Synopsis: 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.
Date Started: 8/13/18
Genre: YA Scifi/Fantasy
Publication Date: 8/28/18
Thoughts so far: I’ve barely started this one, but I’m already pretty sure I’m going to love it. It starts with a prologue, which I’m not always 100% fond of, but in this case, the prologue helps to set up the unfamiliar world that this story inhabits.
Already, I’m loving the setting. So many of the books on my bookshelf taken place in western locations with white protagonists – even the sci-fis – so it’s nice to get something different. Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in literature.
I don’t have too much more to say at the moment. Expect a full review as soon as I finish this book.
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