The plot of this novel is incredibly compelling. The magical element, in combination with rebellion, adventure, and family really kept me in the book. That being said, the rest of this book was lacking for me. While the plot was interesting, I wanted more world-building. Seeing new worlds come to life is one of my favorite aspects of fantasy and it fell flat here.

That said, I am intrigued for how this story will continue. This is a good debut and I am excited to see how the author grows from here.

Spice Road by Maiyah Ibrahim is my favorite YA Fantasy book I’ve read thus far in 2023. Toward the end of 2022, I started to get a bit burnt out on YA Fantasy, and took a break from the genre because all of the books I was reading seemed to fit the same mold, and I kept finding myself wanting for more out of the story. Not so for Spice Road! I loved the world building, the characters, the djinni, the Spice magic, all of it. Sure, there were parts where I knew a bit where the story was going, but I didn’t mind because it felt fresh. The stakes were high the whole time and it kept me turning pages.
I honestly could have dealt without the romance in this one. I think that it’s a bit of a trap that YA Fantasy authors fall into where they feel like they HAVE to include romance to get readers. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good romance sub-plot in my Fantasy books, but I felt like the romance was a bit half-baked and unnecessary and at points detracted from Imani’s character development. All that said, I’m excited to see where this series goes, and I will DEFINITELY be reading the next book when it comes out. This book was action-packed and page-turning, so I’m hoping we get more time to really peel back the layers on all the characters in book 2!
Overall, a super fun, action-packed YA fantasy with a unique world that I binge read in a few sittings.

Right from the beginning, SPICE ROAD captured my attention and held on to the very last page. I loved that this story dove right into the action and magic. Often times it can be difficult to assimilate to a new fantasy trilogy and the expectation is usually that the first book will be overloaded with information to prepare readers. SPICE ROAD took a bit of a different approach and immersed readers right away with Imani’s story and her quest to find her brother, who was believed to be dead.

Along with the pace of the story, I really enjoyed the way that the magic worked and evolved throughout the book. I thought the concept was incredibly unique and I appreciated how different characters were able to use this magic differently, which kept the story interesting. I’m hoping that in future books we’ll learn more about the history behind the spice magic and the other ways it may manifest.

And then of course there are the characters. I thought Ibrahim did an amazing job creating three dimensional characters that were likable at points, flawed, and ever changing throughout the story. Each character made mistakes or did things that will frustrate readers, but it all came together to build an incredible story.

Of course I’m excited for the second book and thought the ending set it up perfectly to continue on! If you’re looking for a new fantasy trilogy to start, pick up SPICE ROAD!

Loved ever minute of this book! It was such a unique plot and I loved all the characters. Thank you netgalley for an advanced eARC in exchange for an honest review

*eARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I normally dislike books with long travelling sequences, but I think this was done really well.

Don't know how I feel about Taha, or Qayn, for that matter.

Desperate to know the true history of the Sahir.

Heavy focus on colonization, reminds me of AEITA.

I had so much fun talking to Maiya on my podcast, Raise Your Words. We talk about everything from her character Imani to world-building, writing advice, and book two!! Spice Road is an incredible fantasy novel!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, Delacorte Press, and Maiya Ibrahim for the opportunity to read Spice Road in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Road is the first in a trilogy featuring middle-eastern based characters in a fantasy world. With a play on the Silk Road, like the Chinese trade route, the Spice Road mentioned in this world is a major route for city and trade connections, though Qalia is hidden amongst the rest of the world, its use of misra tea, or spice, granting the people a stronger connection o their magic through an affinity. Misra can be dangerous and addictive, if overused, and its existance must remain secret from the rest of the world outside of Qalia. 

Although Imani has made a name for herself as a monster and djinni slayer, her brother's actions have cast a dark cloud over their family's legacy. Atheer brought dishonor to their family name by being caught stealing the highly prized misra. It is clear that he was obsessed with the power it possessed. Following the incident, he vanished without a trace and was presumed to have perished somewhere in the treacherous expanse of the Uncharted Regions. Despite the pain he caused, Imani still mourns her brother and thinks of him constantly.

When a clue appears, Imani knows she must follow his trail into the world outside of Qalia. Her affinity for iron and prowess with a sword, as well as doing the forbidden and unthinkable--bonding a djinni to her blade--is enough for her to pursue her brother and bring him back.

Imani is tasked with accompanying the councilmen's son, Taha, along with two other shields on a mission to bring Atheer back and bring him to justice. A stange rivalry-turned-romance-turned-rivaly occurs bewteen Imani and Taha, and she has no clue what to think about this hot-and-cold guy. Between monster slaying, survival in the sands, rebel fights, and a prison break, there is quite a bit going on when it comes to Imani's goal of finding her btrother.

