IMHO: Mirage
Content Warning: Torture, Physical Violence, Kidnapping, Racism, Colonization, Genocide, Cultural Cleansing, Biracial Hatred, Internalized Self-hatred,
Mirage is such an intense ride. Character driven loaded with character progression and twisting relationships. Day to day survival and self care teetering against the resistance and greater good. Even the down times have forbidden love and attraction.
It doesn't sugar coat colonization so fellow white people, be prepared to take several seats. The council meeting was particularly chilling.
I love the world building, the descriptions, and the details. Everything just *popped* off the page and was so vivid.
I get the romance, but as a demi I need more time and involvement before I personally feel it. The prince is smart and cute and funny. He's damaged so you just want to hug him and make him feel better. It doesn't steal focus from the bigger picture of the occupation and rebellion. But it is still important. Loving each other against the rules, sharing their culture to keep it alive is an act of rebellion in itself.
There's so much I didn't see coming. The only thing I really called was the romance with the prince. Everything else was a surprise.
I'm convinced there's more going with the Princess. I have a ~theory~ I hope is correct. Maram and Amani's relationship is EVERYTHING. So unique and fascinating with so many different aspects and full of empathy. I normally don't get anti villains but I think people are going to appreciate Maram like they do Killmonger.
Sidenote: The lack of any queerness is disappointing but that's a general complaint of mine. This did not affect my rating at all.
I cannot wait for the next installment of the Mirage series!!
Some Favorite Quotes:
"Save your pity for the young and the dead, girl," she said. "It won't help me."
"The ties they forges have broken and Fate has led our feet to freedom."
"It was a cruel person that judged a child by their parent's legacy."
"You are not responsible for the cruelty of your masters."
GIVEAWAY
Prize: One finished copy of Mirage by Somaiya Daud
(USA only)
Starts: 8/22/18 Ends: 8/30/18
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don't forget to check out the rest of the tour!This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon