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!

Wow I really enjoyed this read. The fantasy and magic elements were perfect and not too hard to understand especially for a first book in a series. I really like the character development and relationships throughout the book. The strong wills of the characters were so inspiring and mesmerizing. This is definitely a book you want to read this year.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group Del Rey for sending me this arc for an honest review.

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.

Faebound was one of my most anticipated books of the year, but it ultimately fell flat for me. Unfortunately, the main characters felt a bit immature when they're supposed to be adults and I really wish the worldbuilding had been richer and more developed. Even the magic system felt vague at times and there was a lot of telling and not enough showing. I think a lot of people will love Faebound but it just wasn't for me.

(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!

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of Faebound. All opinions are my own.

Faebound had such an interesting premise- three gods create three peoples: the fae, elves, and humans. Fae and humans disappeared long ago, and the elves are in a Forever War over remaining resources. I was so excited to dive in!

Things that worked for me: the description of the world was beautiful and intriguing. I love any book that includes an element of connection with animals. The world building elements of fantasy books can often feel clunky to read and hard to follow, and the world building in this book was not- I felt like I kept up and it read smoothly.

Things that did not work for me: Everything about the book felt very abrupt to me. The characters swung through feelings very abruptly, the plot changed abruptly, the twists were revealed and moved on from very abruptly. I wanted MORE- more character development and a deeper dive into their motivations and emotions, more time spent fleshing out the world building and lore, more time with the plot and fleshing out the twists. It felt like we stayed on the surface level of it all, and I wanted to dive deeper.

I will likely still read the rest of the trilogy, in the hopes that those deeper dives happen, and that we get to learn more about these characters and their world, and I will be trying Saara's other series. I liked Faebound- I just wanted MORE.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Faebound was utterly GORGEOUS. I loved the character, the unique magic-system, and the romance. In a world full of books on the fae, this was original, and utterly in it's own catergory. I loved every minute spent in Ms. El-Arifi's world, and can't wait to dive back in to the next book when it comes out, I didn't want to leave. A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

This has promise as a series, but I didn't love this book as much as I hoped to. I love a plot-driven book, and this is more plot than characters. For those that love character driven books, this might not be for you, as I found the characters pretty shallow (lots of insta love and insta bonding, quickly changing ideologies, etc.) and even though it's dual perspective, the sisters read the same. I kept reading for the plot though because there were so many concepts with the magic and societies that I was intrigued by. The pacing was a bit off, as in slow to start and progressing too quickly at the end. It's got a few very predictable tropes and storylines, but I don't mind knowing exactly where things are heading. I do want to continue the next book, because there are enough good points to make me want to know what happens next.

I was intrigued by the cover art and the summary because reading from elven sisters point of view is a unique plot line among fae books. I enjoyed Yeeran's character as she was portrayed as a strong female. I do think the pacing wasn't consistent (pretty slow to start and wrapped up very quickly) and there was a lot more emphasis on war/fighting than I anticipated. The world building and magic system could have been flushed out a bit more for me. Personally, I don't think this was the fantasy book for me, but I do think it has the potential for pleasing a different audience.