Name: Spice Road
ISBN: 9780593126981

Maiya Ibrahim

Spice Road

Victoria Sutton

We will fight, but first we will have tea.

It avalanches upon me, this abhorrent realization that I must venture into cursed lands with someone who plainly dislikes me, and I must rely on him for survival. What a laughable concept. I'd fare better relying on an empty pistachio shell. 

DNFed at 15% because what a mess of a book.

nuha ✨️

“Some things, once taken, can never be returned. Some things, once broken, are broken forever.”

I enjoyed this book although it did take me a while to get through it, the plot was interesting, the characters were engaging and the writing was absolutely beautiful. I will say that first person present tense POV is not my favourite, but this book handles it well with good internal monologue and focus - I find that often this POV/tense combination can lead to books feeling like they tell instead of show with a "and then and then and then" progression but thankfully it didn't too often, or we get too wrapped up in the main character's daydreams of good looking men but 

 had a really good balance of plot and romance. We spend more time with our FMC, Imani, as she tries to unravel all of the lies she's been told and figure out the truth as she comes to terms with it. This story had everything a good fantasy book should and was absolutely action packed, we have a long journey, trials and hardships, fantastical creatures and magic!

Imani, our FMC, is a privileged and isolated young woman who throws herself into being a warrior rather than actually address her grief surrounding her brother who is missing, presumed dead. I found the beginning of the book enthralling, we were thrown into a high stakes chase across the desert not long into the story and immediately got hit with information that changes Imani, and her sister, Amira's, views of their society, the world outside their borders and where their brother is, and I was immediately drawn in and wanted to know more. I do wish we had spent a bit more time in Qalia getting to know their way of life and more about the girls' connection to their family and the Beya clan, as well as the dynamics with other clans. We learn about this as the story progresses, as we find out that Imani is very ignorant to how the world actually works and her position within that, but I think these revelations would've hit harder if we had been absorbed into Imani's way of life a bit more.

The love interests were ok, the romance wasn't my favourite part of this book. There are kiiiiind of two love interests, there's Taha - the aloof boy from a rival clan and the son of the Grand Zahim who leads the council in charge of their people. He's a bit of a bully and very prejudiced towards Imani, and understandably so in some ways, he's grown up with a cruel father and had to fight for his position in life due to his clan's low standing - but I really didn't love the way he ran hot and cold throughout. I didn't really feel the chemistry between him and Imani, and found that he just wasn't really a nice person most of the time. The other is Qayn, kind of, he's a Djinni who befriended Imani's brother and offers to help Imani find Atheer, but he's seen as a monster in the Sahir and Imani herself is a renowned Djinni slayer. He was interesting and layered, and I wish we'd seen more of him in this book and look forward to seeing where the story goes with him in the sequel. The side characters were pretty flat though unfortunately, Reza, Fey, Farida and Amira definitely could've been bulked up more because for the most part I found them rather forgettable, unfortunately, which left me less invested in this book than I wanted to be.

The plot, though, is well constructed. The pacing was steady, the story never dragged for me and there were captivating bouts of action and suspense scattered throughout, as well as enough intrigue and twists to keep me on the edge of my seat. The magic system was fascinating, drinking tea to invoke magical powers with a specific affinity, eg Imani's was for iron, Taha's for being an bird seer etc is really cool and quite unique but I do wish it was delved into a bit more. I think this is where the story lacked for me, the world building didn't quite flesh out a few things such as an understanding of the tea ceremonies, more information about the Grand Spirit who gifted it to them and more of the history of how the Sahir became cut off from the rest of Alqibah. It had just enough to keep me interested and wanting to know more, but it also left me with a lot of questions too.

Overall, this was a good debut novel and I will definitely be picking up the sequel when it arrives. I loved the Arab inspired setting, the underlying message regarding colonisation and culture erasure was also perfectly woven into the storyline, and following Imani's journey as she learned about the harsh realities of her world had me engrossed. I think this set up well for the rest of the series and I think some of the kinks in this first book will get ironed out as it progresses, and I am really looking forward to seeing where it takes us. But I do think this book was missing just a little bit of needed depth to really make it stand out!

Genevieve 

“Some things, once taken, can never be returned. Some things, once broken, are broken forever.”

4.25 ⭐

I enjoyed this book although it did take me a while to get through it, the plot was interesting, the characters were engaging and the writing was absolutely beautiful. I will say that first person present tense POV is not my favourite, but this book handles it well with good internal monologue and focus - I find that often this POV/tense combination can lead to books feeling like they tell instead of show with a "and then and then and then" progression but thankfully it didn't too often, or we get too wrapped up in the main character's daydreams of good looking men but Spice Road had a really good balance of plot and romance. We spend more time with our FMC, Imani, as she tries to unravel all of the lies she's been told and figure out the truth as she comes to terms with it. This story had everything a good fantasy book should and was absolutely action packed, we have a long journey, trials and hardships, fantastical creatures and magic!

Imani, our FMC, is a privileged and isolated young woman who throws herself into being a warrior rather than actually address her grief surrounding her brother who is missing, presumed dead. I found the beginning of the book enthralling, we were thrown into a high stakes chase across the desert not long into the story and immediately got hit with information that changes Imani, and her sister, Amira's, views of their society, the world outside their borders and where their brother is, and I was immediately drawn in and wanted to know more. I do wish we had spent a bit more time in Qalia getting to know their way of life and more about the girls' connection to their family and the Beya clan, as well as the dynamics with other clans. We learn about this as the story progresses, as we find out that Imani is very ignorant to how the world actually works and her position within that, but I think these revelations would've hit harder if we had been absorbed into Imani's way of life a bit more.

The love interests were ok, the romance wasn't my favourite part of this book. There are kiiiiind of two love interests, there's Taha - the aloof boy from a rival clan and the son of the Grand Zahim who leads the council in charge of their people. He's a bit of a bully and very prejudiced towards Imani, and understandably so in some ways, he's grown up with a cruel father and had to fight for his position in life due to his clan's low standing - but I really didn't love the way he ran hot and cold throughout. I didn't really feel the chemistry between him and Imani, and found that he just wasn't really a nice person most of the time. The other is Qayn, kind of, he's a Djinni who befriended Imani's brother and offers to help Imani find Atheer, but he's seen as a monster in the Sahir and Imani herself is a renowned Djinni slayer. He was interesting and layered, and I wish we'd seen more of him in this book and look forward to seeing where the story goes with him in the sequel. The side characters were pretty flat though unfortunately, Reza, Fey, Farida and Amira definitely could've been bulked up more because for the most part I found them rather forgettable, unfortunately, which left me less invested in this book than I wanted to be.

The plot, though, is well constructed. The pacing was steady, the story never dragged for me and there were captivating bouts of action and suspense scattered throughout, as well as enough intrigue and twists to keep me on the edge of my seat. The magic system was fascinating, drinking tea to invoke magical powers with a specific affinity, eg Imani's was for iron, Taha's for being an bird seer etc is really cool and quite unique but I do wish it was delved into a bit more. I think this is where the story lacked for me, the world building didn't quite flesh out a few things such as an understanding of the tea ceremonies, more information about the Grand Spirit who gifted it to them and more of the history of how the Sahir became cut off from the rest of Alqibah. It had just enough to keep me interested and wanting to know more, but it also left me with a lot of questions too.

Overall, this was a good debut novel and I will definitely be picking up the sequel when it arrives. I loved the Arab inspired setting, the underlying message regarding colonisation and culture erasure was also perfectly woven into the storyline, and following Imani's journey as she learned about the harsh realities of her world had me engrossed. I think this set up well for the rest of the series and I think some of the kinks in this first book will get ironed out as it progresses, and I am really looking forward to seeing where it takes us. But I do think this book was missing just a little bit of needed depth to really make it stand out!

❝ We will fight, but first we will have tea. ❞

❝ The truth is the thorn, not the rose. ❞

❝ Light not shared is light diminished. ❞

❓ #QOTD What does your magic tea taste like? ❓

🦇 In Qalia, a desert city hidden from outsiders, secret spice unlocks power within those who drink misra tea. Seventeen-year-old Imani wields her iron affinity and dagger like no other, earning her reputation as the Djinni Slayer. Like the city's other Shields, Imani has sworn to fight against the dangerous djinn, ghouls, and monsters that lurk in the sands beyond. After her brother steals their nation's coveted spice and disappears, it's believed he died beyond the Forbidden Wastes, only for a djinn to claim otherwise. Imani strikes a deal with the djinn to find her brother, accompanied by Taha (a powerful beastseer and Imani's rival) and other Shields. Can they find Imani's brother before his betrayal leads to Qalia's downfall? 

