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Tales of Tavamara #2
Sandstorm
Stories are told of the wild Tribes who control the untamable Desert, the bloody battles that are waged in a place where alliances are as shifting as the sands. Amongst the Tribes of the Desert, the most mysterious and feared is Ghost, led by the bloodthirsty Sheik Hashim and his son Sahayl, called the Sandstorm.
But Sahayl is not his father. He longs for peace rather than power, and is bitterly disappointed when a chance for peace fails. Then the violence in the Desert reaches all new levels, and Tribes believed long vanished reappear with deadly intent. Sahayl soon learns that there is a new enemy in the Desert, and it is not one the Tribes are prepared to fight. To save his Tribe and the Desert, Sahayl must take drastic measures—measures that will reshape the Desert in a way only a Sandstorm can...
Note: This story features polyamory
But Sahayl is not his father. He longs for peace rather than power, and is bitterly disappointed when a chance for peace fails. Then the violence in the Desert reaches all new levels, and Tribes believed long vanished reappear with deadly intent. Sahayl soon learns that there is a new enemy in the Desert, and it is not one the Tribes are prepared to fight. To save his Tribe and the Desert, Sahayl must take drastic measures—measures that will reshape the Desert in a way only a Sandstorm can...
Note: This story features polyamory
398 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2008
26 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
283 books2,940 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
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meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 19, 2022
3.8
Not my favourite cuz the relationships happened at Mach 1 and had no time to get to know anyone
Not my favourite cuz the relationships happened at Mach 1 and had no time to get to know anyone
September 27, 2012
I admit, at first I thought Sandstorm would've been a better book without the harem theme, but as the story progressed and it became obvious who the harem members were going to be I couldn't help but think "Damn. This is pretty sexy." Lol!
Anyway though this isn't one of my favourite works by her, I adored the book and would definitely reread it. It was fun, angst-free, enthralling and definitely worth the buy. I enjoyed it a lot, especially after the incredibly emotionally taxing book I read just previously.
Anyway though this isn't one of my favourite works by her, I adored the book and would definitely reread it. It was fun, angst-free, enthralling and definitely worth the buy. I enjoyed it a lot, especially after the incredibly emotionally taxing book I read just previously.
April 21, 2022
Took a while to get into this one, it hurt seeing how much Sandstorm had to go through because of his father. Bit of mystery and the gathering of a harem. Really need to go back and re-read from the beginning. The king's harem was a little confusing but I did like the two arguing about wine. Once the quartet was together the story really got going. Ikram's son was my favorite the way he played his games and Rook maybe has the potential to be the same. Curious about spider. M/M/M/M slow build up with F/F hinted at from the wife's harem. Sandstorm being doted on was adorable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2024
Sahayl is known as the Sandstorm, son of the bloodthirsty shiek of the Ghost tribe of the Great Desert. The tribes have always fought amongst themselves, but now it looks as though there is an outside threat. The tribes must join together or perish, and Sahayl must reshape the Sands in the way that only a Sandstorm can.
Reading Sandstorm after The King's Harem was certainly an interesting experience. I already kind of knew how the book would turn out, after all. Oops. ^^; For anyone wondering, this is definitely the book to read first, though the stories of The King's Harem kind of weave in and around this one.
I wanted to give Sandstorm five stars, because I loved the story, but there was one big issue I had that makes me unable to do so in good conscience. For the beginning few chapters, it's quite confusing as it jumps around points of view and not much is explained. It can take a little while to work out who is who, who's doing what and what is going on. That's really the only problem I had with the story, though, and once you are past the opening chapters it makes a lot more sense.
As in my review of The King's Harem, I have nothing but praise for the culture and world building in the Tavamara novels. I find the cultures of both Tavamara and the Great Desert believable, intriguing and captivating. I enjoyed reading about the different marks of the tribes, and the tribal politics - as well as the politics outside of the Sands.
