Ballan Desert

War brought them together. Forging peace could tear them apart. Back in Kelvadan after narrowly escaping death, former exile Keera is now hailed as a hero for protecting the Great City against the lord of the clans. Forced to lie low as her injuries heal, she discovers the city's position is more precarious than ever. Now, she faces an impossible choice: betray the city that offered her a home, or be the Champion Kelvadan needs. Worst of all, the enemy forces are led by the man to whom she has given her heart. After spending his life running from his destiny, Erix finds himself thrust into leadership after the death of his cruel mentor. With the clans of the desert at his command and Keera ripped from his grasp, he wants nothing more than to march on the city that took her-but the desert has other plans. As the Ballan Desert continues to punish those who fractured her magic, sowing division among the clans, Erix desperately seeks to restore the dunes he swore to serve and exact revenge on those who stole Keera away.

Keera is used to protecting herself from the dangers of the Ballan desert. Guarding her heart may be the most difficult challenge of all. Keera is an exile struggling to survive, forced to rob passing travelers or face starvation. When she steals from the wrong man-a vicious masked warrior named the Viper-his hand around her throat awakens an ancient magic within her, and she uses it to escape his clutches. Now, Keera must master her power to protect the city of Kelvadan-the only place an exile like her can find a home-from the Viper and his growing army. The Viper serves the magic of the desert, but the sins of the past threaten to destroy it. To protect his home, he will do everything it takes, even marching on the great city of Kelvadan. However, the real key to healing the desert's magic might lie in the infuriating but intriguing exile who slipped through his fingers and now fights for his sworn enemies. Keera and the Viper are on opposite sides of a war to save the Ballan desert, but the strange bond they share could be the key to saving their home-or destroying their world as they know it. Blood of the Sands is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and L.J. Andrews.