Skip to main content

ASDA Book Club

  • Overview
  • 4 Reviews
  • Array Reading Group Assets
  • 3 Galaxy Exclusives
Empire of Sand cover image

Empire of Sand

by Robert Ryan

Book of the Month: October 2008

A sweeping epic historical novel about Lawrence of Arabia, one of the most compelling characters in British history, from bestselling author Robert Ryan. 1915: While the war in Europe escalates, a young intelligence officer named Thomas Edward Lawrence is in Cairo, awaiting his chance for action. His superiors, however, have consigned him to the Map Room at GCHQ. But there’s more to Lieutenant Lawrence than meets the eye. A man of immense energy, he runs a network of agents across the Levant. Lawrence is convinced that an Arab revolt is the only way to remove the Ottoman presence, and leave a free self-governed Arabia. Soon, alarming reports reach him of trouble in Persia, orchestrated by infamous German agent Wilhelm Wassmuss. Intent on taking down Wassmuss and, at the same time, unlocking the secret of his success, Lawrence assembles a small group and travels to Persia...

Recent user reviews & comments

This was a great read. I didn't really know that much about Lawrence - other than Peter O'Toole played him in the film. This was a bit like Batman Begins, the backstory of an icon, I found it really interesting. The book's got great pace, loads of twists and turns. I recommend it.

Kelly Cook,Dorset.

'Plenty of action, sharp dialogue and swift characterisation. The whole is intelligently structured so that this is absorbing and thoughtful as well as tense and exciting'

Daily Telegraph,..

'Plenty of action, sharp dialogue and swift characterisation. The whole is intelligently structured so that this is absorbing and thoughtful as well as tense and exciting'

Daily Telegraph,..

View All Reviews Leave your own review

Previous book

A Good Girl Comes Undone

A Good Girl Comes Undone by Polly Williams

She’s on a roll. A glamorous job at a glossy magazine. A home of her own. A cute live-in boyfriend. Annie Rafferty has worked damn hard for all of it. But cracks start to appear... Read more

Promise Not to Tell

Promise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon

Kate Cypher has returned home to Vermont, after a telephone call from friends who are worried about her mother's failing health. On the night she arrives, a young girl is murdered, a horrific crime that eerily mirrors another from Kate's childhood. Read more

Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here by Mike Gayle

Their holiday brochure said 18-30 . . . But they've just turned 35.

After ten years together Charlie Mansell has been dumped by his live-in girlfriend, Sarah. All he wants to do is wallow in misery, but mates Andy and Tom have a better idea: a week of sun, sea and souvlaki in Malia, party capital of the Greek islands. But Charlie and his mates aren't eighteen any more. Or even under thirty. And it shows.

Read more