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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I got this book in my first Fairyloot just as I was arriving on the Bookstagram scene and oh my god did this book rock my world. I was sucked in from page one. Couldn't put it down for the whole two days it took me to read it and even after that I was still trapped on the planet of Andala.
It's been described as a space opera and the Star Wars fanatic in me wholeheartedly agrees. It has everything - a deep and rich culture; a history that feels older than the universe; amazing, solid characters; forbidden romance; secrets that could mean life or death; and the vastness of space. I have raved about this book since day one and I will rave about it until the end of time.
As soon as I found out there would be a sequel I have been scouring the web for more info because I. NEED. MORE. Of Amani. Of Idris. Of Arinaas and Maram and the Vathek. This book has a permanent spot on my shelf.
It's been described as a space opera and the Star Wars fanatic in me wholeheartedly agrees. It has everything - a deep and rich culture; a history that feels older than the universe; amazing, solid characters; forbidden romance; secrets that could mean life or death; and the vastness of space. I have raved about this book since day one and I will rave about it until the end of time.
As soon as I found out there would be a sequel I have been scouring the web for more info because I. NEED. MORE. Of Amani. Of Idris. Of Arinaas and Maram and the Vathek. This book has a permanent spot on my shelf.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This Moroccan-inspired story captured me immediately from the first page. The writing is amazing and Somaiya Daud really brought the characters to life. I felt Amani's pain as she was ripped from her family.
The idea of doppelgangers was so interesting and was played very well. One of my favorite parts of the book were the interactions between Amani and Maram. The growth between the two characters into some semblance of friends was done beautifully and so it was heartbreaking when an outside force negatively impacted the relationship.
Admittedly, the initial set up didn't appeal to me. The opening scene read like so many dystopian scenes I've read before. However, I was so intrigued by the culture and the coming of age ceremony that it kept me hooked. I can't remember the last time I was heart broken over the MC being pulled into the plot of the novel.
Overall, she crafted amazing characters that kept me engaged, despite the misgivings I had about the set up and the setting of the story. Sci-fi is never my shtick, so when I realized it takes place on another planet, I cringed inwardly.
While we learned so much about Amani's culture and the Vathek culture, I do wish we had some more about the world itself. The setting felt like it was set in the past, except for a few instances where technology was used and it pulled me out of the story.
Of course this is the start of a trilogy/series and so there's plenty of more space for worldbuilding. I do appreciate that we learned small details rather than info-dumping everything in the first chapter.
Overall the story was vibrant and heartwrenching and intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
This Moroccan-inspired story captured me immediately from the first page. The writing is amazing and Somaiya Daud really brought the characters to life. I felt Amani's pain as she was ripped from her family.
The idea of doppelgangers was so interesting and was played very well. One of my favorite parts of the book were the interactions between Amani and Maram. The growth between the two characters into some semblance of friends was done beautifully and so it was heartbreaking when an outside force negatively impacted the relationship.
Admittedly, the initial set up didn't appeal to me. The opening scene read like so many dystopian scenes I've read before. However, I was so intrigued by the culture and the coming of age ceremony that it kept me hooked. I can't remember the last time I was heart broken over the MC being pulled into the plot of the novel.
Overall, she crafted amazing characters that kept me engaged, despite the misgivings I had about the set up and the setting of the story. Sci-fi is never my shtick, so when I realized it takes place on another planet, I cringed inwardly.
While we learned so much about Amani's culture and the Vathek culture, I do wish we had some more about the world itself. The setting felt like it was set in the past, except for a few instances where technology was used and it pulled me out of the story.
Of course this is the start of a trilogy/series and so there's plenty of more space for worldbuilding. I do appreciate that we learned small details rather than info-dumping everything in the first chapter.
Overall the story was vibrant and heartwrenching and intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
a bit too lovey dovey for my taste. loved the "sisterhood" between our girls. certainly gonna read the second book.
Really like the idea behind the book, of someone who looks like the princess taking her place as a body double. Book has some interesting twists that I actually really like. If the sequel was out it would already be in my hand. Sadly I have to wait like another year to see what happens next. :(
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
* I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of the book.
Mirage is a Moroccan inspired tale about eighteen-year-old Amani’s dream of travelling the world almost comes true when the Vathek empire kidnaps her. She discovers she looks virtually identical to the half Vathek Princess. A princess so hated by the public that Amani is forced to become her body double, should someone take aim. Amani’s life is on the line as she must mirror the princess to perfection.
Where most would have failed to bring to life these characters, Daud flourishes. Each and every single one had such a strong and exciting presence. Amani and her reluctant friendship with Maram. Amani adjusting to her new role and lifestyle. The entire world and its system are so genuinely amazing. I dived into this thinking it was just a fantasy, but I was utterly surprised away by the sci-fi elements. It is absolutely fantastic. I truly enjoyed Maram, our stone cold princess whom Amani must mirror, the most. Perhaps this is the first time I’m genuinely captivated the villain. Don’t get me wrong, I hated her, but she is so exciting. The relationship dynamic between the two girls were so compelling and fascinating.
This book amazingly showcases the topic of family, culture and tradition. It addresses colonialism and the erasure of cultures and religions via oppression. It is a bit slower than what you’d expect for a fantasy, focusing on exploring the relationships as Amani has to decide whom she can trust but its character interactions and court politics scenes were some of the best in the book.
The books biggest downfall, but wasn’t as weak as it could’ve been, is the romance. Where most books fail is where Daud succeeded was making sure the romance wasn’t the be all and end all of this entire book. Everything else in is this book was so good that the romance, for me, was merely eclipsed that everything else that was good. It still worked in a way that didn’t overpower the narrative. But Amani and Idris can still tug at one’s heartstrings. Hell, even my cons of this book aren’t honestly cons.
Overall, Mirage is a solid debut which kicked off the duology with a strong narrative in a world of magic and danger. The danger and adventure Amani faces in this court that holds her prisoner makes Mirage an utterly captivating read.
Mirage is a Moroccan inspired tale about eighteen-year-old Amani’s dream of travelling the world almost comes true when the Vathek empire kidnaps her. She discovers she looks virtually identical to the half Vathek Princess. A princess so hated by the public that Amani is forced to become her body double, should someone take aim. Amani’s life is on the line as she must mirror the princess to perfection.
Where most would have failed to bring to life these characters, Daud flourishes. Each and every single one had such a strong and exciting presence. Amani and her reluctant friendship with Maram. Amani adjusting to her new role and lifestyle. The entire world and its system are so genuinely amazing. I dived into this thinking it was just a fantasy, but I was utterly surprised away by the sci-fi elements. It is absolutely fantastic. I truly enjoyed Maram, our stone cold princess whom Amani must mirror, the most. Perhaps this is the first time I’m genuinely captivated the villain. Don’t get me wrong, I hated her, but she is so exciting. The relationship dynamic between the two girls were so compelling and fascinating.
This book amazingly showcases the topic of family, culture and tradition. It addresses colonialism and the erasure of cultures and religions via oppression. It is a bit slower than what you’d expect for a fantasy, focusing on exploring the relationships as Amani has to decide whom she can trust but its character interactions and court politics scenes were some of the best in the book.
The books biggest downfall, but wasn’t as weak as it could’ve been, is the romance. Where most books fail is where Daud succeeded was making sure the romance wasn’t the be all and end all of this entire book. Everything else in is this book was so good that the romance, for me, was merely eclipsed that everything else that was good. It still worked in a way that didn’t overpower the narrative. But Amani and Idris can still tug at one’s heartstrings. Hell, even my cons of this book aren’t honestly cons.
Overall, Mirage is a solid debut which kicked off the duology with a strong narrative in a world of magic and danger. The danger and adventure Amani faces in this court that holds her prisoner makes Mirage an utterly captivating read.
emotional
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
*read as 'Stefon' from SNL*
If you want a book that's kind of fun but not going to hurt your brain, all while supporting female authors of color, look no further. Literature's hottest new book is "Mirage", which answers the question, "How do I read a slightly-creative retelling of The Prince and the Pauper?"
This book has everything: Robots, family feuds, galactic empires and space travel, Middle Eastern words sprinkled into the text so you learn a little but it's not too painful, a bitchy princess that you figure out may just be misunderstood. And for you thirsty folks out there, Mirage has just enough romantic tension and erotic poetry to keep your interest PEAKED and LEAKED! And what's that over there, repetitive dialogue and overly-complex world-building that's REALLY hard to keep straight? Yes, plus there's a homoerotic undertone and superfluous chin grabbing that'll make you wonder, "Do they need to be grabbing this girl's chin so much? Or did they just want to write a book with chin-grabbing and then make it about something..."
This spring, don't be caught without this YA novel that you kind of want to read, but at the same time are like, "If I don't finish this...meh?"
If you want a book that's kind of fun but not going to hurt your brain, all while supporting female authors of color, look no further. Literature's hottest new book is "Mirage", which answers the question, "How do I read a slightly-creative retelling of The Prince and the Pauper?"
