Spice Road follows Imani, a gifted Shield for her people. When Imani learns her presumed dead brother may still be alive, she is determined to bring him back to their people alive. She sets out on a dangerous journey with a motley crew including the mysterious Qayn and annoying Taha. As disasters strike, secrets are revealed and all of them will have their magic tested. It soon becomes clear that the rules Imani has known her whole life are not the full truth. How far will Imani go to rescue her beloved brother, if it means abandoning the principles that have always kept her safe? 

I was immediately hooked from the opening line! Imani is a fierce and determined heroine. Her love for her people, her family, and especially her brother make her a very compelling character. As she journeyed across the treacherous desert, I enjoyed how she learned about the depth of her love for her siblings. Yet Imani still has plenty of room to grow, which Maiya Ibrahim expertly navigates, as Imani must decide whether she trusts those she loves to make their own choices. 

Maiya Ibrahim writes with all the senses in mind- you’ll feel the heat of the desert, the scorch of the sun, and the smells of the misra tea. The world-building is vivid and impressively designed. I didn’t want to leave this world! Taha is such an interesting character and his interactions with Imani were intense. I absolutely cackled at her response to him at the end of the book. At the same time, Imani has a mesmerizing relationship with Qayn, a once powerful djinni with veiled motives. I’m really looking forward to learning more about Qayn and his past. 

 I’m so happy this book is not a standalone because I absolutely need to see what happens next!! Spice Road would be perfect for readers who enjoy Amélie Wen Zhao, Hafsah Faizal, and Chelsea Abdullah. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys sibling adventures, vivid magic, and compelling heroines.