Ultra-tough, misunderstood desert cultures can be a slightly overused trope in fantasy writing, especially alternative world fantasy. They often crop up as the much-needed army for the beset hero, at just the right time, after the hero properly impresses them and meets some ancient prophecy. It might be that the origin of this tendency lies with DUNE.
New Release
No, not one of mine. What is supposed to be the final book in the Lightbringer series, by Brent Weeks, came out today. Admittedly, the last book in the series to come out was also supposed to the final one, initially, and that clearly didn't happen, but I'm not complaining.
IGC Publishing 