Spice Road (Spice Road Trilogy, #1) by Maiya Ibrahim
on January 24, 2023
ISBN: 0593126963
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Imani, a teen girl with a magical affinity for metal that has made her one of the best fighters in her land goes on a journey to find her brother who disappeared years ago. “Spice Road” is an Arab-inspired fantasy adventure, where drinking tea made of a specific tree bark gives the drinker power over an element. Imani believed that her brother was dead, but after hearing from a djinn that her brother is alive, she leaves her magical land to find him. There are typical YA subplots, with plot twists and an enemies-to-lovers type romance. Themes of power and privilege have Imani reevaluating what she has been taught. Clunky dialogue and an awkward first-person POV detract from the interesting setting and world-building. A suggested additional purchase for a Young Adult library collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.