Oooh what a fantastical tale set on the desert of Dubai.
5 friends went to Dubai for an archeological escavation dig. A tourist lost 2 years ago reached their camp, dehydrated and malnourished, talking about a hungry queen whose sight was now on the 5 friends. A sandstorm ravaged the camp and the five along with the archeologist assistant were lost. Soon they reached their Oasis. And their deepest fears and desires came to light. The Queen was really hungry. And one of them died…
My first book by the author Katya De Becerra, the story reminded me of Michael Chrichton’s Sphere, just with YA characters with their own hormones and emotions. The byplay of fear enamored me and brought out my inner desire to see the Queen try her viles on them.
I could feel the desperation and darker psyche of the characters come out when circumstances became difficult. Each chapter brought out a new mini adventure with it. At one point, I wondered if they would ever come out. I liked how the author created that kinda atmosphere.
The book was twisted where I wasn’t sure which part was real and which was a mirage. The author kept me constantly guessing. I flew through the pages in my need for answers.
Being a human who has a thriller-y heart, I wanted a bit more horror to scare the socks off me. Friendship between the 5 seemed erratic. Nevertheless, the book satisfied my sadistic need to put those characters through a wringer. I am sometimes wicked, especially when these friends were mean to each other.
Overall, a fun thriller with hints of something non-human, with an open ending which left me with a single question – When is round 2?
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and publisher, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!! STRICTLY HONEST AND UNBIASED.
All my reviews can be read here
The oasis saved them. But who will save them from the oasis?
Alif had exciting summer plans: working on her father’s archaeological dig site in the desert with four close friends . . . and a very cute research assistant. Then the sandstorm hit.
With their camp wiped away, Alif and the others find themselves lost on the sands, seemingly doomed . . . until they find the oasis. It has everything they need: food, water, shade—and mysterious ruins that hide a deadly secret. As reality begins to shift around them, they question what’s real and what’s a mirage.
The answers turn Alif and her friends against one another, and they begin to wonder if they’ve truly been saved. And while it was easy to walk into the oasis, it may be impossible to leave . . .
Publication Date: January 2020
13 Responses
I’m looking forward to reading this, although from the premise I was hoping for more horror too. Nice review my friend.😊
I too wanted a world like Sphere… I remember being intrigued by that book and movie. This was partially horror and more about what could have happened
I agree more horror and the dread while walking in the Oasis. More weird stuff would have made it perfect
Maybe not your horror level but it sounds creepy to me 😉
It was good fun.. Slightly creepy
It sounds like it might be just creepy enough for me.
I am sure you’d like it Carla, it was fun..
And the thrillers bring you such joy 😂
I want to go to Dubai! I’ll pass on the scary parts though… ☺️
Oh yes, why can’t they be my kind of wicked is what I always wonder 😂😂😂😂
Fantastic review Shalini. This sounds really good and like something I would enjoy!!
It was good… Not up to the mark if Michael Crichton but overall quite a fun read
Fantastic review, Shalini!❤ I really must read The Sphere – very intrigued why you were reminded of it. Loved his other books, so I’m sure it was a compliment comparing Oasis to it.
I keep thinking about the ending and whether it leaves space for a sequel 🤔
It is part of trilogy… So there is round 2 of them against the Oasis.
I loved all of Michael Crichton books. They were different. I remember reading them till 4am and getting up bleary-eyed at 8…😂 😂