Time is running out. War will be waged. What sacrifices will be required? Ali and Kovis return home believing the god of dreams has been dealt with, but before they can breathe easy, the empress’s nightmares start coming to life, plunging the empire into chaos.
Ambien may be in hiding, but he’s far from idle and the empire is about to discover the lengths the god will go to, to conquer Wake, lengths that will pit father against daughter in an epic showdown.
Fans of Sarah J. Maas, Amanda Bouchet, and Elise Kova will love the unique and original fusion of the Sand Man and Morpheus myths in this, the fourth and final book in the Epic Paranormal Romance series, The Sand Maiden, by award-winning author L. R. W. Lee!
Scroll up and one click to see if Ali and Kovis save Wake or fall to Ambien’s devices!
USA Today Bestselling Author L. R. W. Lee writes clean fantasy romance and clean romantasy filled with immersive worlds, high-stakes adventure, emotional depth, and swoony, no-spice relationships. Her award-winning books—honored with multiple 5-star awards from Readers’ Favorite and finalist recognition from the Independent Author Network—are perfect for readers who love epic fantasy journeys without explicit content.
Blending twist-driven storytelling with heartfelt character arcs, her stories are ideal for fans of clean fantasy romance, romantasy, and action-packed coming-of-age adventures.
When not writing, she can be found reading, relaxing beside the ocean, connecting with readers, or plotting the next challenge her characters must overcome.
Follow L. R. W. Lee to stay updated on new releases in clean fantasy romance.
4.25 stars. I feel like I've already said most of what I need to say for this series, so I'll try to make this quick. This was a really strong conclusion to this series. I'm sad that it's over. Everything was really enjoyable, from the romance, to the plot and final battle, to the side characters. I had a great time. Specifically, I loved the found family trope and seeing all the side characters pair up. Yes, it was predictable, but it was cute all the same. I also really enjoyed Keenan's characters arc. To keep it vague (lol), everything, including his pasts actions, was explained (not justified though - important distinction) and he once again became a character who you could root for. Overall, I had a really good time with the series. I'd recommend it to any NA fantasy lovers, but specifically to ACOTAR fans, as there's a lot of parallels between the two series.
The Emotive & Sweeping Conclusion To This Wonderful Fantasy!!😴💤😭💥 Twinkle, Twinkle (The Sand Maiden #4)
This book builds the tension bit by bit then the latter third is pretty much a heart pounding & nail biting read to the end!!🎉💥 I was swallowing tears a couple of times, you've been forewarned!💔😭
After some frightening then down right terrifying & deadly occurrences, it becomes apparent to Ali that her Father is possibly free!😱 (I loathe Ali's Father with a passion!😡😡) He's up to his old tricks but he's changed his game and is doing things she didn't think was possible in Wake.😳💤😕 Rasa reaches out & befriends her 😍👑 How will Kennan be now? Will he except her sister, Alfreda, or still fancy himself in love with her??🙈😣 Kovis has taken the Goddess of Loves advice & is grabbing for happiness with both hands!💗💘
The insorcelled Nomarchs aren't happy with Empress Rasa and certain members of the Council are hoping to use something that's completely out of anyone's, especially Rasa's, hands against her.😕😢 Really it's just a grab for power!!😡 Things are coming to a head. Is it being driven, artificially, towards a war?😱 If so why??😳
This is a wonderfully exciting conclusion to this series and I heartily recommend it.😉🎉I love how creative & alive the world is & the depth of character's is spot on for me.😍👑💤🔥💥 An easy 4.5 Stars 🌟😍
(I was given a copy of this book with no expectation of a review)
I have really enjoyed the series. The author's focus on character development and world building really show and keep the reader invested in the story.
There is lots of action and adventure and at the heart is their romance. Ali and Kovis' relationship is so strong at this point. I really enjoyed watching them work together to take on the battle against her father. He is an enemy that truly tests the limits of their abilities. I also enjoyed learning more about her sisters and seeing them develop their abilities as well. The sisters all have a core of strength.
Twinkle, Twinkle is the final installment in the Sand Maiden series and truthfully I'm a bit sad, not for the ending mind you, just that the series has come to an end. From the very first book in the series, I've so enjoyed spending time in the realms of Dream and Wake. Each has a rather unique magical system and the characters are so lovely. On Wake, the people wield fire, ice, terra, and metal, while on Dream there are sand people. I do so love the premise of sand people lulling their charges to sleep, weaving their dreams and watching over them to ensure they don't experience nightmares. I also adore the two main characters, Alissandra (Ali) and Prince Kovis who over the course of the series have developed such a special bond, one filled with lovely moments of bantering and a closeness that is playful, and romantic. They make a wonderful couple.
