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The Weight of Sand
Some battles don't end when you come home.
Cal Bishop left a part of himself in Afghanistan-alongside brothers whose names are now etched into stone. Back in coastal North Carolina, he's a man adrift, haunted by flashbacks, sleepless nights, and the weight of promises he couldn't keep.
Then Ana walks into his life. She doesn't try to fix him. She listens. She stays. And slowly, against the backdrop of salty winds and quiet mornings, Cal begins to believe in something he thought he'd buried hope.
Through memories of combat and the wrenching aftermath, The Weight of Sand is a deeply human story about love that grows in the cracks, the ghosts we carry, and the courage it takes to set them down.
Cal Bishop left a part of himself in Afghanistan-alongside brothers whose names are now etched into stone. Back in coastal North Carolina, he's a man adrift, haunted by flashbacks, sleepless nights, and the weight of promises he couldn't keep.
Then Ana walks into his life. She doesn't try to fix him. She listens. She stays. And slowly, against the backdrop of salty winds and quiet mornings, Cal begins to believe in something he thought he'd buried hope.
Through memories of combat and the wrenching aftermath, The Weight of Sand is a deeply human story about love that grows in the cracks, the ghosts we carry, and the courage it takes to set them down.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
38 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Wolf Gunnar
7 books25 followersWolf Gunnar writes immersive, unflinching dark fiction that pushes readers to the edge of their comfort and into places they didn’t know they craved. Known for blending psychological terror with sensual intensity, Gunnar’s stories strip characters bare, exploring obsession, dominance, and the thin line between desire and destruction.
When not writing, he is building, creating, and plotting the next story that will leave readers breathless, unsettled, and wanting more.
When not writing, he is building, creating, and plotting the next story that will leave readers breathless, unsettled, and wanting more.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Soul-Deep, Heartbreaking Masterpiece That Stays With You
The Weight of Sand by Wolf Gunnar didn’t just tug at my emotions it wrecked me in the most beautiful way. This book feels like standing in the middle of a silent desert with your heart cracked open, letting every buried memory finally rise to the surface. It’s intimate, aching, and written with a tenderness that hits so deeply it almost hurts to breathe.
Gunnar has this incredible ability to capture the kind of pain people carry quietly the wounds that don’t bleed on the outside but shape every choice, every fear, every fragile moment of hope. The characters in this story are so human, so beautifully broken, that it’s impossible not to feel every tremor of their grief and every flicker of their longing. At times, I had to stop reading just to steady myself.
The emotional weight of this book is crushing in the best way. It’s about loss, yes, but also about the desperate need to hold on. It’s about the pieces of ourselves we bury to survive… and what happens when someone appears who sees through all of it. The vulnerability, the quiet desperation, the moments where love feels too heavy and too necessary at the same time it’s breathtaking.
Gunnar’s writing is poetic without ever feeling distant. Every sentence feels like a confession; every chapter leaves something lingering in your chest. The imagery is gorgeous, the pacing is perfect, and the ending… it shattered me and stitched me back together in the same breath.
This isn’t just a story it’s an emotional experience. One that leaves you raw, reflective, and overwhelmed in the most cathartic way. If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost deeply, or carried memories that refused to fade, this book will speak to you.
Five stars isn’t enough. This book deserves its own constellation.
**CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS THIS IS A MILITARY COMBAT PTSD RELATED BOOK**
The Weight of Sand by Wolf Gunnar didn’t just tug at my emotions it wrecked me in the most beautiful way. This book feels like standing in the middle of a silent desert with your heart cracked open, letting every buried memory finally rise to the surface. It’s intimate, aching, and written with a tenderness that hits so deeply it almost hurts to breathe.
Gunnar has this incredible ability to capture the kind of pain people carry quietly the wounds that don’t bleed on the outside but shape every choice, every fear, every fragile moment of hope. The characters in this story are so human, so beautifully broken, that it’s impossible not to feel every tremor of their grief and every flicker of their longing. At times, I had to stop reading just to steady myself.
The emotional weight of this book is crushing in the best way. It’s about loss, yes, but also about the desperate need to hold on. It’s about the pieces of ourselves we bury to survive… and what happens when someone appears who sees through all of it. The vulnerability, the quiet desperation, the moments where love feels too heavy and too necessary at the same time it’s breathtaking.
Gunnar’s writing is poetic without ever feeling distant. Every sentence feels like a confession; every chapter leaves something lingering in your chest. The imagery is gorgeous, the pacing is perfect, and the ending… it shattered me and stitched me back together in the same breath.
This isn’t just a story it’s an emotional experience. One that leaves you raw, reflective, and overwhelmed in the most cathartic way. If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost deeply, or carried memories that refused to fade, this book will speak to you.
Five stars isn’t enough. This book deserves its own constellation.
**CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS THIS IS A MILITARY COMBAT PTSD RELATED BOOK**
September 4, 2025
ARC read. I believe this is the first book by Wolf Gunner and I have to say, if I could give it more than a 5 star rating, I would. He has done an incredible job at really diving into this character (a Marine) with PTSD. Using a dual timeline, it goes into amazing detail with what Cal went through in Afghanistan and also how he deals with it. He does find a love interest, Ana, within the present timeline, that is written so beautifully as to how she helps him navigate and supports him when dealing with flashbacks and just day to day life. Wolf has an extraordinary way of bringing these main characters as well as the secondary characters to life on the page. I was not disappointed with this beautiful story and I highly recommend it.
