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In Qalia, a hidden city in the desert, secret Spice magic awakens affinities in those who drink misra tea. Seventeen-year-old Imani holds an affinity for iron, wielding a dagger like no other warrior and garnering her the reputation as the next greatest Shield when it comes to battling the dangerous djinn, ghouls, and other monsters lurking in the sands beyond the city limits. However, her reputation has been overshadowed by her brother, who tarnished the family name after he was discovered stealing their nation’s coveted spice. He disappeared soon after and was believed to have died beyond the Forbidden Wastes, lost to the throes of magical obsession.

Imani has struggled with feelings of betrayal and grief ever since her brother’s disappearance, but when she by chance uncovers evidence that her brother may be alive and spreading their nation’s magic beyond the desert, she strikes a deal with the Council to find him and bring him back to Qalia before he can reveal their city’s location. Accompanied by Qayn, a roguish but handsome djinni, and Taha, a powerful beastseer whose magical talents are matched only by his arrogance, they set out across the desert. But there are many secrets that lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes, and Imani will have to choose for herself which path is more important to pursue: her brother or the fate of Qalia.

Spice Road fits the formula of a hit young adult fantasy. It has the right amount of adventure, travel, close-knit family drama, enemies to reluctant allies, magic, and rebellion. However, I had a hard time getting into the story. Perhaps I was in a reading slump, but for me, it felt done before — from its grandiose, over-dramatic plot tropes to its angsty characters.

However, I did love the setting and the world-building, and I do believe that’s where the story shines. I’m a big fan of desert fantasies, so it wasn’t hard to keep my interest with the hidden world of Qalia and the concept of tea magic. If I read more in this series, I look forward to seeing how the author further unveils the story’s myths and reveals to readers even more the unique magic of its tea ceremonies.

Rated: Moderate, for frequent violence. While not necessarily graphic, there is a lot of violence and the tone is darker. A horse with a broken leg is put out of its misery against the owner’s wishes. Dead bodies are shown hanging in the gallows and Imani witnesses a young girl being led up to the gallows (though her death is not witnessed). A character falls onto a mass graveyard of bodies left to rot. A story is told of a mythological creature that devours men. Characters witness a prison camp where prisoners are worked to death. Sexual content includes a man pinning down a woman with the intention of rape before being stopped. During a pat-down, a guard seems to take pleasure in looking down a boy’s pants. Profanity includes around 2 uses of moderate language, 16 uses of mild language, and one use of the British (bl-) profanity.

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