Format: Hardcover, 320 pages
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy / Epic
The long-awaited second and final installment in the “smart, sexy, and devilishly clever” Mirage series (Renée Ahdieh, author of The Beautiful)!
On a planet on the brink of revolution, Amani has been forced into isolation. She’s been torn from the boy she loves and has given up contact with her fellow rebels to protect her family. In taking risks for the rebel cause, Amani may have lost Maram’s trust forever. But the princess is more complex than she seems, and now Amani is once more at her capricious nature. One wrong move could see her executed for high treason.
On the eve of Maram’s marriage to Idris comes an unexpected proposal: in exchange for taking her place in the festivities, Maram will keep Amani’s rebel associations a secret. Alone and desperate, Amani is thrust into the center of the court, navigating the dangerous factions on the princess's behalf. But the court is not what she expects. As a risky plan grows in her mind, and with the rebels poised to make their stand, Amani begins to believe her world might have a future. But every choice she makes comes with a cost. Can Amani risk the ones she loves the most for a war she's not sure she can win?
Court of Lions is the second and final installment in author Somaiya Daud's Mirage duology. The plot, politics, and setting were all inspired by Morocco where the authors family is from. Court of Lions, like Mirage, primarily lives in the world of fantasy, but also has both historical and science fiction influences. This story picks up where Mirage left off. There are two key characters to this series: Amani bin Tariq who was
kidnapped from her family and forced into
becoming Maram vak Mathis body double. Maram is the daughter of King Mathis and the former Queen Najat which makes her 1/2 Kushaila and 1/2 Vath.
After revealing her rebel connections and choosing to save Maram's life rather than allowing her to die, Amani is kept isolated, only to be brought back into Maram’s life for her wedding to Idris. High Stewardess Nadine once again proves that women really can be deceitful, angry, destructive, and perfectly evil as villains. She returns Amani to her duties as Maram’s body double, but with a caveat that if she steps out of line again, her family will pay the ultimate price. Amani begins plotting ways to keep Maram on the throne as the rightful ruler of Andala.
Then the twists come. Amani is unexpectedly told she is to play Maram during her parlay to marriage with Idris who is a political shield which could last as long as several months. For Amani, it's all about payback. Payback on the Vath. Payback on King Mathis who sent his Imperial Garda to bury her town by destroying its only source of food. Since then, she's been kidnapped, watch her friend shot dead, she's been beaten, isolated, and attacked by a raptor. But, Amani is strong-willed and resilient. Especially with her friend Tala and Idris standing for her.
She really does believe Maram will be a good queen, and she rebuilds her sister-like relationship with her which opens Maram up into believing she could actually become the Queen her people need. She also puts together a stunning alliance with various factions from the rebellion to families who stood with King Mathis and his Vath invasion forces who destroyed Cadiz and other worlds. Meanwhile, Maram faces her fears of being queen and of being married when she forms a relationship with her mysterious new falconer, Aghraes. We learn that Maram's heart doesn't lie with Idris, but with Aghraes.
It's fair to say that Maram's chapters are really interesting. Here is a girl who just wants to be loved. She's lost her mother. Her father is itching to replace Maram with his full blooded Vath daughter. She doesn't want to marry Idris, but he's as much of a political pawn as she is. There weren’t many chapters from Maram's point of view, but it definitely gave a much better understanding about her character and why she allowed Amani back into her life after believing Amani wanted her dead. Both Amani and Maram grow so much in this story. Amani's and Idris's relationship goes the distance, while Maram is becoming comfortable in her own skin with the help of Aghraes.
The political intrigue in this one was very prominent. The stakes were also much higher. One wrong move by Amani would turn a hopeful future into an unmitigated disaster for everyone involved. This book has a better vibe than Mirage had. There is a distinct story plot that weaves its way to a pretty decent ending for both characters. I was surprised by the revelation as to who Amani's mother is and her very real connection to Maram's. No spoilers! Read the book!
After revealing her rebel connections and choosing to save Maram's life rather than allowing her to die, Amani is kept isolated, only to be brought back into Maram’s life for her wedding to Idris. High Stewardess Nadine once again proves that women really can be deceitful, angry, destructive, and perfectly evil as villains. She returns Amani to her duties as Maram’s body double, but with a caveat that if she steps out of line again, her family will pay the ultimate price. Amani begins plotting ways to keep Maram on the throne as the rightful ruler of Andala.
Then the twists come. Amani is unexpectedly told she is to play Maram during her parlay to marriage with Idris who is a political shield which could last as long as several months. For Amani, it's all about payback. Payback on the Vath. Payback on King Mathis who sent his Imperial Garda to bury her town by destroying its only source of food. Since then, she's been kidnapped, watch her friend shot dead, she's been beaten, isolated, and attacked by a raptor. But, Amani is strong-willed and resilient. Especially with her friend Tala and Idris standing for her.
She really does believe Maram will be a good queen, and she rebuilds her sister-like relationship with her which opens Maram up into believing she could actually become the Queen her people need. She also puts together a stunning alliance with various factions from the rebellion to families who stood with King Mathis and his Vath invasion forces who destroyed Cadiz and other worlds. Meanwhile, Maram faces her fears of being queen and of being married when she forms a relationship with her mysterious new falconer, Aghraes. We learn that Maram's heart doesn't lie with Idris, but with Aghraes.
It's fair to say that Maram's chapters are really interesting. Here is a girl who just wants to be loved. She's lost her mother. Her father is itching to replace Maram with his full blooded Vath daughter. She doesn't want to marry Idris, but he's as much of a political pawn as she is. There weren’t many chapters from Maram's point of view, but it definitely gave a much better understanding about her character and why she allowed Amani back into her life after believing Amani wanted her dead. Both Amani and Maram grow so much in this story. Amani's and Idris's relationship goes the distance, while Maram is becoming comfortable in her own skin with the help of Aghraes.
The political intrigue in this one was very prominent. The stakes were also much higher. One wrong move by Amani would turn a hopeful future into an unmitigated disaster for everyone involved. This book has a better vibe than Mirage had. There is a distinct story plot that weaves its way to a pretty decent ending for both characters. I was surprised by the revelation as to who Amani's mother is and her very real connection to Maram's. No spoilers! Read the book!
