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sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Gore, Racism, Sexual violence, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Slavery, Torture, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and War
typedtruths's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
phoenix2's review against another edition
4.0
Spice Road is a fantasy YA adventure that was better than I expected. It was actually all I wanted from 'An Ember in the Ashes' with a taste of 'The Dune' to boot. And even though the magic system was only brushed off (I'm betting that it will be more in depth explored in the second book), it was unique and interesting to learn about.
Also, the author did a great job creating beautiful images that felt like watching a movie, as they were perfectly fleshed out. The main character was, in addition, a refreshing one to read about, as she wasn't the typical extraordinary heroine who is better than everyone. Rather, she started out believing that she was, only for her beliefs to be crashed when she understood the nepotism that was taking place.
The book, moreover, did a good job coming through with the messages it wanted to pass on without being preachy and tiring the reader. Rather, everything naturally blends with the story, as the reader discovers the unfairness of the world through the main lead's eyes.
On the other hand, I didn't really like the love interest, but the author handled him smoothly in the end, so I can't say that he was redeemed in the end from being a bully. The sister, too, was extra annoying!
Finally, the story was entertaining and had a brilliant pace.
Also, the author did a great job creating beautiful images that felt like watching a movie, as they were perfectly fleshed out. The main character was, in addition, a refreshing one to read about, as she wasn't the typical extraordinary heroine who is better than everyone. Rather, she started out believing that she was, only for her beliefs to be crashed when she understood the nepotism that was taking place.
The book, moreover, did a good job coming through with the messages it wanted to pass on without being preachy and tiring the reader. Rather, everything naturally blends with the story, as the reader discovers the unfairness of the world through the main lead's eyes.
On the other hand, I didn't really like the love interest, but the author handled him smoothly in the end, so I can't say that he was redeemed in the end from being a bully. The sister, too, was extra annoying!
Finally, the story was entertaining and had a brilliant pace.
tmonti45's review against another edition
4.0
4.5. Loved the Arabian fantasy aspect. Excited for the the rest of the series.
taty_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Good story. The descriptions and world building are great. And the plot really carried the story and didn’t disappoint. The characters were good but I wanted more depth to them. And the FMC ugh….she has a lot of growing up to do. MMC needs to go no contact with his toxic father.
nyx_transfem_of_the_night's review against another edition
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
inferiorcaitlin's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this. But found it nonsensical
mweir710's review against another edition
4.0
I quite enjoyed this read and felt like the plot picked up whenever I may have started to lose interest, which tells me the pacing was good overall. I’m not sure I “loved” any of the characters; however sometimes I think that’s because their humanness peeks through. I don’t think this book deserves one star by any means (but to each their own); but I do hope that the author picks up more detailed world and history/story building as it’s a bit lacking in this first book and has the possibility of adding a lot more depth for the reader.
priya_amrev's review against another edition
2.0
Taha’s an absolute ass and Imani is self centered and idiotic
Tayn is semi interesting and if I continued reading it would only be to find out about him
Tayn is semi interesting and if I continued reading it would only be to find out about him