1.49k reviews for:

Mirage

Somaiya Daud

3.71 AVERAGE


Soon boring

Part of my brain kept wanting to think of this as a fantasy novel, but then a character would step onto a shuttle to travel from a moon to a planet, and it became sci-fi again.

I enjoyed the Middle Eastern influence on the worldbuilding and actually would have liked to see even more.

We can see that Amani enjoys reading poetry, but her aspiration of being a poet is questionable. We only see her trying to write poetry once, and she gives up quickly.

The romance between Idris and Amani was underwhelming. If he had turned out to also be a body double, I would have been a lot more interesting.

The problem with first-person narration is that we only know what is going on in the narrator's head. Idris and Marram would be more interesting characters if the reader could see what's they're thinking and why they're doing things.
adventurous reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I had to force myself through this. It just didn’t interest me. I didn’t really care for any of the characters especially not the love interest.
dark informative slow-paced

The pacing was a little weird to me but I really liked this book. I would have liked it to be more political and complicated, but it was very fun.

**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

OMG!!! I LOVED this book!!!! Seriously, I can't get enough of it and I can't wait for the next one! Somaiya Daud has created such unique, interesting, and engaging characters that I can't wait to see what happens next.

Originally I went into reading this book with pretty mediocre expectations, I've never really been to into the sci-fi/fantasy genre before. I should say, I've read science-fiction and I've read fantasy before, but I've never read a book that blended the two together so well!

I love that the author created a world and characters that made me feel so much. I always wanted to know what happened to our heroine, but at the same time I didn't want the story to end. I wanted to vanquish the villain, but at the same time wanted to know more of why there were like they were. The characters had such depth, that you couldn't help but feel for each and every one of them.

I seriously have recommended this book to pretty much everyone that I know. If you want to really get into the story, I'd also recommend the audio book as well!

YES: a character-driven sci-fi/fantasy with an interesting history and character development. A little slow to get started, but a compelling story by the end that will leave teens ready for book 2. The star-crossed lovers plot is handled well enough to not feel tired, and the setting is very rich and detailed.

Readalikes: Cinder/Lunar Chronicles - Meyer; ?

EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS.

4.5 stars.
biajo83's profile picture

biajo83's review

3.0

Was a bit slow going at first and for a while I wanted to set it down and DNF it, but I am glad I kept on with it because it really redeemed itself to me in the last few chapters. I'm glad I kept on with it.