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The Song of the Shattered Sands #2.2
The Doors at Dusk and Dawn
In the western reaches of the Great Shangazi Desert, the long-distance horse race known as Annam’s Traverse is about to begin. All is thrown in doubt, however, when Sukru the Reaping King arrives unannounced from Sharakhai and puts forth a champion of his own.
For a young woman named Leorah, the more important matter is the fabled amethyst ring offered up as a prize. She knows of the ring, and becomes obsessed with winning the race. This horrifies her twin sister, Devorah, who knows more of the ring’s secrets than Leorah, and is desperate to hide them from the Reaping King.
As the race unfolds, and King Sukru’s champion comes closer and closer to winning the prize, Devorah stumbles upon a secret that puts not only the ring’s future in doubt, but her sister’s as well.
For a young woman named Leorah, the more important matter is the fabled amethyst ring offered up as a prize. She knows of the ring, and becomes obsessed with winning the race. This horrifies her twin sister, Devorah, who knows more of the ring’s secrets than Leorah, and is desperate to hide them from the Reaping King.
As the race unfolds, and King Sukru’s champion comes closer and closer to winning the prize, Devorah stumbles upon a secret that puts not only the ring’s future in doubt, but her sister’s as well.
170 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2017
15 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Bradley P. Beaulieu
62 books1,307 followersBradley P. Beaulieu began writing his first fantasy novel in college, but life eventually intervened. As time went on, though, Brad realized that his love of writing and telling tales wasn't going to just slink quietly into the night. The drive to write came back full force in the early 2000s, at which point Brad dedicated himself to the craft, writing and learning under the guidance of writers like Nancy Kress, Joe Haldeman, Tim Powers, Holly Black, and many more.
Brad and his novels have garnered many accolades including two Hotties—the Debut of the Year and Best New Voice—on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist, a Gemmell Morningstar Award nomination for The Winds of Khalakovo and more:
* Top Ten Book and Debut of the Year for 2011 on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist for The Winds of Khalakovo
* Best New Voice of 2011 on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist
* 2011 Gemmell Morningstar Award Nomination for The Winds of Khalakovo
* Top Ten Debut for The Winds of Khalakovo on Ranting Dragon's Best of 2011
* Top Ten Debut for The Winds of Khalakovo on Mad Hatter's Best of 2011
* Top Five Book for 2012 on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist for The Straits of Galahesh
* 2012 Most Anticipated for The Straits of Galahesh on Staffer's Book Review
* 2012 Most Anticipated for The Straits of Galahesh on The Ranting Dragon
* 2013 Most Anticipated for The Flames of Shadam Khoreh on The Ranting Dragon
Brad continues to work on his next projects, including an Arabian Nights epic fantasy and a Norse-inspired middle grade series. He also runs the highly successful science fiction & fantasy podcast, Speculate, which can be found at speculatesf.com.
Novels
THE LAYS OF ANUSKAYA
* The Winds of Khalakovo
* The Straits of Galahesh
* The Flames of Shadam Khoreh
Short Story Collections
* Lest Our Passage Be Forgotten & Other Stories
Novellas
* Strata (with Stephen Gaskell)
Contact Information
Website: www.quillings.com
Twitter: @bbeaulieu
Facebook: facebook.com/bradley.p.beaulieu
Brad and his novels have garnered many accolades including two Hotties—the Debut of the Year and Best New Voice—on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist, a Gemmell Morningstar Award nomination for The Winds of Khalakovo and more:
* Top Ten Book and Debut of the Year for 2011 on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist for The Winds of Khalakovo
* Best New Voice of 2011 on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist
* 2011 Gemmell Morningstar Award Nomination for The Winds of Khalakovo
* Top Ten Debut for The Winds of Khalakovo on Ranting Dragon's Best of 2011
* Top Ten Debut for The Winds of Khalakovo on Mad Hatter's Best of 2011
* Top Five Book for 2012 on Pat's Fantasy Hotlist for The Straits of Galahesh
* 2012 Most Anticipated for The Straits of Galahesh on Staffer's Book Review
* 2012 Most Anticipated for The Straits of Galahesh on The Ranting Dragon
* 2013 Most Anticipated for The Flames of Shadam Khoreh on The Ranting Dragon
Brad continues to work on his next projects, including an Arabian Nights epic fantasy and a Norse-inspired middle grade series. He also runs the highly successful science fiction & fantasy podcast, Speculate, which can be found at speculatesf.com.