I so enjoyed this final installment in the series, the way that the story has been building toward a final confrontation between Ali and her father, King Ambien. A battle that we've seen coming since the moment that Ali left Dream, defying her father to protect Korvis. We always knew that he wouldn't take her defiance well, but the lengths that he goes to are even more sinister and evil then I initially imagined. I truly worried about their safety when they separated to divide and conquer during Ambien's final attack. Kovis battling for the empire, while Ali went up against her father in Dream. Concerning, to say the least. I've always disliked Ambien and my initial feelings didn't change much. If anything I came to dislike him more and so there was a huge part of me that was happy that he gets what is coming to him. He's such a manipulative person that messes with everyone's heads and I hated the way that he deceives his own children. How he's made Ali feel to blame for what happened to her sister Velma and caused her self loathing and a multitude of emotions for his own evil deeds.
And poor Kennan, the mental hold that Ambien had over him, causing him to act in ways that were so hurtful to everyone around him. Plus the emotional trauma that Ali, Kovis and their siblings endured under both of their father's hands was just heartbreaking. But what nearly gutted me was the death of a certain beloved character, which was so very sad. Ali had just begun to develop a closeness with this character. She'd brought down her barriers and they'd become friends. Ali exposed a vulnerable side to a character that was usually composed and was helping this character to heal. It's a loss that I'm still thinking about even after having finished the book. I guess tho it's just a testament to Lee's writing, she's made me come to love these characters. Like I said before, I'm sad that this is the last book in the series but I'm sure Lee has plans to continue writing more books in the future and I'm eager to see what she comes up with next.
* I received an E-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review **
The adventure has come to a close. This chapter about Ali and her mission to save the world(s) is over. In one way I am happy that we have reached our final destination, that we have seen the growth of our heroine finally bloom in her final chapter. In another way I am sad to say goodbye to this colourful cast of people and the amazing worlds they inhabit. Though I can never deny that Lee is always twisting the knife. Almost giving you whiplash with her twists and turns. Finding that heartstring to tug on - which left me with tears in my eyes on more than one occasion. Though we must never forget her ability to tickle our funny bone even in the darkest of moments. What I love more than anything is the deep bonds that Lee forms between her characters - familial or otherwise - and how she doesn’t flinch away from topics like abuse and death - and how they occur in various different types of relationships. Her writing shows her deeper understanding of the fine components of healing and how forgiveness almost never comes easy, if it comes at all. For all that this book was, and what this series meant to me and many other women, I applaud Lee. . I could not imagine a better conclusion to this tumultuous adventure, and I cannot wait for what she has in store next.
Why are you reading my review?! One-click this marvelous creature ASAP!
Twinkle, Twinkle has suspense, humor, determination, and last but certainly never least, heart. As the final book in the series, I am sad to see it come to an end. That's the beauty of Wake, the Dream Realm, and our fabulous characters though; they'll live on forever in our hearts!
Oh Twinkle, Twinkle. How I wonder...why you play with my emotions?
Twinkle, Twinkle is the fourth and final book to Lee's Sandmaiden series. While the ending to Good Night(book 3) lingered in my mind, I eagerly awaited the conclusion to Ali and Kovis' mission to save both Wake and Dream realms. The wait was well worth it because I was not disappointed.
This chapter of the Sandmaiden series brought you on a sloping roller coaster. One minute everything is going fine. Friends are united, enjoying company, sipping tea. The next minute doom lingers in the shadows. You're hit with the question of, "What? What is happening?" I found myself questioning everything and most everyone. Unforeseen events unfold and bring serious emotions to well up behind your eyes or make your heart smile. I was crushed over and over with so many different emotions throughout my read of Twinkle.
Lee's ability to paint the scene and really bring you into the setting is something to lust after. The characters feel like family. The enemy feels as though it's at your doorstep. Call me weird, but I tend to enjoy the villains in books. But I loathe Ambien. I could not wait to see what his outcome would be.
Twinkle, Twinkle is soul-stirring. The perfect ending to a fantastical adventure.
