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Kingdoms of Sand #1-3
Kingdoms of Sand Box Set
Game of Thrones meets Spartacus in an epic saga of sand and splendor. This bundle contains the first three novels of Kingdoms of Sand, a fantasy series from a USA Today bestselling author. That's over 1,000 pages of battles, intrigue, and magic. Sweeping from snowy forests to cruel deserts, from bazaars of wonder to fields of war, here is a tale of legionaries and lepers, priests and paupers, kings and crows. Here a girl travels across endless dunes, seeking magic; a cruel prince struggles to claim a bloodstained throne; and a young soldier fights to hold back an overwhelming host. As the empire spreads, the fate of one family--and of all civilization--stands upon a knife's edge, for under the storm of war, even the greatest nations are but kingdoms of sand.
907 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2017
About the author
Daniel Arenson
158 books878 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 14, 2020
Fabulous history-based epic fantasy! The Roman Empire is re-imagined in this rollicking adventure full of conquerors, rebels, slaves, and emperors all mixed with a thrilling twist of magic. Lumiosity, Arenson's new form of magic, is deftly handled, laden with mystery and hidden potential. The characters are richly portrayed and the world building shows a good understanding of the Roman Empire. A totally enjoyable read! I highly recommend this saga!
December 14, 2019
This would be closer to a five star rating if the story moved along a lot faster. I purchased the trilogy through Kindle and found the first book moved along very well. Interesting characters and a retelling in fantasy form of the conquests of the Roman Empire; specifically Israel, Gaul and Egypt. Then the story bogged down and there was page after page of filler, descriptions and reminiscing rather than any attempt to move the story along. I also found some of the characters very extreme, over the top extreme and not very realistic....especially the crazy blood lust Roman Empire daughter. Could have done with a really good editor. I actually just skimmed through the third book to get a sense of the ending.....it didn't end, there's a book four which I never bothered to read. To be fair, judging by the numerous five star ratings this series has received mine seems to be the minority view.
October 1, 2017
the roads we choose
the Sela family ruled their small kingdom with love and faith. until death and war came for the second time in under two decades. there is no pure white or black in war, only getting through the day alive by whatever means. until those means violate your very being. and then you must choose who you will really be and where you will finally stand. wherever the roads have taken you.
this version contained books 1-3. I was thrilled beyond belief to read them. I love Daniel's writing and once again he has given us a new world to love
the Sela family ruled their small kingdom with love and faith. until death and war came for the second time in under two decades. there is no pure white or black in war, only getting through the day alive by whatever means. until those means violate your very being. and then you must choose who you will really be and where you will finally stand. wherever the roads have taken you.
this version contained books 1-3. I was thrilled beyond belief to read them. I love Daniel's writing and once again he has given us a new world to love
December 16, 2022
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Killing a dog is a Cheap Trick to evoke emotion.
This book is a Cheap Trick.
I hate this series.
.
.
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Killing a dog is a Cheap Trick to evoke emotion.
This book is a Cheap Trick.
I hate this series.
.
.
April 22, 2023
i stopped reading this, could not get into it.
April 1, 2023
This is an epic tale of two families in an ancient Rome-like world. The empire of the Octavius family thrives on brutal conquest and subserviency, in the name of sharing their gods with the world. The Sela family, a royal family from a previously attacked but not fully conquered land, must deal with the threat of the expanding empire.
The fascinating story intricately weaves the plot through varying points of view of the two families. Each chapter provides a perspective from one of the many diverse characters, enabling us to see and feel the events through their eyes and mind.
I'm not a typical reader of this genre, nor do I write it, but I thought I'd broaden my reading horizon. The characterizations, imagery, and story telling are superb. I was put off by the graphic violence, and the language at times, but the story kept me engaged. I was a bit disappointed mid-way through the third book when I realized the storyline would not complete in this set of books, but Mr. Arenson has certainly woven a strong story that warrants further tales and reading.
The fascinating story intricately weaves the plot through varying points of view of the two families. Each chapter provides a perspective from one of the many diverse characters, enabling us to see and feel the events through their eyes and mind.
I'm not a typical reader of this genre, nor do I write it, but I thought I'd broaden my reading horizon. The characterizations, imagery, and story telling are superb. I was put off by the graphic violence, and the language at times, but the story kept me engaged. I was a bit disappointed mid-way through the third book when I realized the storyline would not complete in this set of books, but Mr. Arenson has certainly woven a strong story that warrants further tales and reading.
July 4, 2023
Fantasy series set in a Roman Empire type world, written in a Game of Thrones POV style. The main story consists of the Empire invading a far off land to the east, similar to Palestine/Israel. There are also references to tribes of Germans, Egypt, and even the British Isles. This was my favorite part of this series, using a fantasy world to equate the rise of the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean Sea. The fantasy part was low-key, which was fine. I enjoyed most of the characters and will continue the series to find out what happens to them.
January 1, 2025
Loved this series so far!
I really enjoyed reading this story, which is obviously based on the Legionnaires of Rome and the different areas of the world they conquered. This doesn’t exactly paint a pretty picture of life under Roman rule. In this tale, we follow one family of the ancient country of Zohar. The parents and the five children of the Sela family and what happens when Rome, or in the case of our story, Aelar invades and takes over their country. I found the story fascinating, the world building just right and the whole plot is character driven.
