Spice Road

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What to expect

The first book in an epic fantasy series for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal and Elizabeth Lim, set in an Arabian-inspired land. Raised to protect her nation from the monsters lurking in the sands, seventeen-year-old Imani must fight to find her brother whose betrayal is now their greatest threat.

In the hidden desert city of Qalia, secret spice magic awakens affinities in those who drink the misra tea. With an affinity for iron, seventeen-year-old Imani wields a dagger like no other warrior, garnering her the reputation as the next greatest Shield for battling the dangerous djinn, ghouls, and other monsters that lurk in the sands beyond city limits.

Her reputation has been overshadowed, however, by her brother who tarnished the family name after he was discovered stealing their nation's coveted spice - a tell-tale sign of magical obsession. He disappeared soon after, believed to have died beyond the Forbidden Wastes, and leaving Imani reeling with both betrayal and grief.

But when Imani uncovers evidence her brother may be alive and spreading their nation's magic beyond the desert, she strikes a deal with the Council to find him and bring him back to Qalia before he can reveal the city's location. Accompanied by Qayn, a roguish but handsome djinni, and Taha, a powerful beastseer whose magical talents are matched only by his arrogance, they set out on their mission.

Imani will soon discover there are many secrets that lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes - and in her own heart - but will she find her brother before his betrayals endanger the fate of all of Qalia?

In this epic and action-packed fantasy, one young heroine navigates the treacherous road between protecting the ones you love and staying loyal to the place you call home.

(P) 2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critics Review

An epic, sand-swept adventure
Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey
With an enchanting world of tea magic and desert monsters and a thrilling quest helmed by a girl whose wit is sharper than her blades, Maiya Ibrahim's Spice Road is a fantasy you don't want to miss
Amélie Wen Zhao, author of Blood Heir
Magic-fueled and action packed, Spice Road takes an epic quest and fills it with secrets, scorching betrayals, and a spellbinding magic system. Prepare to sink into the pages and never want to leave
Dana Swift, author of Cast in Firelight
A beautifully written, surprise-filled page-turner
Kirkus, starred review
With vivid world-building and epic action scenes, SPICE ROAD is a gripping fantasy adventure that YA readers are going to love!
Lynette Noni, author of The Prison Healer series
Come, let the mysterious Spice Road sweep you away. Spirited characters, compelling societies, critical subject matter, and a riveting plot all scheme to ensure a soul-stirring journey
London Shah, award-winning author of the Light the Abyss series
A rich, fresh-voiced fantasy, Ibrahim weaves a masterful tale of family and adventure. Readers will devour the pages like a perfectly spiced tea and be left burning for more
Claire M. Andrews, author of the Daughter of Sparta trilogy
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
Publishers Weekly
Spice Road is an intriguing and adventure-filled Arabian-inspired tale that weaves together a fascinating magic system, complex characters and the complicated bonds of family
Culturefly
Spellbinding magic, lush description and whirlwind action define Maiya Ibrahim's YA debut
Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
Maiya Ibrahim packs a lot into her debut YA novel ... Ibrahim effectively communicates the intense, unfiltered emotions of her teenage heroine and crafts a richly detailed world around her
SFX
Step into a brand new world inspired by Arabia in the first novel in a sprawling fantasy series
Stellar
The age of the protagonists inevitably means this book is being marketed as YA. It's certainly an excellent read for a teenager. That said, older readers will find it entirely satisfying as well, particularly those who prefer an absence of explicit 'adult content'. Rest assured that doesn't mean there's any lack of emotional depth
ParSec

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