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Favorite Five Books with Desert Settings
Here is another list where I’m not sure why I made it. Have I even read that many books with desert settings? Ummm…????? Let’s see how this one goes, haha!
- The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
It’s been a little while since I read this book but, oh man, I really loved this one. I remember thinking I knew exactly where the story was headed but I was so wrong, haha. I also really appreciated the journey the main character goes on and the character growth she achieves.
- Dune by Frank Herbert
No list about books with desert settings would be complete without Dune! I’ve mentioned before how much I love this book. It’s basically an epic fantasy on another planet with some limited space stuff. Giant sandworms! Mystical cults! People with strange powers! Families vying for power! What a saga.
- Dragon Prince by Melanie Rawn
This is one of those series that I read when I was cementing my love for the genre. There are a few things about it that maybe don’t hold up so well, but overall, this is still a really solid epic fantasy and family saga. I reread them a few years ago for an author appreciation post about Melanie Rawn so if you want to hear more about them you can check out my post here.
- Starless by Jacqueline Carey
The first third of this book takes place in a desert and I really loved and appreciated Carey’s world-building with it (and the rest of the settings!). I loved this book. It was a single volume epic, but it was broken up into three sections so like a mini-trilogy anyway. you can check out my full review here if you’re interested.
- The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
This is such a lovely book! I love Robin McKinley’s writing so much, and this one is just as fantastic as her fairy tale retellings. I love the world of Damar, and the wonderful heroine she wrote in this one. I still need to read her other Damar book, The Hero and the Crown. Guess that’s something to look forward to in 2019 (it’s on one of my many TBR lists, haha).
Well, it turns out I have actually read quite a few books that take place in desert settings, so making this list wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be. Phew! What are your favorites? Thoughts on my picks? Leave a note in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!
Way Too Fantasy 
I need to read more Robin McKinley, I think I’ll add The Blue Sword to my list😁
It’s a delightful book and a pretty quick read. Hope you enjoy!
I haven’t read many desert books, I really need to pick up some of these!
There’s a bit of variety here, maybe you’ll find one that clicks with you. 🙂
Dune forever!!
Yes! Love that book. ❤
I love The Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy! And Starless is one I’m still trying to get to soon. Nice list! I enjoy a well-written desert setting when I find them.
That trilogy is so good! Luckily it was all published when I started because I had to bring read all of them in a weekend, couldn’t put them down.
Starless, while it still can’t top my favorite Carey book, was quite enjoyable.
I really loved Starless, and the first part in the desert was my favorite section of the book 😀
Mine too!
Cool list! Dragon prince makes me really curious!
It’s very much a family saga inside an epic fantasy.
Dune was the only book I could think of with the desert setting, I think I need to read a bit more hehe
At first I couldn’t think of many and then a bunch started coming to me lol. 🙂
Me too!! I love Robin McKinley’s writing and loved the Blue Sword. The Hero and the Crown is also great. Loved both books. Both are favs.
She’s such a superb writer.
I have the Carey book on audio just waiting patiently for me.
Lynn 😀
Hope you enjoy! I thought it was a lot of fun.