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.