Quick summary: "Spice Road" is a fantasy novel with an Arabian setting, magical elements, and a strong female lead. Despite these triumphs, my dislike of the characters, frustration with their decisions, and problems with the writing style resulted in a 3/5 stars rating.

Full review: Maiya Ibrahim has a very descriptive writing style that many readers will love. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me. I usually don't mind purple prose, but there were times when the book's descriptions covered an entire page and bordered on tedious. This was especially apparent towards the beginning of the story with descriptions of Imani's city. I loved learning about the city's architecture, but I didn't think it was realistic for the Imani to start describing the cobblestones shortly after discovering her brother was still alive.

Another major issue I had was that the character relationships were toxic. Imani's sister, Amira, acted like a petulant child and manipulated Imani's feelings several times in the story. Imani's mother tried to gaslight her into not looking for her missing brother, and her father only supported her because it reflected well on their family's standing. I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. The only one I cared for was Qayn, a djinn with a troubled past, and I had issues with him by the end of the book, too.

I thought the pacing was a little off. The first twenty percent of the book didn't contain much action, but I understand it was setting the scene for later events. Once the plot picked up, the story got better. I enjoyed reading about the Arabian setting and Imani's journey to find her brother. Visualizing the scattered cities and the sandy landscape was easy, and I think supporting books with diverse characters and settings is important. I also appreciate the thought that went into the magic system. The characters get their power from Misra spice tea, which is very creative.

Concluding thoughts: "Spice Road" contains original fantasy elements and vivid descriptions of the Arabian setting. While I didn't connect with the main character, I did enjoy the magic system and the idea of reuniting lost families. Overall, I'm rating it 3/5 stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy elements, enemies to lovers, betrayal, and descriptive imagery.

Thank you to NetGalley, Maiya Ibrahim, and Random House for this advanced reader’s copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Imani excels at swordsmanship. Really she excels at wielding any iron blade thanks to drinking misra tea, a tea with magical properties which awakens affinities in those who drink it. In the country of Quali, Imani is known as the greatest fighter of monsters and djinni, dark creatures who surround the sands on the outskirts of the city.

Atheer, Imani's brother, has been accused of stealing the scared misra and is believed to have perished in the Forbidden Wastes. But one day Imani discovers that her brother might still be alive and has spread their country's magic to those beyond the Forbidden Wastes. She goes on a quest with Qayn, a mysterious djinni, and Taha, a powerful beastseer, and discovers secrets that run so deep it could change her entire way of life forever.

Imani is a reckless girl who makes assumptions, doesn't think critically and is overall annoying at the start of the novel. It was hard to connect to her character at first because of the first person POV. I was often irritated by Imani's decisions. Even her sister Amani who is supposed to be more impulsive and head-strung seemed more mature. There's also a developing romance which kept me rolling my eyes and sighing because it was a lot of the same misunderstanding over and over again which unfortunately is prevalent in YA novels.

But there was some character growth throughout the novel, and Imani gradually became less annoying. She questions her previous way of viewing the world and her quick judgements and begins to become a stronger character. I liked Imani's relationship with her brother and sister and with Qayn.

My favorite parts of this story was the setting and the plot. Ibrahim did a great job of always keeping me interested in what would happen next. I never felt like the story dragged, and there was just enough new intrigue that kept me excited to read another chapter.

I wish the world-building would have been developed even more, but what we did get was great! I loved the quest chapters the most! Lots of fun adventure scenes and some touching moments.

I'm very excited to continue on in this trilogy. I have a feeling I will like the sequel even more!

*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Children's/Delacorte Press for the digital arc. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! Arabian and Middle Eastern inspired fantasies are some of my favorite books and this one is no exception! I love the beautiful and fascinating world building and the mythological creatures in this story! The characters were very well written and had a lot of depth. The main character Imani starts out very naive and stubborn in her beliefs and views. By the end of the book she a very different character and she grew so much. There were definitely some plot twists and things I did not see it coming. I can’t wait to see what is going to happen in the next book!

“Light not shared is light diminished.”

- Spice Road (by Maiya Ibrahim) 

I absolutely loved this book and enjoyed every moment reading it!

Spice Road is a fantasy set in an Arabian inspired land with tea magic! Yes, tea and magic - what more can I want! The characters live in a land that is blessed with precious magic, and so it is sheltered and cut off from the rest of the world. But the main character Imani has to set off and retrieve her brother who is lost beyond their borders - and she does it with a rival she can’t get along with and a mysterious djinni she doesn’t totally trust. (Trying to keep the summary as spoiler-free as possible!)

Spice Road is full of adventure, magic, deep secrets, romantic tension between rivals/enemies, family bonds - so much to enjoy! And the writing is beautiful and compelling.

The book also explores some very important themes - like privilege, classism, and colonialism. These themes and challenges drive the characters beyond their limits and push them to confront the hardest truths. 

The main character development in this book is TOP TIER! I adored Imani the more I read, with her compassion and bravery.
Also, Qayn deserves special mention, I have no doubt he’ll be the fan favorite! 
And I loved the sibling bonds in this - had my whole heart! 

Huge thanks to Delacorte Press and the amazing author Maiya Ibrahim for making the ARC available for download last month!

The story was fascinating from beginning to end, the world-building was vivid and that gripped me. It did get me to keep guessing that I couldn't pause to dive into this journey. Plus, I'd need to mention that this book is the first fantasy book that I've ever done with 😭 it's unbelievable for me, such a miracle, I'm not used to fantasy but this one is perfect. I was hesitant to pick this book since I've never done a fantasy book but once I know that this book contains Arabian-Inspired It fascinated me. I always love Arabian vibes!!😭❤️ and I don't regret reading it, I enjoyed this one, and I'm so proud of the fact that it got me awake just to finish it!! The scenes were well-written and sort of poetic which is powerful.

It did make me cry as the story is about finding a brother who has gone for years. The Imani's family relationship was tangible. Their brothers-sisters relationship reminded me of my relationship with my brother. The grieves and joys the moment they met was so real 🥺❤️

I like the moment when Qayn showed up to Taha and his fellow scouts. It was cute seeing Taha's Jealousy over Qayn the time Imani defend Qayn. Yet, Taha always denied his feelings toward her. 🙈

There will be a sequel to this book and I'm so thrilled to dive more into Imani's Journey on their mission with the company of her sister, Amira, her brother Atheer and the sweet and gentle Djinni, Qayn.

This book has a lot of promise, and since it's a debut, I think there's a lot of room for growth. I was entertained by the story, and I appreciated that there was so much depth to the world behind the novel, even though at times I would have loved to see even more of that in the story itself.

This is a case where I can see the author building a big world, with expansive conflicts and a substantial mythology, but I also felt like some of the world building within the book itself felt clunky at times. The first 25% especially felt a bit chaotic in this sense.

That said, the characters were enjoyable, and I appreciated how everyone's moral compasses seemed to shift the more they learned about what was really going on.

I enjoyed this and I'm excited to read a sequel!

4.5 stars

THIS 👏 IS 👏 A 👏 DEBUT 👏 NOVEL 👏 This story blows my mind!! I’m so happy to have received the eARC on Netgalley. There are so many great things I loved about this book, the world, the representation, the characters, the magic system and strong family relationships.

We follow the story through the eyes of Imani- the main character. She is very skilled with a blade, strong-minded and has a way of finding trouble - or trouble keeps on finding her. She progresses so much throughout the story and learns many things about her companions, her family and herself!

The book leads us through a quest that has a lot more to it than our characters had anticipated. We keep on following leads, coming across obstacles and having to deal with different emotions. We discuss important topics/problems that might not be obvious at first, but keep you thinking for a while. And our characters have to make very difficult decisions throughout the story!

The world shows many beautiful places (Arabian inspired!), I love the rich cultures, their beliefs and the traditions. They make the world feel like more than just a map where we're hopping from place to place, but as if it existed long before the story started and will continue on after the story finishes. There is magic in this world - the magic gets activated by drinking tea and is easy to follow and very unique. The author has a beautiful way to describe these things. I felt like I was a part of it when I started reading and I never wanted to leave! I need the sequel ASAP and I'm very excited for everything the author releases in the future!

I recommend this book to every YA fantasy lover! You're going to have a great time reading this one!

I loved this so much! The plot was very well done, but the writing style felt inconsistent at times. Regardless, this was still very enjoyable, and I look forward to book 2 :)

Plot: 5
Characters: 4.5
Writing Style: 5
Cover: 5 (both versions that I saw; the woman with aqua dusted hands, and then the one with Sinan [falcon]).
Enjoyment: 5
Buyable/Re-readable?: Ohhhh yeah, I will be seeing this series through. Another Top Ten of 2022.

Firstly. this book has a fun AF magic concept. Tea ceremonies and spices? Let's go! "The tea must be taken in silence, allowing the drinker to dwell on the Great Spirit’s gift and prepare to receive the magic." Both taste and smell vary, as well, from ceremony to ceremony, which is a fine detail. And this magic system also has consequences, which I appreciate.

