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Zendar
Zendar: A Tale of Sand
Zendar is a world of sand and strife.
Living in the great capital of Zendar, Sol, Nitya has always longed for something more than her family’s merchant lifestyle. She craves adventure—or at least hopes something remotely exciting could happen. When her best friend, Juni, secures them both positions in the palace’s kitchen, Nitya gets to experience a different world than she ever imagined—especially after a young soldier catches her eye.
Her world will never be the same.
Living in the great capital of Zendar, Sol, Nitya has always longed for something more than her family’s merchant lifestyle. She craves adventure—or at least hopes something remotely exciting could happen. When her best friend, Juni, secures them both positions in the palace’s kitchen, Nitya gets to experience a different world than she ever imagined—especially after a young soldier catches her eye.
Her world will never be the same.
35 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2020
8 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Munson
23 books207 followersK.T. Munson is an independent author. First published at 5 years old in the young writers conference, she has pursued writing ever since. She maintains a blog creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com that is about writing and her novels. She was born and raised in the last frontier, the great state of Alaska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 7, 2024
Massive thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for providing me with a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book so much! It was a super short and quick read, which I managed to read in one sitting. It follows Nitya, an 18 year old girl who wants more from life than her current lifestyle gives, and her journey working in the Palace's kitchen (and the people she meets along the way - wink wink)
I genuinely have no faults with this book, other than I wish it hadn't ended! Munson's writing style is perfection. I thought the characters were written perfectly, the world building was exquisite (which I was shocked at - how can you be so drawn into a world that is only developed in 35 pages?!) And the romance was to die for! But, please be warned this book is targeted at adults, and there are some fairly erotic scenes.
I will most certainly be picking up other works by Munson! In general, I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy romance fans (as well as general fantasy fans). If your favourite authors include the likes of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.J. Sutton, Elise Kova & Laura Thalassa, I'm certain you will adore this series.
CAWPILE: 9.00 / 10
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I loved this book so much! It was a super short and quick read, which I managed to read in one sitting. It follows Nitya, an 18 year old girl who wants more from life than her current lifestyle gives, and her journey working in the Palace's kitchen (and the people she meets along the way - wink wink)
I genuinely have no faults with this book, other than I wish it hadn't ended! Munson's writing style is perfection. I thought the characters were written perfectly, the world building was exquisite (which I was shocked at - how can you be so drawn into a world that is only developed in 35 pages?!) And the romance was to die for! But, please be warned this book is targeted at adults, and there are some fairly erotic scenes.
I will most certainly be picking up other works by Munson! In general, I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy romance fans (as well as general fantasy fans). If your favourite authors include the likes of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.J. Sutton, Elise Kova & Laura Thalassa, I'm certain you will adore this series.
CAWPILE: 9.00 / 10
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April 30, 2021
Zendar by K.T. Munson a short romance story in a fantasy world. I did not know this was part of a series. I think I missed some information about the world and some characters. Still, that was very impressive that the 35 pages story was so engaging.
Nitya a young girl who proud of her drawing talent. She gets ready for work in the kitchen's palace with her friend Juni. This is an adventure and a great opportunity for Nitya, till things go wrong. As this is a fantasy-romance story with a murder plot so, there is a handsome sergeant too.
I enjoyed this book and going to read more stories of Zendar. Recommended if you like sweet and short stories.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial, I have given an honest review of Zendar by K.T. Munson.
Nitya a young girl who proud of her drawing talent. She gets ready for work in the kitchen's palace with her friend Juni. This is an adventure and a great opportunity for Nitya, till things go wrong. As this is a fantasy-romance story with a murder plot so, there is a handsome sergeant too.
I enjoyed this book and going to read more stories of Zendar. Recommended if you like sweet and short stories.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial, I have given an honest review of Zendar by K.T. Munson.
December 20, 2020
To me this was a quick read and it was hard to put down. I loved this little love story between a servant and a guard for a palace. I would love to read this series. I cannot wait to read the first book of the series. It's wonderful written book.
February 22, 2021
Zendar: A Tale of Sand is the prequel to Ms Munson's Zendar: A Tale of Blood and Sand.
This was a great short story I enjoyed very much. The story revolves around Nitya, just barely 18 she is bored with the routine of her life. She wishes for an adventure, anything to add spice to her life. She is presented with the chance to work in the palace kitchen and jumps at the chance. But when she is arrested for a crime she did not commit, she faces being hanged for the crime.
This is well written and fast paced, at only 35 pages I kept thinking no way this could end without a cliffhanger. To the author's credit the story wrapped up nicely with a clear ending.
The characters are well written, have depth and are believable. Plenty of suspense helps to propel the story forward. There is also a great little romance that does take place and at one point there is a scene of explicit sex.
All in all a great little story that offers fun, suspense and a good read.
This was a great short story I enjoyed very much. The story revolves around Nitya, just barely 18 she is bored with the routine of her life. She wishes for an adventure, anything to add spice to her life. She is presented with the chance to work in the palace kitchen and jumps at the chance. But when she is arrested for a crime she did not commit, she faces being hanged for the crime.
This is well written and fast paced, at only 35 pages I kept thinking no way this could end without a cliffhanger. To the author's credit the story wrapped up nicely with a clear ending.
The characters are well written, have depth and are believable. Plenty of suspense helps to propel the story forward. There is also a great little romance that does take place and at one point there is a scene of explicit sex.
All in all a great little story that offers fun, suspense and a good read.
February 25, 2021
Zendar by K.T. Munson is a short and sweet novella.
This novella tells the story of Nitya, a young girl that longs for adventure. Fortunately, her friend Juni secures them both a temporary job in the palace’s kitchen. In the short period Nitiya is at the palace, a general is suddenly killed, and Nitya finds herself in the midst of chaos.
I did not know that this novella was a prequel to a series when I started reading it. Nonetheless, I did enjoy this short novella. Munson does a great job at establishing the main characters and setting up the plot. From the first page, I was intrigued by the story, and Munson gradually raises the stakes. Munson does a great job at making all the characters feel unique and memorable. The writing style is accessible, and the pacing was excellent.
My main criticism is the “instant love” in this novella. Nitya suddenly falls in love and wants to get married straight away. The romance felt forced, and just a bit weird. Due to the "instant love", I was confident that I was reading a YA novella. However, there is a very explicit and (in my opinion) unnecessary sex scene in this book. The “instant love” and the graphic sex scene made me feel like I was reading a mix of YA and adult.
In conclusion, I must say that I am impressed that Munson is able to establish such a great plot and characters in only 35 pages. Munson is undoubtedly a talented writer, and I would recommend this novella to anyone that wants to read some fantasy romance.
3.5 / 5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This novella tells the story of Nitya, a young girl that longs for adventure. Fortunately, her friend Juni secures them both a temporary job in the palace’s kitchen. In the short period Nitiya is at the palace, a general is suddenly killed, and Nitya finds herself in the midst of chaos.
I did not know that this novella was a prequel to a series when I started reading it. Nonetheless, I did enjoy this short novella. Munson does a great job at establishing the main characters and setting up the plot. From the first page, I was intrigued by the story, and Munson gradually raises the stakes. Munson does a great job at making all the characters feel unique and memorable. The writing style is accessible, and the pacing was excellent.
My main criticism is the “instant love” in this novella. Nitya suddenly falls in love and wants to get married straight away. The romance felt forced, and just a bit weird. Due to the "instant love", I was confident that I was reading a YA novella. However, there is a very explicit and (in my opinion) unnecessary sex scene in this book. The “instant love” and the graphic sex scene made me feel like I was reading a mix of YA and adult.
In conclusion, I must say that I am impressed that Munson is able to establish such a great plot and characters in only 35 pages. Munson is undoubtedly a talented writer, and I would recommend this novella to anyone that wants to read some fantasy romance.
3.5 / 5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2021
I was granted complimentary access to a review copy of Zendar: A Tale of Sand as part of my participation in the blog tour for this title through Goddess Fish Promotions. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
Blog tour post: https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...
