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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Although I found the book good and well written I just didnt like it that much.. I realise that it was a good book and an interesting ending but I just wasnt happy with it.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This debut novel isn't perfect. But dammit, I enjoyed the hell out of it, and it fully deserves its five stars. There's some rich and thoughtful threads about colonization, empire, and culture, which I particularly enjoyed. And Amani and Maram's relationship is wonderfully three-dimensional (plus I liked how Maram is believably seventeen, with all the complexities and mercurial nature of that age).
I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series when it comes out!
I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series when it comes out!
I didn't love this book. I hovered between a two and a three star for me.
I was way to religiousy for me. I dislike books that like. If that element were removed then I think I would have liked this a lot more.
I did like the characters. Amani, Maram, (I can't remember his name but the fiance)
I love how Amani and Maram became friends. I love how Amani is trying to make her world a better place.
I hate Maram's father. He is a bast*rd. He can die for all I care.
I do wonder what will happen in the next book.
I was way to religiousy for me. I dislike books that like. If that element were removed then I think I would have liked this a lot more.
I did like the characters. Amani, Maram, (I can't remember his name but the fiance)
I love how Amani and Maram became friends. I love how Amani is trying to make her world a better place.
I hate Maram's father. He is a bast*rd. He can die for all I care.
I do wonder what will happen in the next book.
I liked the idea of the book but I didn't like how it was executed . I loved mentioning the Arabic culture,here. I liked the characters of Idris,Amani and Maram but here end the things that I liked.
There were many descriptions of places and characters that annoyed me . I skipped many names of characters and places..They were useless. Nothing here surprised me by any way possible . The story was easily expected .I wasn't majorly affected by any character except for Idris . I think he could be a strong character in the next parts of the series.I think I would have liked Maram if her character's development was more obvious not just a sudden change.
There were many descriptions of places and characters that annoyed me . I skipped many names of characters and places..They were useless. Nothing here surprised me by any way possible . The story was easily expected .I wasn't majorly affected by any character except for Idris . I think he could be a strong character in the next parts of the series.I think I would have liked Maram if her character's development was more obvious not just a sudden change.
Wow this was phenomenal! One of the best reads this year, and can NOT wait for part 2!
This book was LOVELY. It is full of strong, COMPLEX, engaging, thoughtful characters that really make you stop and think and put yourself in their shoes.
This story revolves around a young woman, Amani, who lives on a planet that was taken over by an oppressive government. The Princess of this NEW government, Maram, is in need of a body double, and Amani fits the bill. Unfortunately for her though, this means enslavement to a young woman whose cruelness is unpredictable, far reaching, and unchecked.
It touches on a number of big issues like colonialism, genocide, and appropriation as the oppressive government is trying to erase the local culture while also integrating those left of the nobility into their own ruling class to better ensure stability through fear.
I expected this book to be a much more sci-fi, plot driven story considering there is kidnapping, enslavement, and rebellions, but was not disappointed at all when it turned out to be a lot more character driven fantasy. This book lets you deep dive into Amani AND Maram. You really get to know, understand, and sympathize with so many facets of their characters, their actions, and their lives. By far, the best thing about this book was that Daud managed to make me care just as much about Maram, the villain, as I did about Amani, the victim.
I cannot wait to delve further into their world as their story.
Many thanks to the publisher Flatiron Books for the arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This story revolves around a young woman, Amani, who lives on a planet that was taken over by an oppressive government. The Princess of this NEW government, Maram, is in need of a body double, and Amani fits the bill. Unfortunately for her though, this means enslavement to a young woman whose cruelness is unpredictable, far reaching, and unchecked.
It touches on a number of big issues like colonialism, genocide, and appropriation as the oppressive government is trying to erase the local culture while also integrating those left of the nobility into their own ruling class to better ensure stability through fear.
I expected this book to be a much more sci-fi, plot driven story considering there is kidnapping, enslavement, and rebellions, but was not disappointed at all when it turned out to be a lot more character driven fantasy. This book lets you deep dive into Amani AND Maram. You really get to know, understand, and sympathize with so many facets of their characters, their actions, and their lives. By far, the best thing about this book was that Daud managed to make me care just as much about Maram, the villain, as I did about Amani, the victim.
I cannot wait to delve further into their world as their story.
Many thanks to the publisher Flatiron Books for the arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
(4.25)
Honestly I ate this up for a debut novel this was amazing.
I really loved that it was a North African more specifically Moroccan inspired fantasy/sci-fi book based in space. The world Somaiya created was phenomenal and you can really tell she did her additional research and cared about the accuracy (cause she is moroccan). Especially in learning the history of moroccan in the older time and regard poetry and how Moroccan culture see family and many things different then the western society do.
In regard of the books I really liked Amani even though at some parts I wanted to scream at her but she wasn’t insufferable. Of course I loved another main character and their cruel but sweet ways because honestly they are doing the best with the card they have been given but I hope to see some character development because that small glimpse has me in a cough hold.
One con was the romance in this book even thought it was sweet, cute and had me giggling. But at the same time I wasn’t really invested in it could off two factors the risk and it kinda happened fast aka insta love but if they are endgame honestly I wouldn’t be mad.
Honestly I wished I picked this up and actually read it back in 2020 but honestly I’m happy I read it now and I definitely plan on reading book 2 because Somaiya has me invested in this world and it like a breath of fresh air but at the same time i'm stressed for them. The best feelings when reading a fantasy book.
Honestly I ate this up for a debut novel this was amazing.
I really loved that it was a North African more specifically Moroccan inspired fantasy/sci-fi book based in space. The world Somaiya created was phenomenal and you can really tell she did her additional research and cared about the accuracy (cause she is moroccan). Especially in learning the history of moroccan in the older time and regard poetry and how Moroccan culture see family and many things different then the western society do.
In regard of the books I really liked Amani even though at some parts I wanted to scream at her but she wasn’t insufferable. Of course I loved another main character and their cruel but sweet ways because honestly they are doing the best with the card they have been given but I hope to see some character development because that small glimpse has me in a cough hold.
One con was the romance in this book even thought it was sweet, cute and had me giggling. But at the same time I wasn’t really invested in it could off two factors the risk and it kinda happened fast aka insta love but if they are endgame honestly I wouldn’t be mad.
Honestly I wished I picked this up and actually read it back in 2020 but honestly I’m happy I read it now and I definitely plan on reading book 2 because Somaiya has me invested in this world and it like a breath of fresh air but at the same time i'm stressed for them. The best feelings when reading a fantasy book.
Interessante Mischung aus Sci-Fi und Orient mit klassischen Jugendbuchmotiven. Ich persönlich konnte mich mit den Entscheidungen unserer Protagonistin nicht immer 100% anfreunden, die Nebencharaktere finde ich jedoch sehr gelungen und die Story an sich ist durchaus spannend. Manche Dinge fand ich ein wenig vorhersehbar, was jedoch vielleicht auch daran liegt dass ich schon viele Bücher dieses Genres gelesen habe.... Das Setting fand ich wiederum sehr interessant, da das Ganze orientalische/ arabische Elemente aufweist was ich so noch nicht hatte. Für Fans von dystopischen Jugendthrillern auf jeden Fall einen Blick wert.