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The Sand Sea
"An astounding epic novel of J.R.R. Tolkien proportions!"
— Steven Pressfield, Bestselling author of Gates of Fire and The War of Art
Raiders of the Lost Ark playing A Game of Thrones
The Sand Sea takes place on an alternative Earth roiled by war and conquest that mirrors our own Gilded Age. The treasure that ignites greed and folly in this parallel world is not petroleum, but beserite—a mineral of immeasurable value.
Captivated by an ancient prophecy and the call of adventure, inexperienced nobleman and scholar Peter Harmon (think of a young Winston Churchill-like naif) joins an expedition to stake his nation’s claim to a global empire.
Harmon’s destination is a vast and inhospitable desert halfway around the world, dominated by the iron-fisted Grand Vizer Jemojeen Jongdar. A tyrant on a mission to secure the ancient and supernatural Staff of the Ram, the Lion, and the Serpent, Jongdar knows the truth that others can only imagine: The one who controls the staff will possess the power to rule the world.
Before he can seize his destiny, Jongdar must find and destroy the one person capable of thwarting his ambition, the rightful heir to the Sand Sea realm, an innocent woman named Selena Savanar.
Can the brave and indomitable Selena accept her true destiny and rally her people in the eye of a gathering storm? To do so will require her to outwit the man who burned her father alive and left her an orphan and beggar a lifetime ago. Or will Peter Harmon and the cadre of opportunists he rides with conquer the divided empire?
With the mythic structure of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy in a world as rich and real as George R.R. Martin’s Westeros, The Sand Sea is an immersive experience made to order for epic fantasy fans and anyone who enjoys grand-scale historical fiction.
— Steven Pressfield, Bestselling author of Gates of Fire and The War of Art
Raiders of the Lost Ark playing A Game of Thrones
The Sand Sea takes place on an alternative Earth roiled by war and conquest that mirrors our own Gilded Age. The treasure that ignites greed and folly in this parallel world is not petroleum, but beserite—a mineral of immeasurable value.
Captivated by an ancient prophecy and the call of adventure, inexperienced nobleman and scholar Peter Harmon (think of a young Winston Churchill-like naif) joins an expedition to stake his nation’s claim to a global empire.
Harmon’s destination is a vast and inhospitable desert halfway around the world, dominated by the iron-fisted Grand Vizer Jemojeen Jongdar. A tyrant on a mission to secure the ancient and supernatural Staff of the Ram, the Lion, and the Serpent, Jongdar knows the truth that others can only imagine: The one who controls the staff will possess the power to rule the world.
Before he can seize his destiny, Jongdar must find and destroy the one person capable of thwarting his ambition, the rightful heir to the Sand Sea realm, an innocent woman named Selena Savanar.
Can the brave and indomitable Selena accept her true destiny and rally her people in the eye of a gathering storm? To do so will require her to outwit the man who burned her father alive and left her an orphan and beggar a lifetime ago. Or will Peter Harmon and the cadre of opportunists he rides with conquer the divided empire?
With the mythic structure of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy in a world as rich and real as George R.R. Martin’s Westeros, The Sand Sea is an immersive experience made to order for epic fantasy fans and anyone who enjoys grand-scale historical fiction.
1043 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
December 26, 2020
Awesome, epic, and best fantasy of the year for me; even better on the first reread when one doesn't rush to see what happens. A great ending that definitely makes me want book 2 asap!
A somewhat similar Earth (around 1878) though with some obvious similarities/differences - eg Christianity is now a Trinity (Three Gods religion, while the Tsarist Empire is still the Orthodox one), there is a Spanish/Italian analogue multinational state and similarly for Judaism and Islam who appear under different names etc (and some subtle ones as in this universe there is no African slave trade hence no Civil War in the USA analogue, New Anglia, but instead a similarly timeline/duration war between it and the French state - La Frentia - who now have extensive possessions on the Southern border of New Anglia etc) with some history thrown in as one of the main characters is a collateral line descendant of the winner of the final and decisive battle against the famous La Frentian Emperor some 3-4 generations ago, another important character is a former La Frentian Legion major, while on the New Anglian side, the main two characters are the son and daughter respectively of the two major shareholders in the TransContinental railway...
Expeditions to the desert and its holy cities (though now it is bordering the Gressian/Tarist Empire so it is in the equivalent of Central Asia) where prophecies are due, an evil Grand Vizier tries to prevent them and a princess has to accept that she is such indeed and grow to lead her people, desert tribes united under the banner of the Prophet and waiting for a saviour from the West and one from the East to overthrow the usurping line of the Sultans and much, much more.
Just awesome from the beginning prologue set some 69 years late to its continuation at the end revealing the identities of the characters in it - not that after a while it is not more or less obvious who they are anyway - and the "we read tomorrow more of the story" with which the novel ends
One of the best fantasies of recent years as it strikes the right notes in pretty much everything, from the universe to characters, to storyline, to action and to presentation, so while the novel is fairly long (8-900 pages) it is still un-puttable down at any moment and one must turn the pages to see what happens next.
From the wild coast of the Pacific (equivalent) to the glittering balls of the New Anglian Capital on the East Coast (more an NYC equivalent than a Washington of course), from the Anglian Cambridge equivalent to its capital and Parliament, all the way to the fabled cities of the Sand Sea and the forbidden Hasht desert, a memorable read and highly, highly recommended!
A somewhat similar Earth (around 1878) though with some obvious similarities/differences - eg Christianity is now a Trinity (Three Gods religion, while the Tsarist Empire is still the Orthodox one), there is a Spanish/Italian analogue multinational state and similarly for Judaism and Islam who appear under different names etc (and some subtle ones as in this universe there is no African slave trade hence no Civil War in the USA analogue, New Anglia, but instead a similarly timeline/duration war between it and the French state - La Frentia - who now have extensive possessions on the Southern border of New Anglia etc) with some history thrown in as one of the main characters is a collateral line descendant of the winner of the final and decisive battle against the famous La Frentian Emperor some 3-4 generations ago, another important character is a former La Frentian Legion major, while on the New Anglian side, the main two characters are the son and daughter respectively of the two major shareholders in the TransContinental railway...
