Title: Mirage

Series: Mirage #1

Author: Somaiya Daud

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; she dreams of writing poetry like the old-world poems she adores; she dreams of 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: she is kidnapped by the regime 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, 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’ fiancé, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear. 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.

‘There is no escape from what they want. Only survival.’

Loved it! This was such a great read. I was so interested in the characters, their pull, the way they were and why, just everything! I am literally kicking myself for not reading this when I first got it at release!

Amani is taken from her family and world because she looks uncannily like the hated Vathek, Princess Maram who is being targeted by a rebel group and the cruel Vathek want to use Amani to impersonate Maram.

The writing was a joy to read, I really enjoyed the world, it sort of reminded me of the world in the Lunar Chronicles, so good.

But what I really loved were the relationships. The author did a top job here. The relationship between Amani and Maram fascinated me and tore at my heart. Then there was Tala. And then Idris. Oh Idris, how I loved thee! Now I’m not a cutsey, warm girl but Idris and Amani together were so cute together I thought I might combust!

It was perfect. So good. I really need book 2!