This was an enjoyable fantasy read with a really unique premise. I loved the spice magic! Imani is tough and heroic - everything I want to see in a heroine! I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Delacorte Press, and Maiya Ibrahim for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars/5

As a person of color, I struggle to rate books like this because I know it's hard enough fighting for representation in media. I love that books by POC authors, with POC themes and landscapes like this, are making it into the spotlight like Spice Road. However, as a reviewer, I have to be honest to my fellow readers--I think this book had the potential to be incredible but it was not very well executed.

I wanted to read this book so badly since the first time I saw the cover. It's stunning and draws you right in. The blurb was intriguing too--tea magic! Arabian fantasy setting! Addictive magic! Family angst! These sound like they'd be unique, especially interpreted by an underrepresented person, right? That was what I thought, but the only thing on that list that stood out to me was the Arabian fantasy setting. I also liked the different magical abilities possessed by the cast.

The writing itself is great. Artistic, flowing, and easy to read, which should be commended. Maybe I also came into this biased because I was expecting more complexity and depth from what was sold to me, but the content was what frustrated me. The introduction to tea magic was interesting, but it was derailed in the first chapter and never really explored again. The addictive magic was never, EVER shown to be anything but stable, and even after finishing the novel, I have no idea if it was real or simply an excuse to show the characters' ignorance to the truth. Similarly, the family angst got good in the end, but for most of the book, it just made the narrator really ignorant and annoying.

Something to note about the setting, too, is that I went into this book expecting it to be an epic fantasy setting, not a reflection of the real world. When the characters traveled outside their sheltered country and found that the fellow citizens of their continent was colonized by "white people" (verbatim), it was jarring and kind of breaking the fourth wall. Sure, POC authors have every right to write about their ethnicity's struggles against historical colonizers, but when an epic fantasy world is obviously a carbon copy of ours (there's even a Silk Road to the "Jade Empire"--personally, as an East Asian, I thought this was reducing us to stereotypical objects) I don't think it should be marketed as a high fantasy.

All marketing aside, I struggled with the characters and plot. I tried soooo hard to like or simply connect to Imani and the main cast, but the only person I genuinely cared about was Qayn, who didn't have much screen time despite being integral to the reveals at the end. I can forgive a YA book for being tropey, but the whole time, it felt like every character was a plot device with nothing that makes them uniquely themselves. To my understanding, the author was trying to show Imani's ignorance caused by her privilege, but for most of the book it felt like she had no mind of her own despite blatant evidence, and her lagging realizations come only when the author reached that point on the storyboard. Even when she supposedly grew past that, it didn't feel genuine. Taha could've been so much more than a hot, misguided villain, and the list goes on... They could've been so much more, but they didn't get there for me.

The plot was also pretty imbalanced. Most of the book is spent on the journey to find Imani's missing brother, and I kept having to put down the book because the whole journey was carried by the traveling party arguing with each other. Not even good, productive banter, and the characterization was minimal. The book would be so much shorter if these arguments were reduced, and we'd still have pretty much the same book. The plot only picked up in the last 25% or so, which made me more intrigued, but by then I was only trudging along to see what happens, not because I was invested in the characters.

Again, I am very happy that books like Spice Road are making it big and I'm so torn on posting this review. It is clear from this debut that Maiya Ibrahim has great creative potential, but I'm not hooked by the first book to read the rest of the series.

Four stars! out 24 January 2023! this was a very good debut and an amazing series opener that you need to add to your tbr.

The book had me HOOKED. The story, the plot, the pace is/was perfect; not even my dislike for the characters could dwell my excitement over reading this story, and because of that I recommend it.

Now to expand on my dislike of the characters:
The one issue I had was how long it took me to like the characters. The two main characters were both equally wrong/right and had tunnel vision when it came to their outlook & beliefs that it was hard to fully support either. However, the character development is there especially towards the end & I do enjoy a good character development so it was enjoyable to read.

