SOLVED. YA Science Fiction. Repeated references to villainous tzars marching at a slow yet unyielding pace through a sandy landscape towards the protagonists. [s]

[Dylan]

Found this on a school bookshelf as a teenager in 2005-2007. I believe it was published in the early to mid 00s.

The protagonists have to keep moving. As well as the tzars, they have to avoid mind-altering mechanical flies. At one point one such fly alters the mind of a female character via a tiny scratch on her neck. She does not immediately realise the significance of this scratch.

I remember the book being relatively slim, possibly around 300 pages and to my knowledge it was not part of a series.

At another point, the book mentions a magical male character who the protagonist needs assistance from in order to complete a mission. The magical character is free to join the protagonist but feels compelled not to. In his living quarters is a bowl of sweets and he says that although he is willing to help on the mission, he must instead stay in his room so his (as it were) captors can replenish the bowl daily.

This has been on my mind for the best part of 15 years so your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

[Julia]

The Wind on Fire trilogy by William Nicholson, maybe?

[Dylan]

That's the one thank you so much

[Julia]

You're welcome!

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Dylan.

The Wind Singer (book 1) of The Wind on Fire Trilogy by William Nicholson - Julia's find.