September 21, 2025
This book hit me on a deeply personal level. I could connect with this in so many ways. I never would've understood what these men and women go through had i not married a war veteran. And u watched him go through these struggles on a daily basis.
This story rings true. and Ana was so patient, so caring. understanding in ways some people just don't know how.
the struggles that Cal faced on a fault basis i can only imagine how hard it was for him. and to have Ana in his corner, as his rock was just so heart felt. this was a very emotional book. one definitely worth reading if you want more of an understanding as to what some of our vets deal with when they come home from war.
This story rings true. and Ana was so patient, so caring. understanding in ways some people just don't know how.
the struggles that Cal faced on a fault basis i can only imagine how hard it was for him. and to have Ana in his corner, as his rock was just so heart felt. this was a very emotional book. one definitely worth reading if you want more of an understanding as to what some of our vets deal with when they come home from war.
September 2, 2025
This is going to be a book I recommend to everyone! The story was just as amazing as it was heart wrenching. As the wife of a Veteran I can’t even begin to say how much this book means to me and my husband. We were able to read it together and simultaneously have some conversations that we have never had about his own service. Thank you so much for giving such grace and space to those who usually continue on in silence! Top 5 of 2025!
February 20, 2026
I did not want to read this book. It is the farthest thing from what I typically gravitate toward. But when the opportunity presented itself and the fates aligned… I said, FINE. I’ll LISTEN. Begrudgingly.
Within the first few minutes, I realized this book was different.
It’s written by Wolf Gunnar — a new-to-me author and, I believe, a debut author altogether. And it’s performed by CJ Bloom and Joe Arden.
The book is very descriptive — lots of words used to describe something that could be said more simply. Probably one of the reasons I assumed I wouldn’t like it.
Turns out, Wolf’s descriptive language is exactly what I needed.
It allowed me to fully understand the weight and gravity of what was happening in the story and in Cal’s world in a way that didn’t just let me see it in my head — it let me taste it, feel it. It was like I was there… in the flashbacks with Cal and in the present with Anna as she tries to be what Cal needs. Not pushy. Not trying to fix him. Simply letting him know she is there. That it’s okay.
A true definition of a safe space.
CJ Bloom plays a weathered soul in Ana. She isn’t flashy. She isn’t described as beautiful in some over-the-top way. But she gives Cal a gift that maybe not many men with PTSD encounter — not a fixer, not a changer, but simply her presence. She sits with him. She waits. She lets him process in his own time.
There were no scenes of passionate love, but the intimacy these two characters shared far outweighed any kind of intimacy I often find in my spicier reads.
And CJ Bloom may have had only 5% of the lines, but she was PERFECTLY cast. The understanding and calmness she conveyed through just a few words here and there were so powerful. This might be one of my favorite female voice performances I’ve ever heard. That’s how significant she was.
Wolf made a brilliant choice casting a heavyweight like CJ in this role.
And Joe Arden…
Sometimes I wonder if anyone takes what I say about Joe seriously because I’m such a mega supporter of his — not just his voice acting, but all of his art. But the only reason I’m such a fan is because of his talent. I truly believe he is one of the best voice actors out there.
And this role solidifies that for me.
His choice to use breath as a transition — pulling us into the flashbacks and then grounding us back in the present — was one of the most brilliant performance choices I’ve ever heard in an audiobook. When he moved into the flashback scenes, he made you understand Cal’s mindset — the fear, the hyper-alertness, the emotional weight of everything he was carrying.
The writing combined with CJ and Joe’s performances… this book left its mark on me.
Not only do I have a deeper appreciation and understanding for the military, but I also gained a glimpse into what it’s like to live with PTSD — and what someone navigating PTSD truly needs from friends and family.
I’m so glad this book found its way to me… and that I gave it a chance.
I truly hope it finds its way to others like me.
Within the first few minutes, I realized this book was different.
It’s written by Wolf Gunnar — a new-to-me author and, I believe, a debut author altogether. And it’s performed by CJ Bloom and Joe Arden.
The book is very descriptive — lots of words used to describe something that could be said more simply. Probably one of the reasons I assumed I wouldn’t like it.
Turns out, Wolf’s descriptive language is exactly what I needed.
It allowed me to fully understand the weight and gravity of what was happening in the story and in Cal’s world in a way that didn’t just let me see it in my head — it let me taste it, feel it. It was like I was there… in the flashbacks with Cal and in the present with Anna as she tries to be what Cal needs. Not pushy. Not trying to fix him. Simply letting him know she is there. That it’s okay.
A true definition of a safe space.
CJ Bloom plays a weathered soul in Ana. She isn’t flashy. She isn’t described as beautiful in some over-the-top way. But she gives Cal a gift that maybe not many men with PTSD encounter — not a fixer, not a changer, but simply her presence. She sits with him. She waits. She lets him process in his own time.
There were no scenes of passionate love, but the intimacy these two characters shared far outweighed any kind of intimacy I often find in my spicier reads.
