Imani is a Shield, a warrior who is renowned for her fighting abilities and for her iron dagger, with which she has a special bond. Her reputation, however, has been tarnished by her older brother, Atheer. After being accused of stealing, Atheer disappeared, leaving Imani and her family heartbroken at his supposed death. When Imani finds proof that Atheer may not only be alive but fighting a war in the kingdom of Alqibah — a kingdom the Council of Qalia claim doesn't exist — she embarks on a mission to bring him back. Accompanied by Taha, a rival Shield who holds a grudge, and Qayn, a magical djinni whose long past holds many secrets, Imani must discover how far she's willing to go to reunite her family. Maiya Ibrahim's Spice Road is a magical debut and a thrilling start to the Spice Road trilogy.

One of the novel's most interesting features is the city of ...