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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
First off, I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me this ARC to review. Please note that the version I read was an advanced copy, and certain events/language may be changed in the published edition.
“The crown of Dihya had been stripped from me, my face changed, my body broken. But I was not a slave and I was not a spare.”
Stars (Out of 10): 9/10 Stars
Favorite Character: Amani
I was approved for this ARC months ago, and I hate that I only just now got to it! It beat all of my expectations, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the series.
From the beginning, Mirage hooked me. Something about Amani, our main character, felt so genuine and real, yet she was still an incredibly kind and likable person. She’s the type of main character I haven’t seen in a while, as most YA Fantasy narrators seem to all be “stubborn” and “strong” lately, so it was really refreshing to read something new. Additionally, Amani was quite a layered character. She had a heart of gold that truly cared about those hurting around her, regardless of their race, but she was also still a strong character, making decisions for herself and her own happiness. At the same time, she was still touched by the influence of power, and this led to some great inner monologue as Amani struggled between the identity of her past and the girl she was forced to become.
Not only does Mirage have a fantastic main character, the supporting cast is extremely fleshed out as well. The love interest is more than just his looks/love for the main character, but is also seen grieving for his family, and also struggling between his childhood identity and the one first upon him by the conquerors and his need to stay alive. (Also, I must say that this romance feels really well done, as it isn’t the main focus of the novel/does not define either of the characters, but rather adds and builds upon the characters and story that is already there). Additionally, we also have the cruel princess that Amani is a body double for, and while at first she gives off the impression of your standard evil princess, she ends up being so much more. She faces an internal struggle just like everyone else, and reading that was one of my favorite parts of the book.
All of this leads to a book that is rather character driven. The effects of colonialism in this world is explored through the personal effects on the characters, as well as the overarching effects on the native culture of the planet. It gives a new perspective on this topic, compared to recent YA Fantasy novels that deal with this topic, as it aims to show us the pain of the conquered through less overtly violent means. While there is still action and violence, it is mainly kept in the beginning of the tale, and the story seems to move towards a different way of losing yourself in a world conquered.
I also really loved the world and culture built into this book. While we don’t learn a lot at all about the conquerors, the Vath, we do learn a lot about Amani’s own culture and religion. Amani specifically is an extremely religious character, and the stories and poetry built into her culture and religion is a large driving force in the personal narrative of Amani, and even some of the other stories taking place in the book. It adds a whole other layer to Mirage, and works to fully immerse you in both the world and the story, since it is so well intertwined.
The only reason I dropped my rating a little was due to certain aspects of the plot and the pacing of the story. The plot itself was wonderful and interesting, but just occurred rather passively. Most of the events in the story are enacted by others around Amani, rather than herself, and she mainly seems to be reacting towards everything and following the actions and plans of others. However, this is the most realistic option, as Amani is in no position to be making her own plans and choices for most the book. My other issue was pacing. In terms of that, this book felt almost like a flat line. It was an incredible read nonetheless, but there weren’t really moments of surprise or increased intensity, and even the ending had me reading at the same speed and pace as the beginning of the book.
All in all, I absolutely loved this debut, and am so lucky to have gotten the chance to read it early! I highly recommend this novel to those that have found some YA Fantasy novels falling short lately, and want to be reminded what makes the genre so great.
“The crown of Dihya had been stripped from me, my face changed, my body broken. But I was not a slave and I was not a spare.”
Stars (Out of 10): 9/10 Stars
Favorite Character: Amani
I was approved for this ARC months ago, and I hate that I only just now got to it! It beat all of my expectations, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the series.
From the beginning, Mirage hooked me. Something about Amani, our main character, felt so genuine and real, yet she was still an incredibly kind and likable person. She’s the type of main character I haven’t seen in a while, as most YA Fantasy narrators seem to all be “stubborn” and “strong” lately, so it was really refreshing to read something new. Additionally, Amani was quite a layered character. She had a heart of gold that truly cared about those hurting around her, regardless of their race, but she was also still a strong character, making decisions for herself and her own happiness. At the same time, she was still touched by the influence of power, and this led to some great inner monologue as Amani struggled between the identity of her past and the girl she was forced to become.
Not only does Mirage have a fantastic main character, the supporting cast is extremely fleshed out as well. The love interest is more than just his looks/love for the main character, but is also seen grieving for his family, and also struggling between his childhood identity and the one first upon him by the conquerors and his need to stay alive. (Also, I must say that this romance feels really well done, as it isn’t the main focus of the novel/does not define either of the characters, but rather adds and builds upon the characters and story that is already there). Additionally, we also have the cruel princess that Amani is a body double for, and while at first she gives off the impression of your standard evil princess, she ends up being so much more. She faces an internal struggle just like everyone else, and reading that was one of my favorite parts of the book.
