The daring, world-bending conclusion to Spice Road, a sweeping Arabian folklore-inspired fantasy series from critically acclaimed author Maiya Ibrahim.
New monsters have appeared after the collapse of the Spirit Lands, roaming the desert under a shattered sun and spreading across the Sahir, ruthless and hungry in their attacks. No matter how Imani and Qayn battle the monsters, it has become clear that combat will not be enough to stop the violent onslaught or solve the magical mysteries plaguing their land.
To Imani’s shock, Qayn determines there is only one way to save the Sahir and the entire mortal realm: They must venture to the home of the monsters themselves, the Everlasting Tower.
Reaching it and the shadowy Tower Lord who lives there will be Imani’s most dangerous undertaking yet, but she would never let Qayn make the journey alone. As Imani, Taha, and their group head toward their final battle, they will find that someone from Qayn’s past is seeking revenge at any cost, and secrets of love turned to madness could leave a legacy of scars if they survive—or destroy them all.
In this shocking finale to the Spice Road series, Maiya Ibrahim masterfully shows the monstrosities of a war-torn country and the dangers of power in a fantasy allegory of our time, destined to be a classic.
“An enchanting world…a fantasy you don’t want to miss.” —Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, on Spice Road
“An epic, sand-swept adventure.” ―Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey, on Spice Road
In this action-packed sequel to Spice Road, an Arabian folklore-inspired desert fantasy series, a warrior must save her home from a deadly invasion.
Imani is a magic-wielding warrior sworn to protect her land from the monsters that roam the desert. But an even worse enemy now threatens the Sahir. As the powerful Harrowlanders march south with their greatest weapon—spice magic—Imani knows it’s only a matter of time before their invasion of her land begins . . . and it will be a losing battle for her people.
But Imani also knows that one way to fight magic is with monsters. If she can restore Qayn’s stolen powers, together they can summon a supernatural army to defend the Sahir from the Harrowlanders. Forming an alliance with a djinni king is risky, but Imani will do anything to save her people, even embarking on a dangerous quest beyond the sands to find the magical jewels of Qayn’s lost crown.
As Imani journeys far from home, she will discover monsters that warriors have only heard about in myths . . . monsters that can strike at any moment. Meanwhile, her rival, Taha, has been captured and is on a dangerous mission of his own.
One wrong move could cost them their lives—and everyone they love. But they may find that there is more than meets the eye crossing the Serpent Sea . . . and betrayal cuts deeper than any dagger.
In this richly imagined Arabian-inspired fantasy told from a riveting dual perspective, critically acclaimed author Maiya Ibrahim dives into the complexities of love and war.
The first book in a sweeping fantasy series full of political intrigue, betrayal, and a complex heroine battling in an Arabian folklore-inspired land.
“An enchanting world of tea magic and desert monsters …a fantasy you don’t want to miss.” —Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom
“With vivid world-building and epic action scenes, Spice Road is a gripping fantasy adventure that YA readers are going to love!” —Lynette Noni, bestselling author of Shadow Reaper
In the hidden desert city of Qalia, there is secret spice magic that awakens the affinities of those who drink the misra tea. Sixteen-year-old Imani has the affinity for iron and is able to wield a dagger like no other warrior. She has garnered the reputation as being the next great Shield for battling djinn, ghouls, and other monsters spreading across the sands.
Her reputation has been overshadowed, however, by her brother, who tarnished the family name after it was revealed that he was stealing his nation’s coveted spice—a telltale sign of magical obsession. Soon after that, he disappeared, believed to have died beyond the Forbidden Wastes. Despite her brother’s betrayal, there isn’t a day that goes by when Imani doesn’t grieve him.
But when Imani discovers signs that her brother may be alive and spreading the nation’s magic to outsiders, she makes a deal with the Council that she will find him and bring him back to Qalia, where he will face punishment. Accompanied by other Shields, including Taha, a powerful beastseer who can control the minds of falcons, she sets out on her mission.
Imani will soon find that many secrets lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes—and in her own heart—but will she find her brother?
“An epic, sand-swept adventure.” ―Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey