Waiting on Wednesday: Mirage by Somaiya Daud

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme created by Breaking the Spine where each week we discuss upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Mirage by 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.

Um, can we all have a moment of silence for that coverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr???? So so so pretty. And I have this feeling that the inside of the book is totally going to match? And I haven’t heard of an idea of a girl being forced to be a body double to a super hated princess??? I’m all for a princess and royal palace, and this has a super cool twist to it. I’m a little on the fence on where this could go with a super unrequited love, but I’m still allllllllllll here for it.

What do you think? Is this book on your waiting list? What is on your waiting list? Let’s discuss in the comments below!