I love the characters, also. Sahayl in particular is a well-rounded, interesting character who grows throughout the novel. I think Megan Derr has a thing for bratty men and bickering, though. *coughShihabandIsraandBeynumandAikcough* Occasionally I found the bickering scenes a little trying (a minor niggle), but more often than not they were amusing (and must have been a hell of a lot of fun to write!) Sadly, Isra did not live up to my first impression of him, which was the impression of a cool (in many senses of the word), calm warrior... but you know, perhaps the chemistry between him and Sahayle would not have worked as well that way!
As in The King's Harem, there is no explicit sex in the novel itself. Intimate moments are implied, and faded to black. I found this sensual implied sex much more erotic and, well, intimate than graphic sex would have been.
I actually wish the book had been longer and the plot slowed down more, especially towards the end. I wish it had taken longer for Sahayl to amass the members of his harem (or at least, for them to become members) and that there had been more romance with both them, and his wife. You know, actually, if all the romances had been as detailed and lovingly crafted as the Isra/Sahayl one, it would have been WONDERFUL. I guess I like my seduction slower, instead of like insta-chemistry.
I do love the harem aspect of the two Megan Derr books I've read, and wish there were more books like this out there. I find the inter-connecting relationships and character development fascinating. And the cultural implications of such a thing. Probably why I enjoy other poly novels which are not harems, too. But harems are really quite fascinating, due to the added ownership layer. I'll stop rambling now. XD (But seriously - anyone know any more books that focus on harems?)
I enjoyed the epilogue, too, though was taken aback at first at how many years had passed. (At first, I thought it had been a month or so!) It was a nice little insight as to how long diplomacy and forming peace actually takes, and I liked that the political problems were not all wrapped up neatly in a tidy little package.
Overall, I really loved this book - and wish there were more Tavamara books out there. :c Despite some problems, Megan Derr manages to weave an exciting tale of the desert, harems and political intrigue. :)
Reading Sandstorm after The King's Harem was certainly an interesting experience. I already kind of knew how the book would turn out, after all. Oops. ^^; For anyone wondering, this is definitely the book to read first, though the stories of The King's Harem kind of weave in and around this one.
I wanted to give Sandstorm five stars, because I loved the story, but there was one big issue I had that makes me unable to do so in good conscience. For the beginning few chapters, it's quite confusing as it jumps around points of view and not much is explained. It can take a little while to work out who is who, who's doing what and what is going on. That's really the only problem I had with the story, though, and once you are past the opening chapters it makes a lot more sense.
As in my review of The King's Harem, I have nothing but praise for the culture and world building in the Tavamara novels. I find the cultures of both Tavamara and the Great Desert believable, intriguing and captivating. I enjoyed reading about the different marks of the tribes, and the tribal politics - as well as the politics outside of the Sands.
I love the characters, also. Sahayl in particular is a well-rounded, interesting character who grows throughout the novel. I think Megan Derr has a thing for bratty men and bickering, though. *coughShihabandIsraandBeynumandAikcough* Occasionally I found the bickering scenes a little trying (a minor niggle), but more often than not they were amusing (and must have been a hell of a lot of fun to write!) Sadly, Isra did not live up to my first impression of him, which was the impression of a cool (in many senses of the word), calm warrior... but you know, perhaps the chemistry between him and Sahayle would not have worked as well that way!
As in The King's Harem, there is no explicit sex in the novel itself. Intimate moments are implied, and faded to black. I found this sensual implied sex much more erotic and, well, intimate than graphic sex would have been.
I actually wish the book had been longer and the plot slowed down more, especially towards the end. I wish it had taken longer for Sahayl to amass the members of his harem (or at least, for them to become members) and that there had been more romance with both them, and his wife. You know, actually, if all the romances had been as detailed and lovingly crafted as the Isra/Sahayl one, it would have been WONDERFUL. I guess I like my seduction slower, instead of like insta-chemistry.
I do love the harem aspect of the two Megan Derr books I've read, and wish there were more books like this out there. I find the inter-connecting relationships and character development fascinating. And the cultural implications of such a thing. Probably why I enjoy other poly novels which are not harems, too. But harems are really quite fascinating, due to the added ownership layer. I'll stop rambling now. XD (But seriously - anyone know any more books that focus on harems?)
