Unfortunately I couldn't finish this one. I didn't feel connected to the characters at all and the story wasn't pulling me in after 20%.

This book was very adventurous and romantic, and while I really love fae-focused fantasy and LGBT love stories, I had a hard time staying interested in this one. Pacing felt like it dragged a bit in the middle. Still, I enjoyed it!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this early copy. I’m terminally late so I borrowed the finished audiobook from my library. I love the narrator chosen for this book. She’s so good. I really liked the world building. I couldn’t wait to learn more about the different peoples and their practices. I liked the characters too, the were distinct and mostly easy to root for. It took me a while to feel the connection with the f/f romance, but I liked the m/f right away. I will recommend this one in the future.

Faebound has a beautiful cover. I just couldn’t connect with this book. It was hard keeping up with all of the characters and also it just felt like something was missing. This one disappointed me.
Thank you NetGalley

I was a little disappointed in this book. It is the first in a new series, Faebound. I thought the relationship between the sisters would be more prevalent but it was more about the war and the various kingdoms.

This was a very middle-of-the-road book for me--not great, not awful. Unfortunately, it fell flat in comparison to my expectations. I was kind of bored and felt like the writing style was too clunky for me to really get into the story. The premise seemed interesting and something I would typically pick up. I love getting into books about the Fae, war, politics, and especially family ties. I just didn't care about these characters or their journey. Again, not terrible, just did not hook me.

I'm absolutely in love with the plethora of Middle Eastern fantasies I've been exposed to recently, this book not least among them. Rich with culture and history, I believe that this is a great way to engage otherwise forgotten voices into a genre that is predominantly white.

This book was a bit of a slow start for me as I wasn't immediately invested in the characters. It took a few chapters before it gained some momentum and more interest from me, but I did end up enjoying it a bit more. The book cover is gorgeous.

A spellbinding journey that fantasy lovers will relish. This is an enchanting and captivating read that nearly reaches perfection, earning a well-deserved 4.5 stars. El-Arifi's world-building is nothing short of spectacular, immersing readers in a richly detailed and vibrant fae realm that feels both magical and perilous. The characters are wonderfully complex and relatable, each with their own distinct voices and compelling backstories that drive the narrative forward. The plot is engaging and filled with unexpected twists, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. While the pacing occasionally lags in parts, the overall storytelling is strong, and El-Arifi's lyrical prose adds an extra layer of allure to the tale.

I could not finish this book. For me, there was too much jumping around between characters. It was hard to follow what was actually happening. And after learning the correct pronunciation of the FMC's name, it was difficult for me to continue reading.

Cringy love/romance, tge writing felt off? Robotic , lacking feeling? I had a hard time connecting. It had some fun, redeeming parts, but was overall not something I’d recommend

Thank you Netgalley and Del Rey for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

The cover is so pretty!

I’m just not impressed. I feel like the world she created is great but it seems more like a YA book to me than adult. I think this could have been a fantastic book but it just seems like she didn’t put the effort to give the characters any real depth. I feel like I’m reading more of a rough outline of what the books going to be rather than a finished and edited book.

I gave this book 3 from 5.

First of all, this was an enchanting and fascinating fantasy. Not one of a kind, but a good one. The writing style is neat and the characters were all fun to watch. But, I couldn't engage with the plot. There were some scenes or storyline that i personally hate.

Thank you publisher and Netgalley for the e-ARC.

I give this 3.5. This books started strong but when she gets exiled the book seems to go to a screeching halt, and goes on about her learning far government and chain of command, and I feel like the book just droned on.

“Faebound” by El-Arifi is a captivating fantasy tale that immerses readers in a world brimming with magic, intrigue, and complex relationships. Set against a backdrop of ancient conflicts and prophetic mysteries, the novel follows Yeeran, a resilient and fierce elven colonel, exiled from her homeland for disobeying orders. Alongside her sister Lettle, a diviner, and Captain Rayan, Yeeran embarks on a journey that unravels centuries-old secrets and threatens to reshape the balance of power between humans, fae, and elves.

From the outset, El-Arifi’s world-building is masterful, seamlessly blending cultural influences and intricate magic systems that enrich the narrative. The portrayal of the Fae court and the Elven tribes is both enchanting and immersive, offering readers a deep dive into a realm where alliances are fragile and ancient prophecies loom large.

The characters are the heart of this story, each meticulously crafted with their own strengths, flaws, and compelling arcs. Yeeran shines as a protagonist—fierce yet vulnerable, driven by a sense of duty and a quest for justice. Her relationship with Lettle is beautifully nuanced, reflecting the complexities of sisterhood amid perilous circumstances. Captain Rayan adds layers of depth with his loyalty and the unexpected softness he shows towards Lettle.

The romance in “Faebound” is passionate and fraught with tension, blending elements of love and hate that add an electric spark to the narrative. The chemistry between Yeeran and Rayan is palpable, while the evolving relationship between Lettle and her companion Furi offers another layer of emotional depth and complexity.