Nitya and Juni get the opportunity to experience the life of a palace servant for a month when the kitchen needs coverage for a pregnant woman near birth. It seems like the perfect little adventure to these girls until Nitya trusts the wrong people and gets herself in trouble of the worst sort!
This book is a fun, quick read that feels like an excellent introduction into the world. I very much appreciate the fact that it jumps straight into the plot and fits in worldbuilding as we go, but I suppose at just 53 pages it can't afford to do otherwise!
The "Nitya's in trouble" aspect of the plot is very well done and kept me reading. The Nitya falling in love with Ramas aspect... We get hints that Ramas has been aware of and had feelings for Nitya much longer than she's been aware of him, but that doesn't make how fast she falls for him feel any better for me. This is peak YA intalove, and it's not my thing.
For most of the story I get the sense that this country and society are a bronze age type setup, but at one point there's mention of airships. Is this meant to be a steampunk world? (Or bronzepunk? I recently heard that term.) I didn't get that from the novella, but it makes me very curious about the full-length Zendar novel!
Blog tour post: https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...
Nitya and Juni get the opportunity to experience the life of a palace servant for a month when the kitchen needs coverage for a pregnant woman near birth. It seems like the perfect little adventure to these girls until Nitya trusts the wrong people and gets herself in trouble of the worst sort!
This book is a fun, quick read that feels like an excellent introduction into the world. I very much appreciate the fact that it jumps straight into the plot and fits in worldbuilding as we go, but I suppose at just 53 pages it can't afford to do otherwise!
The "Nitya's in trouble" aspect of the plot is very well done and kept me reading. The Nitya falling in love with Ramas aspect... We get hints that Ramas has been aware of and had feelings for Nitya much longer than she's been aware of him, but that doesn't make how fast she falls for him feel any better for me. This is peak YA intalove, and it's not my thing.
For most of the story I get the sense that this country and society are a bronze age type setup, but at one point there's mention of airships. Is this meant to be a steampunk world? (Or bronzepunk? I recently heard that term.) I didn't get that from the novella, but it makes me very curious about the full-length Zendar novel!
Read
February 14, 2021Hello everyone! Thank you for taking the time to read this informational section. This short story is right before the events of book 1 (Zender: A Tale of Blood and Sand) and is a complete story despite it's brevity.
Book Trailer: https://www.facebook.com/K.T.Munson/v...
Readers information:
This short story is FREE almost everywhere but if for some reason it isn't. There are some review copies available on Booksprout!
Booksprout link: https://booksprout.co/arc/52416/zenda...
UPDATE 2/13/2021: Zendar is on NETGALLEY (3 months only)!
Link: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
Book Trailer: https://www.facebook.com/K.T.Munson/v...
Readers information:
This short story is FREE almost everywhere but if for some reason it isn't. There are some review copies available on Booksprout!
Booksprout link: https://booksprout.co/arc/52416/zenda...
UPDATE 2/13/2021: Zendar is on NETGALLEY (3 months only)!
Link: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
February 18, 2021
I did not enjoy this book at all. :(.
I guess I misunderstood the blurb about this book. I thought this would be a political book. And at the beginning it was cheery, with an intriguing world, but the writing style wasn’t something that I particularly loved. The descriptions too weren’t that well laid out, but Nitya showed promise of a unique and distinct voice. Sadly that’s all it was; a promise that never got delivered. It soon became an insta love romance which is one of the tropes i dislike the most. And even without my preference the way it was executed was really bad. The story soon shifted focus and somehow managed to completely ignore the world building towards the end, plus the side characters that could have been developed disappeared for a good while. This felt like it came from old wattpad fanfiction 😭😭.
Note: i got an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I guess I misunderstood the blurb about this book. I thought this would be a political book. And at the beginning it was cheery, with an intriguing world, but the writing style wasn’t something that I particularly loved. The descriptions too weren’t that well laid out, but Nitya showed promise of a unique and distinct voice. Sadly that’s all it was; a promise that never got delivered. It soon became an insta love romance which is one of the tropes i dislike the most. And even without my preference the way it was executed was really bad. The story soon shifted focus and somehow managed to completely ignore the world building towards the end, plus the side characters that could have been developed disappeared for a good while. This felt like it came from old wattpad fanfiction 😭😭.
Note: i got an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2021
Zendar: A Tale of Sand is pure fun. In this light, fast read author K. T. Munson introduces an interesting world, a believable and likable family, and a sweet young woman every reader will enjoy.
When Nitya’s yearning for adventure brings her into contact with a handsome palace guard, we all know how this will end. It doesn’t matter. The tale is well told and it holds other surprises. Besides, one feels the chemistry between the two would-be lovers, and the inevitable is approached with a perfect mix of subtlety and detail. Enjoy the scene you know is coming.
I do add an extra bit of applause, though, for the handsome palace guard’s awareness that when a woman consents to sex with a man who is saving her life, she may not be in a position to fully give that consent. So, this well-muscled and chiseled-faced man turns out to be wise and kind, too! Another nice surprise.
I’m sure this prequel is designed to make readers curious to learn more about the desert world of Zendar. It worked for me. I’ll be looking into Munson’s full-length books A Tale of Blood and Sand and A Tale of Wind and Sand.
When Nitya’s yearning for adventure brings her into contact with a handsome palace guard, we all know how this will end. It doesn’t matter. The tale is well told and it holds other surprises. Besides, one feels the chemistry between the two would-be lovers, and the inevitable is approached with a perfect mix of subtlety and detail. Enjoy the scene you know is coming.
I do add an extra bit of applause, though, for the handsome palace guard’s awareness that when a woman consents to sex with a man who is saving her life, she may not be in a position to fully give that consent. So, this well-muscled and chiseled-faced man turns out to be wise and kind, too! Another nice surprise.
I’m sure this prequel is designed to make readers curious to learn more about the desert world of Zendar. It worked for me. I’ll be looking into Munson’s full-length books A Tale of Blood and Sand and A Tale of Wind and Sand.
February 12, 2021
Zendar by K.T Munson is exemplary storytelling. The opening paragraph set my mood and piqued my curiosity straight away to find out about Zendar, and what was the story all about."The sounds of the market filled Nitya's every pore ..' the opening line captured my undivided attention. This book is what is called sumptuous and vibrant. It is an enjoyable read because of the way the story has been told; cinematic and atmospheric created by the linguistics acumen of the writer. The events roll on bringing the characters to life. The events depict nuanced emotions that make life.
February 12, 2021
Nitya, at eighteen, is still quite naive and not very confident about herself. She fears she isn’t as attractive as her sister and yet, she doesn’t want to get married to just any man. She yearns for adventure, excitement, even love. A chance to work in the palace kitchen brings her to a new world where her paths cross with a handsome stranger. But before it can blossom into something deeper, Nitya is unwittingly caught in palace intrigue.
This well-written short story, though an introduction to a fantasy series, is an enjoyable quick read on its own. The characters are well drawn, and the plot is laced with suspense and romance.
This well-written short story, though an introduction to a fantasy series, is an enjoyable quick read on its own. The characters are well drawn, and the plot is laced with suspense and romance.
May 13, 2021
Nitya's best friend Juni is given a chance to work as a cook in the palace by her aunt while the usual cook is out having a baby. It is just for a couple of weeks. Nitya is excited to learn that Juni suggested she come too when she finds out they need an additional person. Nitya says it is because she wants to see where her mother was born and has never been in the palace.
Once in the palace they explore and Nitya takes the time to explore and draw pictures of the marble statues. She has noticed a a handsome man and is intrigued. He seems different than the other people in the palace, but she is not sure who he is or how he commands so much attention from the others.
I did read some reviews criticizing that she falls instantly in love and wants to marry her sergeant, but considering the time period and expectations I don't find it too difficult to believe her reactions.
I really enjoyed this quick read and intend to read the other stories in the series. I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Once in the palace they explore and Nitya takes the time to explore and draw pictures of the marble statues. She has noticed a a handsome man and is intrigued. He seems different than the other people in the palace, but she is not sure who he is or how he commands so much attention from the others.
I did read some reviews criticizing that she falls instantly in love and wants to marry her sergeant, but considering the time period and expectations I don't find it too difficult to believe her reactions.
I really enjoyed this quick read and intend to read the other stories in the series. I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2021
This is a very short and light read. While there is a plot with a beginning, middle and end, I felt that this wasn't a prequel novella but rather just a missing chapter or snippet from a larger work mostly because I think the world building was lacking. Personally, I wouldn't buy this book because it wasn't enough for me. But, I am grateful I could read a copy via Netgalley. Maybe it would have been better to include this as bonus content in the main book?
February 19, 2021
Nitya, an 18-year-old girl, quite innocent and insecure, was looking for an adventure to brighten her life, which consisted of selling articles and polishing metal jars. Juni, her best friend, managed to get them both to help the palace, in the kitchen, for a month, with her aunt. It is there that Nitya gets lost in love with a sergeant, after a changed look and that ends up changing her life. But in what way? You will have to read to find out!
This short story is a prequel to the author's Zendar series. Being that it is only a small introduction to the world, with characters that, from what I researched, will not appear in the series.
It was a pretty quick read that I couldn't quite let go. I really want to know more about Zendar, where all the events in this story take place, but I also wanted to know more about the main characters. The writing, in my opinion, was delicious. The descriptions, although light, led us to feel and know everything that happened, in an almost poetic way. I thought that, for their age, Nitya and Juni had some attitudes that, in my opinion, would correspond to a younger age, but that detail did not make this reading unpleasant, especially because for such a short story, the development of the characters was brilliant!
I gave it 4/5, and I hope one day to read the series.
This short story is a prequel to the author's Zendar series. Being that it is only a small introduction to the world, with characters that, from what I researched, will not appear in the series.
It was a pretty quick read that I couldn't quite let go. I really want to know more about Zendar, where all the events in this story take place, but I also wanted to know more about the main characters. The writing, in my opinion, was delicious. The descriptions, although light, led us to feel and know everything that happened, in an almost poetic way. I thought that, for their age, Nitya and Juni had some attitudes that, in my opinion, would correspond to a younger age, but that detail did not make this reading unpleasant, especially because for such a short story, the development of the characters was brilliant!
I gave it 4/5, and I hope one day to read the series.
December 12, 2020
An excellent introduction to K.T. Munson’s fantasy world of Zendar, ZENDAR: A TALE OF SAND instantly pulls readers into a world where passions abound, be they romantic or the machinations of enemies to prevail.
A young woman becomes a pawn in political powerplays and only the determination of a young soldier can save her. Why would he help a stranger? What pull do these two have to each other?
This short tale has intrigue, a new romance and sets the stage for future books to flesh out the grit of war in a world in turmoil. Easy to read in just a brief time, this tale holds all of the substance of something much longer!
I received a complimentary copy from K. T. Munson! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Zendar - Prequel
Publication date : August 22, 2020
Genre: Fantasy Short Story
Print length : 45 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
A young woman becomes a pawn in political powerplays and only the determination of a young soldier can save her. Why would he help a stranger? What pull do these two have to each other?
This short tale has intrigue, a new romance and sets the stage for future books to flesh out the grit of war in a world in turmoil. Easy to read in just a brief time, this tale holds all of the substance of something much longer!
I received a complimentary copy from K. T. Munson! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Zendar - Prequel
Publication date : August 22, 2020
Genre: Fantasy Short Story
Print length : 45 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 23, 2021
This is a prequel to the author’s Zendar series that is a very spicy romance featuring a planet that is mostly sand where they have to recycle water. There is a palace, liege lord, generals, and soldiers aplenty.
This story is about an 18-year-old woman, Nitya and her best friend Juni who were both looking for some adventure besides marriage. Niyta comes from a family of merchants and she is tired of the hum drum life doing same thing every day. Juni brings her exciting news: they are both going to be able to work in the palace kitchen because of her aunt for a month for a few days as one of the workers had a child.
