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Kingdoms of Sand #2
Crowns of Rust: Kingdoms of Sand, Book 2
A noble leader is dead. His five children, once heirs to a bustling port, are scattered around the Encircled Sea. Their kingdom, the ancient land of Zohar, has fallen to the cruel Aelarian Empire. As the dust settles, new fires kindle. In a shattering world, the pieces are up for grabs. Here fleets clash at sea, and desert warriors battle among dunes and ancient ruins; cloaked conspirators gather in shadowy alleyways, vowing to slay their emperor; and a girl seeks the magic of light beyond guardians of shadow. In a land of sand and splendor, glory will go to those with the sharpest steel and the hardest hearts. One war has ended. Now the world will burn. When the Encircled Sea storms, kingdoms are no sturdier than sandcastles. Rulers and rebels battle for golden thrones, but will they find only crowns of rust?
434 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2017
142 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Arenson
148 books879 followersDaniel Arenson is a bookworm, proud geek, and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction. His novels have sold over a million copies. The Huffington Post has called his writing "full of soul." He's written over forty novels, most of them in five series:
EARTHRISE — They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. Against the alien onslaught, Earth stands alone. But we will fight. We will rise. We will win. Start reading with Earth Alone, the first novel in this military science fiction series.
REQUIEM — Welcome to Requiem, an ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Requiem is explored in six trilogies, which can be read in any order. If you're new to Requiem, you can start reading with Requiem's Song (you can download it for free). For fans of dark, gritty fantasy like A Game of Thrones.
MOTH — Discover Moth, a world torn between day and night—its one half drenched in eternal daylight, the other cloaked in endless darkness. For fans of classic fantasy worlds such as Middle Earth and Narnia. Start reading with Moth, the first novel in this epic fantasy saga.
ALIEN HUNTERS — Got trouble with aliens? Call the Alien Hunters. A group of scruffy mercenaries, they'll remove the pest for you. Low rates. No questions asked. Start reading with Alien Hunters, the first book in this space opera series. For fans of Star Wars, Firefly, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
KINGDOMS OF SAND — Enter a world of sand and splendor, a world where gladiators battle in the arena, where legionaries and barbarians fight for glory, and where empires rise and fall.
EARTHRISE — They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. Against the alien onslaught, Earth stands alone. But we will fight. We will rise. We will win. Start reading with Earth Alone, the first novel in this military science fiction series.
REQUIEM — Welcome to Requiem, an ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Requiem is explored in six trilogies, which can be read in any order. If you're new to Requiem, you can start reading with Requiem's Song (you can download it for free). For fans of dark, gritty fantasy like A Game of Thrones.
MOTH — Discover Moth, a world torn between day and night—its one half drenched in eternal daylight, the other cloaked in endless darkness. For fans of classic fantasy worlds such as Middle Earth and Narnia. Start reading with Moth, the first novel in this epic fantasy saga.
ALIEN HUNTERS — Got trouble with aliens? Call the Alien Hunters. A group of scruffy mercenaries, they'll remove the pest for you. Low rates. No questions asked. Start reading with Alien Hunters, the first book in this space opera series. For fans of Star Wars, Firefly, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
KINGDOMS OF SAND — Enter a world of sand and splendor, a world where gladiators battle in the arena, where legionaries and barbarians fight for glory, and where empires rise and fall.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 18, 2020
5...And just like that I am in it to win it!!!! I know in the last review I complained about the vulgar language, but it was either toned down here OR it grew on me! As did, Red/Olive and Porcia, who I am sure maybe the devil spawn...She is psycho like I have never seen before! I seriously can NOT rave about this novel enough! Loving the religious undertones, or is that just me?
November 13, 2017
I don't know why I bought one book at a time. I love this series! I'm blazing through each book as the plot thickens! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and was even enough to distract me during the beginning stages of labor!
I love seeing the world from the different points of view, watching each character's struggles, wondering where Arenson will take them next!!
I love seeing the world from the different points of view, watching each character's struggles, wondering where Arenson will take them next!!
August 15, 2017
The saga continues
In this second book, we get more familiar with the characters and story. We get to deal more with the results of a war, the victory and the defeat that follows. I feel much more invested in the second book than i did at the end of the first book, much more anxious for the 3rd book now.
In this second book, we get more familiar with the characters and story. We get to deal more with the results of a war, the victory and the defeat that follows. I feel much more invested in the second book than i did at the end of the first book, much more anxious for the 3rd book now.
January 9, 2018
Breathtaking
Brutal, gory, violent but at the same time deeply romantic, touching and magical story of 2 families - one torn by war and defeat and another one of tyrants in-fighting for power and conquest. The magic is present throughout the story throwing off the best plans and schemes. Highly recommended.
Brutal, gory, violent but at the same time deeply romantic, touching and magical story of 2 families - one torn by war and defeat and another one of tyrants in-fighting for power and conquest. The magic is present throughout the story throwing off the best plans and schemes. Highly recommended.
August 14, 2017
Fascinating story
I was wowed with the first book but I have to say that book two is even better. If you like great characters and a fantastic fantasy then you will enjoy this saga. I can't wait for book three and have preordered it.
