652373] in a contest from the publisher without having read anything from this author. This little novella served as a nice introduction to the series and author, and I'm glad I started here.
It's a well-written story filled with mythology and magic. I'm story sucker for these types of settings, and I'm really easily sucked into the types of desert folklore that typically play into it. It seems like the author has a really full world here, and I'm excited to see what his full novels are like. I've got high expectations after this, and from what I've heard, Beaulieu lives up to them.
It's a well-written story filled with mythology and magic. I'm story sucker for these types of settings, and I'm really easily sucked into the types of desert folklore that typically play into it. It seems like the author has a really full world here, and I'm excited to see what his full novels are like. I've got high expectations after this, and from what I've heard, Beaulieu lives up to them.
cmbohn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
mxsallybend's review
4.0
Serving as a prequel to Twelve Kings in Sharakhai, the first book of The Song of Shattered Sands, Of Sand and Malice Made is a thoroughly entertaining story that adds another layer to the world that Bradley P. Beaulieu has created.
Consisting of three interlinked tales, this is a book that goes beyond mere setting and culture to put a true Arabian Nights spin on epic fantasy. That fact surprised me almost as much as it delighted me, for it seems rather fitting that Çeda's first chapter should have such a familiar, classic sort of feel to it. These aren't quite fables or folk tales, but all of the elements are there, right from supernatural deities to charms and curses.
Freed of the pacing issues and narrative flashbacks that were something of a challenge in Twelve Kings in Sharakhai, this is a story that all but races along as it gets the heart racing. What really excited me about it is that there is a feeling of genuine risk involved, which is hard to pull off in a prequel where you already know the fates of the main characters. In fact, there was several points where I had to glance back at my copy of the first book to confirm certain names (and fates).
Of Sand and Malice Made is a perfect little book, entirely suitable as an introduction for new readers, yet completely rewarding for fans of the series. It has all of the humor, the wonder, and the excitement you'd expect of Beaulieu, with the addition of an entirely chilling new villain. Well worth the read.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Consisting of three interlinked tales, this is a book that goes beyond mere setting and culture to put a true Arabian Nights spin on epic fantasy. That fact surprised me almost as much as it delighted me, for it seems rather fitting that Çeda's first chapter should have such a familiar, classic sort of feel to it. These aren't quite fables or folk tales, but all of the elements are there, right from supernatural deities to charms and curses.
Freed of the pacing issues and narrative flashbacks that were something of a challenge in Twelve Kings in Sharakhai, this is a story that all but races along as it gets the heart racing. What really excited me about it is that there is a feeling of genuine risk involved, which is hard to pull off in a prequel where you already know the fates of the main characters. In fact, there was several points where I had to glance back at my copy of the first book to confirm certain names (and fates).
Of Sand and Malice Made is a perfect little book, entirely suitable as an introduction for new readers, yet completely rewarding for fans of the series. It has all of the humor, the wonder, and the excitement you'd expect of Beaulieu, with the addition of an entirely chilling new villain. Well worth the read.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
theamazingmrg's review against another edition
3.0
Like most novellas, it suffers from a lack of time to fully develop characters. But that's the biggest flaw. It's still a thoroughly engaging read.
Actual score: 3.5/5
Actual score: 3.5/5
catladylover94's review against another edition
1.0
second book, i have read that was a disappointment and let down, did not feel like this was good at all, i would have liked it to be more. but it fell way short.