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rovie_reads 's review for:
Mirage
by Somaiya Daud
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.