This book took longer than expected for me to read, as it is 464 pages. The main story feels a bit dragged out. Imani is highlighted as this impressive monster slayer, though throughout the novel, only one monster battle is present. A lot of the novel is travel and political conversations that have some intrigue to them, but also drag the book a bit longer than it needs to be. I do feel like, as this is a trilogy, there is some good setup for events to come in future installments.

Despite the slow feel, I by no means have any dislike for this book. In fact, I really enjoy the setup of the world and find the relationships between the characters to be something that will continue to develop and make the conflict and plot in books two and three be something to look forward to. I hope to see some more of Qayn, Imani's bound djinni, as well as a resolution to the immense adventure these characters still have ahead of them in their stories. This is a book I would recommend for an avid reader, someone looking for a longer reading challenge, or anyone interested in middle-eastern culture who wants to see the mythological and cultural comparisons between fantasy and reality. Overall, a good book leading up to a trilogy with a lot of promise.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!

I have been looking for a good Middle Eastern/Arab inspired story so I was very excited by the premise of Spice Road. The beginning dragged a little for me and it took me a minute to get into it but I did end up enjoying it.

I will say that Qayn ended up being my absolute favorite and the main reason I'm excited for book 2. Every other character I felt a bit warm and cold with, sometimes I liked them sometimes they annoyed me, but Qayn had me interested the whole way through!

Things you can look forward to in this book are tea based magic, djinn, enemies to lovers, family bonds, all set in an Arab inspired world,

So if any of those things intrigue you then give this one a try!

I will also say that the main enemies-to-lovers relationship in this book didn't exactly work for me, sorry Taha just wasn't for me, and maybe I'm seeing what I want to see but I think there's a potential for another enemies-to-lovers romance to happen and I'm really hoping something happens with that in the second book.

Oh I absolutely adored this gorgeous book!
Imani, a Shield, tasked with keeping her land safe from monsters with the help of a special spice (Misra) learns of her brothers’ alleged betrayal and goes in search of him.
I could talk about the world building, the monsters and djinni and the fantasy aspect. But I’m an Arab. And this is the type of book that I would have loved as a young adult. The Arabic words and references throughout just made this story all the more wonderful. The Arab references to food, music, culture and the loyalty to family just added to the enjoyment of the journey. Flawed young characters, enemies to friends/lovers angst and a wild fantastical journey.
A solid YA debut from a Arab Australian writer, I loved it!

Amazing world building for this epic fantasy! I loved the idea of spice magic. This was a beautiful and wonderfully written story. I look forward to reading more from the author. Highly recommend. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy.

great book and such great characters. I enjoyed the mystery and some romance. I also enjoyed the journey of the characters. I didn't know what to expect with this book but I enjoyed it .

This book is nothing short of outstanding. Maiya Ibrahim delivers a stunning story with Spice Road, sharing with us the lands of Alquibah and Qalia and the magic within them. I was hooked for every moment of this book, anticipation grasping me from start to finish. Imani is such an interesting and complex character, and I really enjoyed watching her evolve throughout the novel. The change in her emotional intelligence was beautiful to observe and I think her character highlights how our life experiences really do shape our perceptions. I look forward to the next installment in this series and I congratulate Ibrahim on a job extremely well done.

This book is definitely something else. From when I read the summary, to when I read it my feelings towards it changed. I thought this would be like Aladdin, but it wasn't. I saw someone on tiktok say it was, so I wanted to try it. However this was not that. It was completely different, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it.

Live live lives everything about this book! The characters, the plot, The works. Absolutely knocked it or off the park with this one and I can’t wait for more!

Imani always dreamed of becoming a Shield like her older brother Atheer. Shields are elite warriors who, after drinking misra tea, can wield magic to protect the kingdom of Qalia from all outside threats including manipulative djinni, horrific ghouls, and other monsters. Known for her metal affinity and skill with a dagger, Imani is one of the youngest Shields from the long-revered Beya clan. A clan that is shadowed by disgrace and grief in the wake of Atheer's disappearance.

Caught stealing the coveted and carefully guarded misra spice, most people are ready to believe Atheer developed a magical obsession and, addicted to the misra, died shamefully in the Forbidden Wastes that surround Qalia. Imani has no reason to believe otherwise. Until a djinni named Qayn reveals that Atheer may be alive. And sharing the carefully guarded secret of the misra with outsiders--an offense that is punishable by death.

Desperate to find her brother before worse can befall him, Imani binds herself to Qayn in exchange for his promise to lead her across the Forbidden Wastes to Atheer. Traveling with Qayn and an expedition of other Shields including Taha--a beastseer and her longtime rival--will lead Imani to a world filled with secrets and betrayals that were previously beyond her comprehension in Spice Road (2023) by Maiya Ibrahim.

