{Synopsis} – Sylvie has always known she deserves more. Out in the permanent twilight of the Dusklands, her guardians called her power to create illusions a curse. But Sylvie knows it gives her a place in Coeur d’Or, the palais of the Amber Empress and her highborn legacies.
So Sylvie sets off toward the Amber City, a glittering jewel under a sun that never sets, to take what is hers.
But her hope for a better life is quickly dimmed. The empress invites her in only as part of a wicked wager among her powerful courtiers. Sylvie must assume a new name, Mirage, and begin to navigate secretive social circles and deadly games of intrigue in order to claim her spot. Soon it becomes apparent that nothing is as it appears and no one, including her cruel yet captivating sponsor, Sunder, will answer her questions. As Mirage strives to seize what should be her rightful place, she’ll have to consider whether it is worth the price she must pay.
An extraordinary, vividly rendered YA debut.
{My thoughts} – Sylvie is an interesting character. Ever since she was a child she longed to be a part of a place where she felt she belonged. She has never truly felt is if she belonged where she was being raised out in the Dusklands. She has always assumed that she belonged in the Coeur d’Or, the palais of the Amber Empress. She came to this conclusion because like many other’s that live in the palais she also has a gift.
She finds her way to the palais of the Amber Empress and she presents herself. She is filthy and ruined and a mess. But she is some how able to prove that she at least deserves a chance to live in the palais like others that have been born with gifts. She gets to stay on a trial basis and in the time span that she is there she changes her name to Mirage, because that is more or less the definition of her gift and she moves forward with training so that she can better control her gift.
There are so many different twists and turns in this book that it is going to have you wondering what is up and down. The description within the pages is so well done that you can easily visualize what is happening within your mind. It’s one of those story’s that is sure to stick with you long after you’ve read it.
I have read many books like this one in a similar sense. It has the appeal and feel of books similar to X-Men, given that the characters have special gifts and or powers that can effect those around them as well as their day to day activities.
When I’d started reading this book it wasn’t at all what I’d thought it was going to be. It had started out slow, but then it pulled me in and I didn’t want to put the book down. I wanted to devour it in one go. It is brilliantly written. I found so many quotes within the pages of this book that were incredible. I really cannot wait to devour book two in the very near future!
Final Conclusion: 5 Star Rating.
