Crown of the Dunes was the much awaited addition to the Ballan Desert Series!

Blood of the Sands left off on a huge cliffhanger and we were left wondering what would become of Keera and Erix. Book 2 did not disappoint on the relationship between them!

There are SO many twists and turns in book 2 that I did not see coming! I need to know what Keera and Erix will do next! I already know book 3 will be AMAZING!

The Ballan Desert Series is for you if you like:
❤️‍🔥enemies to lovers
⚔️deadly trials
🪄magical powers
💕fated mates

It releases on August 19, so go read Blood of the Sands now so you’re ready for release day!!

If book one was tension and denial, then book two is yearning at its most exquisite.

S.C. Grayson returns with Crown of Dunes, the scorching sequel to Blood of the Sands, and it’s everything I hoped for—plus a side of soul-crushing longing I was not emotionally prepared for.

Where book one thrived on tension and the restraint of unspoken desire, this one unravels into full-blown yearning. Erix and Keera, now burdened by newfound responsibilities and roles, are navigating not only the ever-shifting desert, but the growing chasm between them as they land on opposite sides of a simmering political war. The tension morphs into a slow, torturous dance of duty vs. desire—and it is delicious agony.

The political intrigue is woven masterfully into the plot, raising the stakes at every turn. And the desert itself feels like a character—unforgiving, ever-changing, and just as relentless as the emotions these two try (and fail) to keep buried. The push and pull between them? Pure torture. Why do I do this to myself?One quote absolutely slaughtered me:

“The desert doesn’t apologise for what she is, and I would never want her to. Her harshness is her beauty, and those of us that love her, adore her all the more for it. Do not make yourself less for lesser men.”

Lines like that? They don’t just live rent-free in my head—they’ve redecorated and started charging me emotional interest.

The writing is rich, the pacing sharp, and the emotional beats hit. If you’re craving romantasy with tension, yearning, and devastating beauty, this one delivers.

📖 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

The author uses the same 10 adjectives over and over which wouldn’t be a problem if the book didn’t feel like it drags on forever. And so many unnecessary sex scenes, I assume just to label the book “spicy” for marketing purposes. They didn’t further the plot in any way. I gave it a fair chance with reading 73% before deciding to dnf it. There was no depth to the characters and I could not get invested at all. The stakes didn't feel high and it didn’t seem like the characters were doing much to solve the actual problem without going on a bunch of side quests. I would’ve liked to know the resolution to the plotline but it felt like it was never going to happen.

I really really enjoyed this book! The characters were very interesting and I loved the journey that the author took them on. Sometimes I can get bored if the plot is to slow but the author did a great job with the pacing and keeping it interesting. I was able to finish this book in one sitting because I could not put it down! I will be recommending this book to all of my friends and family.

I truly don't know how this series is not more popular because these books are amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, though a bit more than I did this one. I like that Grayson didn't introduce a bunch of new characters and plotlines in this second book, which is something that irritates me about fantasy series. In Crown of the Dunes, we continue to follow Keera and Erix as they encounter new challenges, most of them political. I'm not a huge fan of political storylines, so I kept wanting them to just go back to desert and fight some monsters and GRAYSON OBLIGED. She also amped up the spice in this book and I didn't think the Ballan Desert could get any hotter. My only qualm with this book was that I felt Erix was a little too moody and broody and didn't really have any character development. Hopefully that will come in the next book which I can't WAIT to read! I highly recommend you check this book out if you enjoy romantasy or are a Rylo fan.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for a copy of the book!

Crown of the Dunes by S.C. Grayson is the second book in the Balan Desert series. After reading Blood of the Sands, I couldn’t wait for the next book to come out, and it is so good. The suspense, tension, and plot twists are very well done. I love Keera and Erix’s relationship, and it was put to the test in Crown of the Dunes.
Keera learned in the last book that just because someone is charming, doesn’t mean she should trust them. And she is learning that again in this book. I don’t think she is going to ever trust a charmer ever again. But Erix is always there to protect her, no matter the cost.
I have really enjoyed this series so far and I can’t wait for the next book; it will be a must read for me.

4.5 stars. I’m blown away. Some authors are so much more than ‘just writers.’ S.C. Grayson is a storyteller; a creator of living and breathing fictional worlds. I genuinely have trouble putting into words how fantastic this series is. The descriptions are captivating, and the relationships are complex. Keera and Erix own my heart. Nothing I write will give proper appreciation to Crown of the Dunes. Rarely am I left without the ability to articulate my feelings, but I am completely gutted of all basic communication skills. This book stole something from me, and I need the next one…tomorrow. This isn’t a 5 star read for me ONLY because Blood of the Sands was on another level. I’ve tasted perfection and can't wait for the next one!

