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Sara Sheridan- Secret of the Sands

Hey guys,

this novel discusses themes that I find very, very interesting. Based in 1833 when the British Navy is surveying the coastline of the Arabian Peninsula, mapping and writing about their experiences and discoveries. The story follows Lieutenant James Wellsted who's ambition and determination to further his navy career into glory goes awry when two fellow shipmates vanish. Wellsted mounts a daring rescue plan and must involve himself with the very men who go against everything he believes.


Slavery is still an epidemic throughout Arabia and the story follows a young, Abyssinian beauty, Zena, ripped from her village is followed very carefully until her path crosses that of Wellsteds. Now his property Zena must accompany him on his mission, unknown to either of them what lies ahead. Zena finds herself back among the very men who ripped her life apart, struggling to keep her headstrong nature as well as her developing feelings under check.


Wellsted's very heart is on the line as his own background battles with that of the slavers. Can he keep Zena safe when they see her less worthy than a camel? With plenty of descriptions of Arabic life and culture, this novel is enough to keep your interest all the way through the many twists and turns.

As I've hinted at above, the issue to slavery, buying and selling, treatment of slaves and their general perception fascinates me greatly. The fact that Sheridan grasps the essence of how female slaves are perceived and is able to give her readers an insight to how a slave might feel and the struggles they may have faced not just through slavery but with their own humanity and their issues with life and family.

Another interest is the men behind the mapping and surveying of foreign land. As I'm from the UK myself, it always interested me why such men decided to write down their experiences and help Great Britain map out the world. Again the author gives an interesting account of the thought process and background of such men. It's just a fascinating insight into the past, if you're interesting in history with a twist of romance, this is novels for you!


Annie x

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