Court of Lions

July 15, 2020
In the conclusion to the Mirage duology, identity and self-acceptance are inextricably tied to revolution and the dismantling of colonial oppression and power. Having spared a rebel assassin and broken princess Maram's trust, body double Amani must now obey orders to the letter to avoid further torture of her family by Maram's stewardess Nadine. The order for Amani to stand as a proxy in the royal marriage to prince Idris is exquisitely painful, physical proximity serving as a daily reminder of the impossible reality of their mutual love. But Maram's additional secret orders reveal the half Kushaila/half Vath princess's inner conflicts of identity and discomfort with the unjust rule of the Vath and her father. Amani must regain Maram's trust and convince her and their possible allies that Maram is the queen their planet needs. Daud continues to explore aspects of colonialism, from cultural erasure to self-hatred, action versus complicity, and liberation from structural oppression. Shifting perspectives reveal the depth of Maram's inner conflicts but also the power dynamics and trappings of the two women. The pacing is deliberate, focusing mostly on court machinations and personal relationships as inner and interpersonal conflicts dominate over rebellion plots and revelations (some a little too on-the-nose). Daud's prose is poetic and rich though occasionally repetitive. The climax, while satisfying, is more abbreviated. Most characters are brown-skinned. A solid conclusion. (maps, dramatis personae, political factions, timeline, glossary) (Fantasy. 13-18)

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October 1, 2020
Grades 9-12 The final installment in the Mirage duology drops readers at Amani's feet as she resumes her duties as Princess Maram's body double, this time during the festivities marking Maram's marriage to Idris?the man Amani loves. To keep her family safe and reestablish her loyalty after the discovery of her rebel association, she has little choice. But court life gives Amani a risky idea, one demanding forged alliances that could save her planet from the cruel Vathek occupation. She'll have to be cunning if she wants to aid the rebellion, but can it be done without giving up everyone she loves? Political intrigue and confederations take center stage as Amani's guile and Maram's ability to rule are put to the test. The slower pacing is embellished with vivid references to Moroccan culture and exquisitely suited to Daud's melodic prose. Chapters interspersed with Maram's point of view are a welcome addition, as they lay bare her fears and sorrow (and unexpected romance), thawing the icy reputation she's amassed. The cherry on top? A cast of dauntless female characters.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)