⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A gripping desert fantasy that blends danger, destiny, and desire.

Blood of the Sands is a masterful tale of rebellion, ancient magic, and fierce determination. Grayson's world-building is rich and immersive, pulling you into a sun-scorched land teeming with secrets and rebellion. The characters—especially the strong, complex female lead—shine with emotional depth and moral conflict.

The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and the tension never lets up. There’s a perfect balance of action, romance, and political intrigue that kept me turning the pages late into the night. If you love stories about hidden powers, slow-burn romance, and fighting for what’s right in a cruel world, this is a must-read.

Highly recommend for fans of Sabaa Tahir or Victoria Aveyard!

This is book 1 of the series(?), and there is a lot to unpack here..

There is so much world building here and the switching back and forth between the two POV's helps with that. Honestly when I seen this as a romantasy, I didn't believe it right off the bat. But reading from both POV's you can see how he slowly falls for her, and she him. Although it is more apparent when he falls, as he randomly stands up for her or saves her only because his magic pulls him towards doing so.

I think she is a very strong FMC, and I can understand why she wants to save the place that has helped her get back on her feet but also given her a place to stay and become a part of. The fact that the MMC is so admit that the place the FMC wants to protect is bad, yet we don't see any of those poor qualities. I hope more of that is shown in the next book if that is in fact the truth. Because at this point, they both want the same thing (Peace among the lands) but both have different views on how to get there because the Sands also require payment - and not one that many people will willingly give.

It is a slow burn with a fantasy world build up similar to Dune and the Persian movie... There is sand everywhere, but people and food are somewhat scarce and will do what they can to protect their own. I can't wait to read book 2!

This book was a wild ride. I loved the desert as it is described as a living thing that needs to be respected. The description is so vivid that it blows my mind.
I also love that it is a dual POV book from the Viper‘s perspective and from Keera‘s perspective.
The pacing of the story is great and it really takes off when the trials start- yes you read correctly there are trials in it.

I love the enemies-to-lovers and high stakes setting. The ending leaves you desperate for part 2.
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for sure!

Omg what a gorgeous story. I was able to read this book and its sequel and trust me when I tell you: BUY THIS BOOK!

I felt weird while writing this review since every other review I saw was positively glowing but I just don’t see it. I was bored yall. Like positively bored. I loved the idea of two characters who were on opposite sides of a war each with somewhat similar powers but I was forcing myself to read this and I don’t think that’s fair to the author or to me. This book has definitely found its audience, it’s just not me.

4,5⭐️

This book deserves so much more hype!

Set against the harsh, mesmerizing backdrop of the desert, The Blood of the Sands delivers everything I love in a fantasy: brutal fights, dangerous alliances, an original magic system, and a romance that burns slow but deep.

✨ What I loved:
• The setting → The desert vs. the city feels epic and alive. The worldbuilding gave me Essos-era Daenerys vibes in the best way.
• The characters → He’s a hardened fighter, she’s his prisoner and an exile. Instead of insta-love or cliché enemies-to-lovers hatred, their relationship grows through training, tension, and mutual respect. He’s not lovesick from the start—thank goodness.
• The magic system → Fresh and unique! Magic comes from the desert itself, but it’s tied to madness—which makes it dangerous, unpredictable, and fascinating.
• The plot twists → I read a lot, and still… I didn’t see them coming.
• The trials & games → The stakes are high, the challenges feel brutal, and watching her grow through them was addicting.

💔 The romance → Slow burn perfection. He trains her, pushes her, and their connection simmers until it erupts. The enemies-to-lovers tension feels raw and real, without ever being forced.

Favorite quote:

“I don’t feel about you the way one feels about an ally.”
My breath caught in my throat. “What do you feel?”
“Too much.”

If you love morally gray dynamics, desert magic, survival, political intrigue, pick this up. It’s seriously underrated and deserves to be on way more TBRs.

Keera, an exile fighting to survive in the Ballan desert, accidentally awakens ancient magic when she crosses paths with the Viper – a ruthless masked warrior serving the desert’s dark power. Now, they’re on opposite sides of a war, bound by a strange connection that could save their home (or destroy it).

This was fantastic – so fantastic, in fact, that I immediately downloaded the second book because I needed to know what happens next. The world is so evocatively described, I could feel the sand in my teeth and the sun burning my skin. Keera and the Viper are refreshingly real – they’re enemies, with no instant softening, and, after their inital meeting, Grayson gives them space to breathe as individuals before their paths collide again more permanently. It’s unusual to spend so much time with them apart, but it made their motivations and that slow-burn tension even more satisfying.

The pacing starts steady, letting you sink into the world, but around 35% in, the trials kick in which drives more action (though I’ll admit, I expected them to be even harsher!). What I loved: Even as enemies, they both have a fierce moral compass – defending and protecting each other when it matters, which made their eventual romance feel right and deserved. And Keera is no damsel - she’s capable, resourceful, and more than holds her own. Plus that ending – not quite a cliffhanger, but definitely the kind of twist that makes you grab the next book immediately!

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC.

I picked up this book because it sounded so intriguing, and I couldn’t deny that the plot was what kept me hooked. I loved the plot twists, the way the reasons behind the disastrous events were revealed little by little, and the intricate yet uncomplicated prose that kept me engaged.

However, the romance fell flat for me. Keera and The Viper felt more like reluctant enemies than true ones, because from the moment they met there was already a pull between them. Even when they crossed paths again during the Trial, I didn’t feel much hatred, just a few arguments since they stood on opposite sides. The confusing part during the second Trial just made me felt more distant towards them. I love that their relationship isn’t forced and that they slowly begin to understand each other, but I don't know…the romance just didn’t hit emotionally and I ended up reading their moments with a straight face, even the intimate ones🧍🏻‍♀️

And I have to admit, the magic system is the most confusing part of this book. I just don’t get how it works, every time I think I almost understand it, I end up even more confused 😂😭 I don’t really know how to explain it, but that’s exactly how it felt to me.

Tbh, I’ve started the second book, but it feels like everything goes back to square one since Keera and The Viper were separated at the end of the first book. Just thinking about how many chapters I’d need to get through before they reunite already exhausts me, I literally ended up sleeping the whole night instead of reading🧎🏻‍♀️Maybe I’ll give it another chance if I get too curious about what happens next.

I almost DNF this before the halfway mark. But I’m still rating it 5 stars. That should tell you how amazing the second half was. I couldn’t put it down. I was all in my feels. I was devastated and ready for the second book as soon as I finished (thankfully the second book is already out). I won’t lie, the first half of the book was so slow. Agonizingly at times. I was invested, though. Every time I thought of DNF-ing, I couldn’t make myself do it because I was too curious where it would end up. The writing is amazing. I felt like I was there with them in the desert. I have to look up other works by this author because, wow, what a storyteller. This is going on my highly recommend list. Thanks so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read and review this ARC. I’m a fan! 💜

If you're craving a perfect enemies-to-lovers fantasy, look no further. Keera, the feisty exile, and the brooding, masked Viper have this magnetic, forbidden connection that literally calms his magic. 🔥 Their journey from trying to kill each other to realizing they might be the key to saving their world is just chef's kiss. The slow burn is exquisite, the magic system is unique, and the morally gray characters are everything. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves high-stakes romance and a rich, desert world.

THIS 👏🏼 BOOK 👏🏼 If I could give infinity stars, I would! ⭐️♾️

Keera has long been exiled from her clan, living alone in the desert. One night, a man arrives at her oasis. Little does she know the masked man she intends to rob is the Viper, the sword of a clan lord intent on healing the desert’s magic. Soon, Keera and the Viper find themselves on opposite ends of an impending war to save the Ballan Desert, and the bond they share will either help save their home or tear everything apart.

Blood of the Sands is a rich and sumptuous tale that I literally could not get enough of. The Viper and Keera live rent-free in my mind. The relationship between the two main characters develops from enemies to lovers in a way that feels tender as they explore each other's flaws and pasts in a way that feels realistic, emotionally mature, and natural. And while the spice was definitely spicy, it wasn’t the sole reason for their change in relationship, which was refreshing to read. The writing is beautiful and immersive, with the history and lore of the world and its clans seamlessly woven into the storyline. I especially loved how the desert is referred to as her; her magic, her beauty and how in order to survive, you need to be in her favour, rather than the desert just being the landscape the story takes place. I also loved the horses and how they were characters unto themselves, being an integral part of the story in how they offer freedom, comfort and companionship. To say I’m obsessed with this book would be an understatement, and I cannot wait to see where the Ballan Desert takes us in book two. If you loved the desert scenes in the Throne of Glass series and wanted more, or if you loved the relationship between Tisaanah and Maxantarius from Daughter of No Worlds, this book is for you!!

Thank you to S.C. Grayson, Victory Editing and NetGally for sharing a digital ARC of this book with me in exchange for an honest review.

The Dyslexic Who Reads

Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

What I loved about this book:

❤️ I loved that this was in a different environment than most books I read, with different cultures and mythologies.

❤️ The world building was rich. The desert is a harsh place to eke out a living and it shows in this book. But there is also beauty in the desert, and more life than one would think.

❤️ The Characters have rich deep stories of their own. Every major player has a past that is haunting, mistakes done, heartache received, has woven a real and relatable characters. You feel their pain and celebrate their wins.

❤️ The plot is also intriguing! This is a real enemies to lovers to enemies, as they are literally fighting a war against each other, I'm excited to start the next book today to see where this goes.

What I didn't like:

🤔 I really can't think of much, it's not "epic" like some other romantasy's but sometimes I really don't want epic, I like a nice good story without so many layers and too many characters.

🐍 Snake Facts inspired by the erroneous venom information in the book:
Snake Venom doesn't work the same way when you ingest it as when you are injected (bitten) by it. Snake Venom is generally neutralized by stomach acid.

❤️ Overall I think this book is well worth the read! You should pick it up!

I got this book free from NetGalley for my honest review.

This was a great first book, and it has me so excited to continue on reading the second book!

I enjoyed watching these two characters and their journeys, both separately and together.

I wish the ending was slightly different since it seemed that some of the growth they had both had was ignored.

The way both characters were so set in their ways and their beliefs was both admirable, but also has me thinking their could be some twists waiting for us in the next book...

Overall, a quick, fun, easy read that made it difficult for me to put down! The characters were likeable and the pace was fast and entertaining!

I absolutely loved this book. Keera was strong and brave, surviving alone in the harsh desert for years, and Erix was mysterious and intriguing, with his mask and secret ways. The desert setting was so vivid, I could imagine everything so perfectly. The magic system was cool and unique, and the world building felt rich and alive. The story moved fast, full of action, trials, and dangerous games. The romance between Keera and Erix was slow burn but so satisfying after all the tension. I loved how they defended each other and had that enemies to lovers vibe. The dual POV chapters were done really well, never confusing and always engaging. Five stars for an unforgettable fantasy adventure. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

I'm so happy that I read this.

When I say I want a slow burn enemies-to-lovers, THIS is what I mean. There is so for them to work through and understand about each other, whether or not they actually agree, that makes the character development and chemistry perfect. The simmeringly slow pace is exactly what I'm after in a book. There was so much time given to developing each character and the world.

But there's so much more to this book - there's also political conflict, found family, dual POVs and a unique magic system linked to the desert.

I normally don't enjoy trials but I think it was handled well and felt like it contributed to the overall plot and character growth (rather than just being an easy way to push the main characters together). There were a few typos (no impact on rating) and some repetition in character thoughts towards the end, but overall, such a fun and engaging read with a lot of heart — and I am so eager for the sequel (and I rarely am invested enough to continue with a series!).

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

There is so much to enjoy about this book. In terms of world-building, the inter-clan politics and relationship with Kelvedan were really interesting to read about. Not only do we have to worry about a war between people, but there's the added twist of a sentient desert that has its own unknown agenda. The first half of the book has some instances of infodumping that could've been more organically dispersed, but overall, it was helpful in setting the scene and getting the reader introduced to this world. The Doran plotline was a little cliche, especially Hadeon's cartoony villain monologue after the melee. I'm interested to see if Book 2 ties in more of the other kingdoms to make this subplot more substantial.

I loved all of the subtle foreshadowing of Keera and the Viper's connection. The added tension from sharing emotions, dreams, and even muscle memory made each of their early interactions so tantalizing.. Love the fact that they just do things for each other without truly understanding why. The confused, mildly inconvenient yearning from both sides was scrumptious.

And the ending????? Perfect, absolutely perfect. Book 2 is going to be a roller coaster, and I'm strapped in for a bumpy ride.

Side note: I adore how much the Viper cares about Alza. This man really cut his morning routine short just to make sure that she was the prettiest horse at the trial - slay.

This is one of the most interesting and engaging fantasy novels I have read this year. I really loved the unique location of the desert and the way that it the story is structured around surviving and saving the desert, all the while it is not always a fully willing partner. This first installment of the series has a games and trials element, a badass FMC with a great training arc, and a last 100 pages that left my jaw on the floor.

I also loved the relationship between Keera and The Viper, and how their connection to the desert keeps bringing them back together. I loved the way that the author played with their back stories to almost echo the places in each other where the other could fit.

But that ending? Diabolical, I loved it.

DNF @ 40%.

Definitely has very strong Reylo vibes like if Rey was an exile on Jakku and Snoke was a warlord with Kylo as his desert magic enforcer. If that's your vibe, you might enjoy this.

My main issue is how much time we spend in the characters' heads. They both go for pages and pages of inner monologuing. It started out with a bit of a bang when Viper captures the FMC and brings her to the warlord as a sacrifice to the desert. But then they get separated and a lot of time is spent with people explaining their plans and how they fit into those plans. I prefer more action-y stories so I was finding myself skimming a lot.

People who like a slower pace and a really slow burn romance might enjoy this. It just wasn't for me.

Tropes:
He tries to kill her (but can't)
Tormented antihero
Villain love interest
Forbidden magic
Force skyping--uh, dream communicating

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the review copy.

I really enjoyed Blood of the Sands! At first the pacing was a little slow, I wasn't sure if I was going to stick it out, but once it got going I got really hooked. I'm so happy I had the second one to jump right into so I didn't have to wait long. The romance is slow burn but kept me interested, and i really like both of the MCs. Can't wait to read the rest of it!

This is the first book of the Ballan Desert Series by S.C Grayson 📚 Wow this book, I haven't read a good romantasy in a long while. This is 100% enemies to lovers, lots of gore, includes fighting/war, mythical creatures, trails and abit of spice! Everything you want in a romantasy!📚
I have kindly been given the Arc for the second book, Crowns of Dunes which is out later this month so will be diving straight into it!