Genres: Young Adult, Epic Fantasy, YA Fantasy | Release Date: 1 December 2021 | Series: Death Dreamer Legacy | Series Book: #2 | Pages: 508 | Indie Author | Review
“Your name could ring across the centuries. Your power could write songs for a thousand years.”
R. K. Hart
Overview:
A Lie of Desert Red by R. K. Hart is a tale of devastating secrets and unfathomable magic. And it is just as immersive (if not more so) as the first book, To Dream of White & Gold, which I had loved with all my heart!* When you ache to hug certain characters, feeling their pain as if it’s your own, it’s a sure sign this book has found its way into your very soul. And who doesn’t love that?!
This second book in the Death Dreamer Legacy series picks up nearly seamlessly from where TDoW&G ended. Although more than a month has passed, the people at the Illarum are still dealing with the aftermath of a ship raining fire and brimstone down on an unsuspecting Port Royal. Food is scarce, suffering and death are everywhere, and Lyda is counting down to Lorcan’s return.
Soon browbeaten into service of her King, Lyda must go to Autere to help understand who was behind the deadly attack. Lorcan and a select few accompany her, but their world is about to be turned upside down… The Matriarch is up to something, Lyda’s dreams are starting to harm her, and Princess Neri is like a bird in a gilded cage, fighting for freedom. Will this journey see the end of Lyda and Lorcan’s relationship? Can they trust anyone at all in this red desert? Being a Myrae, Lyda isn’t safe in this new land, and things can turn deadly in the blink of an eye…
The ghostly dragon by Dirty Paws Australia is the perfect companion to this tale of dreamers.
Happiness Boost:
Where do I even begin? A Lie of Desert Red very handily has a recap at the beginning of the book, for those of us who have trouble remembering what’s previously occurred. Speaking for myself, thank you Rebekka! I needed it even though I’d only read the first book not too long ago. This way, we’re immediately situated back into the world and the massive events that are continuing to trouble our favourite people.
I like the care Lyda takes with those whom she loves, and even the ones she isn’t sure of (like Neri). Although Lyda is battling some very, very big demons of her own in her dreams, she doesn’t let that alter her path of compassion. She does things even when she is scared and tired, even when life throws too many punches at her. She is a role model for me.
And can we talk about representation? Maybe not in the way many of you might think, but this is a cause *very* close to my heart… Neri severely suffers when she has her periods, and when I read Rebekka’s description of this? I felt seen. I live with endometriosis and adenomyosis, so this storyline was a balm to my weary soul. In the real world, there is no cure for endometriosis. And it seems there isn’t much of one in A Lie of Desert Red, either. A million stars and gentle hugs to Rebekka for this. It really, really made me love Neri, and the author herself for writing this.
Downside:
I’ve come to the end of available books! Now I have to practice my patience, while Rebekka writes the next book in the series…
Final Thoughts:
I have adored A Lie of Desert Red. Rebekka writes perilous epic YA fantasy so superbly, and with exceptional emotion. I have been cheering Lyda and Lorcan on from the beginning, and the good news is that their story isn’t over yet! I’m already aching for the next instalment, because this series is phenomenally good. If you haven’t read R. K. Hart’s novels yet, get them now! They are absolutely spellbinding.
You can order via my Amazon link: A Lie of Desert Red
Missed the first book? You can order it here: To Dream of White & Gold
* Missed the review for the first book? You can read it here: To Dream of White & Gold: R. K. Hart
