The novellas in the Systema Paradoxa series are not great literature but they are fun. This one is about sand worms in the Gobi desert. It doesn't hang together as well as it should but it's ok for a quick read.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com. ( )

Ella is studying at the Moscow University for a three-month internship studying at the Zoological Museum. She is planning on graduate school after this internship. Then, she meets Rodion, an older grad student there, who fancies her so they strike up a friendship. While he is a bit of a Russian chauvinist, which she finds off-putting, she finds his personality charming overall.

As their relationship deepens, he introduces her to the legend of the Mongolian Death Worm and shows her the desiccated remains of what might be one. It is a creature shrouded in myth and no one has confirmed its actual existence. But now, Rodion is going on an expedition to search for one and wants her to come along for the ride as part of her field research.

Swayed by his arguments for field research, he helps her make arrangements to go along. Fortunately, they are both traveling with some experienced guides, soldiers for protection, and three scientists. They take an arduous trek into the Gobi desert in search of proof of the Death Worm. The funding for this trip allows them ten days in the desert to try to find something.

As Ella learns more about the Russian culture and myths, their group soon finds possible signs of the Death Worm. What is so important about this expedition received funding anyway? And will happen if they succeed in their search for a Death Worm? And are they willing to put their lives and reputations on the line to find what they’re looking for?

The author has done much research into Russian culture, the Gobi desert, and scientific research methods. How the researchers interact, university politics impacting studies and more all feel authentic and added to the depths of the story and all the different cultures contained in it.

In this story, the author adds in all the folklore about the Mongolian Death Worm and the myths that have sprung up around it. Now, add in the dangerousness and ferocity of the Death Worm. The author expertly builds the tension over the course of this narrative, exploring these myths and questioning whether they are chasing something that doesn’t exist. The story adds some unexpected twists and turns to it while ratcheting up the tension as the reader wonders if they will succeed in their quest.

At first, I thought the ending was going to go in one direction, which would have been emotionally satisfying if it had happened. But then the ending went in a superior direction, upped the intensity, and turned into a thrilling direction that just knocked me over with how astonishing and surprising it was. The finale was pure nightmare fuel that stayed with me long after I finished reading it! Plus, it wrapped up in such a way that paid off a lingering subplot in an unexpected way.

The dating and courtship of Ella and Rodion at the beginning of the story took up some space and didn’t feel necessary initially. However, it grew on me and deepened both characters as a result of it. Their relationship impacted their interactions during their field expedition to the Gobi desert as well. But from a plot and a character standpoint, was included for crucial reasons which remain to be seen until you have finished reading.

Having read this author before on multiple occasions, choosing to read this story was an easy decision. I found this to be a satisfying novella with a terrific, mysterious, and deadly cryptid, strong characters, and a swift storytelling pace that engaged me throughout the entire novella.

Please note I received a review copy of this ebook through LibraryThing.

I enjoyed reading Sand and Secrets. The writing was easy to dive into and compellingly descriptive. It felt as though the story could be developed into a longer format to give a little more time for resolving the situation the main character falls into. That was the only dissatisfying part for me. It felt as though there ought to be a better, smarter, real world option in the end. Perhaps the resolution was meant to be a cliff hanger and in that it succeeded.

Sand and Secrets starts the adventure in a Russian University and removes us to the Russian wilderness in pursuit of a deadly desert creature.
This book could just not catch my attention at all. At first I thought it had promise, but there was no action and when there was it just kind of fell flat. Maybe for others it will catch their attention and be higher rating but unfortunately not for me. ( )

Sand and Secrets starts the adventure in a Russian University and removes us to the Russian wilderness in pursuit of a deadly desert creature. Characters have some depth and the premise and plot are engaging, although the romantic element is less than convincing. As a piece of speculative fiction this novella is worth taking the time to read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily submitting a review.

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