Rebel of the Sands

Alwyn Hamilton's debut novel is a high-concept, and highly enjoyable, epic fantasy adventure for young adults. Picture a gun-slinging, hard-drinking wild west, transpose it on to a sweeping, romantic desert, then add a rebel prince bent on overthrowing a wicked sultan, and a little magic in the manner ofA Thousand and One Nights. It's a winning combination.

A hugely entertaining, lushly painted Western with a rich seam of Arabic culture, djinni magic, breathless romance and show-stopping action sequences.

Combining a whirligig narrative with a richly evoked fantasy desert setting, Hamilton barely lets the reader pause for breathe and the best news is there is more to come: it's the first in a trilogy.

"Alwyn Hamilton's Rebel of the Sands is a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre, with a unique setting blending the Wild West and Arabian Nights, a complex heroine, a touch of magic, and a very cool twist that made me want to go back to the beginning and start reading all over again."

From the irresistible opening paragraph, this rollicking caper expertly mashes up a gritty Middle East with a steampunk Old West, succeeding through the infectious voice of its heroine: brash, witty, cynical, and fierce, with an aching, vulnerable core and a suppressed streak of idealism. The secondary characters are just as memorable, from snarky, secretive Jin to their various foes, who range from cartoonish to terrifying to darkly tragic. Amani's adventures through this immersive alternative landscape continually veer off into unpredictable detours, looping back to an almost overstuffed climax that manages to deliciously satisfy while dangling tempting hints for a sequel.Romantic, thrilling, hilarious, and just plain great fun.

I was hooked and raced through the book, completely missing any clues to the secrets revealed in this first in a trilogy. I may just have to re-read it while I wait for the sequel.