A good series conclusion, but I think ultimately, not for me. The science-fiction/fantasy elements were a little too "light" for me without the worldbuilding depth I thought I would be getting; I did not mind this is the first book, but I believe that a sequel--especially the last of a series--should build upon these blocks to craft a real, tangible world. The plot is fairly slow, but those are the sort of books I enjoy, but worth mentioning in this review. However, I chose to rate this three stars because of the writing, characters, and (for the most part) a cohesive, well-done storyline. The dual POV was one of my favorite parts; it made both the narrative protagonists shine. I realize this sounds a little negative but I am genuinely looking forward to seeing what the author does next with their talent and skill. Overall, I think I preferred the first in the series, but fans should still look forward to this mostly satisfying conclusion.

What I liked about Court of Lions:
-I enjoyed learning more about Maram. Even thought Amani is her body-double, I feel like we didn't get to see much of her in the first book. In this book Maram relies on Amani to cover for her when she is put into situations that she feels uncomfortable in. Their trust in each other grows into a sisterly bond that strengthens through their joint goal of seeing Maram on the throne and overthrowing the Vath's control of their planet.

What I disliked about Court of Lions:
- I felt that many parts were rushed. There a nice buildup to the climax, but when we got there I felt that too many things fell conveniently into place and was over too quickly. I think this book could have been longer or another book added to the series to spread the events out more.

Who would I recommend Court of Lions:
-Strong sister relationships
-Very light sci-fi/fantasy


Overall Thoughts:
Overall, I really I like this conclusion to Mirage. There were so many elements that I liked: the friendships, the romantic relationships, and the writing style. However, I was disappointed in the rushed feeling of the ending. I am excited to try more of Somaiya's work in the future.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the e-ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

I'm so happy that I was approved to get an arc of this book. I had really fallen in love with the first book "Mirage" and this sequel did not disappoint. I had been a real slump the past few months were I had practically given up on doing anything. Reading this book though had me feeling everything. The authors storytelling is beautifully written with the poetry, the fashion, the friendships, and just the entire world building. I really enjoyed how in the last few chapters we get a few surprises in the end that had me grinning like a crazy person.I'm sad that this is the last book but I am really happy with how the story wraps up with the characters. Amani and Maram have become my favorite characters and I'm going to miss them. I can not wait for this to be out in the world for everyone to read. I'm definitely going to buy a physical copy when it does come out. It

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Court of Lions

Author: Somaiya Daud

Book Series: Mirage Book 2

Diversity: Moroccan based characters

Rating: 4/5

Recommended For...: kidnapping, switching places tales, Moroccan characters

Publication Date: August 6, 2020

Publisher: Hodder

Pages: 336

Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, some sexual content, violence, slight gore)

Synopsis: After being swept up into the brutal Vathek court, Amani, the ordinary girl forced to serve as the half-Vathek princess's body double, has been forced into complete isolation. The cruel but complex princess, Maram, with whom Amani had cultivated a tenuous friendship, discovered Amani's connection to the rebellion and has forced her into silence, and if Amani crosses Maram once more, her identity - and her betrayal - will be revealed to everyone in the court.

Amani is desperate to continue helping the rebellion, to fight for her people's freedom. But she must make a devastating decision: will she step aside, and watch her people suffer, or continue to aid them, and put herself and her family in mortal danger? And whatever she chooses, can she bear to remain separated, forever, from Maram's fiancé, Idris?

Review: Overall, I thought the series greatly improved from the first series. I loved the whole series and I love how much more developed the characters became in this book, especially Maram. I loved the duel POV and loved Maram’s scenes the best in the book. The world building continued to be grand and I loved the plot of this book.

However, the book is incredibly slow and the book does tend to slow down even more at random times, especially during Amani and Idris’ scenes.

Verdict: It’s a great duology! Definitely one that’s unique and will be rememberable.

This was everything that I enjoy in the conclusion to a duology. The romance and political intrigue were amazing. I really enjoy Daud's writing because it is so immersive and descriptive. This was definitely a satisfying conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Somaiya Daud for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, I have had the pleasure of meeting Miss Daud twice, and she is an absolute joy! Her ideas are brilliant and her ability to write a passionate tale is astounding.

Court of Lions is the second and final installment in the Mirage duology. This conclusion has everything fans of the first book seek: “Poetry and politics and passion.” Perfect!

This book is full of Middle-eastern culture, mostly Moroccan, immersing the author’s own heritage into the pages of this brilliant work. I love the world she has built through her culture, as well as the fact that this novel takes place in space–there’s droids, drop-ships, and a good old Galactic Senate. What a wonderful combination of ideas to form a most beautiful tale!

While the first book felt more heart-pounding in the budding romance between Amani and Idris, this book starts quickly with Maram asking Amani to step in her place for her marriage and bridal night. Of course Amani struggles with this. Her and Idris agreed to put their passions aside, so this request sure isn’t easy. And Maram seems to have some deeper reason to not step in with Idris…

Amani and Idris find their passions once again kindled, staying away from each other an impossible task, while Maram explores romantics of her own.

Amani plays a political double agent once more. She sees just how great a Queen Maram can be, but that means gaining the rebels to the side of someone they may have their qualms about. Amani finds challenges not only among the courtly people, but from Nadine as well. Nadine has helped guide Maram her whole life, but the woman has ulterior motives as she tries to secure the throne for herself–along with her interrogation droids… And let’s not forget Maram’s tyrannical father.

This is exactly the conclusion this duology should have. It’s perfectly satisfying in every way. The only problem: there isn’t more. Will Miss Daud be doing a new series? I sure hope so! She is certainly an author on my “auto-buy” list.
🙂

**I was provided with an ARC through Netgalley for a blog tour with Caffeine Book Tours in exchange for an honest review**

A wonderfully crafted and emotional finale – this duology has come along and captured my heart.

Court of Lions picks up mere weeks from where Mirage left off. Upon being discovered of sympathising and having connections to the rebels, Amani has fallen out of favour with the princess and is in a way back to square one – isolated from the world until she is required for her role. Stepping out of line would put her family’s lives at stake, would put her own life at stake. However, Amani’s belief in Maram’s potential to become the queen Andala needs holds strong, and she is determined to do what is necessary to achieve her hopes and aspirations for the planet. Despite the danger it poses to her family and despite the sacrifices she has to make when it comes to her own feelings and heart.

A standout difference between this book and its predecessor it that there was a distinctive plot. I absolutely loved Mirage but the body double plot point, though key to the story, initially felt quite loose to me and a lot of what was happening felt as though it was there to introduce the world and set the overall scene for the reader. In Court of Lions Amani’s ambitions really channel the storyline.

Having spent much time in Maram’s shoes Amani really starts to come into her own in this sequel, projecting her new level of confidence into mending her relationship with the princess and precariously amassing support for her from the Makhzen.

I was really excited to see that we finally had some chapters from Maram’s perspective, whose character has intrigued me from the minute she was introduced. Her harsh exterior is scratched away to reveal an all too human layer of vulnerability.

Identity is a significant theme in these books and Daud skilfully touches on Maram’s internal conflict with her mixed Kushaila-Vath heritage as well as her sexuality, just as she did with Amani’s daan and Kushaila heritage. It was wonderful experiencing both of their character arcs side by side. Their supportive and sisterly relationship is the heart of this duology and Daud has crafted it beautifully.

As with Mirage, action heavy scenes are pretty sparse and the sci-fi elements were again more of an accessory to the setting. The political intrigue however, took a step up adding a compelling layer of tension to the narrative and I absolutely loved it.

Though without a doubt the strongest aspect of the story was once again the world-building. Following a similar pacing to the first book, Daud’s lyrical prose transports us right back into her Moroccan inspired world. Through both Amani and Maram we travel to new corners of Andala and discover more of its history and folklore. I couldn’t get enough of Daud’s lush descriptions when it came to the settings and ceremonies, the food and clothing.

Then there’s the romance. Akin to the snippets of poetry sprinkled throughout the duology, both of the primary romantic relationships in the book were full of heartfelt yearning and angst.

Amani and Idris’ relationship is one of very few ‘insta-lovey’ relationships that I have got fully invested in. I enjoyed reading their interactions throughout and the ounce of familiarity and support they were able to give each other in their situations was really wholesome. I guess the secret/forbidden aspect of their relationship also gave it a bit of an edge, and let me just say the way certain events in this book added to the yearning just ahhhhhhhfsjgsk

The relationship that blossoms between Maram and her love interest was also quite sweet. Though with Maram’s chapters being so few and far between this was again shown only through snippets – I wanted more!!

This duology is criminally underrated and under loved, I urge you to pick up Mirage if you have yet to! I look forward to checking out what Somaiya Daud writes next.
Final Rating - 4.5/5 Stars

There is always this brief moment where I find myself tearing up, hands clutching a pillow or a stuffed animal as I'm about to finish a certain book. And it's always these books that I end up resonating with and come to love. To be honest with you, I wasn't expecting that to happen to me while finishing this book, but it did. And it's not going to come as a surprise when you see that I've given this book a high rating.

Court of Lions was everything that I wanted in a sequel and more. To me, it had the perfect balance of everything: from the actions scenes to the angsty ones where all you want to do is mush these two people's faces together and make them kiss. Like come on, get on with it already!! 

Also, I just want to take a moment to declare my affection towards Maram. I did like her character in Mirage, but somehow, all the emotions I felt for her tripled in this book. I must admit, I found myself more than once eager to get to her chapters because they were just that good. I don't want to go in and say why ( because spoilers, duh) but just trust me on this one. They'll have your heart racing and your cheeks blushing in no time.

But with that being said, I did grow more attached to the other characters in this book, starting with no one other than our girl Amani. Specially with the stakes being higher in this book, I felt like we got to know her a bit better and grow a stronger fondness towards her. The little snippets that we got with her and the other ladies at court and the friendships that were being formed were really nice to read about as well.

Honestly, there were many parts that became memorable to me. And I truly think it was because of the writing that the author possess. It felt like her words casted a spell that teleported me into a world so vibrant and so luscious with its descriptions.

One of the other things that I really liked in Mirage that was still present in the sequel was the Maghrebi representation, and seeing it come to life on page. You don't even know how much it meant to me every time I encountered an Arabic word or name that felt familiar to me and how amazing it felt reading it. This just goes to show how representation in books matter so much to us readers. We need more of this! We want more of feeling at home while being in the arms of a book. And I'm looking forward to the day where that representation is widely available.

I truly think that Court of Lions was a delightful read and I really hope that you guys end up checking it out once it becomes available. Or if you haven't read Mirage yet to give it a try, because it really might surprise you.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful second book in the series. I loved seeing both Amani and Maram come into their own, and both find happiness in spite of what was expected of them.

Let’s start with Maram: I liked what was done with her this time around, particularly that she’s queer. Her relationship with Aghraas was one of the best parts of this book. I didn’t always think much of Maram, dismissing her as another spoiled princess at times, but it was cool to see her have these tender moments. And I also liked seeing her grappling with her mixed heritage, and trying to figure out if she’s the right person for the role of ruler…the internal growth on her part was splendid, as was the development of her relationship with Amani, given it originally started off in a horrible place.

And Amani and Idris’ arc started off with a bit more “will-they-won’t-they” angst for my taste this time, but I was won over by them as a couple as the story went on.

I enjoyed this book overall, and look forward to what Somaiya Daud releases next. If you’re looking for a rich, immersive Moroccan inspired fantasy, I recommend this series highly.

It's honestly impossible to give this book a bad review. After reading and LOVING Mirage, I was a little skeptical as to how this book would hold up against my ~very~ high expectations. Nevertheless, there were some bumps in the road, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! Overall, this duology is an exquisitely written YA fantasy, that is a must-read for those who love female-led novels(a.k.a. everyone!!). Although I had some issues with this novel, I also have a million wonderful things to say about it. I would recommend this to the ages of 16-25. View my full review on my blog at : https://readingonastar.wordpress.com/

Arc provided by NetGalley. All reviews are my own.

While I really enjoyed this sequel and how it all ended, I will say that it definitely suffered from the “middle book syndrome”. All the characters developed and it was fun, but some scenes were VERY dragged out while others happened so fast and had me reading the passages again to make sure I understood it. The beginning was quite slow but it did pick up and ended up being fairly fast paced. I liked the dual POV and hope we can get that again. It was nice being inside some one else’s mind besides Amani. Honestly, I don’t really have much to say about it otherwise.

First off thank you Net Galley and Flatiron Books for the ARC to read and review.

I give A Court of Lions 5/5 Stars. Somaiya Daud drags he reader right back into the magical sci-fi of the world of Mirage in the sequel, A Court of Lions. The action and plot were amazing, the stakes even higher for Marem and Amani than in Mirage. When I read Mirage,I remember thinking, "this is great, but I Wish it had someLGBTQ+ rep" well Duad remedies this problem in A Court of Lions. The sapphic yearning was by far the best element of the sequel. loved exploring Marem's character more in depth in this book as well. For everyone who enjoyed Catra on She-Ra or think Azula from Avatar deserved better, I think you will find this series explores this in Marem.

This is the rousing and satisfying sequel to Mirage, the end of a beautiful science fiction duology. Mirage set a high bar for its successor to meet, and I was not disappointed.

The Court of Lions builds on the found sisterhood between princess and body double, and gives more insight into Princess Maram's mindset as the product of both the conqueror and the conquered. In addition, she finds her own love story (and it's queer!). Body double Amani continues to be the iron-willed idealist with the perfect mindset and position to bring together the necessary disparate parties that could finally oust the imperialist, occupying Vath forces sucking the planet dry.

What most struck me about this story was all the facets of love it explores: duty, loyalty, friendship, family, the family we make for ourselves, and of course, romance. The world-building was also vivid and transporting. What a beautiful finale-- I recommend the series unreservedly.

This book is the sequel to Mirage which I finally read earlier this month and enjoyed. Court of Lions takes place where Mirage left off with Maram and Idris' wedding soon arriving. Maram is disinterested and puts Amani in her place for the ceremony and even asks if she'll take place in the marriage bed. Idris knows Amani well so he instantly recognizes when she's attempting to double as his wife even if Maram's own father does not.

Amani is determined to remove toxic people like Nadine and her spies out of Maram's life and build an army of support around her in hopes of a new world order. We get to see a bit of Maram's perspective inserted into each section but I still wasn't sold on her. I understand she was a vulnerable young woman with insecurities about her mixed heritage but I missed the fiery woman from Mirage. This one bore almost no resemblance to the intimidating princess and every time she did Amani commented on how bad it was that the old Maram was showing.

I also founding the pacing to be slightly off at times as pages upon pages could describe their surroundings and then key plot points would get little cover. And at some points the story moved incredibly fast while other points like in the middle it seemed to drag on.

If you're a fan of the romance between Idris and Amani you will be enjoy those parts as it continues in this story as they are forced into each other's proximity during the honeymoon tour. And they don't always see eye to eye when it comes to politics which creates some tension.

Overall I'm rounding the 2.5 to a 3 star since there were parts that kept me entertained.

Thank you Netgalley and Flatiron Books for giving me the opportunity to review this arc.Please check out my series review on my blog
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot.com/2020/07/mirage-series-by-somaiya-daud.html

Court of Lions was such a wonderfully written sequel to Mirage, and well worth the long wait. Amani grapples with the aftermath of the assassination attempt on the brutal Vathek princess Maram, to whom she has acted as body double and has come to view as a friend. She's lost her home, her family is threatened on all sides, and she has said goodbye to the man she loves in order that one day Maram might be the queen Amani knows she is meant to be. But Maram's discovery of Amani's rebel ties and her upcoming marriage to Idris leaves this relationship in tatters. Amani is determined to restore this relationship whatever it takes and to bring Maram and the rebels into one accord so that her people may taste freedom, but she must navigate the tenuous of the Empire's politics, or else she could lose her very life.
I absolutely adore Somaiya Daud's writing style. It's something that is not talked about enough. Her writing carries a certain vulnerability and heart to it as it lyrically weaves the story of Amani and Maram together. Once again, the relationship and the love that Amani and Idris share just sizzled right off the page. I also think that Daud does an incredible job handling the complex personality of Maram, and I enjoyed being able to read her perspective in this book independent of Amani. It allowed me to understand Maram more, and I loved seeing her character develop as the book went on. Amani and Maram's friendship is one the best written female friendship dynamics I have ever read. Court of Lions transcends genre just as Mirage did, and has forbidden love, betrayal, secrets and so much more in it. I love this duology with my whole heart and cannot recommend it enough. A story ultimately about the love forged between chosen sisters, Court of Lions reminds us that it is never too late to stand for justice and to do the right thing, irregardless of the expectations of those around us and the legacy those who came before us left us. Our choices are our own, as is our way forward. Thank you to the publisher for access to this title.

I received this EARC from
NetGalley exchanged for an honest review.

Court of Lions is the sequel to Somaiya Daud's debut novel Mirage.

I was super excited to read this novel because I loved the first book. Also I was excited because we were able to get the opportunity to have Maram point of view as well.

So for this sequel the parts that I really liked was Idris and Armani love story. I felt it was so cute and nature and I felt like I was apart of the story.

There was some parts I was little bit confused with when it comes to like the world but that’s mostly because I don’t usually read Sci-Fi novels.

But I think the story flowed well. I didn’t like Maram in the last book but grew to like her in this book. There is romance , action and a good story .

Court of Lions is the sequel to Somaiya Daud's debut novel Mirage, which is now a finished duology.

Amani is by far the strongest character in the series, which makes her a captivating heroine to root for. Though dispirited at times, she shoulders the most responsibility of everyone. She balances her feelings for Idris and her duties to Maram—with grace—to ensure the safety of her family. And she rallies and unites a number of families against Mathis. This is with no substantial help from Maram, really.

By the end of COL, everyone gets a happy ending. Ultimately, I rated Court of Lions 4 out of 5 stars. I really struggled with pacing. Daud spends an entire page talking about architecture or Amani’s outfits and jewelry (this happens frequently in both books), yet when it comes to major plot points, she speeds through them. Certain death scenes come to mind. Here were these abrupt major events taking place, and then the series just... ends.

But all in all, I would recommend Court of Lions; It was a world unlike other sci-fi-fantasies I’ve read, and I always enjoy stories that cast strong women leads. COL had a number of strong women—hero and villain alike in that regard.

Court of Lions is a wonderful sequel to Mirage. It’s told from the perspectives of Maram and Amani. I appreciated the character development in this book. Maram struggles with her identity, and it’s always fun to follow a character on their journey of discovering who they are. There are high political stakes, and the growth of both Amani and Maram over the course of this book is refreshing.

Relationships are a main focus of this story, and I loved the LGBTQ romance. Amani and Maram are playing a dangerous political game, and I loved seeing everything carefully fall into place. The world-building is just as incredible as it was in Mirage. The only issue I had was the pacing and how easily things seemed to work out for the characters. I felt that based on the stress the characters felt that there should’ve been more of a struggle to get what they wanted.

Gorgeous sequel to MIRAGE. Daud gives the feminist fantasy tale I have been dreaming of. So pleased with this ending, and can't wait to see what else she will write in the future.

WHAT A CONCLUSION!
I adored mirage back in 2018 and I was so excited to see how Somaiya Daud was going to end this duology. And boy, did she do it well!

The magic and arabic influence was exceptional, you could totally see how prepared the author is. And how the research and love for her culture is present in this book. And I totally appreciated that.

The characters are all really well structured, especially Maram, is one of the best antiheroines I've ever read about.
I loved the decision the author took with her, and her journey and development was really wholesome to witness.
The found family between Amani and Maram, Maram and her love interest, Maram and her finding her true self and fighting for what she believes in and what/who she loves.

It was really the perfect ending, and I can't wait to follow this author in the future and see what else she writes.