Serpent Sea (Spice Road)

Serpent Sea (Spice Road)

Get swept away by the sequel to the instant Sunday Times bestseller Spice Road! In this romantic, action-packed fantasy set in an Arabian-inspired land, Imani and Taha must save their home from an invasion after the magical enchantment that hid them from the world is defeated.   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.  Praise for the Spice road series: ★ “A beautifully written, surprise-filled page-turner.” ― Kirkus Review , Starred Review ★ "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." ― Publishers Weekly , Starred Review ★ “Spellbinding magic, lush description and whirlwind action define Maiya Ibrahim's YA debut....readers will find much to admire in this powerful young woman who learns that thinking for herself is as vital as the magic she wields." ― Shelf Awareness , starred review "An epic , sandswept adventure." – Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey "With an enchanting world of tea magic and desert monsters and a thrilling quest helmed by a girl whose wit is sharper than her blades, Maiya Ibrahim’s Spice Road is a fantasy you don’t want to miss.” – Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame like Night Maiya Ibrahim is the author of Spice Road , an instant Sunday Times bestseller, as well as Serpent Sea and Spirit Lands . She graduated with a bachelor of laws from the University of Technology Sydney. When she isn't writing, reading, or spending time with her family, Maiya enjoys playing video games, gardening, and expanding her collection of rare trading cards. She lives in Sydney, Australia. 1 IMANI In long grass, the serpent is king. If the lion is wise, he will take care where he steps. This is how you become strong: by knowing where you are weak first. “Imani, it’s time.” I rouse with a gasp, Baba’s lesson fading to memory. The shadow of my twenty-two-year-old brother, Atheer, leans over me. Abovedeck, sailors call, ropes and canvas shift, the ship rocks, and long, ominous bellows reverberate across the Bay of Glass. I lay a hand over my thrumming heart and inspect the bunk below me. Our sister, Amira, two years younger than me at fifteen, is snoring in it. I sit up. “How long have I been asleep?” “A few hours. Horns are blowing in the city.” Atheer gives me room to slide down from my bunk. “We’ll find out why on the way to the stables. We need to fetch the horses.” “Is it wise for you to leave the ship when you’re the most wanted man in Taeel-Sa?” I ask him. “Glaedric’s men will be searching for you.” I sling my cloak over my shoulders, thinking of how we sprang King Glaedric’s prize prisoner from captivity last night and sank the royal ship in a blaze. But I should know my brother better by now. Brave to a fault. “We’ll be cautious.” He waits for me to pull boots onto my aching feet and check that the bandage on my neck isn’t blood-soaked. We retreat through the cramped crew quarters. “How about a tea ceremony to replenish our magic?” I suggest, sidestepping a tipped-over clay jug that smells of wine. “Better not to risk the temptation of using it in Glaedric’s city.” He glances at me sideways. “I already made that mistake.” And it got him arrested, imprisoned, and tortured. As we near the hatch leading abovedeck, the red afternoon light confirms that this Atheer is not the brother of my happy memories, in which we spar with wooden swords in the courtyard at home and later take our horses for a ride beyond Qalia’s walls. Neither is he like t