Expeditions to the desert and its holy cities (though now it is bordering the Gressian/Tarist Empire so it is in the equivalent of Central Asia) where prophecies are due, an evil Grand Vizier tries to prevent them and a princess has to accept that she is such indeed and grow to lead her people, desert tribes united under the banner of the Prophet and waiting for a saviour from the West and one from the East to overthrow the usurping line of the Sultans and much, much more.
Just awesome from the beginning prologue set some 69 years late to its continuation at the end revealing the identities of the characters in it - not that after a while it is not more or less obvious who they are anyway - and the "we read tomorrow more of the story" with which the novel ends
One of the best fantasies of recent years as it strikes the right notes in pretty much everything, from the universe to characters, to storyline, to action and to presentation, so while the novel is fairly long (8-900 pages) it is still un-puttable down at any moment and one must turn the pages to see what happens next.
From the wild coast of the Pacific (equivalent) to the glittering balls of the New Anglian Capital on the East Coast (more an NYC equivalent than a Washington of course), from the Anglian Cambridge equivalent to its capital and Parliament, all the way to the fabled cities of the Sand Sea and the forbidden Hasht desert, a memorable read and highly, highly recommended!
June 7, 2020
Disclosure: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Sand Sea is a fantasy adventure that takes place in an alternative reality of late-1870’s Earth (primarily North America, England, and the Middle East). The plot follows Peter Harmon, Jack Caldwell and Hannah Huntington on their quest to secure access to the mysterious and coveted mineral beserite, and Jemojeen Jongdar and Selena Savanar as they strive to quash (Jemojeen) or fulfill (Selena) an ancient prophecy.
DNF at 28%.
The good:
The author included several maps at the beginning of the book which were nicely illustrated and helped in understanding the worldbuilding, which is especially useful given that this is an alternate reality.
There were moments of intrigue that piqued my interest, especially in regards to the power structure of the “Middle Eastern” equivalent kingdom.
The not so good:
Characters:
Most of the primary characters (Peter, Jack, Hannah, and Selena) don’t have a lot of agency of their own. Peter and Jack are going on the adventure because their wealthy fathers are making them go. Hannah is going because she doesn’t want to get married, and that’s the only option for a society woman in New Anglia. Selena is snatched on her first day working at a brothel by Oath Takers who believe she will help fulfill the prophecy, and she seems to just be along for the ride. The only person who has agency of his own is the antagonist, Jemojeen, who unfortunately reminds me of Jafar from Aladdin. In addition, many of the people from New Anglia (Jack’s friends and most of the older relatives) read as two-dimensional, entitled rich people, which doesn’t endear me to any of them.
Plot:
The plot has several threads going at once, which slows the pace of the entire story down. There are a few scenes that don’t have very high stakes and which meander for too long. At 28%, there have been a couple of good action scenes, but not enough for a story that is ostensibly all about action.
Writing Style:
This has been the real sticking point for me with this story. It reads like a beta version, not a ready-to-be-released ARC. There is a LOT of exposition, much of which seems to be intended as worldbuilding, but which doesn’t add to what we need to know about the story or the characters right now. Much of this could be cut without losing the essence of the story. In addition, there is a lot of repetition in the writing that could be rephrased, trimmed and streamlined. A good line editor would be able to tighten the writing up, which would help with the flow and the pacing of the story.
Finally, I have to mention my pet peeve in this story – the naming convention. At this point I have counted no fewer than 16 alliterative names (three of which are listed above), plus an iteration of one given name being used for two different people. Whimsical, magical stories may be able to pull this off; here it’s just annoying.
Overall, I would not recommend this book. But there are glimmers of promise. I would heartily recommend that the author continue writing and find himself a good beta audience and line editor.
The Sand Sea is a fantasy adventure that takes place in an alternative reality of late-1870’s Earth (primarily North America, England, and the Middle East). The plot follows Peter Harmon, Jack Caldwell and Hannah Huntington on their quest to secure access to the mysterious and coveted mineral beserite, and Jemojeen Jongdar and Selena Savanar as they strive to quash (Jemojeen) or fulfill (Selena) an ancient prophecy.
DNF at 28%.
The good:
The author included several maps at the beginning of the book which were nicely illustrated and helped in understanding the worldbuilding, which is especially useful given that this is an alternate reality.
There were moments of intrigue that piqued my interest, especially in regards to the power structure of the “Middle Eastern” equivalent kingdom.
The not so good:
Characters:
Most of the primary characters (Peter, Jack, Hannah, and Selena) don’t have a lot of agency of their own. Peter and Jack are going on the adventure because their wealthy fathers are making them go. Hannah is going because she doesn’t want to get married, and that’s the only option for a society woman in New Anglia. Selena is snatched on her first day working at a brothel by Oath Takers who believe she will help fulfill the prophecy, and she seems to just be along for the ride. The only person who has agency of his own is the antagonist, Jemojeen, who unfortunately reminds me of Jafar from Aladdin. In addition, many of the people from New Anglia (Jack’s friends and most of the older relatives) read as two-dimensional, entitled rich people, which doesn’t endear me to any of them.
Plot:
The plot has several threads going at once, which slows the pace of the entire story down. There are a few scenes that don’t have very high stakes and which meander for too long. At 28%, there have been a couple of good action scenes, but not enough for a story that is ostensibly all about action.
