The year is 1870; Paris is under siege by the Prussian army. Empires of Sand takes you thru what was a very good relationship between two cousins who are the best of friends. They played together in the tunnels of Paris as the war raged above their heads on the streets. As Paul and Moussa get older they become separated by tragic events in both of their lives. They will meet again on the battlefield of the Sahara -- Moussa as aTurleg, a race of veiled warriors who live and die by the sword and a harsh desert code. And Paul as part of the Expeditionary Force. As you will learn, the two were destined to become the bitterest of enemies because of their mother's backgrounds and feelings for each other. 

A great read for those who love historical fiction!   This is the first book by this author. I know he will be around for a long time to come.