I was wowed with the first book but I have to say that book two is even better. If you like great characters and a fantastic fantasy then you will enjoy this saga. I can't wait for book three and have preordered it.
August 22, 2017
I loved this book , it drew me in to the storyline very quickly,love the characters, a fast paced story , l am looking forward to the 3 book in this series. I am so glad l came across this series , as l love fantasy and a good storytelling, well done Daniel arenson.
August 29, 2017
Twists and turns
An epic drama brought to life. The treachery and evil fight the righteous and light. The desert, the sea, the metropolis intertwine to create the intrigue and action.
An epic drama brought to life. The treachery and evil fight the righteous and light. The desert, the sea, the metropolis intertwine to create the intrigue and action.
November 3, 2017
Really good
The second book of the series and it's a good one. It follows straight one from the last one and develop s the characters nicely. It's fast paced and is not afraid of killing off major characters. Just downloaded the next one.
The second book of the series and it's a good one. It follows straight one from the last one and develop s the characters nicely. It's fast paced and is not afraid of killing off major characters. Just downloaded the next one.
August 15, 2021
I moved right into this after finishing the first installment and it was flawless transition. I love that Arenson has a story that is cohesive and moves right along but if that is a turn off I would recommend reading the first book before jumping into this one. There are moments of exposition that sort of gloss over the important parts of the first book but of course you can't do it justice without going in depth. I feel like the worldbuilding is just getting better and better, the lore of the world is further explored, so is the magic system, and I'm here for it. The oddest part is that I found myself sort of routing for Seneca in the end after he was my most hated character of book one. I found this very similar to Game of Thrones and I would highly recommend to anyone that enjoys that sort of book.
January 23, 2023
I've actually enjoyed this series more than I expected. I was lucky enough to obtain the free kindle versions through an offer, but I'm always wary of free books!
But I'm pleasantly surprised. It's a mixture of Game of Thrones and Roman-esqu history and I'm really enjoying it!
There are some cliche characters, but overall they are individual and mostly likeable. The storyline slowed at the start of this second book and only really picked up pace in the second half, but then it was sprinting!
Straight I book three for me.
My BIG issue with this series so far..... So many damp eyes!!!
But I'm pleasantly surprised. It's a mixture of Game of Thrones and Roman-esqu history and I'm really enjoying it!
There are some cliche characters, but overall they are individual and mostly likeable. The storyline slowed at the start of this second book and only really picked up pace in the second half, but then it was sprinting!
Straight I book three for me.
My BIG issue with this series so far..... So many damp eyes!!!
August 29, 2017
THe story is getting more interesting to follow. THe first book kind of lost my attention with all is describing of everything. The family has gotten broken up during the war with each having their own path to follow. I imagine it will get more intense as the family comes closer together in the future books.
October 22, 2017
I like this second book even better than the first!
The characters evolve, they grow on you and you get to see an other side of them.
The book is action packed, so many things happen at such a fast pace.
And the end.... I can not tell without spoiling, but jeez!!!! :)
The characters evolve, they grow on you and you get to see an other side of them.
The book is action packed, so many things happen at such a fast pace.
And the end.... I can not tell without spoiling, but jeez!!!! :)
May 4, 2019
Interesting story, one gets involved and end up not putting it down until finished.
Enyoyed reading this book. Found that i got involved in the story and as stated above found it haed to put the book down until it was finished.
Enyoyed reading this book. Found that i got involved in the story and as stated above found it haed to put the book down until it was finished.
August 9, 2017
Reminding me and more of game of thrones
As good as the first installment, easy read with dead characters including several strong women. Can't wait for the next one.
As good as the first installment, easy read with dead characters including several strong women. Can't wait for the next one.
August 16, 2017
Complex, Epic
This story twists and turns and takes the most unexpected paths. The characters are so richly developed. The series is a super good read so far!
This story twists and turns and takes the most unexpected paths. The characters are so richly developed. The series is a super good read so far!
September 24, 2017
What a fun read. I am ready for the next one!
May 15, 2018
An excellent fantasy series that (almost) feels like histories remembered.
November 24, 2018
As good as the first.
December 23, 2018
Excellent world building with a good plot, but the villains' evilness is bordering on absurd.
September 14, 2023
13 The book starts with rather a horrifying scene but then you find out that the first two protagonists are 18 and 19 years old Nah! Not for me.
November 27, 2025
Sooooooo good!
August 9, 2020
This sequel to Kingdoms of Ruin kept everything I loved and kept me hooked in the first book. It is an unpredictable story full of action in a vast fantasy setting. This series is commonly compared to Game of Thrones, but Daniel Arsens writing I’ve found is quicker to the point. I do not think there are any secrets hinted at to be revealed in the last book. Everything is put out into the open for the reader to understand before most of the characters do.
I will, however, give the book four stars instead of five because I thought at times there were too many viewpoints involved. It dragged down the pacing in places and in others, failed to give enough attention to important plot points. Ofeers story for example had to shifted along really quickly in act three. I would have preferred much more detail regarding the final conflict in Aleer.
