Spice Road is an Arabian/West Asian YA high-fantasy novel, first in a new trilogy, and Maiya Ibrahim’s debut. It is an atmospheric tale of family, politics, magic, and the fight for what’s right. I personally found it superior to the work it’s compared to in the synopsis, and would find it more comparable to Shannon Chackraborty’s City of Brass, albeit in the context of a YA novel.

The story pulled me in right away, the atmosphere seeping through each sentence before we have even found out much about this world or these characters. The choice of audiobook narrator does deserve some of the credit in that regard I think: she was incredibly well suited to voice the MC specifically (in whose POV the story is told) and she could beautifully interpret both emotional and action scenes to the point where I truly felt like I was right there,

The world building isn’t as detailed as some fantasy readers might like, but I personally appreciated the fact that the author didn’t weigh this character-centric narrative down with too many details: the magic system is interesting, original and very well utilized both in action scenes and as part of individual characters’ motivations: the imagery is vivid; the action scenes impactful, filled with movement, magic, and with just the right dose of tension without being showy or overlong (confession: I often find fight and battle scenes terribly boring and tedious to read)
True, the dialogue could be a bit sharper, but the voices of the individual characters do come through very nicely.

Now, for a couple of things I didn’t love:
• Around the 60% mark, right after a very intriguing and much awaited development, suddenly there is a turn in narrative and a shift towards a more somber mood. All justified considering what’s happening in the book right then, however I found the shift a little abrupt; it also drastically slowed the pace for a little while, and it was a bit jarring. Not to mention that character and relationship development took a back seat for a short while, all of which contributed to pulling me out of the narrative a bit. I did get how it tied in with the overall goal of the mission and character motivations, but I thought it could have been handled better and been smoother.
• The ending turns a little preachy. I admire the character growth and the change in motivation, but both the dialogues and especially the MC’s inner monologue at the end run on a bit longer than necessary to drive home the moral of the story, IMO.

That said, I think this is an excellent debut and I’m anxiously anticipating its sequel!

4 1/2 STARS.

This book blew my mind!
I don't know why it took so long for me to read this book but i hope book two comes out soon so i can get back into this world. The main character was intreasting and i loved the idea of magic in this book. The relationship between the siblings in this book and the things they would do for there family was facinating and i rate this book 5 out of 5 i would highly reccomend.

I had both a digital and audio version of this book available to me, and I am glad I worked my way through the audio version. The young adult protagonist shone through the narration, and I could feel and empathize with her inner conflict as she worked things out.

It took me a while to finish this book, mostly because audiobooks take longer to complete. This is the first in a series, something I did not realise until I reached the very end and realised there were things that needed resolution.

Our lead protagonist is someone who belongs to a high-ranking family with money and power behind them. They live in an oasis with magic to keep them safe and flourishing. There are several levels of people who can use this magic, and the manifestation of the magic is different for each person. The magics' classification and their uses are only told to the readers as we encounter instances and uses during the course of the narration.

When we meet Imani, she is still grieving her missing brother and struggling to come to terms with her sister's rebelliousness when she ends up finding out some secrets her brother kept from her. When this information is revealed to the council, further secrets come out, things that a select few have always known. Imani is reluctantly allowed to be part of a team that sets out over the sands outside the protection of existing wards to bring back their loss. What Imani finds out once she leaves her sheltered surroundings has her questioning her own thought process and the entitlement she unknowingly lived with.

It is a simple story in some ways. The world building is done well, and the ambience is set in a manner that works well for audio narration. I could picture the sights and even the smells of the descriptions. There is less gore than some of the other books of this ilk and I would recommend it to young adults as well as adults. I would love to know how things work out, given the way the situation rests (uneasily) at the end of this work. Even if I do not read the next, this felt like a good story in itself, something that does not often happen for me in serialised works.

I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own listening experience.

Couldn't really connect with the characters in this which made it hard for me to continue. DNF'd around 20%.

Incredible debut, great love story and potentially a better summer-read, due to the setting.
Nevertheless, very curious how the story continues, will definitely read the following books. As of now, it's said to be a trilogy.
Also - if you want to read about a good sibling relationship: this is the book for you.

I've read the book before and it's one of my favorite book this year. The review will be the same because it's the same story as the book itself of course, but what İ need to give a review is the narrator. Well, i have nothing much to say other than İ enjoyed it, the intonation and the way she narrated. I loved it!!! Thanks a lot for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

"When you play, you play to win"

I listened to the whole audiobook and I'm not even sure what's the plot of the book.

Thank you NetGalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

I usually love ya books, especially fantasy but i couldn't really connect with this one. I struggled with the world building and couldnt really have a gripp on it. I couldnt also form a relationship with the characters. The synopsis really showed a premise that i couldnt find throughout the book. I still recommend it.

Having read The Stardust Thief last year, and really wanting more fantasy set outside of Europe/European-based settings, I was really hoping for exciting things from this, but I just couldn't get on with it. I'm not a DNF-er usually, but I managed about two thirds and had to give up, the story was going nowhere fast, the characters weren't interesting or even likeable - any of them, and there was so much unnecessary description and internal monologuing/agonising/considering that literally stopped action scenes in their tracks, that I wondered if the book had seen an editor.

There was a lot to this that could have worked well, the travelogue-style plot, while these can become quite repetitive and scene based as the characters go from one location to the next, I really like a travelogue plot; enemies-to-lovers romance, I still like when done well; and a quest - the search for a lost brother with the members of the search party all having different, often conflicting motives. Throw that in with magic, and Arabian Nights-style adventure and it's a winning formula right?

Erm no, not for me.

Red flags: I know enemies-to-lovers is a popular trope, and it's YA, so there HAS to be romance, but the main relationship was such a bad relationship, I was really rooting for one of them to get some real-world common sense and just talk to each other like people and snap out of it! With the world and level of experience of fighting they had, Taha seemed far to old to be still playing class bully and getting away with it, with his friends sniping and snickering in the background, but the odd comment that wasn't an outright horrible one to Amira, and suddenly she finds him attractive, that's a toxic, outright abusive relationship right there, where the woman still feels for the man because for one minute out of each day he doesn't treat her like rubbish...but it's written like we're meant to root for them.

It's probably more to do with how the book is written, and how I couldn't engage with it, than the narration, but the audiobook dragged, even when I sped it up to 1.5x speed. I really couldn't finish it, and wish I had some text examples to explain why a bit better, but I can't face trawling through it right now, I'll update my review should I finish the book and/or go back to further illustrate why I thought this didn't work for me personally.

Spice Road is a YA fantasy debut that you won't want to miss. If you're a fan of authors such as Sabaa Tahir and Hafsah Faizal you won't be disappointed. This book is pure magic, it is a fun, adventure packed story that will keep you gripped throughout. The storyline is truly wonderful and enjoyable, I liked the characters and their development throughout, as well as the worldbuilding. I have seen comparisons to The Daevabad Trilogy but please keep in mind that this is a YA story, not adult.

If you're looking for a Middle Eastern inspired story with great characters, an interesting magic system and adventure then add this one to your tbr immediately.

I received an Audiobook ALC of this work from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a rather awkward listen as I thought there was a massive dissonance between content and production. When I first started reading it, the story seemed like an action-packed high fantasy novel. However, Pattani's narration was so gentle and sentimental it sapped all of the energy out from the narrative and made it into something very different from what I was expecting.

A stunning book with a matching performance by the audiobook narrator, Spice Road is an adventure that will keep you hooked from the beginning to end

A brilliant and captivating read which was full of adventure, I would definitely recommend as after a slow start it really drew you in, and made you want to finch it in one sitting.

Thank you to net gallery for giving me the opportunity to get an advance listen.

This is how to do an epic adventure in the right way. I was worried with so much travelling, it would drag a bit, but it was filled with action on every page. It really led to highlight the distance between the two nations and the scope of the sands between them.

Imani's journey was interesting. I've books before where the character discovers that they're living in a place of privilege and that maybe not everything they've been told is true, but I've never felt every revelation and ever moment of questioning so deeply. I could see every step of the journey that Imani was going on.

The narrator was a good reader, but I was left wanting a little. She didn't really do many voices and it was hard to tell which character was which especially between the female characters. I was disappointed because other than that she was good at reading and putting expression into the text.

There are so many things I want to know more about and so many things I'm excited to see in the next book. This was a fantastic start to a new series.

"Spice Road" is an audiobook with a good narrator, whose voice gives off great vibes which help the listener get settled-in the mystical Quali world. The plot of the book revolves around Imani, and her sister, Amani, who embark on an adventure to locate their presumed deceased brother, Atheer. Their journey revolves around their quest and the challenges they encounter during their travels in a world filled-in magic, djins, and many more creatures waiting to be discovered. The story is mostly set in the desert, which makes for a great backdrop for the many exciting adventures that unfold.

The book is well-narrated, with the narrator's voice fitting the geographical setting, giving a great feel for the story's location. The story itself is entertaining, with plenty of action and excitement. While most of the adventures are fun and exciting, with plenty of suspense and mystery, the magic system in the book is not so well-explained, leaving readers with a lot of questions.

The writing style is fast-paced at the start and end of the book, making for an exciting beginning, and a satisfying conclusion until volume 2 will be published. What did not stick to well with me was the overall pacing of the story, which is fairly even paced, and which can make the story feel a bit slow at times. Overall, the book is a good read, especially for fantasy and desert-society world-building fans. The lack of a well-explained magic system can be a bit frustrating for readers who want to know more about the book's world, but hopefully there’s more to come in volume 2!

Special thanks to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton Audio, Hodder & Stoughton, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #SpiceRoad #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

This was an engrossing fantasy/magical adventure inspired by Arabian mythology. I found it a good mixture of action, emotion, family bonds, beautiful worlds, danger and excitement.

Imani, from whose pov the story is told, is one of the best, possibly the best Shields of her country Qalia. She has an affinity to iron and wields a sword well enough to have earned the right to be called Slayer of djinnis and other monsters that pose a danger to her people. They have been blessed with the magic of the misra tea which gives them the ability to protect themselves and their land from whatever is beyond the forbidden wastes that surrounds their beautiful country. Governed by a council that controls the use of the magic, they want for nothing. Imani herself comes from one of the prestigious clans that is much revered in the land. Until her brother Atheer vanishes in a cloud of suspicions about stealing the misra and sneaking it to the outside world and is then thought dead. On finding a clue that Atheer may actually be still alive, Imani sets off to find him and bring him back, a mission she is accompanied on by her nemesis Taha and a djinni Qayn, one of the very kind she is sworn to slay who promises to help her in her quest.

I liked that Imani is not the usual perfect, know it all heroine who is the only one who senses the truth and guides everyone else. Here she comes from a place of privilege that blinds her somewhat to the struggles of those for whom merit is not enough to do well in life. The fact that her perspective changes based on what she sees and learns on the harrowing journey to save her brother was very interesting. Her ideas about honour and duty and the importance of obeying rules undergo a change as she perceives a reality bigger than her own and her field of concern increases. She is uneasy at the discovery that she has been screened from a lot of ugly truths because of the lofty clan she belongs to and the conflict in her mind forms a big part of the narrative and the decisions she makes. The growth in her character was a very positive aspect of the story. I liked her sister Amira for her rebellious, even somewhat bratty nature and the way she persisted in sharing her views about the situation with Imani.

The magic was intriguing and because I'm not someone who enjoys fights on every second page, the amount in this one was perfect. I liked that the encounters with treacherous creatures was not repetitive. A lot of the danger was very cleverly thought up. The mystery that hangs over both Taha and Qayn and Imani's confusion as well as pull to both of them was well done. This is the first book in the series so there is a promise of this part of the story being further explored. Another theme that was prominent is the need to both know what is happening beyond one's narrow field of vision and act against oppression against anyone.

It's quite a big book. I listened to the audiobook which was done well although I did feel that the accent was a little too English for this story. It sounded very incongruous in places when the clearly middle eastern terms and names were pronounced in a very foreign way though by itself the voice was pleasing. It's more of a horses for courses thing that struck me when I was listening.

I'm relatively new to fantasy and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this debut novel. I'm looking forward to the sequel to get reacquainted with Imani and her fellow travellers. I would like to express my thanks to Netgalley and Hodder &Stoughton audio for the advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Ok... I enjoyed this. I listened to the audio book and read along, I think this really helped with how I perceived the book, it was narrated well.

I enjoyed the sass that oozed from the Djinn, I enjoyed the adventure and the family aspect. The plot was thick and well driven, the magic is an interesting concept and I liked how it was woven in.

I found I was desperate for more world-building and character depth, as much as the plot held its own, it was missing that extra something something to just teeter my brain into imagination mode. The audio was paced really well and for a debut of a trilogy I look forward to seeing how Ibrahim adapts and weaves the story and hopefully really delves into the world-building and characters.

WOW! Spice Road had me hooked right from the start. It's got lots of wonderful story elements all coming together to form one epic tale. I can't tell you how desperate I am to get the next book in the series when it is released and find out what happens next.

The story begins in Qalia, a hidden land hidden within Sahir. In Qalia life is abundant in many ways through the help of magic. Magic that they must keep secret from those around them (those they know of and those not known). Magic is imbued in a person through a tea ceremony - drinking misra.

The main character Imani is one for whom great change and learning happens throughout the book. Her understanding or, at times, naïve misunderstanding of the world around her has her battling with her own thoughts as well as doubting and questions the motives of others.

Atheer, Imani's brother is missing and presumed dead. Their younger sister Amari has not given up hope. A sign takes the sisters outside of the world they know and into a perilous world that Imani has no understanding of. They go off in search of Atheer. Quested amongst them are several others including arrogant and stubborn Taha who seems to be on his own mission at every turn. Although Taha's behaviour leaves Imani, hopeful and confused.

I don't want to say too much more and give away spoilers, but it's brilliant and if you love magic and adventure set in the backdrop of the Arabian desert this book is for you. It had me absolutely rapt and I was urgently trying to find time in my days to be able to listen to the audio.

It's a YA read but one that would be suitable for a youngish audience +.

Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim is a lush, high-stakes fantasy that has you hooked from start to finish. I was so surprised to learn this was Ibrahim’s debut novel, as it is so expertly crafted. With the current state of the YA fantasy genre being full to the brim with ‘curses’, ‘courts’ and ‘crowns’ (which I admittedly eat up every time), the plot of Spice Road stands out as a distinct Arabian-inspired fantasy interwoven with political elements that a lot of people are going to love.

That being said, whilst the plot remained fresh and strong, other elements of the novel let it down slightly. Both the ‘not like other girls’ FMC and the love triangle felt very 2010’s YA. Imani’s naivety makes sense when the story starts, but it reaches a point where it becomes more than frustrating. She has multiple internal monologues reflecting on her treatment of others and biases, and how she must work to correct this, but then does it all over again. I really hope in book 2 this is something she grows out of and actually does start to question her authority and her place of privilege.

Krupa Pattani’s narration was fantastic. She did such a good job with all of the different character’s voices, and I hope she gets to narrate the other books in the trilogy.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an Audio ARC. All opinions are my own.

Absolutely fantastic book which gave me The City of Brass vibes and was an absolute journey that I was so thrilled to be taking. This book had some fantastic characters and what I loved, including the Middle East setting was also the introduction of this fantastical land and sorcery and magic. The main character Amira was fantastic. She was so strong but also went on a journey of discovery. Understanding that what she knew to be true would be brought into question. I found this book to be so engaging from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. It was an absolute treat to read and so much so that I have bought a special edition copy with sprayed edges because I can't not have this book on my shelf. This is the first in a series and I can't wait for the second book to find out what happens next. Amira and Kane who are my favourite characters have developed so much over the course of this book and Kane being a morally grey character has to be my absolute favourite. He is wonderful. So if you're into fantasy Middle East based books such as The City of Brass, then this book is for you.