This was an anticipated read for me. I love the cover and the thought of the different aspects of magic. While I didn’t love the story as much as I thought I would. It was a enjoying at times but boring read. The characters lacked depth. I found myself speed reading through first 16% because it was boring. Her sister grated my nerves the most out of everyone in this book. And there were plenty of lackluster characters.
The plot itself was good but it was lacking depth that I wanted to see. The first half there was action but it really picks up towards the end of the book. From the beginning I knew who the bad guy was going to be as well as the love interest if to call it that. I felt very disconnected to the story. I didn’t feel any way towards the character whether they lived or died.

Gorgeous world building! It took me a while to really slip into the world, the narrative. The vastness of fantasy can be a little daunting for me, who typically reads speculative fiction or urban fantasy. But the author really crafted an expansive universe. I’ll admit the romance took a backseat for me, where the brother-sister relationship felt the most compelling.

Very interested to see where the story goes in the next book!

*Much thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review*

I loved this book. I might actually consider it for our World Literature class if it wasn't a trilogy or maybe once all parts are out.

Ibrahim has created a solid book with family and possibly found family emerging. There's also the tempting enemies to lovers trope that seems to be developing, although with a huge blow to it at the end of this one. Imani is a strong female protagonist, which I love to see, as well as her sister, who grows in a different kind of strength as the book unfolds.

I forgot while I was reading this that it was an ARC and not one I had borrowed from the library. After I finished, I immediately looked up to see what the sequel was....and was so sad to remember that this one wasn't even published yet! Can't wait to read the rest of Imani's story.

First of all, WHAT a stunning cover. I could stare at it for hours. Second, this book has the beginnings of a fantastic fantasy trilogy. I can't wait to see where Maiya Ibrahim takes it.

This book has several elements I love to see in YA fantasy:
- rivals to lovers
- travel plot
- great character growth
- politics in the plot
- adventure and tense action
- magic and djinni

While the book did have little annoyances in the writing and character reactions, I could easily look over it and appreciate the fast-paced story and its caring, determined characters. I would definitely recommend if you liked We Hunt the Flame and The Stardust Thief.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Delacorte Press and NetGalley, for the review copy!

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, torture (off page), animal death, kisses

What an incredible start to an Arab fantasy series- I just truly cannot wait till book 2, this book was utter magic!

Genre: YA
Ages: 15 plus
Author: Maiya Ibrahim
Publisher: Penguin Random House/Underlined

TW/Screening- attempted Sexual assault, a few kisses, alcohol, fighting and murder (but honestly nothing overly detailed and I personally found it clean and appropriate for the Age group).

Imani’s brother is missing, presumed dead. But when his horse leads her and her sister to a cave where a djinni tells them what truly happened, Imani embarks on a quest to find out the truth. The problem- tagging along is incredibly hot Taha- her absolute nemesis in everything, and the very troublesome djinni.
Imani has to examine what she knows and what the truth is and decide for herself how to act-in a world where colonization oppresses people who aren’t hers.

Wow, this book was spellbinding and incredible- an arab fantasy that is absolutely perfection. One thing as an Arab that I cannot stand is when Arab culture is not authentic in Arab inspired books- but let me tell u- this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I have been waiting for a book like this forever, where Arab culture is intertwined with the very fabric and threads of the story- and it truly was pure magic!

The colonization thread was incredible- it was truly masterfully written to draw empathy and show the wrongful occupation of the Highlanders and I was so happy to see a book address this issue.

Oh and did I mention magic is from a tea called Misra. Everyone that knows Arabs knows tea is our life, so this felt perfectly and utterly appropriate.

I loved the tension and angst as well and the romantic enemies to lovers vibes was right up my alley- and I found it pretty appropriate, nothing too harrowing or abusive in my opinion (lots of conflict and fighting is pretty usual for this genre but it wasn’t gory).

Def check this book out and I personally cannot wait for book 2!!❤️

The Spice Road had the perfect amount of mystery, action, fantasy, family love, and betrayal. The betrayals were exceptionally written and intricately woven within the plot so that I did not see them coming. The writing style is lyrical to the point where I used the highlighting feature on my kindle to mark my favorite quotes. Imani was written with her flaws but she eventually became aware of the damage she created and was willing to change her actions. I also loved her fierce determination and strength and the unbroken love she shared with her siblings. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.

This is a difficult book to review. While this will by no means be a glowing recommendation, I do think that a lot of people will enjoy this book. For example, if you think that some of the books I like are too heavy on world building, if you enjoy a long character development journey, or if you are actually in the recommended age range (14-17). Sadly, the further into my twenties I get, the harder it is to relate to teen protagonists. However, I still read a lot of YA and it has been a while since I read a protagonist this unlikable. She always assumes the worst of other people's motives and is so self centered. There’s not even any reprieve from other characters: most of the supporting cast is either flat or Imani spends the whole time whining about how they hate her. I think an improvement would be to have multiple POVs, which has been a pretty popular technique in recent YA fantasy books. That way, we could have seen plot points, other characters, and Imani herself through a different lens.
I also was really hoping for more worldbuilding. It is going to be a trilogy, so I’m holding out hope that there may be more in the future, but I would think that this first book would be the time to do it. Especially since the first ¾ of the book went by so slowly. The setting and magic system are really promising and intriguing--I just wish more time was spent fleshing them out.
There are a few things that I enjoyed while reading Spice Road. I suspect this first book is setting up a love triangle and I forgot how much I always love the bad boy type in these ya love triangles. He’s almost never endgame but I have fun with it anyway. I also could not put the book down for the last 100 pages or so. It was kind of a slog to get there, but the ending was pretty fast paced. Before I got to that point, I was not planning to read the other two books, but now who knows? I might just pick the next one up when it comes out. Overall, I went with 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 here. I really do think a lot of people will enjoy this one, it just wasn’t quite what I was hoping for.
As always, many thanks to netgalley for hooking me up with the advanced copy!

Imani's world fractures the moment she learns that there's a lot more out there for her to experience. The brother she thought was lost left their home to support other nations after theirs remained isolated for so long.

The book does an excellent job of weaving Arab culture throughout its fantasy world-building as we first meet Imani who faces off with the djin. She makes a deal with one in order to find her brother before returning home to propose her idea to travel to find him. Though it turns out that while she is allowed to go, she's not going to like her company creating some fun tension in the greater narrative of the plot.

While its a little slow in some places, the book is easily accessible providing the chance to journey with Imani while learning about its Arab influences when it comes to different food elements and showing how diverse Arab culture is, It does so in a way that feels authentic to explore creating the chance to talk with readers about what they love and would then, in turn, like to know more about.

This is a book that I <I>melted</I> into. I really took my time reading, even though there was a fast-paced plot and so many twists within the pages. I just knew I didn't want it to end!

Our main character, Imani is, foremost, a young girl who loves her family, a warrior, and a magic user whose gift for manipulating the iron in her blade comes in handy. She doesn't like change, and she certainly doesn't like Taha, an arrogant boy whose father rose through the ranks of society to become an outspoken leader in their community. I really liked the setup to this story, especially the hidden city of Qalia that they live in. I wanted to know so much more about this society that has thrived on their own, using a special spice that imbues a person with a magical affinity. Unfortunately, the story takes us away from their home, and out on the road, but I didn't mind all that much as there was so much adventure and intrigue to be found!

There is also some romance, but it is a slow burn, enemies to something more, will they or won't they vibes. There are also some aspects of a bully romance, which I typically don't enjoy, but for the purposes of this book, I looked past it. Mostly. Jury is still out.

I have one small complaint- I felt as if there wasn't enough magic happening! I am hoping that this is something that will be rectified in the next book, because yes, I am confident that there will be a sequel and I can't wait to come back to this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun YA fantasy and kept my attention throughout.

My only gripe is with the main character. Imani reads like she's kind of like if Laia from An Ember in the Ashes was an annoying Helene instead. And I like unlikable protagonists just fine, but I'm also tired of reading the "my ancestors are better than yours so you're inferior than me" line of thinking from first person POVs. At the same time, Imani has a lot of potential as a character, mainly because she's surrounded by a cast of characters who call her out on her bullshit so I'm confident the writer will deal with this as the story goes on.

I'm excited to continue this series!

Thank you, Netgalley, Random House Children's Publishing, Delacorte Press and Maiya Ibrahim for this eARC in exchange for an honest review
Review : ️ ️⭐⭐⭐ .75 (3.75)
Quote: "Fear is like water. If it is not contained, it leaches across any part of us it can, pooling in our lowest aspects and letting harmful things fester in its well."

