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kaitiecakes's review against another edition
2.0
June 26, 2020 (audiobook read) — I had tried to read this book physically before because I was really interested in it. I got to I think 53% before I gave up. This time I was able to finish it, so I would suggest reading it as an audiobook instead of physically because you can make the story go faster (I listen to it at x2 speed).
Even though I finished it, I don’t feel like I missed anything by not finishing it before. I still didn’t really like this book. I will not be continuing this series!
November 14, 2018 (physical read) — DNF. I can’t. I’ve tried. This is one of the only books I’m giving up on. It’s boring and loosing my interest I am trying to read it and am falling asleep because it’s so boring! I thought it sounded really cool but it’s just dull! I will be returning it to the store tonight as I don’t want to own this book anymore.
I’ve made it to page 188 which is 53% of the book and I just can’t. Nothing is happening in this book. I was kind of thinking it would like the Lunar chronicles but it’s not it’s just horrible! No thank you!
Even though I finished it, I don’t feel like I missed anything by not finishing it before. I still didn’t really like this book. I will not be continuing this series!
November 14, 2018 (physical read) — DNF. I can’t. I’ve tried. This is one of the only books I’m giving up on. It’s boring and loosing my interest I am trying to read it and am falling asleep because it’s so boring! I thought it sounded really cool but it’s just dull! I will be returning it to the store tonight as I don’t want to own this book anymore.
I’ve made it to page 188 which is 53% of the book and I just can’t. Nothing is happening in this book. I was kind of thinking it would like the Lunar chronicles but it’s not it’s just horrible! No thank you!
fallingwings's review against another edition
4.0
This was a pretty good book. There isn't a whole lot of action except in the beginning, and some parts did feel like they dragged a little bit, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. I will say that 80% in, it became a little too easy to set down and pick up something else instead, hence why it took me so long to finish this. I kept expecting for Amani and to become friends and I could smell it coming from a mile away, but even so, there were times when I thought it wouldn't happen (even though it did! and then...it kinda fell apart because you-know-THAT-happened), and I just love how the author portrays their relationship. Maram was more than just your typical villain, she has actual depth to her character and while I don't approve of how she handles certain things, I can still understand why she handles them in such a harsh manner. Now, this is definitely a slow book. As I said, there isn't really much action. It's mostly centered around Amani and her struggles in adapting to her new role after being kidnapped from her home. Regardless, it makes for an interesting read!
Spoiler
Maramhensoava's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ilovemydog_47's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
cydneyhumphrey's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I absolutely flew through Mirage! I loved Amani and Princess Maram so much and found their rivalry and eventual bond to be beautiful. I think the concept of this story was so fascinating because while Amani and Princess Maram were basically identical, the title of "Mirage" meant that ultimately what was most similar about them was completely arbitrary and based on something that was a mirage of the truth. I am so excited to read book two in this duology—Somaiya Daud is a fantastic writer and her passion for the world, culture, and history of the places her world is based upon shines through.
3.75 ⭐️s
3.75 ⭐️s
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
2.0
I’m glad that I have specific goals in mind for 2021 that will force me to branch out more. I’m getting pretty tired of getting hyped for a book only for it to have the exact same problems over and over again. This book reminded me a lot of Warcross; whereas that book was poor setting, too much focus on romance, this book is phenomenal setting, too much focus on romance. Such a huge difference, I know.
I cannot emphasize enough how much I initially loved this book. It is clear that Somaiya Daud cared a lot about crafting a believable universe. The brutality of the Vathek empire has affected every level of Andalaan society and she took into account how each class would be impacted from the subjugation on a micro to macro scale. The disparity in values creates such a distinct, rich culture for each faction. The depth to the history and traditions made the conflict immensely immersive. That being said, it did get confusing. There was a lot of background to the strife in the kingdom. I often got a little lost as to what words meant or how much time passed between excursions.
