Sand Daughter
An impossible choice…
It is the time of the Crusades. The Islamic world is divided, and the Franks have captured the Holy Land. As the mighty Saladin struggles to unite the warring people of Arabia against the invaders, Khalidah, a young Bedouin woman, and her childhood friend Bilal, find themselves pawns in a deadly plot involving their own feuding tribe and the powerful Templar Knights.
Faced with an arranged marriage to her brutal cousin, Khalidah runs away with a man she barely knows. She chases a freedom she could never find at home, with her mother’s people: a tribe of elite and elusive Afghan warriors who call themselves the Jinn. But her single-minded search is soon complicated by her growing feelings for the mysterious Sulayman.
Meanwhile, Bilal, devastated and furious at Khalidah’s leaving him behind, pledges himself to the cousin she ran from and to Saladin’s fight to win back the Holy Land from the invading Europeans. But Bilal, too, finds himself blindsided by love: for the Sultan’s charming and neglected fourth son, Salim.
Together, Khalidah and Bilal may hold the key to the coming battle for the Holy Land. But can they and those they love survive the fight?
What Reviewers have said:
“Sand Daughter is a fascinating snapshot into the world of the Crusades. 12th century Arabia is beautifully recreated, but this is ultimately a story about people and not places. Thankfully, Sarah Bryant provides characters to care about a-plenty. Not just a love story, a thriller, or a straight historical but rather an impressive blend of all three.”
–Sara Wilson, Historical Novels Review, 2007
“Somehow intimate and grand at the same time. Romantic, thrilling, epic and touching. How does Sarah Bryant do it?”
–Robert Finn, Author of bestselling thriller Adept
“.. endearing as a romance yet has enough action and history to satisfy Crusades enthusiasts. Confidently recommended!”
–Lucille Cormier, Historical Novels Review, 2009
Immediately immersing, rich in detail and complex in theme, this skillful novel uses nested stories and lengthy reveals that call to mind the Arabian Nights, and doesn't shy from challenging subject matter. Gripping and convincing, this is a worthy historical page-turner.
- Publisher's Weekly
“This epic, romantic, action-packed story runs the gamut of human emotions from anger to love, and fear to remorse.”
- Historical Romance Reviews
What I've said:
When the UK edition of Sand Daughter first came out, the American novelist C.W. Gortner interviewed me for his blog. Answers to any of your questions about the book should be covered here!
