Cassandra lives in a world where you fall in love at first sight—or not at all. Too bad she’s blind, and being blind makes her not only immune to love, but also a criminal. She must now live alone or face being sentenced to a life of slavery.Though she’s grown accustomed to her solitude, everything changes when Cassandra stumbles across a mysterious man in her domain. A royal soldier is hunting … is hunting Nikon down, endangering her freedom as well. If the warriors discover her, she’ll be bound by the law. Not willing to risk slavery or death, Cassandra abandons her familiar home and ventures into an unforgiving world with Nikon.
Forced to trust a man she doesn’t even know, Cassandra finds she’s drawn to him even though a relationship between them is impossible. And she can’t afford any distractions. If they don’t stay one step ahead of the warriors, Nikon will be imprisoned and she enslaved. Cassandra must use all the senses she has left if they’re to remain free.
more
I actually chose this book because I thought that the cover was stunning, very Ancient Egyptian-y (which I adore), and made me think of many questions such as why was the character blindfolded and what had the monkey to do with the story. I was intrigued.
The pace of the tale was very slow to begin with, but, for me, I felt that matched the main character, Cassandra’s, blank and unseeing lifestyle. Not venturing too far from her home because of her blindness, and leading a (sometimes) lonely life with no other human contact and only her cheeky monkey, Tewy, for company after her guardian suddenly up and left after years of sharing her home.
The events of one day would change her life when she returns home and finds an unknown man inside. So begins her adventures, which will keep you turning the pages. I was hooked very quickly and really enjoyed the concept of this work, particularly the two castes, one poor and ordinary (the odiosom) and the other rich with love and rule (the amant). The castes lay a lot of meaning on falling in love at first sight. This, of course, cannot happen to Cassandra due to her being unable to see her love, so she has resigned herself to always being alone. Those who are blind are killed or taken into slavery by the amant. She’s safer being on her own and living far from humankind.
It’s a clever tale, well thought-out, well-written, and really easy to read. You’ll get to the end and want to get inside the next one asap. The characters are believable, and I’m loving the slow-burn electricity between Nikon and Cassandra, but I’ve still got so many questions. As this is a series, I’m guessing I’ll find out about the characters’ back stories in small drops as I read along. A very enjoyable adventure.
I chose to voluntarily read a copy of this work from a StoryOrigin giveaway, and have honestly reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
I got this book for free through an ARC, Advanced Review Copy with an honest review freely given.
I thought this was a good book and enjoyed it
The story line was a very good to read.
The characters made the story happen and continue on ward.
I was given a free copy of this Audiobook In exchange for an honest review. A blind girl named Cassandra meets a wounded man Nikon, they leave her home together and have a lot of adventures in a very scary world. Is she in love with this man? And who is after them? Will they ever be free? Enjoyed this book very much looking forward to another Egyptian style sequel. I love the monkey in the book makes for a fun read.
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
I’m glad of the introduction to Falor’s writing that “Sands Of Eppla” granted me.
“Sands Of Eppla” is a finely woven tapestry combining a fine balance between action and exposition. The author does a superb job of world building and character development. Especially with Cassandra, the main protagonist. As a person who is visually handicapped, I applaud Falor for avoiding the double pitfalls of the two extremes of stereotypes of the blind. Those being pitiable at one end of the spectrum and superhuman on the other. Cassandra is not portrayed as either pitiable, nor a superwoman. She is portrayed as a normal woman that is doing the best that she can using all the resources available to her. To paraphrase a motto from the Clint Eastwood movie “Heartbreak Ridge”, Cassandra “Analyzes, Improvises, And Overcomes!” the challenges that she faces. Meaning that she Analyzes a challenge, Improvises a solution, and Overcomes said challenge!
I really look forward to reading the further adventures of Cassandra and crew!
Q: Will Cassandra find her former caretaker, and closure?
A: Pick up this book, read it and find out!
In the interest of transparency: I was given a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
Good story that has interesting characters and a plot that flows smoothly. I like that it has an Egyptian feel tiny as there are not enough books that do.
This seems to be a slice of life story. Unfortunately, at times the story becomes monotonous. Too much minutiae. By the middle of the book, I still have no idea where the story is leading if indeed it is leading anywhere. It was at this point that I finally stopped reading.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.