SANDS! Another hit from the Ballan Desert! This world remains one of my favorites. The desert and everything she does is such a cool concept and it's executed so well. This world is so unique, and I've truly never read anything similar.

This sequel contained all the politics, all the action, all the mystery, and all the love you could want. The plot progression and the politics really kept the book intriguing throughout, and the action scenes kept the book exciting.

Usually between the two main characters I get annoyed by at least one quality they carry, but I can't say that for Keera or Erix. They're both just doing the absolute best they can to save the desert and all of her people. I can't wait for more of their story.

***Thank you S.C. Grayson and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***

Thank you to S.C. Grayson, NetGalley, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for an eARC of this book. This was a wild ride! There was so much packed in to this stretch of Keera and Erix’s journey. Once again we are immersed into the world of desert politics, but Keera also finds herself playing a larger role than she ever imagined. While Erix still has his goal of healing the desert by finding its heart, his path has also diverged to include Keera, as we saw at the end of book 1. With lots more legendary creatures of the desert and secrets hiding around every corner, this one will keep you on your toes, especially the ending! While I really enjoy Keera and Erix as a couple and feel like they have a lot of chemistry, I’ll admit that I wasn’t a huge fan of the direction Erix’s character went for a good chunk of this story. It just didn’t feel like “him”. Keera does a lot of growing here, but again there were a lot of things about her interactions with Erix and the kingdom that just didn’t make a lot of sense to me, because there hadn’t really been the background growth to support it. There were a few things like that, but all in all, it was an interesting read and I’m intrigued to know what the next step of the journey will be.

Thank you to Netgalley and S.C.Grayson for the arc.

Another gorgeous cover—I had to dive into this immediately after finishing the first book.

That said, there were a few questionable moments. Like… why would the queen name a random exile as her heir? And while I understand Keera’s struggle, she was trying too hard at times. Honestly, what would an exile know about ruling a kingdom?

I wish I could say this was even better than Book 1, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark. By the end, I found myself skimming.

One thing I’ve learned from Frozen—never trust a prince who’s 13th or 14th in line. They’ll do anything to grab power, even if it means marrying into another kingdom. So yeah… Calix was always sus to me, and I wasn’t surprised by how things played out.

Still, it had a great ending, and I’m curious to see where the story goes next.

This book was so, so good. The kind of book that wraps itself around your heart and will not let go even if you wanted it to. It's the first book this year that actually made me shed a tear and though i thought the first book was brilliant, I think this one might actually have it beat (just!)

I am still captivated by Keera and Erix - despite new responsiblities and obligations, their shared devotion to the desert, their people and each other is firm and steadfast. When circumstances lead to Keera needing to take a leading role, there is not toxic masculinity or jockeying for dominance between them. Erix is fully supportive and proud of the woman she is becoming, more than happy to just be there for her. It's a lovely dynamic to read and one I really enjoy.

There were many twists and whilst some I suspected a bit, even those played out in ways that surprised me. It didn't feel predictable at all, just really beautifully written.

Sacrifice is a big theme here, but in a number of different ways depending on which character you look at. Opportunism also weaves it's way through but what I loved is how the book shows that the persons we most want in power are those who want it least. They will step up when needed and make the hard decisions, but it will often steal dreams instead of solving all your troubles.

I think this is a really great book, and I cannot wait for book 3! Thank you Victory Publishing, @netgalley and @scgrayson for the opportunity to read this ARC, which I was given in exchange for an honest review.

Arc Review!!

Tropes: slight enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies, impending war, separation between fmc and mmc

The separation between the two main characters caused me so much anguish like omg. The yearning was off the charts. It's so hard to see that since the last book they still obviously love each other but it's painful as they stay on opposite sides of the war.

Overall, great addition to the story and I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!

I was excited to find this book on NetGalley last week. I enjoyed book one, and the cliffhanger was *chefs kiss.* To say I was eager to jump into book two is an understatement. It picks up not long after book one leaves off, and it isn't long before we're dumped right back into the action. We've got a couple of new antagonists, political drama, and continued conflict between Kelvadan and the clans. Plus, Erix and Keera's magic is still as volatile as ever. Basically...a normal day in the Ballan desert. There's great character development, enjoyable side characters, and plenty of swoony romance between Erix and Keera (but a bit too much sex for my taste). I love Erix and Keera's dynamic, and I will always love a Reylo-inspired romance. Oh, and two thumbs up for dual POV romantasy.

There were a couple of twists near the end that were predictable, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. And there were still enough surprises to keep me eagerly reading right up until the end...which made me both cry and smile like an idiot (despite everyone being knee-deep in disaster)...just not at the same time.

The writing is strong, and while there are still proofing errors, it's a definite improvement over the first book. Also, all the stars for the clan guide at the beginning. It does a great job reintroducing readers to the major players in the story and serving as a plot summary for the first book. I wish every sequel had something like this at the beginning.

All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I can't wait to read book three.

*I received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

3.75 stars – not quite the storm I hoped for, but still thirsty for more

Book two of the Ballan Desert series picks up with Keera back in Kelvadan, nursing extensive burn wounds and accidentally killing the queen—though luckily, she’d been named her heir just before.

Meanwhile, Erix (still brooding, still mysterious) is stuck on a desert shelf of his own making. His solution? Jumping a mythical bird to cover a trench. I tried to picture the logistics here and just couldn’t—are we seriously saying nine clans couldn’t scrape together enough wood for a bridge? Suspension of disbelief required.

They reunite in Kelvadan after believing the other had abandoned them. Erix declares himself a prisoner to avoid becoming a symbol for the opposition, which is noble in theory, but also… why not just rule together? There’s strong opposition either way, and hiding the relationship only makes things messier.

Neither of them is particularly cut out for politics, and it shows—Keera stumbles into not one but two obvious diplomatic traps. Turns out being a desert champion doesn’t prepare you for court intrigue. Who knew?

The magic system still raises more questions than it answers (though the threads are clearly there), and we get hints of a larger legacy tied to Erix, but too little clarity to make it meaningful yet. Also: why does he keep hearing voices?

The desert setting remains vivid—you can feel the heat radiating off the page—and the smoldering relationship between Keera and Erix is still a draw. But this installment felt less tight than book one, with more wandering and fewer revelations.

Still, I’ll be picking up book three. I’m hoping the plot tightens and the magic finally makes sense.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡: 🐪 mint-spiced tea
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — simmering tension, desert magic, and emotionally charged moments
𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧: Late summer / early fall — shifting sands, political storms, and shifting hearts
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝? ✅ Yes, absolutely—especially if you crave epic fantasy romance with grit and grandeur

📚 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞:
•Epic desert fantasy with immersive worldbuilding
•Strong, resilient heroines and morally complex heroes
•High-stakes political intrigue and desert magic
•Enemies-to-allies romance with deep emotional payoff
•Slow burn love forged through trials and blood
•Rich cultural detail and gorgeous, atmospheric settings

💭 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Crown of the Dunes is everything I didn’t realize I needed. Picking up right where Blood of the Sands left off, this sequel is darker, richer, and loaded with tension—both political and personal.

Keera’s journey from exile to champion is powerful and deeply earned. She grows into her power while navigating broken alliances and desert politics, and her transformation is truly inspiring. Erix’s arc is equally compelling: he wrestles with duty, revenge, and love, battling not just external enemies but his own internal conflicts.

Their slow-burn romance? Set in the sweeping dunes, fraught with tension, fierce loyalty, and moments of genuine tenderness. The chemistry is electric and the stakes are even higher. Every glance, every touch, feels like the desert itself is holding its breath.

The worldbuilding is lush. You can practically feel the heat rising off the dunes and taste the exotic flavors at market stalls. The magic is woven seamlessly into the culture and stakes, adding depth to every character interaction.

If you loved the intensity of Blood of the Sands, Crown of the Dunes elevates everything the romance, the intrigue, the world while deepening the emotional core of the story. I flew through this book, utterly absorbed from start to finish, and I’m so here for whatever S.C. Grayson cooks up next in this universe.

Demons and court politics are a prominent feature in this book as well as a unrequited love. This is all I needed to keep eagerly reading. I enjoyed the first book but the second is so much better. Although I recommend reading the first. This is a fantasy romance of it's own accord.

5⭐️
3🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for a copy of this e-arc.

I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 of this series but book 2 I was completely engrossed by! We have a mix of clan structure, court politics, understanding of power, demon monsters, unrequited love, and so much more!

Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off. Keera was taken back by the Kelvadan riders who attacked the united clans. After causing a chasm to save the clans, Erix discovers what saved them initially, has now stranded them all. Determined to get back to Keera, he does everything in his power to not only keep the clans together, but get back to her.

Keera now wakes up back in Kelvadan, with doubts in her mind of why Erix would have brought her back to Lord Alasdar. Even though she knows Lord Alasdar is dead, killed by her hand, why hasn’t Erix come for her? Or come to show he has no plans to eradicate Kelvadan any longer. Did he change his mind about her? The Queen is hesitant to believe that Erix is not a threat, but wants Keera to step up not only in her magic but in the ways she can help protect Kelvadan. She is thrown into the world of court politics she never intended to enter. But when Erix does finally return, who will he be to her? Her lover, a Prince coming to take back what’s his, or her prisoner? Enemies are all around and with the goal of returning the Heart of the desert to its rightful place and stabilizing everything and everyone, are they strong enough to make the right decisions and will their love survive all the obstacles thrown in front of them?

This book really drew me in. We got a little bit of everything. Court politics, clans, adventures, monsters, romance, family drama, arranged marriage, everything! While there were definitely certain plot points that were predictable, it still was a fun read.

Erix and Keera’s relationship is really complex in this book and it kept me on my toes. The spice 🌶️ kicked up this book (yay!) for sure. Erix and Keera’s connection is fire 🔥 we get sneaking around and a jealous Erix (oh, so feral 🥵🥵). Just, yes all around!

Book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but sets up what the next book’s plot/adventure is going to be and I’m excited for the next chapter of their story. Loved the epilogue! ❤️❤️

Why do I keep reading books that emotionally ruin me??? Oh right—because they’re this good.

Erix??? A spiraling, grief-stricken, morally gray mess trying to be better??? I’m in love. Still simping. Harder than ever. The yearning in this book??? Pain. Delicious pain. Keera and Erix are on opposite sides of a war and STILL can’t stop loving each other. Every near-meeting, every memory, every time they say each other’s name like it hurts??? I was unwell.

Also:
⚔️ Epic fight scenes
👑 Court politics that slap
🔥 Spice level = YES
💔 Emotional devastation = also yes

Book 2 gave us deeper worldbuilding, more angst, more action, and romance so intense I had to lie down. No cliffhanger (thank you!!), but the setup for book 3 has me feral.

Anyway, 5 stars, no notes, except WHERE IS THE NEXT BOOK 😩✨

4.5⭐️

Why do I keep doing this to myself?? I knew this book was going to break me and I STILL signed up for the ARC—and now I have to wait even longer than everyone else for book 3?? Tragic. Would I do it again? Absolutely. No regrets.

This book wrecked me in the best way. If book one was all about tension, book two is straight-up yearning. Keera and Erix are on opposite sides of a war, and yet everything about them aches to find their way back to each other. Every near-miss, every name spoken like it hurts, every memory? It’s my kind of emotional pain. And when they finally collide again? You feel it. In your chest. In your soul. I haven't stopped thinking about it since.

Erix stepping into leadership? Did not expect it, but oh it DELIVERED. He’s spiraling, grieving, haunted—and trying so hard to be something better while everything around him falls apart. He’s no longer the cold, calculating enemy from book one. He’s broken and complicated and messy, and yes, I still simp for him. Harder than ever. (As if I ever stopped.)

The romance is forbidden, painful, intense—just the way I like it. But there’s so much more going on, too. We get deeper into the politics of Kelvaden (which are shady and fascinating), while still getting glimpses of the desert clans from book one. The world expands in such a cool way and it’s just as rich and immersive as before.

The action scenes? Epic. The politics? Surprisingly gripping. The spice? SPYCING. There are multiple moments for Keera and Erix to get close—and yes, it’s hot.

Also, bless the author for not leaving us on a brutal cliffhanger. There’s closure (kind of), but enough setup that I’m already emotionally spiraling over what’s coming next.

Honestly, what makes this book hit so hard is the relationship between Keera and Erix. Their bond is so deep and raw, it hurts to watch. They should be enemies, but they keep choosing each other anyway—and you feel every second of it. I was fully invested, screaming internally (and sometimes externally), and completely wrecked by the end.

This book has it all: heartbreak, action, longing, political chaos, spice, and characters who are deeply flawed but so easy to love. I need book three like yesterday

A Gripping Journey of Love, Resilience, and Unpredictable Twists

What truly sets this book apart is the incredible dynamic between its two main characters. Their connection is palpable, a "meant-to-be" kind of bond that anchors the entire narrative. Right from the start, it's clear their path won't be smooth, but the sheer intensity and 'craziness' of the trials they face are truly heartbreaking to witness. I found myself profoundly empathetic to their plight, feeling every setback and cheering for every small victory. The road they've been on is so wild, you can't help but feel for them every step of the way.

The world-building is rich and tumultuous, throwing everything imaginable at our protagonists. From devastating disasters stemming from the desert to relentless political conflicts arrayed against them, the obstacles are formidable and relentless. The author masterfully weaves these external pressures into the characters' personal struggles, ensuring that the stakes always feel incredibly high.

And speaking of plot, the story is packed with so many unpredictable twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you've got a handle on things, the narrative takes another unexpected detour, making for a truly fascinating and unpredictable reading experience.

Throughout it all, my emotional investment remained absolute – I was perpetually rooting for them to overcome the impossible. As the story unfolds, the suspense is palpable. I genuinely have no idea how their journey will conclude, and that uncertainty only adds to the addictive quality of the read.

If you're looking for a book with extraordinary character chemistry, a world fraught with peril, and a plot that will keep you guessing until the very last page, then you need to pick this up. It's an emotionally charged adventure that will stay with you long after you've finished reading