Zendar

This book, rather a novella, is a marvelous introduction to Munson’s fantasy world – Zendar. It instantly pulls you in and compels you to turn the pages. It follows the life of Nitya, who is young, naive, and bored with her everyday life. She craves excitement and adventure until one day she suddenly gets the opportunity to work as a maid in the royal palace. For someone, who spent her life selling pottery, this was as interesting as her life could get.
The story takes an unusual turn when she encounters the mysterious and handsome Sergeant Ramas, who makes her feel giddy and gives her butterflies, and who in turn pursues her. But what happens when innocent Nitya is suddenly caught up in political powerplay and the murder of a royal official, in the midst of a world where people are still at war with each other. With no one to support a commoner maid, who has nothing but her truth and talent for art, Nitya is thrown into a cell and is now being investigated by the very Sergeant Ramas, who has no reason to help her EXCEPT matters of the heart.

In less than fifty pages, K.T. Munson does a great job of developing the chemistry between characters, building the atmosphere, and above all delivering a heart-warming love story.

The only reason I did not give this story a five star is that something felt missing. It would have been great if only there was more details of the world, the political powers in play. The world-building was there, but not enough. It read more like a historical fiction rather than a fantasy book.

I would suggest this book to everyone who enjoys reading fantasy, romance, and historical fiction, and to everyone who is looking for a really short and entertaining read.

*I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

This was a quick, but captivating read. The world felt so realistic - as though a movie was playing out around me. Nitya, the main character, was a merchant's daughter who got an opportunity to go work a temporary position at the palace. This particular installment may only have been about thirty-five pages, but by the time I was finished, I felt as though I'd read an entire novel. I look forward to reading more from this series in the near future.

Hello booklovers! Today I bring you the review of "Zendar: A Tale of Sand" by K.T.Munson.
Nitya, an 18-year-old girl, quite innocent and insecure, was looking for an adventure to brighten her life, which consisted of selling articles and polishing metal jars. Juni, her best friend, managed to get them both to help the palace, in the kitchen, for a month, with her aunt. It is there that Nitya gets lost in love with a sergeant, after a changed look and that ends up changing her life. But in what way? You will have to read to find out!

This short story is a prequel to the author's Zendar series. Being that it is only a small introduction to the world, with characters that, from what I researched, will not appear in the series.
It was a pretty quick read that I couldn't quite let go. I really want to know more about Zendar, where all the events in this story take place, but I also wanted to know more about the main characters. The writing, in my opinion, was delicious. The descriptions, although light, led us to feel and know everything that happened, in an almost poetic way. I thought that, for their age, Nitya and Juni had some attitudes that, in my opinion, would correspond to a younger age, but that detail did not make this reading unpleasant, especially because for such a short story, the development of the characters was brilliant!
I gave it 4/5, and I hope one day to read the series.

Zendar by K.T. Munson is a short and sweet novella.

This novella tells the story of Nitya, a young girl that longs for adventure. Fortunately, her friend Juni secures them both a temporary job in the palace’s kitchen. In the short period Nitiya is at the palace, a general is suddenly killed, and Nitya finds herself in the midst of chaos.

I did not know that this novella was a prequel to a series when I started reading it. Nonetheless, I did enjoy this short novella. Munson does a great job at establishing the main characters and setting up the plot. From the first page, I was intrigued by the story, and Munson gradually raises the stakes. Munson does a great job at making all the characters feel unique and memorable. The writing style is accessible, and the pacing was excellent.

My main criticism is the “instant love” in this novella. Nitya suddenly falls in love and wants to get married straight away. The romance felt forced, and just a bit weird. Due to the "instant love", I was confident that I was reading a YA novella. However, there is a very explicit and (in my opinion) unnecessary sex scene in this book. The “instant love” and the graphic sex scene made me feel like I was reading a mix of YA and adult.

In conclusion, I must say that I am impressed that Munson is able to establish such a great plot and characters in only 35 pages. Munson is undoubtedly a talented writer, and I would recommend this novella to anyone that wants to read some fantasy romance.

3.75 / 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Nitya is a 18 year old who longs for adventure, anything that will take her away from her dull life as a merchant's daughter. When Nitya and her best friend Juni get the opportunity to work in the palace kitchens, sergeant Ramas catches her eye and suddenly this just may be the adventure Nitya has been waiting for. On her final day, Nitya is unknowingly involved in the assassination of one of the palace’s guard which lands her in prison. However, Ramas puts his career on the line to defend her and it soon becomes clear they both feel the same for one another.

