An intriguing series opener filled with magic, mystery, and inventive world-building. While the story takes a while to build, the action definitely ramps up in the last third of the book and leaves the reader with on a huge cliffhanger.

I really enjoyed this story, a special shoutout to the Fantasy Frenemies for picking this one as a buddy read! This story starts off with a bang, and right away the action picks up. It remains fast paced throughout the book and it had me turning the pages the whole time. I love a good quest story, and this one felt like a big adventure as Imani sets out to find her brother. I like how the magic system is explained and how the world building was done because I felt like I was able to follow along without actually missing any of the plot. I really enjoyed the setting descriptions and I felt like could really imagine the story.

I generally really liked Imani as the main character. She's never left her city and is naïve to the outside world at the beginning of the story. I did like her character development throughout as she learns more about the world around her. I like that she is strong and firm in her beliefs while also learning to question what she's been taught her whole life. I do wish there was a little bit more development on how she became the warrior that she is when the story starts. As for the love interests, Qayn and Taha, as of now I have a clear favorite. Qayn is the morally grey djinn and Taha is Imani's rival. I would have loved for more character development from Taha. However, I do like the setup of this love triangle and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out.

With the way this book ended, I'm really looking forward the reading the second book in this series. If you enjoy YA fantasies and stories of adventure, I think you'll really enjoy this book and I would definitely recommend it!

I really enjoyed this debut novel from Maiya Ibrahim. You are thrown right into Imani's world and while it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, it turns into a pretty magnificent adventure story. While it ends on quite a cliffhanger, I think it's set up really well for the rest of the trilogy and I'm already excited to read the next. Qayn is easily my favorite character and I really hope we learn more of his backstory in the next books.

Overall, I had a lot of fun with this impressive debut and it is a series I will continue on with!

Well, I just read nearly 500 pages in less than a day... OOPS! Spice Road, a debut novel by Maiya Ibrahim, just had me hooked from the start. I loved the interesting magic system involving tea from the bark of a tree, the world, and the setting. Spice Road is fast-paced and enchanting from the start as we follow Imani and several members of the Shield along the journey to find her brother and bring him to justice. Even our female lead character, who is SO frustratingly stubborn and naïve at times, did not bother me as much as it normally would in a novel, and I appreciate that her character was genuine.

Book 1 of this trilogy left just enough questions unanswered that I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2. This also had everything I was missing after the conclusion of The Daevabad Trilogy by SA Chakraborty, except it was different enough that I never wanted to make comparisons.

So excited for book 2, this was 4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a FANTASTIC read!! Arab inspired fantasy with magic fueled by tea, I was all over this book! As y’all probably know by now, finding good Arab representation can be a struggle for me and this book DELIVERED!! I really loved the world building and how so much of my culture was found in these places and customs.

The characters and their relationships are one of my favorite parts of this book! You have a super intense enemies to lovers, back and forth between Taha and Imani, as well as the family relationships that I live for with Imani and her siblings. Their developments during this adventure was amazing and I want the next book immediately (also because I want to fight one of them). Speaking of the adventure, this plot sat me down and didn’t let me leave until I finished the whole book- I was GLUED to these pages!

Overall, a phenomenal debut of an Arabian inspired fantasy and I highly recommend! 💜💜

TW: violence, grief, animal death, manipulation

thank you to netgalley and random House Children's, Delacorte Press for the advanced reading copy of Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim. this is a new book from january 2023 release that is being raved over. i really did not find it as catching as others suggested. i found the characters to be well bonded with family but made horrible decisions. the magic they used was not as interesting as i hoped. the world building wasnt bad. that ending just made me wish i never picked up the book at all. this is definitely for someone but not for me.

***Justice for djinni to be the major love interest***

In all seriousness, I was a bit disappointed with Spice Road. Tea magic, desert adventure, enemy to lover….they all sound like this is a book I’d love.

Unfortunately, I like the story but really dislike most of the characters.

FMC Imani….home girl has all the intention but made all the reckless decisions and let’s face it, she’s not that bright. I just feel like if I wanna read someone keep making dumb decisions I’d look at my own credit card statement. I get it we don’t need perfect characters to enjoy the book but she absolutely did not learn her mistakes and just kept doing things that made you say GIRL WHAT till the end.

MMC Taha….ugh this dude is just an asshole with no redeeming quality and I don’t know why Imani would even fall for him when the djinni sounds like a much more interesting love interest.

Look I think there’s some cool concepts on world building and I like the strong family bonds but could’ve done without the romance and reckless decisions.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the free e-book in exchange for my honest review

Spice Road is a sweeping, immersive story that drags you in from page one. I cannot get too detailed without spoilers, but just know you're not ready for this vibrant debut. I loved Spice Road. 5-Stars

I had a really great time with this book! Imani was an interesting protagonist, but she wasn't particularly likeable. I was hoping for more character growth, but hopefully that will be expanded upon in the sequel. The worldbuilding was really cool, and I did enjoy the plot! I am looking forward to book 2!!