I enjoyed the epilogue, too, though was taken aback at first at how many years had passed. (At first, I thought it had been a month or so!) It was a nice little insight as to how long diplomacy and forming peace actually takes, and I liked that the political problems were not all wrapped up neatly in a tidy little package.
Overall, I really loved this book - and wish there were more Tavamara books out there. :c Despite some problems, Megan Derr manages to weave an exciting tale of the desert, harems and political intrigue. :)
October 31, 2023
An intense, gripping drama set in a historical time period and setting. . .
. . .and a fairly eclectic, unique range of characters with exotic, darker/naturally tanned skin to pale, creamy, very light colored complexions, and eye color ranging from bright sky blue, light to darker shades of green, amber gold, and the melting chocolate brown of most natives to the fictional home country where all the events and intrigue take place. Due to the relaxed views on harems, concubines, and same gender sex, this fictional setting isn't exactly like the actual middle eastern practice of royal kings, queens, or princes being allowed a personal harem - the swords, bows and arrows, and daggers as common weapons indicate an era before guns, cannons, or bombs were used in warfare. Clothing, footware, ships/pirates, and horses rather than gas-guzzling transportation were other blatant giveaways that our characters did not exist in our modern world. Which, of course, made this book and series even more irresistible! Moreover, Shah and his diverse collection of concubines were already familiar, so when he and Sandstorm were brought together -- Sandstorm bringing an equally wide range of "mixed" company revealed to Shah that Sahayl subconsciously trusted the three guys with him implicitly -- they were unquestionably all birds of a feather, each a strong, well trained fighter. As the very new Ghost Sheik, Sahayl felt incredible pressure to protect the desert clans, as well as the need to gain assistance from Shah, Tavamara's reigning king.
Both leaders relied on their base, gut instincts to make serious, longterm decisions; both had a deep capacity to love, possessed a wealth of wisdom far beyond their years; and they each were trustworthy, intelligent young men who desired companionship, love and lust, and commitment from their spouses and lovers. (Shah, of course, is by this time at least in his late thirties to early forties, so while he is not as young as Sahayl, he is still quite youthful for a king. Besides, Shah was younger than Sahayl when he became king himself). That Shah recognized a fellow brother in Sahayl, seeing past his youth to his heart, which was passionate in his love for his people and his desert, was amazing, but if course, this is fiction (!?!), and drama is necessary! The grisly, bloodthirsty vendettas, betrayal, political manoeuvring, and every heartbreaking event Sheik Sahayl, the Ghost Sandstorm endured kept me flipping the pages even though I had read this book at least a half a dozen times since I'd first purchased it. I simply love Megan Derr's world and character building talent. Apologies for failing to leave a review before -- every book of hers, especially Sandstorm, deserves a thousand stars and recommendations!
. . .and a fairly eclectic, unique range of characters with exotic, darker/naturally tanned skin to pale, creamy, very light colored complexions, and eye color ranging from bright sky blue, light to darker shades of green, amber gold, and the melting chocolate brown of most natives to the fictional home country where all the events and intrigue take place. Due to the relaxed views on harems, concubines, and same gender sex, this fictional setting isn't exactly like the actual middle eastern practice of royal kings, queens, or princes being allowed a personal harem - the swords, bows and arrows, and daggers as common weapons indicate an era before guns, cannons, or bombs were used in warfare. Clothing, footware, ships/pirates, and horses rather than gas-guzzling transportation were other blatant giveaways that our characters did not exist in our modern world. Which, of course, made this book and series even more irresistible! Moreover, Shah and his diverse collection of concubines were already familiar, so when he and Sandstorm were brought together -- Sandstorm bringing an equally wide range of "mixed" company revealed to Shah that Sahayl subconsciously trusted the three guys with him implicitly -- they were unquestionably all birds of a feather, each a strong, well trained fighter. As the very new Ghost Sheik, Sahayl felt incredible pressure to protect the desert clans, as well as the need to gain assistance from Shah, Tavamara's reigning king.
