Aicha

By: Soraya Bouazzaoui

Narrated by: Sarah Slimani, Soraya Bouazzaoui

TEMPTRESS. MONSTER. WARRIOR.

Aicha is the story of Morocco's warrior goddess, her strange magic, fierce rebellion, and devastating romance. Soraya Bouazzaoui weaves an epic tale of female rage and hidden myths, perfect for fans of The City of Brass and The Stardust Thief.

The Portuguese empire has planted its flag across Morocco, ruling with an iron fist. But eventually, all empires must fall.

Aicha, the daughter of a Moroccan freedom-fighter, was born for battle. She has witnessed the death of her people, their starvation and torture at the hands of the occupiers, and it has awakened an anger within her. An anger that burns hot and bright and that speaks to Aicha’s soul.

Only Aicha’s secret lover, Rachid, a rebellion leader, knows how to soothe her. But as the fight for Morocco’s freedom reaches its violent climax, the creature that simmers beneath Aicha’s skin begs to be unleashed. It hungers for the screams of those who have caused her pain, and it will not be ignored.

Critic reviews

"Bouazzaoui’s tale of a furious rebellion and a tragic war is woven together with a stunningly tender romance, and an unbreakable family bond. A debut of epic scope, Aicha instantly establishes this author as one to watch. Furious, heart-wrenching, and utterly enchanting, Aicha tells the story of a heroine unlike any other I’ve read. I devoured this in two sittings, totally enthralled." —Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Principle of Moments

"A heady, heart-wrenching, magnetic debut, bursting with both love and fury." —Holly Race, Sunday Times bestselling author of Six Wild Crowns

"Masterfully woven, Aicha is a heart-pounding and immersive read that has it all: intriguing magic, devastating romance, detailed world-building, and fascinating mythology. Bouazzaoui crafts her powerful debut with gut-wrenching intricacy. This is a must read.”—Aamna Qureshi, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Baby Dragon Cafe

"Aicha is a sharpened blade, swinging between the celebration of love in all its forms and unbridled anger. A ferocious debut." —Eliza Chan, Sunday Times bestselling author of Fathomfolk