5 Words: Magic, desert, war, family, secrets. 
 Why didn't I read this sooner? It was Fantastic! I read it in one sitting. 
 The truth is that there was a lot of hype surrounding this book. And I'm often put off by the hype because sometimes the most hyped books are the most disappointing. But I am very happy to say that this was not the case with this book. I eventually picked it up after hearing the author talk at YA Shot about the Blue Eyed Bandit and I knew then that I needed this story. 
 There were parts of Amani's character that I didn't like, which is all to the good. "Perfect" characters are just the worst, and her flaws made her all the more real and relatable. I loved the journey that she took, both physically and figuratively, and I loved how her character changed accordingly. 
 Reading this book made me incredibly thirsty. Reading about the desert settings, with such vivid and evocative descriptions, my own tongue felt as though it was dry, my own lips cracked. 
 I did feel like the ending was a little abrupt. I wanted to read on and kept trying to turn the page once more, but it wasn't a devastating cliff-hanger. I loved the last line. I'm happy to wait it out until the next book. Content. Ish. 
 I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone. Just make sure you have a huge bottle of water to quench your thirst and a whole day free because you will be compelled to read it in one sitting.