Sifting Sands

by Angie Caedis

All Ren wants is to see another sunrise, but when you grow up with people cursing your very existence, that’s easier said than done. As someone touched by the gods, she keeps far from the cities and the dangers they pose, preferring to keep to the endless and isolating sands of the Jahaer Desert. She’s managed to keep the marks that identify her as a daemon out of sight for this long, but when her camp is raided, and her allies have fled, there’s nowhere left to hide.

Captured and taken to the heartless city of Denheir, Ren has only one goal—survival. She’s never embraced her gift of sight, but now she might not have a choice. Face to face with the most notorious man on the Continent and his desire for the power coursing through her veins, Ren must submit to the fate the gods have dealt her or fight. Good thing she’s never been one to yield.

With new threats at her back and old ones plaguing her dreams, Ren is thrust into a journey of self, survival, and new alliances as she tries to escape a life she never asked for. The future is murky, and though she’s spent her whole life running from her gift, she just might realize that true power is as inevitable as the gods themselves.

Genres: Fantasy

470 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Hi, I'm Angie—

Above all things, I am a mood writer. I love jumping from genre to genre, trying out different tenses and POVs, and pushing my writing outside of my comfort zone.

After self-publishing my debut novel SLICE in 2023 (a horror/thriller), I knew I wanted to write full-time. So, I opened up my laptop and got to work. The only problem? I was stuck between two ideas: a new horror novel, and the fantasy novel I couldn't get out of my head. So, I figured—why not write both?

Thus, my life as a mood writer was born.

My goal for writing is the same reason that I read: to feel. Whether you’re internally screaming at a character’s stupidity, gasping at a plot twist, or blushing at steamy banter, I want it all. Fall into a story and let it consume you. Rediscover parts of yourself through characters. Stay up all night to escape the world for a bit. If I can achieve that (and maybe sell a few books along the way), I’ll have lived a good life.

When I'm not writing until dawn, I enjoy watching horror movies, solo traveling, wandering around art museums, hiking, and shopping at local bookstores.

Reviews

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This of the kind of non-romantic adult fantasy I’ve been looking for, for years. From the second I read “Somewhere in the Jahaer Desert, one hundred years after the Rebellion ravaged the Continent... “ I was HOOKED.

The writing style is strong, direct, & action packed while still managing to be floral when needed. The characters all have such distinct personalities & the banter is SO GOOD.

I don’t want to leave any spoilers but if you love the following things, you’re going to be OBSESSED with this book:

-A tough FMC who knows how to fight & doesn’t rely on anyone (but wishes she could)
-a slow burn reveal of a mysterious past & lover
-enemies to found family
-an arch nemesis hunting the FMC across the desert
-a unique god and magic system
-and overall, just a lot of secrets and lies coming to the surface.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves fantasy and suspense!

[Mattie B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
WOW! I flew through this book. I was so hooked, I was white knuckling the book, so eager to unravel the mysteries in this adventure. We have Ren, a ferocious fmc just trying to survive in the desert and escape the treacherous hands of Rohan, a powerful man who wants to use her and her gifts to his advantage. She stumbles upon a band of bounty hunters who quickly become the found family she didn’t know she needed.
Filled with intense fight scenes, betrayal and lies, a sweltering desert setting, HILARIOUS BANTER, and maybe a bit of a blooming romance, THIS IS THE FANTASY BOOK YOU NEED! I am so eager to see where book #2 takes us, as this ended on quite the cliffhanger. The writing is so direct and accessible, it was so easy to fly through the 400+ pages this contained. If you’re a fantasy reader, I highly recommend this.

[Juj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was probably the fastest read I've had in the last year. The only reason why I have it as 4 stars instead of 5 is because I am not the biggest fan of first person POV, but it worked really well for this book. The magic system, history, and relationships in this book were all amazing! I can't wait for the next one!

[Dianna Merideth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started Sifting Sands back in December… and had to keep putting it down, not because it’s slow. It’s full of action and top tier banter, but because Libby decided to drop ten holds on me at once (why does that always happen? 😅).

But every time I came back to it, I was immediately pulled right back in. This was one of those books where I would’ve intentionally paced myself with or without the help of Libby. I knew if I devoured it too fast, it would be over way too soon.

The magic system is exactly what I love in fantasy.
Daemons are people touched by the old gods. Is it a curse or a blessing? The more you hone your gift, the more marks appear on your body, identifying you as a Daemon for everyone to see.

And once those marks appear? Your life changes instantly.

Ren knows that better than anyone. When her first marks appeared, her own mother wanted nothing to do with her. Daemons sit at the bottom of the social hierarchy, constantly looking over their shoulders and fighting for their lives. They can’t trust their own and they definitely can’t trust others. The powerful don’t just fear them, they hunt them, hoping to control their power.

Ren is a seer with the gift of sight, but she’s spent her life hiding her marks and neglecting her gift.
And then… in walks Silas.
Covered in markings. Proud of them. All of them. Alll overr his body.

I’ve read enough fantasy to know that when the gods touch you, you can’t outrun what’s been written for you.

And that ending?

I don’t think you’re ready for that cliffhanger, love.
Please pick up this book so we can talk about it.

The second book, Into Darkness is already out and I’m really hoping Ren accepts her gift and kicks even more ass.

[Jessica Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often struggle to get into fantasy books, but Sifting Sands cracked the code for me. It’s giving Dune, Star Wars, The Witcher — a gritty, immersive, character-driven fantasy that completely pulled me in. The world-building? Phenomenal. The writing? So vivid I literally felt like I was launched into the Jahaer Desert. This is one of those books where you find yourself thinking, "What show was I watching earlier?" and then remember — it wasn’t a show… it was a book and it was just that good.

Ren is a badass and I love her. There were characters I adored, characters that intrigued me, characters that frustrated the hell out of me, and some that were terrifying but also kinda hot?? (Do I need therapy? Maybe.) There’s also some great comedic relief, making the characters feel dynamic and well-rounded.

As for spice: there is a simmering build-up that keeps you guessing. Who is catching feelings, will somethings actually happen…I won’t spoil anything but let’s just say things might heat up towards the end and its intense, hot, and unforgettable!

The book ends on a cliffhanger that had me gasping, kicking, and screaming. I need the next one immediately. Needed it yesterday.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sifting Sands is SO GOOD!!! This book had me hooked from start to finish. I love a fun fantasy read and Sifting Sands has so many great elements—a badass FMC, a unique magic system, witty banter, found family, potential love interest(s)?!, action-packed fight scenes, and mysterious flashbacks to her past all set in a really cool desert setting.

I’m impressed by the world building, the magic system, and the lore. All the daemons have tattoos? Hot. The cast of characters all have unique qualities and personality traits that made them memorable—some I really love, some I feel hesitant about, and some I want to punch in the face lol.

Omg… The end of this book was a roller coaster I did not want to get off! I am DYING to read the next one ASAP! 12/10 recommend!!!

[Emily Robben · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of really solid aspects of this book. The writing is decent. The characters felt complex, the world seemed interesting. But it was missing a lot of the in between stuff.

There were so many characters introduced so quickly that I lost track of who was who. The chapters didn’t connect or flow very well and I found myself confused at the beginning of each chapter.

I think the biggest issue and easiest fix would be to have the characters sit still for a second. The entire book they’re running from something and constantly on the move. There would be a bad guy with a knife, they’d escape into the desert, set up camp, repeat. Very repetitive and felt like everything was moving in a circle.

[Carlle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Pagebound and Angie Caedis (won the giveaway for this book)! If it weren't for them, I would’ve completely missed out on this book—and considering it’s now a new favorite, that would have been a tragedy. Just... WOW.

Even though I’ve read quite a few books since finishing this one, I’m still thinking about it every day. I think I have a permanent 'book hangover,' if you will. I wasn't sure what to expect since this was my first time reading this kind of story, but I was blown away. I’ve never experienced world-building or character tension quite like this before. The magic, the stakes, and the chemistry were all top-tier. Ren is such a powerhouse, and I loved every second of her journey.

I highly recommend it!

[Karisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sifting Sands is an absolute masterpiece! From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down! This is a story filled with tons of action, witty banter, shocking twists, and even some betrayal, all leading up to an ending that left me desperate for Book #2!

Ren, our fearless and feisty FMC, was a standout. I loved seeing her navigate the challenges thrown her way, especially as the story added a layer of learning to trust others and facing how every choice carries consequences.

Every scene played out in my mind like an epic movie. The world-building was so vivid I could almost feel the heat of the desert sun and hear the clash of the weapons!

THIS IS A MUST READ!

[Payton R · Rating 4 out of 5]

S.S is an adventurous, action packed, fantasy book. Our bad*ss FMC, Ren, is trying to survive the harsh desert while also running away from someone who wants to steal her gifts that obviously for his benefit which is never good, lol the villain. While she’s narrowly escaping she runs into a band of bounty hunters she befriends along the way which might turn into her family, but what happens when she gets caught? Will she survive or be left on the biggest cliffhanger until book two lol⚱️

Angie I need please finish book two!

[Christina Vieira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very vivid and beautiful writing, especially for her second published book!

The main character had me rolling my eyes a little bit, she almost had too much bark for her bite except for the very start of her book. Lots of being bested and losing her daggers, while her temper continued to raise quickly. The strong, independent, don’t need anyone trope. Also, the tried and true only one bed at the inn is always a fav.

I’m excited for the next book, the world building was so visually satisfying that you can easily picture it

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great so far. I'm only up to Chapter 5 but based on the writing style, I am definitely interested to continue. I don't do much reading, mostly listening, but in those rare downtimes to take my mind away, this has been a very good distraction.

[bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

An well-written book full of twists and turns, along with a good plot and descriptive settings that really brought the book to life! An overall amazing story, you should definitely read this!

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THE STORY AND HOW THERE WERE A LOT OF TWIST AND TURNS IN THE BOOK. THERE WERE PARTS THAT KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT AND I JUST HAD TO KNOW HOW IT WOULD END.

[Meena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