Race the Sands
an epic fantasy novel
by Sarah Beth Durst
available now from Harper Voyager
In this epic standalone fantasy, Sarah Beth Durst introduces an imaginative new world in which a pair of strong and determined women risk their lives
battling injustice, corruption, and deadly enemies in their quest to become monster racing champions.
Life, death, and rebirth -- in Becar, everyone knows that who you are in this life will determine what you are in your next life. The augurs can read your
fate in your aura: hawk, heron, tortoise, jackal, human. Armed with that knowledge, you can change your destiny with the choices you make, both in this life and your next. But for the darkest individuals, there is
no redemption: you come back as a kehok, a monster, and you will always be a kehok for the rest of time.
Unless you can win the Races.
After a celebrated career as an elite kehok rider, Tamra became a professional trainer. Then a tragic accident on the track shattered her confidence,
damaged her reputation, and left her nearly broke. Now Tamra needs the prize money to prevent the local temple from taking her daughter away from her, and that means she must once again find a winning kehok . . .
and a rider willing to trust her.
Raia is desperate to get away from her domineering family and cruel fiancé. As a kehok rider, she could earn enough to buy her freedom. But she
needs a first-rate trainer.
Impressed by the inexperienced young woman's determination, Tamra hires Raia and pairs her with a strange new kehok with the potential to win -- if he
can be tamed.
But in this sport, if you forget you're riding on the back of a monster, you die. Tamra and Raia will work harder than they ever thought possible to win
the deadly Becaran Races -- and in the process, discover what makes this particular kehok so special.
Read the first chapter
* * *
|
An Amazon Best SFF Book of the Year
|
|
A Kirkus Best Science Fiction / Fantasy Read of the Month
|
 "A thrill-filled story about monster racing with impressive thematic depth and a refreshing spectrum of female
characters. [...] Durst consistently defies expectations in both plot and characterization while exploring sophisticated themes of found family, integrity, and morality. This excellent epic fantasy will appeal to adult
fans of YA authors Tamora Pierce and Megan Whalen Turner."
-- Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
"National Velvet with monsters and a big helping of palace intrigue, Race the Sands is monstrous (literally), heartwarming, and empowering in equal measure. An incredibly fun and inspiring read."
-- Katherine Arden, New York Times bestselling author of The Bear and the Nightingale
"Race the Sands is a fast-paced adventure that will have you falling in love with its heroines and the monsters they ride."
-- Peter V. Brett, New York Times bestselling author of The Demon Cycle series
"Race the Sands is not only a blistering rush through a brilliantly credible and original fantasy landscape, it's the story of resolve, family, and personal destiny we all need. Highly recommended."
-- Julie E. Czerneda, author of The Gossamer Mage
"Race The Sands is told with Durst's usual flair for deep emotional connections intermingled with people getting gnawed apart by ravenous mystical creatures. Read if: you like some karma in your fantasy; you're not afraid of change; you would absolutely watch monster NASCAR on ESPN the Ocho."
-- Lightspeed Magazine
Read additional reviews.
* * *
Download hi-res cover art by Nekro.
* * *
Also available as an audiobook:
Race the Sands
Audio Edition
written by Sarah Beth Durst
narrated by Emily Ellett
available now from HarperAudio
Buy Audible edition
or Audio CD
Return to Books page.
|
