The Scorched Sands: A Fantasy Harem Novel

The Ruined Lands #2

by Julian Reaux

Jesse and his companions journey into the Scorched Sands, a harsh and beautiful desert shaped by fire, pride, and forgotten magic.

They arrive as explorers, drawn by the thrill of discovery and the lure of ancient ruins scattered across the red dunes. In the bustling outpost of Red Mesa, they encounter Zahira Kuzal—a fierce warrior whose strength and loyalty soon earn her a place at Jesse’s side.

With the seasoned seeker now among them, the group begins to uncover whispers of a city lost to time—one some would kill to find, and others to keep buried. Rival seekers, tribal alliances, and ancient wards stand between them and the truth.

But as they delve into the long-lost remnants of the Falathian empire, questions begin to surface. The civilization that once shaped this world may not have been as noble as history claims.

What truths lie buried beneath the sands? And what price was paid to save the world from collapse?

The Scorched Sands is the thrilling sequel to The Eldentree Realm, and Book Two of The Ruined Lands.

Genres: Fantasy

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2025

About the author

Julian Reaux is the author of The Ruined Lands Saga, a fantasy harem series that blends adventure, romance, and exploration across magical realms. His writing features strong heroines, non-human romance, and grounded protagonists navigating danger, desire, and the unknown.

When he's not building strange new worlds, Julian enjoys researching myth and folklore, walking his dogs through the quiet woods, and overthinking what weapon his characters would actually carry. He believes magic should be mysterious, monsters should be beautiful (or terrifying), and that sometimes the best way to survive a new world… is to fall in love with it.

You can find him on Instagram at @julianreaux, or support his writing on Patreon at patreon.com/julianreaux.

Reviews

[Douglas Rogers]

Looking forward to book three

Enjoyed books one and two. I liked the girl’s character portrayals and their snarky attitudes.It was also a nice change of pace to read books without the spelling and/or grammar errors that is common among the fantasy harem novels.

If I was being picky, In my opinion I thought that the girls should have had more difficulties with getting use to the more modern technologies of earth.

[Noeffort]

Slice of life + Adventure + Romance done right

I’ve really enjoyed this series so far. It feels very low stakes but very cozy. The romance is fun. If a bit light. There are more sex scenes than there are action scenes. Which I’m not complaining about, just mentioning.

Overall would recommend.

[Ben Martin]

Exciting continuation.

This book added to the mystery of the world in new and exciting ways. Our new companion is amazing and fits in with the group well. I look forward to the next book.

[Smokey Bell]

Other worlds lovely!

As good as a 1st and I'm waiting for the next please hurry thank you! I hope there will be several more

[Robert Cox]

Excellent Story

It has been a long time since I read a story as well written as book 1 and book 2. The characters are well developed and realistic. The storyline is interesting and easy to read. I found it difficult to put the book down, but didn't want to finish too quickly. I hope book 3 is coming along well and will be out soon. Please don't make me wait too long Mr. Reaux.

[Tracy S McCoy]

An awesome series!!

Plenty of humor,adventure and slice of life to satisfy everyone who reads this series!!! The author does an amazing job of staying true to the world they are building!!

[Nick Massey]

Really fun journey

I have really enjoyed these stories, they aren't flashy or onerous, just a good fun story. Great easy read. More please.

[Dan]

I really enjoyed the first book and while I enjoyed this second book too I felt it wasn't quite as good as the first one. The story was good but I felt there wasn't quite enough story. I felt at about 50% or 60% into the book it was one intimate scene after the other and while this is indeed a "harem" series I feel when the focus is more or too much on intimate scenes and not enough focus on the story it detracts from the book overall.

Intimate scenes done almost back to back just get tiresome when into the story and that how I felt with the latter half of the book...my thought was like oh damn again.....

Starting to feel like the author has a story that could maybe fit only a couple book and has broken up the story elements to make many book by drip feeding the over all story and filling the book up with filler intimate scenes.

Honestly this felt more like 2.5 stars.

[Fredrik]

the story continues for the 4 adventurers and even if I understand that there cannot be all the details I expect or want in the looting or the income or the buildings, it is still interesting and a good way of entertainment. there was a passage in the book though that I did not understand, it was when they where taking 2 cars to the city and Jesse was riding with Alex and Zahara in between the men... th3n who was driving? probably a misunderstanding or mistake - the first one if so. but I will still rate it 5 stars. Just enough violence and not the elaborate kind that makes you feel violated afterwards.

[Carolyn]

sappy

Good idea but the execution not so good. Endless rambling about how the food smells,tastes,looks ,etc and the “I’ll do anything for my mates “ gets to the point of jarring me out of the story. Spicy stuff is well written and there’s no shortage of it.in conclusion there’s a lot of fluff and not enough substance

[Papa Phil]

This is a great series so far.

I love the way the author handles the PTSD issues in the main character. The slow build on the relationships with the MCs “wives” was also nice. Can’t wait for more.

[David P Loudermilk]

what a wonderful book! Jesse writes great stories

definitely a good series so far Jesse. thank you for your stories, the character development as well as the overall plot is awesome. can't wait for the next book!

[Ben]

less of a harem and more of a polycue with 1 man

[Patrick]

Entertaining and well written but too much focus on shopping, cooking-and eating- to the detriment of story progression.

[Naghool]

I truly enjoyed the story telling. I was immediately drawn into the new world and how things were different from the first book. very excited for book 3

[PHILIP HIMMELRIGHT]

Scorched sands

This series is a fun ride. The characters personalities are enjoyable. The story has action, comedy and fell good moments. Will read more of the series.