Thank you to Netgalley, Somiaya Daud and Hodder and Stoughton for my arc of Mirage.

I have only recently really expedienced Middle Eastern inspired fantasy, starting with City of Brass which I enjoyed so much, I was keen to get into Mirage. It did not disappoint!
Mirage is that rare but brilliant hybrid of science fiction and YA Fantasy. Amani is a young girl coming of age on her tiny and insignificant moon, her people once ruled the main planet and all its moons, but since the invasion of the Vath, they live in fear of being accused as rebels and the consequences of an invasion by imperial droids.

I'm not the world's biggest lover of science fiction but I have to say this book has the potential to convert me. When Amani is kidnapped and taken to the Royal Palace she is forced to become the Vathek princess Maram's body double, both a curse and an opportunity to enable the rebellion.

This book is fast paced, sexy without being smutty, interesting and a real page turner, I gobbled it up in a couple of hours!
I can't wait for the next one in the series, to find out what happens next!

4.5 stars



On the surface this book is not telling an especially unique story, particularly in YA terms. However the author’s attention to detail, the world building, the characterisation and above all the themes make this book something truly special.



Amani’s people were conquered a generation ago by humans from a different part of the galaxy. Since then a fragile and uneasy peace has existed under the rule of the brutal new regime. On her majority day, Amani is abducted by imperial droids and taken into service under the Princess Maram, heir apparent to the planet. As the princess’ body double, Amani must somehow balance loyalties with the growing waves of rebellion.



As I said, on the surface it’s standard YA fare in a semi sci-fi setting – there are space stations and ships, droids and settlements on various planets, but essentially the setting could have easily been historical or fantasy. What raises it above the bog standard ‘teenager called to incite a revolution’ tale is that the world building is rich and satisfying. A lot of thought and care has been given to the Kushailya faith. It’s never ground into your face but Amani’s belief in her god and his Prophetess, the myths and poetry surrounding it, are a part of her and tints her world view. It exists in the character’s love for poetry and for her love of her culture, both of which are more or less criminalised under the new regime. Parts of the book are quite gritty and instead of the faith part of Amani’s story coming over as at all preachy, it’s something she draws personal strength from. It’s never pushed on other characters. It would be hard not to like Amani as a character. Without falling into ‘ruthless heroine’ stereotype, the MC is strong, determined but also extremely loving and compassionate. It made for a refreshing change in YA MC terms.



But what really made the difference for me was the way Mirage meditates on some deep themes. It’s one of the most convincing portrayals of cultural erasure I’ve seen in YA fiction, for certain it leaves competitors such as ‘Carve the Mark’ in the dust. And it manages to deliver its message with grace so that you want to think about it. Too much YA is becoming strident in its preachiness of late. Often taking someone by the hand and gently leading them to a conclusion is more effective than dragging them kicking and screaming. Another huge theme is family – how becoming disconnected from your origins leads to a maladjusted adulthood; not that family is all necessarily because for some people it’s not, but that you must know and understand what you are rejecting before you reject it. There’s a long look at hating part of your heritage and feeling that you don’t belong here too. And then issues of poverty and privilege are also considered, as is friendship. All of these things together support the main theme – that your cultural identity matters because it informs who you are and how people react to you even if you don’t understand it or have been denied it. There is a poignant and powerful look at how radicalisation happens as a result.



If I have one criticism it’s that the romance was very instalove. I think that was because it was supposed to feel like a fairytale but it led to some seriously wince inducing decisions that didn’t entirely make sense considering the narrative. However the rest of the book was so good I was willing to forgive much. Plus Idris, he love interest, was really sweet! All in all a brilliant YA space opera with strong themes written in an engaging and easy style. Will definitely look out for the next book.

3 stars

*Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I really don't have much to say about this debut - it was just okay.

As a whole, the book was well written and it had an interesting concept. I wasn't expecting to be blown away or excited by it because it has been done many a time before, so in that regard, it met my expectations 100%. I had hoped that it would somehow differ in parts to other books with the same premise, but unfortunately, it's in the same boat as all the others.
Alongside this, not a lot happens throughout the book, except maybe a little drama near the end. But that's all. And to me, the romance had no foundation. It just sort of initiated out of nothing. This resulted in me being very bored. Sorry!

Will I read Daud's other future works? Yeah!

Will I continue this series? Nah...

I love a great YA fantasy me and this was a GREAT YA fantasy with some terrific characters, brilliant world building and promising so much for further novels in the series.

Amani is snatched from her home and forced to live in captivity, occasionally sent out and about in place of Princess Maram – her much hated double. However Amani is bolstered by her belief in family and faith and sets out to change things from within..

The thing I loved about this one was the sheer depth and richness of the mythology the author creates here. A conquered world, a people under harsh rule, living through myth and legend – the background is gorgeously described and multi-layered.

Then we have Amani, a dreamer but still a doer, whose sudden thrust into the political mayhem of her home comes as both a shock and an eye opener. Her double, Maram, is harsh and unpredictable, but Amani soon comes to realise the surface monster may hide a girl inside who is just as frightened as she is. Amani’s growing relationship with both Maram and Maram’s fiancee Idris sets the main anchor to the plot here and is utterly compelling.

Surrounding that we have an ever growing sense of the place, the structure, the background to the invasion and the true natures of all the people involved. It is an addictive and beautifully written story with lots of emotive and thought provoking themes woven into it. It builds up to a terrific ending that leaves you wanting more..

Overall this was really a great great read. I am truly looking forward to seeing what happens next for Amani.

Recommended.

That was such an amazing story! I didn't expect to like it so much! I loved the setting and the world was so so good. I fell in love with all the characters 😍 I loved Amani, her spirit and how clever she was. I also loved Maram because in the end you can see her point of view and all the things she has to endure, that have turned her to be so hard with everyone. And of course I loved Idris!!! ❤️

The writing was so nice and it managed to transport me to Amani's world. I could feel and sympathise with her and really connect with the characters and the story.

The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star was because I expected more action. But since it was the first book I understand that it had more world building to cover and create the basis of the story.

I can't wait to see what will happen next!!!

I really enjoyed Mirage as it was so quick I flew through it and didn’t want to put it down. The characters are enjoyable and interesting and the book is very well written. The characters were my favourite aspect of the book but the world building and story were also very good. Overall I would highly recommend and can't wait to read more from this author.

Interesting start. From there a bit slow but quickly tipping a young woman’s life upside down. Royalty with a touch of sci-fi, the princess is selfish and cruel. I didn’t like her, Nadine or what they did to Amani. I liked Idris and how they’re in the same boat, their relationship hopeful but tragic. Plenty of growth potential for the characters. Smooth flowing story, good plot.