Novels
THE LAYS OF ANUSKAYA
* The Winds of Khalakovo
* The Straits of Galahesh
* The Flames of Shadam Khoreh
Short Story Collections
* Lest Our Passage Be Forgotten & Other Stories
Novellas
* Strata (with Stephen Gaskell)
Contact Information
Website: www.quillings.com
Twitter: @bbeaulieu
Facebook: facebook.com/bradley.p.beaulieu
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 1, 2018
Another Novella from the great Shangazi desert. This one was (unsurprisingly) excellently written, and gave some really fun background on Çeda’s Grandmother through the story of a series of horse-based races/challenges. Once again, I think I would have balked if I would have paid full price for the novella, but at 99 cents it was a steal. Once the author writes enough asides to the main storyline, he should publish a collection of “Tales from the Shangazi Desert” or some such.
April 24, 2018
Full review is here, on my blog
I won this little gem of a novella in a giveaway some months ago, but I’ve not had the time to sit down and read it (yes, even keeping in mind that it only takes a couple of hours, lol). Well, finally had a bit of time to dive right in, and dive I did!
I’m quite enjoying my foray into the Song of the Shattered Sands series, and this one takes place somewhere in between book 2 and 3. However, it’s not necessary to know any of the goings on in the series, as this takes place outside of the city of Sharakhai, and follows different characters than the series. So, if you wanted to have a go at the Shattered Sands series without committing to a book that is quite long, you could start right here. This is a good example of the series as a whole, in my opinion.
This is the story of Devorah and Leorah, who are orphaned twin sisters of the much taboo thirteenth tribe of the desert, now tribeless, taken in by another tribe and hidden from the kings of Sharakhai (who don’t like the thirteenth tribe… because… reasons… spoilery reasons. :D). There is a long distance horse race in the desert, that three of the tribes have traveled to race in, each tribe contributing a fabulous prize. It’s set to begin very soon, and to Devorah and Leorah’s surprise, the prize for winning that their new tribe has put in the pot is an amethyst ring that was left to them by their mother. One that they left in the care of the Shaikh of their new tribe with the caveat that they would be able to work it off and get it back. Turns out this ring is… something special. So special that it has come to the attention of one of the kings of Sharakhai, and he has come and put a champion in the race to win it for him.
This was a wonderfully fast-paced novella full of twists and turns, really fantastic characters that I rooted for. I wasn’t expecting a novella to grab my attention and hold it quite like this one did. I started this one for something short to read in the tub. >.> Before I knew it, the bath had run a little overlong, but I was wrinkly, but very, very engrossed in this novella. Plot twists, and magic, and intrigue, oh my!~
I won this little gem of a novella in a giveaway some months ago, but I’ve not had the time to sit down and read it (yes, even keeping in mind that it only takes a couple of hours, lol). Well, finally had a bit of time to dive right in, and dive I did!
I’m quite enjoying my foray into the Song of the Shattered Sands series, and this one takes place somewhere in between book 2 and 3. However, it’s not necessary to know any of the goings on in the series, as this takes place outside of the city of Sharakhai, and follows different characters than the series. So, if you wanted to have a go at the Shattered Sands series without committing to a book that is quite long, you could start right here. This is a good example of the series as a whole, in my opinion.
This is the story of Devorah and Leorah, who are orphaned twin sisters of the much taboo thirteenth tribe of the desert, now tribeless, taken in by another tribe and hidden from the kings of Sharakhai (who don’t like the thirteenth tribe… because… reasons… spoilery reasons. :D). There is a long distance horse race in the desert, that three of the tribes have traveled to race in, each tribe contributing a fabulous prize. It’s set to begin very soon, and to Devorah and Leorah’s surprise, the prize for winning that their new tribe has put in the pot is an amethyst ring that was left to them by their mother. One that they left in the care of the Shaikh of their new tribe with the caveat that they would be able to work it off and get it back. Turns out this ring is… something special. So special that it has come to the attention of one of the kings of Sharakhai, and he has come and put a champion in the race to win it for him.
This was a wonderfully fast-paced novella full of twists and turns, really fantastic characters that I rooted for. I wasn’t expecting a novella to grab my attention and hold it quite like this one did. I started this one for something short to read in the tub. >.> Before I knew it, the bath had run a little overlong, but I was wrinkly, but very, very engrossed in this novella. Plot twists, and magic, and intrigue, oh my!~
January 16, 2023
This is my favourite entry in the Shattered Sands series so far which was a pleasant surprise since I usually find myself enjoying series novels more than novellas!
This novella covers a piece of Leorah's backstory (who you get to know a bit more in A Veil of Spears) so I would recommend reading it after book 3! The story of this piece of her past worked so well for me on many levels, to me it had fantastic pacing and was the perfect balance of story, action, tension, emotional moments, and character reactions while still giving the reader more information about the series at large. I absolutely loved the ending where we find out the meaning behind the title of the novella as well.
There were moments, especially in the first half, where I found a few things a bit typical or predictable but there were also moments that managed to surprise me (in the second half in particular) and I loved the ride regardless!
This novella covers a piece of Leorah's backstory (who you get to know a bit more in A Veil of Spears) so I would recommend reading it after book 3! The story of this piece of her past worked so well for me on many levels, to me it had fantastic pacing and was the perfect balance of story, action, tension, emotional moments, and character reactions while still giving the reader more information about the series at large. I absolutely loved the ending where we find out the meaning behind the title of the novella as well.
There were moments, especially in the first half, where I found a few things a bit typical or predictable but there were also moments that managed to surprise me (in the second half in particular) and I loved the ride regardless!
August 10, 2019
Cette novella est indépendante de la série principale.
On y suis 2 sœurs qui se cachent parce qu'elles sont recherchées (je ne dis pas pourquoi parce que ça spoil un des points importants du premier tome de la série). Elles se sont réfugiée dans une tribu qui a accepté de les héberger.
L'intrigue commence quand leur tribu participe à une grande course à cheval dans le désert.
Seulement la cheikh de leur tribu offre comme lot pour la course un bijou qui appartenait à la base à la mère des deux sœurs et qu'elles avaient mise en gage pour montrer leur bonne foi quand elles étaient arrivées.
Scandalisé qu'elle ose fait ça, l'une des deux sœur décide de participer à la course dans l'espoir de regagner son héritage familial .
Seulement elle n'est pas la seule en lice, un des Rois de Sharakhai a fait le déplacement, et il semble bien déterminer à se procurer la pièce en question ...
C'était l'une des meilleurs novella que j'ai lu depuis un moment.
L'histoire se tiens bien, pleine de rebondissements en tout genre. Les personnages sont forts et attaquants, j'avais l'impression de ressentir leurs émotions en direct pendant ma lecture. Et l'intrigue très touchante et pleine d'émotions.
J'ai vraiment été prise dedans.
Je l'ai lu d'une traite et j'en avais les larmes aux yeux à la fin
La fin était triste tout en laissant place à de l'espoir, c'est vraiment le genre de fin que je préfère.
Je ne m'attendais pas à tant apprécier ce texte,vu que je lis ces novellas plus pour les bonus qu'autre chose, entre deux autres livres, et du coup j'ai été très agréablement surprise.
J'ai trouvé la une petite gemme, et je ne regrette pas du tout d'avoir attendu de les lire avant de me lancer dans la suite de la série
17/20
On y suis 2 sœurs qui se cachent parce qu'elles sont recherchées (je ne dis pas pourquoi parce que ça spoil un des points importants du premier tome de la série). Elles se sont réfugiée dans une tribu qui a accepté de les héberger.
L'intrigue commence quand leur tribu participe à une grande course à cheval dans le désert.
Seulement la cheikh de leur tribu offre comme lot pour la course un bijou qui appartenait à la base à la mère des deux sœurs et qu'elles avaient mise en gage pour montrer leur bonne foi quand elles étaient arrivées.
Scandalisé qu'elle ose fait ça, l'une des deux sœur décide de participer à la course dans l'espoir de regagner son héritage familial .
Seulement elle n'est pas la seule en lice, un des Rois de Sharakhai a fait le déplacement, et il semble bien déterminer à se procurer la pièce en question ...
C'était l'une des meilleurs novella que j'ai lu depuis un moment.
L'histoire se tiens bien, pleine de rebondissements en tout genre. Les personnages sont forts et attaquants, j'avais l'impression de ressentir leurs émotions en direct pendant ma lecture. Et l'intrigue très touchante et pleine d'émotions.
J'ai vraiment été prise dedans.
Je l'ai lu d'une traite et j'en avais les larmes aux yeux à la fin
La fin était triste tout en laissant place à de l'espoir, c'est vraiment le genre de fin que je préfère.
Je ne m'attendais pas à tant apprécier ce texte,vu que je lis ces novellas plus pour les bonus qu'autre chose, entre deux autres livres, et du coup j'ai été très agréablement surprise.
J'ai trouvé la une petite gemme, et je ne regrette pas du tout d'avoir attendu de les lire avant de me lancer dans la suite de la série
17/20
March 6, 2021
Another beautiful novella that reveals more about Leorah and her past.
I enjoyed it.
Excited to read the next one before the "Veil of Spears" book.
I enjoyed it.
Excited to read the next one before the "Veil of Spears" book.
November 11, 2024
Another great novella in this world I found this story very interesting. I didn't want to stop reading as it gave a bit more information regarding the politics and worldbuilding for this series.
January 30, 2018
I grabbed this novella right after Christmas (with the other novellas as well) as I had just finished book 1 of the Shattered Sand series, Twelve Kings in Sharakhai. It's a quick read, focused tightly on a horse race amongst the tribes that surround the city of Sharakhai. Add in one the titular Kings of Sharakhai attending the race for the first time and you have a great addition to the Shattered Sands. I like when an author adds to their worlds with little stories like this. It shows that there's more to the world than just what's going on in the main books. It gives the world a more lived-in feel.
On to the next one!
On to the next one!
April 12, 2019
This introduces a whole new cast. It will be interesting to see how they tie in to the next book. It also introduces a new ring with magicak attributes. In some ways it seems similar to Mesut's bracelet and I'm curious to see if they are somehow related, both parts of the mythical stone, or if this ring will somehow aide in releasing the souls that are trapped.
Update:
So, I've started reading the next book and have realized that Leorah is Ceda's great grandmother! I'd forgotten her name and didn't make the connection at first. So, this is essentially that start of the rebellion, as Leorah's future children and grandchildren are the one who will start it.
Update:
So, I've started reading the next book and have realized that Leorah is Ceda's great grandmother! I'd forgotten her name and didn't make the connection at first. So, this is essentially that start of the rebellion, as Leorah's future children and grandchildren are the one who will start it.
February 5, 2021
This story takes place many years before Twelve Kings in Sharakhai and tells the tale of Ceda's great grandmother and her sister. I never give short stories 5 stars because always wish there was more to read, haha, but this one came close to 5. The novella is not necessary to understand the larger storyline, but it add a lot of context to Veil of Spears, so I recommend reading this before that book. I read this in one evening, on a work night, so it goes quickly and is quite fast paced. Good read all around.
August 28, 2018
A nice side-story in the same universe as the other books in The Song of the Shattered Sands. This story involves two sisters who are some of the last of the lost 13th tribe, and a horse-race that will end in riches or death - more for one of the sisters, who risks all to obtain a ring that once belonged to her mother. A ring which has magical properties that one of the Kings desires to have.
January 26, 2023
5 stars!
Oh man, what a fun novella! Lots of action, great tension, the humor was great, the twists and turns the story goes in, the reveals, the climax! Everything works in this story!
Easily one of the best fantasy novellas I've ever read! Great addition to what is already one of my all time fantasy series. Can't wait to read the rest of the Shattered Sands novellas!
Oh man, what a fun novella! Lots of action, great tension, the humor was great, the twists and turns the story goes in, the reveals, the climax! Everything works in this story!
Easily one of the best fantasy novellas I've ever read! Great addition to what is already one of my all time fantasy series. Can't wait to read the rest of the Shattered Sands novellas!
September 28, 2018
In this book The author builds even more of the world of the shattered sands, while creating a vivid story that grabs the imagination and keeps you on the seat of your pants. If you want to learn more about the character of Leorah check this book out.
June 22, 2019
Oh, I adored this novella. Maybe it was because of the horseracing, but it just held so much magic to me. I also just realized who Leorah is and that's a wonderful little glimse into Ceda's family story!
June 27, 2020
Great novella
I loved this book. I think it does much to flush out the characters and world of Sharakai. It adds so much to the series. I only give it 4 stars because the order of the books the author gave lead to some serious spoilers and I wasn't as invested as I could have been
I loved this book. I think it does much to flush out the characters and world of Sharakai. It adds so much to the series. I only give it 4 stars because the order of the books the author gave lead to some serious spoilers and I wasn't as invested as I could have been
June 30, 2020
Another very well written story from the Shangazi desert. Tho Çeda is not the protagonist we get to know her grandmother as well as dip our toes into the 13th tribe. The horse races, the competition, magic, deep family love...it was a treat!
October 10, 2017
A fun entertaining read, Bradley's spin on a Arabic horse race story. Hopefully we meet the characters again, like we did with the other novella
March 28, 2018
I have only read this series by this author and every story in the series has been nothing short of amazing!
January 2, 2021
Une merveille 🤩 c'est ma nouvelle préférée, entre le roman et le conte... Je e suis laissé envoûter par ce récit ❤️
May 10, 2021
This would have been better if I'd read it before Veil of Spears. The racing bits were boring but I liked the rest.
May 21, 2022
I have yet to be disappointed with any of this author's books and novellas
February 5, 2023
4.5***
January 23, 2024
2.5 stars!!!
April 7, 2024
So are you ...
May 1, 2024
3.75 Gorgeous novella
February 3, 2026
Young adult, erg oppervlakkig, voorspelbaar met naïve en domme hoofdpersonen.
July 17, 2022
A back story set in the world of Sharakhai involving the twin girls, Devorah and Leorah from the lost thirteenth tribe. They will be revealed as one of Ceda's relatives in book 3. This is the history of the magic ring they possess.
March 23, 2021
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews