Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Summary: "Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mythical beasts still roam the wild and remote areas, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinn still perform their magic.  For humans, it's an unforgiving place, especially if you're poor, orphaned, or female. 

Amani Al'Hiza is all three.  She's a gifted gunslinger with perfect aim, but she can't shoot her way out of Dustwalk, the back-country town where she's destined to wind up wed or dead.

Rebel of the Sands reveals what happens when a dream deferred explodes--in the fires of rebellion, of romantic passion, and the all-consuming inferno of a girl finally, at long last, embracing her power."

LOVED IT! I love the title, the cover, the characters and the story. Amani is incredibly fun and interesting. I wish I had paid more attention to some of the details earlier in the book, because everything comes back in an important way. It's alllll connected! So pay attention! 

:) I can't wait for the next book! 

314 pages