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I received this review copy in exchange for my honest opinion on this book.
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...
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton; 1 edition (28 August 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781473672635
ISBN-13: 978-1473672635
ASIN: 1473672635
Do I really have to say much about this cover!? It's stunningly beautiful, I absolutely love it! I love the colour of my copy (I got the purple version) and I adore the all-up look of it. It's a total eye-catcher.
'Mirage' by Somaiya Daud is something completely new and different from everything I read before. The author has a very detailed writing style, which is perfect to print an image in the reader's mind. The story is also full of action and unsuspected twists in the plot.
The story itself is heartbreaking with stunning characters and a great world building. I love the world - or better said the moons - the story is set out on. I have to say it was quite refreshing to read something completely unknown to me. I got pulled straight into the story and absolutely fell in love with it's characters.
You most certainly need to meet all the stunning characters from this book.
First, there is the beautiful, strong, and courageous Amani. She is the protagonist of this story and might seem and feel quite alone for a very long time. She is caught in an impossible situation but you'll be surprised by her and her way.
You will also get to meet Idris, who is just as alone as Amani. Just in a different way. I would describe his character as secretive, charming, and handsome. Though he never reveals anything and takes a long time to open up to others.
Well, and then there is Maram. In the first moment, I rightout hated her. She is a cruel and spoiled princess. But the further I read on the more I noticed, that she is unsure, lonely, and scared.
And of course there are Mathis and Nadine. The villains in this story. And believe me, when I say they're not your usual kind of villain. The ones you get to like after a while. Oh no. They are pure evil and are subject of people's nightmares.
In my opinion, Somaiya Daud got quite the talent as a writer. With 'Mirage' she published an amazing debut and I for sure hope to read more from her and of course from the world around Amani and all the others.
I can absolutely recommend this stunning work to everyone who enjoys a well thought-threw sci-fi book combined with a heartbreaking background story. You shouldn't miss it and let you get carried away by this thrilling piece of art.
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