And CJ Bloom may have had only 5% of the lines, but she was PERFECTLY cast. The understanding and calmness she conveyed through just a few words here and there were so powerful. This might be one of my favorite female voice performances I’ve ever heard. That’s how significant she was.
Wolf made a brilliant choice casting a heavyweight like CJ in this role.
And Joe Arden…
Sometimes I wonder if anyone takes what I say about Joe seriously because I’m such a mega supporter of his — not just his voice acting, but all of his art. But the only reason I’m such a fan is because of his talent. I truly believe he is one of the best voice actors out there.
And this role solidifies that for me.
His choice to use breath as a transition — pulling us into the flashbacks and then grounding us back in the present — was one of the most brilliant performance choices I’ve ever heard in an audiobook. When he moved into the flashback scenes, he made you understand Cal’s mindset — the fear, the hyper-alertness, the emotional weight of everything he was carrying.
The writing combined with CJ and Joe’s performances… this book left its mark on me.
Not only do I have a deeper appreciation and understanding for the military, but I also gained a glimpse into what it’s like to live with PTSD — and what someone navigating PTSD truly needs from friends and family.
I’m so glad this book found its way to me… and that I gave it a chance.
I truly hope it finds its way to others like me.
February 17, 2026
I’m still sitting with this one. The Weight of Sand absolutely wrecked me—in the quietest, most human way possible.
This isn’t just a story about a veteran coming home. It’s about what comes home with him. The PTSD in this book is portrayed with such raw honesty that at times it feels almost intrusive to read—as if you’re witnessing something deeply private. The flashbacks, the panic triggered by everyday sounds, the emotional shutdown, the guilt that seeps into everything—it’s not dramatized for effect. It’s lived-in. It’s heavy. You feel it pressing on every page.
The metaphor of “sand” couldn’t be more perfect. Trauma doesn’t always hit like a tidal wave. Sometimes it’s granular. Subtle. It builds grain by grain until it feels impossible to breathe. That’s exactly how Gunner shows the aftermath of war—not in explosions, but in silence. In insomnia. In the way he flinches. In the way he pushes people away because he doesn’t believe he deserves softness.
And then there’s her.
What absolutely undid me was the tenderness of their relationship. She doesn’t sweep in and magically heal him. She doesn’t demand he be “better.” She stays. She listens. She learns his triggers. She offers patience when he spirals and steadiness when he feels like he’s sinking. The way she loves him—gently, persistently, without trying to erase his scars—is one of the most beautiful depictions of emotional support I’ve read in a long time.
Watching him slowly allow himself to be seen, to be vulnerable, to admit that he’s not okay… it hurt in the best way. His healing isn’t linear. There are setbacks. There are moments where the weight feels unbearable. But through her compassion, he begins to understand that sharing the weight makes it lighter. And that message? It hit hard.
And can we talk about the audiobook? The duet narration takes this story to another level. Having both perspectives performed in real time adds so much emotional depth. And Joe Arden truly brings the raw pain to life. You can hear the fracture in his voice, the restraint, the barely contained grief. He doesn’t just narrate the trauma—you feel it. The vulnerability in the quiet moments and the strain in the breaking ones made this experience unforgettable. The emotional delivery added layers that made certain scenes almost impossible not to cry through.
This book is emotional. It’s intimate. It’s about the trauma war leaves behind—and the quiet courage it takes to face it. If you’re looking for something fast-paced and plot-heavy, this isn’t it. But if you want a story that explores PTSD with empathy and depth, and shows how love can become a lifeline without feeling unrealistic, this one will stay with you.
I cried. I highlighted. I had to pause and breathe more than once.
Beautiful, painful, and full of heart
This isn’t just a story about a veteran coming home. It’s about what comes home with him. The PTSD in this book is portrayed with such raw honesty that at times it feels almost intrusive to read—as if you’re witnessing something deeply private. The flashbacks, the panic triggered by everyday sounds, the emotional shutdown, the guilt that seeps into everything—it’s not dramatized for effect. It’s lived-in. It’s heavy. You feel it pressing on every page.
The metaphor of “sand” couldn’t be more perfect. Trauma doesn’t always hit like a tidal wave. Sometimes it’s granular. Subtle. It builds grain by grain until it feels impossible to breathe. That’s exactly how Gunner shows the aftermath of war—not in explosions, but in silence. In insomnia. In the way he flinches. In the way he pushes people away because he doesn’t believe he deserves softness.
And then there’s her.
What absolutely undid me was the tenderness of their relationship. She doesn’t sweep in and magically heal him. She doesn’t demand he be “better.” She stays. She listens. She learns his triggers. She offers patience when he spirals and steadiness when he feels like he’s sinking. The way she loves him—gently, persistently, without trying to erase his scars—is one of the most beautiful depictions of emotional support I’ve read in a long time.
Watching him slowly allow himself to be seen, to be vulnerable, to admit that he’s not okay… it hurt in the best way. His healing isn’t linear. There are setbacks. There are moments where the weight feels unbearable. But through her compassion, he begins to understand that sharing the weight makes it lighter. And that message? It hit hard.