Also, because this is the second in the trilogy (after writing this review, I have learnt this series has seven books) I felt a lot of the plot was filler to get characters into place for the third book. Atalia and Koren for examples were lead to places in their story and then discarded in favour of more pressing plots. Ephers story I thought was resolved (temporarily) too quickly and conveniently in his last chapter.
Overall, I think I would have preferred more from a small focus of characters (Seneca, Epher, Offeer and Maya) rather than over ten different people telling the story. My main reason for this is because I found with the Sela siblings (Offeer excluded) taking turns with chapters the story became repetitive. They were all experiencing the same emotions, reminiscing of home the same way, each vowing to fight against the odds, finding romantic interests etc at the same pace. There were back to back chapters where I would pause and think, ‘haven’t I just read this?’
Despite this, I am very much looking forward to the next installment. I am surprised this series doesn’t have more of a following because Arsen is a very talented author.
I will, however, give the book four stars instead of five because I thought at times there were too many viewpoints involved. It dragged down the pacing in places and in others, failed to give enough attention to important plot points. Ofeers story for example had to shifted along really quickly in act three. I would have preferred much more detail regarding the final conflict in Aleer.
Also, because this is the second in the trilogy (after writing this review, I have learnt this series has seven books) I felt a lot of the plot was filler to get characters into place for the third book. Atalia and Koren for examples were lead to places in their story and then discarded in favour of more pressing plots. Ephers story I thought was resolved (temporarily) too quickly and conveniently in his last chapter.
Overall, I think I would have preferred more from a small focus of characters (Seneca, Epher, Offeer and Maya) rather than over ten different people telling the story. My main reason for this is because I found with the Sela siblings (Offeer excluded) taking turns with chapters the story became repetitive. They were all experiencing the same emotions, reminiscing of home the same way, each vowing to fight against the odds, finding romantic interests etc at the same pace. There were back to back chapters where I would pause and think, ‘haven’t I just read this?’
Despite this, I am very much looking forward to the next installment. I am surprised this series doesn’t have more of a following because Arsen is a very talented author.
April 11, 2022
I don't care much for the born sexy yesterday type trope but the rest is worth the read if you are comfortable with adult fantasy. Like a faster less complicated GOT vibes with sand and sword dreams. Will continue the series.
August 19, 2017
The fires of war light the Encircled Sea.
Warning: If you haven't read the first book of the Kingdoms of Sand series, Kings of Ruin, this review may contain spoilers. I highly recommend that you read this saga from the beginning. You won't regret it, the books are terrific and enlightening, guaranteed to entertain you.
The second chapter of Daniel Arensen's Kingdoms of Sand saga finds all the lands surrounding the Encircled Sea under the control of the Aelarian Empire. In Zohar, Gefen is lost, destroyed by the forces of Seneca Octavius, son of the Aelarian emperor, Marcus Octavius. Jerael Sela witnessed the destruction of the city he ruled. His wife and children are scattered, enslaved or fleeing as Porcia Octavius, daughter of Emperor Marcus and rival of Seneca for inheritance of the Empire, captures Beth Eloh, capitol of Zohar.
With the fall of Zohar all lands surrounding the Encircled Sea are controlled by the Aelarian Empire. Especially significant, by controlling Zohar, the magical energy, Lumen, which only flows from Beth Eloh, is also in the Empire's control.
The lands around the Encircled Sea may be controlled by the Empire, but the flames of resistance are brightening.
As usual, Daniel has given us authentic characters, rich in detail and spirit. The action and combat sequences are realistic and exciting, really get your blood boiling. I had trouble putting it down, and when I finished, I had to start over and read it again just to capture any details I hurried past the first time!
This is high action fantasy at its best! You'll love it! I can't wait for the next book in the series. This is a must read!
Warning: If you haven't read the first book of the Kingdoms of Sand series, Kings of Ruin, this review may contain spoilers. I highly recommend that you read this saga from the beginning. You won't regret it, the books are terrific and enlightening, guaranteed to entertain you.
The second chapter of Daniel Arensen's Kingdoms of Sand saga finds all the lands surrounding the Encircled Sea under the control of the Aelarian Empire. In Zohar, Gefen is lost, destroyed by the forces of Seneca Octavius, son of the Aelarian emperor, Marcus Octavius. Jerael Sela witnessed the destruction of the city he ruled. His wife and children are scattered, enslaved or fleeing as Porcia Octavius, daughter of Emperor Marcus and rival of Seneca for inheritance of the Empire, captures Beth Eloh, capitol of Zohar.
With the fall of Zohar all lands surrounding the Encircled Sea are controlled by the Aelarian Empire. Especially significant, by controlling Zohar, the magical energy, Lumen, which only flows from Beth Eloh, is also in the Empire's control.
The lands around the Encircled Sea may be controlled by the Empire, but the flames of resistance are brightening.
As usual, Daniel has given us authentic characters, rich in detail and spirit. The action and combat sequences are realistic and exciting, really get your blood boiling. I had trouble putting it down, and when I finished, I had to start over and read it again just to capture any details I hurried past the first time!
This is high action fantasy at its best! You'll love it! I can't wait for the next book in the series. This is a must read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews