Despite what I personally consider an excess of romance, I like this book. Empire of Sand is a light read—relaxing, indulgent, and fun. It's a marvelous fantasy adventure set in a mythical world rooted in the legends of the Mughal Empire of the Indian subcontinent. It features a bold and capable yet not flawless protagonist and is rich with description that lets you sink deeply into Tasha Suri's world. Fans of romance will be thrilled to find a slow-burn romantic story that takes up some 15% of the content. Those, like myself, who could live without out hands brushing self-consciously through unruly hair may have the occasional eyeroll, but they, also like myself, may find the rest of the story well worth skimming through those parts.