Both leaders relied on their base, gut instincts to make serious, longterm decisions; both had a deep capacity to love, possessed a wealth of wisdom far beyond their years; and they each were trustworthy, intelligent young men who desired companionship, love and lust, and commitment from their spouses and lovers. (Shah, of course, is by this time at least in his late thirties to early forties, so while he is not as young as Sahayl, he is still quite youthful for a king. Besides, Shah was younger than Sahayl when he became king himself). That Shah recognized a fellow brother in Sahayl, seeing past his youth to his heart, which was passionate in his love for his people and his desert, was amazing, but if course, this is fiction (!?!), and drama is necessary! The grisly, bloodthirsty vendettas, betrayal, political manoeuvring, and every heartbreaking event Sheik Sahayl, the Ghost Sandstorm endured kept me flipping the pages even though I had read this book at least a half a dozen times since I'd first purchased it. I simply love Megan Derr's world and character building talent. Apologies for failing to leave a review before -- every book of hers, especially Sandstorm, deserves a thousand stars and recommendations!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2018
3.5 stars
Content warnings include: physical abuse, mentions of child abuse, graphic violence, hostage situations, assassination attempts, exile
Sandstorm is the tale of how the tribes of the desert of Tavamara.
Sahayl, called Sanstorm, is the heir of the feared Ghost tribe. His father is violent in his politics and against his only son, while Sahayl wishes for the needless bloodshed between the tribes to stop.
Isra belongs to Falcon tribe and respects his diplomatic leader, but the heir of Ghost infuriates him like noone else.
Shihab, born Simon, is a son of the sands in all but physical appearance and he loathes that to most people he meets he is nothing but a heathen, used to not belonging. He is on a mission, and he is the only one who can do it, and he will prove that to anyone.
Something is afoot, something that endangers the desert as a whole, and those three men have to work together to save the sands they love.
Two more imporant and occasionally POV characters are Shahjahan, king of Tavamara, and Bahadur, a warrior of Jackal tribe.
The book is well written, engaging but not fast-paced. The ending is not very conclusive and feels almost too fast, but it fits the novel.
I liked the characters - mischievous and wily Shihab, calm and strong Bahadur, Isra with his temper and his determination, and Sahayl, who endures and prevails, solid but flexible, making anyone unable to resist against him.
Content warnings include: physical abuse, mentions of child abuse, graphic violence, hostage situations, assassination attempts, exile
Sandstorm is the tale of how the tribes of the desert of Tavamara.
Sahayl, called Sanstorm, is the heir of the feared Ghost tribe. His father is violent in his politics and against his only son, while Sahayl wishes for the needless bloodshed between the tribes to stop.
Isra belongs to Falcon tribe and respects his diplomatic leader, but the heir of Ghost infuriates him like noone else.
Shihab, born Simon, is a son of the sands in all but physical appearance and he loathes that to most people he meets he is nothing but a heathen, used to not belonging. He is on a mission, and he is the only one who can do it, and he will prove that to anyone.
Something is afoot, something that endangers the desert as a whole, and those three men have to work together to save the sands they love.
Two more imporant and occasionally POV characters are Shahjahan, king of Tavamara, and Bahadur, a warrior of Jackal tribe.
The book is well written, engaging but not fast-paced. The ending is not very conclusive and feels almost too fast, but it fits the novel.
I liked the characters - mischievous and wily Shihab, calm and strong Bahadur, Isra with his temper and his determination, and Sahayl, who endures and prevails, solid but flexible, making anyone unable to resist against him.
June 26, 2016
The world setting and the plot was really interesting and original.
It was a really good plot, I loved it.
Unfortunately, the romance was not there. I can find love in a menage relationship, I don't have anything against it. But in a harem? Sorry, I can't. It's not love. It's lust and affection.
There is no real connection between them, except Sahayl and Isra.
It was disappointing because the rest is amazing. Megan Derr has a gift for telling stories and has a beautiful style. She's one of my favorite author.
So, I still highly recommend this book to you. But don't expect romance, and bear in mind that it's more about the plot and you'll gonna love it.
