Janeal Falor

"Katherine's place is the same as any woman's-on the shelf next to the dresses and bolts of cloth." Women have absolutely no rights of their own, and are at the mercy of men, especially warlocks, who aren't known for their patience and tenderness. Women may have magic, but they aren't able to wield it, and women who have a great deal of magic are very valuable, which is why they are sold off to the highest bidder, usually a warlock who just wants them as breeders. They are controlled by their owner through intimidation and pain by way of hexes. Katherine has been sold off to a disgusting, old warlock by her father, and doesn't know what to do, until her mother comes up with a plan to help her daughter run, which is very risky for both of them, but Katherine doesn't see any other way.

This prequel novella is a very quick read, but that doesn't keep you from experiencing the horror the females in this society face on a daily basis. You can't help but root for Katherine and the others she meets up with along the way. Her journey is a hard one, but in it she finds meaning and a way of life completely different than the one she thought she would be living.

I enjoyed this prequel very much and look forward to continuing with the series to see where it goes.

5/5 stars.

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Chardonian Press, and Janeal Falor for the opportunity to read and review this book.… (meer)

I don't know how to rate this book. I could give it a two or a three.
I randomly ran across this book for free on the internet and it sounded interesting enough for me to pick it up. I don't know if or even when I would have read it, but I am taking part in an AtoZAuthor read over on Instagram so I needed a F.
This book has a number of things that I'm interested in.
Fantasy
Slavery
"Barbarians"
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK
I quickly realized this is a very dark book. (like before I started) But at the same time it's a little funny???
Yes, all women are considered slaves and are sold to be wives according to their magic levels. But there are about six or seven countries and they all have more or less the exact same bunch of laws, except for "The Barbarians" who are naturally, much more modern.
The main character is one of 15 sisters, because there is a law that allows only one wife. (he is hoping for a son) But by the end of the book it is plainly clear that there are a dozen ways for her father to off her mother and have no one ask questions.
Did I mention that all women are slaves and can do nothing for themselves??? That is true unless they get tarnished, then as long as they can figure it out, they can do whatever they want with little to no repercussions. But being tarnished means they automatically join a pool of people to be human sacrifices.
Yeah, maybe I should give this book two stars. Or even one.
I do not recommend this book. I do think I will give it two stars though for I did enjoy enjoy the main characters. I did enjoy the story arc.
… (meer)

**** 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.… (meer)