It has this magical (pun intended? Probably) flow to it; Ibrahim's style and passion are just...you want to consume it like the characters do their tea. And it's forever nice getting glimpses into other cultures, even if they're Arabian fantasy world types. "Spice Road" is told in first person POV à la our main lady, Imani. I was able to accept the romance and attraction between her and another character when remembering that we the reader are coming into their relationship two years later, and thus, things have occurred off-page that we're not privy to. So, while it almost feels out of no where, it's two years in the making. However, there is another interest that, had I not loved the eff out of this book, would have been more problematic to swallow. The assumptions I applied are; maybe this person is akin to, say, a vampire, in that it's very difficulty to resist them. I am also wondering if it'll come out in another book that Imani has a past connection to said other interest, in which case, it would make a lot of sense why they're drawn to one another. And if those aren't the case? Then I will take issue with the execution of their interactions, because this one *does* come out of nowhere and has no build up or the like. It's not enough to ruin this gem of a book, but it will be enough to knock off a star. We shall see. I cannot wait!

▶ Contains: sorcerers, Shields, djinns, ghouls, sand serpents, skin- changer (ex: turns into lion), beastseer (ex: controls birds), werehyenas, giants, geomancy.
▶ Has the name Bayek, which is an "Assassin's Creed" character and nifty reference.
▶ "In the dirt by my slipper crawls a black scarab, the first reaches of morning sun shimmering on its curved back. Startled, it emits a high-pitched squeak and flails its rayed legs." -- I totally YouTubed a beetle squeak..

▶ Line highlight (there.are.SO.many!!1!) : "I hopelessly search for a glimmer in her eyes. They are the painted glass lamps one would find in a bazaar back home. Beautiful but hollow without the light."

Spice Road is an Arabian inspired fantasy, and I think that's why I enjoyed it so much. It was different compared to the other fantasy novels I have read in the past. There were a lot of twists and turns, which I enjoyed. I'm not entirely sure if this is a duololgy or a trilogy, but I am hooked and ready for the next book(s).

This was a 2/2.5 star read for the first 60%. I’m not sure I’ve read a novel that tackles privilege from the perspective of the privileged person before. Imani grows quite a bit, in trickles at first, then in a flood around that 60% mark. I enjoyed the book quite a lot from that point, but being inside Imani’s rigid closed-minded perspective up to that point was unpleasant.

Also: I enjoy a fast plot, but here it came at the expense of worldbuilding and character backstory necessary for caring about our protagonist and her quest. Lacking that sympathetic connection to Imani in the first 60% of the novel made her overweening pride even more unbearable.

Having said all that, I did enjoy that last 40% quite a bit — those all-too-brief scenes where Imani uses her new powers! The introduction of Atheer, who seems delightful! Intriguing revelations about Qayn’s past! Hopefully now that we’ve gone through Imani’s Bildungsroman phase, the rest of the series will be closer to that last 40%!

Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahum
“The truth is the thorn, not the rose.”
~~~~
I absolutely loved this Arabian theme and the magic system. The adventure and thrill throughout the whole book was amazing. Loved the diversity and family bonds woven into the storyline. Then the relationship between the FMC and the spirit MC, I think that’s what I wanna call them to not give spoilers.
There were some really great lessons here on different topics and some great take-aways that can be used on a daily basis. The ending wasn’t a “on the edge of your seat cliffhanger.” But it was a gentle way to end the book, but know that the fight and series isn’t over. This is absolutely just the beginning and there will truly be more.
I am here for all this series and stoked for the next installment of what Ibrahum has to offer. Thank you Maiya Ibrahum, Random House Children, and Netgalley for the eARC. Preorder now! Available Jan. 23, 2023

REVIEW: Spice Road

Rating: ✨2.5/5✨
Spice: a sprinkle with two kisses
Plot: what plot? It took forever for the story to get to the point.
Tropes: slow burn, magic system, strong FMC, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, betrayal

So far, this book is not great. I’m really hoping it picks up soon because I'm almost 100 pages in and I can barely bring myself to keep going.

The conversations in this book feel so stiff and... Written. Like they lack a natural cadence.

Amira is so annoying the WHOLE time. I can't bring myself to like her.

Imani has no depth. We are just told her thoughts and she never expands on herself internally.

I really wanted this to be better, but with PAGES of description for things that shouldn't be described but the magic system has like two sentences, it's a struggle.

Update: I couldn't push through. I think the writing style isn't for me.

Update #2: I decided to read 15 more pages and it gets progressively better. I still found myself skimming a lot, but at least it held my attention. My review will be altered from a 2.5/5 to a 3.5.

The plot is the strength of this novel. The way the story itself progresses is ideal. It's the right amount of adventure, travel, family matters, enemies, magic, and rebellion.

And while I am definitely more of a plot-driven reader, I'm surprisingly let down by the lack of everything else. I was desperate for more world-building. I was craving more lush middle eastern mythology. I was dying for the characters to have more depth and development. I wish the writing also flowed better. So it's unfortunate that the creative plot couldn't make up for these shortcomings.

Overall, I think for a debut, this is fine and, as a first book in a series, this sets up for the sequel rather well. So here's me hoping all of the weaknesses of this installment are worked on for the next one.

Spice Road is the first entry into a fantasy set in an Arabian-inspired Land. It follows the story of Imani as she crosses many dangerous lands, alongside friends and enemies, searching for her brother whom she had presumed dead.

The magic is sourced through the consumption of tea made from spices blessed by the ancestors. I thought the magic system was interesting., I’m curious how the author will expand on it through the other book or books. I’d also be interested in this one being adapted to a TV series.

They pacing of the novel felt a tad uneven. A relationship between two of the characters was infuriating at some points. Something that happens later in the book took me off guard. I feel like there’s more to the story and I need to know what happens next.

Overall, I’m giving this a 3.5. It’s a promising debut novel. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

The Spice Road is a wonderful story full of magic, romance and family, with nice commentary on the divide between upper and lower classes, as well as colonialism. The world is not overly complex and the magic system is simple and easy to understand. The Spice Road focuses more on character development and it is done quite well. None of the characters are perfect--even if they think they are. They all have their own set of views, behaviors, and flaws that well reflect their backgrounds.

Our MC, Imani, is not easy to like. She reeks of upper class privilege, ignorant how her choices and views in life are influenced by the wealth and power of her family. Her journey towards becoming more self-aware is both frustrating and enjoyable--especially when it comes to her opinions of Taha. There were so many times throughout my read that I wanted to shake Imani and yell at her to "open her eyes." The development of her awareness to her actual actions is not as prominent, but something I hope we will see more of in the sequel.

Taha on the other hand is blinded by his bitterness and hatred of the upper class. I greatly enjoyed the contrast between Imani and Taha, particularly in how their taught views of the world, how they viewed each other's successes, to their familial obligations and freedom. The impending romance was quite obvious from first mention, but I love how it is being executed. I don't really enjoy enemies to lovers where it only takes a couple of pages for the the characters to change their minds about each other. I enjoy enemies to lovers where I really don't know if they will end up/stay together in the end because of how much they clash. There is true conflict/hatred between Imani and Taha, as well as moments of confusion and tenderness. Even in regards to their emotions and desire to be together is heavily influenced by their backgrounds.

I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the sequel. The second touches upon colonization and the destructions/oppression of culture, and I can only imagine it will go more so into detail in the sequel. I did dock half a star because there is the feeling of a potential love triangle, which I am not really excited about. I do hope that we will get more insight into Taha's background and growth, as he's barely scratching the surface of it right now. I also, I really need more information on Qayn, please!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was great! It didn't do anything mind blowing or super unique, but it was executed well. The pacing is spot-on, and the world-building is introduced naturally without huge information dumps. The world and characters feel complex, with a lot of room to grow as the series continues. The author did a fantastic job of creating a contained story in this book (and I can't emphasize how much I appreciate that), but at the same time setting up the series well with enough background to preview the upcoming political strife.

The romantic elements are predictably YA, but I knew that going in and wasn't unsatisfied. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, easy to read, YA non-Eurocentric fantasy.

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!

Magic tea, a magic city and a book written so beautifully, it's, guess what? MAGIC!!¡!

Imira is a soldier, a Shield, in her kingdom of Sahir. Her brother has been presumed dead after having gone missing for a year. However, when Imira and her little sister chase their brothers' horse to a cave one day, they find information and a Djinni that can lead them to their brother across the sands. This would be perfect, but when Imani brings this news and information to the council, she is paired with her arch-rival Taha and his fellow scouts.

I loved the author's writing style, completely drawing me in and holding my interest from beginning to end. The magic system complimented the story and characters perfectly and seemed flawless. I am so excited that there will be a sequel!

Out January 24, 2023!

3.25 stars. Some spoilers ahead.
First off, I just want to say that I love Qayn. I did enjoy the story, but I think the pacing of this book was a little off. I was a bit meh on most of the characters aside from Qayn and maybe Amira. Imani was a bit too annoying and haughty for my taste, though she does go through somewhat of a character growth. I particularly disliked the part where Imani broke the trust and privacy with Qayn during the training moment.

Taha... he was alright, he got more interesting near the end.

I was intrigued by the tea magic aspect, but I wish it was explained more clearly.

I received this eARC from the publishers/NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

It didn’t make sense that after the kingdom being isolated from the outer world for over a millennia, there was virtually no difference between the two. They still had the same language and very similar food. How is that possible? Also, after a millennia of being isolated, where are the inbreeding problems?

Also, the main character comes from an extremely privileged lifestyle so when she’s sees the struggles of the outside world she doesn’t get a shock, she accepts it almost immediately and fights for them!

Then there’s the problem that the author leaves nothing to interpretation. She spells out everything for you.

I give about 2.5-3 stars to the book.