Spice Road is the first book in a trilogy and Ibrahim's debut novel. With a world inspired by Arab cultures, all characters are cued as Arab with a variety of names, skin tones, and body types. At nearly five hundred pages, Spice Road is a sprawling series starter that takes its time to introduce readers to narrator Imani and her world.

Vivid descriptions and intense action sequences add drama to the story although the novel's slow pace belies the urgency Imani feels to reach her brother. Slowly, as she sees beyond Qalia's borders, Imani's insular understanding of Qalia and its place in the world begins to expand leaving her to the often unpleasant work of unpacking her privilege both in Qalia and beyond. While this plot thread doesn't always show Imani in the best light with her starting the novel ignorant of her privilege and unwilling to help outsiders, her development is well-drawn and her growth (mostly) earned as she learns more about the larger world and the way she wants to move through it.

With so much focus on Imani's introspection, other characters are underutilized throughout the novel--especially Qayn who is a dynamic foil to Imani and Amira who pushes Imani to question her assumptions about Qalia even as she supports her older sister. As a rival with a vastly different ideaology, Taha plays opposite Imani in a will-they-or-won't-they push and pull that is ultimately unsatisfying and further underscores Imani's numerous bad choices. Imani is unwilling to trust Qayn because he is a djinni despite his staying true to his word at every turn. Instead, Imani assumes best intentions for Taha during almost the entirety of the novel despite his never reciprocating that trust or doing anything to meaningfully support Imani. It's unclear if these three characters are meant to be positioned in a love triangle, but if they are Imani chose poorly in this volume.

Spice Road is the exciting start to a trilogy that tackles privilege and colonialism alongside sweeping adventure.

Possible Pairings: The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad, Hunted by the Sky by Tanaz Bhathena, Mirage by Somaiya Daud, Truthwitch by Susan Dennard, We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal, Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko, Year of the Reaper by Makiia Lucier, The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

- thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc to review!

- a solid debut, with intriguing characters and a world that i hope gets expanded on further in the sequels.

3.45 stars
Ultimately I was disappointed with this one. I really struggled with the writing in the beginning. I’m not so good with the technical writing terms but it was just doing too much. Overly descriptive and trying to invoke emotion in a flowery way that did not land. I did like Imani as a main character in general but her interactions with other characters were clunky or didn’t always make sense. I actually considered DNF-ing a couple times as I just didn’t care all that much on ultimate mission. The action scenes were great though and I really liked the Qayn character. I loved every scene he was in. This is the first in a series and I may or may not read the second one.

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

Spice Road is a complex story about a mythical place that bears significant resemblance to a magical Middle East, in the city of Qalia, which exists in an isolated area of the Sahir desert. The people of Qalia are possessed of magic - a magic that is enabled by the spice misra, which they brew into tea; without it, they cannot use their magic, and their ability to use their magic is limited by how long the misra stays in their systems. Through their magic, the Sahir is isolated from the rest of the world; as far as most of the inhabitants of the Sahir know, they are alone in the world - but there is a world outside the Sahir, which is known to a small number of their people, who keep it secret to prevent people from trying to leave. Likewise, those outside the Sahir believe the desert to be empty and uninhabitable - until one of the scouts sent from Qalia to the city of Alqibah fails to return.

Imani is a Shield - a trained protector of Qalia, whose magic manifests through her dagger, which she can morph into any weapon she needs. Her older brother, Atheer, also a Shield, is missing and believed dead; her family is distraught - but what if he's not really dead? The hope that Atheer might still be alive leads Imani across the Forbidden Wastes of the Sahir in search of her brother - but what she learns about the world outside the desert will rock her to her core, as will the behavior of the people who join her mission.

I enjoyed this novel, and I hope the author will write a sequel that will explain the many open threads that remain; the novel itself is complete, but there are plot pieces involving various characters that are incomplete - back stories and relationship that I'd like to learn more about.

This book was...OK. I had really been looking forward to reading this one because it has all of the things I love in a fantasy book. Romance, magic, djinni, adventure. Unfortunately it just fell flat. I kept having to force myself to pick it back up. I felt like it wasn't exciting, it seemed like nothing really happened the whole book. I'm not sure if it's a me thing or a book thing.

Overall, this was a fun, interesting, and layered read. I liked that the main character was sheltered and privileged enough to be shaken up by what she sees and learns, but I didn't dislike her. And I loved that the main love interest was complex and you never quite knew where he stood until the end, just like the main character. This was definitely the set up book for a series, so hopefully the other books have a little more action and a lot more of the jinni Qayn.