3.5 stars

CW: blood, torture, kidnapping

I seem to be in the minority on this one. Mirage was an enjoyable novel, but I didn’t like it as much as many others seem to.

First, this novel is described as science fiction, but it reads like a fantasy that occasionally features sci-fi elements, such as droids. The story takes place on a few different planets within a galactic empire, though I feel it could’ve flowed more smoothly if it were merely across two or three continents. From time to time I even forgot that it was set in space. I can’t help but wonder if this decision was made in an attempt to cover up loose ends, rather than benefit the story.

Amani came off as a rather plain protagonist. I wanted to like her, but unfortunately, I found her average. She didn’t seem to have any goals aside from protect her family, and a simple personality. Her narrative lacked passion. I believe a bit of depth would’ve done her a world of good.

While the story was fun to read, I wasn’t invested. I read because I was curious, not desperate to know what happened next. I was interested, not hooked. However, I did like the concept of a body double, and would love to read more body double stories in YA. It’s intriguing and not explored enough; are there more? Is anyone writing more? I hope so. Let’s make this a trope.

The world is Moroccan-inspired and focuses heavily on colonization and oppression. I’m white and therefore not qualified to discuss these aspects. Instead, I recommend checking out this lovely, eloquent review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2133374768?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Idris is the love interest, and although I liked him as a character, I have mixed feelings on his relationship with Amani. It developed quickly, bordering on insta-love, and felt like the typical star-crossed romance that many YA novels feature. Admittedly, their moments alone were cute, but my opinion stands. It’s unlikely that anything good will come from this.

My favorite character was definitely Maram. She was the most complex and therefore, in my opinion, the most interesting. She’s believed to be the cruel daughter of a cruel king, and upon meeting her, I was inclined to believe it. But as the story progressed, readers see another side of her, a side that’s friendly and unsure. I disagreed with her choices in the final chapters, but I’m curious to see how she might change in the coming sequel.

The relationship I’m really here for is Amani and Maram’s tentative friendship. Amani pities Maram but doesn’t let that stop her from doing what she thinks is right. They grow and regress, and in my opinion, that’s one of the highlights of the story, though it was occasionally hard to read. I liked watching them bond and warm up to one another, cooking and bantering, trying in their own way.

I also liked the inclusion of Kushaila poetry. It played a part in Amani’s life before and after her kidnapping, as well as her relationship with Idris. It was a minor detail, but I appreciated it.

Even though I wasn’t the biggest fan of Mirage, I can see why other people like it and the potential the next two books have. I’m not sure why this is going to be a trilogy, but I’m curious enough to try at least the second book.

”The blood never dies. The blood never forgets.”