The Spice Road is a debut fantasy novel set around a special magical tea called misra, a djinn, and the protection of that magic and home. Imani is an excellent swordsman in her home of Quali; she is known as the greatest fighter of monsters and Djinn, dark creatures who surround the sands on the city’s outskirts. Unfortunately, Atheer, her brother, has been accused of stealing the magical misra tea and sharing it with outsiders and is rumored to have perished in the Forbidden wastes. What unfolds in this first book is the attempted rescue of Atheer, the eye-opening truth about the outside world, and the Djinn—deciding what you see, what you believe, and your place in the world—a captivating debut novel to start 2023.

✰ 2 // i was so excited to read Spice Road but, unfortunately, it was not for me. the first person narration felt very flat and the writing had very much of a YA feel to it. though i really wanted to i just couldn't really get into the plot overall and i felt a bit let down by the magic system in Spice Road which i think could've really been developed a bit more.
thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Road is the debut of Australian author Maiya Ibrahim, and the first in an young adult epic fantasy trilogy inspired by Arabian Myth (for example, Djinn) and seemingly the history of Arabic states in the Middle East that faced colonization from European/White outsiders. The novel features a City blessed with magic that is hidden from the outside world - and which teaches that the outside world does not exist - all the while facing occasional attacks from djinn and other magical monsters. But when the novel's protagonist Imani discovers that not only does the outside world exist, but that her disappeared brother went to it with the secrets of their magic, she embarks with a group of others on a mission to bring him back...only to discover the world isn't what she thought.

It's a setup that wouldn't really be unique in a Western form, and while the shift to Arabian Myth and themes of the horrors of colonization (inspired by real life) give life to this book, it really still struggles to be much more than the collection of tropes and plot points the book tries to hit. The book struggles to really setup each plot point, such that its lead character Imani seems to do things or believe things just because that's what you'd expect in a book like this, rather than because of earnest character development. And the book's use of these themes and issues is so unsubtle (particularly its literal use of the word "colonizer") so as to strain credibility. The book isn't bad, and its themes are generally fine if a bit muddled, but after a decent early start, it just never really gets to the point where it feels like something interesting on its own, instead of just another of many books using similar themes and plot points (like its incredibly perfunctory romance). As such I'm unlikely to continue this trilogy from here.

More specifics after the jump:

----------------------------------------------Plot Summary----------------------------------------------
16 year old Imani grew up as one of the latest members in one of the powerful families that has helped lead the city of Qalia, a desert city possessing the secrets of magic from the spice of its Misra Tea. Her own magic allows her to control her blade like no other, shifting its form from dagger to sword to spear at her whim, and she has become known as the Djinni Slayer for her skill in using it as part of Qalia's defensive force, the Shields. But Imani is still haunted by the disappearance and presumed death of her beloved older brother Atheer, who seemed to be going spice mad in his last few days and then was discovered to have been stealing Misra from the Qalia counsel.

But when Imani's younger sister Amira leads Imani on a wild goose chase following Atheer's horse, Imani discovers that Atheer might be alive after all...and that he may have taken the magic to help outsiders in the Kingdom of Alqibah, a land Imani never knew actually existed. Imani is desperate to bring him back but to do so requires her to make some dangerous sacrficies...for only a mysterious djinn named Qayn knows the way that Atheer traveled, and the only way to secure his help is to undergo a forbidden ritual to bind Qayn to Imani's beloved blade itself. Even worse, the Counsel only gives her permission to bring Atheer back with the aid of several other shields led by her most irritating rival, Taha, a Beastseer whose father was installed by the people on the Counsel against the Counsel's, and Imani's family's, wishes.

To get to Atheer and the outside world, Imani, Taha and the others will have to brave incredible dangers...but the worst dangers may be in Alqibah itself, where an outside force of Colonizers has invaded and oppressed the native peoples, peoples who looks like Imani and her own people, and demand absolute subservience. Seeing what she sees, Imani may soon discover what it was about these outsiders that drove her brother to his mad quest, and her kind heart may result in her getting them all killed...if Taha and Qayn don't get her killed first.....
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Spice Road follows Imani's first person perspective as the story takes her from a privileged insider in an insular society to someone who has her eyes opened to the injustice in the surrounding world that she finds herself unable to ignore. YA Readers will recognize her type here in this story in that she fits a number of archetypes: she's the member of a noble family who doesn't recognize her privilege and that other people in what she thinks is a perfect city may struggle due to inequity she doesn't even realize exists; she's the part of a special magical city that doesn't realize that outsiders exist or are no different in quality than them (aren't chosen by the "Great Spirit") and thus deserve help; she fails to recognize others who don't have these experiences and the difficult choices they face, etc. At the same time, Spice Road makes Imani so privileged in so many ways that it doesn't have time to interrogate all of these ideas: for example, the conflict between her and Taha over her belonging to a noble family while his awful father having to work his way up from nothing and Taha being shamed for it is brought up and never really explored since so much of the book takes place outside of Qalia. Similarly, the potential struggles others have in Qalia who aren't born to one of the noble families, an idea brought up by Imani's sister Amira who goes out of her way to steal things for the poorer folks she befriends, is never really explored here.

