I have a lot of thoughts about this book that I hope to get down here. The first being that overall I enjoyed this book. It is the first time reading Glenda Larke and I was pleasantly thrilled throughout most of it. I haven't read much fantasy in the last year, so getting back into that felt good.

I admit that this book had a lot of cliches and was fairly predictable regarding what direction it was heading. I mean, the book description pretty much explains what happens. There were not really any surprises. Even the revelation of who Ligea truly was, was no surprise when she worked it out for herself.

I admit I was a bit put off by the incestuous nature of the Magor people and actually had dreams about it at night! Though, they in general were an interesting creation and one of the highlights of the book. I enjoyed how their magic was not the traditional magic you'd find in fantasy. In fact, the whole concept of the Mirage was intriguing and really enjoyable to read about.

As for the characters. Well, for the first half of the book I found Ligea naive and a bit dumb considering her reputation for being quite the opposite. It was frustrating how she dismissed everything that was staring her in the face and sadly, I feel this frustration was due more to poor writing on the author's part than feeling frustrated at the character. She did get better at the end of the book, though.

Brand was probably my favourite character who clearly had a good heart and remained loyal regardless of Ligea's stupid actions. I honestly don't know how he managed to tolerate her. He was sweet, gentle and came with a great heart which was enjoyable to read. I need more Brand in the next book! Temellin, of course, had great appeal too. And Haris was sweet, a little naive, but the kind of guy you just want to hug.

Overall, this book was enjoyable and I will gladly pick up number 2 in the series to read to find out what happens. ( )

I loved this as I’ve loved all of her books so far. I zoomed through it, and can’t wait to start on book two. Great fantasy with romance as well. ( )

The Mirage Makers is Glenda Larke's second trilogy. It includes Heart of the Mirage, (which was a finalist in the 2006 Aurealis Awards fantasy division), The Shadow of Tyr, and Song of the Shiver Barrens.
The world in which this story is set is perhaps best described as Ancient Rome running riot into Arabian Nights. It is full of intrigue, mystery and perhaps best of all subterfuge.

Ligea, the main character, was captured as a child by a leading general during a raid into a neighbouring nation. The general took her into his home and raised her as his adopted daughter. As a 16 year old, Ligea is inducted into the Brotherhood, the Exaltarchy’s elite spy network – where she quickly rises through the ranks. Eventually, after her adopted father’s death, she is sent by the Exaltarch and his spymaster, her mentor, to disrupt an uprising in the land of her birth.

But all is not as it seems, and Ligea is harshly forced to come to terms with her own heritage in a "nature vs nurture" battle.

I started out not at all relating to Ligea but, as she learns more of her past and her possible futures, I found her character compelling.

Larke has again delivered a page turner – and I can’t wait to see what Ligea gets up to next. I enjoyed her first trilogy so much that I didn’t start this one until I had all three books – so I am off now to start volume 2. ( )

HEART OF THE MIRAGE is the story of Ligea, a talented member of the Brotherhood who has the ability to sense emotions and can tell truth from lie. Adopted as a young child by a high ranking general she has been raised as a loyal citizen of Tyr. When she is sent to her home country of Kardiastan she re-evaluates everything she has ever known: about justice, about the empire of Tyr, and about herself.

It's a story of identity. It’s also a rollicking good tale with brilliant world-building and characters that deeply resonated with me. I was literally awake until 2am because I couldn't put it down - and it was on a re-read!

The sort of book that makes you want to find someone, and put a copy in their hands and say: READ THIS! You'll love it. ( )