I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

The beginning of this was so promising but then there were some character developments and it just kinda slumped after that. I didn't care for the romance, it was dull, lifeless and instant and Maram turned from a villain to a dishrag. The world building was interesting but I think it need more detail. This wasn't bad by any means but I wanted more from it.

I love a romance novel wrapped up fantasy and sprinkled with sci-fi. Forbidden romance with fantastic dialogue!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an unbiased review.

This was a fun and fast paced read with a thrilling ending! I loved the strong, feisty, and clever heroine! I thought the love triangle was well-done and compelling! The only thing I did not like about this book was the world-building. It took a while for me to understand the world. Still, it was a breathtaking novel, and I would recommend this for fans of Rebel of Sands!

I need the physical copy of this book like yesterday! I love stories like this one! it was brilliant and imaginative in every way! The characters keep you hooked.

First, I’d like to start by saying, OMG THIS BOOOOOK. It was lush and beautiful and everything I could want in a book. I could just gush all day about it.

I keep hearing about this subgenre called Science Fantasy that mixes elements of both Sci-Fi and Fantasy and I had no idea what that actually looked like until I read this book. The world-building is just like that of a fantasy, except the story takes place in a solar-system where many of the planets and moons are habitable and the characters are able to travel easily between them in spaceships. It is my new favorite thing and I want more!

Our main character is a girl named Amani. She lives on a moon in this solar-system with her parents and brothers. She is taken from her home by royal droids and taken to the palace where she finds out she looks almost identical to the Princess, Maram, and was brought there to become the Princess’ body double. She must go in Maram’s place to any event that is deemed even remotely dangerous. Now her life is in danger no matter what she does. If she does not impersonate Maram well, she is threatened with violence from Maram and other’s within the palace who know her secret. And she may well be killed in the Princess’ place at an event.

But not everything is terrible. Amani befriends Maram’s fiance, Idris, as they spend a lot of time traveling to and from different events together. And the friendship might grow into something more…

The story is just so good and the descriptions are rich! I enjoyed the characters so much as well and I was super excited to see the relationship develop and change between Amani and Maram. I cannot wait for the next book!

Mirage is a diverse science fiction novel that discusses the importance of heritage and respecting others even if their background doesn't match your own.

While I was interested in the overall plot, the sci-fi elements confused me so much that I was constantly brought out of the story. Between that and the secondary language sprinkled throughout the book, I was never able to fully immerse myself into what was going on. The timeline of events moved far too fast after the half-way point and I wasn't particularly satisfied with the ending either. What I did find great was the friendship that formed between our MC and the princess.

Even though I didn't have the best reading experience with this debut, I still think it was written beautifully and others will really enjoy it. This was truly an introduction to the world and a chance to get to know each of the characters. I will not be continuing on with this series in the future but am happy to have given it a chance.

Mirage is a Moroccan inspired story which I love. It keeps in tune to the new series by Rick Riordan that is coming out in where mythology of different cultures are explored. his is a perfect book to recommend to a diverse audience.

Mirage is a unique blend of Moroccan influence blended with a space setting. Eighteen year old Amani dreams of life before the Vathek empire's domination of the star system. Kidnapped by the regime and spirited away to the palace in secret, Amani discovers the she is the doppelganger for the Empire's heir, Princess Maram. The princess is so hated by her conquered people that she requires a body double, someone to appear in public as Maram, ready to die in her place. During her education and time spent posing as the princess, Amani develops feelings for Maram's finance, Idris. With rebellion afoot, Amani must make tough decisions and decide where her loyalties should remain. Will she honor her family, her heart or the beginning of something bigger than herself?

The novel is a lovely mix of romance, politics, adventure and intrigue. The author's Moroccan heritage adds depth to the world-building and characters.

❝ I wanted answers, but no one here would be able to give them to me. My family, my fate, my home–they were all out of my grasp for now. Perhaps forever. ❞

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own!

What first caught my attention for this book was obviously the cover. The design and symmetry just look so sleek and elegant, plus, the colors work so well together. It’s a very well designed cover. Of course, once the cover did its job I found myself looking at the description and felt some connections to Red Queen and An Ember in the Ashes. With Red Queen, it was the way the main characters were both pretending to be someone else and living among royalty. It was also kind of similar in terms of the (forbidden) romance.