Writing Style:
This has been the real sticking point for me with this story. It reads like a beta version, not a ready-to-be-released ARC. There is a LOT of exposition, much of which seems to be intended as worldbuilding, but which doesn’t add to what we need to know about the story or the characters right now. Much of this could be cut without losing the essence of the story. In addition, there is a lot of repetition in the writing that could be rephrased, trimmed and streamlined. A good line editor would be able to tighten the writing up, which would help with the flow and the pacing of the story.
Finally, I have to mention my pet peeve in this story – the naming convention. At this point I have counted no fewer than 16 alliterative names (three of which are listed above), plus an iteration of one given name being used for two different people. Whimsical, magical stories may be able to pull this off; here it’s just annoying.
Overall, I would not recommend this book. But there are glimmers of promise. I would heartily recommend that the author continue writing and find himself a good beta audience and line editor.
July 1, 2023
What a disappointment. This book showed a lot of promise at the beginning: The blend of 19th century British explorer culture and desert adventure to find a lost artifact in the Year of the Prophecy gave the story a kind of Indiana Jones feel. I also liked that it was so epic, unfolding slowly as we were introduced to the key players.
Unfortunately, as the story went on, we were introduced to more and more POV characters to the point that it felt more a convenience than a deliberate choice. We were keeping track of too many side stories in too many locations. The timeline started moving back and forth to cover what was happening where and it got a little confusing and hard to stay invested. The female characters who seemed to have some independence and spunk ended up stereotyped anyway—the “savior” of course is stunningly beautiful as all female saviors must be, and the “warrior” ended up raped and put aside for the remainder of the story even though she was the actual narrator of the frame story. Other reviewers have noted the need for a serious line edit to trim extraneous exposition down and I agree.
But the worst sin of all is the ending. After spending soooo much time invested in the success of this small band of characters against a villain (who, again as other reviewers have noted, was bizarrely reminiscent of Disney’s Jafar from Aladdin), the story just up and ended abruptly with nothing fully resolved and no satisfaction for the reader.
The author spent what felt like nearly a quarter of the book describing the actions of every single player in this war—left flank, right flank, this guys squadron, that guys scouting group—down to every gory detail. But not a word was spared to show our heroes reuniting after having been separated fairly early in the book. Nothing about them rescuing their captured friend bound for a fiery death. No “meet cute” to show how the narrator fell in love with the changed man she had once overlooked. We didn’t even get to see the heroes vanquish the villain against whom they were pitted from the start. We’re just supposed to assume all of this happened but we don’t get to enjoy the pay-off of any of it. Whatever enjoyment I had left by the end was totally killed by this rushed and lazy wrap up.
I would say this needed more than a good line edit—it needed a developmental edit to deal with the story and character arcs which were lame and underwhelming. And that ending...I’m going to feel robbed by that for days.
Unfortunately, as the story went on, we were introduced to more and more POV characters to the point that it felt more a convenience than a deliberate choice. We were keeping track of too many side stories in too many locations. The timeline started moving back and forth to cover what was happening where and it got a little confusing and hard to stay invested. The female characters who seemed to have some independence and spunk ended up stereotyped anyway—the “savior” of course is stunningly beautiful as all female saviors must be, and the “warrior” ended up raped and put aside for the remainder of the story even though she was the actual narrator of the frame story. Other reviewers have noted the need for a serious line edit to trim extraneous exposition down and I agree.
But the worst sin of all is the ending. After spending soooo much time invested in the success of this small band of characters against a villain (who, again as other reviewers have noted, was bizarrely reminiscent of Disney’s Jafar from Aladdin), the story just up and ended abruptly with nothing fully resolved and no satisfaction for the reader.
The author spent what felt like nearly a quarter of the book describing the actions of every single player in this war—left flank, right flank, this guys squadron, that guys scouting group—down to every gory detail. But not a word was spared to show our heroes reuniting after having been separated fairly early in the book. Nothing about them rescuing their captured friend bound for a fiery death. No “meet cute” to show how the narrator fell in love with the changed man she had once overlooked. We didn’t even get to see the heroes vanquish the villain against whom they were pitted from the start. We’re just supposed to assume all of this happened but we don’t get to enjoy the pay-off of any of it. Whatever enjoyment I had left by the end was totally killed by this rushed and lazy wrap up.
I would say this needed more than a good line edit—it needed a developmental edit to deal with the story and character arcs which were lame and underwhelming. And that ending...I’m going to feel robbed by that for days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2020
Think Lawrence of Arabia meets Lara Croft! Michael McCellan had me enthralled from the prologue. Any fan of Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, Tad Williams, the Hunger Games, Harry Potter or any other historical fantasy writers will love this book. All your emotions and senses will be engaged. I'm so happy I started this during the Stay-at-Home period during the US corona virus breakout otherwise it could have been a big problem because I couldn't put it down and didn't want to be disturbed out of this fantastically created world. The maps and illustrations are beyond gorgeous and add the perfect dimension to enhance the story. Seriously I have to get the book in hardback just for the maps and illustrations! Great friendships developed, strong resourceful women, wheeling and dealing men, huge battle scenes, treachery, ambition, politics, deceit, love, sadness, humor, fantastic characters you fall in love with or hate.. it's all there. The biggest problem is the next book is still in the writing stages and I can't wait to continue following these characters to see where their decisions, friends and enemies move them.
May 29, 2020
This book was a real page-turner. The author is able to carry out multiple story lines at once, creating fascinating historical backgrounds and believable characters.
There are at least two parallel plots-- one involving the search for a precious mineral, the other the overthrow of an illegitimate realm by the faithful followers of the Ram, the Lion and the Serpent. Each is an engaging plot that made me want to know what was going to happen next.
The book has a satisfying climax-- even though it leaves a cliffhanger to be revealed in the next volume. Can't wait!
