I didn't realise how high sci-fi this one was. I've never been a fan of sci-fi as it is, and with the amount of info-dumping this book gave us, I felt like I never fully grasped the characters' histories and backgrounds. I could appreciate the plot and the premise, and the short chapters helped this get by quicker, but even with listening to the audio as I read, it felt like a long read.
.
I'll still read the sequel but this was nothing groundbreaking.

I finished this book three days before it's publication date in August 2018, so this review is going to be pretty short. Somehow I managed to not write a review at the time (even though I was sure I did), and I have since misplaced the notes I took back then. So here goes:

The main thing I remember loving about Mirage was the world building. It had this mix of Middle Eastern/Moroccan culture, traditions and religion, which was rich and vibrant. It was particularly evocative because it was contrasted with the high tech space age setting. 

It explored themes of colonialism/imperialism, and cultural genocide in particular. The Vath have banned almost all of Andalaan traditions - including their religion and language, although the Andalaan people try to keep them alive in secret.

The plot itself wasn't super original, and was quite predictable, but there were enough other elements that made the story as a whole different enough to be enjoyable.

Most of the main characters were well rounded, but all of the pure Vathek characters were all one dimensional and 'evil.' I wish there had been a little more subtlety in their characterisation.

I actually quite liked the love story from memory. It unfolded slowly, and was very sweet.

Overall, I think Mirage is a book I would recommend if you are interested in Middle Eastern/Moroccan traditions, and you want a bit of a twist on your space opera.

A beautifully written novel which transports the reader to the setting. However, it moves at a fairly languid pace and with everything appearing to go a little too well - for a time at least. It became apparent as I neared the 80% mark that this was the first of several books and was unlikely to end conclusively.

Mirage was The YA Room’s book pick for September, and I was always going to read it. Young adult science-fiction books are a weakness of mine, especially when they promise strong female characters.

Mirage is the story of Amani, a seventeen-year old girl who is kidnapped by the ruling political party because she is near-identical to the heir to the Vathek throne, a cruel princess who looks down on all those around her. Trained to impersonate Maram and be her body double in dangerous situations, Amani quickly finds herself thrown into situations she’d never dreamed off, and finds herself beginning to enjoy the beauty of the palace, and the company of the princess’ friends, even as she begins to be swept up in political intrigue that could place her life in danger.

I really enjoyed Mirage. Somaiya Daud has created a very rich, history-filled world that, as a reader, I believed existed long before the story began. We’re thrown into the action straight away, and the culture and history that makes up the story are incredibly engaging and rich.

Amani goes through a rough transition from regular girl to trained royal, and she stumbles and falls along the way, learning all the time. She recognises when she’s made mistakes and tries to make the best of a situation she knows she has little control over. Her relationship with Idris, Maram’s fiance, was a bit quick, but that’s in part due to the fast pace of the book itself, and it’s with Idris that she truly begins to learn about what is really happening on a political scale.

Mirage was an absolute pleasure to read and I eagerly await the follow-up to it.

I don't know what to say about this book. It was perfectly paced. The characterisation was stellar. There were no slow points. I loved every moment. The mythology was great. The social commentary was on point. It managed to be completely original and true to itself.

And so I'm giving it a solid five stars.

Amani is a great main character. She is part of a downtrodden culture. She is passionate. She is motivated by family loyalty and other strong social ties. She loves poetry.

And then, one day, the ruling class comes into her town and takes her away for seemingly no reason.

It's honestly a really good take on the Prince and the Pauper narrative, if it was set in space and had a whole lot of racial content rather than just monetary content. And yet, as I said at the start, it's original. Entirely its own thing, even though it lends from that possible beginning.

Amani, as it turns out, is a dead ringer for the princess and learns to take her place in state functions and other scenario where the real princess, Maram, might be in danger. She doesn't manage to fool Maram's fiance though. All three of these characters are simultaneously my favourite. This might seem strange given how awful Maram is at the start, but honestly even she manages to get fantastic characterisation.

There were certainly some cliched and predictable things about the plot of Mirage. In particular I'm thinking of the romance, which was about at stereotypical as you could get it. However, I didn't actually mind that this was the case because the book still had enough unique aspects that meant I could I ignore the cliches. And the romance was quite well developed even if it did follow the typical path.

