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Akiri #2

Sands of Darkness

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Across the perilous expanse of the Great Valharoth Desert, Akiri and Kyra have journeyed seeking fortune among the rich and mysterious kingdoms of the East. He has turned his back on the gods and their schemes and is determined to create his own destiny. But the gods will not be so easily ignored. And once again, Akiri finds himself caught in their web.

In the kingdom of Yagash, an ancient evil has spread over the land like a plague. The Cult of Hajazar, at the command of its dark leader, are seizing the innocent for their blood sacrifices. Now they have set their sights on a young lord whom Akiri has vowed to protect. But there is more at stake than the life of one child. Should Akiri fail, it will herald the return of the old gods…and the end of the world. With naught but his steel and his wits as his ally – and Kyra, of course – Akiri will face an enemy of such colossal power and cunning that the heart of the fiercest warrior would be tested to the full. But he is Akiri. His will is iron. And his courage will never fade.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2017

44 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Brian D. Anderson

47 books691 followers
Known as one of the O.G. independent authors of the 2010-2012 indie explosion, Brian D. Anderson gained massive popularity right out of the gate with his debut series, The Godling Chronicles. His follow-up series, Dragonvein, was just as popular, Book One becoming a Top Five Finalist on Audible.com for Fantasy Book of the Year in 2015 – becoming the very first independent to reach the finals. But Anderson was far from finished.
After co-authoring Akiri with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.
Anderson continued with his indie career with The Vale series. But even after twenty novels, he felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series.
When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama, and riding atop his Harley Davidson, dubbed The Mighty Puck, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books.

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Jonathan Pembroke.
Author 10 books45 followers
July 9, 2021
This has a good old-school sword-n-sorcery feel, reminiscent of Howard’s Conan without being imitative (in other words, a fun read!). The world is neat and well-built, with magical artifacts, demons, and scheming gods. The combat scenes are crisp and read well, and the prose in general is smooth and easy to follow. The story also features a human-dragon team (something I love) which was, in this case, central to the plot.

I did have a little trouble with the main character, Akiri; he’s stronger, tougher, and a better warrior, lover, and leader of men than anyone. Many sword-n-sorcery characters are exercises in wish-fulfillment but Akiri literally has no flaws. He felt humanized only by his attachment to his dragon Kyra (which felt natural) and his semi-willing service to a noble boy he befriended (which felt a little forced).

Aside from that, though, I did like this one—enough to earmark the other Akiri books for future reads. It’s solid and will definitely sate anyone who’s looking for a good old-fashioned s&s romp.
Profile Image for Jordin Butler.
54 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2017
This was truly a hard book to put down..Every chapter was filled with something exciting and I found myself losing hours of sleep saying "I'll stop after this chapter" and not actually stopping for another six haha. Akiri's astounding abilities and insights and his ever-growing dragon companion Kyra are put to the test as they are faced with a minion( for lack of a better term) of one of the old gods with abilities that surpass even the mighty Akiri...And an entire kingdom under its control as well. Makes you wonder how it can even be stopped eh?? Better read and find out!
Profile Image for Craig Jr..
Author 44 books116 followers
October 28, 2017
This was another great book by Brian D. Anderson. The Akiri books are a bit simpler of an epic fantasy, full of brute action, much like R.A. Salvatore's style of writing, with good and interesting plot, though perhaps not great, but full of action and tension all the while to keep you on the edge of your seat. Brian does a fantastic job with this, and I'm looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Trish R..
1,772 reviews58 followers
June 10, 2023
Even though I read book 3 THEN book 2 I wasn't lost since the books were a different, it just had the same hero and his dragon, Akiri and Kyra. This was about a group of evil men that was led by a demon and it was up to Akiri to kill him.

There was sex but not very descriptive and there was swearing but no F-bombs.

As for the narration: Awesome! And don't let anyone tell you different. Jonathan Davis gave everyone their own voice and his emotions when he read was phenomenal.
Profile Image for Douglas.
Author 20 books48 followers
March 23, 2018
I enjoyed this one over the original. Now that the backstory is out of the way, the series is free to pursue a Conan-like feel. It keeps up a good pace with lots of action and twists. It almost suffered from too many factions/characters to keep track of, but I never got lost and I enjoyed the adventure.
20 reviews
August 17, 2017
A Great Series

How can I possibly sum this book up? It is simple. He is Akiri.

If you like a book that focuses on a singal main character that id like a bad a** reinvention of conan, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Sam.
159 reviews58 followers
April 22, 2020
2.5 stars for Jonathan Davis' performance. As predictable as the plot was, it was no less enjoyable.
It was okay and then some. If you like blistering action, visceral fight scenes and Conan the Barbarian this is for you.
Profile Image for Kay.
147 reviews7 followers
August 19, 2017
A very entertaining read

The first book was good. This one is better. I very much look forward to reading the third book. Goodbye.
27 reviews
September 3, 2020
Sands of darkness.

T he beat goes on.Great story kept the action going to the very end. I am going to enjoy starting the next book. ENJOY👨
Profile Image for Steven Jamieson.
89 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2021
Great Story

I enjoyed everything about this book, the ending was a masterpiece and very funny. Another wonderful story in this series and I can not wait to start the next one.
Profile Image for Tracy T..
1,023 reviews24 followers
October 3, 2023
Soo good!
Read this series. It is amazing and worth the time and credit.

Great narration too!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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