All of this leads to a book that is rather character driven. The effects of colonialism in this world is explored through the personal effects on the characters, as well as the overarching effects on the native culture of the planet. It gives a new perspective on this topic, compared to recent YA Fantasy novels that deal with this topic, as it aims to show us the pain of the conquered through less overtly violent means. While there is still action and violence, it is mainly kept in the beginning of the tale, and the story seems to move towards a different way of losing yourself in a world conquered.
I also really loved the world and culture built into this book. While we don’t learn a lot at all about the conquerors, the Vath, we do learn a lot about Amani’s own culture and religion. Amani specifically is an extremely religious character, and the stories and poetry built into her culture and religion is a large driving force in the personal narrative of Amani, and even some of the other stories taking place in the book. It adds a whole other layer to Mirage, and works to fully immerse you in both the world and the story, since it is so well intertwined.
The only reason I dropped my rating a little was due to certain aspects of the plot and the pacing of the story. The plot itself was wonderful and interesting, but just occurred rather passively. Most of the events in the story are enacted by others around Amani, rather than herself, and she mainly seems to be reacting towards everything and following the actions and plans of others. However, this is the most realistic option, as Amani is in no position to be making her own plans and choices for most the book. My other issue was pacing. In terms of that, this book felt almost like a flat line. It was an incredible read nonetheless, but there weren’t really moments of surprise or increased intensity, and even the ending had me reading at the same speed and pace as the beginning of the book.
All in all, I absolutely loved this debut, and am so lucky to have gotten the chance to read it early! I highly recommend this novel to those that have found some YA Fantasy novels falling short lately, and want to be reminded what makes the genre so great.
I don't know what took me so long to read this book but I'm glad I finally did. I received this book from a fairyloot box a few years back and it was gorgeous. Reading this book felt like magic. The way the words flowed all together and the poetry mentioned is beautiful. I also listened to the audiobook along with it and the narrator made it even more amazing getting to hear the words and pronunciation of everything. I really enjoyed how the characters and the world were built and the history it just had me falling in love with it all and wanting more. This was a perfect read altogether and I can't wait to read the sequel.
Rating: 4 stars
What a great scifi-fantasy read! I flew through it and I am glad to be introduced to a new world, inspired by Moroccan culture. This is just the second book I read within the scifi-fantasy genre, and I must say, there are moments when I completely forgot I'm reading a book with both elements. I'm thinking if its because the book favored the fantasy element, or I'm just too used to reading fantasy books that it's what stood out to me the most. If not for the mention of droid servants and planets, I might completely forgot it's a scifi story too.
One thing I love about books is how I get to discover and explore various cultures from around the world. This is a refreshing read since it's my first time reading about Moroccan references, and it was fun googling about their clothes, food and customs.
Amani and Maram's characters reminded me heavily of Zelie and Amari from the Orisha trilogy. Both girls came from the opposite end of the society; a royalty bearing so much responsibilities even before she was born, and the other who grew up with a life of hardship, knowing fear and poverty. Interesting enough, Amani and Maram's paths crossed because they share the same face. Maram's character was so easy to hate especially in the beginning. A typical privileged royalty who treats everyone no less than a slave and is used to getting what she desires. But truly, did she ever get what she really wants? Then there goes Amani who loves poetry and holds too much hope to live up to her mother's reputation. I adore how their relationship developed and I find their sarcasm and wit really amusing.
I can't say much of Idris' character since I only see him on the background. My attention was all focused on the two girls and how they face the consequences of their actions.
Writing wise, I think this is an excellent debut novel! I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book.
What a great scifi-fantasy read! I flew through it and I am glad to be introduced to a new world, inspired by Moroccan culture. This is just the second book I read within the scifi-fantasy genre, and I must say, there are moments when I completely forgot I'm reading a book with both elements. I'm thinking if its because the book favored the fantasy element, or I'm just too used to reading fantasy books that it's what stood out to me the most. If not for the mention of droid servants and planets, I might completely forgot it's a scifi story too.
One thing I love about books is how I get to discover and explore various cultures from around the world. This is a refreshing read since it's my first time reading about Moroccan references, and it was fun googling about their clothes, food and customs.
Amani and Maram's characters reminded me heavily of Zelie and Amari from the Orisha trilogy. Both girls came from the opposite end of the society; a royalty bearing so much responsibilities even before she was born, and the other who grew up with a life of hardship, knowing fear and poverty. Interesting enough, Amani and Maram's paths crossed because they share the same face. Maram's character was so easy to hate especially in the beginning. A typical privileged royalty who treats everyone no less than a slave and is used to getting what she desires. But truly, did she ever get what she really wants? Then there goes Amani who loves poetry and holds too much hope to live up to her mother's reputation. I adore how their relationship developed and I find their sarcasm and wit really amusing.
I can't say much of Idris' character since I only see him on the background. My attention was all focused on the two girls and how they face the consequences of their actions.
Writing wise, I think this is an excellent debut novel! I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book.
For me I would say this averaged out to a four or 4.5 star, but the second half of this really pulled through and I want to give it an overall higher average on Goodreads, because this book really isn’t getting the credit it deserves.
I really ended up enjoying this book, and what I thought was going to be a somewhat basic plot driven fantasy ended up being a character driven book, lots of fun little twist and turns with a complex villain and dynamic friendship.
I really ended up enjoying this book, and what I thought was going to be a somewhat basic plot driven fantasy ended up being a character driven book, lots of fun little twist and turns with a complex villain and dynamic friendship.
I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either, I am somewhere in the middle. The writing was done well and for the most part the story flowed nicely. I did find I was getting confused with some of the terms and names used that I didn't understand and/or weren't explained all that well. I'm all for authors using other languages and bringing different cultures into the world they create but not to the point where I need a glossary beside me. I felt the world building was done well and the descriptions of some of the places was beautiful, however throughout the story I didn't get the feel that it was set in space, other than when space transport is mentioned when travelling to another planet, and even then it seemed very basic. When I think sci fi, I think advanced technology which is what it would take to travel in and around space. If you are wanting a sci fi read, this is not it, the world described did not match with what I would typically see space as being. For me I also felt that it was similar in story to a few other books i have read.
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For the most part I enjoyed the main characters Amani, Maram and Idris along with the secondary characters. The insta love trope is definitely present in this one and I'm on the fence as to whether I liked it or not in this case. I did like that Amani was able to remind and teach Idris and some of the other secondary characters about there culture that had been suppressed or not often spoken about. In some ways i liked Maram as she was caught between two worlds and trying to be in the one that was on top, it would have been interesting to read from her point of view I think. In other ways she was not a nice person to put it politely. I did like Idris, he appeared to be making the best of the situation he was in that he had little control over.
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Overall it was an ok read and I will likely read the sequel when it comes out. I gave this one ⭐⭐⭐.5 /5
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For the most part I enjoyed the main characters Amani, Maram and Idris along with the secondary characters. The insta love trope is definitely present in this one and I'm on the fence as to whether I liked it or not in this case. I did like that Amani was able to remind and teach Idris and some of the other secondary characters about there culture that had been suppressed or not often spoken about. In some ways i liked Maram as she was caught between two worlds and trying to be in the one that was on top, it would have been interesting to read from her point of view I think. In other ways she was not a nice person to put it politely. I did like Idris, he appeared to be making the best of the situation he was in that he had little control over.
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Overall it was an ok read and I will likely read the sequel when it comes out. I gave this one ⭐⭐⭐.5 /5
2.5
The premise and the setting were good, the characters were...okay? I just couldn’t get invested.
I don’t know that I would read the sequels.
The premise and the setting were good, the characters were...okay? I just couldn’t get invested.
I don’t know that I would read the sequels.
”The blood never dies. The blood never forgets.”
One word. Potential. Mirage had potential. And what I meant by Mirage had potential is that the story was really REALLY good but the wow factor just wasn’t there and it upsets me so much because I was really confused of my feelings throughout the reading process but it was a really enjoyable read nevertheless.
The characters, LOOOOVE THEM. Literally if you saw my reading update earlier, literally 99.9% of my tabbings on this book is dedicated to Idris and Amani and Idris and Amani only. They’re so so cute together. They are the sole reason I want the second book in my hand right now. Will probably peek on it next month
So, I finished this book about a week ago and I just sat down to write this review and I realised that this book left no lasting impression on me. None whatsoever. It was an intriguing premise and I wouldn’t say I hated, I just barely remember what actually happened.
While the characters themselves had a lot of potential and were fairly enjoyable, the storyline didn’t seem to actually go anywhere. This book unfortunately was just very unmemorable in my opinion. I really wished I had more I could say about this book and I had enjoyed it like many others did.
While the characters themselves had a lot of potential and were fairly enjoyable, the storyline didn’t seem to actually go anywhere. This book unfortunately was just very unmemorable in my opinion. I really wished I had more I could say about this book and I had enjoyed it like many others did.
"I could want until I was dead and nothing would come to pass. Wanting never solved anything."
This was such a fantastic debut by Somaiya Daud and it was full of star-crossed lovers, political tension and rebellion! Also I am HERE for the diversity and POC representation. If you like sci-fi books with a hint of fantasy then you’ll love Mirage!
Here’s a short lay down of the plot. Amani is a dreamer. She dreams of life before the occupation of the cruel Vathek Empire and what “could have been”. During her coming of age ceremony in her village, she is kidnapped by imperial droids because one thing—her face. Amani is the doppelganger for the half-Vathek Princess Maram and must serve as her body double when Maram appears in public. Amani must be ready to die for the empire she hates. And of course Maram’s fiancé, Idris, is handsome and charming and…you can guess where that plot line goes.
The story-line was fantastic and it was so well done. I felt that the plot was original and well thought out. There weren’t any plot holes and the ending wrapped up beautifully which I appreciated so much. The world building was amazing and fleshed out. I loved the cultural representation and the details surrounding the culture.
The writing itself was wonderful and was able to capture the world and characters. There were so many details in this book but it didn’t bog down the story.
I adored the characters. I really enjoyed reading from Amani’s POV and thought she was strong, resilient, vulnerable, and REAL. The books’ “villain” Maram was probably my favorite character. She isn’t even a villain per say, more of a gray area character. She wasn’t inherently evil and I LOVED that and I appreciated how Duad really explored this concept. Was it nature or nurture that made Maram the “evil” and “cruel” princess that she is? Is she more than what appears? Is she capable of change?
Even though I really enjoyed this book, there was something that was missing for me which is why I didn’t give it 5 stars. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I’m thinking it’s because the book did slow down for me in the middle.
Overall, I really enjoyed this wonderful debut and I’m looking forward to the sequel. I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fantastic debut by Somaiya Daud and it was full of star-crossed lovers, political tension and rebellion! Also I am HERE for the diversity and POC representation. If you like sci-fi books with a hint of fantasy then you’ll love Mirage!
Here’s a short lay down of the plot. Amani is a dreamer. She dreams of life before the occupation of the cruel Vathek Empire and what “could have been”. During her coming of age ceremony in her village, she is kidnapped by imperial droids because one thing—her face. Amani is the doppelganger for the half-Vathek Princess Maram and must serve as her body double when Maram appears in public. Amani must be ready to die for the empire she hates. And of course Maram’s fiancé, Idris, is handsome and charming and…you can guess where that plot line goes.
The story-line was fantastic and it was so well done. I felt that the plot was original and well thought out. There weren’t any plot holes and the ending wrapped up beautifully which I appreciated so much. The world building was amazing and fleshed out. I loved the cultural representation and the details surrounding the culture.
The writing itself was wonderful and was able to capture the world and characters. There were so many details in this book but it didn’t bog down the story.
I adored the characters. I really enjoyed reading from Amani’s POV and thought she was strong, resilient, vulnerable, and REAL. The books’ “villain” Maram was probably my favorite character. She isn’t even a villain per say, more of a gray area character. She wasn’t inherently evil and I LOVED that and I appreciated how Duad really explored this concept. Was it nature or nurture that made Maram the “evil” and “cruel” princess that she is? Is she more than what appears? Is she capable of change?
Even though I really enjoyed this book, there was something that was missing for me which is why I didn’t give it 5 stars. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I’m thinking it’s because the book did slow down for me in the middle.
Overall, I really enjoyed this wonderful debut and I’m looking forward to the sequel. I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Be still my heart. I loved this book. Cruel princesses. Fake princesses who are really farm girls. Lady rebels. A forbidden romance. Everything I love and never knew I needed all in one book. I love how Somaiya Daud mixes real parts of her Moroccan heritage with the made up and fantastical world she has created. The world is so detailed and vivid and I find myself drawn in as much by the history and culture as the story itself. I will admit I was slightly confused by some of the terms and warring groups at first but as soon as I started getting into the story none of that mattered. (Reading on a Kindle and being able to look up words, especially those dealing with food helped.) The first book isn't even out yet and I immediately need to get my hands on the next one.
*Thank you Flatiron Books & NetGalley for the E-Arc copy of this novel.*
*Thank you Flatiron Books & NetGalley for the E-Arc copy of this novel.*