findingfiction_'s review against another edition
3.0
An intriguing sequel rich in culture.
I must say I completely forgot this book was not only fantasy, but also classified as science fiction. This is why this was just a good read and not amazing for me. I wish the science fiction element was more prevalent or the world building was done in a better way. It felt more so of an after thought.
I really enjoyed how Amani grew into her role. But then at times it felt like Maram was out of place and how her character grew seemed so out of the moment. By the end when she was dressed in gear that was made for a soldier it just seemed so out of place that this princess carved of stone, pampered her entire life all of a sudden was able to melt into the role of what essentially is a fighter.
It just seemed a bit disconnected at times, but still an overall intriguing read.
I must say I completely forgot this book was not only fantasy, but also classified as science fiction. This is why this was just a good read and not amazing for me. I wish the science fiction element was more prevalent or the world building was done in a better way. It felt more so of an after thought.
I really enjoyed how Amani grew into her role. But then at times it felt like Maram was out of place and how her character grew seemed so out of the moment. By the end when she was dressed in gear that was made for a soldier it just seemed so out of place that this princess carved of stone, pampered her entire life all of a sudden was able to melt into the role of what essentially is a fighter.
It just seemed a bit disconnected at times, but still an overall intriguing read.
lagunabayfables's review against another edition
2.0
I really liked the first book but this just did not do it for me. I wish I’d skipped over it entirely. Most of the book was focused on political machinations, and while I like narratives like that, there comes a point where it’s just too much. The meetings and negotiations went on and on with only a handful of romance breaks in between.
I liked the main romance in the first book, but in this one, Idris just acted really weirdly so I eventually tired of it. I liked the sapphic romance between Maram and Aghraas, however.
My main gripe with this is the plot twist. I really, REALLY hate the secret princess trope and I felt like the revelations at the end were both too convenient and negated the message of the entire series as well as the MCs’ character arcs.
I liked the main romance in the first book, but in this one, Idris just acted really weirdly so I eventually tired of it. I liked the sapphic romance between Maram and Aghraas, however.
My main gripe with this is the plot twist. I really, REALLY hate the secret princess trope and I felt like the revelations at the end were both too convenient and negated the message of the entire series as well as the MCs’ character arcs.
themoodreader's review
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Physical abuse, and Murder
vonny3492's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bookish_spoonie's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars
An enthralling ending to the duology. I highly recommend this series as it is filled with politics and intrigue, friendship and romance, drama and action and last but certainly not least new worlds with Moroccan inspired culture and scifi futuristic aspects. It is a great mix of fantasy and sci fi and I loved every second!
The main characters are so brilliant and their journey's are compelling to read. Our lead female Amani is such a brave and caring person who goes above and beyond for what is right. Maram (the princess that Amani is a body double for - a slave) gets her own POV in this book and it adds such a great dynamic. I loved watching her change and the friendship between them bloom.
I could continue talking about all the side characters but just know they are brilliant and interesting.
I loved the two romances in this book. There is a f/f romance which I loved and was not expecting!
The writing is utterly brilliant and so engaging. It backs up the fantastic complex storyline.
Basically....read this series!
An enthralling ending to the duology. I highly recommend this series as it is filled with politics and intrigue, friendship and romance, drama and action and last but certainly not least new worlds with Moroccan inspired culture and scifi futuristic aspects. It is a great mix of fantasy and sci fi and I loved every second!
The main characters are so brilliant and their journey's are compelling to read. Our lead female Amani is such a brave and caring person who goes above and beyond for what is right. Maram (the princess that Amani is a body double for - a slave) gets her own POV in this book and it adds such a great dynamic. I loved watching her change and the friendship between them bloom.
I could continue talking about all the side characters but just know they are brilliant and interesting.
I loved the two romances in this book. There is a f/f romance which I loved and was not expecting!
The writing is utterly brilliant and so engaging. It backs up the fantastic complex storyline.
Basically....read this series!
chimichannika's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bound_to_books's review against another edition
4.0
A fantastic ending to a story, I loved the way it concluded and very much how it was women looking after women. There was a lovely human aspect entwined with mythology and folklore. I would love to see more in this world, maybe a prequel!
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a wholesome story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a wholesome story.
cristinareads's review against another edition
I’m struggling with what to rate this book. I really enjoyed Mirage and its themes. I found this book to drag in terms of pacing and plot.
I enjoyed Maram’s view and the romance there, though I would have loved more development. The beginning of the book was solid, and I was invested. I lost interest at some point and found myself skimming the last half. To me the book felt drawn out. I would have appreciated more romance development or something to add more tension and propel the story forward besides the mechanics of the rebellion.
I enjoyed Maram’s view and the romance there, though I would have loved more development. The beginning of the book was solid, and I was invested. I lost interest at some point and found myself skimming the last half. To me the book felt drawn out. I would have appreciated more romance development or something to add more tension and propel the story forward besides the mechanics of the rebellion.