Full review can also be found on: Paein and Ms4Tune's Book Blog 
 I originally chose the same quote that's in the blurb - only it's a little different in the story. But I changed it because otherwise the blurb would be tiny if I took it out! There's a reason for that though. This is one of those gentle stories whose BOOM! is kind of a major plot point...and all these little tiny things that you never realised were there suddenly all fit together and make perfect sense. As debut novels go, this is 'a corker'. 
 I read this book in a day and I enjoyed it. Amani's a strong character in a country that treats women like objects. She's burning to get out of her little town because she's refusing to accept the life before her. To be honest, no one can blame her, not even her best friend! She seems pretty good at whatever she sets her mind to and finally, finally with Jin's help, she gets out of Dustwalk - not a moment too soon. He's a foreigner on a mission, and despite trying to loose each other along the way, they inexplicably find their lives woven together as she runs away and he runs towards. 
 I liked Amani. I liked Jin. I liked Amani and Jin! I can't wait to read more! In fact, I can't wait to read this one again, because something happens which leaves you amazed and in need to go back and check everything. I will also hopefully pay more attention to the others next time too, because I was too caught up in Amani to worry about the others. Glad I don't have to live here though, too much sand for me! 
 I have to say, I nearly didn't read this right now. It's 1 of a trilogy and sometimes they like to have a bit of a cliffy going on at the end of a book and sometimes I'm just not in the mood for it. However, I spotted a review that said it was a balance between a happy stop and wanting to know more. That kind of ending I can deal with, so I gave it a go and I have to agree! There's no cliffy, but by no means does it wrap everything up - but then there are two other books, I wouldn't expect it to. 
 One question I DO have though, is about her promise in the church. You'll get what I mean when you read this, because you'll be reading it, I'm sure. 
 A fantastic start to a new series - for fans of an Eastern-desert feeling book like Vessel and Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy.