Spice Road

By: Maiya Ibrahim

Narrated by: Krupa Pattani

A sweeping desert fantasy of tea magic, desert monsters, and dangerous secrets, Spice Road is a "beautifully written, surprise-filled page-turner" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

Her brother is the kingdom’s greatest traitor.
She’s the only one who believes he’s innocent.

"An enchanting world…a fantasy you don’t want to miss." —Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom

"With vivid world-building and epic action scenes, Spice Road is a gripping fantasy adventure that YA readers are going to love!" —Lynette Noni, bestselling author of Shadow Reaper

In the hidden desert city of Qalia, there is secret spice magic that awakens the affinities of those who drink the misra tea. Sixteen-year-old Imani has the affinity for iron and is able to wield a dagger like no other warrior. She has garnered the reputation as being the next great Shield for battling djinn, ghouls, and other monsters spreading across the sands.

Her reputation has been overshadowed, however, by her brother, who tarnished the family name after it was revealed that he was stealing his nation's coveted spice—a telltale sign of magical obsession. Soon after that, he disappeared, believed to have died beyond the Forbidden Wastes. Despite her brother’s betrayal, there isn’t a day that goes by when Imani doesn’t grieve him.

But when Imani discovers signs that her brother may be alive and spreading the nation's magic to outsiders, she makes a deal with the Council that she will find him and bring him back to Qalia, where he will face punishment. Accompanied by other Shields, including Taha, a powerful beastseer who can control the minds of falcons, she sets out on her mission.

Imani will soon find that many secrets lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes—and in her own heart—but will she find her brother?

"An epic, sand-swept adventure." ― Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey

Critic reviews

★ “A beautifully written, surprise-filled page-turner.” ―Kirkus Review, Starred Review

★ "Overflowing with culturally specific details and set in a fictional, Arabian-inspired world, this high-octane adventure maintains a steady clip toward a scintillating conclusion."―Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

★ “Spellbinding magic, lush description and whirlwind action define Maiya Ibrahim's YA debut....readers will find much to admire in this powerful young woman who learns that thinking for herself is as vital as the magic she wields." ―Shelf Awareness, starred review


"An epic, sandswept adventure." – Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey

"With an enchanting world of tea magic and desert monsters and a thrilling quest helmed by a girl whose wit is sharper than her blades, Maiya Ibrahim’s Spice Road is a fantasy you don’t want to miss.” – Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame like Night

"Secrets, scorching betrayals, and a spellbinding magic system." – Dana Swift, author of Cast in Firelight

"A rich, fresh-voiced fantasy, Ibrahim weaves a masterful tale of family and adventure. Readers will devour the pages like a perfectly spiced tea and be left burning for more." - Claire M. Andrews, author of the Daughter of Sparta trilogy

“With vivid world-building and epic action scenes, SPICE ROAD is a gripping fantasy adventure that YA readers are going to love!” ― Lynette Noni, author of THE PRISON HEALER series

“Come, let the mysterious Spice Road sweep you away. Spirited characters, compelling societies, critical subject matter, and a riveting plot all scheme to ensure a soul-stirring journey.” ― London Shah, award-winning author of the LIGHT THE ABYSS series


"With luscious imagery, Spice Road easily draws readers into the desert world and doesn’t let go until the very last page...undeniably good writing.―Booklist

first time I have felt immersed in a story based in the Middle East since Aladdin

wow....I cannot wait to start the next book in this series. I can imagine the characters, colors, smells, sand and heat. The female lead takes my breath away. She is a powerful and ethically sound example that any girl would adore to be like. I don't understand why this has not become a series or movie......yet.

Wonderful!

I was shallow in picking this book, the cover is GORGEOUS! But I didn’t look into it’s synopsis at all before starting it. So it took me a while to catch on to the mythology and characters. But once I did I was hooked. Trying to guess what would happen next, and always being surprised. Especially when I reached the end and realized this is book one of a trilogy. Which when they come out I will definitely read.

That even the strongest, most talented are not perfect.

Loved the person reading.
It was an awesome book to listen to while traveling. The story kept my interest, but did not distract me.

All that matters is will there be a sequel???

it is absolutely wonderful. kept me enthralled from the first word. The characters our complex, the themes so relevant and layered, and the story so compelling that I couldn't stop listening if I wanted to and I didn't want to. and the narrative performance is absolutely out of this world!!! please please bring us more of these wonderful characters ❤️❤️❤️

Family bonds and magical realms

A wonderful story that pulls you into another world. You definitely get lost into the story. Just a beautiful world. I only wish it had more detail! It is a short book and could have been longer to have more detail. I love the family dynamic and the strong bond between siblings. I only pray my own girls are that close. Glad to add this to my list!