💜 As this is my top read of 2023, I'm not even sure where to begin. Our favorite books are often the most difficult to review. Set in an Arabian-inspired land, Spice Road is a reminder that our real power comes from family; that magic and strength are always within us. Imani is an admirable force, not because of her reputation as a powerful Shield and djinn slayer, but because she holds steadfast to her beliefs--even when it's to her own detriment. Despite her strength, she's flawed and human as well; privileged, ignorant, and stubborn, all which blind her to the truth in front of her. Maiya Ibrahim has woven a stunning, vivid tapestry between her world-building and word choice. I had to keep myself from going annotation crazy, which says plenty. There's so much to this story beyond the adventure, fantasy, family bonds, or lush Middle Eastern mythology, though. Take this quote:

💜 ❝ But then they expel us from our ancestral homes, they steal our businesses, they take control of our most lucrative trades, they dedicate our temples to their gods, they speak their tongue in the streets, and they have the nerve to tell us things are better and more peaceful this way. Before you know it, there will be nothing left for us. ❞

🦇 The themes of occupation and colonialism fit as naturally into this story as the magic; themes that are too important to ignore, given what's been happening in Palestine for decades. This incredible, dazzling debut, while a fantasy, is a reminder to the real-world depths behind a rebellion.

🦇 One of the most discussion-worthy components of this story is Imani's internal struggle. She stubbornly believes her brother's motives must have been just, even though sharing misra and the secret behind their magic goes against everything they'd ever been taught. She also remains blind to how people are treated in Qalia based on different clans and positions; truths Taha urges her to see. However, Taha's own motivations draw a constant line between them, leaving Imani to learn these truths alone. 

🦇 Recommended to fans of Sabaa Tahir (An Ember in the Ashes), Hafsah Faizal (We Hunt the Flame), Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen) and of course, magic. I can't wait for this series to continue. Give me all the Arabian mythology!

Jazelle H

🦇 Spice Road Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

❝ We will fight, but first we will have tea. ❞

❝ The truth is the thorn, not the rose. ❞

❝ Light not shared is light diminished. ❞

❓ #QOTD What does your magic tea taste like? ❓
 
🦇 In Qalia, a desert city hidden from outsiders, secret spice unlocks power within those who drink misra tea. Seventeen-year-old Imani wields her iron affinity and dagger like no other, earning her reputation as the Djinni Slayer. Like the city's other Shields, Imani has sworn to fight against the dangerous djinn, ghouls, and monsters that lurk in the sands beyond. After her brother steals their nation's coveted spice and disappears, it's believed he died beyond the Forbidden Wastes, only for a djinn to claim otherwise. Imani strikes a deal with the djinn to find her brother, accompanied by Taha (a powerful beastseer and Imani's rival) and other Shields. Can they find Imani's brother before his betrayal leads to Qalia's downfall? 

💜 As this is my top read of 2023, I'm not even sure where to begin. Our favorite books are often the most difficult to review. Set in an Arabian-inspired land, Spice Road is a reminder that our real power comes from family; that magic and strength are always within us. Imani is an admirable force, not because of her reputation as a powerful Shield and djinn slayer, but because she holds steadfast to her beliefs--even when it's to her own detriment. Despite her strength, she's flawed and human as well; privileged, ignorant, and stubborn, all which blind her to the truth in front of her. Maiya Ibrahim has woven a stunning, vivid tapestry between her world-building and word choice. I had to keep myself from going annotation crazy, which says plenty. There's so much to this story beyond the adventure, fantasy, family bonds, or lush Middle Eastern mythology, though. Take this quote:

💜 ❝ But then they expel us from our ancestral homes, they steal our businesses, they take control of our most lucrative trades, they dedicate our temples to their gods, they speak their tongue in the streets, and they have the nerve to tell us things are better and more peaceful this way. Before you know it, there will be nothing left for us. ❞

🦇 The themes of occupation and colonialism fit as naturally into this story as the magic; themes that are too important to ignore, given what's been happening in Palestine for decades. This incredible, dazzling debut, while a fantasy, is a reminder to the real-world depths behind a rebellion.

🦇 One of the most discussion-worthy components of this story is Imani's internal struggle. She stubbornly believes her brother's motives must have been just, even though sharing misra and the secret behind their magic goes against everything they'd ever been taught. She also remains blind to how people are treated in Qalia based on different clans and positions; truths Taha urges her to see. However, Taha's own motivations draw a constant line between them, leaving Imani to learn these truths alone. 

🦇 Recommended to fans of Sabaa Tahir (An Ember in the Ashes), Hafsah Faizal (We Hunt the Flame), Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen) and of course, magic. I can't wait for this series to continue. Give me all the Arabian mythology!

✨ The Vibes ✨
🔥 First in a Series
🔥 Magic, Djinn, and Monsters
🔥 Epic Fantasy
🔥 Slow Burn Rivals to Lovers
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Family Feels/Sibling Bonds
🔥 Arabic-Inspired Fantasy World
🔥 Love Triangle Set-Up

The story and the pace of this book was brilliant. Plenty of action and omg the betrayls I did not see coming. Not once was I left bored while reading this book.

I love the bound between our main character and her sister and brother. At how she would journey far and put herself in danger for her brother she thought dead.

I did love the romance I feel the Author was doing but I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book 

Samantha King

The story and the pace of this book was brilliant. Plenty of action and omg the betrayls I did not see coming. Not once was I left bored while reading this book.

I love the bound between our main character and her sister and brother. At how she would journey far and put herself in danger for her brother she thought dead.

I did love the romance I feel the Author was doing but I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book 

What do you do when your rose tinted glasses are pulled away?

Imani believes in the council and her brothers death. She believes in keeping Qalia a secret and her family's honour and place in the clan. When all that is threatened by her brothers disappearance, she throws herself into her duties as a shield until her brothers horse leads her and her sister to his secret letters; starting a journey across the desert.

There are many things to like about Spice Road! Imani is a character that shows tremendous growth throughout the book. She doesn't question the history she's been taught; she's secure in her position as an old clan member and expects members of new rising ones to seek her out; she believes her brother is dead; and that no one goes to sleep hungry at night in Qalia.

For Imani the entire journey is a rude awakening to her own privilege (her sister confesses to stealing for her friends because she knows she won't be punished) and also the idea that isolation is perhaps not a good thing. This happens partially because of Taha who resents her privilege who has had to fight for what he had, as opposed to Imani who expected it. And yet, even as we understand Taha, we continue to resent him because the book is told from Imani's perspective and he's still the bad guy. Taha has to kill the boy who mentored him and anyone who learns about magic because he knows that if he messes up there are consequences because of his father. In turn, his father may not be able to hold onto his position because of Taha if the latter shows weakness. Honestly, a take from his perspective would be really interesting!

I loved the whole dynamic with Qayn and how that also pushes Imani into being better! Not just in terms of her skills but also her learning to respect other people. There's one scene which really stands out in this regard, but I'll let you read the book to find out!

Seher Mohsin

What do you do when your rose tinted glasses are pulled away?

Imani believes in the council and her brothers death. She believes in keeping Qalia a secret and her family's honour and place in the clan. When all that is threatened by her brothers disappearance, she throws herself into her duties as a shield until her brothers horse leads her and her sister to his secret letters; starting a journey across the desert.

There are many things to like about Spice Road! Imani is a character that shows tremendous growth throughout the book. She doesn't question the history she's been taught; she's secure in her position as an old clan member and expects members of new rising ones to seek her out; she believes her brother is dead; and that no one goes to sleep hungry at night in Qalia.

For Imani the entire journey is a rude awakening to her own privilege (her sister confesses to stealing for her friends because she knows she won't be punished) and also the idea that isolation is perhaps not a good thing. This happens partially because of Taha who resents her privilege who has had to fight for what he had, as opposed to Imani who expected it. And yet, even as we understand Taha, we continue to resent him because the book is told from Imani's perspective and he's still the bad guy. Taha has to kill the boy who mentored him and anyone who learns about magic because he knows that if he messes up there are consequences because of his father. In turn, his father may not be able to hold onto his position because of Taha if the latter shows weakness. Honestly, a take from his perspective would be really interesting!

I loved the whole dynamic with Qayn and how that also pushes Imani into being better! Not just in terms of her skills but also her learning to respect other people. There's one scene which really stands out in this regard, but I'll let you read the book to find out!

Spice Road

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