The Kushaila (Amani's tribe) worship Dhiya as their God and live a very faith based life; in secret, as the Vath are determined to strip the Andalaan people of their culture, history and heritage. Massinia is the Prophetess of Kushaila faith, and Amani's favourite, because of her love story, her strength, her bravery, and the poetry written about her. Amani is an aspiring poet, her character was so well developed and I loved her instantly. Her growth adds lots of dimension to the story, she is a salve for all those around her. Her big heart and hope help others to envision a future without tyrannical Vath leaders. While she is frightened, she is also strong, rebellious and cunning. While others would believe the only answer is to kill, she believes there is another way, a way to rebuild on hope and love, rather than blood and bone. Throughout the book the reader journeys with Amani across Andala, experiencing different aspects of the Andalaan culture. From beautiful landscapes to intricate detailing on buildings, the descriptions insert you into the life and action of this epic story. You learn about Maram, about the people who have been silently rebelling, of those who have lost faith and those who fear the loss of their culture. It was so interesting to experience a book that was science fiction, but with nods to Earth's terribly history. The idea of one culture trying to demolish another is so common, but it is so creatively done in Mirage. The Vath are trying to take over the Galaxy and Andala is a world with inhabited moons encircling it, but it is also a culture that is ancient. While at first I hated Maram, Amani's handling of her and the bond they form with each other softened her character and allowed for pity. She is just a girl, wanted by no one and feared by everyone. She has been bred to be the callous, evil Queen, with little to persuade her otherwise. She is able to open up to Amani, first because she looked so much like her and then because she sees in Amani a confidant and friend. Amani really does bring out the best in everyone and she is hopeful she can change Maram's point of view. A lovely look at how sometimes friendships can grow out of hardship and pain. The romance was also well handled. A slow burn, with pangs of loss and secrecy. Idris, Maram's fiancee, is handsome, intelligent, caring and holds in his heart a tragic past. He is Amani's respite at a time when she feels lost, vulnerable and scared. He is kind when every other person she meets is vindictive and cruel. Every scene between them is electric. This is a novel about a beautiful culture being usurped by another, about how those being crushed into subjugation can still have faith and hope. It was also so refreshing to have a heroine who was a poet. It added emotion, passion, and beauty to a cruel world. Words are important to the Kushaila, and poetry is sought after, for the message that it conveys and the spark it can build toward the rebellion. Amani's ability to speak and read Kushaila also brings her close to others, bonds her to Idris, to the dowager Queen, and to others. Poetry also comes into play during Amani's most important life changes, during her celebration into adulthood and when she realizes her love for Idris. She uses it to calm, to quench, to strengthen, to love, and to push herself to grasp at a better future. I am excited to read the next book and find out how Amani will fix the world in which she now finds herself existing.
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