Spice Road
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4.0 • 6 Ratings
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
The first book in a sweeping fantasy series full of political intrigue, betrayal, and a complex heroine battling in an Arabian folklore-inspired land.
"An enchanting world of tea magic and desert monsters …a fantasy you don’t want to miss." —Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom
"With vivid world-building and epic action scenes, Spice Road is a gripping fantasy adventure that YA readers are going to love!" —Lynette Noni, bestselling author of Shadow Reaper
In the hidden desert city of Qalia, there is secret spice magic that awakens the affinities of those who drink the misra tea. Sixteen-year-old Imani has the affinity for iron and is able to wield a dagger like no other warrior. She has garnered the reputation as being the next great Shield for battling djinn, ghouls, and other monsters spreading across the sands.
Her reputation has been overshadowed, however, by her brother, who tarnished the family name after it was revealed that he was stealing his nation's coveted spice—a telltale sign of magical obsession. Soon after that, he disappeared, believed to have died beyond the Forbidden Wastes. Despite her brother’s betrayal, there isn’t a day that goes by when Imani doesn’t grieve him.
But when Imani discovers signs that her brother may be alive and spreading the nation's magic to outsiders, she makes a deal with the Council that she will find him and bring him back to Qalia, where he will face punishment. Accompanied by other Shields, including Taha, a powerful beastseer who can control the minds of falcons, she sets out on her mission.
Imani will soon find that many secrets lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes—and in her own heart—but will she find her brother?
"An epic, sand-swept adventure." ―Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey
Read the Spice Road series:
SPICE ROAD • SERPENT SEA • SPIRIT LANDS
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Ibrahim's superbly written fantasy debut, the first in a series, follows 17-year-old Imani on a quest to find her missing, traitorous older brother. Imani is the youngest Shield in history, an individual who wields magic to combat djinn and other mythical beings threatening the safety of the hidden desert city, Qalia. But when her older brother, Atheer, flees with mystical Qalia secrets, labeling him a traitor, Imani's reputation is tarnished. Though he's assumed dead, when Imani discovers evidence that he might be alive, she must journey to the Forbidden Wastes to bring him home and secure Qalia's secrets from the world beyond the city. With the help of a djinn named Qayn, Imani sets off with a group that includes her younger sister, Amira, and her nemesis Taha, 18, who believes Imani may facilitate Atheer's escape. The further the group travels into the Forbidden Wastes, the more they learn about the real state of Qalia, and Atheer's reasoning for running away. Imani's introspective voice, rendered in Ibrahim's lush prose, propels a deliberately plotted adventure populated by magnetic characters. Overflowing with culturally specific details and set in a fictional, Arabian-inspired world, this high-octane adventure maintains a steady clip toward a scintillating conclusion. Ages 14–up.
Customer Reviews
Exciting new fantasy
Just wow. This book has been on my TBR since I saw it on TikTok months ago and I finally read it. My only regret is that I didn’t read it sooner!
The characters are pretty good, very good for a debut novel. I love a good enemies to lovers trope, I love magic, I love hidden kingdoms. This book has all that!
I can’t wait for the next one. Maiya Ibrahim perfectly crafted this world and gave it it’s own vibe which I can’t wait to see more of. If only there was a TV adaptation of this 👀
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2.5
very plot focused with a lil romance and it adds the perfect touch. so happy that i continued reading the book, it was worth it. can’t wait for book 2!😁