I’ve been selected by Philip Chase (aka YouTube’s Dr. Fantasy) to be a member of his judging team for the 10^th annual edition of the Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off, a contest created by author Mark Lawrence. I have been assigned six titles and will be publishing my reviews for the books here, a process that will culminate in the selection of the title I will advance in the competition. Each of the other members of Philip’s team will also be making a selection, and from those Philip will select our team’s finalist later this fall.

To make my selection I will be using a ten point system similar to the one Philp has been using for the contest. The scale looks like this:

1-2 points—A flawed book

3-4 points—A underdeveloped book with promise

5-6 points—A promising book, likely worthy of recommendation

7-8 points—A solid, admirable book that I will definitely recommend

9-10 points—A new favorite, likely worthy of rereading

I will be breaking my thoughts down via the following six categories:

*World-building

*Opening/Engagement

*Characters

*Plot/Theme

*Prose

*Satisfaction of Resolution/Story arc

I will strive to keep all of my SPFBO reviews non-spoiler.

THE DESERT HEIRESS is an adult alternate-world fantasy with strong romance, organized crime, and thriller elements. In regard to world-building, as the title indicates, the story is set in a desert locale, which strongly influences the plot. The culture portrayed is entangled with a controlled narcotic and it’s legal and illegal trafficking. The politics revolve around “the Company,” which controls the rights to the substance, as well as a group of smugglers and distributors that answer to the protagonist’s family. There is also a strong religious element, in that the protagonist’s family is part of a religious heritage that is repressed and—in many ways—ostracized by society at large. The more predominant religion is rooted in goddess worship. The fairly complex world is introduced naturally (sans info-dumping), and all of the introduced elements are integral to the plot. The setting is indistinctly historical, and includes horses and ships as the modes of transportation, as well as abundant firearm access and use.

The opening scenes introduce us to the major characters, and we immediately gain some appreciation for their roles in society and their interrelationships. I was instantly engaged and barreling along, enjoying the unspooling of the current situation. The inciting incident occurs quite early, and the story continues to expand in very enticing ways.

The characters are well-drawn, beginning with the protagonist—the desert heiress in question—Liseya, the granddaughter of the smuggling ring’s leader. She is challenged by taking the reins of the family business at a time of major change and upheaval. Also in her circle are Filip, Adrian, and Deo, each involved in some capacity in the seamy world of smuggling. There are several layers of antagonism—meaning more than one villain—but there is an excellent one in particular whom I’ll abstain from describing in order to avoid spoilers. All of the primary characters are unique and engaging, and none of the minor characters feel like cutouts or throw-aways. The characterization, I felt, was one of the novel’s strongest attributes.

The plot involves the shockwaves that naturally occur with generational change in a power structure. It felt very natural as it unfolded—mostly centered on the narcotics trade, and the political and social issues that stem from such a major enterprise. Many themes arise over the course of the story, including the cost of using performance-enhancing substances. Also there is family loyalty—more specifically the expectations and burdens of generational legacy; the cost of an outlaw life; the conflicts inherent in seeking or holding power, including a struggle with the misogyny; and—last but far from least—segregation and the “othering” of a major segment of society rooted in ethnocentricity and prejudice.

[A note about the depiction of sex: This book is very steamy, and the plot involves not just a love triangle but a love quadrangle. The sexual issues are very much entwined with the plot—indeed, sexual tension is integral to the story. The scenes are quite explicit, and though I was not offended, I’m sure there are those who would be. The scenes in question are well-crafted, including one particular sex scene which I would describe as being both provocative and discomfiting at once, which I’m certain was Rain’s intention. I’ll also note that there are trigger warnings in the opening pages.]

The prose is accessible and the terminology and names introduced are never confusing. In regard to language, there are almost no archaisms used, and often the dialog felt quite modern, which I did not find detracting. Indeed, the writing enhanced the briskness of the pace; the action and sex sequences were clear and easily followed. Speaking of which, the build to the climax centers around major action sequences interspersed with major sexual encounters. There is a relentlessness to the juxtaposition of the two that slightly interfered with my immersion. Also, the action has a strong firearm predilection that is not to my taste.

The resolution felt earned, and the character arcs all felt complete—in particular the arc of Liseya. The resolution to the romantic aspect of the story is sure to engender satisfaction for target audience for this book in particular.

My score: 7—I would recommend this to adult “romantasy” fans, in particular those who enjoy thriller or crime-family story elements. It’s fast-paced, fun, and is among the spiciest books I have encountered in recent years.