El-Arifi’s narrative style is engaging, with a pacing that keeps readers on edge with plot twists and revelations that unfold organically. While some prophecies may seem predictable, the execution and the impact on the characters remain compelling throughout.

Overall, “Faebound” stands out in the fantasy genre for its rich storytelling, diverse representation, and thematic depth. It’s a must-read for fans craving a fresh take on magical realms, intricate relationships, and characters navigating their identities in a world teetering on the brink of change. El-Arifi’s debut novel promises a vibrant start to what is sure to be an enthralling series, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

A special thank you to Harper Collins for providing an eArc in exchange for a review!

Sadly was really disappointed with this. I just could not get invested in the story. I can appreciate the worldbuilding but the plot felt rushed and messy. I didn’t like the characters they felt very immature. Since they are supposed to be military leaders it was just not working.

Thank you for the ARC, I wish I enjoyed this more!

Thank you for this arc!! The world building in this book was very rich and such a beautiful take on elves, fae and humans. This world felt new and alien. I found myself enjoying the world set up more than the plot at times though.While the characters were interesting, they felt a little cliche. At times this made the characters and their actions (the story) feel incredibly predictable. The Predictable characters paired with clunky prose had me putting the book down after I was about 67% through it. I finally picked it up earlier this week, since I love this authors other series and really didn’t want to DNF this book. I ended up enjoying the ending and I’m happy I finished it. At the end of the day I’m glad I read this book and any complaints I have can be boiled down to personal taste. I would still recommend it to anyone who loves a good , queer, romantasy. And while I don’t think I’ll be reading the next book in this series I can’t wait to see more of this authors work!

Review will air on 7/15/2024 on Goodreads and Amazon :)


3 ⭐⭐⭐'s
↠Pre-Review↞
Overview: Yeeran and Lettle are elven sisters, Yeeran being a commander of the elven army, and Lettle being a diviner. Yeeran is exiled after making a fatal mistake, and she and her sister end up in the wilderness beyond their borders. In this world, there are three races: elven, fae, and human. The humans and fae are presumed to be gone, but Yeeran and Lettle run into a group of fae in the wilderness and are brought into their world and customs.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC!!
↠Review↞
I had high hopes for this book and the description was right up my alley! My favorite part of this series is the world-building, it's simply amazing, Saara El-Arifi did a fantastic job of building a world full of customs and unique characteristics. I only gave this book three stars due to the characters' interactions with each other. To me, the relationships all seemed superficial and lacking in depth, relationships pop out of nowhere, and deep connections seemed to be made with only a few sentences. Overall, the relationships and interactions felt rushed, I think this book would have been more amazing if it was divided into two, then the author would've had more time to delve into the characters' interactions and build their relationships along with the world around them.

This book is a series and I have high hopes for the second book, I can't wait to see where the story goes and perhaps with another novel I can see the characters develop more.

In "Faebound," Saara El-Arifi crafts a mesmerizing tale that seamlessly blends the enchanting allure of faerie lore with a contemporary coming-of-age narrative. Set against a backdrop where the veil between our world and the realm of fae is thin, this novel immerses readers in a world where ancient magic and modern sensibilities collide.

The story follows Leila, a young woman grappling with the complexities of her identity and heritage. Descended from a powerful line of fae-blooded humans, Leila finds herself drawn into a hidden world of faeries, magic, and intrigue. As she navigates this unfamiliar realm, she discovers long-buried family secrets and unlocks dormant powers that threaten to reshape her understanding of herself and her place in the world.

El-Arifi's prose is lush and evocative, painting vivid landscapes that transport readers from the bustling streets of modern-day cities to the ethereal realms inhabited by fae creatures. The author's meticulous world-building ensures that every detail, from the intricacies of fae politics to the shimmering beauty of enchanted forests, feels palpably real.

At the heart of "Faebound" is Leila's journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As she grapples with her newfound abilities and confronts the dangers lurking in both the human and fae worlds, she must navigate treacherous alliances and confront personal demons. Her growth from a hesitant outsider to a resilient heroine is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, making her a protagonist readers will root for and empathize with.

The supporting cast is equally compelling, featuring a diverse array of fae creatures and human allies, each with their own motivations and secrets. Relationships are tested, alliances forged and broken, and trust becomes a precious commodity in a world where deception and ambition threaten to unravel everything Leila holds dear.

"Faebound" is more than just a fantasy novel; it is a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the enduring power of courage in the face of adversity. El-Arifi deftly explores themes of heritage and destiny, weaving them into a narrative that resonates with both timeless mythic elements and contemporary relevance.

Overall, "Faebound" is a captivating debut that will enchant fans of fantasy literature with its richly imagined world, complex characters, and thrilling narrative. Saara El-Arifi's debut marks her as a talent to watch in the realm of fantasy fiction, promising readers a journey that is as enchanting as it is unforgettable.

This was such an awesome adventure story! The characters have great depth and spirits. I can’t wait for book two to come! The magic system in this is unique and intriguing as well!