An epic novel of adventure in the grandest tradition of historical fiction,Empires of Sand takes us on a thrilling, unforgettable journey.As civilizations collide around two men, a battle begins: for survival, for love, and for a destiny written in a desert's shifting sands.The year is 1870. Paris is under siege, and two boys, best friends and cousins, are swept from their life of privilege. A brutal killing forces Michel deVries-called Moussa-to flee to his mother's homeland in North Africa. A family disgrace forces Paul deVries to seek redemption in the French military.Ten years will pass before they come face-to-face again. Now Moussa has become a desert warrior and a beautiful woman's forbidden lover, while Paul leads an ill-fated French force into the Sahara. Against a breathtaking landscape of blazing sands and ancient mysteries, these two men face a struggle that will shatter lives across two continents-and force them to choose between separate dreams and shared blood. ..."This impressive debut, a mammoth tale of war, romance, treachery and coming-of-age, is set in 19th century Paris and the spectacular expanse of the Sahara ... an exciting, action-packed epic that will appeal to history buffs, thrill-seekers, travel enthusiasts and romance fans."-Publishers WeeklyIncludes an exclusive interview with the author