by Maiya Ibrahim (Author)

★ THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ★ Raised to protect her nation from the monsters lurking in the sands, sixteen-year-old Imani must fight to find her brother, whose betrayal is now the country's greatest threat.

In the hidden desert city of Qalia, there is secret spice magic that awakens the affinities of those who drink the misra tea. Sixteen-year-old Imani has the affinity for iron and is able to wield a dagger like no other warrior. She has garnered the reputation as being the next great Shield for battling djinn, ghouls, and other monsters spreading across the sands. 

Her reputation has been overshadowed, however, by her brother, who tarnished the family name after it was revealed that he was stealing his nation's coveted spice—a telltale sign of magical obsession. Soon after that, he disappeared, believed to have died beyond the Forbidden Wastes. Despite her brother’s betrayal, there isn’t a day that goes by when Imani doesn’t grieve him. 

But when Imani discovers signs that her brother may be alive and spreading the nation's magic to outsiders, she makes a deal with the Council that she will find him and bring him back to Qalia, where he will face punishment. Accompanied by other Shields, including Taha, a powerful beastseer who can control the minds of falcons, she sets out on her mission. 

Imani will soon find that many secrets lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes—and in her own heart—but will she find her brother?

"An epic, sand-swept adventure." ― Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey

★ “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

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B531D8TN

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Delacorte Press (January 24, 2023)

Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 24, 2023

Language ‏ : ‎ English

File ‏ : ‎MOBI , 12.28 MB

Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled

Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported

Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled

X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled

Print length ‏ : ‎ 458 pages