Spice Road is a debut YA Arabian-inspired fantasy novel with one of the most GORGEOUS covers I have ever seen. It follows Imani, a seventeen-old-girl who can use tea magic (seriously, how cool is that?) on the journey to save/rescue her brother.

I didn't connect with the first 20% or so of the book. Without getting into spoiler territory, there was a conversation very early on that the entire plot hinged on that I thought went too easily/without conflict. Though I understand it needed to happen to push the narrative forward, I just found that scene to be a bit too unbelievable. However, once the journey started and the ball really gets rolling, I became much more invested in the book. The plot moved quickly and I couldn't put the book down.

The descriptions were intricate and lush, and the world-building was fantastic. While there were a few things that I thought could use a bit more clarification, I easily fell into the world the author had created. The author's prose was also fantastic – it wasn't too over-the-top but it was still beautiful and there were many amazingly written quotes.

My favorite part of the novel was Imani's character development. She had to unlearn her prejudices and come face-to-face with her biases in multiple different ways; by the end, she had evolved so much. The discussions surrounding colonization were also done wonderfully and were interwoven well with the plot.

Overall, I think this was a very good debut! It's super unique and I enjoyed reading it. 4/5 stars.

A stunning ‘Arabian’ themed landscape that just pulls you in from the start and doesn’t let you go even after you finish the last page! Well thought out and written fantasy world that was easy to follow. I’m definitely exiting for the next book!

Spice Road is a YA Arabian Fantasy with spice magic, politics, and a class system at the core of the main conflict. The world building was integrated into the story very well and was not at all confusing as it sometimes is in the first book of a fantasy series. I am eager to learn more about this world and the conflicts in the next book.

The characters each have strong descriptions and voices. The story unfolds from Imani’s perspective and for me it was interesting to see the change in her beliefs.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Spice Road is a beautiful commentary on the ugly realities of colonization, occupation, and other international affairs that we see in our own world.

Spice Road is a YA Arabian Fantasy and book 1 of a trilogy.

This story focuses on Imani, a trained warrior known as a shield from the secluded nation of Sahir. This nation has been hidden from the outside world because of its access to Misra, a spice based magic.

Sahirians are taught that there is nothing but monsters beyond the wastelands that border their nation and it is a Shield's responsibility to protect Sahir from them to maintain peace.

Months after Imani’s brother’s disappearance he is presumed to be dead but Imani finds evidence that her brother may be alive among outsiders she never knew existed.

With this new information Imani is sent off with a party of warriors to retrieve him.

This book included:
-Tea Magic
-Dessert Monsters
-Djinn
-Action packed scenes
-Thrilling quests
-Enemies to Lovers Vibes

Themes:
-Family
-Class
-Privilege
-Morality
-Grief

Room for improvement or Things I wish was included:

Imani as a character starts out as naive and an unreliable character. It takes a while for her to see the world in shades of gray much longer than her sister from a similar background. This was a point of frustration for me even though I still enjoyed reading this story and understand why the author added this quality to the character.

I wish we got to see a glimpse of Atheer’s perspective whether it be a prologue or a few short chapters sprinkled within the book .

I wish we got to understand more about Taha’s relationship with his father since we are left to imagine what happened to him, hoping to see character development with his character in the next book.

This was an engaging story, with fleshed out world-building and was well done for a debut release. I will be looking forward to the next books.

You follow sixteen-year-old Imani who is Shield, a warrior who protects the desert city of Qalia from monsters, djinns, and ghouls. To do so, they drink tea called mistra, which awakens their affinities of magic. I thought this magic wielding concept was unique- haven't seen in a while in YA fantasy. As Imani journeys to find her brother, her mind and perspective opens up a lot wider. As a reader, the story starts out slow but eventually picks up as they reach the final destination of their mission.

Imani as a character, her actions, and choice of words was a little narrow minded and careless, (which I understand, characters can have flaws) she does redeem herself for her past mistakes.... She was bearable enough for me to keep reading, but made my head shake too many times.