This was beautifully written. Although it was only 35 pages long, it was a compelling and captivating read that left me wanting more. I hadn’t previously heard of the Zendar series, however after reading this super short novella - I cannot wait to read more from this series!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have never read the Zendar: A Tale of Blood and Sand but I don’t think you need to to read this little prequel!

I don’t want to talk too much about the plot because it’s only 35 pages long. But, it’s such a sweet little story. There’s a little bit of mystery, adventure, romance, and a tiny bit of spice!

I can’t wait to go buy the original Zendar tale and any future tales of Zendar!

Thank you NetGalley and Books Go Social for allowing me to read this cute little tale!

I must confess, I didn't know this story was part of a series until I started reading. This made reading awkward in certain areas and I sometimes felt confused about the world these characters inhabited.

But, I did enjoy reading this story! The sci-fi elements were subtly incorporated and there were times I was shocked when a detail elevated the story to the genre.

The romance was sweet and hot, but I didn't find the male lead to have much personality. He's a good guy and that's it, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It all depends on what floats your boat ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Nitya, the main character, was well-rounded in comparison and I was rooting for her to live and get her man the whole time I was reading!

I plan to add the main series this precedes to my TBR list.

I loved this book so much! It was a super short and quick read, which I managed to read in one sitting. It follows Nitya, an 18 year old girl who wants more from life than her current lifestyle gives, and her journey working in the Palace's kitchen (and the people she meets along the way - wink wink)
I genuinely have no faults with this book, other than I wish it hadn't ended! Munson's writing style is perfection. I thought the characters were written perfectly, the world building was exquisite (which I was shocked at - how can you be so drawn into a world that is only developed 35 pages?!) And the romance was to die for! But, please be warned this book is targeted at adults, and there are some fairly erotic scenes.
I will most certainly be picking up other works by Munson! In general, I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy romance fans! (as well as general fantasy fans). If your favourite authors include the likes of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, K.J. Sutton, Elise Kova & Laura Thalassa, I'm certain you will adore this series.

K.T. Munson takes us to another world. Perfect escapist fiction, with glimpses of our reality. I enjoyed Zendar and can't wait to read more of this author's work.

I really really enjoyed this short story but was sad it was as short so imagine my excitement when I looked into the author's other books to discover that this is in fact a small series I really enjoyed the characters and description of this world in just 35 pages I highly recommend #zendar and am excited to carry on reading this fun series.
Thank you to #netgalley for allowing me to read and discover this series from they're read now shelf

Enjoyable read with characters that draw you in and captivate your attention for the day. I can easily recommend this to friends looking for a romance out of the ordinary.

A few pages in and I was intrigued by the two young girls, K.T. Munston is a new author to me.
I completely enjoyed the girls friendship, and the blossoming love, along with the little twists and turns.
By the end I was lost in the story so I am glad to know the main story is out already which I will be adding to my To be read pile.

Gentle but powerful in its own right.

It is true, you can travel anywhere with a book and never leave home.

Nitya's best friend Juni is given a chance to work as a cook in the palace by her aunt while the usual cook is out having a baby. It is just for a couple of weeks. Nitya is excited to learn that Juni suggested she come too when she finds out they need an additional person. Nitya says it is because she wants to see where her mother was born and has never been in the palace.

Once in the palace they explore and Nitya takes the time to explore and draw pictures of the marble statues. She has noticed a a handsome man and is intrigued. He seems different than the other people in the palace, but she is not sure who he is or how he commands so much attention from the others.

I did read some reviews criticizing that she falls instantly in love and wants to marry her sergeant, but considering the time period and expectations I don't find it too difficult to believe her reactions.

I really enjoyed this quick read and intend to read the other stories in the series. I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I found myself pleasantly surprised by this novella prequel--though I did not realize that's what it is until reading. Zendar sounds like an interesting world, and to be honest I am impressed by how much context, world (and character) building was put into the short number of pages.

One thing that I did not like as much was how instantaneously Nitya fell in love. Though crushes, and first impressions and interactions with a love interest can leave one lustful and lead them into love, it all just felt like too much too fast. I would have liked more description and I think more development between Nitya and her love interest.

All that said, I am confident in giving Zendar: A Tale of Sand prequel a solid 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4) for how quickly I found myself interested in the story itself. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

My thanks to KT Munson, Books Go Social, and Net Galley for the ARC of ZENDAR.
This little prequel is the perfect forecast of what is to come in the author's other books. Nitya lives with her merchant family in the capital of Zendar. A spirited girl she longs for adventure, and when Juni, her best friend, secures a place in the palace's kitchen to work, she jumps at the chance. A pretty taster of the series.

this was a really enjoyable short read, the characters were great and I enjoyed the time period. this was a great read and I look forward to more from the author.