This book is set in an Arabian inspired world and begins with Imani, a shield-warrior who is blessed with an affinity for iron which is brought out using secret spice magic weaved into tea. During  an unexpected search for her younger sister, they stumbled upon hope that their brother is alive and has disappeared beyond their city into the Forbidden Wastes. To her astonishment, she finds there are many cities beyond her city along the Spice Road and is tasked alongside some fellow shields to bring her brother back. Little did she know that her fellow shields have hidden agendas of their own and her beliefs are questioned during this treacherous journey to get her brother back. Will she stick to her own beliefs and what she knows or will she open her eyes and see? 
Maiya's writing has a wonderful way of weaving you into the story and setting the scene. The descriptions are so vivid that I can picture the settings in my mind while reading. The plot building is wonderful, starting with an adventurous quest and ending with a betrayal with that ending leaving it for a second book. 
I feel very torn about this book as I don't love any of the characters. I feel like they fall flat and drive me nuts with the decisions they make. The closest I come to liking someone is Qayn. I can't stand Imani, her sense of self-righteousness blinds her until she goes through some growing pains and it took Amira to finally get through to her. 
I would be interested to continue to see the continuation of this story. For a YA debut, this is honestly not a bad book to start! 
Read if you are looking for:- YA fantasy series set in the Arabian world- Spice tea infused magic- A take on colonialism - Djinns - Family bonds- Siblings love- Betrayal- Love - Poetic writing style

Literally the best YA fantasy novel I have read in so long. The pacing is so perfect and the world building and Imani!! I love her!!! Super excited for the sequel.

Spice Road follows Imani as she searches for her lost brother who disappeared after stealing magical spice that can give the user supernatural powers. Joining her on her quest are her rival Taha and mysterious djinn, Qayn.

I loved all of the characters and the chemistry between Imani and Taha. I loved Qayn and want to know so much more of his backstory.

I thought that the magic system and world building was creative and well developed. I also really enjoyed Imani’s awakening to the plights of those outside her comfortable class. I am looking forward to this being explored further in the next book.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I eagerly await the sequel.

Thank you to Random House, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Was really hoping for The Wrath and the Dawn atmospheric vibes for this one, and while it did deliver on atmospheric, the info dump was pretty substantial and clunky in the beginning. So much that it was kind of hard to maintain interest, and I ended up DNF'ing this one at around 21%. We are still absolutely procuring this for our collection because while this may not to be my personal taste, I'm sure we have readers who will enjoy it!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving this e-arc to read!

"We will fight, but first we will have tea."

Spice Road is a fantasy novel set in the magical world of Qalia, where a secret spice brewed in tea gives powers to those who drink it. Imani's is for iron and uses it to wield a dagger and hunt and kill monsters in the area. When her older brother is found stealing spice, he disappears and is presumed dead - but a chance encounter leads to hope that he's alive, and the fear that he's sharing the magic with outsides.

Imani joins a task force who's mission is to venture outside their hidden city and bring him home - but not all on their team seem to share in her peaceful ways. She's joined by Taha, who is dedicated to keeping the secret of their magic safe at all costs - and Qayn an ancient djinni that she's bound to her dagger. Both seem to be hiding their own secrets.

Spice Road has a beautiful descriptive story, with the setting springing to life in front of you. Unfortunately, the story lack substance in other ways and seems to be hindered in terms of it's writing. The dialogue between characters reads juvenile and quip based rather than any true conversations. And while I can appreciate a moody love interest, Taha is actually horrible to her and only shows her kindness in private.

The only aspect of this book I truly enjoyed was Imani coming to see herself as a supporter of the other cities around her in their fight against the colonizers. That growth arc from the beginning where she felt so different and "chosen" was well done.

rep// Arab Cast & Setting

cw// death, murder, torture, poverty, colonialism

One of the things I loved from the beginning of Spice Road was the magic system. I loved this idea of spices and magic not to mention that it's just a taste of what is to come! As I kept reading, I kept falling in love with more of the magic and the intrigue. To see more sneak peeks into what is to come and I am so excited for the sequel! But I think that ended up intriguing me the most was the conspiracy. The ways in which Imani has to question what she was told and what she believes in.

As an Arab and a huge fan of fantasy, I was immediately intrigued by this premise and I was fortunate enough to be sent an e-ARC by the wonderful Maiya!