Overall, I liked the concept of the encounter of magical beings, journey to an unknown world, and family. The family concept is different for the characters, especially for Imani and Taha. Imani would do whatever it takes to protect her sister, her parents, aunt, and even long-gone brother whereas Taha only has his father with strict expectations of him.

Will I be continuing this series? Yes!
I gave this book 3.8/5 stars! (rounding to a 4!)
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children for the e-arc!

Spice Road is the first of a trilogy. This story focuses on Immani, a young warrior from Sahir, the only nation in the land that has access to magic. Sahirians are taught to protect magic at all costs from the outside world. Imani’s brother has gone missing and presumed dead after a visit to the outside world, until one day when Immani finds evidence that he might still be alive and living among outsiders. She sets off with a party of warriors to find him.

This book has everything I look for in a YA fantasy story. The characters are easy to connect with and care about and there is character growth throughout the story. The magic is inventive and the world building is fantastic. A great and easy read that I highly recommend!

This was an immersive debut from Maiya Ibrahim! The story was super intriguing right from the get-go. I loved the world and magic system in this book--the politics and class systems were very easy to follow. It was interesting to see Iman realize the privilege she and her family carries as she explores beyond the world she grew up in. The sibling relationships in this book were also so heartwarming, and reminded me a lot of my relationships with my own siblings.

I wish that there was a more conclusive ending to this novel, but it's clear that things are being set up for the rest of the trilogy. I'm invested to see where Iman and her friends and siblings explore next, and semi-invested in the romance in this book. Iman and Taha's relationship is still confusing to me and didn't seem natural. After his actions during this book, I'm not sure I can root for him any longer. I am curious to see where Iman and Qayn's relationship goes--he's a super interesting character. Overall, I think fans of Arab-inspired fantasies will love Spice Road!

At the beginning of the story, we meet Imani, proud descendant of the Beya Clan and highly respected Shield warrior, whose magical ability has gained her the moniker of “Djinni Slayer.” She lives in the hidden city of Qalia, chosen by the Great Spirit to bear the power of a secret spice magic that is amplified by the misra tea. A year has passed since her beloved older brother Atheer disappeared. His family’s reputation has been sullied by claims that he stole substantial amounts of misra tea and betrayed his nation by spreading knowledge about its existence. As Imani contends with feelings of anger and despair, she stumbles upon information that Atheer might be alive in the forbidden lands beyond the sands that house all sorts of dangerous magical creatures. She secures the approval of the Council to retrieve his brother, with the agreement that she is to be joined by Taha, beastseer and son of the Grand Zahim, and two other Shield warriors. As Imani journeys to the forbidden lands, her deep-rooted beliefs about what lies beyond the sands and about her own nation are challenged. She will face death and betrayal and must choose between her conscience and what she has been taught.

The first installment of the trilogy of the same name, Spice Road takes us into Imani’s journey into understanding the responsibility that comes with being in a position of power and privilege. The author uses magic as the jumping off point to touch on these themes, as well as on the topics of bias and colonization, and provides a view of the ways magic has both empowered and alienated a nation.

The descriptions of the magical and nonmagical nations, as seen through Imani’s eyes, are beautiful and captivating. Imani starts off as an annoyingly righteous character that is gradually forced to grow in understanding and compassion, even if it means to break the rules. She loves her family deeply and would do anything to bring peace to her parents. I especially enjoyed her sister’s Amira character: often underestimated, but a beacon of hope, assurance, and common sense even in the direst situation. Another interesting character is Qayn, the djinn, who I hope has a more active role in future installments, as well as Taha, the troubled, unrelenting warrior, blinded by both duty and fear. Overall, a compelling story full of action and relevant themes. I highly recommend it to magic, adventure, and fantasy lovers.

Spice Road captures the reader from the first page with a relatable main character and wonderful magic components.