This book has everything: Robots, family feuds, galactic empires and space travel, Middle Eastern words sprinkled into the text so you learn a little but it's not too painful, a bitchy princess that you figure out may just be misunderstood. And for you thirsty folks out there, Mirage has just enough romantic tension and erotic poetry to keep your interest PEAKED and LEAKED! And what's that over there, repetitive dialogue and overly-complex world-building that's REALLY hard to keep straight? Yes, plus there's a homoerotic undertone and superfluous chin grabbing that'll make you wonder, "Do they need to be grabbing this girl's chin so much? Or did they just want to write a book with chin-grabbing and then make it about something..."
This spring, don't be caught without this YA novel that you kind of want to read, but at the same time are like, "If I don't finish this...meh?"
At the beginning I wasn’t sure if I would like this but after a few chapters I was so hooked on this book! This book is amazing. I stayed up half the night because I couldn’t stop reading! The writing is beautiful and so well done. The development of Amani and the other characters was perfect. This author has talent!
ANNNNND I just saw that the sequel doesn’t come out until May of 2020. 😩
ANNNNND I just saw that the sequel doesn’t come out until May of 2020. 😩
4.25 stars
read on my blog
A few of my friends who I trust entirely for book recs talked about Mirage CONSTANTLY, so I knew I had to check this book out. When I saw the sign-ups for this blog tour, I knew I had to jump on this chance! And I was not disappointed: Mirage was beautiful.
This book is so so amazing on so many levels. First, it's a fantasy set in a science fiction world, if that makes sense. Daud has created this entire fantastical setting rooted in Moroccan history and set in space. The worldbuilding, for me, was one of the best parts; I loved reading about Amani and her ancestral traditions, traditions made forbidden by the stifling Vathek empire. I also really liked the relationship between Amani and Maram, for whom she is the body double. They both help each other grow in an unexpected way. Also, the romance in this book was cute, if not a little insta-lovey.
I particularly loved the influence of religion and religious works. Amani loves the poetry of Massinia, and we get to read some of it. Some of these lines stood out to me:
One of the paraphrased quotes:
This poetry, as Amani says, is one of the few ways her people can hold onto their culture. The oppression under the Vathek empire is a central point of the book, but Daud writes the real suffering, the true ache these people feel, so subtly.
Daud's writing is by far one of the standout aspects. And the fact that this is her debut? Astounding. Every sentence is so lyrical, so poetic. I really loved the lushness of it all.
My real issue with this book, though I shouldn't really use the word issue, was that everything felt so . . . similarly intense? Like, on a scale from 1 to 10, I would say the entire book rests at a 5 with no real deviation. Yes, the writing is beautiful and I loved it, but plot wise, it felt a little complacent. This book was by no means boring, but I wish it had more peaks and troughs in its intensity.
Mirage is magical and atmospheric and mesmerizing. The writing is phenomenal, and the worldbuilding is exquisite. I wholeheartedly recommend it, so pick it up this Tuesday!
read on my blog
A few of my friends who I trust entirely for book recs talked about Mirage CONSTANTLY, so I knew I had to check this book out. When I saw the sign-ups for this blog tour, I knew I had to jump on this chance! And I was not disappointed: Mirage was beautiful.
This book is so so amazing on so many levels. First, it's a fantasy set in a science fiction world, if that makes sense. Daud has created this entire fantastical setting rooted in Moroccan history and set in space. The worldbuilding, for me, was one of the best parts; I loved reading about Amani and her ancestral traditions, traditions made forbidden by the stifling Vathek empire. I also really liked the relationship between Amani and Maram, for whom she is the body double. They both help each other grow in an unexpected way. Also, the romance in this book was cute, if not a little insta-lovey.
I particularly loved the influence of religion and religious works. Amani loves the poetry of Massinia, and we get to read some of it. Some of these lines stood out to me:
Our souls will return home, we will return
We will set our feet in the rose of the citadel
One of the paraphrased quotes:
You are not defined by the men in your life, no matter how powerful. You lived before them and you shall live after them. You can't let them determine your path.
This poetry, as Amani says, is one of the few ways her people can hold onto their culture. The oppression under the Vathek empire is a central point of the book, but Daud writes the real suffering, the true ache these people feel, so subtly.
Daud's writing is by far one of the standout aspects. And the fact that this is her debut? Astounding. Every sentence is so lyrical, so poetic. I really loved the lushness of it all.
My real issue with this book, though I shouldn't really use the word issue, was that everything felt so . . . similarly intense? Like, on a scale from 1 to 10, I would say the entire book rests at a 5 with no real deviation. Yes, the writing is beautiful and I loved it, but plot wise, it felt a little complacent. This book was by no means boring, but I wish it had more peaks and troughs in its intensity.
Mirage is magical and atmospheric and mesmerizing. The writing is phenomenal, and the worldbuilding is exquisite. I wholeheartedly recommend it, so pick it up this Tuesday!