And So The Breaking Begins: Mindbreaker Duet, Book 1 (An Age of War and Prophecy 3)
Lacey Lehotzky
4.2
The Painted Sand
by Joe Esposito
About this book
- [x]
2025 Storytrade Book Award Winner for Best Paranormal/Supernatural Fiction
2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist, Paranormal Fiction
"A complex tale of life and death that deftly weaves family drama with supernatural elements."- Kirkus Reviews
"Joe Esposito’s The Painted Sand skillfully merges vast cosmic horror with acute personal tragedy, building up in a series of completely unsettling atmospheres and near cinematic detail." - Jamie Michele, Reader's Favorite
We’re born, we live, we die, and usually in that order.
Or so Ruth Weber thinks.
Death is a man named Mortimer Nach. When a mistake made long ago brings him to her hospice deathbed with an offer, she learns that some exact a dreadful price.
“I know you’re not afraid to die, but are you afraid to live?” he asks.
A painting he’s hung in her room brings visions of her past, setting off an irrevocable series of events which brings them both to the edge of eternal darkness. For her, it is the chance to go back in time and live the life she felt destined for, the one always just beyond reach. To have it, though, she must risk losing all she’s ever known, and all she's ever been.
For him, it is banishment for breaking the laws of life and death, and the danger of sacrificing what he cares most about, for even Death has come to know the wonder and beauty of this world.
As the powers of Heaven and Hell converge on them, each begins to understand their journey’s end portends
the joy and terrible costs of choices made, and of the sacrifices we’re willing to suffer for others in this thing called life.
The Painted Sand is a tale of love and pain, and of lines that become blurred.
Of the moments that make up our days from beginning to end.
But sometimes, endings aren't endings at all.
Sometimes, they're beginnings.
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2026
- ASIN
- B0FDH7F2PT
Reader Reviews
October 2, 2025
Most of us have thought of getting a second chance at life, especially as we age. But have we considered the details? What would a second chance look like? When would you come back? How far back will you go? What will happen to your memories? What about the people and events along the way? Will they be erased? And, who or what will make that happen? Finally, what are the consequences of such an event? The Painted Sand is a story about second chances, love, the beauty and tragedy of life,...
January 15, 2026
Great, thrilling read! )
August 25, 2025
Great Book! Love how its written. )
August 8, 2025
Joe you did an amazing job on this book. Keep at it it’s all uphill from here ! Congratulations again! )
July 13, 2025
Just started this and wow I'm hooked. Can’t put it down. Just love the way it’s written!!!! )
