We’re getting sequels back to back to back! Here at THP, we love YA fantasy series like there’s no tomorrow. And today, we’re cooking up a review for the second book in a trilogy: Serpent Sea by Maiya Ibrahim!
Serpent Sea is the sequel to Maiya Ibrahim’s debut YA novel, Spice Road. It picks up right after the end of book one, so go ahead and give yourself a refresher in advance. Serpent Sea follows Imani on her quest to help Qayn restore his lost crown and save her people from the Harrowlanders’ invasion.
Maiya Ibrahim’s newest release is an action-packed sequel that you don’t want to miss. Here are three things we love about Serpent Sea!
Book Overview: Serpent Sea
Content Warnings: death, family member deaths, war, violence, torture, gore, blood, injury, burning, racism, xenophobia (Read at your discretion!)
Summary: 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.
The Worldbuilding
If you enjoyed the magic system in Spice Road, then you’ll love it even more in Serpent Sea! Maiya Ibrahim builds on the use (and abuse) of misra tea, given how it enhances the user’s powers depending on their affinity. King Glaedric and the Harrowlanders now have access to the spice and are looking to find its source, which takes them straight into Imani’s homeland. Imani’s own worldview expands as she learns to surpass the limits of her magic. Impossible feats become possible.
Interwoven Stories
Another thing we love about Serpent Sea is how well each side of the war connects. Everything aligns, from Qayn’s mysterious past and Imani’s family history to Taha’s mission and Amira’s discoveries. We think this release may be one of our favorites in 2024 yet! Every story serves its purpose, no matter how brief. Imani and Taha’s missions culminate in getting Qayn to restore his crown, albeit for different reasons. And we can already imagine how some supporting characters may make their cameos in the next book.
More Hints Of Romance
Finally, the romance. Serpent Sea plays into the push-pull romances between Imani and Qayn as well as Imani and Taha. It also helps that we get the added perspective of Taha in this book compared to Spice Road with only Imani’s POV. Qayn’s as charming as ever, especially now that he can communicate with Imani through soul ties. So they’ll always be there for each other even when separated. Taha finally realizes his feelings for Imani. We don’t know what team we’re on, but that just shows how good of a love triangle it is!
From immersive worldbuilding to lovable characters, Maiya Ibrahim’s Serpent Sea takes everything we love about Spice Road and amplifies it in the sequel!
Serpent Sea by Maiya Ibrahim releases November 19th, and you can preorder a copy of it here!
Well, are you looking forward to Maiya Ibrahim’s new novel, Serpent Sea? Have you read Spice Road yet? Tell us your thoughts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
In need of more book reviews? Check them out here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MAIYA IBRAHIM:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