There are at least two parallel plots-- one involving the search for a precious mineral, the other the overthrow of an illegitimate realm by the faithful followers of the Ram, the Lion and the Serpent. Each is an engaging plot that made me want to know what was going to happen next.
The book has a satisfying climax-- even though it leaves a cliffhanger to be revealed in the next volume. Can't wait!
June 8, 2020
Telling a tale as rich as the tapestries that might hang in the throne room of his Qhaliffa, Michael McClellan weaves together the intricate threads of ancient prophecy, profit-driven exploration, and international political intrigue. Struggles for dominance are waged both in polite society in the hallowed halls of Parliament and manipulative newspaper bureaus, as well as in darkened tents and blood-strewn battle fields. Conquerors wield magical powers via aged artifacts while the vanquished are relegated to dank dungeons and certain death.
McClellan’s skillfully constructed world is replete with maps, languages, ethnology, social customs, and rich spiritual beliefs. The 800 year history is riddled with promises made and broken, unlikely alliances, and mysteries unsolved. His compelling heroes and heroines become your intimate friends and their cruel enemies your feared foes. Moving from one intriguing locale to the next, the author leaves you wanting to read more about each scene, only to take you to an equally riveting one until, with amazing precision, he intertwines all the cords together as one.
Come join the sights, the smells, and the different tongues, and embark on a journey to worlds unknown with epic power struggles revolving around good and evil. It is a journey you will not easily forget.
McClellan’s skillfully constructed world is replete with maps, languages, ethnology, social customs, and rich spiritual beliefs. The 800 year history is riddled with promises made and broken, unlikely alliances, and mysteries unsolved. His compelling heroes and heroines become your intimate friends and their cruel enemies your feared foes. Moving from one intriguing locale to the next, the author leaves you wanting to read more about each scene, only to take you to an equally riveting one until, with amazing precision, he intertwines all the cords together as one.
Come join the sights, the smells, and the different tongues, and embark on a journey to worlds unknown with epic power struggles revolving around good and evil. It is a journey you will not easily forget.
May 28, 2020
Was invited to read and review this book before its publication. Wow, it sucked me right in. I did not want to put it down, especially chapter 10 and after. I do not want to spoil this work for other readers just say it is mesmerizing. Highly recommended. SLT...
June 2, 2020
I sprinted through this book so fast I barely got sand between my toes. It was EPIC. I was hooked on the book right away, I loved the strong, sassy female characters in the opening chapters and the different storylines as they wove together. Lots of complex characters, some days I loved them some days I got so mad at them--that was really well done.
I never got into Game of Thrones, but I TRIED to read it. After struggling through 2/3rds of the first book without getting into it, I gave up. Too much reality TV drama and not enough adventure. The Sand Sea is more like a grown up Eragon series, or a modernized (& less fantasy) Lord of the Rings. With The Sand Sea, plenty of twists, turns and excitement. And, just enough battle. I can handle some epic battles, that's part of the genre, but not TOO many. A girl can only take so much blood before I want some real adventure and storytelling.
My one complaint, and this is common in the entire genre of historical fiction, is that those strong female characters started to morph into damsels in distress by the second half of this book. Maybe in future books they'll reclaim their power, but I was surprised by some of the trials and tests written for the women when the author has two daughters. Trying to avoid spoilers here but... One scene especially in the oasis, is there NO other way to give a challenge to a female character that will break her? Try harder men. For the sake of feminist fantasy and epic tale lovers, please.
Now, my main hope (having heard how l0ng this first part took to come to life) is that it doesn't take 10+ years for the author to get us the second part! I'm dying to know what happens. I will 100% be on for the next part of this series
I never got into Game of Thrones, but I TRIED to read it. After struggling through 2/3rds of the first book without getting into it, I gave up. Too much reality TV drama and not enough adventure. The Sand Sea is more like a grown up Eragon series, or a modernized (& less fantasy) Lord of the Rings. With The Sand Sea, plenty of twists, turns and excitement. And, just enough battle. I can handle some epic battles, that's part of the genre, but not TOO many. A girl can only take so much blood before I want some real adventure and storytelling.
My one complaint, and this is common in the entire genre of historical fiction, is that those strong female characters started to morph into damsels in distress by the second half of this book. Maybe in future books they'll reclaim their power, but I was surprised by some of the trials and tests written for the women when the author has two daughters. Trying to avoid spoilers here but... One scene especially in the oasis, is there NO other way to give a challenge to a female character that will break her? Try harder men. For the sake of feminist fantasy and epic tale lovers, please.
Now, my main hope (having heard how l0ng this first part took to come to life) is that it doesn't take 10+ years for the author to get us the second part! I'm dying to know what happens. I will 100% be on for the next part of this series
May 30, 2020
The Sand Sea is an epic novel that I found difficult to put down. Many nights of reading went much longer than planned! The multiple plot lines are well developed and weave together naturally as the story progresses. The character development in this book is excellent and I felt a real connection with many of them. McClellan’s style is very engaging. The closing is quite the cliffhanger and leaves one pondering the many directions this could go. I’m very much looking forward to the next volume.
November 20, 2021
4.5/5, a compelling fantasy epic with excellent character, a gripping plot, and a unique setting.
Disclosure: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read Michael Brandon McClellan's book right from the cover and the blurb (Epic fantasy in a desert? Let's go!). And it certainly didn't hurt that the book came recommended by Stephen Pressfield, whose masterful novel Gates of Fire and inspiring nonfiction continues to astound me. The Sand Sea exceeded my expectations, however. The only reason I didn't give it 5 full stars is that the beginning seemed to drag a bit, but once I pressed through I found myself reading until the dawn crept in through my window multiple nights in a row.
