Spice Road

The first book in an epic young adult romantic fantasy series set in an Arabian-inspired land with secret spice magic and rivals-to-lovers romance.

The desert city Qalia has shielded its existence - and the secrets of its magic misra tea - from outsiders for generations.

But when her brother disappears into the Forbidden Wastes, soldier Imani joins the mission sent to find him - before he can expose Qalia's magic, and face punishment for his crime.

Accompanied by her rival, the devastatingly handsome Taha, Imani soon discovers that many secrets lie beyond the shifting desert sands, and in her own heart.

Caught between her duty to her nation, her love for her brother and her growing feelings for Taha, Imani must decide where her loyalties lie . . . before it's too late.

Review

An epic, sand-swept 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, author of Blood Heir

Magic-fueled and action packed, Spice Road takes an epic quest and fills it with secrets, scorching betrayals, and a spellbinding magic system. Prepare to sink into the pages and never want to leave ― Dana Swift, author of Cast in Firelight

A beautifully written, surprise-filled page-turner ― Kirkus, starred review

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

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

Imani's introspective voice, rendered in Ibrahim's lush prose, propels a deliberately plotted adventure populated by magnetic characters. 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

Spice Road is an intriguing and adventure-filled Arabian-inspired tale that weaves together a fascinating magic system, complex characters and the complicated bonds of family ― Culturefly

Spellbinding magic, lush description and whirlwind action define Maiya Ibrahim's YA debut ― Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

Maiya Ibrahim packs a lot into her debut YA novel ... Ibrahim effectively communicates the intense, unfiltered emotions of her teenage heroine and crafts a richly detailed world around her ― SFX

About the Author

Maiya Ibrahim graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney. When she isn't writing, reading, or spending time with her family, she enjoys video games, gardening, and expanding her collection of rare trading cards. She lives in Sydney, Australia.