Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands #1) by Alwyn Hamilton -- Restarting May 7th 2024

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

"She’s more gunpowder than girl—and the fate of the desert lies in her hands.

Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there's nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can't wait to escape from.

Destined to wind up "wed or dead," Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she'd gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan's army, with a fugitive who's wanted for treason. And she'd never have predicted she'd fall in love with him...or that he'd help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is."

Feel free to join starting April 25th!

[Kirsty]

Up to chapter 6: (view spoiler)[ So far I am enjoying it. The story is a bit slow going at the moment as the world is being set up but I think that the pace will soon pick up. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

I'll start later on tonight.

[Kirsty]

Up to chapter 13: (view spoiler)[ It's been a bit slow to start with but I think that is because I am getting used to the world. I am interested in the story although I am hoping that the pace picks up soon. The world is very interesting and I like the main character. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Up to chapter 10: (view spoiler)[ I like the story so far. It was a bit slow in the beginning but I like the world building. It really let me get settled into the story and the setting. It's starting to pick up and I enjoy seeing what our brave yet reckless protagonist will do. I enjoyed the kiss scene at the train. Although it was a little cliche, I found it oddly refreshing that she was the one that initiated it. Often times, I see characters that are supposed to be tough "tomboys" but end up liquifying with their angsty feelings. I love that Amani just went for it. She didn't care about her feelings or being a girl. She knew they needed to hide and she didn't hesitate on finding their way out. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Kirsty wrote: "Up to chapter 13: [spoilers removed]"

Yep. I was having issues with that too. (view spoiler)[ For me, it's slow because it's taking a while for the plot to be completely established but things are becoming more settled and set on a path now. I'm excited to see where things are headed. (hide spoiler)]

[Kirsty]

Up to chapter 18: (view spoiler)[ The pace has really picked up and I am starting to enjoy it a lot more now. I was surprised when Jin's true identity was revealed although I don't know why I hadn't guessed. I am interesting to see where the story will go from here. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Finished!

Final thoughts: (view spoiler)[ I enjoyed it. I think it could have been better. There were parts where I got bored because I think the plot wasn't established that well. I almost thought that the author couldn't decide where she wanted to take the story.

I agree with you about the Jin. I thought he was the Rebel Prince. I didn't guess that he was another prince.

The setting was just weird for me. I like Western and Arabian settings but just not together.

I did like the adventures and bickering between Jin and Amani.

Overall, I still really liked the book. (hide spoiler)]

[Kirsty]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ I liked this book but it wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be. There were parts that were really slow, there was a lot of world building and I feel that this book was just setting up the world for the rest of the trilogy. I liked the characters and I am interested to see how the story will progress. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Kirsty wrote: "Finished: [spoilers removed]"

I agree. (view spoiler)[ It felt like half of the book was world building. Even some of their adventures were steered towards that. I do want to read the next few books but I guess we'll have to wait till next year. Hopefully it'll be better than the 1st. I feel like this series has a lot of potential, now that the setting is established (hide spoiler)]

[Kirsty]

Nicole wrote: "Kirsty wrote: "Finished: [spoilers removed]"

I agree. [spoilers removed]"

Yes, I definitely think that this has the potential to be a great series especially now we have been introduced to the world and the characters. It's such a shame we have to wait until next year for the next book. I wonder what it will be called, I hope the title will be revealed soon.

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting June 25th 2016. Happy Reading ☺

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[Abby]

Chapter 6: (view spoiler)[Wow, what an exit! Leave this place, Amani and Jin! (hide spoiler)]

[Abby]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[Amani, getting yourself into trouble again? *shakes head* (hide spoiler)]

[Abby]

Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[So Amani is a Demdji. Not sure what that means yet... (hide spoiler)]

[Abby]

Finished: (view spoiler)[Good ending. A new dawn! A new desert! (hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

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Reading from the 26th of January 2017

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[Victoria]

Up to chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ I really love worlds like this, where the laws are obviously complicated, but seem so natural. Like the shooting competition; it's ridiculous, but everyone accepts that that's the way things are (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Up to chapter 11 (view spoiler)[ Honestly, a train ride wasn't going to be that exciting, so I'm not too upset that she got caught. I love a big journey like this, and I'm pretty sure we'll get a little bit of romance between her and Jin! (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Up to chapter 16 (view spoiler)[ If Jin dies I'm gonna kill someone. I mean, I have faith that he won't, but at the same time... I'm not ready for that amount of pain, so I hope she works out a way to save him! Also, I'm pretty sure he's the Prince, actually concerned it's taken me this long to work that out (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Up to chapter 22 (view spoiler)[ I can just tell that I'm going to fall in love with every single person in the rebellion. I love a good rebellion, and this one seems amazing! I forgot that there were so many princes, so I guess I should have worked out that Jin wasn't THE prince, just A prince. Still, I was close! (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Finished! (view spoiler)[ To be honest, I did want a bit more out of that fight. Sure, I was upset about the death, and I think the way she found out her power was really good. I just wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat... Excited for book 2 though! (hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

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Reading from the 14th of May 2017

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[— Massiel]

Chapter 4

(view spoiler)[
(hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 9

(view spoiler)[Gurrll to be so smart-ass she can be really stupid. She is now a wanted person or at least I think so and in top of that a traitor since she helped the guy and two more two is that the guy is obviously the Prince or at least that is one of my theories since he didn't kill the commander I really think he is the Prince with the witch(?) sister, I'm still confused with all this terms because they don't explain them. So... why the hell will you go to the capital of the city? Where everything happens and notices. God.

Btw, THAT KISS was so FREAKING HOT.
So far I like everything is fast to read and to keep the track. (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 13

(view spoiler)[I don't think there's a plot here, I mean, yeah, they're going to Izman but if they got there then what? All they talk is about the past and this "Destructora de los Mundos" (in the spanish edition it is called that way) and all the monsters(?) I really want to see one it kinda remains me to Mistborn (I miss so much the first book, damn).

I still like this book because it is so fast to read and it has these feeling like you can't stop reading it but I don't see a plot I hope there's one. (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 20

(view spoiler)[So... I was wrong, after the chapter 15 I started to think that Jin wasn't really the Rebel Prince but it was connected to him somehow and I was right but then I didn't though he'll be his brother. I really wasn't expecting either that Amani is a demdji it surprise me I was thinking that her eyes were normal, that's all.

I can see the whole plot right now and I like this book but I feel there's going to be so much death and I love it! Also I'm relieved that they explained all the whole plot already and it start everything.

This book is so good way more than I thought.

To be honest I kinda piss me off this whole thing about the marriage stuff but it piss me off more that is so true because some Asian's country are living that way.

I hate the way Amani leaves everyone behind when she promises that she won't leave them. First was her friend, Tamid and I get it, she had to run and all that I forgive her that but what she do to Noorsham really makes me hate her a little, I was wishing she really rescue him and even thought that he is/was a demdji (I still don't know if he's really dead) (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Finished

(view spoiler)[Right now I'm like:




OMG THIS IS SO FREAKING AWESOME! I TOTALLY FREAKING LOVEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

I NEED TO READ THE SECOND BOOK ALREADYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

I really thought I will never find a book that's been released in 2016 that I would like but I was wrong and I'm so glad I was wrong.

My theories about Noorsham were right, he was a demdji but also Amani's brother I like the few moments they had together because they both threat them like real brothers always watching their backs and protecting themselves even when they didn't notice I hope to see more of those moments in the second book.

I don't know what to say about these romance between Amani and Jin I mean... it was insta-love but is kinda cute their romance and I really hope they develop more in the next book, also I love the way that Amani didn't change like every fucking YA book, she is still herself and hasn't change because of the revolution and all that.

I felt to bad when Bari died, damn, I like clumsy boys so much (in real life too, já) when he died at first I couldn't believe it but then I already thought that in these book will be so much death.

I'M GLAD THAT THE GENERAL DUMAS AND NAGUIB ARE DEAD. I HATE THEM SO MUCH but I feel that will come more worst characters.

I love so much the twins <3 It will break my heart IF one of them dies I really hope they don't die because I love them <3 So many strong womans in these book I love it <3

I want to read already the second book. Like for real. (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

I know I'm starting late but I'm starting this one sometime over the weekend

[Rebecca]

23% (view spoiler)[ This is going to be a very easy book to get sucked into. Firstly because Amani is pretty bloody badass already, entering shooting competitions to try and get out from under her uncle's house.

But going off with a traitor now that spells disaster, hey, we'll see how she gets on with it though (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Rebecca wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

I hope you like it!

[Rebecca]

42% (view spoiler)[ I am loving it!!!!

Amani is on the run with Jin. Amani is totally baddass. And they are actally a pretty cute couple.

But the cousin has really pissed me off (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

64% (view spoiler)[ I've said this before I but still love this book. If I had the time to read it tonight I would but I got work tomorrow so cannot do it (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Rebecca wrote: "64% [spoilers removed]"

Hahaha it was the same with me but with college

[Rebecca]

I finished the last 10 chapters in one sitting (view spoiler)[ And have honestly loved reading this book. Especially the ending when she found out where she finds out what her powers were. Although the fight scene wasn't everything it was hyped up to be. I will be writing my review tomorrow as I haven't got time tonight (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Rebecca wrote: "I finished the last 10 chapters in one sitting [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I liked the fight scene! A lot of people complain about it but I don't know what all expected to be (?) Her powers really blow my mind I didn't expected that! And then I saw the connection between the title and her. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting April 13th 2018. Happy Reading ☺

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[Ashley]

Little late to this one!
Chap 5
(view spoiler)[ I like this world so far. I can't believe her uncle tried to make her marry him! I like the foreigner, I want to see more of him (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chap 6
(view spoiler)[ WOW I cannot believe he just shot Tamid in the leg, he is such a sweet character, I am sad (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chap 21
(view spoiler)[ I wonder what her magical powers are going to be, if she ever figures out how to use them. I don't want her to be mad at Jin, I love him! (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

end
(view spoiler)[ I hope Norsham ends up being okay, I really liked him. I want him to join their fight. I was so mad when she didn't go back for him after she promised him, that was shady (hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

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Reading from the 9th of May 2018

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[Jennifer]

Ch 4 - (view spoiler)[ I'm loving the set up so far. She's got to get out of that town. The thought of her staying grosses me out. I'm really hoping she can escape with the foreigner b/c I'm already shipping the two of them!! (hide spoiler)]

Ch 6 - (view spoiler)[ Oh geez, I hope Tamid is ok. I can't believe that sleezeball Fazim! I hope he gets his just reward by the end of this book. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 14 - (view spoiler)[ Uh oh, I think leaving Noorsham behind and breaking her promise is a mistake. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 20 - (view spoiler)[ Well, now I'm wondering what her power will be! I'm a little upset for Jin for not telling her the truth and I don't blame her for questioning all that has happened between them.....but I'm still shipping them after that hot kiss a few chapters ago. Can we get to the making up soon? (hide spoiler)]

Finished - (view spoiler)[ Ok, as good a place to stop book one as any. I know we haven't seen the end of Noorsham, but hopefully, that bit at the end with Amani fighting WITH him against the soldiers will start to make her look more like the ally she wants to be. I was hoping for a little more intensity with the post-battle reunion with Jin than a peck and a hug, but oh well. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Starting tonight :)

[Alaina]

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[Started off a bit slow but I'm really liking Amani's character. I hate her family though. Especially the way her aunt and uncle treat her. I'm already shipping her with the foreigner!! (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 9: (view spoiler)[THAT KISS! Even though it wasn't a kiss kiss but more like hey I'm gonna attack your mouth so we don't get caught by soldiers.. I still loved it. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[WHAT THE EVER LOVING HELL DID I JUST READ?!?! Jin better not die or I'm gonna be livid. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 21: (view spoiler)[Was that sexual tension you were hinting at me right there in that wonderful fight?!? CAN YOU GUYS JUST BE A COUPLE AND MAKE OUT OR SOMETHING?!!? (hide spoiler)]
Finished: (view spoiler)[OMG THIS WAS SO GOOD! I need to dive into the second book ASAP! (hide spoiler)]

[Lane]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ I'm already feeling like Amina is going to be a total badass. And I kind of think the foreigner is the rogue prince....?! (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

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Date changed. Restarting September 11th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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[Dannii]

Just starting :)

[Maddie]

I haven't yet so you're fine

[Dannii]

First quarter - (view spoiler)[Amani did a great job in the gun tournament but a poor one of not attracting attention to herself. Following this, she returns home to her uncle's house and the reader gets to understand the hard life she leads there. With her Uncle's creepy advances and the poverty surrounding her, it is no wonder she longs to escape. (hide spoiler)]