Spice Road -- Maiya Ibrahim, Hardcover

★ THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ★ Raised to protect her nation from the monsters lurking in the sands, sixteen-year-old Imani must fight to find her brother, whose betrayal is now the country's greatest threat. Get swept away by this romantic fantasy!

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

Author: Maiya Ibrahim
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: 01/24/2023
Pages: 464
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.23lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.40w x 1.60d
ISBN: 9780593126967
Age Range: 14-UP

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2022
Publishers Weekly 11/28/2022
Booklist 12/01/2022 pg. 122
School Library Journal 02/01/2023 pg. 78
Shelf Awareness 02/03/2023

About the Author
Maiya Ibrahim is the debut author of Spice Road, an instant Sunday Times bestseller. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney. When she isn't writing, reading, or spending time with her family, Maiya enjoys video games, gardening, and expanding her collection of rare trading cards. She lives in Sydney, Australia.