And can we talk about the audiobook? The duet narration takes this story to another level. Having both perspectives performed in real time adds so much emotional depth. And Joe Arden truly brings the raw pain to life. You can hear the fracture in his voice, the restraint, the barely contained grief. He doesn’t just narrate the trauma—you feel it. The vulnerability in the quiet moments and the strain in the breaking ones made this experience unforgettable. The emotional delivery added layers that made certain scenes almost impossible not to cry through.
This book is emotional. It’s intimate. It’s about the trauma war leaves behind—and the quiet courage it takes to face it. If you’re looking for something fast-paced and plot-heavy, this isn’t it. But if you want a story that explores PTSD with empathy and depth, and shows how love can become a lifeline without feeling unrealistic, this one will stay with you.
I cried. I highlighted. I had to pause and breathe more than once.
Beautiful, painful, and full of heart
February 21, 2026
I had to wipe my tears. I had to sit there, staring at nothing, trying to gather my scattered pieces before I could even think about writing this review. Because this story does not knock politely. It punches you straight in the gut and then stands there while you try to breathe.
There is no way this book wasn’t born from real memories. It feels too raw. Too detailed. Too painfully specific. The way Cal’s flashbacks ambush him. The way ordinary sounds turn into landmines. The way his days becomes a battlefield of its own. The triggers. The tormented replays. The daily war that continues long after the uniform comes off.
The ugliness of war is not romanticized here. It is stripped bare. You see the dust. You hear the chaos. You feel the weight of every name etched into stone. The details of the fallen. The fragments of their lives. The moments that ended them. It’s written with such brutal honesty that it feels like someone trusted us with something sacred and heavy.
Cal’s PTSD is not a side note. It’s the pulse of the story. The guilt. The promises he couldn’t keep. The brothers he couldn’t bring home. It lingers in every page. And yet, somehow, love grows there. Not loud. Not dramatic. Just steady. Patient. Ana doesn’t try to fix him. She stays. She listens. She becomes the quiet anchor in the storm. And that kind of love? That’s powerful.
Now let me stand up for a second.
The ALC . The performance. I need to applaud.
Joe Arden did not just narrate this. He embodied it. The vulnerability in his voice. The subtle tremble when Cal relives a memory. The way his voice tightens during the flashbacks. And that sharp breathing. That jagged inhale during the retellings. It’s not written on the page. It’s not described as a sound effect. But the emotions are so strong, the writing so vivid, that he brought it to life. He added that layer. That sting. That realism.
When he recounts the deaths. When he carries each lost soul in his tone. You don’t just hear it. You feel it behind your ribs. It’s as if he was there, holding every memory with reverence.
And CJ Bloom. Perfection. Her calm, steady voice feels like sunlight breaking through after a storm. She guides him through the trauma. Through the darkness. She becomes that grounding presence not only for Cal, but for the listener. Her softness balances the rawness. Her strength is quiet but unshakable.
This is a 5 🎖️ book. This is a 5🎖️ audiobook.
But more than that, this is a story that demands to be felt. It hurts. It lingers. It honors the ones who came home carrying invisible scars and the ones who never came home at all.
Some battles don’t end when you come home.
And some books never leave you, even after you close them.
There is no way this book wasn’t born from real memories. It feels too raw. Too detailed. Too painfully specific. The way Cal’s flashbacks ambush him. The way ordinary sounds turn into landmines. The way his days becomes a battlefield of its own. The triggers. The tormented replays. The daily war that continues long after the uniform comes off.
The ugliness of war is not romanticized here. It is stripped bare. You see the dust. You hear the chaos. You feel the weight of every name etched into stone. The details of the fallen. The fragments of their lives. The moments that ended them. It’s written with such brutal honesty that it feels like someone trusted us with something sacred and heavy.
Cal’s PTSD is not a side note. It’s the pulse of the story. The guilt. The promises he couldn’t keep. The brothers he couldn’t bring home. It lingers in every page. And yet, somehow, love grows there. Not loud. Not dramatic. Just steady. Patient. Ana doesn’t try to fix him. She stays. She listens. She becomes the quiet anchor in the storm. And that kind of love? That’s powerful.
Now let me stand up for a second.
The ALC . The performance. I need to applaud.
Joe Arden did not just narrate this. He embodied it. The vulnerability in his voice. The subtle tremble when Cal relives a memory. The way his voice tightens during the flashbacks. And that sharp breathing. That jagged inhale during the retellings. It’s not written on the page. It’s not described as a sound effect. But the emotions are so strong, the writing so vivid, that he brought it to life. He added that layer. That sting. That realism.
When he recounts the deaths. When he carries each lost soul in his tone. You don’t just hear it. You feel it behind your ribs. It’s as if he was there, holding every memory with reverence.
And CJ Bloom. Perfection. Her calm, steady voice feels like sunlight breaking through after a storm. She guides him through the trauma. Through the darkness. She becomes that grounding presence not only for Cal, but for the listener. Her softness balances the rawness. Her strength is quiet but unshakable.
This is a 5 🎖️ book. This is a 5🎖️ audiobook.
But more than that, this is a story that demands to be felt. It hurts. It lingers. It honors the ones who came home carrying invisible scars and the ones who never came home at all.
Some battles don’t end when you come home.
And some books never leave you, even after you close them.
September 18, 2025
Of all the similar themed books I read so far, this is the first book where PTSD and a veteran's life post war is represented closer to reality. I said closer to reality because I get the sense that this is a lighter version of how a veteran in Cal's position, going throught what he has, reacts to a mail box thunk or a bicycle horn. I would immagine that three years before we get immersed into Cal's story there were stonger feelings popping up left and right after a trigger.
The relationship between Cal and Ana is elusive at best, although I hope from the bottom of my heart that at least one Cal out there finds his Ana. She says the right thing at the right time, holding space, not demanding, always ready with the right coping technique and most of all provides relentless support that is constant. I need Ana in my life, I think we all do.
Favorite parts of the book: "STAY" & Morales's Porch.
Least favorite: I am left wanting to know more about Ana. I know Cal's story and his healing process were the main focus of this book while Ana was his support. I personally think we could have learned more about Ana without taking away from the main plot/focus. What made her the person she is? Maybe Cal got to know her the first 3 years after he moved home and find out all the answers to my questions, but I wish we got some flashbacks about getting to know her too.
And then there was the inlet showing up almost every chapter. To describe something in 30+ ways and making it sound different every time is amazing!
The immersive writing is combined beautifully with Hemingway's iceberg technique. I would have rated this book 5* if not for the sparse info about Ana.
The relationship between Cal and Ana is elusive at best, although I hope from the bottom of my heart that at least one Cal out there finds his Ana. She says the right thing at the right time, holding space, not demanding, always ready with the right coping technique and most of all provides relentless support that is constant. I need Ana in my life, I think we all do.
Favorite parts of the book: "STAY" & Morales's Porch.
Least favorite: I am left wanting to know more about Ana. I know Cal's story and his healing process were the main focus of this book while Ana was his support. I personally think we could have learned more about Ana without taking away from the main plot/focus. What made her the person she is? Maybe Cal got to know her the first 3 years after he moved home and find out all the answers to my questions, but I wish we got some flashbacks about getting to know her too.
And then there was the inlet showing up almost every chapter. To describe something in 30+ ways and making it sound different every time is amazing!
The immersive writing is combined beautifully with Hemingway's iceberg technique. I would have rated this book 5* if not for the sparse info about Ana.
February 16, 2026
Going into this I did not realise where or timeline of this story (I don't read blurbs incase of spoilers).... turns out this is set in the same place and at the same time my brother was there in the army (See next photo)...🫶
🥾Morales ...The e a little stubborn, the s finishing like a breath
🥾Hey
🥾Left First
🥾The Hum
🥾Duct tape Smiley face on a tourniquet
🥾Gum in his cheek
🥾Mom - Sunday
🥾Door... Copy
🪖Mercy does not equal safety
🪖Justice does not equal revenge
This story is absolutely phenomenal, I felt like I was there with Cal through it all... the emotions, the flashbacks, the betrayal 😭
Me and Wolf were discussing through DMs as I was listening and I am so so glad he decided to release this book to help others 🫶
This story really shows that grief, guilt and ptsd is not linear ... the story writing isn't linear... each flashback set off for whatever reason took you to a different memory... some were still alive in later flashbacks to others etc it was back and forth just like in life ...
This was such an emotional rollercoaster and Joe was fantastic as always and really brought the emotions of Cal to life 🥺 Carly played the wonderful role of the calm understanding Anna who never pushed, who let Cal be what he needed to be ... his calm in the storm... which she did brilliantly 🥰
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to listen to this amazing story.
🥾Morales ...The e a little stubborn, the s finishing like a breath
🥾Hey
🥾Left First
🥾The Hum
🥾Duct tape Smiley face on a tourniquet
🥾Gum in his cheek
🥾Mom - Sunday
🥾Door... Copy
🪖Mercy does not equal safety
🪖Justice does not equal revenge
This story is absolutely phenomenal, I felt like I was there with Cal through it all... the emotions, the flashbacks, the betrayal 😭
Me and Wolf were discussing through DMs as I was listening and I am so so glad he decided to release this book to help others 🫶
This story really shows that grief, guilt and ptsd is not linear ... the story writing isn't linear... each flashback set off for whatever reason took you to a different memory... some were still alive in later flashbacks to others etc it was back and forth just like in life ...
This was such an emotional rollercoaster and Joe was fantastic as always and really brought the emotions of Cal to life 🥺 Carly played the wonderful role of the calm understanding Anna who never pushed, who let Cal be what he needed to be ... his calm in the storm... which she did brilliantly 🥰
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to listen to this amazing story.
November 11, 2025
This was an exceptional story, told in an extraordinary way, with brilliant writing. It's abstract (even the dialogue) in the same way poetry is abstract, and it hits as hard as good poetry. The writing is not lyrical, it's raw, emotional, and incredibly powerful.
The book is from a single POV; there is a love interest, and that part is both in the background of what the character is going through, and at the same time -a very important part of his journey. Part of the story takes place in the present, and a part of it is told in flashbacks that don't follow a straight timeline. The story is about grief, and dealing with the consequences of going to war - and this is a way too simple explanation of what it actually is, but so much of it were emotions, and imagery, so I don't know how to describe it better. I felt most of the story rather than consciously follow the plot, if this makes any sense.
The story is heavy and not the easiest to read, but it's worth every second and every effort. It wasn't a book, it was an experience.
The book is from a single POV; there is a love interest, and that part is both in the background of what the character is going through, and at the same time -a very important part of his journey. Part of the story takes place in the present, and a part of it is told in flashbacks that don't follow a straight timeline. The story is about grief, and dealing with the consequences of going to war - and this is a way too simple explanation of what it actually is, but so much of it were emotions, and imagery, so I don't know how to describe it better. I felt most of the story rather than consciously follow the plot, if this makes any sense.
The story is heavy and not the easiest to read, but it's worth every second and every effort. It wasn't a book, it was an experience.
February 20, 2026
First things first, this is not my normal type of read. It did a very good job of putting you in the POV of someone with PTSD, in this case it was military trauma and loss. Wolf did a really fantastic job of making the reader “feel” what Cal was feeling with something as simple as a small noise that “triggers” someone to go to those dark places all over again. Combine wolf’s writing with Joe Arden’s emotional performance this was a top tier audio book. Joes huge range of emotions and CJ Blooms exceptional narration brought this book straight off the pages and to life in your ears. I wish we knew more about Ana and a little of her backstory. But at the same time you can tell that this story was written to follow Cal and his healing under the weight of PTSD, and how he could become a functioning member of society after he finds his “anchor”.
September 4, 2025
Very Interesting
This book is completely different to what I normally read (fantasy, romance, dark romance) but the writing style had me hooked and very quickly turning the pages.
The story is heartbreaking and uplifting and offers a glimpse into a world very few of us see beyond the news.
The normal sounds we hear all day mean something completely different to Cal and each sound takes him back to another time and place and people - going through that with him in the book is an eye opener for sure
Thank you for the ARC opportunity Wolf
This book is completely different to what I normally read (fantasy, romance, dark romance) but the writing style had me hooked and very quickly turning the pages.
The story is heartbreaking and uplifting and offers a glimpse into a world very few of us see beyond the news.
The normal sounds we hear all day mean something completely different to Cal and each sound takes him back to another time and place and people - going through that with him in the book is an eye opener for sure
Thank you for the ARC opportunity Wolf
February 18, 2026
Audio review 🪖
Narrated by Joe Arden & CJ Bloom
This was a raw story. Depicting events from military events, trauma and PTSD. This book was very tough to listen to as well as emotionally uplifting. This isn't your typical read so be ready for some tough reading pieces. Thank you blue nose for this audio. Joe and Cj did amazing.
Narrated by Joe Arden & CJ Bloom
This was a raw story. Depicting events from military events, trauma and PTSD. This book was very tough to listen to as well as emotionally uplifting. This isn't your typical read so be ready for some tough reading pieces. Thank you blue nose for this audio. Joe and Cj did amazing.
September 11, 2025
The Weight of Sand is an emotional story that gives you a fresh perspective on what soldiers face when they come home. The journey of finding the courage to move forward is beautifully portrayed.
I got so attached to the characters that I couldn’t put it down and finished it in just two days! Wolf Gunnar does an amazing job of making you feel what these characters are going through. This book truly makes you think about the sacrifices made by our soldiers and the challenges they face after returning home.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking read, I definitely recommend checking out The Weight of Sand!
I got so attached to the characters that I couldn’t put it down and finished it in just two days! Wolf Gunnar does an amazing job of making you feel what these characters are going through. This book truly makes you think about the sacrifices made by our soldiers and the challenges they face after returning home.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking read, I definitely recommend checking out The Weight of Sand!
October 20, 2025
stunning book
What can you say about this book to do it justice. Unbelievable,stunning, intricate weave of loss, healing and redemption. Ana was so patient with quiet strength for Cal. He fought so many demons and she gave him the strength to move forward and into the light. The horrors of war we will never understand we just have to remember those who fought for our freedoms and give them the respect they so rightly deserve.
What can you say about this book to do it justice. Unbelievable,stunning, intricate weave of loss, healing and redemption. Ana was so patient with quiet strength for Cal. He fought so many demons and she gave him the strength to move forward and into the light. The horrors of war we will never understand we just have to remember those who fought for our freedoms and give them the respect they so rightly deserve.
September 6, 2025
super book. realy easy to read. good story.
September 21, 2025
Loved it from start to finish. The suspense the heart wrenching moments it was all a chefs kiss.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
📖 The Weight of Sand by Wolf Gunnar
🎧 Format: Audiobook
🎙️ Narrators: CJ Bloom and Joe Arden
✍️ Non-Spoiler Audiobook Review
This one hurt.
I listened to the audio as the format for this book. The performance was painfully raw, filled me with sadness at times and beautiful, all the same. It was artfully written by Wolf Gunnar who has this incredible way with words that will transport directly on the page… in the moment. This is a completely different genre than I’m used to reading, but I knew the story was going to hit differently. It was an eye-opening experience… and paired with the breathtaking and powerful duet performance by both Joe Arden and CJ Bloom; it was hands down a 5-star read/ listen. Can I give more than 5 stars?
🗣️ “Left first…”
The pain, fear, and struggle that Cal Bishop carried with him every moment of every day was gut-wrenching. My heart broke for him and his struggles constantly. I cried for what felt like the entire book… I want to cry right now as I write this review. We are transported from, the here-and-now, to the places no one should ever have to see but are thankful for the brave ones who do. When the flashbacks happen, there is a sound you can practically feel… it takes your breath because you KNOW something is coming. I don’t know whose idea it was to add that detail to the audio, the author, or the narrator, but just…wow. It created a powerful addition to the story that I will not soon forget.
🗣️ “Bends before it breaks…”
The Weight of Sand is not just a military romance, but a marines’ journey and struggles with PTSD who’s learning to breathe. And a neighbor who kept him anchored… just there, nothing more… nothing less. We see a beautiful and much needed friendship grow into something amazing. Hope. After finishing this incredible story, I realized everyone needs an Anna in their life. Someone who doesn’t judge or push. Someone who can ‘be the quiet’ when everything else is loud and chaotic. Bishop’s story was raw and unfiltered, it was painful, and intense but pure in every way. Watching a broken man, who struggled with survival’s guilt, and PTSD, grow into something more was a beautiful and heartwarming experience. I cannot recommend this book enough.
I concur, “Pancakes are for the people.”
Thank you, Blue Nose, for the ALC and to the author for sharing such an emotional story.
Audiobook Releases: 2/25
🎧 Format: Audiobook
🎙️ Narrators: CJ Bloom and Joe Arden
✍️ Non-Spoiler Audiobook Review
This one hurt.
I listened to the audio as the format for this book. The performance was painfully raw, filled me with sadness at times and beautiful, all the same. It was artfully written by Wolf Gunnar who has this incredible way with words that will transport directly on the page… in the moment. This is a completely different genre than I’m used to reading, but I knew the story was going to hit differently. It was an eye-opening experience… and paired with the breathtaking and powerful duet performance by both Joe Arden and CJ Bloom; it was hands down a 5-star read/ listen. Can I give more than 5 stars?
🗣️ “Left first…”
The pain, fear, and struggle that Cal Bishop carried with him every moment of every day was gut-wrenching. My heart broke for him and his struggles constantly. I cried for what felt like the entire book… I want to cry right now as I write this review. We are transported from, the here-and-now, to the places no one should ever have to see but are thankful for the brave ones who do. When the flashbacks happen, there is a sound you can practically feel… it takes your breath because you KNOW something is coming. I don’t know whose idea it was to add that detail to the audio, the author, or the narrator, but just…wow. It created a powerful addition to the story that I will not soon forget.
🗣️ “Bends before it breaks…”
The Weight of Sand is not just a military romance, but a marines’ journey and struggles with PTSD who’s learning to breathe. And a neighbor who kept him anchored… just there, nothing more… nothing less. We see a beautiful and much needed friendship grow into something amazing. Hope. After finishing this incredible story, I realized everyone needs an Anna in their life. Someone who doesn’t judge or push. Someone who can ‘be the quiet’ when everything else is loud and chaotic. Bishop’s story was raw and unfiltered, it was painful, and intense but pure in every way. Watching a broken man, who struggled with survival’s guilt, and PTSD, grow into something more was a beautiful and heartwarming experience. I cannot recommend this book enough.
I concur, “Pancakes are for the people.”
Thank you, Blue Nose, for the ALC and to the author for sharing such an emotional story.
Audiobook Releases: 2/25
September 11, 2025
“It’s like fog’s an editing tool. You only see the part of the picture it wants you to.”
🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖
🪖Military Veteran
🪖PTSD Rep
🪖Slow Burn
🪖Found Family
🪖Small Town
🪖Dual Timeline
🪖Healing Through Connection
🪖Metaphorical Object Restoration
🪖Emotional Catharsis Ending
🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖
While I am normally a smutty mood reader, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and am so glad that I did. I literally have zero experience with PTSD and the veterans in my life have been fortunate enough to NOT experience it themselves, so I was not fully prepared for the emotions in this.
Cal is continually haunted by memories from his time served in Afghanistan. Normal mundane sounds, that we take for granted, are enough to transport him back to that time & place. Some of the flashback scenes are hard to read, due to their nature, but Wolf balances the past & present quite well.
Ana is a quiet rock who stands by him and doesn't try to fix him. She lets him be and supports him through her strength and friendship. She asks him little questions to help him navigate things & ground himself...but she doesn't push.
Wolf did NOT shy away from the hard stuff in telling this story, and I greatly appreciate that. The majority of us will never experience what these veteran's do, but this glimpse really puts things into perspective.
Thank you to Wolf for this ARC!
🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖
🪖Military Veteran
🪖PTSD Rep
🪖Slow Burn
🪖Found Family
🪖Small Town
🪖Dual Timeline
🪖Healing Through Connection
🪖Metaphorical Object Restoration
🪖Emotional Catharsis Ending
🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖
While I am normally a smutty mood reader, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and am so glad that I did. I literally have zero experience with PTSD and the veterans in my life have been fortunate enough to NOT experience it themselves, so I was not fully prepared for the emotions in this.
Cal is continually haunted by memories from his time served in Afghanistan. Normal mundane sounds, that we take for granted, are enough to transport him back to that time & place. Some of the flashback scenes are hard to read, due to their nature, but Wolf balances the past & present quite well.
Ana is a quiet rock who stands by him and doesn't try to fix him. She lets him be and supports him through her strength and friendship. She asks him little questions to help him navigate things & ground himself...but she doesn't push.
Wolf did NOT shy away from the hard stuff in telling this story, and I greatly appreciate that. The majority of us will never experience what these veteran's do, but this glimpse really puts things into perspective.
Thank you to Wolf for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and it broke my heart. I can't even begin to imagine the pain that our veterans go through. The pain of losing their brothers and sisters, the pain of surviving unimaginable trauma, the things they see, experience, live through and are obligated to do. This story is so beautifully written. The author does an amazing job taking us into the story with Cal. I could feel myself being pulled into each of Cal's memories. He went through so much it brought me to tears. Then we have Ana. That woman has the patience of an angel. She shows Cal so much love by being there, by talking, by being his anchor. That scene with Morales' mom had tears running down my face in the ugliest of cries. Honestly, this story is powerful and shows a kind of love that is rare to see. The narration by CJ Bloom and Joe Arden was masterful. I love these two narrators and together they bring magic. Their voices are gripping and powerful. Amazing performance for an amazing story.
September 26, 2025
I don’t usually gravitate toward war-related fiction, but The Weight of Sand pulled me in from the first page and refused to let go. What struck me most was how deeply human this story is, it’s not about battles fought overseas so much as the ones fought in a person’s mind long after the uniform comes off. Cal’s struggles with PTSD felt raw, unpolished, and heartbreakingly real. Wolf Gunnar doesn’t sugarcoat his pain, yet he never strips Cal of his dignity. The relationship between Cal and Ana gave me chills. It’s quiet, slow, and patient, the exact opposite of the “love heals everything instantly” trope. Ana doesn’t save him; she just stands beside him, which somehow makes her presence even more powerful. I finished this book in tears, and for days afterward, I kept thinking about the weight we all carry, and how love can make it lighter without erasing it.
September 6, 2025
What a gut wrenching heart-felt story about survival and learning to rebuild after the aftermath of war. Cal is a marine who suffers PTSD disorder who is haunted by his time in Afghanistan. As a reader with the help of the author's flashbacks you can really understand what Cal has gone through.
I will admit that there are parts in the story that are hard to read, but the author has a way with balance in that he knows when to include bits of light enter Ana's character to the story. Ana, is a beckon of strength for Cal through her tenderness and the way she chooses to handle Cal's everyday struggles. This slow burn story was just so beautiful! Would definitely recommend!
I will admit that there are parts in the story that are hard to read, but the author has a way with balance in that he knows when to include bits of light enter Ana's character to the story. Ana, is a beckon of strength for Cal through her tenderness and the way she chooses to handle Cal's everyday struggles. This slow burn story was just so beautiful! Would definitely recommend!
February 16, 2026
This was raw. Beautiful.PTSD in poetry.
“STAY”
“Left First”
“Hey”
What to expect
Military Veteran
PTSD Rep
Slow Burn
Found Family
Small Town
Dual Timeline
Healing Through Connection
Metaphorical Object Restoration
Emotional Catharsis Ending
TOP 26’ AUDIOBOOK FOR ME BY FAR.
“STAY”
“Left First”
“Hey”
What to expect
Military Veteran
PTSD Rep
Slow Burn
Found Family
Small Town
Dual Timeline
Healing Through Connection
Metaphorical Object Restoration
Emotional Catharsis Ending
TOP 26’ AUDIOBOOK FOR ME BY FAR.
September 6, 2025
I really loved this book. It was lovely to read cal and anas relationship development
October 7, 2025
This novel is a raw, heartfelt journey of a Marine vfacing down the ghosts of war and the invisible battles of PTSD. What struck me most was the honesty in the writing—the author doesn’t shy away from the darkness, the sleepless nights, or the weight of carrying memories that don’t let go. Yet at its core, this is a story about hope, healing, and the quiet power of love.
The veteran’s story isn’t about being “fixed” by someone else, but about finding the strength within himself when someone finally made space for him—without judgment, without demands. The simple woman who comes into his life isn’t there to rescue him; she’s there to see him. That act of truly being seen is portrayed as both radical and deeply human, and it’s what allows love to take root.
What I loved most was how the romance unfolded with tenderness, not as a fairy tale but as something real, grounded in patience and acceptance. The book shows that healing doesn’t come in dramatic breakthroughs, but in small moments of connection, trust, and vulnerability.
If you’re looking for a story that blends grit with grace—combat trauma and quiet redemption, scars and love—this book will stay with you. It’s a reminder that even the deepest wounds can begin to heal when someone is willing to sit with us in them, and that love can grow in the most unexpected places.
The veteran’s story isn’t about being “fixed” by someone else, but about finding the strength within himself when someone finally made space for him—without judgment, without demands. The simple woman who comes into his life isn’t there to rescue him; she’s there to see him. That act of truly being seen is portrayed as both radical and deeply human, and it’s what allows love to take root.
What I loved most was how the romance unfolded with tenderness, not as a fairy tale but as something real, grounded in patience and acceptance. The book shows that healing doesn’t come in dramatic breakthroughs, but in small moments of connection, trust, and vulnerability.
If you’re looking for a story that blends grit with grace—combat trauma and quiet redemption, scars and love—this book will stay with you. It’s a reminder that even the deepest wounds can begin to heal when someone is willing to sit with us in them, and that love can grow in the most unexpected places.
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