Sands of Eppla: Book One

By: Janeal Falor

Narrated by: Samantha

Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Cassandra lives in a world where you fall in love at first sight - or not at all. Too bad she's blind, and being blind makes her not only immune to love, but also a criminal. She must now live alone or face being sentenced to a life of slavery.

Though she's grown accustomed to her solitude, everything changes when Cassandra stumbles across a mysterious man in her domain. A royal soldier is hunting Nikon down, endangering her freedom as well. If the warriors discover her, she'll be bound by the law. Not willing to risk slavery or death, Cassandra abandons her familiar home and ventures into an unforgiving world with Nikon.

Forced to trust a man she doesn't even know, Cassandra finds she’s drawn to him even though a relationship between them is impossible. And she can't afford any distractions. If they don't stay one step ahead of the warriors, Nikon will be imprisoned and she enslaved. Cassandra must use all the senses she has left if they're to remain free.

©2019 Janeal Falor (P)2019 Janeal Falor

Intriguing Story

I really enjoyed the Egyptian feel to this fantasy world. The world building was fantastic, it's a very different world and I got a good feel for it, it's well developed. The storyline was very unique and intriguing, I haven't read anything like it. The writing is great, we're able to get so much detail even though the main character is blind. Cassandra is a great lead. I adored her and Nikon from their first introduction.

Samantha's narration was just ok. I liked her voice for Cassandra, it was fitting. Some of the characters were indistinguishable from each other. Her inflections and emotions felt off and not fitting the story.

Great story; Horrible narrator

I really enjoyed the story. It was really neat to hear the story from the perspective of a blind person. A few of the emotional decision the female character made didn't make sense to me and the writing wasn't the strongest that I've ever encountered but I am eager for the next one to find out what happens next. I just hope there will be a different narrator. Samantha was AWFUL. I almost didn't finish the book despite liking the story because it was so bad. The inflections and emotions were all wrong. It felt like Seri or Google was reading to me and that the words were all pre-recorded and strung together because the narrator definitely didn't read it like she understood what was happening in the plot. In short, it was a very annoying listening experience. If I could do it over, I would just take the time to read it myself.

A bit underwhelming

I understand the author wanted us to experience the world as a blind person. But I was left feeling like it was just an excuse not to fully flush out the world or characters. It feels incomplete. Also it’s a slow burn book. Nothing much happens for the first half. I did enjoy it however, I’d happily continue this series. I’d hope for more info, better explanations and a more refined world in the future.

The narrator was really MEH. Not too bad. But I’d almost have preferred to read the eBook instead.


-I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.-

Passenger's adventures

I was given a free copy of this Audiobook In exchange for an honest review. A blind girl Cassandra meets a wounded man named Nikon they leave her home together and have a lot of adventures in a very scary world. Is she in love with this man? And who is after them? Will they ever be free? Enjoyed this book very much looking forward to another Egyptian style sequel. I love the monkey in the book makes for a fun read.

Sweet Egyptian Styled Fantasy! Wished for romance!

I loved the story, characters and the setting... Everything was so beautifully written considering it was told through the "eyes" of an intelligent and brave young woman. It was a nice coincidence Cassandra and Nikon both had a disability they struggle with, since he is dyslexic and she blind. Every of their interactions was beautiful, showing a deeper connection than just friendship but without it fully developing into a romance because in their world you can only fall in love by looking into another's eyes. That was the only frustrating and annoying part of the book, seeing how much they desire to be a couple but not being able to because of an universal law. It make their last interactions almost unbearable for me; even so I couldn't bring myself to give it less than 5 stars when everything else in the book had been perfect.

Great worldbuilding!

Full Disclaimer: I received a free review copy.

My favorite thing about Sands of Eppla is all the lore we get hints about as the story goes along. Aside from an interesting take on soulmates and love at first sight, it's cool to see Egyptian-inspired fantasy. So much of it is medieval-based.

I know some have complained about how Cassandra's descriptions are so limited because she's blind, but I was actually impressed with how consistent that remained. It really made me grateful for my own sight.

This is still clearly a first part, with a lot still unanswered. We learn some details about Nikon, but's there's a lot that still feels untold. And some major revelations and mysteries near the end that still need to be unraveled. Looking forward to the next installment!

A masterful example of worldbuilding!

4.5 out of 5 stars

I loved Janeal Falor's Mine Series and was intrigued by the premise of a blind protagonist in an Eqyptian-inspired Fantasy world. When the audiobook came along, I snatched it up right away!

This story didn't disappoint. As I mentioned, I loved the Mine Series, but her writing style has definitely evolved. There were some places I felt the language and dialogue could've been "tightened" to make it flow better, but overall, I greatly enjoyed this book.

Worldbuilding: You can tell the author did a lot of research and I believe she utilized it remarkably well. I think the worldbuilding might have been the best part of this book. The world isn't a clone of Egypt by any means, but you can tell it served as the starting point. There are cultural, historical, and daily life details mixed throughout in a way that avoids the dreaded Fantasy infodump, yet puts "meat" into the setting. This is a masterful example of worldbuilding and I'm excited for what's to come!

Plot: I struggled a bit to connect to the plot at first, just because there didn't seem to be a clear, compelling driver for about a third of the book. But that issue got sorted out and the characters kept me engaged in the meantime.

Characters: I got caught up in Nikon and Cassandra's plight easily and I felt that Samantha's narration was a good fit to bring Cassandra's voice to life. She especially captured the softness and gentleness of the character, which I found all the more endearing. There are other characters and this does blessedly pass the Bechdel test, but honestly I want to see more of Nikon and Cassandra together (which is a good thing). I WANT MORE.

I recommend this for fans of unique Fantasy with a dash of romance. I would say there are the beginnings of a romance, but wouldn't quite stick this in the Romance bin just yet. I'm looking forward to seeing that unfold as the series continues!

Excellent 1st book in New Series

Both me and my husband found this a Great Listen/read!!
The characters were great and we can Not wait until the next book in this Series comes out on Audible!! The author did Wounderful World Building in this Story. Narrator did a lovely job on the voices and storyline.

enjoyed

I have enjoyed listening to this book (almost in one sitting) and look forward to hearing more. Worth checking out.

A great adventure

Cassandra had an amazing journey. Which was an accomplishment since she is blind. Nikon came into her life by accident but it became an unbreakable bond. The monkey was awesome, I loved his antics. The best part was Cassandra's sticks. She learned how to defend herself very well. A great story.