Firstly, the magic system is wonderfully thought out. OBVIOUSLY chai gives us Arabs our power, that just makes absolute sense. From the very start the cultural touchstones included in the novel made my heart feel like it was singing. Just reading that the protagonist was eating bamiya felt like a warm hug for someone who has been longing to be represented in fantasy for so long.

I think the strength of this book is in the exploration of familial bonds and love, which is also strongly representative of middle Eastern culture. We love our family fiercely and this shines through the story beautifully.

(It also helps that Maiya has written two VERY fit and intriguing male characters that had me hooked from the get go...)

The ending will leave you wanting the sequel IMMEDIATELY and it's something I've not been able to get out of my head!

An excellent debut from a very promising writer, more of us in the fantasy realm please!

"The truth is greater than everything; it is worth sacrificing everything for."

Spice Road is a YA fantasy, the first in a planned trilogy by debut author Maiya Abrihim. The story centers around Imani, a 17 year old whose older brother has been missing and presumed dead for a year after being sent on a Scouting mission for the city's Council. When Imani discovers her beloved brother may still be alive, she sets out on a quest to bring him home, breaking whatever rules she needs to along the way, including binding a djinni to her magical dagger. Did I mention her nickname is Djinni Slayer? After strong arming the Council to let her go in search of her brother, Imani sets off with three Scouts, whom she despises, to make their way through dangerous lands and monstrous encounters to find the truth about her brother, clear his name and bring him home.

After a slow start, the story picked up the pace as the party deals with challenges both within and outside of their group. There is a potential love triangle set up, and themes of family, colonization, privilege and justice woven throughout. All in all, I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book in the trilogy.

Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House and Delocorte Press for the Advanced Reader Copy to review. Publication date is 1/24/23.

4/5 ✨

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance reading copy of spice road for an honest review!

I thought this story was pretty decent. It did give me city of brass vibes so I’m hoping Qayn isn’t another djinn we know. I thought the pacing could have been better. There were very exciting parts and then slow parts.

My thoughts on Imani: she is a total brat, and is very classist. She constantly thinks about how prestigious her family is compared to others and how everyone else should seek out her approval. She also makes decisions which go against the groups best interests and never really has to pay for them. She also seems to have 0 personality development in this sense. Sure she sees the injustice but she doesn’t grasp what she is actually doing.

Taha: booooooooooi this man is on my last never towards the end of the book. I hope he’s not the main love interest for end game.

Qayn: my favorite djinn. Handsome/ perfect and we know he’s up to know good. But that’s ok.

In conclusion, a good recommend read for someone looking for city of brass vibes. I will probably be reading the next book - just because I want Qayn and Imani together. Lol.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book to read and review. All of these thoughts and comments ar e my own. !!!Spoilers ahead!!!!

This book started off super slow for me but man did it pick up. After about 15% of the way, it really becomes a fast read. You have have to get to that point. I really, really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the second one to come out. The characters are fantastic, the plot is super interesting, and the enemies to lover trope vibes is one of my favorites. It doesn’t directly show that trope but I have a feeling it’s coming.

Imani is a girl just trying to do what’s right and make something out of herself. She still grieves “the death” of her brother, Atheer. Her little sister Amira is trying to grow up sooner than she has to. She just wants to be taken serious. When Amira loses their brother’s horse, her and Imani go out to look for it. They come across a place that their brother has been and find evidence he is still alive from a Djinni named Qayn, who is a friend of Atheer. He states that Atheer has fallen inlove with a women from an outside city and wants to help free them. Imani takes all this informarion to the clan counsel and convinces them to let her go out to find her brother BUT she isn’t going alone. She has to go with Taha who is a clan leaders son, and his two friends, Rez and Fey, which in fact are three people who dislike Imani. Her sister Amira also sneaks along although she was told to stay home.

Will Imani, Taha, and the others put their feelings aside to help bring Atheer back or do they have a side goal that may put everyone at risk? Will they find Atheer before it’s too late? Will Taha and Imani stop fighting what they feel for each other? (They freaking better 🤣)

Side note: I feel awful for Taha. The things he did, it doesn’t seem like he really wanted too. His father’s abuse and influence I feel really have just ruined him. I’m hoping in the next book, that he redeems himself and that he and Imani end up together but I see the chemistry and I would really love them together. I would really love if Taha figured himself out and became who he wants to be not who his father is forcing him to be.

Anyways, serious this is a must read. I look forward to buying an actually copy and rereading it.

5 stars from this bookworm!