I actually couldn’t finish this one. Just… not my cup of tea. The writing quality just isn’t what I’m used to and I had a hard time connecting with the characters.

I personally adored this book; the world was everything I could have asked for, and the characters where compelling

Faebound, overall, is a really compelling story with some great characters, plot devices, and rich world building. Portions of the pacing is a bit slow, but there is so much to love about the novel I can overlook it. A pretty solid story

The first few chapters were rough but I really enjoyed this book. It has an interesting magic system, high stakes and fae. The first few chapters fall into the frequent issue with fantasy of clumsy info dumping and telling instead of showing. It almost made me DNF the books but I’m
very glad I stuck with it

3.5/5

This was a great start for this story. I enjoyed the different perspective on this world. I read this back in January and still have a vivid picture in mind for the world. I only wish to understand the characters more - I wanted to be deeper inside their head. I wanted to know Yeeran as much as I understood Lettle - the love they have for each other as siblings is truly precious.

I will be reading the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and PRH for the eArc.

This book started off on such a high note! I loved the characters, the world building, the magic, the opening conflict, all of it Everything started to go downhill in the last third of the book. It felt like everything was happening SO quickly, almost every single issue or mystery was being wrapped up neatly with a little bow one after the other. This is especially confusing considering this is the first in a series of books, I think that a lot of the mysteries/secrets/prophecies could've been drawn out until at least book two to build some sort of suspense. Instead, I'm not really sure if I'll read the second book because this felt like an ending. I'm sad because I think the world of this book is spectacular and interesting, it just felt like the author was rushing through it all instead of letting the reader be in the moment!

Yeeran is a warrior who is lost outside of a battlefield. Her sister, Lettle, is more sensitive, empathetic, intent on making a life as a diviner, despite the social disdain for such. When Yeeran makes a grave mistake and is banished from their land, Lettle refuses to allow her sister to die out in the wilderness alone. On a mission to find Yeeran, Lettle finds so much more. Meanwhile, forced to make a life off the battlefield, Yeeran’s eyes are opened to possibilities she never imagined.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were a bit frustrating at times, but overall, it was a very endearing story and I’m looking forward to the sequel.

Definitely recommend.

Thanks to Saara El-Arifi, Random House, and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

I’m so glad I read this. This was so good. I was completely sucked into this world. I loved the characters and the plot. It’s worth the read.

I found this piece to be exceptionally well-crafted, and I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into more works by this author. Given its potential popularity among our library patrons, we're certainly looking forward to adding it to our collection

I had a cute time, and as the first book in the series I know it should leave me wanting more as a good thing, but here it felt more incomplete.

I have no aspirations of being an author, nor do I think I'd do particularly drafting a whole new book in a series outside of the one I was in the middle of publishing only to have them drop in the same calendar year... I do think that Faebound might have been better served dropping next year when El-Arifi maybe wasn't trying to balance as many plates because this book was crying out to be at least a hundred pages longer, if not two hundred.

I can not wait for the next book! this book did an amazing job as a light introduction to this world as well as deliver culture and magic and great world building. It definitely left me wanting more!

Not a bad book in general, but it was a slow and choppy start that didn't get really interesting until the last several chapters. Since it is the first in a new series I have my fingers crossed for the next to really grab onto the world and characters that were built in this book and make it all worth it.

"Faebound" by Saara El-Arifi is a spellbinding fantasy novel that transports readers into a richly imagined world filled with magic, mystery, and adventure. With its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and gripping plot, El-Arifi's debut novel is sure to captivate fans of the fantasy genre.

At the heart of the story is protagonist Maeve, a young woman with a mysterious past and a latent magical ability that sets her apart in a world where magic is both feared and coveted. As Maeve embarks on a perilous journey to unlock the secrets of her heritage, she discovers a hidden realm teeming with mythical creatures, ancient prophecies, and dark forces that threaten to plunge the world into chaos.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its world-building. El-Arifi paints a vivid and immersive portrait of the land of Eilara, with its sprawling forests, majestic mountains, and bustling cities. From the majestic courts of the fae to the shadowy depths of the Underworld, each location feels distinct and fully realized, adding depth and richness to the story.

Equally compelling are the characters that populate El-Arifi's world. From Maeve's fiercely loyal companions to the enigmatic fae lords and ladies she encounters on her journey, each character is fleshed out with complexity and depth. As Maeve navigates the treacherous political landscape of Eilara, she must grapple with shifting allegiances, hidden agendas, and the true nature of power and authority.

In addition to its compelling characters and world-building, "Faebound" is also a gripping tale of adventure and intrigue. El-Arifi keeps readers on the edge of their seats with a fast-paced plot filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. From thrilling chase scenes to heart-stopping battles, the action never lets up, ensuring that readers will be eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.

Moreover, "Faebound" is not just a story of magic and adventure, but also a tale of self-discovery and empowerment. As Maeve comes into her own and embraces her magical abilities, she learns to trust in herself and her own inner strength. Her journey is one of courage, resilience, and ultimately, redemption, as she confronts her past and embraces her destiny as a powerful faebound warrior.

In conclusion, "Faebound" is a dazzling debut that marks Saara El-Arifi as a talent to watch in the world of fantasy literature. With its lush world-building, memorable characters, and thrilling plot, this novel is sure to enchant readers of all ages. Fans of epic fantasy will find much to love in this captivating tale of magic, adventure, and the power of destiny.

This book has such a cool unique magic system. I loved all the characters and the diversity of them. I'm so excited for the next one

4.5 stars
Diving into "Faebound" by Saara El-Arifi was akin to stepping through a magical portal into a world rich with enchantment, intrigue, and complex characters. From the first page, I was ensnared by the vivid world-building and the masterful way El-Arifi weaves together the tales of her protagonists, each with their own burdens and secrets. The narrative, lush with the lore of fae, elves, and humans entwined in a dance of power, politics, and personal discovery, held me captive through its twists and turns.

El-Arifi possesses a rare talent for creating a fantastical realm that feels at once sprawling and intimately detailed. Her characters are fleshed out with such depth and nuance that I found myself deeply invested in their journeys, cheering for their victories and feeling the weight of their defeats. The story's pacing is exquisite, balancing action-packed sequences with moments of heartfelt emotion and reflection, allowing readers to breathe and bond with the characters.

I give "Faebound" a well-deserved 4.5 stars out of 5. While I was thoroughly enchanted by the plot and the world El-Arifi crafted, there were moments where I longed for just a bit more—perhaps a deeper dive into certain backstories or a further exploration of the beautifully complex relationships. Nonetheless, "Faebound" is a triumph of fantasy, offering a fresh and captivating tale that promises to linger in the minds and hearts of its readers long after the last page is turned. Saara El-Arifi has truly woven a spellbinding story that needs to be explored, and I eagerly await the next adventure she chooses to share with the world.

A sapphic fae romantasy? Say less. I was super excited to get my hands on this story, and while I wouldn't say I was disappointed, it didn't quite live up to the hype. I found the beginning to be pretty slow, but once the fae were introduced the pacing improved a lot. The two main romances both left something to be desired, though hopefully they''l be more thoroughly explored in book 2. Where I think this book really shines is in its worldbuilding. I loved the descriptions of the places in the story, and the lore of the world is very interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading book 2!
3.5/5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

Probably my favorite fae fantasy . Saara is an incredible writer and the main romance in the book is so much fun .

thank you for the eArc.

This romantasy had me captivated from start to finish. I loved the twists and mystery as well as the fast paced magical world! The details were so beautiful and I can't wait to read more from this author!

**Review ⭐⭐⭐/5 (3-3.5)**
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi is a fast-paced fantasy set in a brutal and war-torn magical world where the last remaining species, the Elves, are caught in a perpetual struggle between the Crescent Elves and the Waning Elves. The story follows two Elven sisters—Yeeran, a devoted military commander, and Lettle, a diviner who dreams of a life outside the Forever War. When Yeeran makes a major mistake in battle she is sent into exile, and Lettle follows. While trying to find a way home, they instead find their way into the long-forgotten Fae Court—and their lives are set on a new course that will change them both forever.

>> What I loved: A cool and unique world—neat magic system, great lore, interesting (queernormative!) society. The plot is intriguing, and I am at the edge of my seat to find out what happens next in book 2!
>> What I didn’t love: This book felt so up my alley, and unfortunately it just didn’t meet the (admittedly high) hopes I had for it. All of the characters had a lot of potential but felt a bit one-dimensional in their personalities and emotional development. The growth of the characters felt very abrupt, and I think there needed to be more interiority to support the decisions they made. The other struggle point I had with *Faebound* was the dialog. Many of the characters continued to have the same conversations over and over again, and I think there was too heavy of a reliance on the dialog to tell the readers about things instead of showing us through character actions or situations.

Despite my reservations, I think *Faebound* is still worth a read for fantasy and/or fantasy romance lovers. I definitely plan to read Book 2 in the series, and I am hopeful that we will see more character depth and details that can take this story to even greater heights!

**Acknowledgments & Disclaimers**
✨ Thank you to NetGalley, Saara El-Arifi, and Random House/Ballantine Books/Del Rey, for providing an ARC and the opportunity to share an honest review of this book.
✨ All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
✨ My reviews and ratings strive to evaluate books within their own age-demographic and genre.

I ended up DNFing at 11%. This did not draw me in and I did not feel like exploring these characters.