Faebound was a strong start to 2024. Saara El-Arifi had me hooked from that short 2 page prologue..."In the beginning there were three gods."

Pros:
The world building and the lore is done spectacularly well
Interesting premise overall, didn't feel like a repeat in any way
Female lead characters were interesting and layered
Gender fluid characters
Animal companion!

Cons:
Sometimes it felt like a little too much world building at the cost of more plot driving writing
Didn't feel the emotional connection between the love interests as strongly as I would have liked
Easy easy easy prophecies

Overall well worth the read and would recommend. Utterly enchanting and wholly it's own thing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️

From start to finish I was enthralled. I couldn’t put this book down.

From the care shown to not only gender and sexuality, but to race, and disability. This book had it all. The struggles of political and moral discourse. The discrimination against those who are different. The devastation brought on by war. The struggles of what is right and what is just. The author did an amazing job. It was absolutely fantastic.

This book was very war focused, with a few different love stories between multiple POV’s. I really enjoyed having the multiple view points. The way they intertwined with each other between the timeline of events was beautifully done.

My favorite character was Lettle. She was treated like a child, she was put down, but she was so incredibly strong. She showed everyone what she was made of. I love her character so much.

If you loved fourth wing and the banter with the characters and their dragon familiars then you’ll loveeeeee this book!


I did personally struggle with one of the TW’s, the malnutrition and starvation aspect that was brought up multiple times during the book. As someone who was starved and malnourished to the point of almost dying it brought up a lot of emotions for me, that I thought I had worked through. There was a particular moment in the book about half way through that hit me hard. I don’t know if the author has ever had to also go through a situation where they were starved and malnourished but they wrote like they knew exactly what someone who’s been through that would say and feel. It didn’t feel mocking, it didn’t feel like it was an after thought. The emotions that were expressed while discussing those things were present. And accurate.

As hard as it was for me emotionally I hope it puts into perspective for some people who have never been through something like that, that they can imagine the difficulties and trauma it causes someone. How often that trauma pops up. And how words about food, and eating can affect the people around you without you even realizing it.


A mix of Tropes, and TW’s just to name a few -
found family, enemies to lovers, familiars, murder, death, war, starvation/malnourishment, friends to lovers, WW, MM, MW, disability representation, discrimination, gore, animal death, descriptive language of desecration of animal remains, hunting, confinement.

This started a little slow for me due to the world building but quickly picked up and took me into the world of elves and fae. The bond between Yerran and Lettle stretches and grows with each choice they make as they struggle to reconcile the versions of themselves before Mosima and after. The book ends with several unanswered questions that makes you wish you could just keep turning the pages to discover. Looking forward to reading the next one!

This is a very enjoyable fantasy book, I fell in love with the characters and friendships. The premise of this book is super interesting and I loved the world building and the way the world was presented from the first page. I loved that this book was about two sisters with such different personalities, it made the story so compelling for me. I would say this is a great introductory book into adult fantasy as the magic system and storyline aren't overwhelming or confusing. Theres not a ton of characters to keep track of and the main plotlines are fairly straightforward. I will definitely be checking out the other series by this author as I loved the writing style and inclusive feel of her writing. My only complaint was it was a bit instalovey which isn't a trope I typically enjoy so the romances (there are 2) while they were cute I was never fully invested in them. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing some fanart of all the characters and creatures!

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine, Del Rey for granting me access to the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you random house for the chance to read this arc. I know its the beginning of 2024 but when I say that I believe this book will be in the top 3 books I read in 2024, I truly believe that. The politics, world building, dialogue, different lands, the plot, just everything was perfect. I was hooked from page one. I was never bored. This is my first 5-star book of the year and I'm so excited to read the rest of this series. Also, I loved this book so much that I want to own the physical copy. Cause the cover is so pretty and the story is so beautiful. Everyone needs to read this. Ill have my tik tok review posted sometime tomorrow and will link it to this review. The enemies to lovers is true enemies to lovers.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this eARC in exchange for a review.

This book was great! It is a romantasy at its core and I think going into the book knowing that will help with the reading. I am a sucker for unique creatures and Faebound has no shortage of them! This book brings war, enemies to lovers, and elves/fae into one delectable read! One thing I wish was different was the repeating my of information between the POVs of Lettle and Yeeran. Sometimes I feel like I was reading the same thing for multiple chapters, which is why it is a 4/5 for me. Would recommend!!

I wasn’t entirely too sure about the book when I first started reading it but I absolutely loved it! So many twists that I wasn‘t expecting to happen. It was definitely nice to have a book that centered around an elf becoming bound to a fae instead of a fae just getting powers. I already want to read the next book!

Let me start out by saying that while I did enjoy this book, I can understand why people won't. It is definitely more of a fantasy romance than El-Arifi's other works. I loved the queernormative world and that the characters were older compared to being in their late teens/early twenties. While the plot reveals and prophecies were predictable, I still found myself shocked by what was happening. I do wish we could've explored the world and magic system a bit more but hopefully that will happen in the next book. Maybe some other POVs as well? And also, how does one go about obtaining an obeah? Because I love Pila.


** Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy **

Stunning! I had such a good time and love a diverse fantasy with easy-to-follow worldbuilding. I was able to listen to the audiobook alongside reading the ebook via PRH Audio & Bahni Turpin did a fantastic job of the narration.

I thoroughly enjoyed the mythology that the author has created for the world of Faebound. It is evident that a lot of detailed thought has been put into it, and it adds depth to the story.

However, one aspect that didn't resonate with me was the objective writing style. The lack of emotional depth made it difficult for me to connect with the characters. Even the chemistry between Lettle and Rayan or Yeeran and Luri felt more factual than emotional. Initially, I wasn't even aware that Yeeran and Luri would become love interests due to the lack of connection between the characters.

On a positive note, I found the obeah to be fascinating creatures. The way they were described evoked a sense of beauty and majesty. I particularly appreciated their connection with the fae and the significance they held in their society.

The story itself is filled with intriguing twists and captivating mythology. However, I found the writing style to be rather flat, which diminished my overall reading experience.

Considering all these factors, I don't think I will continue with the next book in the series. Although the story was interesting, the writing didn't leave me yearning for more.

Yeeran Teila is the youngest colonel promoted in the Waning Army, battling in the Forever War in order to mine the magical crystal Fraedia, all in hopes to feed the starving citizens of the Elven Lands. Yeeran’s younger sister Lettle is practicing magical prophecies - divinations - giving her sister the prophecy causing a fatal mistake for her regiment, Yeeran is exiled from all Elven Lands. When she kills a magical creature, the sisters’ lives will change forever.

I liked the concept of this book so much but the execution just wasn’t there. This was a rough draft. The writing was monotone and robotic, very matter of fact, we are being told everything without much showing. Many scenes and conversations seem to wrap up immediately. There is no depth or development to the characters and the world building is sadly very minimal.

I appreciated the queer and diverse representation, I think this book was marketed as romantasy, but neither romance was believable due to the style of writing and lack of character development, you didn’t care that much about these characters.

The magical elements and the Obeah creatures were unique but not explored like I had hoped. Ultimately this book was missing intrigue, mystery, that important story structure, and overall the epic-ness suggested in the synopsis. Even though more action happens in the third part of the book than in the first two.

Few plot choices bothered me or didn’t make much sense. This is an adult novel, Yeeran is 34 and Lettle 28 - both women are written much younger and immature. Yeeran makes two of the biggest offenses, where many people die, but gets away with a slap on the wrist each time. Seemingly without any remorse the whole thing is swept away, it left me feeling odd throughout the remainder of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Del Ray for an early copy to review.

4.5⭐️ Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the e-ARC. I absolutely loved this booked! Following two sisters Yeeran & Lettle as war drives them into the Faerie land where they learn about their family history, about what it means to be Faebound and how magic works. They find love, experience tragedy, make new friends and enemies,grow into new roles, repeat old patterns and ultimately have to decide their next steps after all they’ve learned and gained.

This book comes with a unique magic system, fae-creature bonding, and a diverse crowd of characters- including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabilities.

I fell in love with the characters, the place, and 100% plan to read the rest of the trilogy when the other books come out!

THIS BOOK! I don’t even know how to accurately convey my love for this book! I’ll do my best, but long story short, READ THIS BOOK! It comes out on January 23 in the states, and I need everyone to pre-order or pick up your copy the day it comes out!

In a world where Fae, Human, and Elf lived harmoniously in a distant and forgotten past, the only race still alive are the Elves. But their lives are riddled with fighting and famine in a never-ending war. This story follows Yeeran, a Colonel in the war, and Lettle, her younger sister who follows a path of divination to foretell prophecies of the future. When events happen that see Yeeran exiled, Lettle leaves to follow her sister into the lands beyond the Elfish boarders. What follows is a story of finding a way to persevere when even fate seems to be working against you.

Some things I loved about this book:

✅ African and Arab inspired worlds with all main characters being brown/black and absolutely STUNNING!
✅ Some amazing disability representation
✅ Diversity in Elf/Fae type fantasy worlds! I loved seeing it!
✅ Sapphic enemies-to-lovers!
✅ Friends-to-Lovers hetero relationship (The slow burn/pining of Rayan and Lettle is so swoon-worthy)
✅ A very queer normal world. All Fae and Elves accept a person no matter the gender or the sexual orientation. It’s just a way of life!
✅ The most epic animal companions in the Obeahs. I need one in my life!

I could wax poetic about this for hours, but I want you to be able to experience the amazing story and twists of this world on your own as well!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DelRey of #PenguinRandomHouse for sending me a free ARC of #Faebound by #SaaraElArifi for an honest, spoiler-free review!

Received an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and its publishers.

I really enjoyed this book. This was one of my most anticipated books of 2024 and I even did a little happy dance when I got the notification that I was approved to read an ARC. The cover of the book is so beautiful and can't wait to get my hand on a physical copy! It took about 20% of reading to get into the book, in which I couldn't put it down. Lots of fantasy and politics which I enjoyed. I recommend for any of fellow fantasy than romance lovers to read!

Girls, Gays, and Non-Binary Faes?!
This. had. everything.
What a refreshing and compelling first in this new trilogy by El-Arifi. I called one of the major plot points earlier than I would have liked, but several others were great surprises and I can’t wait for the other installments!


Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!

I was granted an ARC via NetGalley from Random House Publishing for an honest review! Thank you for the ARC and now the new book hangover.

***Note--- there will be spoilers in this review.


I was very interested in reading this due to the name, cover, and description as well as a couple of Tiktoks reviews that were posted.
This book caught my attention in the first chapter, I was so intrigued by the world building and descriptions that were used. Normally, with fantasy books, it takes a while to get into the world building and such but not with this book. I'm eager to be able to read the next book, eager I mean I will be waiting very impatiently...

I fell in love with Yeeran, Lettle, and Rayan instantly. I love how they all interacted with each other and their relationships! Also, a side note, I am glad that Rayan and Lettle gave into to their desires along with Yeeran and Furi. Yeeran being in a relationship with Salawa seemed alright at first, but it quickly gave me a bad taste in my mouth. I'm glad to know that Yeeran had someone who cares about her like Furi does. These two both need each other and that warmth that they give each other. They both have dealt with a lot, and it seems that when they are with each other, nothing matters.

I get the feeling that the group does not want to admit that they are okay with staying in Mosima compared to going back above ground. They, I mean Rayan and Lettle, seem okay and accepting once they realize that Rayan is now half fae and is the king. But Yeeran, I feel is unable to let go of her old life as she is still looking for ways to go back above ground and to get back to Salawa. Salawa, who I might add, is one negative person, and I feel she uses Yeeran, but that is my thoughts and theories. I just feel this relationship is so unhealthy.

I think that Rayan and Furi will be a great asset to Mosima and implement changes that will have a positive impact. I hope that they will have the Lightless be present as equals as they should be. They are all fae at the end of the day...

Overall I give this a 4 out of 5 as I felt some parts were sort of rushed or not enough details. I found myself asking for more during certain scenes as I felt I was left with the bare minimum. But overall I love this book and eager to read the next one!

One last side note..... The spice and romance was top tier for me and I love the one screen at the beach. And yes, it's that scene 👀

I loved the abundant queer and disability rep in this one. The drum magic was also very cool--one of multiple elements I would have liked to see developed in more depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

(Thank you for the arc)
I was pleasantly surprised by Faebound. It took awhile to get a grasp of the world, due in part to unique definitions/qualities of fae, elves, and humans. I enjoyed the characters. I appreciated how everyone was in their late twenties at least. The genre is saturated with 19 year old heroines, so older characters were refreshing.

thank you to netgalley for sending me and arc of this book for my honest review.

to be completely honest this felt like a rough draft of what this book was to become. the first 30% felt like hard-earned work but the rest was rushed and sloppy. also very romance-heavy which I normally don't have a problem with but there was no development and it was a detriment to the main plot. the two main characters were also very idiotic and felt like completely different people from who they were in the beginning in the book.

I love fantasy, but this needed a lot more work before publication.

i thoroughly enjoyed this book, finding it incredibly fun to read. as someone who's often intimidated by new fantasy novels due to complex magic systems and extensive world-building, i appreciated how well-crafted and easily understandable this story was. Saara El-Arifi managed to strike a perfect balance by making the world feel complete without feeling overwhelming.

i did find myself craving more depth in character development and am excited to hopefully get more into the characters' psyches in the next installment.

the queer-normative and inclusive language brought me immense joy as an LGBTQ+ reader. it’s refreshing to encounter such representation in the genre (and in general), making the story even more exciting to me.

the plot, while slightly predictable, had a charming subtlety to it. i enjoyed picking up on the clues and figuring things out along the way (i like to feel smart, lol). i will say, i couldn't help but yell at the main characters a bit, though, waiting for them to get it together and figure things out!!

all in all, was a solid five-star read for me. it serves as a perfect introduction to this world, and i’m sincerely grateful to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC in exchange for this honest review. looking forward to its release and to seeing others fall in love, too!