Despite being a science fiction novel, Mirage reads much more like a high fantasy. There isn't a lot of focus on technology or space travel; mostly the book focuses on the politics of the Vathek empire. To be honest, you could literally make the various moons and planets different countries on a high fantasy world and the book would read exactly the same. Still, Daud did an admirable job of building the various cultures in her world, especially with her descriptive writing.

Very much a character focused slow novel, I would probably actually recommend Mirage to those who like political high fantasy novels.

Ratings
Overall: 8/10
Plot: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
World Building: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
Cover: 3/5

Character-driven romance in a beautiful, Moroccan-inspired scifi world.

When Amani’s coming of age ceremony is violently disrupted by imperial droids, she is kidnapped and whisked away to become Princess Maram’s body-double for all important functions and events. Amani must learn to perfectly mimic Maram’s behaviours in a complicated, high-stakes political settings inside the regime that has oppressed her world and culture.

Without spoilers, the shaky friendship between Amani and Maram is the best part of this book. It snuck up on me and only really became apparent about halfway through when I realised how far we’d come from their dramatic first interaction, and again by the end when it had shifted again.

Daud’s worldbuilding is also a highlight – the world feels big and lived in, with an established and ongoing history and customs. The layers of experience and attitudes across generations is particularly well-done. Though I did find this light on the scifi elements – except for the droids and interplanetary travel it feels a lot like a fantasy.

This isn’t a very plot-driven book, for all that it deals with body-doubles and occupations and rebellions. It’s a tight, steady and character-driven book, much more interested in interactions between characters, how their circumstances complicate and constrain these, and how their differences in processing and responding to their circumstances and frustrations.

Despite not being super plotty Mirage is quite fast to read. Daud’s prose is light and pretty, showing us glints of culture and the world through colours and light and symbols.

Overall, I really liked this one. It’s one of the biggest hyped YA releases of the year and it’s not being oversold. It has some problems, but they’re small and there’s a lot of story and world to explore in future books. A great debut.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Oh, gosh, so much to love about this book. The only thing not to love is how long we have to wait until there's another one! Automatic buy on all Somaiya Daud from now on. Best parts?
Great female characters, and intensely brilliant world-building that combines the authors own-voice background with a brilliant space empire. I love the way you begin to see layers peel away from even the hardest, seemingly harsh characters. I adored the evolution of Maram, living a life of power without Love, luxury without true friendship. I am genuinely more invested in the relationship between our protagonist Amani, and Maram, rather than the handsome Prince. The writing has a beautiful lyricism, that seems to extend from the religious poetry and storytelling so dear to Amani. The creation of the religion itself is extraordinary. The layers of story and myth, and the added attempt of the conquerors to weaken, if not extinguish the socio-cosmic worldview of the colonised and terrorised population is brilliantly written. I cannot wait to know more.

Everyone loves a good ol’ cliffhanger and you'll get just that in this debut YA fantasy! Somaiya Daud’s Mirage follows Amani, a young girl growing up in a poverty-stricken village on a planet called Cadiz, the daughter planet of Andala. Post “purge”, a coup staged to conquer the Andalan government and territory, inflicted by the barbarous Vathek authority. Since the invasion, Amani and her family have been living in fear for their lives. There has been the ever looming threat of rebellion as well as death, or if they’re lucky, brutal beatings by Vathek drones.

The day of Amani’s Majority Night, a spiritual blessing into the life of adulthood, she is kidnapped by Vathek drones and taken to the palace of King Mathis, the Vathek conqueror of the neighbouring planets. Amani is quickly forced into living as a body double for the Princess of Vath and heir to the throne, Maram vak Mathis. Living under constant threat of assassination, the physical and emotional abuse from the royals, along with studying the Vathek, history, ancestry, and customs, Amani is in way over her head. She risks her life every day for a brutal princess and is forced to fool all of the Vathek royalty into thinking that she is in fact Maram.

Somaiya Daud’s debut novel is a story of rebellion, empathy, and love in a time of warfare. Amani is a likeable character who rationalises all of her actions and can see the better in her fellow characters despite their cultural and political differences. She genuinely is a good protagonist and narrator for the story. She is sassy, unapologetic but understanding of her situation in the palace and does not unnecessarily risk her life to do something stupidly heroic as most YA female protagonists do (*hem hem Allegiant hem*).

However, I was not fully invested with the love interest in this book. It was pretty flat and “unship able” due to his involvement with Maram. It was insta-love as per usual, but we have grown, as YA readers, to expect that in most of our books. The love story will most likely become more fleshed out as the series continues. I really appreciate how it did not take away from the political intrigue and danger at the forefront of the story, not undermining the plot and actual point of the rebellion. It was not a bad love story, but also not the best.

Overall, this is an intriguing book. However, it is not non-stop action or keep you on the edge of your toes writing, but, I believe it was a good first book for a series that will keep getting better and better with every instalment. For comparisons sake, this is the Three Dark Thrones to the rest of its series. Setting up the political discourse, the spite within the character arcs, and the plot that will grow more and more with every book.

Overall, I really enjoyed it and anticipating the next instalment. Daud has announced that Mirage will have at least three books in the series, the second remaining untitled, but is to be released in 2019.

I was so appreciative and surprised when I received a copy of Mirage on my doorstep courtesy of Hachette Australia. This is one of the only titles that I was really looking forward to once I had found out about it through blogs and bookstagram. This story was one that I knew I had to read as soon as I read the synopsis and I am really glad and grateful that I was given the opportunity. Mirage is part of a trilogy and I am expecting great things from it! 

Mirage follows the story of Amani, kidnapped from her home and family, to be the identical body double for Maram, the feared princess of the Vath.  As the story unfolds, we learn so much about Amani and her history and the lore of her people. The characters that come into contact with Amani learn more about themselves and I love that aspect of the book. Idris is the fiance of Maram, and I loved watching him develop as he learns about where he came from through stories and poetry. Reading their romance and their relationship was heartwarming (although a little bit too quick for my liking) was really nice. Amani reached out to him and taught him about his heritage and I thought that was a really lovely connection. 

There was something some humbling about watching Amani grow as she spend her time in the royal palace, she is always poised and so incredibly intelligent. I loved the way she interacted with people and how she had started to change the princess Maram. There was nothing I didn't like about her personality. Amani was just fantastic and I credit Somaiya Daud for creating such a strong and passionate female protagonist. 

As soon as I started reading Mirage it immediately felt familiar, like I already knew the world and the characters and that they were always something I had known about. I have never felt that way about a book and it was so amazing to feel so connected to a fictional place. It was as if everything that happened in that story was ancient lore and I had been told about it but didn't know the complete tale. Thank you so much Mirage for immersing me so much into a fantasy world. I loved everything about this book and I cannot wait to read the next!

3.5 stars.

This was a solid book. I liked the premise and I really liked how the story developed. Maram was a surprise to me, but a good one. Idris was a nice counterpoint as was Tala.
One thing that did bug me was the use of technology in this world. You assume it is a Morocco-esque book but then there's all this technology that pulls you out of the world. I don't think it fits and needs to decide if it is sci-fi or fantasy. I do t think the two quite mix.
But the story is solid and I will probably continue with this series.

Huge thank you to Hachette Australia and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

Once again I’m lost for words as this book was a pleasant surprise! I honestly had no idea it was a Sci-fi novel, I assumed it was just a fantasy book, but it was so much more and I’m so happy it was. I had a couple of issues with it though, which is why I didn’t give it a full five stars, but I’ll get into that in a minute. Overall though I really enjoyed this book!

Full (spoiler-y) review here: http://wmsreads.tumblr.com/post/177338955652/

Paperback Princess Blurb

Mirage by Somaiya Daub is an outstanding debut novel, with intricately woven plot, multi-faceted characters, beautiful world creation finished off with poetic writing. Definitely a must read for 2018.

Paperback Princess Review

Mirage by Somaiya Daud is a masterpiece. It's complicated and multi-faceted characters and it's ever so unique world and traditions and so much more, is tied together in this beautifully written debut novel that will have you wanting more...YESTERDAY!

"Our souls will return home, we will return...We will set our feet in the rose of the citadel"

I was hooked from the very first page, with the luscious descriptions. The world created is so beautiful, scary and unique. It resembles an ancient Moroccan inspired world, with the technological advancement that allows it to enter the sci-fi category, done so well, that it will not even make you question why the world is how it is.

"On a small moon orbiting a large planet, in a small farmhouse in a small village, there was a box, and in this
box was a feather."

Amani is becoming an adult. The Kushaila (her people) has a sacred ritual for the transitioning children, they receive the daan (a geometrical face tattoo, that tells the story of their heritage). When the Vathek droids crash in on the celebration, Amani is whisked away to the palace, unbeknown to Amani or her family, she shares the face of the hated, half-Vathek, Princess Maram.

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

Mirage is the story of how Amani finds herself thrust into the midst of royal rivalry, political intrigue, family love/loyalty/drama, rebellion and so much more; as she is made to be Princess Maram's disposable double.

"The blood never dies. The blood never forgets."

This book truly evokes so much emotions from the readers; from anger and fear to love and understanding, this book touches on so many subjects, and does so with a punch!

Even your happiness is rebellion
I love a complicated cast of characters, I think it takes an amazing writer to be able to write characters that are not always completely good or bad, and Somaiya does this beautifully.

"You do not kneel or bend, I told myself. To anyone. You continue."

I was heavily invested in Amani's life and the love story was well done, no insta-love here. There was a lot of story/background building, without it reading tediously, because of this exemplary writing the reader understood why they would gravitate towards each other.

"A cage is a cage even if gilded."

Princess Maram was hated for a reason; she was vicious, nasty, spoilt etc, but somehow Daud created her with so much depth, that by the end, I pitied, understood and even liked her.

"I watched her go, wondering, all too aware the next time I saw her she would be that much closer to being
queen."

Mirage's plot foundation and progress could easily have been a standalone novel, if I wanted to not read further, the ending left me satisfied, but in the same token, it left me also wanting more...is that confusing yet?

"Hope. Hard won, soaked in blood, a hope that burned as much as it lit her way."

I had to take the rest of the night off from reading, as I just could not pick up another book so soon after Mirage, talk about a book hangover! I was left picking my jaw off the floor, and muttering to anyone that would listen, how fantastic this book was!

"I am tired of being at the mercy of the world."

The writing was poetic, beautiful, magical and luscious. You are THERE, not merely reading a story. It reminds me somewhat of Renee Ahdieh's duo-logy; The Wrath & The Dawn in the plot and poetic and lyrical writing.

"The surface seemed like a shifting tapestry of orange, yellows, and reds, pushed this way and that by the
currents of the wind."

Mirage by Somaiya Daub is an outstanding debut novel, with intricately woven plot, multi-faceted characters, beautiful world creation finished off with poetic writing. Definitely a must read for 2018.

Many thanks to Hachette Australia for providing me with an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.  

Amani lives with her poor farming family until cruel droids suddenly turn up to a special evening and rip her away from them.  She's transported to a palace where she learns she is the spitting image of the cruel and hated princess, and the princess is in need of a body double.  Forced into the role of standing in for the princess at any events where she might be in danger, she learns and experiences more than she bargained for.

I think I'm going to be in the minority here:  I liked Mirage, but I didn't love it.  I know a lot of people have raved about it, but I just didn't find it all that gripping.  I did enjoy watching the relationship that developed and changed between the princess, Maram, and Amani.  Watching Maram struggle with her own personality and defence mechanisms was interesting and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I never knew whether to hate her or feel sorry for her.  The writing style was lovely, but there were just a few too many points I found a little frustrating:

The romance between Amani and Idris (Maram's fiance) was predictable insta-love.  They were basically "in love" from the first time they met.  Sometimes I can abide by insta-love if it's done really well and I love the characters, but Idris just seemed a bit flat and uninteresting.  I felt no passion for them whatsoever.

I was so confused by the sheer number of strange place names, customs, religions etc that were introduced, but not really explained, that I think I was missing some plot points just trying to remember them all.

The world building was just.... strange.  It seemed to be set in the past to me - with all the talk of farmers, horse and carriages and palaces, but it was actually sci-fi, set on different planets.  I just couldn't reconcile the robots and advanced technology with the world that I kept picturing in my mind from the descriptions.

Lastly, not much really happened that wasn't in the description of the book, which made the story a little too predictable in the end.

In saying that, I still don't think it was a bad book.  It was fine, I didn't dislike reading it and I'll read the sequel, but at this stage it's just not a memorable book for me.  It's one of those books where I'm hoping the sequel has a bit more action and faster developing plot points, and that might help me fall in love with the characters.

After seeing all the hype and so many 5-star reviews for Mirage I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. But now that I've finished it, I'm not quite sure what to think. I don't know if my reaction to it is because of me, or the actual book. I enjoyed it enough to finish it, but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. For me, it was one of those books you put down and have no idea how to feel about it.

Initially I was very confused trying to keep track of all the names, places, religions and gods. The author introduced so many new things in the beginning of the story I had trouble remembering them all. She created a pretty unique world and culture, but honestly I felt it was too descriptive. And occasionally a made up word/name would be introduced and not explained. Added to the fact that the writing in the beginning of the book seemed very stilted, I felt like I was getting constantly interrupted.

I really loved the fact that this was a sci-fi book set in space, which most people wouldn't know from the description. However, with all the descriptions of space craft and technology there was also mention of a horse drawn carriage, which I thought was strange. It was a mix of technological advances and rural settings. I understand from other reviews that the author has drawn from real life history for inspiration for the story, but for someone who is picking this book up with no knowledge of that, it just seemed confusing.

I adored the relationship between Amani and Maram, watching it develop was magical. For me, this was really the only aspect of this book I enjoyed. I did not feel connected to any of the characters or Amani's struggle with her life once she was kidnapped. I didn't feel moved, and I'm sure I was supposed to be. The romance in this book was very enjoyable to read, but extremely predictable. It was also very unrealistic, as it occurs within one meeting of the two. It became the main focus of the book instead of action/rebellion, which was introduced in the book and I thought would be a fantastic plot point. Instead it became a bit of a side show to the romance.

Overall, some confusing places/names, a bit too much romance, not enough action and characters and plot points that did nothing for me. Enjoyable to read but I don't think I would recommend it to everyone. I can see some people would definitely love this book, but for me personally it missed the mark.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette for a e-ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and do not represent the author or publisher, simply the book itself.

Mirage by Somaiya Daud is a slow burning , diverse and somewhat frustrating si-fi YA debut. Set in a Universe that is controlled by the evil Vathek this story is about Amani a girl who is taken from her village/planet because she is bares a striking resemblance to the soon to be queen Maram she is to be Maram's body double because Maram is a horribly cruel princess and her whole planet hates her and wants her dead. this book focuses more on the characters and their development and has minimal action which wasn't a bad thing though personally I would have preferred a little more action but this is only book one so we shall see! this book actually made me like the "villain" Maram is kind of an outcast because she is half-Vathek and I actually felt really sorry for her because maybe if she was treated better and actually had some love and acceptance in her life she may not have turned into the cruel vicious person that she is this book also made me ask myself is she really the villain of this story??. I really liked Amani she's been ripped away from her home and family but she's determined to remember who she is and not let the Vathek win but she also sees the good in Maram and the interaction between the two of them was really interesting. I liked Idris too Maram's fiancé to me he's not in the book a lot I hope we see more of him in the next book. the romance in this book was kind of in the background a bit it is only a smallish part of this story which isn't really a bad thing because some YA fantasy books make the story all about the romance and push everything else into the background. the thing that frustrated me about this book was the ending!!! ugghhh I was getting right into the story and everything was going good and I knew something was going to happen and.....of course it did and it ends and now I have to wait for book two!!!!!! overall I really enjoyed Mirage and im really looking forward to the next instalment!

I don't even know where to start with this to be honest.

The cover, while simple, was amazing. I will be interested to know whether it will be embossed, foiled or flat in its physical release form.

I absolutely loved both the protagonists and the secondary characters. Everyone had a backstory whether indepth or not which really allowed the reader to engage with the entire cast.

The imagery was absolutely spectacular and I honestly wish Ouzdad was a real place just so I could go and sit in that garden.

While I don't traditionally enjoy love triangles, the one within Mirage is well thought out and not overbearing. Not even sure it could classed as a triangle? More a pizza wedge shape whereby Maram just connects the other two. with a gradual curvature her strong and steely exterior. I even found myself hoping they escaped together

I was however confused that the entirity was set in space. Nowhere on the cover, in the blurb, media release or synopsis, did it give any indication of this. Maybe some stars or a spaceship hidden... Somewhere would have clued me in. Not a bad thing, just interesting that there was no mention.

Overall I loved it

Hell yes! If you like SJ Maas, and you like all of the 2017 YA best sellers, then this is for you! A mad plot and great characters, sure to be a hit!

MIRAGE by Somaiya Daud.

Review Tagline: Deception and intrigue meet in a vivid story of romance and rebellion.

Blurb: In a star system dominated by the brutal Vathek empire, sixteen-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 poetry she loves to hear read, she dreams of one day 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. When she is kidnapped by the government and taken in secret to the royal palace, 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’ fiance, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear, and one wrong move could lead to her death.

Release Date: 28th August, 2018.
Length: 320 pages.
Series: ‘Mirage’ Book 1.Genre: YA. Sci-Fi. Romance.
Read as an: eBook.
Sourced: NetGalley.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, it was incredibly refreshing seeing such a rich and conflicting perspective in a character and location. The world that Somaiya Daud has created is intricate and beautiful, there is intrigue and aggression around every corner but there is also family, love, and faith.

In Mirage, Daud has created a fresh story and world. You are drawn into this rich landscape full of intrigue and rebellion, and you are made to care about the unfolding drama of the planet. Mirage also makes you look at both sides of the war and question the true scope of the injustice.

Throughout the book the main character, Amani, undergoes a transformative emotional and physical journey from village girl to stand-in royal. Not only does Daud take us on the emotional journey of Amani as she struggled to fill the role while not losing parts of herself, but we are also offered glimpses into the psyche of Princess Maram. The more time Amani spends as Maram, the more she empathises and sees the warring dualities of her birth. Maram is faces hate and derision from both sides of her family, one side for being half of the conquering people, the other in her ‘otherness’ of the conquered people.

The emotional journey of Amani was such a compelling read; we see the journey from her fear, to her resolve to use her position to help, to her eventual empathy for Maram. Throughout it all though, Amani holds onto her love of her family, her culture, and her strength.

Best Bits:

The poetry. In another life, Armani would have been a poet, writing verse about her people and life. The book is littered with snippets of poems and stories. Poetry is a passion and often Armani reflects on past verses and retellings. I absolutely loved these moments as it made me feel so much more connected to not only Armani as a character but to her culture and the fight of her people.

Idris and Amani. Be still my tortured and tragic heart. I really cannot wait to see how not only the story unfolds but what ‘the world decides’ for the pair. The scene with Idris’ parents poetry book was so beautiful.

The beautiful writing. Daud creates a such beautiful landscape and rich environment in her novel. The imagery was vivid and jumped from the page – I am in particular talking about the underground grotto and lake! With each new palace and village, I was given a feel for the characters, the culture, and the history of the people.

Favourite Quote:

"You do not kneel or bend, I told myself. To anyone. You continue."

Recommendations: For me, Mirage was a breath of fresh air to the Young Adult genre, the story is not only nuanced and full of emotional explorations of the self but it is vivid and beautiful. I would really recommend this to readers who are after a compelling and emotional story, one that makes you empathise with your enemies. Mirage will make you feel.

Please note: I received a copy of ‘Mirage’ from NetGalley.

Oh Man!
What a hot mess, I was really looing forward to this. It started out with so much premise and I was there for it, but it then slides right into the topic of been here and read this before. This is a character driven story, it was read in first POV and its YA.

Literally the blurb on Good reads sums up the whole story, the said story has themes of colonialism, sci-fi, princess, forbidden love and a ending where your like waiting fort he next one, will I pick up the next one straight away no I wont.

Its a slow book, Amani is kidnapped at is to be pretend to be the Princess, because she looks like her, the princes is a cruel girl she is nasty and in fear of her life so she needs a double, someone to be her in public places, appearances, Amani is pushed into a world she doesn't understand. Even if I didn't enjoy the story, I have to admit the story is written well, the author introduces you to an interesting plot, and cast of characters, I see where everyone will enjoy it. ill be in the minority of not connecting with it. The romance is sweet, and I liked that.

So not a lot happens in this book, yes she gets taken but that is about all, she meets the rebels about 50% through and I felt that it just needed more. Then the last 30-20% I was about to DNF but I pushed through because I came all this way, I had to see what happened.. right?

Personally in ya we see the same plot being recycled and used, nothing fresh or new, country destroyed, rebels, fightingss and death...

Overall I am rating this book 3 stars.