This series was completely gripping. This book made me laugh, cry, angry, and joyful. That is the best kind of book to read. One that can make you feel all emotions. It was a whirlwind of emotions and epic battles. The deceit and defeat was overwhelming. There's such disparity and grief but then comes home and joy. You cant help but cheer kovis, and ali on in their journey. You fear for Kennan and Alfeda, and at the same time you're rooting for these too also in their epic journey. The there's Rasa. You learn and more her . You are heartbroken and left in mourning but you remember her victories and what she overcame in her troubling journey. You find peace for her and leave in wonder. You're excited for Velma and jathan and have joy that velma's sacrifice has a happy ending. You will find yourself in fear for these people and cheering them on as they try to save and restore both their kingdoms. You cheer and yell and shout during their conquest. The truths that are revealed make them vulnerable and more real. You don't just see them as emporers or expresses or princes and princesses. You see them as people who had to overcome abuse and fear and help!essness. You call in love with them regardless of how you felt about them as you've continued this epic journey with all of them. The thing I love the most was the family value. For both kingdoms ....Dream and Wake....they had to overcome such adversity with both rulers. They had to undo the torment and fear and brutality these two men caused for their children and the people of their kingdoms. I love the passion that is shared between Kovis and Ali. We all hope to find that kind of passion and love in a relationship especially after all what these to had to endure and witness. They deserve to have found each other and form such a bond that intimately they can find peace and love and understanding and forgiveness. They can let go of the past and overcome their grief and loss through each other. They are renewed and free. Hats off to Me Lee! I have enjoyed both her series and look forward for more to come.
Overall good series with a unique take on old gods. I enjoyed the unique aspect of it, although world building wasn’t that great, but made up for it more in the underlying story or moral. I found certain parts of the book, especially inner monologues of the characters or character introduction/ back story to be repetitive and unnecessary. Changes in phrases or vocabulary would have been a welcome way to help alleviate this.
I’m not sure if I like this ending After all the work that went into this world building I’m not sure how I feel about it.
Therefore 3 star listen, the series as a whole is great, worth the listen, I liked the narration, world building and mmc and fmc. The side characters are ok, I wouldn’t read a story about the side characters so I’m glad there’s not those available.
Gifted audio, recommended series. Unique storyline, good world building and strong fmc and mmc.
This final book in the Sand Maiden series was fantastic! I literally couldn't put it down. I laughed, shed tears(on more than one occasion), and stressed out! I highly recommend this entire series! I've been reading our I KU, but I loved it so much, I purchased the boxset so i can reread whenever I want!
Ohhhh myyyy I loved this book ! It was sooo amazing to read. It captivated me from the beginning and I couldn’t let it down. The ending was extremely satisfying. The writing and the story just made me keep reading, always wanting to know what was next and it was fantastic!
Just as wild if not more so than it’s predecessors in the series Twinkle Twinkle will take your breath away. Full of twists and turns you don’t see coming until they’re upon you. I didn’t want it to end! This is the series end as well as the book itself I didn’t want it to end. I love and live and breathe these characters this story. I cried at points and I’m so sad it’s over but it was beautiful and will always be beautiful while it lasts. Don’t skip this series it truly is a masterpiece and is just such an interesting plot and you get to see so many character perspectives it’s really something. I love it and this one just took the cake. It was such well written. Loved every minute. Wish some things didn’t happen because I love it but it makes sense for the story and of course if a book doesn’t give you Feels what is it really then? 🙂 Really enjoyable series. And an imaginative and amazing ending of the series. Loved Twinkle Twinkle. I think it might be my favourite of the series. 💜
The setting and description of everything, the characterizations, the dialogue too. Everything just puke you in and doesn’t let go.
Twinkle, Twinkle is the conclusion of The Sand Maiden series featuring the sand maiden, Ali, and her Dreambeam, Kovis. Ambien, Ali's evil father, is more power hungry than ever. He's been laying low, plotting and building an army of epic evil proportions. In the meantime, Kennan is behaving a bit strangely and unlike himself, making those close to him not trust him. Ali and Kovis just want the drama to end so they can settle down and finally get married. All the characters from previous installments make an appearance in this book. New frighteningly evil ones make an appearance and Ambien begins to experiment while building his army. Ambien and Ali have been at odds throughout the series and this installment brings it to an epic climax. Can Ali defeat her father and save those she loves? Ms. Lee really pulled out all the stops with this one and gave this series the ending it deserved.
Twinkle, Twinkle, the fourth and final Sand Maiden book, wraps up the storylines quite nicely. Most of the chapters are told from Ali’s point of view, though some chapters scattered throughout are told from other characters’ points of view for things that Ali is not present for but are important for the reader to know. The writing is excellent, often using clever imagery. The character development is quite realistic. The theme of abuse, recovery from being abused and the cycle of abuse, is addressed very well and very sensitively. I highly recommend this book and the whole series!