A desert demon has entwined itself into the mind of desert king Lo-Melkhiin.  The good king stays entrapped within a corner of his own mind while the demon rules the kingdom.  The demon, in the body of Lo-Melkhiin, travels from village to village taking a bride who rarely lasts the night.  He has killed 300  brideus until he comes to the tents of a wealthy merchant.  The oldest and most beautiful of two close sisters will surely be chosen as the next bride/victim.  But the younger sister dresses as the older and is taken to be the next bride.  She is different and has power of her own.  She survives a thousand nights as his wife and queen.

The description of the harsh desert life is described as wondrous yet hardening.  The strong female characters are central to the story, from Lo-Melkhiin’s mother to the servants who all play a part in helping this most recent bride.  The mystical elements can be a bit hard to follow, but it really doesn’t matter.  It is an enchanting story and cleverly told.

eGalley review                         Publication date 10/6/15