The Queen of Sands

by Mona Tebyanian

In a desert realm where ancient secrets stir beneath golden sands, The Queen of Sands unravels a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption.

Three centuries ago, a prince defied his kingdom to pursue a forbidden romance, igniting a chain of events that shattered alliances and left a legacy of sorrow. Now, Esther, a spirited young woman from a remote village, is haunted by vivid dreams of a desperate woman pleading for forgiveness. When the dreams lead her to uncover an ancient curse, Esther embarks on a perilous journey into the heart of the desert, determined to uncover the truth and confront her destiny.

As Esther navigates treacherous landscapes, unravels forgotten prophecies, and faces the pain of long-buried sins, she must find the strength to forgive and the courage to reshape a fractured kingdom. Rich with world-building, unforgettable characters, and themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience, The Queen of Sands offers a gripping dual-timeline adventure that will captivate the imagination.

Step into the sands, where every secret has its price-and every choice shapes the future.

Genres: Fantasy, Dual Timeline

262 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[V · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fractured kingdom, a forbidden love, an ancient curse, a strong female lead, dual timelines, and a whole desert dripping with secrets? Yes, please. The vibes were immaculate going in. Unfortunately, what should’ve been a sweeping tale of fate and redemption ended up feeling like a first draft with a Pinterest board problem.

The worldbuilding really tries to be lush and cinematic, but it keeps tripping over clunky exposition and dialogue that feels like everyone’s reading their emotions off cue cards (think: “I am sad and therefore I must cry”). And don’t get me started on the POV gymnastics: we go from third to first person mid-paragraph like it’s a trust fall we never agreed to.

Esther’s journey wants to feel epic and emotional, but I just couldn't buy into the stakes. The pacing lurches, the prose lacks polish, and by the halfway point, I felt more told-at than immersed. Characters proclaim eternal love after, like, one and a half conversations, and there’s a lot of weeping, fate-whispering, and standing dramatically in sandstorms.

I wanted to love this. Truly. I respect the ambition and emotional depth this was aiming for: love, grief, forgiveness, generational healing, legacy. But it needed sharper editing to land any of it.

DNF’d emotionally around 30%, finished physically out of curiosity. Would check out the author's future book only if it’s been through the editorial trenches.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC copy!

[Delibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

The concept of The Queen of Sands really caught my attention. A young woman trying to understand her strange dreams—only to discover new ones once she leaves home—that’s the kind of mystery I love. But honestly? Around 70% of the book felt like just dreams and flashbacks to the past. Sure, they’re important for the plot, but it was a lot, and it left me feeling like I barely knew the main character at all.

What didn’t work for me was how everyone in this book seemed a little… naive. It wasn’t just the “evil queen” being foolish—it was basically everyone else too. Falling in love at first sight, unable to let go, making questionable choices… I just couldn’t stand Jasper at all. And if I read one more time about how beautiful the evil queen was, I might have rolled my eyes into another dimension. I get it—she’s gorgeous.

And then there’s the ending. Just when things were finally getting interesting, it stopped. Instead of answers, I was left with even more questions. For example: why does she have to live again without her husband? That part made zero sense to me.

It’s still an intriguing story with rich worldbuilding and a good core idea, but I really hope the next book gives us more balance—and a lot more answers.

[Jess (bettertobebookish) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had all the right ingredients for me: a cursed desert kingdom, family secrets, lost love, and dual timelines. But reading it felt like trying to walk through a sandstorm blindfolded.

The writing was clunky, with dialogue that didn’t sound natural and heavy-handed exposition that made it hard to care about what was happening. I kept getting pulled out of the story, stumbling over awkward phrasing and abrupt POV shifts that left me confused about who was speaking or what was going on.

I can see the author’s passion for this story, and I wanted to love it. But it needed a lot more editing and tightening to match the promise of its premise.

I’d be open to trying this author again if the prose gets a sharper polish, but this one didn’t work for me.

I read ARC on Netgalley.

[Tamara · Rating 1 out of 5]

★☆☆☆☆ - Needs more work

-Fantasy
-First in series
-DNF at chapter 2 (5%)

Thank you to Mona Tebyanian and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Sadly I decided to stop reading at the end of chapter 2 (5%). I found this difficult to read and did not enjoy it.

In summary I feel this needs a lot more editing and work. It comes across as a very early draft.

The majority of the first 2 chapter are massive info dumps with not much else. The dialogue that is included does not feel natural, its very formal and a bit clunky.

There were some punctuation errors, and randomly at 3% a paragraph switched to first person for a sentence.

There are some formatting issues and some pages are huge blocks of text with no breaks. I was reading on kindle but I'm sure this will be corrected.

There was no flow and it didn't feel like I was reading a story, more like someone's notes about an event.

The first 2 chapters seem really fast paced, but there was no real description. I felt a lot happened but I hadn't learned a lot.

[Jennifer Loschiavo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This got a bit muddled with the dual times and multi pov. Lots of flashbacks. The magic system was lackluster. For someone who is deep into this genre they are going to nit pick this book. For a newer person it might be confusing but the characters are engaging enough to keep you interested.

[Himanshu · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥀Stories can transport you, or they can enchant you to the point that you can nearly taste the sand in the air and sense the whispers of fate reverberating through time. Mona Tebyanian's "The Queen of Sands" falls within the latter category. With its centuries-spanning plot and layers of love, treachery, and redemption, this book transports you to a place where myths come to life and the past isn't content to remain in the past. Esther, a young woman born into a desert community that worships the goddess of sand, is introduced to us in the opening chapter.

🥀Her life is characterized by an insatiable restlessness a need for something outside of the dunes and the tales told by terrified generations. Esther's world starts to conflate myth and reality as she starts having weird nightmares, such as visions of a luminous woman begging, "Set me free". Her choice to pursue those goals sets her on a dangerous and life-altering path that alters her perception of forgiveness and fate. Tebyanian tells incredibly engrossing stories. Lyrical yet forceful, delicate yet bold, her prose glistens like mirages.

🥀The roaring winds, the holy rites, and the feeling of something ancient & heavenly lurking beneath the dunes all give the desert a sense of life. As Esther's story progresses, you can practically sense the murmur of unspoken prayers in the background. The Queen of Sands is genuinely captivating because of its dual timeline, a daring narrative decision that connects Esther's quest in the present with a story from centuries ago. We are dragged into the lives of Aphra and Jasper, two souls who live in a time of kingdoms, knights, and prophecies and are united by friendship and unattainable love.

🥀The love, sacrifice, and tragedy that permeate their journey beautifully reflect Esther's own quest for the truth. When the parts eventually begin to fit together, the connection between different timelines is revealed gradually in ways that leave you in awe. It is a reflection on love, fate, and the cost of redemption and goes beyond a simple story about kingdoms and curses. The author examines what it's like to be plagued by the past and to have the guts to leave it behind through her characters.

🥀Esther's transformation from a melancholy idealist to a strong, determined woman is as captivating as the stories that surround her. The delicate moments in this book, such as the relationship between a daughter and her mother, the pain of unfulfilled love, and the reverberation of regret across lives, are just as beautiful as its expansive breadth. Beneath its mythic layers, the author gives the story a profoundly human heart by skillfully crafting each emotion. If you enjoy epic stories with intricate world building, profound emotional depth, & a hint of magical awe then this book is for you. It's one of those seldom tales that makes you remember why you initially became a reader. An enthralling debut that effortlessly blends passion and myth. Get ready to be carried away.

[Paige Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Sands by Mona Tebyanian is a captivating fantasy novel that skillfully blends ancient mysteries, dual timelines, and emotional storytelling into an immersive tale of destiny, forgiveness, and redemption.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its richly imagined desert setting. The landscape feels both beautiful and dangerous, creating an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the story’s sense of wonder and adventure. The ancient secrets buried beneath the sands add layers of intrigue that continually draw readers deeper into the narrative.

Esther is a compelling protagonist whose journey is driven by both curiosity and compassion. Her mysterious dreams create an immediate sense of intrigue, and her determination to uncover the truth behind the ancient curse provides the story with a strong emotional core. As she confronts long forgotten wrongs and difficult choices, her personal growth becomes one of the novel’s most rewarding aspects.

The dual timeline structure is particularly effective. By weaving together events from centuries apart, the novel gradually reveals how past actions continue to shape the present. This approach creates suspense while reinforcing the story’s themes of legacy, consequence, and the enduring impact of love and sacrifice.

Another standout element is the exploration of forgiveness. The novel examines how unresolved pain and betrayal can echo across generations, while also highlighting the transformative power of understanding, compassion, and redemption. These themes give the story emotional depth beyond its fantasy framework.

The world building is immersive and thoughtfully developed, with forgotten prophecies, ancient curses, political tensions, and personal relationships all contributing to a narrative that feels expansive yet emotionally grounded.

For readers who enjoy epic fantasy, dual timeline narratives, ancient mysteries, richly developed worlds, and stories centered on destiny and redemption, The Queen of Sands offers a rewarding and memorable reading experience.

[Dumbattitude · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5

Thank you Koëhler Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

The Queen of Sands has a really interesting set up, a cursed kingdom in the desert with one young woman who always had the same dream all her life deciding to leave her home and go on a journey mixing past and present while trying to discover the meaning of her dreams.

The story is interesting and original, the set up not seen often and there are some very good ideas in it. I particularly liked how past and present are mixed together without the reader really knowing what exactly is the link between the two until the end.

Unfortunately, the writing was not on par with the ideas. The descriptions were very "matter of fact", at times it felt like reading a list of actions done by the characters, None of the description went deep into the characters emotions, or if they did, it was done pretty fast, making it hard to get attached to the different characters or to really understand why one character would feel that way towards another.

The dialogues were not very natural, each character exposing plainly all of their emotions and each sentences finishing by "he said", "she said", etc.

Another thing was that there was a lot of thing happening for a book that is less than 300 pages. I feel like because of how many things were happening, the pace of the book had to be fast which made it even harder to truly get attached to the characters. I feel like with everything happening, a longer book or maybe a duology would be more fitted for this story.

All in all, I think this book has some very good idea, the story is interesting and we can feel the author passion behind it but I feel like this book could maybe use a bit more work before being published. It has a good potential and could truly be a really good book!

[Mansi Ramwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏜️✨ If you love stories full of ancient secrets, forbidden love, and epic journeys, The Queen of Sands by Mona Tebyanian is your next obsession!

Set in a mesmerizing desert world where golden sands hide dark curses and lost prophecies, this story follows Esther, a spirited young woman haunted by dreams of a desperate stranger begging for forgiveness. 😢💭

When those dreams pull her into uncovering an ancient curse, Esther embarks on a dangerous journey to face her destiny and rewrite a legacy of pain and betrayal.

With dual timelines, we uncover a tragic romance from centuries ago—a prince who risked everything for love and left behind a kingdom in turmoil. 💔🌹

Now Esther must navigate harsh landscapes, hidden truths, and personal doubts to find the strength to forgive and heal.

The world-building is breathtaking, the characters unforgettable, and the themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience hit hard and true.

If you’re into sweeping adventures, mystical curses, and stories where choices change everything, this book will transport you straight into the heart of the desert. 🌞🌾

A tale of secrets, courage, and redemption—perfect for getting lost in another world! 📖💫

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Queen of Sands and I can’t stop thinking about it. From page one, I was completely transported into a breathtaking desert world that felt so vivid I could almost feel the sand under my feet. The worldbuilding is rich but never overwhelming, and every detail adds to the sense of wonder.

The characters are unforgettable—especially the heroine, who is strong, flawed, and incredibly human. Her journey kept me hooked the entire way, and the side characters felt just as alive, each with their own depth and purpose. Nothing felt wasted; every relationship mattered.

What makes this book so special is how fresh it feels. It has all the magic, battles, and epic stakes that fantasy fans love, but with a unique cultural flavor and mythic depth that set it apart. The writing is beautiful yet easy to sink into, and I found myself rereading passages just to enjoy the way they were crafted.

If you love fantasy that sweeps you off your feet and keeps you up far too late, The Queen of Sands is a must-read. I’m already wishing there was more from this world—I didn’t want it to end.

[Arc review booklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5✨ It was a ok read 🥰 thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book

Three centuries ago, a prince defied his kingdom to pursue a forbidden romance, igniting a chain of events that shattered alliances and left a legacy of sorrow. Now, Esther, a spirited young woman from a remote village, is haunted by vivid dreams of a desperate woman pleading for forgiveness. When the dreams lead her to uncover an ancient curse, Esther embarks on a perilous journey into the heart of the desert, determined to uncover the truth and confront her destiny.

As Esther navigates treacherous landscapes, unravels forgotten prophecies, and faces the pain of long-buried sins, she must find the strength to forgive and the courage to reshape a fractured kingdom. Rich with world-building, unforgettable characters, and themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience, The Queen of Sands offers a gripping dual-timeline adventure that will captivate the imagination.

Step into the sands, where every secret has its price-and every choice shapes the future.

[Rachael Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this book 3.5* but rounding up as I really hate rounding down. The main reason is because it really wasn't the type of book I was looking for right now but I can completely understand why many who like romantasy will want to read this. The setting in a desert realm reminded me of Aladdin mixed a bit with The Mummy, but not in content, only in atmosphere.

Esther is a strong female lead and I thought she was well developed. Everything about this book from the ancient curse, to broken kingdom, and solid main character lead me to believe this would be a well developed story. I was just a bit disappointed in the delivery. I do think it could have gone through another round of editing to resolve some of the clunkiness. Esther's dreams are a big focus of the book as it seems they are supposed to pull the story along, but it felt as though more than half of the book was flashing back or dreaming.

I wanted to love it and there is so much potential, I am just not certain it was fully ready for release.

[Viking Jam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review: This narrative or rather dialogue is very strange. It is stilted to the point where every character explains their reasoning and emotions out loud in heated interchanges. Even repeating the obvious. Kind of like listening to six year olds argue. It does work in an odd way, as it enables the reader to skim the bs and focus on the grande story line. Even though you know what is happening at the get go, there are instances where the story line drifts enough to become interesting in a truncated way (abruptly ends).

Although I liked some of the characters, Aphra and Prince Boner were just too much to take. The crwying, twembling, fwaiting and proclaimed love for eternity wore really thin. I do not think I will be following this author unless there is a profound shift in fundamental characterization and the delivery therein.

I received this ARC for an honest review

2.8/5

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting to get pulled in so fast, but from the first few chapters I was hooked. The dual timelines are handled brilliantly, and it never feels confusing, but instead it adds so much depth to the story. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive; you can practically feel the desert heat, the shifting sands, and the tension in the air. The characters are layered and real, especially the heroine, who feels both strong and vulnerable in ways that make you root for her the whole time.

What I loved most is how the pacing keeps you turning pages; there’s action, intrigue, and emotional moments, but it all flows naturally. The writing is descriptive without dragging, so you get that cinematic feel without losing momentum. Honestly, this book has everything I look for in a fantasy novel.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Sands was a genuinely rewarding experience. The novel’s dual-timeline storytelling is handled beautifully, weaving together past and present in a way that keeps the mystery alive until the very end. I especially appreciated the vivid desert setting. The world feels immersive, textured, and different from typical fantasy landscapes.

Esther’s journey is the heart of the story. Her growth from an ordinary village girl into someone willing to confront destiny, history, and sacrifice makes the novel emotionally engaging as well as adventurous. Themes of love, forgiveness, and the lasting consequences of human choices give the story real depth.

This is a thoughtful, atmospheric fantasy with strong emotional stakes and memorable world-building. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.

[Lex · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the blurb, I really wanted to like this, but this one was rough for me to read. The book itself contained elements of a great fantasy story. I enjoyed the dual timeline, learning about the prophecy, and seeing how the intriguing dynamics were set up between Lamia, Larko, Aphra, and Jasper. However, the way it was written made it extremely difficult to connect with the characters. This story was told and not shown. It felt like I was reading an outline. Unfortunately, it fell flat on the execution for me. Thank you to NetGalley, as well as Köehler Books, for an advance copy of this book!

[Prim's Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️ (2.5 stars)

Thank you Koëhler Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This one didn’t really work for me the way I hoped. Esther’s timeline was really slow and I just couldn’t get invested in it at all, which made the start of the book drag. The writing style also wasn’t my favorite....Some sections were so dialogue heavy while others barely had any, and it felt like there was no real balance between them. On top of that, a lot of the inner monologues came across as awkward and unnatural.

That said, I did enjoy following Lamia, Larko, Jasper, and Aphra’s parts of the story. Their plotline was much more engaging, but even then the characters felt really flat. They had little to no character development, and I kept wishing they were more complex.

Still, the core story idea is interesting, and with some polishing, I think it could’ve been much stronger.

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[Brooke Casto · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book but I’m so sorry I could not get into the writing. The writing felt strung together and felt disconnected. Because of this I did DNF the book on chapter 2. The way things were being described and jumped around didn’t flow very well. I also noticed that when there is dialogue spoken between characters, there is a “said” after every line. It would go from “Esther said,” then to “Illashka said,” then over and over all in the span of one page. I don’t know if that’s just a me thing but it felt like it ruined the flow of the conversations.

[Helen O · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was interested in the description of The Queen of Sands, it sounded imaginative and creative. Unfortunately the writing style was disappointing. The ideas were there but the ability to craft them, to have a style that flowed, to world build, to draw the reader in were not. It read like a list: this happens, that happens, without any context. It came across as innocent rather than inept. An author at the very start of their writing career and in need of guidance. The author needs to find a way to develop their writing in a host of ways so would benefit from taking a creative writing course.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Queen of Sands. The story pulled me in right away with its mix of mystery, romance, and adventure. Esther’s journey felt emotional and inspiring, and I loved how her character grew as the story unfolded. The world-building was vivid without being overwhelming, and I could easily picture the deserts, villages, and kingdoms. What I liked most was how the book balanced action with deeper themes about love, forgiveness, and destiny. It’s the kind of story that stays with you after you close the book, and I’m really looking forward to the sequel.

[Ravina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Sands completely pulled me in. The dual timeline was honestly so cool—it felt like I was living in two worlds at once, and I loved how the stories slowly connected. Both timelines had their own vibe, but together they made the book feel so much bigger and more epic. The mix of mythology, adventure, and emotion kept me turning pages, and the characters felt real in a way that stuck with me after I finished. I read a lot of fantasy, and this one really stood out—it’s different, but in the best way.

[Makenna McNaughton · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has the makings of a great story, but it salt fell far from that. It really needs some major editing and some alpha/beta readers could also really help improve this book. Im not sure if there is a language barrier or what but it reads like a very rough first draft that needs a lot of work. I mentally checked out and lost interest after the first 4 or 5 chapters. I read the whole thing solely so I couldn't give feedback and not have to add this to my DNF graveyard list. I think it could be a great story if it just gets the help that it needs.

[Alyssa Snow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm unfortunately so torn on this novel. Bad writing, stilted dialogue, an overall interesting story but execution missed the mark entirely. No world or relationship building, and felt very rushed but also too long since we were getting random lore drops. High potential, would be interested in seeing how this author improves!

Thank you to NetGalley and Koelher Press for this Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Tracy Myburgh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fantasy
Betrayal
Tragic


Unfortunately this book was not for me.
The story has a little potential but the writing was a let-down.
There was not enough magic and I think I was expecting too much from the book by its title alone.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A huge thank you to Netgalley for this e-arc.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about this book. The characters are richly developed, and the world-building is beautifully immersive. If you enjoy stories inspired by ancient Middle Eastern settings, this one will captivate you. The prose feels unique and refreshing in the best way. A definite five-star read!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Sands completely pulled me in. The world feels so vivid and alive, and the characters actually made me feel things (which doesn’t always happen). I loved how strong and layered the story is without ever feeling heavy or confusing. The writing flows beautifully, the themes hit hard, and I kept thinking about it even after I finished. Definitely one of those books that stays with you.

[Holly Trost · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Sands is pure magic. It’s romantic, adventurous, and full of desert dreaminess. Even if a few details felt a little loose, the story pulled me in so much I didn’t want to leave that world.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Sands pulled me in right away with its vivid desert setting and strong heroine, Esther. The mix of ancient secrets, forbidden love, and adventure kept me hooked until the end. Mona Tebyanian’s writing is rich and immersive—I didn’t want to put it down!

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Sands surprised me in the best way. I was quickly drawn into its vivid world and emotional depth, and the way the past and present intertwine feels very intentional and powerful. The characters feel real, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you fully engaged from start to finish.

[Katrina Mackrides · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen of Sands is a captivating read. I found myself completely immersed in her desert world because of her vivid descriptions and could not put down this gripping tale of love, betrayal, loyalty, and courage. Bravo