They are both fun, and high-spirited women who want to explore the world around them without their parents hanging over their shoulders. Niyta is a little shyer than her friend; less high-spirited and less likely to look for trouble. She is also an incredibly wonderful artist and impresses one of the soldiers. Nitya does end up meeting a handsome soldier that she can’t keep out of her mind and it seems he was also intrigued by her.
He is a wonderful man that anyone would be happy to call their own. He obviously loves Nitya, even though he didn’t get to speak to her until she was working at the palace. He knew her kindness when he saw her give the piece of cake she was going to eat to a young child at Juni’s aunt’s birthday. He is strong when he needs to be but can be very gentle, especially around her.
I did enjoy this story and it does pique your interest in what will happen in the next in the series. If it is both as exciting and tender as this book, I believe I will be reading it next.
This story is about an 18-year-old woman, Nitya and her best friend Juni who were both looking for some adventure besides marriage. Niyta comes from a family of merchants and she is tired of the hum drum life doing same thing every day. Juni brings her exciting news: they are both going to be able to work in the palace kitchen because of her aunt for a month for a few days as one of the workers had a child.
They are both fun, and high-spirited women who want to explore the world around them without their parents hanging over their shoulders. Niyta is a little shyer than her friend; less high-spirited and less likely to look for trouble. She is also an incredibly wonderful artist and impresses one of the soldiers. Nitya does end up meeting a handsome soldier that she can’t keep out of her mind and it seems he was also intrigued by her.
He is a wonderful man that anyone would be happy to call their own. He obviously loves Nitya, even though he didn’t get to speak to her until she was working at the palace. He knew her kindness when he saw her give the piece of cake she was going to eat to a young child at Juni’s aunt’s birthday. He is strong when he needs to be but can be very gentle, especially around her.
I did enjoy this story and it does pique your interest in what will happen in the next in the series. If it is both as exciting and tender as this book, I believe I will be reading it next.
March 16, 2021
Nitya is a 18 year old who longs for adventure, anything that will take her away from her dull life as a merchant's daughter. When Nitya and her best friend Juni get the opportunity to work in the palace kitchens, sergeant Ramas catches her eye and suddenly this just may be the adventure Nitya has been waiting for. On her final day, Nitya is unknowingly involved in the assassination of one of the palace’s guard which lands her in prison. However, Ramas puts his career on the line to defend her and it soon becomes clear they both feel the same for one another.
This was beautifully written. Although it was only 35 pages long, it was a compelling and captivating read that left me wanting more. I hadn’t previously heard of the Zendar series, however after reading this super short novella - I cannot wait to read more from this series!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was beautifully written. Although it was only 35 pages long, it was a compelling and captivating read that left me wanting more. I hadn’t previously heard of the Zendar series, however after reading this super short novella - I cannot wait to read more from this series!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
Loved this short story! K.T. Munson sets up a new world of Zendar in 38 glorious pages. The only reason it gets 4/5 stars is because it was so short, and I'm not sure how this story will affect the other Zendar books. (But I'm looking forward to finding out!)
Some Highlights:
- I know this is a short story. I know. But I would have loved more descriptions of what Juni and Nitya were doing in the kitchen! What were they working on, what were they baking? How did it add to the story? (Again, it's a short story, so I might be grasping at straws!)
- Loved the addition of the Mother character. K.T. Munson is so descriptive, I could picture her inviting Nitya into her home, and making her feel welcome, even if the circumstances weren't great.
- This tees off what I'm sure is an excellent new world build. I can't wait to read the rest of the Zendar books to learn more about it.
- This scores a 2/5 on the spice meter. It's PG, and that's okay! It's supposed to be teenagers, so that works!
Fans of Fantasy, Romantasy, and Sci-Fi will love this. (I did!)
Some Highlights:
- I know this is a short story. I know. But I would have loved more descriptions of what Juni and Nitya were doing in the kitchen! What were they working on, what were they baking? How did it add to the story? (Again, it's a short story, so I might be grasping at straws!)