The beginning solidifies the danger in a huge way. The stakes are inherently high; Amani is in a ridiculously precarious position. The belief system of the Vath makes it all the worse. The cruelty of these people cannot be stressed enough.
Disappointingly, it does not reach this level again until the very end.
A majority of this book is the romance between Amani and Princess Maram’s fiance, Idris. It’s insta-love at its finest. Idris is of higher status than Amani though he dances on a similar precipice as her since he is a slave to the whims of the Vathek albeit in a disparate way. Most of his family was murdered to make an example of the royal families who were still attempting to rebel against the Vathek occupation. I appreciated this measure of equality between the two. The fact that Idris had his own suffering under the Vaths, nevermind the benefits he reaped from it, balanced out the fact that he had luxuries Amani didn’t. It wasn’t close to being the same, but it left room for sympathy from each point of view.
The two are attracted to each other immediately which is fine. They just lack any commonality other than ‘oh, the Vatheks have ruined your life, too?’ They have maybe two conversations before Amani’s maid is advising her to take care of her heart. I don’t know anything about Idris other than the circumstances of his situation. What does he do all day? What is expected of him as the fiance of Maram? What are his hobbies? For example, Maram had some kind of connection to him that seemed genuine. He was one of few who could make her laugh. Why he bothers to engage her despite all the crimes perpetrated by her people is never explained. A huge chunk in the middle is reserved for Idris and Amani to have private time to get to know each other. The book really halts all momentum to take a detour into romantic overture.
The central premise is cast aside. After spending weeks, maybe months - time is very fluid - training to be Maram, Amani almost never has to be Maram. She is supposed to be a stand-in for the public eye, as the day of Maram’s coronation draws closer. Except Maram never attends any events, ergo Amani doesn’t have to either. She goes to the party she meets Idris at, she goes on a month long visit to Maram’s maternal Andalaan grandmothers’ one random party before the coronation, a Vathek war meeting, and then the coronation itself. So she has to be Maram technically 4 times in a book over 300 pages long. And it isn’t even for any significant length of time. These occasions are spaced out as well as short intervals other than the month long visit. Maram is about to be crowned soon. Why isn’t she hobnobbing with delegates? Or attending more ceremonies? Or visiting other regions to solidify her influence? Maram didn’t do much before as her father kept her hidden away. The purpose of getting Amani was because Maram needed to attend more outings now that she is about to take over. The things Maram does have her do are about Maram’s boredom rather than a legitimate necessity for the illusion. Her father not believing her to be strong enough for the position is a burden on Maram, yet there is never any grooming of her for the position.
There are times when Amani is scared because being Maram has become so natural to her. I saw no evidence to support this fear. She barely interacts with anyone other than Idris so it’s not like she has the opportunity to mistreat others or absorb harmful Vathek rhetoric.
A major plot thread is that Amani begins to develop a fondness for Maram. This does not come into play until more than halfway into the book. When it does come up it requires way too much emotional energy on the part of Amani. Maram kidnapped her, the first time they met Maram slapped her, and from the moment Amani arrived Amani has witnessed Maram treat absolutely everyone she comes across like scum ranging from casually nasty comments to imprisonment. Why on earth is Amani feeling badly for this girl again?
I get it. Maram is biracial so she has faced derision from each side of her family by virtue of her birth. Not to mention the inner turmoil from knowing that half of her ancestry is a result of violent imperialism and her birth specifically was a product of a coerced union. Plus, any show of kindness to the Andalaans and/or Kushaila would be perceived as weakness. The weight of the expectations on her must be exhausting.
The problem is that all of this interesting conflict is ignored or circumstantial. This is a single pov book. I’m not saying it needed two, but it definitely needed more of Maram’s perspective. Amani pieces this together on her own. This all technically might not even be true. Amani is making educated guesses based on how well she learns to read Maram. Maram’s feelings are very rarely confirmed by her. It’s also mighty convenient that when Amani begins to pity Maram, Maram stops acting so awfully to everyone or at least, Amani is no longer privy to any instances of cruelty. Why not actually have Maram start to reflect on her actions and actively take steps to act better? Instead, she does nothing but for some reason Amani is nice to her anyways. It’s mind-boggling to have the victim celebrate getting the tiniest bit of respect as a human being when Maram is doing less than the bare minimum. It left a bad taste in my mouth that Maram did not have to put any effort in for Amani to like her.
Amani thinks that she can convince Maram to be better than her father when it comes to being Queen. They don’t hang out enough for her to enact this apparent plan. The maybe two occasions the two are together after Maram stops being terrible involve Amani catering to her in some fashion.Then, the book has the nerve to say these two girls are ‘sisters’ in the end? Yeah, I call BS.
It makes sense to have Amani walking on eggshells at first as she tries to endear herself to Maram. It does not make sense that by the end of the book - when the two consider each other ‘family’ - that Maram has never once even asked Amani about her biological family or felt any remorse for her actions. How has Amani influenced Maram in any meaningful way when Maram has not developed any kind of empathy or acted, even if it’s small, in a such a way that implies she’s learning? I have no idea what Maram is thinking when Amani is projecting all hopes onto her.
Amani gets wrapped up in some rebel plan that goes practically nowhere because again, Amani has only a handful of chances to act as Maram’s double. This is the only time that there is any intrigue and like the ‘teach Maram to be a good person’ plan it appears only in the latter half as the romance is the obvious priority above all other aspects. Amani is barely involved or helpful. In fact, she’s actually harmful to the endeavor.
She actively sabotages her own peoples’ war effort because she has come to care for her oppressor. Yeah, you can imagine how infuriated I was.
The ending is rushed. After spending the bulk of the novel not considering potential consequences Amani is suddenly brought down to reality. Amani scarcely thought of her family so it was too little too late for me at this point.
Somaiya Daud has a strong writing style. You just have to look at the world building to see that. So I can honestly say that I was at least invested the entire time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to distract me from the flaws. As is typical for me I will continue the series. I’m going to be honest I don’t have much hope for improvement though I really hope to be wrong.
I cannot emphasize enough how much I initially loved this book. It is clear that Somaiya Daud cared a lot about crafting a believable universe. The brutality of the Vathek empire has affected every level of Andalaan society and she took into account how each class would be impacted from the subjugation on a micro to macro scale. The disparity in values creates such a distinct, rich culture for each faction. The depth to the history and traditions made the conflict immensely immersive. That being said, it did get confusing. There was a lot of background to the strife in the kingdom. I often got a little lost as to what words meant or how much time passed between excursions.
The beginning solidifies the danger in a huge way. The stakes are inherently high; Amani is in a ridiculously precarious position. The belief system of the Vath makes it all the worse. The cruelty of these people cannot be stressed enough.
Disappointingly, it does not reach this level again until the very end.
A majority of this book is the romance between Amani and Princess Maram’s fiance, Idris. It’s insta-love at its finest. Idris is of higher status than Amani though he dances on a similar precipice as her since he is a slave to the whims of the Vathek albeit in a disparate way. Most of his family was murdered to make an example of the royal families who were still attempting to rebel against the Vathek occupation. I appreciated this measure of equality between the two. The fact that Idris had his own suffering under the Vaths, nevermind the benefits he reaped from it, balanced out the fact that he had luxuries Amani didn’t. It wasn’t close to being the same, but it left room for sympathy from each point of view.
The two are attracted to each other immediately which is fine. They just lack any commonality other than ‘oh, the Vatheks have ruined your life, too?’ They have maybe two conversations before Amani’s maid is advising her to take care of her heart. I don’t know anything about Idris other than the circumstances of his situation. What does he do all day? What is expected of him as the fiance of Maram? What are his hobbies? For example, Maram had some kind of connection to him that seemed genuine. He was one of few who could make her laugh. Why he bothers to engage her despite all the crimes perpetrated by her people is never explained. A huge chunk in the middle is reserved for Idris and Amani to have private time to get to know each other. The book really halts all momentum to take a detour into romantic overture.