It was a really good plot, I loved it.
Unfortunately, the romance was not there. I can find love in a menage relationship, I don't have anything against it. But in a harem? Sorry, I can't. It's not love. It's lust and affection.
There is no real connection between them, except Sahayl and Isra.
It was disappointing because the rest is amazing. Megan Derr has a gift for telling stories and has a beautiful style. She's one of my favorite author.
So, I still highly recommend this book to you. But don't expect romance, and bear in mind that it's more about the plot and you'll gonna love it.
January 22, 2013
If it hadn't taken me until 33% to figure out who was who and what was going on, I'd have considered 5 stars for this. :) Despite that, I thought it was a great book.
December 19, 2024
This book kept me enthralled from beginning to end. The world-building is excellent. It flows well from the first book in the series, it is action-packed, and full of betrayal and political intrigue.
A war is brewing on the desert sands. The far-flung tribes have always been more enemies than friends, but now there are unknown pretenders stepping in to sow dissension and war. Sahayl is the son of a brutal, war-mongering sheik. Sahayl, a superb fighter, quietly tries to work toward peace, but he's thwarted at every turn. Will he be able to bring tribes together when he seems be be checked from making progress? Who is enemy and who is friend?
I won't say much more to avoid spoiling it for readers; there are several very engaging plot lines. The polyamory is fitting for the harem customs of these peoples and it is handled in such a way that you can actually keep track of things, without overwhelming the overarching storyline. I have enjoyed this book so much that I plan to read the entire series. Highly recommended!
A war is brewing on the desert sands. The far-flung tribes have always been more enemies than friends, but now there are unknown pretenders stepping in to sow dissension and war. Sahayl is the son of a brutal, war-mongering sheik. Sahayl, a superb fighter, quietly tries to work toward peace, but he's thwarted at every turn. Will he be able to bring tribes together when he seems be be checked from making progress? Who is enemy and who is friend?
I won't say much more to avoid spoiling it for readers; there are several very engaging plot lines. The polyamory is fitting for the harem customs of these peoples and it is handled in such a way that you can actually keep track of things, without overwhelming the overarching storyline. I have enjoyed this book so much that I plan to read the entire series. Highly recommended!
June 2, 2017
The story was great up to the point that he had to add all three of them to his harem. The it was just ok. It went downhill from there: he got married to a woman!!!
Calk me old fashioned but what's wrong with a plain old two-people relationship?
Don't get me wrong, I was all for it when it was the dragons in the Dance With the Devil series, but it just felt really wierd here.
3* for plot outside the romance.
Calk me old fashioned but what's wrong with a plain old two-people relationship?
Don't get me wrong, I was all for it when it was the dragons in the Dance With the Devil series, but it just felt really wierd here.
3* for plot outside the romance.
November 24, 2021
A big problem I had with the first book is that the King was a non-person who was only in the book to justify the existence of the harem. We don't get a prince until the book is, maybe, 60% finished in this book so we get to know and like the character long before his position and harem get sprung on us.
December 4, 2024
Loved it!! Loved that we got a full length book and got more details of everything. Was so cool to see life in the Dessert too.
Oh, and for anyone who is wondering about the steam level of this series since it is a "harem", its actually more on the sweet side of things.
Can't wait for book 3!
Oh, and for anyone who is wondering about the steam level of this series since it is a "harem", its actually more on the sweet side of things.
Can't wait for book 3!
March 14, 2023
I love how the different tribes and land of this series tie together. My only con are some of the names (however, original and creative) get me a bit mixed up at times. As always well fleshed out characters and world building.
February 3, 2017
A little slow starting out (too many people to keep track of!) but once I got rolling, I just loved it.
June 5, 2017
I love Megan Derr's work but this was a little too confusing for me.
February 6, 2022
Sandstorm
Awesome story. It held my interest from beginning to end. The plot line was extremely good with how the conflicts were worked through. Good Job Megan
Awesome story. It held my interest from beginning to end. The plot line was extremely good with how the conflicts were worked through. Good Job Megan
July 12, 2021
Juli 2021
Im Reread habe ich mich erneut ganz auf die Geschichte einlassen können.