- Loved the addition of the Mother character. K.T. Munson is so descriptive, I could picture her inviting Nitya into her home, and making her feel welcome, even if the circumstances weren't great.
- This tees off what I'm sure is an excellent new world build. I can't wait to read the rest of the Zendar books to learn more about it.
- This scores a 2/5 on the spice meter. It's PG, and that's okay! It's supposed to be teenagers, so that works!
Fans of Fantasy, Romantasy, and Sci-Fi will love this. (I did!)
March 1, 2021
This prequel to the Zendar series is short... That’s just as well, because I held my breath from the first page until the last, eager to see what happens next. Take a naïve young woman, add a dashing soldier, stir in some deadly intrigue and you end up with a sweet, saucy, and altogether satisfying tale.
Kudos to the author who makes every word count as she crafts well-drawn characters and an instant love story that doesn’t feel forced. Of course, there are aspects of the escapade that beg for more information. But it leaves you panting to learn more about this intriguing world, and that’s the point of a prequel, isn’t it?
I’m not into fantasy adventures, but I am ready to make an exception to follow this series.
Kudos to the author who makes every word count as she crafts well-drawn characters and an instant love story that doesn’t feel forced. Of course, there are aspects of the escapade that beg for more information. But it leaves you panting to learn more about this intriguing world, and that’s the point of a prequel, isn’t it?
I’m not into fantasy adventures, but I am ready to make an exception to follow this series.
January 11, 2021
Short and Sweet
Ramas and Nitya’s story is short and sweet. He has seen her before and was interested her. I’m not a fan of quick love affair but I understood after knowing that He had seen her before and was drawn to her. Nitya was very naive but coming from that time period, it was understandable.
Overall, its a quick read! Its interesting and held my attention throughout. Yet, it made me want more. I wanted to know what happened to Ramas and Nitya. What happened to her friend? There were questions that might be answered in the other books of this series. I recommend you read this story and see if we agree.
Happy Reading!
Ramas and Nitya’s story is short and sweet. He has seen her before and was interested her. I’m not a fan of quick love affair but I understood after knowing that He had seen her before and was drawn to her. Nitya was very naive but coming from that time period, it was understandable.
Overall, its a quick read! Its interesting and held my attention throughout. Yet, it made me want more. I wanted to know what happened to Ramas and Nitya. What happened to her friend? There were questions that might be answered in the other books of this series. I recommend you read this story and see if we agree.
Happy Reading!
May 25, 2021
I found myself pleasantly surprised by this novella prequel--though I did not realize that's what it is until reading. Zendar sounds like an interesting world, and to be honest I am impressed by how much context, world (and character) building was put into the short number of pages.
One thing that I did not like as much was how instantaneously Nitya fell in love. Though crushes, and first impressions and interactions with a love interest can leave one lustful and lead them into love, it all just felt like too much too fast. I would have liked more description and I think more development between Nitya and her love interest.
All that said, I am confident in giving Zendar: A Tale of Sand prequel a solid 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4) for how quickly I found myself interested in the story itself. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.
One thing that I did not like as much was how instantaneously Nitya fell in love. Though crushes, and first impressions and interactions with a love interest can leave one lustful and lead them into love, it all just felt like too much too fast. I would have liked more description and I think more development between Nitya and her love interest.
All that said, I am confident in giving Zendar: A Tale of Sand prequel a solid 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4) for how quickly I found myself interested in the story itself. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2021
*I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
This was a quick, but captivating read. The world felt so realistic - as though a movie was playing out around me. Nitya, the main character, was a merchant's daughter who got an opportunity to go work a temporary position at the palace. This particular installment may only have been about thirty-five pages, but by the time I was finished, I felt as though I'd read an entire novel. I look forward to reading more from this series in the near future.
This was a quick, but captivating read. The world felt so realistic - as though a movie was playing out around me. Nitya, the main character, was a merchant's daughter who got an opportunity to go work a temporary position at the palace. This particular installment may only have been about thirty-five pages, but by the time I was finished, I felt as though I'd read an entire novel. I look forward to reading more from this series in the near future.
February 16, 2021
Wow! I picked this up thinking not much of it but now I’m curious to reading the series!
With a poignant first chapter K.T. Munson manages to grasp your attention and in just a few pages I was hooked!
We get to know about her family, her best friend, her eagerness to work for the palace.. And more follow that will make you not want to put it down.
Can’t wait to read how the romance unfolds, why the assassination took place and the overall further world building.
Thank you Netgalley for this prequel in exchange for an honest review.
With a poignant first chapter K.T. Munson manages to grasp your attention and in just a few pages I was hooked!
We get to know about her family, her best friend, her eagerness to work for the palace.. And more follow that will make you not want to put it down.
Can’t wait to read how the romance unfolds, why the assassination took place and the overall further world building.
Thank you Netgalley for this prequel in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2021
What I most liked in this book is the atmosphere. One cannot tell where or when the story takes place. It gives the impression to unfold in another dimension. There are moments you feel it's a very long time ago, but then something is mentioned that makes you change your mind. You cannot tell within which culture this takes place either. It's cleverly told in a way to give you no hint about it. I believe the love story is too simple for this tale, but I stick to the book's chief assets, mystery and atmosphere. I admit it made me wonder what happens next, mainly because I hoped to find some answers to the above questions which really intrigued me.
February 16, 2021
Zendar: A Tale of Sand is a sweet romance of puppy love. Also there’s a hint of sex. This tale is simply told. There is nothing to distract the reader from the main thrust of the plot. Once started, it is almost impossible to stop until the story reaches its end.
It will appeal to young women who are moved by amorous and intriguingly romantic stories and who like to read something quick with short chapters so they can always find a good place to put it down.
It will appeal to young women who are moved by amorous and intriguingly romantic stories and who like to read something quick with short chapters so they can always find a good place to put it down.
February 22, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Publishers for the free ARC.
Disclaimer: I haven't read previous Zendar collection.
This book was cute and at first, I thought the world building was going to be fantastic. Though it lost importance midway through. I partly wish this prequel wasn't a novella so we'll get more of the relationship between the servant and the guard and more of the world as a whole. It's a bit too insta-lovey for my taste (I hate the insta-love trope).
Disclaimer: I haven't read previous Zendar collection.
This book was cute and at first, I thought the world building was going to be fantastic. Though it lost importance midway through. I partly wish this prequel wasn't a novella so we'll get more of the relationship between the servant and the guard and more of the world as a whole. It's a bit too insta-lovey for my taste (I hate the insta-love trope).
March 20, 2021
I have never read the Zendar: A Tale of Blood and Sand but I don’t think you need to to read this little prequel!
I don’t want to talk too much about the plot because it’s only 35 pages long. But, it’s such a sweet little story. There’s a little bit of mystery, adventure, romance, and a tiny bit of spice!
I can’t wait to go buy the original Zendar tale and any future tales of Zendar!
Thank you NetGalley and Books Go Social for allowing me to read this cute little tale!
I don’t want to talk too much about the plot because it’s only 35 pages long. But, it’s such a sweet little story. There’s a little bit of mystery, adventure, romance, and a tiny bit of spice!
I can’t wait to go buy the original Zendar tale and any future tales of Zendar!
Thank you NetGalley and Books Go Social for allowing me to read this cute little tale!
December 17, 2020
For a short story, the author does a great job of developing the main characters. She paints a picture of young, naive and innocent Nitya, who thought working in the palace kitchen was an exciting adventure. What could be more exciting that a sweet romantic interest in a young handsome Sergeant? Who knew that treachery was afoot?
February 19, 2021
Beautifully written short story about falling in love and interesting description of world where ruler is called Liege not king or emperor and using flying ships to move around his country... Mix of fantasy, tale and ... steampunk. I like the idea and want read more about Zendar.
January 31, 2021
wasnt a bad book but not really something id read again
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