1.49k reviews for:

Mirage

Somaiya Daud

3.7 AVERAGE


4.5 stars.

shoutout to chaima for raving about this book bc this is some good shit right here

Very impressive, I want more!!!

This was on my "meh, to get rid of" bookshelf pile but just decided to give it a try.
Not bad, not the best. The most interesting part for me was Amani and Maram's relationship. Seeing Amani sympathize with Maram as she struggles being half of two worlds.
I am a bit curious to see where the story could go from where it ended, so might pick up the sequel sometime?
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

this was SOOOO good. my goodness. it's rare to find such quality YA

sci-fi that's inspired by arab cultures with a plot centered on the rebellion against colonization and appropriation of said cultures? a lovable and charming MC who has compassion for other victims of the system even after they deeply hurt her, and who loves writing and poetry? chef kiss

hmm not sure what to think it started out great and i liked the characters but i didn’t really like where the story was going like nothing major really happened? it felt a bit random i kept waiting for something to happen but the story was just dragging even though this was a 300 page book

I was lucky enough to read a digital ARC (thank you to the publisher and NetGalley!) and I was NOT disappointed!

This book is such a unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi! I love the world that the author created, with complex technology and space travel set in a more cultural and agricultural setting. The author really took the time to build the culture and religious beliefs of her characters while also incorporating futuristic technology and fantasy/sci-fi elements. The writing was well-done and I enjoyed the character development. It took a few chapters for me to really get into the book, but once I was in, I was hooked. I'm really looking forward to the second book!

Full review: https://picturethisliteraturecom.wordpress.com/2018/08/28/mirage/

Very well-written and atmospheric, but I feel the pacing is a bit off.
alexandra_92's profile picture

alexandra_92's review

5.0

I received an e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Full blog tour to come on 25/8 on *Milky Way of Books*

Amani lives in a world conquered, stripped of its heritage and thrown into famine and tyranny. She tries to survive along with her family, but when her village is attacked in her majority night and she is taken to the capital, she will learn that her life is more at stake than she thinks.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's rich, blending in Moroccan culture and sci-fi with a cast of characters who are all scarred, fear for their lives and have lots at stake to lose. I liked that Amani tried to come to terms with her circumstances in order to survive and escape, how despite her fear she slowly becomes braver and realizes that not all around her are evil.

I also loved Idris. That boy deserves lots of hugs! And the ending? It gutted me, made me cry and anticipating to read the next book eagerly!
adventurous hopeful

Lots of good concepts and world-building, but I just didn't buy the friendship between the protagonist and the princess.

Character-driven political drama. Don't expect action! Amani is a likable and realistic feminist protagonist, and as everyone else mentioned, the most engaging relationship is between Maram and Amani.