Writing in a fantastical world rather similar to our own (think Guy Gavriel Kay's "quarter turn to the fantastic"), McClellan introduces a varied and intriguing cast of characters. From wide-ranging cultures and locales, we meet an exiled noblewoman, young heirs to western business empires, intrepid explorers (à la Indiana Jones), and valiant desert nomads--just to name a few. Despite the vast array of characters, McClellan does an excellent job imbuing each with a distinctive personality and drive. Several characters underwent terrific growth by the end of the novel, turning them from so-so in my book to stand out favorites.
The plot takes several turns, and I kept turning the page because I simply had to know what would happen next--would the secret mission succeed? would the evil vizier gain hold of the magic fast enough to outmaneuver our heroes? would these characters ally once they met, or clash?
While the book is certainly epic, the magic is on the subtler side than some entries in the genre. That said, McClellan uses the magic to great effect when it does become a more central aspect of the plot.
Aside from my comment about the beginning, my only other quibble is an awkward line that appears a handful of times and broke immersion: It really is a small thing, though, and my mentioning it here only highlights just how great this book is that I had to nitpick a bit for a critique.
So, in the final analysis, I heartily recommend The Sand Sea. It feels unique, it feels exciting--and it feels like I need the sequel!
Disclosure: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read Michael Brandon McClellan's book right from the cover and the blurb (Epic fantasy in a desert? Let's go!). And it certainly didn't hurt that the book came recommended by Stephen Pressfield, whose masterful novel Gates of Fire and inspiring nonfiction continues to astound me. The Sand Sea exceeded my expectations, however. The only reason I didn't give it 5 full stars is that the beginning seemed to drag a bit, but once I pressed through I found myself reading until the dawn crept in through my window multiple nights in a row.
Writing in a fantastical world rather similar to our own (think Guy Gavriel Kay's "quarter turn to the fantastic"), McClellan introduces a varied and intriguing cast of characters. From wide-ranging cultures and locales, we meet an exiled noblewoman, young heirs to western business empires, intrepid explorers (à la Indiana Jones), and valiant desert nomads--just to name a few. Despite the vast array of characters, McClellan does an excellent job imbuing each with a distinctive personality and drive. Several characters underwent terrific growth by the end of the novel, turning them from so-so in my book to stand out favorites.
The plot takes several turns, and I kept turning the page because I simply had to know what would happen next--would the secret mission succeed? would the evil vizier gain hold of the magic fast enough to outmaneuver our heroes? would these characters ally once they met, or clash?
While the book is certainly epic, the magic is on the subtler side than some entries in the genre. That said, McClellan uses the magic to great effect when it does become a more central aspect of the plot.
Aside from my comment about the beginning, my only other quibble is an awkward line that appears a handful of times and broke immersion: It really is a small thing, though, and my mentioning it here only highlights just how great this book is that I had to nitpick a bit for a critique.
So, in the final analysis, I heartily recommend The Sand Sea. It feels unique, it feels exciting--and it feels like I need the sequel!
December 31, 2020
Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Game of Thrones is fairly apt. For fans of the fantasy genre, I see the writing style and structure more lined up with Brandon Sanderson than George R.R. Martin, and that's a good thing to me. I found certain topics handled with more taste than the raw presentation in the GoT series.
The Sand Sea starts slow as the many characters are established. It initially hews so close to the world we know that I thought about putting it down. But I stuck with it and I'm glad I did. The world building opened up in interesting ways as the book progressed and, once the story got moving, the pace kept ramping up until the conclusion. In the end, I was very satisfied.
I read an advance copy for free. I would recommend it to fans of the genre and I look forward to the next installment!
The Sand Sea starts slow as the many characters are established. It initially hews so close to the world we know that I thought about putting it down. But I stuck with it and I'm glad I did. The world building opened up in interesting ways as the book progressed and, once the story got moving, the pace kept ramping up until the conclusion. In the end, I was very satisfied.
I read an advance copy for free. I would recommend it to fans of the genre and I look forward to the next installment!
May 29, 2020
great fantasy/historical fiction. compelling storylines and characters.
could do with a trigger warning as there's quite a few mentions of weaponised rape and a plot point hinges on such an incident (genuinely don't understand why writers feel that this device is a necessary way to break female characters).
despite this, the book was good overall, and sucked me in. definitely looking forward to reading the next instalment in the series.
this review is given as a result of being provided with an ARC.
could do with a trigger warning as there's quite a few mentions of weaponised rape and a plot point hinges on such an incident (genuinely don't understand why writers feel that this device is a necessary way to break female characters).
despite this, the book was good overall, and sucked me in. definitely looking forward to reading the next instalment in the series.
this review is given as a result of being provided with an ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2020
Come on! It starts with the feel of Harry Potter, then adds the quest of the Hobbit, and then the intrigue of Dune. What a spectacular fantasy book, with just a hint of historical fiction to help the reader keep their bearings. And the surprises keep coming. I could not put it down (to my wife's chagrin). Well written and put together. I hope there will be more to come.
June 1, 2020
ARC provided by Story Grid Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I really liked the story. Usually, fantasy novels come in either a European, medieval setting, or they’re plain modern urban fantasy. The Sand Sea starts in Anglia, which is sort of a Victorian-era England, and New Anglia, which could be interpreted as a XIX century United States. But then you get transported to what could be the Middle East, and it's a very nice ride. Michael McClellan writes easily, with good descriptions that are not boring or too extensive.
Keeping in mind that this is an alternative fantasy world, I truly loved some of the author’s historical/political insights. For example, when one of the characters speaks of the differences between “a country that looks outward toward empire and one that looks inward toward itself”, I almost clapped and cheered right there.
The Sand Sea is fast-paced, well written, full of action and with a magic system based more on religion and belief than spells and/or magic creatures. This alternative world is extremely believable and very well constructed.
But!
Character development is sorely lacking. They begin their journey at point A and suddenly come to point B, no in-between growth, no difficult choices, no angst, no nothing. There is absolutely no explanation for 180° changes.
* Very minor spoilers*
One minute we have someone being bullied, or afraid, or a "hardened explorer"; and the next, after just one incident, the change is complete. We see this again and again, almost every main character and several minor ones have changes of heart that come suddenly and absolutely. This prevented my involvement with them. I couldn't relate, they came short of becoming real for me.
I would definitely recommend The Sand Sea, and I look forward to the conclusion of this journey and others that Mr. McClellan might write about.
First of all, I really liked the story. Usually, fantasy novels come in either a European, medieval setting, or they’re plain modern urban fantasy. The Sand Sea starts in Anglia, which is sort of a Victorian-era England, and New Anglia, which could be interpreted as a XIX century United States. But then you get transported to what could be the Middle East, and it's a very nice ride. Michael McClellan writes easily, with good descriptions that are not boring or too extensive.
Keeping in mind that this is an alternative fantasy world, I truly loved some of the author’s historical/political insights. For example, when one of the characters speaks of the differences between “a country that looks outward toward empire and one that looks inward toward itself”, I almost clapped and cheered right there.
The Sand Sea is fast-paced, well written, full of action and with a magic system based more on religion and belief than spells and/or magic creatures. This alternative world is extremely believable and very well constructed.
But!
Character development is sorely lacking. They begin their journey at point A and suddenly come to point B, no in-between growth, no difficult choices, no angst, no nothing. There is absolutely no explanation for 180° changes.
* Very minor spoilers*
One minute we have someone being bullied, or afraid, or a "hardened explorer"; and the next, after just one incident, the change is complete. We see this again and again, almost every main character and several minor ones have changes of heart that come suddenly and absolutely. This prevented my involvement with them. I couldn't relate, they came short of becoming real for me.
I would definitely recommend The Sand Sea, and I look forward to the conclusion of this journey and others that Mr. McClellan might write about.
November 11, 2020
I only want to know one thing.. when will book two be available? I don’t write traditional reviews and rarely do any ‘review’ at all... I thoroughly enjoyed The Sand Sea and a series like this is one that regardless of how much I enjoyed it it would have been nice to have come upon it after the entire series was available so the wait that I must endure now would be unnecessary. Thank you Michael McClellan!
June 9, 2020
The Sand Sea is an epic tale of adventure set in an alternate world and is said to be the first in a series. The story follows a couple of different characters as they make their way through the world, ultimately coming together (and separating) near the end of the book. The main characters are mostly part of the one percent, members of the leading families or past dynasties.
The author does a nice job of building the world without going into too much extraneous detail. There are different reasons each of the groups are converging into the Sand Sea, but the underlying theme is that it is nearing the time of a prophesy. I like that events are going to happen, but the outcome is still in question.
The pace of the story is excellent. It is long, but always feels like the story is moving forward, building up the rich world detail along the way. It is unpredictable, as I could imagine several paths that the characters could take. Overall, a good story.
However, I do have a couple of apprehensions. The end of this first book seems to be rushed. I can see where there was some urgency to wrap it up over the length of the beginnings of the story. The author also seems to pay far too much attention to describing teeth, particularly in the early stages of the story. Finally, there is a relic with healing power that could have been used for the greater good near the end of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and will be on the lookout for the next part. I guess I would best describe it as George RR Martin light. It has a similar epic premise but doesn’t dig as deep into the raw emotions of the characters or situations. Four of five on Goodreads.
The author does a nice job of building the world without going into too much extraneous detail. There are different reasons each of the groups are converging into the Sand Sea, but the underlying theme is that it is nearing the time of a prophesy. I like that events are going to happen, but the outcome is still in question.
The pace of the story is excellent. It is long, but always feels like the story is moving forward, building up the rich world detail along the way. It is unpredictable, as I could imagine several paths that the characters could take. Overall, a good story.
However, I do have a couple of apprehensions. The end of this first book seems to be rushed. I can see where there was some urgency to wrap it up over the length of the beginnings of the story. The author also seems to pay far too much attention to describing teeth, particularly in the early stages of the story. Finally, there is a relic with healing power that could have been used for the greater good near the end of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and will be on the lookout for the next part. I guess I would best describe it as George RR Martin light. It has a similar epic premise but doesn’t dig as deep into the raw emotions of the characters or situations. Four of five on Goodreads.
June 15, 2020
Michael McClellan’s, The Sand Sea is a book that I both devoured and savored. Devoured, in the sense that I found myself continually pulled through to the next chapter and devoting more time at each reading than I had originally intended. Savored, because, while the chapters are short, McClellan takes time to immerse the reader in the details of characters and environments. His descriptive language and attention to detail creates strong and memorable images… including the maps of the Sand Sea world which I printed out. I wanted to read this book fast, to get on to the next adventure, but slowed down to enjoy each word that was being offered. The arc of the plot lines kept me engaged and I constantly found myself trying to guess how each adventure would come together. I was happy to find that I was usually met with a twist I did not anticipate. One additional, unanticipated, event was that I wound up reading this book with my son. We found ourselves discussing the characters, history, geography, political insights, and story line during our stay-at-home COVID-19 walks. I highly recommend The Sand Sea and look forward to future works by Michael McClellan.
June 2, 2020
I loved the story. I couldn't put the book down. I want more of this and home the author writes more. It was amazing and will recommend it to my friends.
June 3, 2020
A good old-fashioned adventure from a time when there were still mysteries to be unfolded.
February 11, 2023
Absolutely epic… cannot wait till the next installment!!
June 21, 2020
When does book 2 come out? In our current time, an age of such cynicism, sometimes it’s nice to read a book where you feel the author’s joy and excitement. And this story exudes Michael's passion. You can feel the author's Teddy Rooseveltian spirit of excited adventure, the man in the arena who finishes a speech after being shot, the bull moose attacking each day with an enthusiasm for life. And that enthusiasm carries through onto the page. It is so wonderful to feel that coming off of the page and go on that journey with him.