Die fünf Sterne bleiben.
Juni 2018
Das war eine tolle Abwechslung.
Nein, kein Liebesroman, kein schwülstiger Haremsroman, sondern ein Wüstenroman.
Verschiedene Stämme, Krieg, Verrat und Politik, von allem etwas.
Ein Held der nicht nur eine Person sondern ein paar mehr liebt und das unabhängig vom Geschlecht.
Außerdem eine durchgängig erzählte Geschichte, sie war quasi das, was ich in Band eins, meine Rezi findet sich hier ,erwartet hatte.
Das hat mir gut gefallen und meinen Horizont erweitert.
Im Reread habe ich mich erneut ganz auf die Geschichte einlassen können.
Die fünf Sterne bleiben.
Juni 2018
Das war eine tolle Abwechslung.
Nein, kein Liebesroman, kein schwülstiger Haremsroman, sondern ein Wüstenroman.
Verschiedene Stämme, Krieg, Verrat und Politik, von allem etwas.
Ein Held der nicht nur eine Person sondern ein paar mehr liebt und das unabhängig vom Geschlecht.
Außerdem eine durchgängig erzählte Geschichte, sie war quasi das, was ich in Band eins, meine Rezi findet sich hier ,erwartet hatte.
Das hat mir gut gefallen und meinen Horizont erweitert.
July 30, 2020
I would recommend you read the Tavamara stories first (Nandakumar, Beynum, Aikhadour, Witcher, Rakiah, The Jewel Of Tavamara and Everything You Need), they are really short with no real plot and good as an introduction to the world setting.
After the Tavamara stories you should read the real story, which I found really entertaining and enjoyed reading, and lastly the short story Knight To Rook. And if you didn't like the short stories you shouldn't read this novel, which is similar in atmosphere but with a real plot, battles and violence, a lot more substance. It's about the great desert and its tribes.
After the Tavamara stories you should read the real story, which I found really entertaining and enjoyed reading, and lastly the short story Knight To Rook. And if you didn't like the short stories you shouldn't read this novel, which is similar in atmosphere but with a real plot, battles and violence, a lot more substance. It's about the great desert and its tribes.
January 27, 2012
Megan Derr is one of my favorite author, I just love her style of writing. That being said, because I'm a sucker for character development with strong relationship/emotional connection, I got a little lost in Sandstorm. I guess the Harem idea really threw me off and I could not related to the relationships within the Harem and their relationship to the King or Prince. It's a little bit like Polygamy, except all the wives also have relationship with each other?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2012
The story is compelling and the plot is good, I just would have liked a little more romance.
August 29, 2012
As always, since I got hooked up with Derr's books this past couple of months, I found out I really am liking her style of writing! And this one is probably my 9th book of hers so far, and I was not disappointed in the least bit! I loved her way of telling the tales from the desert lands in such a way that made my imagination grow ever more stronger with every page I turn to the next :))
October 20, 2016
When Megan Derr does polyamory, woohoo, she really doesn't hold back. This is definitely not just three people.
While it took me some time before I could orientate in so many names and people and politics going around, but when I finally got it, the book was very enjoyable. I especially liked Sahayl.
While it took me some time before I could orientate in so many names and people and politics going around, but when I finally got it, the book was very enjoyable. I especially liked Sahayl.
November 4, 2016
This was so effing good, holy shit. The first book is just love stories (I mean, there's other plot to them, but the point of them is love-story). With this one, there was adventure, and love, and just all-around epic-ness, and it was FANTASTIC.
April 10, 2011
Loved it. It ties in, sort of, weaving around "The King's Harem", which I think is great, without spoiling anything. Definitely want to read more of Tavamara.
October 24, 2013
my fav author wrote a good book with nice characters and a good plot....I'm just not into it. Huh. it happens.
March 12, 2016
Even if it was easy to read, the jumping characters bored me out.
(I love this author though)
(I love this author though)
March 28, 2015
My most favorite of her books!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews