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Sands of Atonement
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July 10, 2026
Noemi did it once again, I am so mad that I don’t have a complete series of this, because it left me wanting more! The tension was unmatched, the descriptions of everything were perfect. I felt like I was inside of the book watching everything come to life.
“My love for you will never fade, will never break. You are written in the sands below me and in the skies above me. I hear only your name in the winds. They sing into my bones and my heart…it drums the beat of your name”
Please hurry and write another book!! I’m obsessed!!
“My love for you will never fade, will never break. You are written in the sands below me and in the skies above me. I hear only your name in the winds. They sing into my bones and my heart…it drums the beat of your name”
Please hurry and write another book!! I’m obsessed!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Sands of Atonement by Noémi Russell
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5).
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“I was never going to admit it, but it felt nice not to have to be on edge to protect myself when I had an annoyingly possessive man to do it for me.” – Eshe
“That man looked at you like he wanted to ravage you and ruin you… and in my world, anyone who looks at you like that is enough to start a war.” – Ezra
~ First Impression ~
When I read a teaser about how she dressed up as a belly dancer to try and assassinate the boy she’s despised since childhood, I knew I had to read this. I was like um… hello?? (and that scene was peeerfection).
~ Overview ~
Sands of Atonement is a dual POV desert romantasy that YEARNS to be on your TBR (plenty of yearning included, I promise).
On the night her engagement was announced to one of the Princes of Tehara, Princess Eshe’s family is brutally murdered. As the sole survivor, she is forced into hiding. Eshe then spends the next eight years training her body and sharpening her skills for one purpose: revenge against those she believes slaughtered her family.
Ezra, the First Prince of Tehara, never expected the presumed-dead Princess of Zyriah to infiltrate his palace—least of all with the intent to kill him as revenge for the murder of her family. She's every bit as infuriating as he remembers, but so is the pull between them. Rather than order her execution, Ezra keeps her prisoner until he can decide what to do with her.
As old secrets begin to unravel, it leads Eshe to question everything she thought she knew about that fateful night all those years ago… and whether Ezra is truly her enemy.
~ Thoughts ~
First of all, thank YOU to Noémi for this eARC!
I truly LOVED Sands of Atonement. It is full of so many twists and turns that give you whiplash. And the undeniable chemistry between Eshe and Ezra—as hot as those desert sands, let me tell you. This is a spoiler free review so the only thing I will say is that the pages hold that delicious slow burn romance with fiery banter, tension, yearning, and an MMC who would literally start a war for her (reminder to read the quote up top AGAIN). He is also such a big softy for her because that bath scene had me in a chokehold.
The writing is phenomenal and it pulls you into this vibrant world of sands, palaces, an oasis, and a secret cave. And a high score for character development of Ezra, who was as misogynistic as it gets at the start of the novel. Eshe was my favorite of the two POVs—she is so fearless even though it had me SO stressed. At the same time, she really showcased her intelligence and confidence (we love a capable FMC!). I also really enjoyed the pacing of the romance: agonizingly slow with an ending that’s like a sweet, savory reward.
My only complaint was that some phrases used in the dialogue pulled me out of the story here and there. We also didn’t explore one of the many faces of Ezra as much as I would’ve loved. But this book was primarily Eshe’s journey to avenge her family so maybe we can get a novella on Ezra? (pretty please).
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an action-filled, fast paced romantasy that screams tension with a dash of political intrigue.
~ Themes and Tropes ~
◇ Enemies to lovers
◇ Touch her and die
◇ Slow burn romance
◇ Forced Proximity
◇ Family Rivalries
◇ Revenge Arc
◇ Fearless FMC
◇ Alpha male
◇ Dual POV
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5).
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“I was never going to admit it, but it felt nice not to have to be on edge to protect myself when I had an annoyingly possessive man to do it for me.” – Eshe
“That man looked at you like he wanted to ravage you and ruin you… and in my world, anyone who looks at you like that is enough to start a war.” – Ezra
~ First Impression ~
When I read a teaser about how she dressed up as a belly dancer to try and assassinate the boy she’s despised since childhood, I knew I had to read this. I was like um… hello?? (and that scene was peeerfection).
~ Overview ~
Sands of Atonement is a dual POV desert romantasy that YEARNS to be on your TBR (plenty of yearning included, I promise).
On the night her engagement was announced to one of the Princes of Tehara, Princess Eshe’s family is brutally murdered. As the sole survivor, she is forced into hiding. Eshe then spends the next eight years training her body and sharpening her skills for one purpose: revenge against those she believes slaughtered her family.
Ezra, the First Prince of Tehara, never expected the presumed-dead Princess of Zyriah to infiltrate his palace—least of all with the intent to kill him as revenge for the murder of her family. She's every bit as infuriating as he remembers, but so is the pull between them. Rather than order her execution, Ezra keeps her prisoner until he can decide what to do with her.
As old secrets begin to unravel, it leads Eshe to question everything she thought she knew about that fateful night all those years ago… and whether Ezra is truly her enemy.
~ Thoughts ~
First of all, thank YOU to Noémi for this eARC!
I truly LOVED Sands of Atonement. It is full of so many twists and turns that give you whiplash. And the undeniable chemistry between Eshe and Ezra—as hot as those desert sands, let me tell you. This is a spoiler free review so the only thing I will say is that the pages hold that delicious slow burn romance with fiery banter, tension, yearning, and an MMC who would literally start a war for her (reminder to read the quote up top AGAIN). He is also such a big softy for her because that bath scene had me in a chokehold.
The writing is phenomenal and it pulls you into this vibrant world of sands, palaces, an oasis, and a secret cave. And a high score for character development of Ezra, who was as misogynistic as it gets at the start of the novel. Eshe was my favorite of the two POVs—she is so fearless even though it had me SO stressed. At the same time, she really showcased her intelligence and confidence (we love a capable FMC!). I also really enjoyed the pacing of the romance: agonizingly slow with an ending that’s like a sweet, savory reward.
My only complaint was that some phrases used in the dialogue pulled me out of the story here and there. We also didn’t explore one of the many faces of Ezra as much as I would’ve loved. But this book was primarily Eshe’s journey to avenge her family so maybe we can get a novella on Ezra? (pretty please).
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an action-filled, fast paced romantasy that screams tension with a dash of political intrigue.
~ Themes and Tropes ~
◇ Enemies to lovers
◇ Touch her and die
◇ Slow burn romance
◇ Forced Proximity
◇ Family Rivalries
◇ Revenge Arc
◇ Fearless FMC
◇ Alpha male
◇ Dual POV
August 30, 2026
Ooooohh this was soooo juicy☺️
I devoured this book. The pacing was great and the story was structured nicely; highly addictive plot points!
CHARACTERS:
They feel real and you can see the character arcs, especially with the two MCs. The FMC, Eshe, is so cocky and annoying but in the BEST POSSIBLE WAY. She’s got that Aelin Galathynius type persona. She’s a badass, but overconfident, and I like that this trait comes to bite her in the ass later on, whether she realizes it or not. The side characters are cool, too, and love them or hate them, they play their part.
PLOT:
Addictive and twisted! There are moments where you can probably guess what’s going to happen, but then the author will throw a total curveball that will make you keep reading. There’s also something so fun about middle eastern-based desert fantasies. I haven’t read a whole lot of them, but this might be my awakening.
THE ROMANCE:
Ooooh, so fricken good. It’s been a while since I’ve read an ACTUAL enemies to lovers AND slow burn. My two favorite tropes, btw. Seeing them hating each other, physically and verbally abusing each other, and then slowly realizing they are obsessed with each other for different reasons made the butterflies in my belly flutter. Every little touch and kiss🥰 and the heat, the spiceeee🌶️ YUM! Also, it wasn’t confirmed in the book, but I really like the idea that the reason he’s obsessed with grabbing her throat is because he just constantly wants to keep checking her pulse [SPOILER: after almost losing her in the explosion]🥺
MY HARD CRITIQUES:
Even though I want to give leeway because this is self-published by an indie author, I can’t in good conscience give this five stars. Grading it as I would any other book, there were admittedly a few grammar and punctuation issues, as well as minor plot holes (i.e. she says he has a beard and then the next line says he’s in a mask that covers the whole lower half of his so how would she know that?? lol) and action lines that simply didn’t make sense. It also seemed like some physical character traits abruptly change, as though it couldn’t quite be decided what they looked like (I.e. beard or no beard, shaved head or long hair, etc.). There were also some moments where it felt like plot convenience, or at the very least like the scene wasn’t entirely thought through (I would provide specific examples but I don’t want to spoil). However, all of this can be overlooked by how addictive the story is.
OVERALL:
This was such a good book. It’s been so long since I’ve been so excited about a fantasy that all I want to do is sit down and read for hours. If you haven’t read it and you’re thinking about picking it up, just do it. If you’re into the romantasy genre I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, and you’ll be supporting an independent author!
I’m happy with the ending, but I also can’t wait for the next book!🐍🤍 Also, let’s appreciate that lovely cover!!
I devoured this book. The pacing was great and the story was structured nicely; highly addictive plot points!
CHARACTERS:
They feel real and you can see the character arcs, especially with the two MCs. The FMC, Eshe, is so cocky and annoying but in the BEST POSSIBLE WAY. She’s got that Aelin Galathynius type persona. She’s a badass, but overconfident, and I like that this trait comes to bite her in the ass later on, whether she realizes it or not. The side characters are cool, too, and love them or hate them, they play their part.
PLOT:
Addictive and twisted! There are moments where you can probably guess what’s going to happen, but then the author will throw a total curveball that will make you keep reading. There’s also something so fun about middle eastern-based desert fantasies. I haven’t read a whole lot of them, but this might be my awakening.
THE ROMANCE:
Ooooh, so fricken good. It’s been a while since I’ve read an ACTUAL enemies to lovers AND slow burn. My two favorite tropes, btw. Seeing them hating each other, physically and verbally abusing each other, and then slowly realizing they are obsessed with each other for different reasons made the butterflies in my belly flutter. Every little touch and kiss🥰 and the heat, the spiceeee🌶️ YUM! Also, it wasn’t confirmed in the book, but I really like the idea that the reason he’s obsessed with grabbing her throat is because he just constantly wants to keep checking her pulse [SPOILER: after almost losing her in the explosion]🥺
MY HARD CRITIQUES:
Even though I want to give leeway because this is self-published by an indie author, I can’t in good conscience give this five stars. Grading it as I would any other book, there were admittedly a few grammar and punctuation issues, as well as minor plot holes (i.e. she says he has a beard and then the next line says he’s in a mask that covers the whole lower half of his so how would she know that?? lol) and action lines that simply didn’t make sense. It also seemed like some physical character traits abruptly change, as though it couldn’t quite be decided what they looked like (I.e. beard or no beard, shaved head or long hair, etc.). There were also some moments where it felt like plot convenience, or at the very least like the scene wasn’t entirely thought through (I would provide specific examples but I don’t want to spoil). However, all of this can be overlooked by how addictive the story is.
OVERALL:
This was such a good book. It’s been so long since I’ve been so excited about a fantasy that all I want to do is sit down and read for hours. If you haven’t read it and you’re thinking about picking it up, just do it. If you’re into the romantasy genre I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, and you’ll be supporting an independent author!
I’m happy with the ending, but I also can’t wait for the next book!🐍🤍 Also, let’s appreciate that lovely cover!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
World-Building: 5/5
Story: 4/5
Spice: 2/5
I’m not much of a physical reader I’m definitely an audiobook girl but the fact that I finished this book in just three sittings says a lot, especially since I’m constantly on my feet.
This story hooks you from the beginning, and the yearning between the characters was easily 5/5 from both POVs. The emotional tension was one of the strongest parts of the book and kept me invested throughout.
One thing I did notice was the enemies-to-lovers trope. From Eshe’s POV, it absolutely felt like enemies to lovers because of everything she believed and felt toward Ezra. However, from Ezra’s POV, it didn’t really feel like they were enemies. Because of that, the trope felt a little one-sided to me rather than being equally present from both perspectives.
Eshe completely stole the show for me. She was a badass strong, independent, dominant, and a fighter. She absolutely carried her character, and I found myself looking forward to her chapters the most. Her dialogue and inner monologue stood out to me more than Ezra’s.
I liked Ezra too, but he wasn’t my ideal book boyfriend. Personally, I didn’t find him very feminist, which made it a little harder for me to connect with him. Even so, I still enjoyed his character, but Eshe was definitely my favorite.
One thing I have to mention is the tension between them, especially during some of the bathing scenes. Those moments were written incredibly well and had so much chemistry despite the lower spice level.
Considering this is the second book, I think the author did an exceptional job. The story kept me engaged, and I’m really excited for Norrah’s book. For some reason, I already have a feeling I’m going to love Gabriel and Norrah together.
I also genuinely didn’t expect the reveal connected to Eshe’s family’s death. That twist completely caught me off guard and was one of the biggest surprises in the book.