In a community that prides itself on its ability to use magic that stems from drinking the tea made from an ancient Misra tree, Imani is a sworn member of the protectors. She is a member of the Shields, who are tasked in protecting her people from all sorts of monsters out in the sands. Her brother Atheer went missing and was presumed dead for some time, before some evidence of his survival comes to light and Imani is tasked to seek him out. This takes her on a journey across the perilous sands with her nemesis Taha and his crew, aided by a Djinni she has bound to her blade and claims to know Atheer's location.

Personally, I could not get into this book. It is very slow and comes across as 1D to me. I didn't fall in love with any of the characters and the character growth didn't wow me. The storyline had so much untapped potential and sounded like it would be right up my alley but unfortunately it just wasn't very gripping.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a requested copy for review. All opinions are my own.

Ok I am super conflicted on this book. It's got a lot of great ingredients: magic, great worldbuilding, a quest, betrayals, 2 big villains, enemies working together, a fast-paced plot, adventure...
But I didn't actually like any of the characters. I came closest to liking Imani and Qayn. But everyone in the book is irritating at some point, makes bad decisions, acts terribly or says something terrible, or just does something dumb. I'm extra torn on Taha. I would honestly feel better if it had bee revealed that his father was literally controlling him (maybe in a future book?). I'm just so frustrated by alllll the characters.
I will probably continue the series, but I will definitely be hoping for some awesome character development in the next books.

3.5 stars

Also trigger warning for animal death

3.5/5.
Interesting YA fantasy read. The world-building in this book is phenomenal and I have a soft spot for jinn and magic in my books. Fans of 'We Free the Stars' and 'The Wrath and the Dawn' will love this series. I enjoyed discovering new parts of the world and seeing the MC open up slowly. I will say that the MC is extremely unlikeable early on. Some readers may struggle with this. I had to invest myself in the concept that the MC was unlikeable for a reason and wait it out. It does get better, but just be aware of that the first 20-25% of the book. Overall a great YA fantasy read.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press for allowing me to read this early!

This book was such a cool story! A magic system based on spices and tea?! Say less! This book captured my attention from the start and kept me interested the entire way. Action, adventure, magic, love and friends. What more could you want from a story? I will be eagerly waiting for book two!

When I started this book, I was hooked. I really liked the premise, the writing style, and the plot of the story. However, I ended up in my reading slump, and just haven't been able to finish the book...yet. I think I'll hold off on finishing it until a later time, maybe once the book comes out in January and I feel like I want to get back into reading more.

Imani's world views are challenged when she finds out her brother Atheer is actually still alive after he disappeared from their insular country, Sahir, a year ago. Forced to team up with her nemesis, Taha, and travel beyond the forbidden wastes exposes Imani to the price of power, secrecy, and magic.
Ibrahim creates an incredible rich and vibrant Arabian-inspired fantasy world that I wanted to see more of. Unfortunately, from the early pages of the book the plot felt rather predictable and Imani's character didn't develop in any unique or unexpected ways. I can see why this will be a trilogy and I think the world is rich for exploring, I just don't think I'll keep reading given the predictability thus far.

This was a surprisingly engaging adventure story about a girl's journey to save her brother while she comes to terms with her sheltered and privileged upbringing. I loved exploring the world through Imani's eyes. Imani, our heroine, is a sympathetic character that I was really drawn to. She is naïve but has her heart in the right place. She wants to believe in a better world, even when she finds that the world she lives in is not quite what she thought.

I loved Maiya Ibrahim's world building and the relationships she builds with her characters. There are some minor Cruel Prince vibes between Imani and Taha that really got me. It's a "not quite friends but not quite enemies" to possible lovers to full on enemies and I hope we get more of it.

My one complain with this book is that the ending was... unsatisfactory. Everything is not wrapped up but there was also no sense of urgency. I kept looking down at the page count and going, wait, that's it? I suppose some people will really like that it doesn't end on your typical cliff hanger but it just felt unfinished. Despite that, I'm eagerly waiting for the second book!

