★ 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. Get swept away by this romantic fantasy! 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