For An Ember in the Ashes, it was more of the similarities in world building. Both series were about a conquered people who lived in constant fear and oppression, and both had rebellions attempting to overthrow the current state. Later on, there’s also the added element of the main character, Amani, deciding to work with the rebels and be a spy. Although, Amani does considerably less spying and consorting with the rebels than Laia did.

That being said, this book felt like it was still its own. It didn’t feel like it was trying to be something else and I appreciated that since I’ve read some books lately that very obviously try to emulate popular series and it ends up being a very poor imitation. Honestly, this book did miss on some of the points I was hoping to see. With Amani being a body double, I was really expecting more action in the book where her life was in danger but that honestly didn’t happen until the very end of the book. I think the book felt kind of slow for that reason because I kept anticipating something that never came along.

However, despite there not being the action that I wanted, I found that I really enjoyed the relationships built between Amani and our two other main characters. First, there was the relationship between Amani and Idris. I liked the easygoing friendship that they forged because of their situation. I liked that Idris could make Amani feel seen and that he helped her remember the best parts of herself that were numbed after she started imitating Maram. And I also liked that while there was some attraction the romance still developed naturally throughout the book instead of going the insta-love route.

The other relationship that I really enjoyed and that surprised me was the one between Amani and Maram. This was arguably my favorite of the two. Amani and Maram, predictably, had a very tense relationship at first. Maram was cruel and lashed out at people as a means to protect her image and to survive in a world were weakness was not an option. Of course, there was also the fact that Amani was taken against her will from her home and forced to risk her life as Maram’s body double. So it wasn’t friendly by any means at first. But, as the story progressed it felt like Maram let her down her guard more and more. Amani became somewhat of a confidant to Maram and I liked the moments where we see that tenuous friendship being forged.

❝ She had a fire in here, an unquenchable flame that would devour all that stood in her path. ❞

Amani was also both Maram and Idris’s connection to Andalaan culture. She is almost a refuge to them both because she is the one person who they can be themselves around. Amani is a great resource for both of them because she can answer questions they have about their heritage that they can’t trust anyone else to ask. I think Amani was very kind to be able to think about things from Maram’s perspective and to have the patience to slowly get her to open her mind to ruling in a different way.

Before I talk about the ending I’d like to add in a note about another element of the book that I didn’t exactly enjoy. I know that I talked about the lack of action being somewhat of an issue, but the other thing that contributed to my decision to settle on a 4-star review was the strange blend of sci-fi and medieval/tribal/middle eastern type of setting. It felt like we had royalty with handmaidens, these middle eastern kinds of cultural references (the building styles, seating styles, etc)–and then we had droids and tablets, and space-ships. It just felt a little odd to read about these kinds of medieval and middle eastern aspects but then have the sci-fi elements make appearances every now and then.

The ending was certainly fast-paced. Things happened very quickly and everything that Amani had built was suddenly at stake. I think it was a bittersweet moment because Amani risked so much and lost so much on both sides (from Maram and the rebellion) but she came out much stronger from it; she had a purpose and felt alive. I liked the way that things left off for Amani and Idris romantically because it just felt like things weren’t entirely over.

I’m very curious how things will continue in the next book between Amani and Maram. I’d like to see the relationship repaired and hopefully they can get something of that trust back, but honestly, it’s all up in the air at this point. This book may not have given me what I expected, but it was well written and I’m looking forward to continuing the series in the future.

Mirage was released on August 28th, it’s a book that’s worth checking out!

I couldn’t put this gorgeous little book down! Miss Daud’s writing and world building were lush and immersive and I couldn’t get enough. The different planets and moons were very fascinating and I loved how unique they were.

The plot was fantastic, it moved at a fast but not rushed pace and it kept me turning the pages like a madman. I found the romance wasn’t too over the top or gushy and the ship works. The profanity was nonexistent, and made the book that more enjoyable for me. Overall the book was riveting and hooked me from the first chapter, was fast paced, and very enjoyable. If you’re looking for an immersive sci-fi with a unique twist look no further!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Recommendation: ages 14 and up

FTC DISCLAIMER: I received this book in exchange for an honest review

I actually didn't finish this book. It isn't horrible or anything, but the pacing is way too slow for my past. I was almost half way through and just didn't care enough about the characters to continue. I have too many other things to read to keep trudging through a book I find boring.

Even still, the world-building was great, and it was really great to see a non-Western inspiration for a science fiction. This is listed a sci-fi (they're in space on planets with an evil group of people in charge, and I definitely got some Star Wars vibe), but it reads like a fantasy, perhaps because of all of the lush descriptions.

It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't for me.

Once in a while, there comes a book where you go into it with almost no expectations, in a genre you only occasionally read, where you go into it with an open mind. And then it consumes your entire life.

I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I picked up Mirage--part of it came from the fact that I loved the cover. Part of it because I wanted to explore sci-fi more. And part of it because I was eager for a new diverse voice in the market.

And Mirage blew me away. I was caught immediately, and it wasn't letting me go. It was brutal, beautiful and unabashedly amazing. I loved Amani, I loved the romance (though I tried not to at first) and I loved the world.

THIS WORLD.

Somaiya Daud has an AMAZING voice and showed us an AMAZING world filled with richness and splendor. I saw everything, could feel the things Amani felt and saw. I couldn't put this book down to the point where I was late getting off my break at work.

I rooted for Amani from the get-go. I watched wide-eyed at how her relationship with Maram and Idris changed throughout the book. I cried (of course I did) towards the end.

And all I need right now is to a) read it again, b) shove it at all my friend's faces because WOW and c) that sequel because OMG the ending left me shattered.

I can't recommend Mirage hard enough. If I could float down from the heavens like some sort of Bookish Angel, heralding the good news of how much I loved this damn book, I could. But alas, a lack of wings. But I'll shout it from every Tweet and newsletter and in podcast episode!

I think I fell to the hype. Somaiya Daud is a promising author and I will be interested in seeing where the sequel goes—personally, I just couldn't connect to the characters or get myself to care about them. I thought the premise was awesome and I hope the future books only continue to develop.

Intriguing story with a neat mix of sci-fi and fantasy. Great mythology. Couldn’t always quite follow the characters’ decision making process or reasoning, but am still engaged to want to read more. Good start to a series.

Such an interesting and unique book. The main character is taken from her home planet to be the body double of an unkind princess. No family, no friends, and treated so unfairly, she slowly begins to find people she can trust. I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t wait for the next installment.

Mirage is a story about Amani, an 18 year old girl who is getting ready to go to her coming of age ceremony.  At the ceremony girls get a face tattoo (daan) which shows that they have matured. While she is at the ceremony, her village is ambushed and Amani is abducted by droids to become a body double for the cruel Princess Maram. The story follows Amani’s journey to learn how to be exactly like Princess Maram.

I loved the sci-fi elements that were sprinkled throughout the story. For example, Amani lives in a small village on a moon. The characters were well developed and I loved how emotionally-attached I was to Amani, Maram, and Amani’s love interest. There was not an overwhelming amount of romance, and I appreciated that it wasn’t the center of the plot. The world is beautiful and brutal. Daud did a wonderful job creating such a lush world saturated with Morrocan culture.

This book is a must-read, and I need the sequel in my hands ASAP!

Noteworthy experiences while reading this book: I really thought I was going to DNF this one because to start out it reminded me of another book called Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1) by Aimee Carter. But the only thing that was the same was that the princess and the main character looked alike. That was it. So after I got done with that the story took off and I couldn't put it down.

Do I Recommend this book? YES, this book has it all forbidden romance, danger, action, suspense, heartbreak, and so much more.

Notes and Opinions: In short this book was beautifully written the style in which the author told this story worked so well to make it flow like poetry. This has become one of my favorites of the year for sure! It was a knock out debut and I can not wait to see what the author does with the next title. The author with this one did a wonderful job giving us a heartbreaking story of a girl stolen from her family one night to serve those who rule over them. This is one book about strength and never giving up even when things look their darkest. It is full of myth, religion, sacrifice, and tradition of the Moroccan people which this book is inspired from.

The world building in this one was really good. It was light in some places and very descriptive in others and it worked so well. This setting really reminded me of other space books such as The Diabolic (The Diabolic, 1) by S.J. Kincaid. That although this book is set in space in some parts it's on another planet and for this one moons, along with all the future tech you could ask for. I wish we would have gotten more looks at the droids but hopefully, that will come in the books that we will see going forward. The author did a great job giving us bits of the traditions and poetry of the people. I really loved that this was Moroccan-inspired. It gave the book a real authentic and fresh feel that the young adult community really needs.

The story for this one gave me the gasps and the tears and just really ripped out my heart in places. Yet we also get a well-rounded view of how this world works and how the people of this world are being oppressed as well as seeing through the eyes of the oppressors. It was another step to make this title stand out from the rest. The characters in this one were also so alive. We got to see so many people in this world from the lowest people to the highest. I don't want to give anything away but each character was thought out in full and you just can't help but feel for each and every one of them. This also includes the princess. You can just tell when people are full of fear or happiness however small. Each character leaps off the page and into your heart.

When this book came to a close I was screaming no that I wanted more. So now I am in a bookhole of the deepest kind and I can't even wallow in it because I have other books to read.

Go Into This One Knowing: Forbidden Romance, Danger, Space, No Cliffhanger, No Love Triangle

I loved this book!! The characters were so well developed! The story setting was so atmospheric! I am a huge fan of fantasy and this author nailed it! I loved all the words she used throughout the book. I can not wait for the next installment!

Amani lives on one of the planets ruled by the Vathek empire. She and her family try to stay under the radar of the empire but her days of tranquility ends when she is kidnapped by the cruel Princess Maram for the purpose of becoming her stand-in. Amani must now learn to become the princess while trying to figure out how to survive and ultimately escape. Amani and the other characters go through a lot of growth throughout the novel. Amani starts out wondering what's her place in the world but through the course of travels she realizes the extent of the cruelty of the Vathek empire as well as the way they use ethnic hatred to enable their rule. Daud uses her interplanetary setting to look at ethnic hatred and she does a remarkable job at making her message clear. Especially interesting is the relationship between doppelgangers Amani and Princess Maram. As Amani gets into her role she starts to understand the princess and she starts to wonder whether such cruelty resides in herself. Highly recommended for fantasy fans who want some court intrigue with their fantasy.

Rating: 4,3 stars

Mirage is a wonderfully written sci-fi story, with amazing characters and a rich setting, that provides a message about the importance of culture and traditions, especially for communities that have had a lot taken from them, that it’s really important in the times we are living in.

This is definitely a character driven story, the plot moves really slowly, not a lot of things happen and there’s no that much action. So if you prefer plot drive, action packed books, this may not be for you. BUT if you are like me and prefer character focused books, you’ll really enjoyed this one. I was absolutely captivated by the characters, especially Maram and Amani, the princess and the body double. In one hand, Amani is a relatable and likable character; she isn’t trained to be a fighter, she isn’t great at strategy, she is just a girl that is put in a difficult situation and manages to survive. On the other hand, Maram is cruel and arrogant, but as the story unfolds, her backstory is revealed and it’s easy to see that she is conflicted by a lot of the things that have happened and it’s trapped between what it’s expected of her and who she wants to be. Honestly, she is such a complex character and probably my favorite in this book.

The romance is very prominent in this story and, at the beginning, I didn’t know how to feel about it because I thought it was gonna be insta-love, but then as the story progresses, I realized there’s instant attraction, but then there’s enought moments and conversations between the two characters to show why they fell in love. They have a lot in common and they are in similar situations, so they understand each other.

Now, going back to the plot, it was not the most original and unique plot. It follow the line of a girl from a lower class taken to the palace to perform some kind of task that put her life in risk to protect the conquering queen or king and then becoming friends with people in the palace and later on joining the rebelion. BUT the fact that it is Moroccan inspired, added the uniqueness that was missing from the plot, there were so many elements of this wolrd, in term of history, religion and traditions that felt new and interesting and especial, because they haven’t been portrait in sci-fi before and that defintely made me enjoy this book more.

Another thing that I think it’s worth mentioning is that this felt a lot more like a fantasy than a Sci-fi book. I think that has to do with the fact that the plot has elements that are common in YA fantasy books and that maybe aren’t as common in Sci-fi. Also, there are mythological creatures and gods in this story and they are given a lot more attention than things like space travel and the technology behind the androids that serve as guards.

Mirage is beautifully written, it has complex and fascinating characters, Moroccan inspired setting and traditions that give it a unique touch, and a mix between sci-fi and fantasy elements that also make it seem new and exciting. For those reasons I enjoyed my time reading it inmensly.