I have no idea if the author identifies as Muslim. I saw the 2023 YA book described as a Middle Eastern fantasy, characters with Arabic names,  djinn representation and possibly a hijab wearing protagonist on the cover, so I requested an advanced reader's copy, squealed with delight when I got approved, and happily fell into the 464 page world of The Sahir and Kingdom of Alqibah.  Their is no Islam in the book, it is not a hijab, but I'm sharing it here, not just to let readers know it isn't Islamic rep, but to let them know that for the genre it is pretty clean, and the story is an engaging easy read.  At times Imani is whiney and annoying, but she has a developed arc, and the book has a few slow patches, but nothing that lasted long enough to tempt me to give up on it.  I think 14 year olds and up can handle the three brief kisses, the sexual assault that is thwarted, the lusting glances, the killing, the potential addiction, and the commentary on colonizers and oppressors.  It is the first book in a series, so this review is only for this book and not an evaluation of the rest of the books that perhaps are not even written yet.

SYNOPSIS:

In Qalia, the Shields protect their community from monsters with the Spice entrusted to them, misra, that magically empowers affinities in them.  The top Shield, Imani, has an affinity for iron, and with the support of her powerful clan she exists in a world of privilege and opportunity.  When her powerful brother, Atheer, is assumed dead after stealing misra and suffering from magical obsession, the family's reputation is not as pristine as it once was.  Imani's younger sister, Amira, is also keeping secrets as she is caught stealing, skipping school, and refusing to follow family orders and country laws.  When the two girls find themselves following Atheer's horse into the forbidden waste, they learn that their brother might not be dead and that there is more to their world than they ever were allowed to know.  With desperation to learn more about her brother's location clouding her judgement, the Djinni Slayer, Imani, bonds with Qayn, a djinni who claims to not only know Atheer, but to have been his close friend.  Imani scrambles to know what to do, and seeks out answers and permission from Council, that results in her and three other's heading off on a rescue mission to the Kingdom of Alqibah.  Everyone's orders, however, are not the same, and first they must survive the desert, the monsters, and each other if they are to find Atheer.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love  that the world building is not at the expense of character development.  The single linear story line does mean that at times side characters are seemingly forgotten, but the focus of the world through Imani's eyes allows the gaps to be overlooked as her concerns and priorities take center stage.  I love the emphasis on family, it is sibling love that is motivating the protagonist and closeness to an aunt that allows for privilege and opportunity. The romantic threads and tangents never overshadow the familial importance- it isn't a forced obligation it is very warm and it is nice to see and feel the truth in the characters approach to family.  I love the Arabic names, foods, and while my electronic version did not have a map, the author has one on her Instagram page that suggests the physical book will have a map.

I love that the book discusses colonizers and oppressors.  It may be fiction and fantasy, but there are some very real themes included in fleshed out way that would allow for a lot of deeper discussion and connections to be made. The book is well polished, I don't know that it reads like a debut, which is always a good thing I suppose.  At times Imani is really unlikeable, but fortunately it doesn't last too long, same goes for Amira and her bouts of childishness juxtaposed with her glimpses of maturity. Taha, is noted to be very different depending on the company he keeps, so while frustrating- it seems to be intentional. The only real hiccup I felt in the book was understanding how at times the language differences were such an obstacle and how at other times Imani could read the graffiti and be understood.

FLAGS:

Magic, romance, lust, kisses, flirting, attempted sexual assault, lying, killing, addiction, alcohol, drinking, murder, abuse, physical abuse, bullying, oppression, colonizing.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I don't know that I would pick this as a book club read, but I would definitely shelve it in a class, school, or home library.  I think it is a fun read for teens and up and I look forward to the rest of the series.  The book releases in January 2023 and as always presales are the biggest way to show support to authors and titles.  You can find the book here.