One thing I really enjoy in this book is the strength of the women characters. Sometimes in books that take place in, or mirror, the Victorian age, the female characters can sometimes get short shrift. Not here. Here, Indiana Jones does not have a female companion, instead there are multiple women who are their own Indiana Jones with their own stories and their own moments of Rooseveltian splendor.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book is the breadth of interesting scenes. It is not a story at home in just one type of action. Instead, the story unfolds in a grand tapestry including adolescent coming of age, tales of adventure, war, political machinations both open and secret, and it is equally at home in all these areas. You get to read battle scenes at the level of Michael Shaara in Killer Angels, other scenes that are equivalent of Gore Vidal writing a society party, and then a scene in which you can imagine Churchill or FDR rallying their government. And then you get to delve into the many delicious details of this world (by the end you will be aware of the history and differences betwwn a Hart-Harold and Mancaster repeater rifle).
Yet, none of this feels as if the purpose is showing off or impressing. The spirit of this book is that of a childlike enthusiasm, but with a deep and broad knowledge of history. That knowledge is merely put to use to craft a story of adventure and fun almost like a child playing a game, who merely wants you to come play with him and get the same joy and fun he is having. And in my opinion, what more can we ask for from a book? I for one, cannot wait for the next book!
One thing I really enjoy in this book is the strength of the women characters. Sometimes in books that take place in, or mirror, the Victorian age, the female characters can sometimes get short shrift. Not here. Here, Indiana Jones does not have a female companion, instead there are multiple women who are their own Indiana Jones with their own stories and their own moments of Rooseveltian splendor.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book is the breadth of interesting scenes. It is not a story at home in just one type of action. Instead, the story unfolds in a grand tapestry including adolescent coming of age, tales of adventure, war, political machinations both open and secret, and it is equally at home in all these areas. You get to read battle scenes at the level of Michael Shaara in Killer Angels, other scenes that are equivalent of Gore Vidal writing a society party, and then a scene in which you can imagine Churchill or FDR rallying their government. And then you get to delve into the many delicious details of this world (by the end you will be aware of the history and differences betwwn a Hart-Harold and Mancaster repeater rifle).
Yet, none of this feels as if the purpose is showing off or impressing. The spirit of this book is that of a childlike enthusiasm, but with a deep and broad knowledge of history. That knowledge is merely put to use to craft a story of adventure and fun almost like a child playing a game, who merely wants you to come play with him and get the same joy and fun he is having. And in my opinion, what more can we ask for from a book? I for one, cannot wait for the next book!
June 24, 2020
A ripping yarn of a story that took me to exotic places, familiar yet not here, certainly not now.
The comparisons to Dune and Indiana Jones are warranted.
Disclosure: Advance reader copy received in exchange for an honest review.
When the story is first in a series, I wonder if the inevitable cliffhanger will leave me wanting more, or just leave me, well... No worries! The end was thoroughly satisfying. Yet, I want to know what happens to our main characters in the subsequent times, and if the 3 gods will it — without delay, thank you!
The Sand Sea is full of drama, intrigue and surprises, as promised. The characters are complex, the settings varied from stark to opulent; natural environs are sometimes heavenly; others lethal. The magic and mysticism added intrigue and offset battle scene fatigue. (I’d compare The Sand Sea to the beloved, LotR and Hobbit books, but I skimmed over the lengthy fight scenes with detailed flanking movements. Yup! I skimmed Tolkien to get to the good bits - for this reader - character revelation and interaction). McClellan’s characters are relatable, with some people trying to determine their place in the world, grasping for wealth or power; others clawing, desperate to survive. Hope shines through via the resilience and loyalty among steadfast friends.
The Sand Sea, where the heroes are tall and good men stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
The comparisons to Dune and Indiana Jones are warranted.
Disclosure: Advance reader copy received in exchange for an honest review.
When the story is first in a series, I wonder if the inevitable cliffhanger will leave me wanting more, or just leave me, well... No worries! The end was thoroughly satisfying. Yet, I want to know what happens to our main characters in the subsequent times, and if the 3 gods will it — without delay, thank you!
The Sand Sea is full of drama, intrigue and surprises, as promised. The characters are complex, the settings varied from stark to opulent; natural environs are sometimes heavenly; others lethal. The magic and mysticism added intrigue and offset battle scene fatigue. (I’d compare The Sand Sea to the beloved, LotR and Hobbit books, but I skimmed over the lengthy fight scenes with detailed flanking movements. Yup! I skimmed Tolkien to get to the good bits - for this reader - character revelation and interaction). McClellan’s characters are relatable, with some people trying to determine their place in the world, grasping for wealth or power; others clawing, desperate to survive. Hope shines through via the resilience and loyalty among steadfast friends.
The Sand Sea, where the heroes are tall and good men stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
June 4, 2020
The Sand Sea's adventure begins amid the snobbery of the upper classes in a western country called Anglia, where the “light-skinned” people live. McClellan’s meticulous attention to detail drew me in immediately. Even as I began to dislike the greedy rich characters he portrays so well, I loved reading the masterful descriptions of costume, food, décor, and behavior. The adventure quickly moves to the fictional desert countries of the East, where the lust for absolute power offers up a bad guy so evil, he makes Voldemort look like a marshmallow. The descriptions of the desert tribes, the ancient traditions of the people, the desert itself, and the weapons, weather, and magic that pervade this story kept me awake long into the night, soaking in this tale.
One of my favorite aspects of this fantasy adventure is the role of the women. They’re strong, they’re smart, they’re just as much heroes as any of the men.