The central premise is cast aside. After spending weeks, maybe months - time is very fluid - training to be Maram, Amani almost never has to be Maram. She is supposed to be a stand-in for the public eye, as the day of Maram’s coronation draws closer. Except Maram never attends any events, ergo Amani doesn’t have to either. She goes to the party she meets Idris at, she goes on a month long visit to Maram’s maternal Andalaan grandmothers’
Spoiler
(that doesn’t count because she willingly exposes the secret to them)There are times when Amani is scared because being Maram has become so natural to her. I saw no evidence to support this fear. She barely interacts with anyone other than Idris so it’s not like she has the opportunity to mistreat others or absorb harmful Vathek rhetoric.
A major plot thread is that Amani begins to develop a fondness for Maram. This does not come into play until more than halfway into the book. When it does come up it requires way too much emotional energy on the part of Amani. Maram kidnapped her, the first time they met Maram slapped her, and from the moment Amani arrived Amani has witnessed Maram treat absolutely everyone she comes across like scum ranging from casually nasty comments to imprisonment. Why on earth is Amani feeling badly for this girl again?
I get it. Maram is biracial so she has faced derision from each side of her family by virtue of her birth. Not to mention the inner turmoil from knowing that half of her ancestry is a result of violent imperialism and her birth specifically was a product of a coerced union. Plus, any show of kindness to the Andalaans and/or Kushaila would be perceived as weakness. The weight of the expectations on her must be exhausting.
The problem is that all of this interesting conflict is ignored or circumstantial. This is a single pov book. I’m not saying it needed two, but it definitely needed more of Maram’s perspective. Amani pieces this together on her own. This all technically might not even be true. Amani is making educated guesses based on how well she learns to read Maram. Maram’s feelings are very rarely confirmed by her. It’s also mighty convenient that when Amani begins to pity Maram, Maram stops acting so awfully to everyone or at least, Amani is no longer privy to any instances of cruelty. Why not actually have Maram start to reflect on her actions and actively take steps to act better? Instead, she does nothing but for some reason Amani is nice to her anyways. It’s mind-boggling to have the victim celebrate getting the tiniest bit of respect as a human being when Maram is doing less than the bare minimum. It left a bad taste in my mouth that Maram did not have to put any effort in for Amani to like her.
Amani thinks that she can convince Maram to be better than her father when it comes to being Queen. They don’t hang out enough for her to enact this apparent plan. The maybe two occasions the two are together after Maram stops being terrible involve Amani catering to her in some fashion.Then, the book has the nerve to say these two girls are ‘sisters’ in the end? Yeah, I call BS.
It makes sense to have Amani walking on eggshells at first as she tries to endear herself to Maram. It does not make sense that by the end of the book - when the two consider each other ‘family’ - that Maram has never once even asked Amani about her biological family or felt any remorse for her actions. How has Amani influenced Maram in any meaningful way when Maram has not developed any kind of empathy or acted, even if it’s small, in a such a way that implies she’s learning? I have no idea what Maram is thinking when Amani is projecting all hopes onto her.
Amani gets wrapped up in some rebel plan that goes practically nowhere because again, Amani has only a handful of chances to act as Maram’s double. This is the only time that there is any intrigue and like the ‘teach Maram to be a good person’ plan it appears only in the latter half as the romance is the obvious priority above all other aspects. Amani is barely involved or helpful. In fact, she’s actually harmful to the endeavor.
Spoiler
In fact this whole plot falls apart as Amani makes the decision to SAVE Maram from an assassination attempt she knew was going to happen. An attempt, she put into motion via providing information to the rebels. Amani becomes a spy way too late in the book for this to be a case of Amani justifiably changing her mind about Maram and like I said Maram literally does nothing to indicate she’s improved. There is not a discussion of the practicalities of politics either. I have no idea if Maram would be a good Queen to the Vathek let alone the Kushaila or Andalaans. So Amani risks her life, for all intents and purposes, a spoiled little brat who has not displayed a hint of competence towards ruling or a lick of desire for uplifting the impoverished all on a gamble that Maram might be better some day?She actively sabotages her own peoples’ war effort because she has come to care for her oppressor. Yeah, you can imagine how infuriated I was.
The ending is rushed. After spending the bulk of the novel not considering potential consequences Amani is suddenly brought down to reality. Amani scarcely thought of her family so it was too little too late for me at this point.
Somaiya Daud has a strong writing style. You just have to look at the world building to see that. So I can honestly say that I was at least invested the entire time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to distract me from the flaws. As is typical for me I will continue the series. I’m going to be honest I don’t have much hope for improvement though I really hope to be wrong.
eggjen's review against another edition
4.0
Exciting start to a series. Good world building and a compelling plot.
smolhandsdan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
uanyacubreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
BOOK REVIEW!!
Mirage
Somaiya Daud
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
HER OWN FACE WAS HER ENEMY.
GENRE:
YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
BLURB:
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; she dreams of writing poetry like the old-world poems she adores; she dreams of receiving a sign from Dihya that one day, she, too, will have adventure, and travel beyond her isolated moon.
But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects: she is kidnapped by the regime and taken in secret to the royal palace, where 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, someone to appear in public as Maram, 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. If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection...because one wrong move could lead to her death.
THOUGHTS:
I just finished this book, and it left me speechless throughout the book. I enjoyed all the characters, their character development, and the storyline. I loved how Amani loved her family so much and how she always thought of them, even when her life was at stake. I really admire how strong, powerful, observant, careful, and risk-taking Amani is as an 18-year-old girl.
Her story would make you feel her determination to survive the missions and trials that will come at her. She is so precious and soft-hearted, especially when she said these things to Princess Maram: "I am the youngest of my siblings; my elder brothers always watched over me. And now-now I will try to watch over you," and "You are not defined by the men in your life, no matter how powerful. You lived before them and you shall live after them. You can't let them determine your path." Those statements made an impact on me as a reader. I felt the message. Even though Princess Maram did terrible things to Amani, she didn't let that stop her from helping Princess Maram be the rightful inheritor of Andala.
"It was a cruel person that judged a child by their parent's legacy"
Mirage
Somaiya Daud
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
HER OWN FACE WAS HER ENEMY.
GENRE:
YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
BLURB:
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; she dreams of writing poetry like the old-world poems she adores; she dreams of receiving a sign from Dihya that one day, she, too, will have adventure, and travel beyond her isolated moon.
But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects: she is kidnapped by the regime and taken in secret to the royal palace, where 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, someone to appear in public as Maram, 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. If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection...because one wrong move could lead to her death.
THOUGHTS:
I just finished this book, and it left me speechless throughout the book. I enjoyed all the characters, their character development, and the storyline. I loved how Amani loved her family so much and how she always thought of them, even when her life was at stake. I really admire how strong, powerful, observant, careful, and risk-taking Amani is as an 18-year-old girl.
Her story would make you feel her determination to survive the missions and trials that will come at her. She is so precious and soft-hearted, especially when she said these things to Princess Maram: "I am the youngest of my siblings; my elder brothers always watched over me. And now-now I will try to watch over you," and "You are not defined by the men in your life, no matter how powerful. You lived before them and you shall live after them. You can't let them determine your path." Those statements made an impact on me as a reader. I felt the message. Even though Princess Maram did terrible things to Amani, she didn't let that stop her from helping Princess Maram be the rightful inheritor of Andala.
"It was a cruel person that judged a child by their parent's legacy"