Mirage is one of the most unique political intrigue/ science fiction stories I’ve ever read. The main character Amani is taken from her home to be the body double for the heiress of the cruel conquerors who took control over Amani’s people. It is diverse with Moroccan culture mixed into this beautiful sci-fi world with near perfection. Daud’s world building was exquisitely detailed, and her own writing style mimicked a poetic tone like Amani’s own love for poetry.

Bigotry/ xenophobia is heavily present in the entire novel because the conquerors look down upon Amani’s people and their culture. It hurts to see Amani and others struggle against this deep rooted hatred/ supremacy, but Mirage is also a story of hope and resilience. No matter what happens, characters besides Amani even are still trying to fight for their freedom. Nobody has given up, and it makes me excited for the sequel. 

In particular, Amani’s character growth astounded me. She grows into this newfound confidence as Maram in such a profound way. Obviously, Amani isn't the type to be cruel, but throughout the course of the novel, she chooses herself whenever possible and masterfully dances amongst other deadly politicans. People always forget the multiple faces within politics, but this story stripped that bare for the reader to view head on. It was especially fun to even see Amani experience the politics of her own people in high positions of power— since she understands their language. It was a detail that made this story even sweeter via politics. When Amani gets Maram to trust her— probably the biggest surprise anyone could ever do— I couldn't believe it. This experience could’ve broken her, but instead, she’s found the strength and courage to fight back in her own way and befriend the cruel princess in the process. It makes me wonder where the sequel is headed.

All the characters forge their own way through this terror, constantly encapsulating this empire. Idris tore my heart strings on multiple occasions while also being one of the few joyful moments within this book. Even Somaiya Daud made me pity Maram, which was partly the point, but I digress, I wanted to pull my hair out watching her turn her back on Amani. There's something so raw about being ~this close~ to change and then having it snuffed out like a lone, vulnerable candle. UGH!

Thanks Flatiron books for sending me an ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reread Note: Four years later, I am lowering my review by 0.75.  I wish this novel had been longer and developed some of the relationships more before it concluded. The romance felt rushed at times, and I wish we could've gotten more scenes at these different locations in the galaxy. Everything just happens so fast that the reader hardly has time to flit to the next scene.