11/25/2019 - My second time reading this literary gem! I really wanted to reread (and tab my physical copy) before diving into its sequel, Realm of Ash, despite it being a standalone novel..

Full review to follow but here are my quick thoughts:

- South Asian culture!!! Hauntingly beautiful desert setting!!! Indian and Hindu influences!!! Phenomenal world-building!!!

- Complex power apparatuses and systems!!! Empire of Sand brilliantly encaptures how Law and Religion work hand-in-hand in maintaining the oppressive, elitist status quo. This also talks about how powerful empires are built on bloodshed (which is timely and relevant!!!).

- This is a story that's centered on resilience, sacrifice, and choices.

- PROTECT AMUN AT ALL COSTS!!!

- I loved how Mehr is so self-aware regarding her privilege as an Amrithi with the upbringing of a noblewoman. Her growth as a character is also exceptionally done.

- THE. ROMANCE. HAD. ME. SOBBING. AND. VULNERABLE.

- There is a consistent theme of parents ignoring rationality/morality out of love for their children, which I happened to really, really liked.

- A lot of well-executed ideas!!! I loved the idea of an empire built on the dreams of sleeping gods.

- Although occasionally dense, the writing style is lush, atmospheric, and wonderfully eloquent.

- THE ENDING WAS SO GOOD AND SO SATISFYING!!!

- Empire of Sand reminds me of Mirage by Somaiya Daud (because the MC is biracial: half-nobility, half-part of a race that's hated), Markswoman by Rati Mehrotra (because of the knife-carrying), and Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan (because the characters are fighting for their freedom + a romance develops between two servants). If you liked these three books, then I highly recommend that you pick this one up!

5 stars
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