Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton is a critically acclaimed fantasy novel blending Middle Eastern folklore with Wild West elements. It follows Amani Al’Hiza, a determined, resourceful girl burdened by poverty, orphanhood, and societal constraints in the harsh desert nation of Miraji. Amani’s exceptional skills as a sharpshooter seem her only ticket out of Dustwalk, a dead-end town where her options are grim.

Her chance for escape comes with Jin, a mysterious and charming foreigner. Together, they embark on a journey across a desert teeming with mythical creatures and magic, where Amani discovers truths about her own identity and the world around her. Critics praise the novel for its rich, imaginative world-building, fast-paced action, and a protagonist who embodies resilience and rebellion. Amani’s transformation—from a dreamer longing for freedom to a fierce participant in a larger revolutionary cause—is central to the story’s themes of empowerment and self-discovery.