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THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Control the spice. Control the kingdom.

‘An epic, sand-swept adventure’ Ayana Gray

In the hidden desert city of Qalia, secret spice magic awakens the affinities of those who drink the misra tea. With her affinity for iron, seventeen-year-old Imani can wield a dagger like no other – and for that she has gained a reputation as the next greatest Shield, battling djinn, ghouls, and the other monsters spreading across the sands.

But ever since her brother was discovered stealing their nation’s coveted spice – a tell-tale sign of magical obsession – and disappeared into the deadly Forbidden Wastes, Imani’s reputation has been in tatters. Despite Atheer’s betrayal, there isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t grieve him.

Then Imani discovers signs her brother may be alive, and spreading their nation’s magic to outsiders. Desperate to find him – and to protect him – she joins the mission sent to hunt him down. Accompanied by Taha, a powerful beastseer, who enthrals and enrages her in equal measure, Imani soon discovers that many secrets lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes – and in her own heart.

Caught between her duty to her nation, and her love for her brother, Imani must decide where her loyalties lie . . . before it is too late.

The first in an epic fantasy series for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal and Elizabeth Lim, set in an Arabian-inspired land.

‘An enchanting world of tea magic and desert monsters ‘ Amelie Wen Zhao

‘A gripping fantasy adventure that YA readers are going to love!’ Lynette Noni

‘Soul-stirring’ London Shah

Publisher 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 * Amelie 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 *