14 Books Featuring Sprawling Desert Empires
Deserts are more than just vast, sun-scorched landscapes—they are places of legend, where empires rise and fall like shifting dunes. In these endless sands, power is forged through blood and prophecy, ancient magic hums beneath the surface, and cities rise like mirages, their spires gleaming beneath an unforgiving sun. Desert empires are places of danger and wonder, where rulers wield their power like a scimitar’s edge and the wind carries whispers of rebellion, destiny, and forgotten gods.
If you long for tales of sun-baked kingdoms, perilous journeys across dunes, and rulers whose fates are tied to the shifting sands, these 14 books will transport you to empires carved from the bones of the desert.
1. Dune by Frank Herbert
Perhaps the most iconic desert empire in all of science fiction, Dune is a sweeping, multi-layered tale of politics, religion, and power set on the desert planet of Arrakis. The spice melange, found only in the barren sands of Arrakis, is the most valuable substance in the universe, making the desert a battleground for control. Herbert’s intricate world-building introduces a vast empire where the harsh desert environment shapes everything—society, religion, and politics. Dune is a masterpiece of desert empire storytelling, where every grain of sand holds the weight of destiny and survival.
2. The Desert Spear by Peter V. Brett
In The Desert Spear, the second book of The Demon Cycle, the desert is not just a backdrop; it’s a place of magic, ancient rituals, and warring tribes. The desert empires are shaped by their battles against the demons who rise every night, and the harsh desert environment only amplifies the intensity of the fight for survival. Brett’s world is rich with complex characters, and the desert empire at the heart of the tale is one of both beauty and brutality, where the land itself becomes a weapon in the struggle for power.
3. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
Set in the sprawling, ancient city of Daevabad, nestled within the desert, The City of Brass weaves together magic, politics, and the struggles of a kingdom built on power and deception. This desert empire is home to djinn, mystical creatures, and an intricate hierarchy of rulers, each vying for control over the mystical forces that govern their world. Chakraborty’s rich descriptions bring this desert empire to life, where the heat and endless stretches of sand hide deep secrets and dark power.
4. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Though not set in a typical fantasy desert, The White Tiger explores the gritty, vibrant, and often harsh landscapes of India, where a sprawling empire of wealth and poverty exists side by side. The novel follows Balram Halwai, a man born into poverty, as he navigates the complex web of politics, crime, and survival in a world as unforgiving as any desert. The stark contrast between the shimmering cities and the desolate rural areas highlights a kind of desert empire—a place of vast social and economic divides, where the fight for power is as fierce as it is unyielding.
5. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
In The Gilded Wolves, set in a lush version of Paris, the desert empire comes in the form of the mysterious and ancient Order of the Dune. This secret society, with its complex hierarchies and dangerous quests for mystical artifacts, draws on desert imagery and ancient magic to create a world of hidden treasures and high-stakes adventures. The desert empire in this novel isn’t a literal one, but the political intrigue, danger, and sense of ancient power mimic the allure of desert empires in the most fantastical of ways.
6. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
Jemisin’s The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms features a sprawling empire where gods and mortals intertwine. While the setting is not entirely desert, the world itself is shaped by brutal power structures and the ancient, god-like rulers who control everything from politics to magic. The desert empire influence comes through in the novel’s exploration of harsh regimes, ancient magic, and the harsh realities of power, making it a thrilling and thought-provoking read for fans of vast, empire-building stories.
7. The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson
In The Traitor Baru Cormorant, the sprawling desert empire is not only a political entity but a reflection of brutal, imperialist conquest. Baru Cormorant is a brilliant strategist determined to dismantle the empire that conquered her homeland, and the desert landscape is where much of the novel’s gritty battles and power plays unfold. The novel’s world-building is steeped in the colonial oppression of a vast empire, where desert sands become symbols of both resistance and submission in the fight for control.
8. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Set in the magical world of Orïsha, a kingdom inspired by African culture and landscapes, Children of Blood and Bone introduces readers to a desert empire full of magic, gods, and warring factions. The deserts of Orïsha hold hidden mysteries, ancient power, and magical forces that shape the destiny of its people. As the protagonist Zélie fights for the return of magic, the desert plays a pivotal role in her journey, with endless dunes and hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered.
9. The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker
Set in the heart of a sprawling empire known as the Three Seas, Bakker’s The Darkness That Comes Before brings to life a world where desert landscapes are integral to the tale’s epic scope. The desert empires here are not simply places of isolation but are the sites of intense political intrigue, ancient battles, and dark prophecies. Bakker’s intricate world-building allows the desert to be both a physical setting and a symbol of the vast, ancient power that lingers beneath the surface.
10. The Drowned Empire by M. L. Wang
The Drowned Empire features a kingdom that sits at the edge of the desert, where ancient empires rise and fall beneath the weight of forgotten magic. The desert landscape here isn’t just a barren wasteland—it’s the setting for ancient rituals, political intrigue, and magic that’s as old as the land itself. Wang’s narrative masterfully weaves together themes of empire, survival, and mystery, with the desert empire serving as the heartbeat of the story’s conflicts and dramatic tension.
11. The Sandsea by A. J. Lake
In The Sandsea, A. J. Lake takes readers to a desert empire that is as much about mystery and adventure as it is about survival. The desert, with its vast stretches of sand and ancient ruins, is the key to unraveling a hidden power that could shift the balance of the empire. This world is filled with intrigue, hidden treasures, and a sprawling empire built on the sands. The magic in this desert realm pulses with ancient energy, creating a tense and thrilling backdrop for the characters’ journey.
12. Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri
In Empire of Sand, Tasha Suri introduces a lush, sprawling desert empire where magic is intertwined with the very land. The desert, though harsh, is home to ancient traditions, powerful deities, and magic that’s drawn directly from the earth. The protagonist, Mehr, must navigate a world where her power is both a gift and a curse, and the desert’s unforgiving beauty serves as the perfect setting for her struggle. The desert empire is both a cradle for ancient gods and a prison for those who would dare challenge its rules.
13. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
Mark Lawrence’s The Broken Empire Trilogy takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of an ancient desert empire play a crucial role in the unfolding story. The desert, filled with remnants of powerful kingdoms long forgotten, is a place where both ancient and modern powers clash in a world of blood and prophecy. The expansive desert landscapes are filled with crumbling cities, haunted ruins, and dangerous secrets that shape the fate of the characters in this brutal, unforgiving world.
14. The Sun Sword by Michelle West
Set in a world where vast desert empires hold the balance of power, The Sun Sword is a tale of politics, power, and ancient magic. The desert is more than just an environment—it is a character in its own right, shaping the lives of those who live within its boundaries. West’s intricate world-building brings the sprawling desert empires to life, where gods, rulers, and warriors all vie for control of the sands. The desert’s harsh beauty and hidden power are felt throughout the entire saga, making it a captivating read for fans of epic fantasy.
Conclusion: Sand, Power, and Secrets Beneath the Sun
The desert is a place of extremes—where empires rise and fall, where secrets are buried beneath endless dunes, and where power is both a gift and a curse. In these 14 books, the sprawling desert empires are not just settings; they are the heart of the stories, shaping the characters’ fates and providing the backdrop for epic adventures, intense political intrigue, and ancient magic. So, step into the heat, feel the weight of the sand beneath your feet, and immerse yourself in these worlds where survival and ambition are written in the very dust of the desert.
