Mirage by Somaiya Daud

Mirage (Mirage, #1)

by Somaiya Daud

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.
I was my mother's daughter, and I would survive and endure. I would find my way back home.

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The instant Sunday Times bestseller!

'Prepare yourself for a story that's enriching, thrilling, and captivating' - BuzzFeed

'Somaiya Daud is a rare talent. A smart, romantic, exciting debut.' - Veronica Roth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divergent

'By turns thrilling and ruminative, sexy and heartbreaking' - Sabaa Tahir, author of an Ember in the Ashes

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In a star system dominated by the brutal Vathek empire, eighteen-year-old Amani is a dreamer. She dreams of what life was like before the occupation and receiving a sign that one day, she, too, will have adventures, and travel beyond her isolated moon.

But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects. She is kidnapped by the government and taken in secret to the royal palace. There, she discovers that she is nearly identical to the cruel half-Vathek Princess Maram. The princess is so hated by her conquered people that she requires a body double to appear in public, ready to die in her place.

As Amani is forced into her new role, she can't help but enjoy the palace's beauty - and her time with the princess' fiancé, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear, and she soon realises that one wrong move could lead to her death...

Reviewed by layawaydragon on

5 of 5 stars

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I am so lucky to have been chosen to be apart of the Mirage Tour! This is an amazing space fantasy about surviving and rebelling against colonizing oppressors. Ever wonder what Princess Leia would be like as an Anti-villain? Desire a dystopian world that isn't white washed? Check out Mirage below with an excerpt, my review, and a giveaway!

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

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  • 4 September, 2016: Reviewed