At the start of this gripping fantasy-series opener, readers meet Imani, whose brother is thought to be dead--a fate her family reluctantly accepts, since his reputation was sullied by rumors of a magical addiction. After coming across a djinn who claims that her brother is still alive, Imani takes off on a perilous adventure to a land plagued with evils, both monster and human. Throughout her journey, Imani is forced to reckon with some hard truths about her brother, her home, and the land beyond. Ibrahim's debut is lovingly crafted with complicated characters and a complex world. With luscious imagery, Spice Road easily draws readers into the desert world and doesn't let go until the very last page. This trilogy starter is a hefty tome, and it's more expository than plot driven, which might intimidate some readers; however, the setup promises an explosive next installment. With undeniably good writing and care, Ibrahim's novel is a testament to her dedication, time, and love, and that will surely resonate with readers.

Ibrahim's superbly written fantasy debut, the first in a series, follows 17-year-old Imani on a quest to find her missing, traitorous older brother. Imani is the youngest Shield in history, an individual who wields magic to combat djinn and other mythical beings threatening the safety of the hidden desert city, Qalia. But when her older brother, Atheer, flees with mystical Qalia secrets, labeling him a traitor, Imani's reputation is tarnished. Though he's assumed dead, when Imani discovers evidence that he might be alive, she must journey to the Forbidden Wastes to bring him home and secure Qalia's secrets from the world beyond the city. With the help of a djinn named Qayn, Imani sets off with a group that includes her younger sister, Amira, and her nemesis Taha, 18, who believes Imani may facilitate Atheer's escape. The further the group travels into the Forbidden Wastes, the more they learn about the real state of Qalia, and Atheer's reasoning for running away. Imani's introspective voice, rendered in Ibrahim's lush prose, propels a deliberately plotted adventure populated by magnetic characters. Overflowing with culturally specific details and set in a fictional, Arabian-inspired world, this high-octane adventure maintains a steady clip toward a scintillating conclusion. Ages 14--up. Agent: Pete Knapp, Park & Fine Literary and Media. (Jan.)

Seventeen-year-old Imani leaves the only world she's ever known to bring home her disgraced older brother in this fantasy adventure. Sahir is a place of magic, isolated from other nations and threatened only by the monsters that live in the magic-free wasteland known as the Swallowing Sands. Heartbroken by her beloved brother Atheer's assumed death, Imani throws herself into her work as a member of the Shields, protecting her city of Qalia from these outside threats. She's aided by the magical properties of Spice, a tea made from the bark of the ancient misra tree that temporarily allows those who consume it to control whichever element of the land they have an affinity for. When Imani finds herself face to face with the djinn Qayn, who claims Atheer is alive and assisting a rebellion in a country across the Swallowing Sands, she persuades the ruling Council of Al-Zahim to let her journey to this unknown land and bring him back. Ibrahim's worldbuilding is fresh, with an exciting premise that not only promises a tantalizing romance, but explores classism, privilege, and a debate on the human responsibility to support those who are powerless. The novel is heavily influenced by Arab cultures with elements like food (for example, manakish and bamya) and representations of everyday life, like smoking shisha and discussing politics, that feel authentic and natural. All main characters have traditionally Arabic names with varying physical descriptors that speak to the diversity within the Arab world. A beautifully written, surprise-filled page-turner. (Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 7 Up--It has been a year since Imani's brother disappeared. Since then, she has become a legendary Shield, a magical warrior that protects Qalia from the monsters that lurk in the Forbidden Wastes and beyond. When one such monster, a handsome Djinni named Qayn, says her brother is alive and that he knows where to find him, she illegally binds Qayn to herself and asks the Council for permission to venture beyond the Wastes to bring him back. However, her brother may have shared the key to their magic, exposing and endangering Qalia to the outsiders. To rescue him, the Council makes her go with three others, including Taha, her pompous Shield mate and possible love interest. Magic, monsters, and betrayals are at every turn in this Arabian-inspired fantasy. Middle Eastern culture is beautifully infused into the world, with vivid descriptions and ceremonies. However, character emotions and reputations are not described in such detail, instead being stated directly, with little expression or action to show for it. Both love interests have complexity and depth. While there is plenty of action and twists to keep the story moving, it is largely laying foundation for future installments. VERDICT This is perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes and angsty, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a good series opener with plenty of twists and betrayals sure to come.--Elisha Sheffer