Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I received an advance reader copy while attending ALA. I am loving the non-European based fantasy that is being released. Mirage is Moroccan inspired fantasy, with a light scifi touch. It deals with colonialism, appropriation, and more. There is, of course, your pretty standard YA fantasy romance, but the other relationships--specifically the one between Amani and Maram--offer much more. Not much is tied up by the end of this novel so be ready to wait impatiently for book two! Another option, in addition to [b:Children of Blood and Bone|34728667|Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orïsha, #1)|Tomi Adeyemi|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1516127989s/34728667.jpg|55911580], to offer readers looking for something different!
Publication Date: August 28, 2018
Publication Date: August 28, 2018
Actual rating: 3,5 stars
Set in a world between Fantasy and Sci-fi and with a beautiful Moroccan-inspired setting, Mirage follows Amani as she is taken from her family by the oppressive regime that conquered her planet 20 years ago. The reason for her abduction? Her uncanny resemblance to the princess. From there, she is trained to be the princess’ body double and die in her place if need be.
As a YA book I have to admit I didn’t expect such a heavy depiction of the oppression of conquest, and I loved it! Daud emphasized how the colonisation of their planet changed the people of Andala and how their culture slowly but surely faded on their own land. The description of it was wonderful and told in a very eye-opening way. Definitely my favourite part of this book.
The world building had a lot of potential. The Moroccan-inspired setting was very atmospheric, but I wish the sci-fi elements were brought into the story in a different way. I don't feel like they added much to the story, and I often forgot about them until a drone suddenly entered the room.
The first few pages were really addicting! The setting and world are set up quickly and efficiently without forgetting the inciting incident, it was perfect to quickly draw the reader into the story. However, the rest of the book was quite slow and often predictable, the only thing that kept me going was the constant hum of rebellion that echoed beneath every scene. This is the main reason why I will continue the series with the sequel.
Set in a world between Fantasy and Sci-fi and with a beautiful Moroccan-inspired setting, Mirage follows Amani as she is taken from her family by the oppressive regime that conquered her planet 20 years ago. The reason for her abduction? Her uncanny resemblance to the princess. From there, she is trained to be the princess’ body double and die in her place if need be.
As a YA book I have to admit I didn’t expect such a heavy depiction of the oppression of conquest, and I loved it! Daud emphasized how the colonisation of their planet changed the people of Andala and how their culture slowly but surely faded on their own land. The description of it was wonderful and told in a very eye-opening way. Definitely my favourite part of this book.
The world building had a lot of potential. The Moroccan-inspired setting was very atmospheric, but I wish the sci-fi elements were brought into the story in a different way. I don't feel like they added much to the story, and I often forgot about them until a drone suddenly entered the room.
The first few pages were really addicting! The setting and world are set up quickly and efficiently without forgetting the inciting incident, it was perfect to quickly draw the reader into the story. However, the rest of the book was quite slow and often predictable, the only thing that kept me going was the constant hum of rebellion that echoed beneath every scene. This is the main reason why I will continue the series with the sequel.
3/5 - No commitment to plot or relationships.
I had some questions about the plot such as, does Maram REALLY need a body double? Would’ve been nice to get some confirmation of past events where she was almost murdered. And, why did Amani agree to reveal her true identity to other sources quickly and trustingly? Also, the book is kinda sci-fi which I don’t typically love.
It was a very fast read for me and I wasn’t as bored as I was with other books. But I don’t think I’d read this again.
I had some questions about the plot such as, does Maram REALLY need a body double? Would’ve been nice to get some confirmation of past events where she was almost murdered. And, why did Amani agree to reveal her true identity to other sources quickly and trustingly? Also, the book is kinda sci-fi which I don’t typically love.
It was a very fast read for me and I wasn’t as bored as I was with other books. But I don’t think I’d read this again.
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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:
Yes
3.5 ⭐️
i really enjoyed this book and i loved the world. most of the characters had great personalities and the story was interesting.
i really enjoyed this book and i loved the world. most of the characters had great personalities and the story was interesting.
3.5/5 rounded up. Honestly i could have done without the space aspect (fantasy elements feel like a better fit) however, this was a really intriguing story. It definitely ends without things tied up but I have learned a sequel is on the way. Will be reading it!
this is a reread for me but i'm writing a review now to say ppl who ship amani/maram are real and valid (and me)
I loved it but I also found her writing difficult to follow. For someone who whizzes through books... it wasn’t actually all that bad to have to go back and reread.