This is a common theme with Spice Road for all aspects of the plot. The plot takes Imani from Qalia to the Arabian/Middle-Eastern esque lands outside of the hidden city, where she discovers all the oppression from the colonizing White invaders (the "Harrowlanders", or who are literally called "Colonizers" in the actual dialogue of this book, which just seems a bizarre word choice that threw me out of the narrative). Her reaction to them and her need to do something are relatable and something we can empathize with, and perhaps the book draws an interesting contrast between her naivete and need to help with her rival Taha's need to stay to the mission and protect the hidden city at all costs...after all he and his family have had to work their way up from nothing just to get status in that city, so for him perhaps such compassion is impossibly dangerous. But this is a contrast that the book never really draws, and in fact the book suggests an alternate pretty weak motive for Taha's actions later. So instead we just get a generic privileged girl realizes that she needs to help outsiders and that burying their hands in the sand is impossible plotline. There's no depth to this, even if the setting being based in the historical colonization of Arabia by White Outsiders does give some originality.

The same comes from the book's attempt at romance, with Imani seeming to fall for Taha just because...well that's what a YA protagonist is supposed to do with their rival, but there's little spark between them despite supposed suppressed attraction...and the book just assumes that the relationship is deeper than it ever shows because it is supposed to be in such a book - for example, at one point Imani expresses outrage at Taha's actions because she thought he felt something for her, and well...the book has done nothing to give her a reason to really feel that betrayed in this manner. It's also true with some of the background and themes - again there's the questions of nobility and democratic rabble rousers and who really is good or bad and whether Imani's biases are deceiving her, but we rarely see any exploration of this. So Taha's father might be justified as a democratic leader or just an evil demagogue taking the place of nobility (turns out its the latter) and the djinn Qayn might not be a monster but might actually be a misunderstood noble of magical power....not that it matters one bit towards the plot. We get Imani's sister tagging along as a surprise that should surprise no other readers because of course she would come along, etc. etc.

There's nothing bad about Spice Road to be clear. The book uses a bunch of YA tropes that are typical because they work, and they form a coherent story in framework. But there's no depth or internal development between them, and too often things happen seemingly because well, that's what is supposed to happen in a YA Fantasy book of this type, rather than due to natural development, and it just made it hard to care about anything. I got through the first half of this book really quickly, but the final third I found a slog due to my lack of caring, and while newer YA readers might not have the same feeling, older ones will find too much of this old hat here. The result is a book I don't care enough to recommend too highly and will not be continuing on in the series.

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me, and I really tried to push through. I think I've discovered sci-fi/fantasy books just aren't up my alley. However, I think the book will vastly appeal to sci-fi/fantasy lovers and I'll be recommending this through readers advisory.

Rec’d for: ⚔️ Fans of Enemies to Lovers; ✊🏾 Readers of BIPOC fantasy stories; 🪶 People who think world-building makes a fantasy better.

In the city of Qalia, hidden in the magical desert of the Sahir, a secret spice magic shared through drinking “misra” tea awakens a person’s magical affinities. Those particularly adept become the city’s Shields. Their mission is to fight back the magical monsters. Imani, the Djinni Slayer, is a renowned Shield with an affinity for iron. Her success is overshadowed by her older brother Atheer running off and presumed dead. Until one day she and her younger sister stumble on signs of Atheer. He may not be dead, but worse than that he may have shared the secret magic with unknown outsiders. Wanted for questioning, Imani makes a pact to retrieve her brother. She must go with her rival, Taha, his crew, and the mysterious Qayn, the only one who knows where to find Atheer. As the journey unfolds, Imani’s world is upended. She is questioning everything from her country, tradition, family, and herself.

This book was an utter delight. It felt like two hands shot out of the book, and grabbed my head so that I could not stop reading. This book had every element of a fantasy story I look for: an epic sweeping plot, tangled relationships, and mystical creatures. But the two elements that I thought were done expertly well were the detailed fantasy world created and the character growth that happens over the journey. I also appreciated the message surrounding colonialism and on looking beyond your world with empathy towards others.

My thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for providing me with a digital copy for review.

Spice Road was a decent addition to young adult fantasy. I liked the story. It focused mainly on a quest with our main character Imani and her companions who travel to a foreign kingdom to find her brother and bring him back home. Of course it is not as simple as that, but it’s the main point. The story was definitely what I enjoyed most with this book. The characters I found to be annoying, predictable, and some just downright obnoxious. The main love interest for Imani, fellow soldier Taha, was at times a bully toward her and treated her badly one instant, but seemed to care for her the next. It gave both me and Imani whiplash. By the end I was not rooting for this couple at all.

I might read the sequel when it comes out. I’d be curious to see what happens next but I’m not dying to find out. Overall this was a good book and it had the potential to be great. In the end this was solidly okay. I would recommend this to fans of young adult, especially younger ones who maybe have not read as much of the genre as I have.

I’m a fan of Arabian-inspired stories (I’m usually drooling over the food descriptions), and the beautiful cover and secret spice magic sealed the deal when requesting this from NetGalley.

Imani’s brother was presumed dead a year ago, and she and her family are still grieving the loss. When she and her sister uncover evidence he may still be alive, she’s sent by the Council to find him and bring him home. Their city’s location and magical spice are meant to be kept secret, and if he’s revealed that information, the consequences could be dire. Assigned to accompany her on this quest is the arrogant Taha and a couple of his friends, all of who really don’t care for Imani. Qayn, a djinni bound to Imani, is also along for the ride.

I wasn’t a fan of Imani. She’s selfish, privileged, and oblivious to things outside her bubble of perfection. During her journey revelations come to light, and she begins to question everything she’s been taught about Qalia, her home. Soon her perfect bubble bursts, and she undergoes some admirable character growth. Shoutout to Imani’s stubborn younger sister Amira. Don’t underestimate her – the girl’s got some tricks up her sleeve. I also snickered several times over Qayn’s humorous comments about Taha.

The world-building grew more interesting for me as the story progressed, and I liked that there are limits on magic and consequences of using too much spice. The presence of a love triangle didn’t surprise me, but it’s definitely not my favorite trope. Action sequences are well-written, exciting, and pretty stressful at times. I was afraid not everyone would survive – but no spoilers here.

If you’re a fan of magic-inspired fantasies, shocking betrayals, occasional snark, and political maneuvering, this novel is for you. With two more books to come, this is a series I’ll continue.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have a lot of feelings about this book. It is getting three stars because of how it ended, but it took a lot of work to get there. It was lower for about the first 60-70%.

Plot wise? I enjoyed it a lot. There was a lot going on and I was invested in what they were doing, where they were going, etc. All of that worked pretty well.

World wise? Very unique and creative, but not explored nearly enough. I wanted more world building, more lore, more information about the magic. There's so much potential here and I think the actual building out of the world could have been much more.

Characters? This is where it lost me. I hated most of them, for most of the book. Imani is a pretty good MC, and I didn't mind her so much, plus Qayn was an absolute delight, but the rest of them I just didn't like at all. They were very one dimensional. Very little growth happened and I ended the book even more frustrated with some of them than I started. Book 2 NEEDS more personal growth from them.

And the romance aspect? Also not for me. I hated the love interest and was actively rooting against him the entire time. I hope he doesn't stick around as the LI because I honestly think that would ruin the series permanently. He is so atrocious. Let's get Imani someone better please.

Overall, a pretty big disappointment. I expected a lot, and got a little. Holding out hope that it could get better in book 2, but some serious improvement would have to be made to a lot of areas to make it a worthwhile read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

Lately I've been really into Chinese and Middle Eastern fantasy, so I was super excited to pick this one up. That said, it did NOT disappoint! I am a very that really likes plot driven, fast paced books. I'm a slower reader as it is, so when a book drags it REALLY does.. and happily I didn't experience this at all in this one! The magic tea is so unique to anything I have ever read, and I absolutely loved it. I can't wait for more.

Personally, I expected more from this one but pretty solid debut otherwise. I would've liked more world building and character development (there is some, don't get me wrong) rather than the info dumping and slightly long paragraphs about nothing. I may continue the series but not really sure. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book!

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

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.

Thank you to #netgalley and #randomhouse for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had high hopes for this story - tea/spice magic, deserts, djinn & monsters, and strong family ties with betrayal and secrets, and an enemies to lovers style romance? Yes please! And boy did this book not disappoint!

I will say I did find it a slower start but I was hooked once Taha's character emerged on the page. Taha was a complex and layered character that I loved unraveling alongside the MC, Imani. This world is lush and fully imagined, Maiya's fresh descriptions will leave you with sweat on your brow and sand grit in your eyesalongside her multidimensional characters. I can't wait to find out where she takes the story ... the next book can't come out soon enough!