Mirage - Review

Book Review:
Title: Mirage
Author: Somaiya Daud
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Release date: August 28th 2018
I received an early copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Happiness is rebellion.”

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, and of receiving a sign from Dihya that one day, she, too, will have adventures, and travel beyond her isolated moon.
But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects: she is kidnapped 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 to appear in public, 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 and 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.

Mid-Year Book Freak Out - TAG

HELLO!
We are officially halfway through 2018, so what better time is there to reflect back on the books I've read so far this year.
2018 isn't shaping up to be the best reading year for me. In 2016, I had read about 50 books by the end of June, but two years later within the same time frame, I have only read 26 books. 🙃 University is a real time consumer guys! But nonetheless, I've managed to enjoy most of the books I've read, so let's talk about them and break them down.

Smoke in the Sun - Review

Book Review:
Title: Smoke in the Sun
Author: Renee Ahdieh
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

🌸 “It had taken her losing everything she knew to finally understand. Feeling pain and sorrow was not at all a sign of weakness. It was a sign of love.” 🌸

After Okami is captured in the Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice—to rescue him, she must return to Inako and face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle. She tricks her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will, playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be to infiltrate the emperor's ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead. 
      With the wedding plans already underway, Mariko pretends to be consumed with her upcoming nuptials, all the while using her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor, their love and very the safety of the empire.

The Beast's Heart - Blog Tour (Extract)

Blog Tour:
Title: The Beast's Heart
Author: Leife Shallcross
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Release Date: 3rd May 2018 (UK)

🌹 "After all, are not our experiences in the world the basis for our dreams? If I forsake the world for my dreams, they will have nothing new to feed upon and can only grow more stale and unsatisfying." 🌹

I am neither monster nor man—yet I am both.

I am the Beast.

The day I was cursed to this wretched existence was the day I was saved—although it did not feel so at the time.

My redemption sprung from contemptible roots; I am not proud of what I did the day her father happened upon my crumbling, isolated chateau. But if loneliness breeds desperation then I was desperate indeed, and I did what I felt I must. My shameful behaviour was unjustly rewarded.
My Isabeau. She opened my eyes, my mind and my heart; she taught me how to be human again.
And now I might lose her forever.

🌹 Welcome to the 10th day of The Beast's Heart Blog Tour! 🌹