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.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Selling Pitch:
Avatar but this time they're riding the cats instead of *riding* the cats.

On my do not read list

Pre-reading:
No thoughts. Head empty. The blue Fairyloot edition is very pretty. My friend read this and said it was very meh, and I trust her opinion, so I've been putting this off but like maybe it’ll be okay?

Thick of it:
Only reading this god‘s name as bosom.

Imagine wanting kids.

Bat boy origin story for the fae fucking confirmed. Get Sarah out of here.

You’re telling me I have to read about two different species of pointed-ear fucks in this book? (On this episode of Samantha just opens books.)

Yeeran. As in ye ran? Oh christ.

Soldiers giving birth on the battle line is common? Be so forreal right now. What in the epidural are they taking that they’re going around swinging swords with gaping crevices?

Maybe you don’t have enough soldiers because they’re too busy lugging around pieces of wood as your maps. What do you mean?

This is so clunky already. DNF

She doesn’t like to be interrupted and she talks slow? My absolute nightmare.

This isn’t even a sex scene and already we’re getting turn-by-turn instructions for inserting tab A into slot B. It’s not vivid imagery to track their hands like this. It’s just bad writing.

Wow, it sounds like her army will not be there in the morning.

The city of guuuurl.

Is this the drum equivalent of catgut strings lol?

That doesn’t rhyme?

Oh wow, right in on the child soldiers.

The book: our people are starving
Also the book: we planted inedible flowers as ye olde Febreze because stinky dead bodies are like way more of a pressing issue
What do you mean.
Who published this? I wanna talk.

Credit where credit is due- I have never seen a book use drums in place of guns, but like also what the fuck.

So if they’re capable of making paper to make letters, why are we carrying around slabs of wood as our battlefield maps?

Lgbtq+ elves

If these critters are so valuable, why aren’t they breeding them?

Def aesthetic uniforms, but there's no way those are practical in battle

OK, disability rep. I see you.

I think it’s interesting that the book keeps having a blue aesthetic, but then the original cover is red. The Fairyloot special edition is blue, and it seems like it fits the story way better.

It’s such awkward, passive voice writing.

I assume her sister is the waning moon, and she’s going to turn against her tribe because they’re murdering the fae or some shit?

Oh there! So they’re like fucking pandas. They won’t breed in captivity.

How does a captain of the army not know basic battlefield first aid?

Oh my god, guys, they have the same favorite book. Do you think they’ll fall in love? I hate it here.

Oh, I’m glad a concussion can heal in an hour.

I can't not think of Hunger Games when people drink from trees.

Goodness, this is insta lovey and heavy-handed with the romance.

Nah, it's gonna be one bed. But like it’s so soon for that!

Okay acotar lol

A deep cut, but I’m just picturing them as mweors.

Anyone else just picturing Furiosa? Like I know I’m wrong, but same vibe, same girl crush.

And title drop

The author: Look, audience, I thought about world-building!
The audience: oh cool, what’s the answer?
The author: Psh, I said, I thought about it. I didn’t say I figured out any answers.

Book is very #fashion lol.

It reminds me of Avatar.

I mean, like obviously a cat is going to bind her so that they have to stop the execution.

Very Fourth Wing

Lol they follow a sun diet? Like that crazy vegan couple that starved their baby to death.

This romance is so forced. It’s funny because it’s hitting things that would normally work in books, but it’s just not working.

OK, so the queens are definitely gonna die and that glass staircase is definitely gonna break.

God, I’m so bored. I wish I DNFed books.

Why is the cat so willing to turn traitor on her whole family and species?

I assume Komi is the two-bladed tyrant guy.

I'm so boreddddd

So like the not!Cinna is definitely fucking the prince, right?

A simple mistake? She got 350 people killed, girlypop.

Lmao Crescent City’s otter mail, but it’s just bush babies.

This book’s pacing sucks.

YOU KILLED HER BROTHER, GIRL.

Not the G spot sin.

This is such a bad sex scene.

No one has chemistry. The politics of this world don’t work. The plot sucks. This is unreadable.

These prophecies are really deus ex machina. Oh, there’s a plot hole? Shove a prophecy in it.

Dude, what the fuck is this dialogue? Hey, sex was great. And he’s like it was, wasn’t it? Fucking what is that?

Oh my god, I do not need another sex scene.

Not the cadence of her movements. Who fucking wrote this?

Is this gonna be a goddamn series? Cause it’s really shaping up to be, and I am not reading a second book. (Oh yes.)

I’m just saying if you crank this audiobook to 2.5 times speed because you’re trying to get through it because you are hate reading at this point, the main character’s name sounds like urine.

Good god, how much more is left? All they have to do is figure out that Komi is the tyrant, free themselves from fairyland, and other girlypop needs to realize that she has a cat protecting her too. I think killing her boyfriend will wait until book two or like the end of this one to end on a cliffhanger.

And like the fashion designer (Golan) is like definitely fucking the prince brother (Nerad) that I literally have not written down his name in my book notes because he’s so irrelevant to the plot.

Literally, I’m so bored. This book is so fucking predictable.

It’s so Fourth Wing with the cringe bonded animals.

I will give the book that I did not think this man was going to be relevant for anything more than his dick.

If I had been paying attention to this book, I would be so pissed that they were spoon-feeding me the plot right now, but seeing as how I have cranked and suffered through it, I’m a little grateful because it makes taking summary notes real easy.

Wow, I don’t need a third sex scene.

Guys, they’re like on a beach. Imagine the sand in all the nooks and crannies.

Not to be a germaphobe, but all these fantasy stories stories really freak me out when they’ll just be like exploring and fighting people and then they’re like time to finger blast each other. Like can you wash your hands? Like you know there’s dirt under those nails.

I feel like the prince is responsible for killing the queens and he used his boyfriend’s tattoo ink to do it, but like Komi is still definitely the tyrant guy. (I nailed this book.)

Literally, I’m so bored. I have predicted everything.

Take a shot every time this book says cadence.

I don’t think that’s what you do for a collapsed lung, but go off, bestie.

No body, no death.

Hey hey, cool motive, still murder. I don’t think murdering the queens was the right move there, my dude.

Well, they solved literally nothing. So glad I suffered through all of that to get literally nowhere in the plot. I did it. Thank fuck.

Post-reading:
Hated absolutely every second of this.

The plot’s generic and has been done before. It's predictable as shit. It's repetitive. The pacing sucks. The dialogue is stilted and awkward. The writing itself veers into passive voice way too much. The prophecies function as get-out-of-jail-free cards for the book’s plot holes and feel cheaty and deus ex machina rather than carefully plotted.

The romances feel forced. They hit all the cliche beats that normally work in fantasy romances, but this is what happens when you have a checklist of tropes to include and never focus on actual chemistry or banter. It all feels like instalove just because everyone is sooo hot. The sex scenes feel unnecessary and alienating because your audience is not invested in the romances. The scenes themselves read very insert tab an and into slot b. The book purports the idea that there’s a super special ridge inside vaginas that you can just press and have instant orgasms. Fuck right off. And then you’re also just throwing in unnecessary orgies and nudity for what? For vibes?

The companion animals are cringey. The plot doesn't make a ton of sense. Why is the cat-and you bet your ass I’m calling them cats in this fantasy meow mix clusterfuck of a novel-so willing to turn on its own to help this random ass girl that just showed up? The politics of the world make no sense. There is nothing stopping people from murdering the line of succession. The story’s war hinges on some sun crystals, but it’s not like the sun doesn’t exist in this world? Why are people starving? If they need better land to grow crops, a sun crystal isn’t exactly gonna fix that problem. And it’s not like the land won’t grow crops because the land works well enough to grow flowers to cover the stench of dead bodies because somehow that’s a priority. There’s no world-building. We know nothing about where these people live or how except that they’re cool with the LGBTQ.

This book is marketed as adult but aside from the sex scenes and child soldiers, there’s nothing adult about this. Those could be removed, and this could’ve been marketed as YA which would make a lot more sense because the characters read like teenagers even though they’re in their 30s.

I also just really disliked the main character. She kills 350 people for following her sister‘s prophecy on a whim and shows no remorse for it and then she kills her love interest’s brother, but we’re supposed to just brush that off because she knows more now? Please.

Don’t waste your time. Read literally anything else.

Who should read this:
No one?
Generic fantasy romance girlies

Do I want to reread this:
Fuck no.

Similar books:
* Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros- fantasy romance, cringe animal companions
* Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem-actual enemies to lovers fantasy romance,
* Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares-generic historical fantasy romance, enemies to lovers, secret magical heritage
* Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson-generic fantasy romance, enemies to lovers
* Bow Before the Elf Queen by J. M. Kearl- generic fantasy romance, enemies to lovers, secret magical heritage
* Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout-generic fantasy romance, secret magical heritage, overly horny fae
* Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun-generic fantasy romance, enemies to lovers, secret magical heritage

"Cursed to endure, cursed to survive. All shall perish lest all three thrive."

'Faebound' by Saara El-Arifi is an excellent book to recommend to new fantasy readers. The prologue immediately hooked me with its vivid depiction of the gods, creation, and the intriguing magic system in this world. The overarching plot was detailed, albeit predictable, with some unexpected twists. I particularly enjoyed the depiction of sisterhood in this book—as someone with two sisters, the realistic bickering, arguments, and complicated relationship between Yeeran and Lettle were the best part of the book.

This book fell apart a little bit when it came to storytelling. It was all very literal in that it detailed the character's motivations, the dialogue between characters, and the development of the plot without any subtlety. This lack of subtlety made the story feel less immersive and more like a series of narrated events. I wanted to be shown these things through scenes that felt more organic, not a means to an end. Marketing this as a New Adult book was a mistake. The explicit content in this book did not feel natural and added nothing to the character's relationships. It would have been better if it didn't exist or if it faded to black. As it was, it decreased the book's readability and took me out of the novel. I loved that this book showcased sexual and gender fluidity and how it was integrated into society. While this book had flaws, it helped me escape my reading slump. I enjoyed it and look forward to seeing what Saara El-Arif does with the rest of the series.

I had some trouble reading this it wouldn't grab me then it would but then it didn't. I wanted to love this book I've been anticipating it for so long but it just didn't keep you wanting to read more. It's an awesome story and plot but some of the character lacked in development. The romance was there but not well executed. I will want to read the next books in this series to see where the story goes. Thank you for this arc!