I received this book for free from Fairyloot, Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Mirage by Somaiya Daud
Series: Mirage #1
Published by Hodder & Stoughton on August 28, 2018
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 311
Format: E-Arc, Hardback
Source: Fairyloot, Netgalley
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The crown of Dihya had been stripped from me, my face changed, my body broken. But I was not a slave and I was not a spare. I was my mother's daughter, and I would survive and endure. I would find my way back home.
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 of receiving a sign from Dihya 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 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 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 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.

Wow wow wow, I cannot believe how long Mirage has been on my shelf! I definitely should have read it sooner. This was a fantastic start to the series because there is so much promise of more to come. I cannot even fathom what will happen. I just know that it will be epic.

For me, as a five star read. This is very hard to review. There is also too much positivity for me to focus on one thing, but I will do my best. I loved the richness, the depth, the story-telling. Mirage is the first book in a while where it has been so easy to imagine the world it is set in and stand by the side of the characters.

And then there is the romance between Amani and Idris. Sweet and perfect, their hidden feelings have a sense of danger and one that may combust sometime soon. It is only a matter of time. One problem it is a forbidden love. I cannot wait to see how this will play out.

Also I loved Maram and how she was portrayed. A villain at heart but perhaps there will be a time for redemption? I am really hoping that in the next book we see a lot more of her. And maybe a chapter or two in from her perspective (I can dream right?).

This was a fantastic book that was filled with everything I could ever want and much more besides. Filled with, fantastic characters, a lead to root for, as well as the villain (come on let’s not be bias), a sweet romance, court politics, complex relationships, a sci-fi feel with all the droids,  and a small helping of rebellion. This is a book that will blow you away from the moment you start. 

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