Eshe’s brother. I felt that his scenes could have been handled better because, at times, he came across as a bit too naive. I think there was an opportunity to make his character feel more capable and believable in those moments.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read. The world-building was fantastic, the yearning was top-tier, and despite a few things that didn’t fully work for me, I’m excited to continue the series and can’t wait to read Gabriel and Norrah’s story
World-Building: 5/5
Story: 4/5
Spice: 2/5
I’m not much of a physical reader I’m definitely an audiobook girl but the fact that I finished this book in just three sittings says a lot, especially since I’m constantly on my feet.
This story hooks you from the beginning, and the yearning between the characters was easily 5/5 from both POVs. The emotional tension was one of the strongest parts of the book and kept me invested throughout.
One thing I did notice was the enemies-to-lovers trope. From Eshe’s POV, it absolutely felt like enemies to lovers because of everything she believed and felt toward Ezra. However, from Ezra’s POV, it didn’t really feel like they were enemies. Because of that, the trope felt a little one-sided to me rather than being equally present from both perspectives.
Eshe completely stole the show for me. She was a badass strong, independent, dominant, and a fighter. She absolutely carried her character, and I found myself looking forward to her chapters the most. Her dialogue and inner monologue stood out to me more than Ezra’s.
I liked Ezra too, but he wasn’t my ideal book boyfriend. Personally, I didn’t find him very feminist, which made it a little harder for me to connect with him. Even so, I still enjoyed his character, but Eshe was definitely my favorite.
One thing I have to mention is the tension between them, especially during some of the bathing scenes. Those moments were written incredibly well and had so much chemistry despite the lower spice level.
Considering this is the second book, I think the author did an exceptional job. The story kept me engaged, and I’m really excited for Norrah’s book. For some reason, I already have a feeling I’m going to love Gabriel and Norrah together.
I also genuinely didn’t expect the reveal connected to Eshe’s family’s death. That twist completely caught me off guard and was one of the biggest surprises in the book.
Eshe’s brother. I felt that his scenes could have been handled better because, at times, he came across as a bit too naive. I think there was an opportunity to make his character feel more capable and believable in those moments.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read. The world-building was fantastic, the yearning was top-tier, and despite a few things that didn’t fully work for me, I’m excited to continue the series and can’t wait to read Gabriel and Norrah’s story
August 29, 2026
I was part of the ARC team for this. I'm late on posting and I'm behind on reading all the ARCs I'm doing because my kindle decided to start tripping out on me.
But anyway, in a way this reminded me of Anastasia meets Aladdin if Aladdin was a prince and Anastasia was out for revenge
Eshe is out for revenge for what happened 6 years ago. She has a list of names that she plans on going through, of people who were there, of people who changed her life.
One of those names? Ezra. Now a man who she had known since she was a child and had despised him as much as he despised her.
He is the current Qahl since his father is still alive but sick. He also has a twin brother, Casimir, who is living life to the fullest
To get to Casimir and Ezra, Eshe goes undercover as a belly dancer. But not just any belly dancer. She joins a school of sorts that performs for the Qahl every month.
Everything in the beginning and towards the end was great. But the middle of the story felt like it dragged on a bit to me. Yes, we got to get to know the key players better but sometimes it just felt... ehh.
One scene in the story kind of irked me and rubbed me the wrong way. Eshe knows what she did is wrong. Ezra has told her almost repeatedly that she's done for. When she sees how enraged he got, she runs and seems to regret what she did for a split second before she basically tells him "It was just a prank, bro! It's just a prank!"
There's also a character we meet that is under Ezra's protection and what happens to them felt so... not rushed but... like an after thought? Maybe like it wasn't worth trying to tie up those loose ends nicely. It just felt like "well, they're out of the picture now so let's focus on our MCs"
Other than those things I enjoyed the story and even though a part of me had suspected a character what didn't suspect was that butterfly effect it caused!
Definitely read it!
But anyway, in a way this reminded me of Anastasia meets Aladdin if Aladdin was a prince and Anastasia was out for revenge
Eshe is out for revenge for what happened 6 years ago. She has a list of names that she plans on going through, of people who were there, of people who changed her life.
One of those names? Ezra. Now a man who she had known since she was a child and had despised him as much as he despised her.
He is the current Qahl since his father is still alive but sick. He also has a twin brother, Casimir, who is living life to the fullest
To get to Casimir and Ezra, Eshe goes undercover as a belly dancer. But not just any belly dancer. She joins a school of sorts that performs for the Qahl every month.
Everything in the beginning and towards the end was great. But the middle of the story felt like it dragged on a bit to me. Yes, we got to get to know the key players better but sometimes it just felt... ehh.
One scene in the story kind of irked me and rubbed me the wrong way. Eshe knows what she did is wrong. Ezra has told her almost repeatedly that she's done for. When she sees how enraged he got, she runs and seems to regret what she did for a split second before she basically tells him "It was just a prank, bro! It's just a prank!"
There's also a character we meet that is under Ezra's protection and what happens to them felt so... not rushed but... like an after thought? Maybe like it wasn't worth trying to tie up those loose ends nicely. It just felt like "well, they're out of the picture now so let's focus on our MCs"
Other than those things I enjoyed the story and even though a part of me had suspected a character what didn't suspect was that butterfly effect it caused!
Definitely read it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review – Sands of Atonement
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Sands of Atonement started off a little slower than I expected, but I’m so glad I stuck with it because it really pays off. The further I read, the more invested I became in both the story and the characters.
One of my favourite parts of this book was the relationship between Eshe and Ezra. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I loved watching their connection develop naturally throughout the story. They have such a feisty dynamic, filled with plenty of tense, emotionally charged moments that made every interaction between them exciting to read. The slow-burn romance was incredibly well done, with just the right amount of tension to keep me wanting more. Both characters also experience meaningful growth, making their journey together feel authentic and rewarding.
The story has plenty of unexpected twists and turns that kept me engaged, and I found myself eager to see what would happen next.
As this was an ARC, there were a few moments where some of the dialogue or word choices felt a little awkward, and I occasionally had to reread a sentence to fully understand what was being conveyed. If those small language issues are polished before publication, I think the reading experience will flow even more smoothly.
Overall, I really Loved Sands of Atonement. Once the story finds its rhythm, it’s an engaging read with wonderful character development, fantastic romantic tension, and enough surprises to keep the pages turning. If you enjoy slow-burn romance, fiery banter, feisty characters, emotional tension, and unexpected plot twists, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Sands of Atonement started off a little slower than I expected, but I’m so glad I stuck with it because it really pays off. The further I read, the more invested I became in both the story and the characters.
One of my favourite parts of this book was the relationship between Eshe and Ezra. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I loved watching their connection develop naturally throughout the story. They have such a feisty dynamic, filled with plenty of tense, emotionally charged moments that made every interaction between them exciting to read. The slow-burn romance was incredibly well done, with just the right amount of tension to keep me wanting more. Both characters also experience meaningful growth, making their journey together feel authentic and rewarding.
The story has plenty of unexpected twists and turns that kept me engaged, and I found myself eager to see what would happen next.
As this was an ARC, there were a few moments where some of the dialogue or word choices felt a little awkward, and I occasionally had to reread a sentence to fully understand what was being conveyed. If those small language issues are polished before publication, I think the reading experience will flow even more smoothly.
Overall, I really Loved Sands of Atonement. Once the story finds its rhythm, it’s an engaging read with wonderful character development, fantastic romantic tension, and enough surprises to keep the pages turning. If you enjoy slow-burn romance, fiery banter, feisty characters, emotional tension, and unexpected plot twists, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨📖 Book Review: Sands of Atonement by Noémi Russell ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
🌶️🌶️ (2/5 Spice)
If you’re craving a slow-burn desert romantasy that will leave you absolutely yearning, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
The tension in this book is everything. It’s one of those romances where every glance, every argument, and every stolen moment builds until you’re practically begging these two to kiss already.
Our FMC is an absolute force—a fierce, capable warrior who refuses to bow to anyone. She doesn’t need saving, and watching her go toe-to-toe with an infuriatingly arrogant alphahole of an MMC was ridiculously entertaining. Their chemistry is fueled by sharp banter, stubborn pride, and all the delicious frustration that makes an enemies-to-lovers romance so addictive.
And don’t even get me started on the “touch her and die” energy. 😮💨 Those protective moments hit just right without overshadowing the fact that she’s more than capable of handling herself.
The desert setting feels rich and immersive, adding another layer to the story with its danger, beauty, and atmosphere. This isn’t an insta-love romance—it’s a journey of trust, healing, and hard-earned feelings, and I loved every slow, torturous step of it.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
🌶️ Spice: 2/5 Chili Peppers
If you love:
🏜️ Desert fantasy
⚔️ Strong warrior heroines
💥 Enemies to lovers
🔥 Slow-burn romance
🗡️ Alphahole MMCs
🖤 “Touch her and die” vibes
💫 Plenty of yearning
…then this one is definitely worth picking up!
Have you read Sands of Atonement yet? Let me know your thoughts! 💛📚
#BookReview #SandsOfAtonement #NoemiRussell #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #SlowBurnRomance #EnemiesToLovers #TouchHerAndDie #Bookstagram #FantasyBooks #BookAddict #CurrentlyReading #BookRecommendations #BooBooReadsSmut
🌶️🌶️ (2/5 Spice)
If you’re craving a slow-burn desert romantasy that will leave you absolutely yearning, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
The tension in this book is everything. It’s one of those romances where every glance, every argument, and every stolen moment builds until you’re practically begging these two to kiss already.
Our FMC is an absolute force—a fierce, capable warrior who refuses to bow to anyone. She doesn’t need saving, and watching her go toe-to-toe with an infuriatingly arrogant alphahole of an MMC was ridiculously entertaining. Their chemistry is fueled by sharp banter, stubborn pride, and all the delicious frustration that makes an enemies-to-lovers romance so addictive.
And don’t even get me started on the “touch her and die” energy. 😮💨 Those protective moments hit just right without overshadowing the fact that she’s more than capable of handling herself.
The desert setting feels rich and immersive, adding another layer to the story with its danger, beauty, and atmosphere. This isn’t an insta-love romance—it’s a journey of trust, healing, and hard-earned feelings, and I loved every slow, torturous step of it.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
🌶️ Spice: 2/5 Chili Peppers
If you love:
🏜️ Desert fantasy
⚔️ Strong warrior heroines
💥 Enemies to lovers
🔥 Slow-burn romance
🗡️ Alphahole MMCs
🖤 “Touch her and die” vibes
💫 Plenty of yearning
…then this one is definitely worth picking up!
Have you read Sands of Atonement yet? Let me know your thoughts! 💛📚
#BookReview #SandsOfAtonement #NoemiRussell #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #SlowBurnRomance #EnemiesToLovers #TouchHerAndDie #Bookstagram #FantasyBooks #BookAddict #CurrentlyReading #BookRecommendations #BooBooReadsSmut
September 26, 2026
Okay so this author can actually write, which isn't always a given in romantasy. The prose pulls you in instead of just getting out of the way.
Sands of Atonement is a desert romantasy about a princess named Eshe whose family is murdered, and she spends eight years training to get revenge on the prince she blames for it. She infiltrates his palace disguised as a belly dancer to assassinate him. He catches her. He doesn't kill her. That's where it stops being simple.
This is genuine enemies-to-lovers, not the fake kind where they're secretly into each other by chapter three. They actually hate each other. The slow burn is real and the payoff is worth the wait.
Eshe is the kind of FMC this genre needs more of — capable, stubborn, trained, not waiting to be rescued. She gives Aelin from Throne of Glass energy. The kind of character who walks into a room full of people who want her dead and refuses to be small about it.
Ezra is the "touch her and die" possessive type who starts off genuinely unlikable — misogynistic, arrogant, the whole package — and earns his character development over the course of the book. He doesn't just get handed a redemption arc on a plate, which I respect.
The world-building is immersive without being info-dumpy. Palaces, sand, underground caves, political intrigue. It feels like a place, not just a backdrop.
Main complaints I'd flag: some dialogue occasionally feels off for the setting, a few grammar issues (indie published), and a middle section that drags a little. None of it's a dealbreaker.
If you like desert fantasy, revenge arcs, true enemies to lovers that takes its time, and an FMC who can actually fight her own battles, this one's worth your time.
Sands of Atonement is a desert romantasy about a princess named Eshe whose family is murdered, and she spends eight years training to get revenge on the prince she blames for it. She infiltrates his palace disguised as a belly dancer to assassinate him. He catches her. He doesn't kill her. That's where it stops being simple.
This is genuine enemies-to-lovers, not the fake kind where they're secretly into each other by chapter three. They actually hate each other. The slow burn is real and the payoff is worth the wait.
Eshe is the kind of FMC this genre needs more of — capable, stubborn, trained, not waiting to be rescued. She gives Aelin from Throne of Glass energy. The kind of character who walks into a room full of people who want her dead and refuses to be small about it.
Ezra is the "touch her and die" possessive type who starts off genuinely unlikable — misogynistic, arrogant, the whole package — and earns his character development over the course of the book. He doesn't just get handed a redemption arc on a plate, which I respect.
The world-building is immersive without being info-dumpy. Palaces, sand, underground caves, political intrigue. It feels like a place, not just a backdrop.
Main complaints I'd flag: some dialogue occasionally feels off for the setting, a few grammar issues (indie published), and a middle section that drags a little. None of it's a dealbreaker.
If you like desert fantasy, revenge arcs, true enemies to lovers that takes its time, and an FMC who can actually fight her own battles, this one's worth your time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TRUE ENEMIES TO LOVERS!
And I mean they genuinely could not stand each other.
The beginning was a little slow for me, but once Esha ended up at the palace, I was HOOKED. I loved her personality right away: clever, stubborn, capable, and a fighter who absolutely refuses to just sit down and listen to anyone.
And the TENSION! Ezra made me just as furious as Esha at first, which honestly made watching their relationship develop so much more satisfying. Their chemistry, restraint, power struggle, and the way the romance built just a little more each time was SO well done.
There were also so many secrets and reveals that came in at exactly the right moments, and by the end I was completely invested. Such a fun enemies-to-lovers fantasy with great tension, strong characters, and just the right amount of spice!
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
The bath scene? Hello?? The control, the vulnerability, the restraint, THE STAIRS. That was probably one of my favorite scenes because you could really feel their dynamic starting to shift.
And I loved how slowly their relationship developed. Every time they gave in to each other, it was just a little bit more, which made the payoff so satisfying. Their chemistry was SO GOOD and the spice was honestly the perfect amount.
Then Esha killing Targon herself? YES. I loved that she got that moment, especially after everything he had done to her and her family.
AND THEN SHE MARRIED EZRA! Full circle from me absolutely hating this man to cheering because they ended up together lol. Such a satisfying ending, and I loved seeing Esha finally get to choose what she wanted.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TRUE ENEMIES TO LOVERS!
And I mean they genuinely could not stand each other.
The beginning was a little slow for me, but once Esha ended up at the palace, I was HOOKED. I loved her personality right away: clever, stubborn, capable, and a fighter who absolutely refuses to just sit down and listen to anyone.
And the TENSION! Ezra made me just as furious as Esha at first, which honestly made watching their relationship develop so much more satisfying. Their chemistry, restraint, power struggle, and the way the romance built just a little more each time was SO well done.
There were also so many secrets and reveals that came in at exactly the right moments, and by the end I was completely invested. Such a fun enemies-to-lovers fantasy with great tension, strong characters, and just the right amount of spice!
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
The bath scene? Hello?? The control, the vulnerability, the restraint, THE STAIRS. That was probably one of my favorite scenes because you could really feel their dynamic starting to shift.
And I loved how slowly their relationship developed. Every time they gave in to each other, it was just a little bit more, which made the payoff so satisfying. Their chemistry was SO GOOD and the spice was honestly the perfect amount.
Then Esha killing Targon herself? YES. I loved that she got that moment, especially after everything he had done to her and her family.
AND THEN SHE MARRIED EZRA! Full circle from me absolutely hating this man to cheering because they ended up together lol. Such a satisfying ending, and I loved seeing Esha finally get to choose what she wanted.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my gosh. The banter, the badass attitude of the FMC, the plot twists! I feel so grateful for being able to read this early because oh my gosh, I loved it. I am someone who reads into anything so plot twists aren't always the biggest twists to me because I tend to predict a lot of them but this book? Oh no, not this one. The book starts off with a murder of her family and then we see her after she spend EIGHT YEARS training in secret to be able to avenge her family's deaths. I love a good enemies to lovers troupe, especially if the banter is good or if there's good yearning and these two have a dynamic that I just ate up. The entire time, they're saying how much they hate each other and all I kept thinking was lordy these two are going to collide and it's going to be great when they finally do and it was. I appreciate that the spice isn't the main aspect of their relationship because I feel like a lot of enemies to lovers troupes just turn into hate sex for majority of the book and that's not this. The way he held back actually annoyed me because I just wanted them to kiss for so long haha (I wanted them to kiss the second they met!) Truly though, the plot twists were where it was at for me. I loved that I didn't figure out who the killer was and that there were one or two other elements that I didn't see coming. Also can we talk about how he isn't just the "touch her and die" type but he's a "look at her and die" type like hello!? Loved that a bit too much, I was giggling so much over how possessive he was once he got her.
July 19, 2026
SOA was such a fast-paced, heart pumping read. I truly never felt bored, and spent several nights staying up wayy later than planned, telling myself “just one more chapter”.
The story is LOADED with twists and turns, which keep the energy high and the story interesting. You are transported into an enchanting desert setting - including multiple cities and palaces, an oasis, an underground limestone cave, and more. The world felt well-developed and full of life.
Our FMC is a stubborn, strong-willed, capable, and confident woman motivated by vengeance. This allows her to navigate the oppressive, patriarchal system in which the story takes place. My one complaint is that at times Eshe felt unreliable as she would contradict herself from one paragraph to another. Confessing feelings in one moment and then taking a 360 the next moment. I couldn’t decide whether she was naive or just thoroughly lying to herself. But either way it can feel like deception to the reader.
Our MMC was my least favourite character. I didn’t dislike him, but I just didn’t like him. And that is fine… I didn’t feel it took away from the story. However, I just couldn’t get past all the anger, misogyny, and possessiveness - even with the character development that comes later.
My only other complaint was the repetitiveness of the story. Particularly the romance. It definitely delivered on being a slowww burn (kudos!)… However, at a certain point I found the push and pull a bit tiring, rather than tension-building.
All in all, an enjoyable read. Would recommend.
The story is LOADED with twists and turns, which keep the energy high and the story interesting. You are transported into an enchanting desert setting - including multiple cities and palaces, an oasis, an underground limestone cave, and more. The world felt well-developed and full of life.
Our FMC is a stubborn, strong-willed, capable, and confident woman motivated by vengeance. This allows her to navigate the oppressive, patriarchal system in which the story takes place. My one complaint is that at times Eshe felt unreliable as she would contradict herself from one paragraph to another. Confessing feelings in one moment and then taking a 360 the next moment. I couldn’t decide whether she was naive or just thoroughly lying to herself. But either way it can feel like deception to the reader.
Our MMC was my least favourite character. I didn’t dislike him, but I just didn’t like him. And that is fine… I didn’t feel it took away from the story. However, I just couldn’t get past all the anger, misogyny, and possessiveness - even with the character development that comes later.
My only other complaint was the repetitiveness of the story. Particularly the romance. It definitely delivered on being a slowww burn (kudos!)… However, at a certain point I found the push and pull a bit tiring, rather than tension-building.
All in all, an enjoyable read. Would recommend.
August 15, 2026
3.5⭐️
Thank you to Noemi Russell for the e-arc in exchange for my review. All opinions that follow are honest and my own.
The night of the announcement of her engagement, Eshe’s entire family is murdered. Over the next 8 years she trains her mind and body to be able to exact her revenge on the person responsible for her family’s deaths. The Prince of Tehara is to blame and she’ll stop at nothing to see his end.
I love an enemies to lovers where they are true enemies, and how much more enemy like can you get than attempting to kill each other (or at least kill him)? Plus the added bonus of some solid yearning from Ezra that made it all the more intense.
Now I wasn’t a huge fan of some of the dialogue in this story, it felt a bit childish despite our main characters being in their twenties, and at times it didn’t flow well with the description of the conversation. I also felt like when Ezra and Eshe came together it was a bit rushed, if Ezra was truly set in his ways I thought there would’ve been a lot more tension built up with him trying to keep himself away.
Overall though, the world building was phenomenal, the twists were incredible (still shocked about the big reveal), and I really enjoyed the plot progression as well as Ezra’s character arc.
I’m definitely intrigued to see where this story goes, would love to see more of Norrah and see how that all turns out!
Thank you to Noemi Russell for the e-arc in exchange for my review. All opinions that follow are honest and my own.
The night of the announcement of her engagement, Eshe’s entire family is murdered. Over the next 8 years she trains her mind and body to be able to exact her revenge on the person responsible for her family’s deaths. The Prince of Tehara is to blame and she’ll stop at nothing to see his end.
I love an enemies to lovers where they are true enemies, and how much more enemy like can you get than attempting to kill each other (or at least kill him)? Plus the added bonus of some solid yearning from Ezra that made it all the more intense.
Now I wasn’t a huge fan of some of the dialogue in this story, it felt a bit childish despite our main characters being in their twenties, and at times it didn’t flow well with the description of the conversation. I also felt like when Ezra and Eshe came together it was a bit rushed, if Ezra was truly set in his ways I thought there would’ve been a lot more tension built up with him trying to keep himself away.
Overall though, the world building was phenomenal, the twists were incredible (still shocked about the big reveal), and I really enjoyed the plot progression as well as Ezra’s character arc.
I’m definitely intrigued to see where this story goes, would love to see more of Norrah and see how that all turns out!
August 26, 2026
Sands of Atonement by Noemi Russell — ⭐ 4/5
This one swept me straight into the desert 🏜️ Noemi's world-building is chef's kiss — the setting, the fabrics, the palace details are so vivid you genuinely feel like you're standing there watching everything unfold. Total immersive vibes.
Eshe is EVERYTHING as an FMC 🔥 Strong, determined, laser-focused on avenging her family — she's a survivor and a fighter through and through, and I was rooting for her the whole way.
Ezra though... okay I'll admit it, I side-eyed him hard in the beginning. Big bossy alpha energy that I wasn't here for 😤 But watching him soften for Eshe completely won me over, and don't even get me started on his flirting — had me giggling like a schoolgirl 🙈
The storyline itself is so well done, and I loved how every character's arc unfolded. Norrah and Casmir got shorter storylines this time, but I'm not disappointed at all — I have a feeling their stories are just getting started, and I'm already excited to see them unfold in the next book of the Desert Sand series 👀
Overall — a slow-burn desert revenge romance that delivers on setting, tension, and character growth, even if a couple of side arcs needed more closure. Recommend for anyone who loves enemies-to-lovers with a possessive alpha and a heroine who can hold her own. 🌅📖
This one swept me straight into the desert 🏜️ Noemi's world-building is chef's kiss — the setting, the fabrics, the palace details are so vivid you genuinely feel like you're standing there watching everything unfold. Total immersive vibes.
Eshe is EVERYTHING as an FMC 🔥 Strong, determined, laser-focused on avenging her family — she's a survivor and a fighter through and through, and I was rooting for her the whole way.
Ezra though... okay I'll admit it, I side-eyed him hard in the beginning. Big bossy alpha energy that I wasn't here for 😤 But watching him soften for Eshe completely won me over, and don't even get me started on his flirting — had me giggling like a schoolgirl 🙈
The storyline itself is so well done, and I loved how every character's arc unfolded. Norrah and Casmir got shorter storylines this time, but I'm not disappointed at all — I have a feeling their stories are just getting started, and I'm already excited to see them unfold in the next book of the Desert Sand series 👀
Overall — a slow-burn desert revenge romance that delivers on setting, tension, and character growth, even if a couple of side arcs needed more closure. Recommend for anyone who loves enemies-to-lovers with a possessive alpha and a heroine who can hold her own. 🌅📖
July 15, 2026
Sands of Atonement completely exceeded my expectations.
Eshe was a character I fell in love with from the very beginning. She’s proud, determined, and fiercely resilient. After a catastrophic event changes everything, she’s driven by revenge and refuses to let anyone stand in her way. One of my favorite aspects of this story was how it explores the oppression of women. In many of the areas, women aren’t even allowed to travel without a male escort, yet Eshe continually adapts, fights back, and proves she’s every bit as capable as the men who underestimate her. She is the definition of a strong, independent FMC.
Ezra, on the other hand, started as a character I couldn’t stand, but that quickly changed. He’s mysterious, guarded, and carrying more secrets than you can imagine. The more layers that were peeled back, the more I found myself loving for him. Both Ezra and Eshe are fighters in every sense of the word, and watching their journeys intertwine was incredible.
If you love true enemies to lovers, a super slow burn, revenge romance, spice, and a strong female lead, then Sands of Atonement absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. This was an easy five-star read for me, and I already can’t stop thinking about it.
Eshe was a character I fell in love with from the very beginning. She’s proud, determined, and fiercely resilient. After a catastrophic event changes everything, she’s driven by revenge and refuses to let anyone stand in her way. One of my favorite aspects of this story was how it explores the oppression of women. In many of the areas, women aren’t even allowed to travel without a male escort, yet Eshe continually adapts, fights back, and proves she’s every bit as capable as the men who underestimate her. She is the definition of a strong, independent FMC.
Ezra, on the other hand, started as a character I couldn’t stand, but that quickly changed. He’s mysterious, guarded, and carrying more secrets than you can imagine. The more layers that were peeled back, the more I found myself loving for him. Both Ezra and Eshe are fighters in every sense of the word, and watching their journeys intertwine was incredible.
If you love true enemies to lovers, a super slow burn, revenge romance, spice, and a strong female lead, then Sands of Atonement absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. This was an easy five-star read for me, and I already can’t stop thinking about it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Noemi Russell's Sands of Atonement is an interesting read. The world she presents is both inviting and flowered by the kind of depth and creativity not unlike some of your favorite classics. This story delivers on its promises. It encompasses true enemies to lovers, a revenge story, and a world filled with surprising twists. The main character embodies freedom and independence in a way that is both a strength and a weakness that is made to add potential and growth throughout. Not only does she invite the reader to cheer on her wild femininity, asking us to believe in her goals and desires but does so without losing herself throughout the story, maintaining what drew us to her in the first place. What stands out to me about this book is how engaging it is. With only two books under her belt, Noemi can easily hold her head high at having delivered a stellar piece of fiction. I could see this story finding it's way to a film or tv adaptation but do yourself a favor and be one of the ones who get to say, "I read the book first."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Eshe, the woman that you are…🤩
I absolutely ate this book up. The world-building, character development, plot twists, and banter were EVERYTHING. I was completely obsessed with the settings and descriptions throughout the story as they made me feel like I was right there alongside them.
I loved watching Eshe and Ezra’s connection unfold throughout the book. Ezra’s “touch her and die” energy paired with Eshe’s stubbornness made this such a page-turner. But beyond their relationship, I really loved getting to know Eshe as a character. She always had this hard exterior, but internally, she was often questioning what she thought she knew about her life and trying to understand who she was at her core. I found that so relatable, and I think so many readers will see pieces of themselves in her too. Of course, this made me love her even more.
Thank you, Noémi, for giving me the opportunity to read this as an ARC and for sharing these stories with the world. You’ve done it again 👏🏼 I absolutely loved SOA, and I cannot wait for the rest of this series. 🤍
I absolutely ate this book up. The world-building, character development, plot twists, and banter were EVERYTHING. I was completely obsessed with the settings and descriptions throughout the story as they made me feel like I was right there alongside them.
I loved watching Eshe and Ezra’s connection unfold throughout the book. Ezra’s “touch her and die” energy paired with Eshe’s stubbornness made this such a page-turner. But beyond their relationship, I really loved getting to know Eshe as a character. She always had this hard exterior, but internally, she was often questioning what she thought she knew about her life and trying to understand who she was at her core. I found that so relatable, and I think so many readers will see pieces of themselves in her too. Of course, this made me love her even more.
Thank you, Noémi, for giving me the opportunity to read this as an ARC and for sharing these stories with the world. You’ve done it again 👏🏼 I absolutely loved SOA, and I cannot wait for the rest of this series. 🤍
August 15, 2026
I’m going to keep it real, as a guy who usually leans toward fast-paced fiction, action, or thrillers, a 450+ page romantasy isn't my typical go-to. I picked up Sands of Atonement mainly to support Noémi, expecting a slow fantasy-romance but I got hit with a story that kept me hooked from the beginning.
What stood out immediately was the world-building too. This isn't just a romance with a fantasy backdrop, the setting feels alive and the physical stakes are just as good as the emotional ones. The intensity, the banter, and the mystery of who killed her family actually gave a fantastic plot.
That said, the romance side of the book hits just as hard. The tension between the characters is built from an older ancient Egypt type of world and the male character really shows that.
If you think fantasy romance isn't your thing, or if you're looking for a crossover read that balances genuine action with incredible characters, Sands of Atonement will completely surprise you. Massive respect to Noémi on this one, can't wait to see where the series goes next.
What stood out immediately was the world-building too. This isn't just a romance with a fantasy backdrop, the setting feels alive and the physical stakes are just as good as the emotional ones. The intensity, the banter, and the mystery of who killed her family actually gave a fantastic plot.
That said, the romance side of the book hits just as hard. The tension between the characters is built from an older ancient Egypt type of world and the male character really shows that.
If you think fantasy romance isn't your thing, or if you're looking for a crossover read that balances genuine action with incredible characters, Sands of Atonement will completely surprise you. Massive respect to Noémi on this one, can't wait to see where the series goes next.
August 26, 2026
“I was never going to admit it, but it felt nice not to have to be on edge to protect myself when I had an annoyingly possessive man to do it for me.” – Eshe
10000% will recommend!!! I absolutely love Eshe from the moment I picked up the book Eshe has had my heart…..Ezra on the other hand he had to work for it. He definitely grew on me and by the end I had an incredible soft spot for him. The banter between characters, slow burn, and OMG the plot twists!!! Truly everything about this book had me hooked and pulled me from a HUGE reading slump. It is equally as much fantasy as it is romance and I absolutely loved that!! It has quickly grown to one of my top recommendations.
Thank you so much Noémi for the opportunity to read this amazing book. I will forever be grateful to be an eARC reader. 🤍
August 16, 2026
~ ARC Review ~
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sands of Antonement completely swept me away! Noémi Russell crafted a revenge story that hooked me from the very first page. Princess Eshe’s journey from hidden survivor to someone hunting the prince she blames for her family’s murder is gripping, emotional, and so satisfying to watch unfold.
This one hits so many of my favorite tropes:
🗡️ Revenge Romance
⚔ True Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Slow Burn
👑 Family Rivalries
The tension between Eshe and her target had me holding my breath the entire time, and the desert setting added such a rich, immersive backdrop to the story. Watching eight years of training and grief collide with her long-awaited confrontation was everything I wanted and more.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sands of Antonement completely swept me away! Noémi Russell crafted a revenge story that hooked me from the very first page. Princess Eshe’s journey from hidden survivor to someone hunting the prince she blames for her family’s murder is gripping, emotional, and so satisfying to watch unfold.
This one hits so many of my favorite tropes:
🗡️ Revenge Romance
⚔ True Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Slow Burn
👑 Family Rivalries
The tension between Eshe and her target had me holding my breath the entire time, and the desert setting added such a rich, immersive backdrop to the story. Watching eight years of training and grief collide with her long-awaited confrontation was everything I wanted and more.
August 16, 2026
Let me star by saying that i loved this book!
In the begining it takes a little while for the action to start, but once it is done... Well , it's a rollercoaster
Our FMC is motivated and a little stubborn looking for revenge and soon sees that not everything is as it seems...
Once i started to understand the MMC, i could see all the actions that made my blood boil for what they trully were and by the end i loved them as a couple.
As the action takes off i felt like something was a little fishy , but what the author was making me see was not what it trully was and ended up habing a nice plot twist that i wasnt really expecting.
Can't wait to see what comes next
In the begining it takes a little while for the action to start, but once it is done... Well , it's a rollercoaster
Our FMC is motivated and a little stubborn looking for revenge and soon sees that not everything is as it seems...
Once i started to understand the MMC, i could see all the actions that made my blood boil for what they trully were and by the end i loved them as a couple.
As the action takes off i felt like something was a little fishy , but what the author was making me see was not what it trully was and ended up habing a nice plot twist that i wasnt really expecting.
Can't wait to see what comes next
August 28, 2026
Oh. My. Gosh.
This had me absolutely hooked from the very beginning. SOA was the perfect remedy for my slow burn enemies to lovers craving, and I'm still coming down from the high. The twists and turns was a Journey I wouldn't have been without, and I loved how the story kept picking up speed throughout!
My only disappointment is that the book ended 😆
My thoughts are all over the place and not coherent in the least, so I'll be coming back to add to this when I feel more like a person again. One thing is for certain though, and that's that this will 100% be a book I'll come back to again!
This had me absolutely hooked from the very beginning. SOA was the perfect remedy for my slow burn enemies to lovers craving, and I'm still coming down from the high. The twists and turns was a Journey I wouldn't have been without, and I loved how the story kept picking up speed throughout!
My only disappointment is that the book ended 😆
My thoughts are all over the place and not coherent in the least, so I'll be coming back to add to this when I feel more like a person again. One thing is for certain though, and that's that this will 100% be a book I'll come back to again!
September 1, 2026
Sands of Atonement is the second book I’ve read by Noémi, and once again, I really enjoyed her storytelling. Eshe is such a strong, determined FMC, and I loved watching her relationship with Ezra develop. Their banter, tension, and super slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance had me hooked.
The story has a great mix of fantasy, romance, revenge, and some genuinely unexpected twists. I especially enjoyed seeing the layers of both Eshe and Ezra slowly unfold as the story progressed.
Thank you so much, Noémi, for the opportunity to read another ARC! I can’t wait to see what you write next. 🤍📖✨
The story has a great mix of fantasy, romance, revenge, and some genuinely unexpected twists. I especially enjoyed seeing the layers of both Eshe and Ezra slowly unfold as the story progressed.
Thank you so much, Noémi, for the opportunity to read another ARC! I can’t wait to see what you write next. 🤍📖✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
This 10/10 book dragged me out of a reading slump and sent me galloping across deserts, sneaking down alleyways, and belly dancing in palaces. I FLEW through this book. Eshe is the sort of main character who captures you with her raw and honest thoughts, her wit, and her sheer determination. I would follow that girl down any storyline.
If you're craving a desert-scape enemies-to-lovers, packed with adventure and a truly unexpected plot twist, this is the one!! Another hit from an author who is quickly becoming one of my favs!!
If you're craving a desert-scape enemies-to-lovers, packed with adventure and a truly unexpected plot twist, this is the one!! Another hit from an author who is quickly becoming one of my favs!!
August 15, 2026
Thank you Noémi Russell for letting me be a part of your ARC team for Sands of Atonement.
This is a perfect (one sided) enemies to lovers, revenge filled story. It has the perfect amount of world building and character description and development that make you want to just keep on reading.
It's a dual POV between the FMC and the MMC which is also done perfectly.
I would describe this book as a tiny bit of Anastasia and Prince of Persia, but it's completely it's own story, it's definitely not a retelling of either.
Fans of Strong FMCs and enemies to lovers, need to add this to their TBRs.
This is a perfect (one sided) enemies to lovers, revenge filled story. It has the perfect amount of world building and character description and development that make you want to just keep on reading.
It's a dual POV between the FMC and the MMC which is also done perfectly.
I would describe this book as a tiny bit of Anastasia and Prince of Persia, but it's completely it's own story, it's definitely not a retelling of either.
Fans of Strong FMCs and enemies to lovers, need to add this to their TBRs.
August 30, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
I definitely enjoyed reading Sands of Atonement and will be reading future books from the same world. I was disappointed that a certain character didn't end up in a good place at the end of this book, but I'm reassured that their story is coming.
The FMC is strong-willed and a fighter and will not tone down for the mainly masoginistic male characters. She has a revenge mission, which I'm always a fan of. There's deserts, castles, fighting, spying, betrayal and adventure.
I definitely enjoyed reading Sands of Atonement and will be reading future books from the same world. I was disappointed that a certain character didn't end up in a good place at the end of this book, but I'm reassured that their story is coming.
The FMC is strong-willed and a fighter and will not tone down for the mainly masoginistic male characters. She has a revenge mission, which I'm always a fan of. There's deserts, castles, fighting, spying, betrayal and adventure.
September 8, 2026
COPY OF ADVANCED READERS COPY
It took me a long time to read this book but this is the slowest burn romance novel ever!! I’m so obsessed. The way Noemi expressed the Fmc was absolutely incredible and this story was way out of my expectations. The plot of the FMC needs to do something did it in the right way and I’m glad that she was an independent lady who wants to fight for herself. And I love Ezra, he’s absolutely handsome too.
I really love how Noemi portrayed both of the characters, settings, plot and relationship adequately and equally.
It took me a long time to read this book but this is the slowest burn romance novel ever!! I’m so obsessed. The way Noemi expressed the Fmc was absolutely incredible and this story was way out of my expectations. The plot of the FMC needs to do something did it in the right way and I’m glad that she was an independent lady who wants to fight for herself. And I love Ezra, he’s absolutely handsome too.
I really love how Noemi portrayed both of the characters, settings, plot and relationship adequately and equally.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Noémi Russell is already an auto-buy author for me. This is the second book of hers I’ve read, and I’m so impressed—especially considering she’s still such a new author. It’s incredible to see this level of storytelling so early in her writing career.
Her world building is immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, and her characters are so easy to become invested in. I was completely pulled into the story and I can’t wait to keep reading whatever comes next!
Her world building is immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, and her characters are so easy to become invested in. I was completely pulled into the story and I can’t wait to keep reading whatever comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW: i loved this booked. The pace was good i was entertained the entire time. The plot was fantastic. Everything was explained well and the world building was good. I loved eshe she was such a great main character. She was fierce and badass. She could save her self and wasn’t a spoiled princess. I loved her chemistry with the male main character, they were so good together. I loved the ending. I can’t wait to read more into this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely ATE THIS BOOK UP! The tension had me kicking my feet wanting more! The FMC Eshe was a woman who knew what she wanted and the MMC Erza is just the right amount of “alpha male.” The character development was perfect and the banter was everything! The desert and palaces were so atmospheric I felt like I was there touching the hot sand!! First ever desert romance and definitely not the last! I WISH book 2 was already out! 😍
August 15, 2026
5 stars hands down! What a brilliant start to the Desert Sands series. The writing style is engaging and polished, and the plot is brilliantly crafted with smart twists and great pacing. Some parts were funny too. Made me laugh out loud. Noémi Russell has created a rich world and characters that keep you completely invested. If you love immersive storytelling with a clever story, definitely pick this one up!
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