I really enjoyed reading this story, which is obviously based on the Legionnaires of Rome and the different areas of the world they conquered. This doesn’t exactly paint a pretty picture of life under Roman rule. In this tale, we follow one family of the ancient country of Zohar. The parents and the five children of the Sela family and what happens when Rome, or in the case of our story, Aelar invades and takes over their country. I found the story fascinating, the world building just right and the whole plot is character driven.
January 19, 2023
Disjointed repetition
Seemingly never-ending repetition of storylines, so much so, that I began skim reading to find the next step in the story. Eventually discovering three more novellas were written to complete the story. I read the first three as a Kindle subscriber believing the three to be a complete trilogy, only to be deceived. Indeed, to complete the story, I am expected to pay $4.99 USD for each of the last three novellas in the series. What a disappointment!!!
Seemingly never-ending repetition of storylines, so much so, that I began skim reading to find the next step in the story. Eventually discovering three more novellas were written to complete the story. I read the first three as a Kindle subscriber believing the three to be a complete trilogy, only to be deceived. Indeed, to complete the story, I am expected to pay $4.99 USD for each of the last three novellas in the series. What a disappointment!!!
February 3, 2021
The trilogy is definitely a page turner. With elements of the Roman Empire but also the beginnings of Christentum.(God of light).
The characters are vibrant and well developed and the reader is captured in their stories until the end, where all strings are left hanging because the story goes on in book 4.
The characters are vibrant and well developed and the reader is captured in their stories until the end, where all strings are left hanging because the story goes on in book 4.
December 17, 2018
Recieved free for review:
I fell in love with books by this author when I read the first book!
Fortunately my library has books 4-6, but in audio....
I intend to try and read everything by him!♡
I fell in love with books by this author when I read the first book!
Fortunately my library has books 4-6, but in audio....
I intend to try and read everything by him!♡
July 28, 2025
Epic Storytelling
Expansive characters who each keep their focus on doing right with what they are individually facing. Excellent character development with plenty of action throughout.
Expansive characters who each keep their focus on doing right with what they are individually facing. Excellent character development with plenty of action throughout.
April 11, 2018
Another masterpiece!
Can this man write a bad book? I don't think so! This is my third series by Mr Swenson and they are all amazing!
Can this man write a bad book? I don't think so! This is my third series by Mr Swenson and they are all amazing!
January 5, 2019
Interesting
Very intriguing slow in paces but exciting around the corner always looking forward to the next chapter in following all
Very intriguing slow in paces but exciting around the corner always looking forward to the next chapter in following all
February 25, 2019
Well written
Well written with pictorial prose. The evolving of people's portrayed. Seemingly based on the spread of the Roman empire but in a world of difference.
Well written with pictorial prose. The evolving of people's portrayed. Seemingly based on the spread of the Roman empire but in a world of difference.
August 18, 2019
Rome or bust
Reminds me of a Roman epic story of conquest and intrigue plenty of characters death and mystical undertones otherwise a good read
Reminds me of a Roman epic story of conquest and intrigue plenty of characters death and mystical undertones otherwise a good read
December 11, 2019
Great epic adventure
I became totally emersed in the world of sand and iron, characters easy to follow, thanks and straight on to books 4 to 6, thanks
I became totally emersed in the world of sand and iron, characters easy to follow, thanks and straight on to books 4 to 6, thanks
September 10, 2020
I would read again
Great series. Looking forward to ebooks 4-6. Please send me info on more of daniels ebooks.moth series was also very good.
Great series. Looking forward to ebooks 4-6. Please send me info on more of daniels ebooks.moth series was also very good.
January 31, 2023
Great series, could not put it down. Will read more by this author.
April 21, 2023
Obvious Hebrew-Roman semi-history. Rather predictable but still a pleasant read.
May 23, 2025
a very exciting and thrilling Fantasy-Saga ! Contains triggers, not suitable for sensitive people !
December 30, 2018
Average fantasy series. I wouldn't broadly recommend them unless someone was expressly looking for fantasy about the Alexander the Great era.
Decent worldbuilding with a unique magic system. Obvious analogies to ancient Rome, Israel, Egypt, etc. which I found interesting.
Clumsy pacing and occasionally dragging plot. I struggled to keep reading some parts, but there was just enough going on to maintain my interest. Multiple POVs were handled well, though maybe it would have been tighter with fewer focal characters.
Characters started a bit one-dimensional and grew in spurts. There were some interesting things being explored, and execution was decent but not great.
Summary - I won't reread these, but I may be interested in more from this author, especially if the plot gets tighter.
P.S. I hate cliffhangers.
Decent worldbuilding with a unique magic system. Obvious analogies to ancient Rome, Israel, Egypt, etc. which I found interesting.
Clumsy pacing and occasionally dragging plot. I struggled to keep reading some parts, but there was just enough going on to maintain my interest. Multiple POVs were handled well, though maybe it would have been tighter with fewer focal characters.
Characters started a bit one-dimensional and grew in spurts. There were some interesting things being explored, and execution was decent but not great.
Summary - I won't reread these, but I may be interested in more from this author, especially if the plot gets tighter.
P.S. I hate cliffhangers.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews