Rebel of the Sands

The desert kingdom of Miraji may be ruled by humans now, but there are still lingering traces of the djinn and other magical creatures who were once the only power in the land.  But Amani's hometown, Dustwalk, is anything but magical.  The small town on the edge of the kingdom is only still around because of the munitions factory there.

When she was young, Amani taught herself how to shoot, so no one would be able to take advantage of her.  She's been living with her aunt, uncle, and cousins since her mother's execution, but she's not exactly a welcome visitor.  When she overhears her uncle suggesting Amani should become his next wife, she knows she has to get out.

She enters a dangerous shooting competition where she meets a handsome foreigner named Jin.  She never imagined this stranger would be her ticket out of Dustwalk.  Now she's on the run from the murderous sultan's army with a traitor to the kingdom.

Amani thought she knew who she was and what she wanted, but there are new revelations, romance, and magic awaiting her on this whirlwind adventure through a desert country on the verge of revolution.

Alwyn Hamilton's series opener is full of adventure and romance.  Highly recommended for readers who enjoy their fantasy with a little romance.  Grades 7 and up for a few instances of profanity.