If you jump into The Sand Sea, do not worry if the numerous characters, places, tribal features, etc., are a bit confusing at first. Everything becomes clear as one reads on. Let the adventure carry you. You won’t regret it.
One of my favorite aspects of this fantasy adventure is the role of the women. They’re strong, they’re smart, they’re just as much heroes as any of the men.
If you jump into The Sand Sea, do not worry if the numerous characters, places, tribal features, etc., are a bit confusing at first. Everything becomes clear as one reads on. Let the adventure carry you. You won’t regret it.
June 21, 2020
I received an ARC for an honest review. My honest take - I cant wait to buy this in hardback when it comes out and I pray that Michael is working on the rest of the series.
The book was incredibly engaging in the manner of tolkien-esque epics, classic historical fiction in the manner of Pressfield, combined with an Indiana Jones sense of adventure. I craved a large map to turn to throughout the book to fully immerse my self in the world Michael has created. Many reviews touch on the story but I am most surprised that different reviewers all appreciate different characters and story arcs. It speaks to the depth of character and story development. Personally, I like the slow rolling start over the first 10%-12% of the book. It sets the stage for the classic adventure that is to come. After the start, it is hard to not feel fully engrossed in the world being built. It is a page turner you struggle to put down and, invariably, fall asleep with it on your face every night. The crescendo is a helm's deep level battle that is once of the best battle scenes I have read with twists, turns, and a level of writing that puts you in the moment.
I can't wait for the sequel!
The book was incredibly engaging in the manner of tolkien-esque epics, classic historical fiction in the manner of Pressfield, combined with an Indiana Jones sense of adventure. I craved a large map to turn to throughout the book to fully immerse my self in the world Michael has created. Many reviews touch on the story but I am most surprised that different reviewers all appreciate different characters and story arcs. It speaks to the depth of character and story development. Personally, I like the slow rolling start over the first 10%-12% of the book. It sets the stage for the classic adventure that is to come. After the start, it is hard to not feel fully engrossed in the world being built. It is a page turner you struggle to put down and, invariably, fall asleep with it on your face every night. The crescendo is a helm's deep level battle that is once of the best battle scenes I have read with twists, turns, and a level of writing that puts you in the moment.
I can't wait for the sequel!
June 13, 2020
Disclaimer: Free ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Second disclaimer: I’m not the ideal target audience as I don’t typically read epic fantasy or war stories.
This is a swashbuckling story that, unlike most in the genre, features two strong women swashbucklers in addition to the men. It took me a few chapters to get into the story but after that happened, I spent a weekend and two late nights to finish it (thank goodness for coronavirus lockdown). The reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because toward the end I became a bit battle fatigued and wanted a little more post-battle resolution before the book ended. Fans of war stories will probably find the conclusion just right.
Second disclaimer: I’m not the ideal target audience as I don’t typically read epic fantasy or war stories.
This is a swashbuckling story that, unlike most in the genre, features two strong women swashbucklers in addition to the men. It took me a few chapters to get into the story but after that happened, I spent a weekend and two late nights to finish it (thank goodness for coronavirus lockdown). The reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because toward the end I became a bit battle fatigued and wanted a little more post-battle resolution before the book ended. Fans of war stories will probably find the conclusion just right.
June 3, 2020
The Sand Sea begins with a prophecy foretelling change and a return to an idealized past. In the style of other great epics, it follows several groups as they knowingly or unknowingly move toward the predicted events. The world building is lush and detailed with an array of racial and ethnic factions, some attempting to complete the prophecy, some to delay or hinder its fruition, and some acting according to their own agenda impervious to what is happening around them.
A rousing read that builds slowly, pulling you more and more into the story and the intertwined lives of the characters. Looking forward to the promised sequel.
A rousing read that builds slowly, pulling you more and more into the story and the intertwined lives of the characters. Looking forward to the promised sequel.
June 9, 2020
I can't wait for the next book! That is the only downside to getting an advanced copy: now I have to wait even longer. There are a lot of characters, and it can kind of seem a little slow in the beginning while learning about all the characters. But it is tough to put down once you get into it. I am a big fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's books and George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones books (the books, not the TV show) and was told The Sand Sea was a combination of both. If you are fans of either of the R.R. writers, you will love this book. I started ignoring people and work towards the end because I was up too late reading.
June 11, 2020
A far-reaching epic novel set in a fictional world very similar to England and the Middle East, the author grabbed hold of my rooting interest from the outset, and I was hooked by this intertwining tale extremely well told. The stories were so easy to plunge into and the prose was rarely prosaic. This author respects his reader’s ability to fill in the blanks and think ahead. I kept asking ‘What happens next?’ and so, I kept turning pages.
This is my definition of the perfect summer read. And the author, Michael MacClellan, is now on my list of favorite contemporary novelists. I think you’ll love it.
This is my definition of the perfect summer read. And the author, Michael MacClellan, is now on my list of favorite contemporary novelists. I think you’ll love it.
January 3, 2021
Great start to 2021. The pacing, the characterization and the world building are awesome. The setting is an alternate world which feels very much like ours but with slightly different geography and names. It's hard to characterize this book as historical fantasy or epic fantasy. It's more an old school adventure with spalsh of some fantastical. But the adventure is dark, where the characters are not saved due to plot armor. You feel their pain, you feel their struggle and sometimes the character's rage also boils in you. Eagerly waiting to devour book 2 as soon as it is released.
June 8, 2020
I was invited to read this book. It took a couple of chapters before the full force of the story gripped me, but after that, I couldn't put the book down. It's a fascinating world, very interesting characters and situations, and a highly suspenseful plot. It reminded me of The Wheel of Time series and The Game of Thrones (the books). I can't even imagine how much work Michael McClellan put into this book, but I loved it. I very much hope that I don't have to wait too long to read the next one!
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