Somaiya Daud

Oh I loved this book so much!!

We've all read so many palace intrigue/rebellion against cruel overlords/secret identity stories. The trope is popular because there are so many different ways to explore it, so many plots to be fashioned. And Somaiya Daud puts such an amazingly unique and effective spin on the trope. Her MC experiences the full breadth of colonial violence from the privations her family faces in response to imperial destruction to her treatment in the palace when she becomes show more the princess's body double. But the MC's perspective is so incredibly nuanced, so carefully constructed that this book truly becomes an important story about how colonialism/imperialism really work.

Amani's faith is an important aspect throughout the story, and it's handled with beauty, respect, and care. Her understanding not only of the rebels plotting against the imperial monarch but of the princess who, in her own way, is also trapped by the cruelties of colonization, is so deeply and wonderfully explored. Amani's decisions and choices all make so much sense even if they are heartbreaking, or come with devastating consequences. Her inner conflicts, her self-doubt and her self-affirmation, her defense of her people, her culture, her heritage, her language is all so poignant and courageous. She is such a well-written character I found myself lost in her world and sad to leave her point of view once the story ended.

All the characters are well-written, even minor ones. The worldbuilding is layered and fascinating and the bits of history and culture are beautifully given. The world feels real and solid, not just a backdrop for the main character. It feels lived in. And I have to admit, I fell instantly in love when I read Amani's home moon is called Cadiz because I live in the province of Cadiz in Spain, and so much of this story brought to mind al-Andalus, the Moorish/Arabic kingdom that held much of Spain during the middle ages.

This is a wonderfully diverse story written by an author who understands imperialism, marginalization, political subjugation, and the impact of empire on local cultures and systems. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy, sci fi, or just great character work show less

I did not expect the ending to affect me the way it did, or to be as satisfying as it was. Being able to watch Maram grow into herself throughout this book was a pleasure, and the scene when she stepped into her power to face her father I felt so proud of her.

But what I love most about this duology is the relationship between Amani and Maram: how Amani sees in Maram the potential to be kind, just, and beloved by her people, and how her ability to see this changes the way the people see her, show more and changes the rebels' plans, causing them to rally behind the rightful queen, instead of counting her as part of the regime to be toppled. Where circumstances could have set Amani and Maram as rivals, enemies on opposite sides of revolution, it feels so much more powerful and meaningful that they develop the relationship that they do, and the reveal at the ending makes their relationship all the sweeter.

I also enjoyed the introduction of a love interest for Maram. The last lines of the book made that relationship even more powerful.

I understand the first book feeling a little slower, as the plot has to be set and the world has to be built for the reader. This book took that foundation and beautifully built up the relationships, political maneuvering, and our investment to the characters, giving what I felt was a delightful conclusion - one that had me tearing up with feels. show less

I did not expect the ending to affect me the way it did, or to be as satisfying as it was. Being able to watch Maram grow into herself throughout this book was a pleasure, and the scene when she stepped into her power to face her father I felt so proud of her.

But what I love most about this duology is the relationship between Amani and Maram: how Amani sees in Maram the potential to be kind, just, and beloved by her people, and how her ability to see this changes the way the people see her, show more and changes the rebels' plans, causing them to rally behind the rightful queen, instead of counting her as part of the regime to be toppled. Where circumstances could have set Amani and Maram as rivals, enemies on opposite sides of revolution, it feels so much more powerful and meaningful that they develop the relationship that they do, and the reveal at the ending makes their relationship all the sweeter.

I also enjoyed the introduction of a love interest for Maram. The last lines of the book made that relationship even more powerful.

I understand the first book feeling a little slower, as the plot has to be set and the world has to be built for the reader. This book took that foundation and beautifully built up the relationships, political maneuvering, and our investment to the characters, giving what I felt was a delightful conclusion - one that had me tearing up with feels. show less

https://iwriteinbooks.wordpress.com/2018/10/18/mirage-somaiya-daud/

It’s been a minute since I’ve read a fantasy book and I am, right now, completely forgetting why I ever let that happen.

I fell head over heels in love with just about everything in this book and I just want to keep diving deeper and deeper into Daud’s magical world. Mirage is sexy, smart, sweet, and absolutely impossible to put down.

My only word of warning is that the first chapter or so, starts off a teensy bit slow. show more After that, however, hold on to your hat (and your heart) because the heat picks up and never slows down.

The very generalized premise is a Prince and the Pauper meets Starwars. And that hardly does the magic any justice. Without giving too much away, just know that I was sitting on the edge of my chair (I actually caught myself doing this, literally. It really is that good, y’all,) as Daud moves from the most brilliantly bright explosions to the sweetest, softest forehead kisses, stolen in forbidden moments.

I was so relieved that a quick Google search met my wishes for a sequel because my heart was on the floor at the end of the book. The hardest part, now, will be waiting. You should go read it so we can wait in misery together. show less