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ctara2123's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, War, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content and Genocide
Minor: Toxic relationship
linnybear's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
If someone told me it’s a debut I’d believe them 💀 Completely subjectively speaking, it’s not a well written book, in any possible way. The author definitely fell into a trap of excessive tropification of romantasy and in my opinion it negatively affected the story making it incredibly cliché and predictable. You DO NOT give the reader ‘one bedroom trope’ in chapter 9 while barely establishing any kind of romantic relationship between characters, you DO NOT introduce the new enemy to make the mc swoon over the curves of their body a minute later making the reader go ‘ah so we have enemy to lovers’ (despite said mc apparently still loving her ex partner!). These can be your favorite tropes and I’m not here to judge that but the tropes also exist for a reason and they have their own place and time. This is something that over time made me irritated and yet it doesn’t get better as you progress through the story.
Talking about the storyline, it is so predictable almost from the start and the clues are constantly given away by the author in a form of prophecies. No matter the situation the stakes felt very low making it unengaging and instead we are forced to focus on characters’ internal struggles and romantic affairs, yet… This book has possibly the worst developed (or rather undeveloped) relationships I’ve ever encountered which is somewhat connected to incredibly flat, almost robotic characters. There is no logic in their actions, there is no thought (given their ages and previous positions in the elven society it’s absolutely bizarre), there is no depth, or growth, or complexity. Instead we are left with lots of angst, lust and cringy dialogue. Possibly the biggest red flag in all of this was the normalization of dishonesty, infidelity and abuse making some, if not all, relationships (including those between family members) really toxic as these issues are never properly addressed and resolved.
The only positive aspect of this series so far would be the world building. Don’t get me wrong, it is still severely lacking but I found some of the ideas (like the existence of three races made by three different gods or the fae curse) really interesting and worth expanding. I wish it was enough for me to read the book two once it’s out but I don’t think it’s truly worth my time.
Talking about the storyline, it is so predictable almost from the start and the clues are constantly given away by the author in a form of prophecies. No matter the situation the stakes felt very low making it unengaging and instead we are forced to focus on characters’ internal struggles and romantic affairs, yet… This book has possibly the worst developed (or rather undeveloped) relationships I’ve ever encountered which is somewhat connected to incredibly flat, almost robotic characters. There is no logic in their actions, there is no thought (given their ages and previous positions in the elven society it’s absolutely bizarre), there is no depth, or growth, or complexity. Instead we are left with lots of angst, lust and cringy dialogue. Possibly the biggest red flag in all of this was the normalization of dishonesty, infidelity and abuse making some, if not all, relationships (including those between family members) really toxic as these issues are never properly addressed and resolved.
The only positive aspect of this series so far would be the world building. Don’t get me wrong, it is still severely lacking but I found some of the ideas (like the existence of three races made by three different gods or the fae curse) really interesting and worth expanding. I wish it was enough for me to read the book two once it’s out but I don’t think it’s truly worth my time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Animal death, Racism, War, Murder, and Genocide
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
anarmandameg's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
How are they all so horny in life-or-death situations??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Grief, Kidnapping, Medical content, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal death, Colonisation, Death, Deportation, Mental illness, Child abuse, Dementia, Murder, Violence, War, Confinement, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
thegoddessamongyou's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death, Grief, Gaslighting, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Rape
karly_ackley's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Animal death, Death, Death of parent, Confinement, and War
mo_elcius's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Feabound is my first read from this author, and I have to say it did not disappoint. I'm so glad I was able to pick this up, and with the added bonus that my local library ordered some copies.
Below are some of the thoughts I had while reading it.
The Map:
I love me a read with some visuals. At the beginning of the book, there is a map of the land the Elven tribes reside on. There is so much detail to the surrounding border of the map. The border of the map alone had me hooked because there were so many symbols and I wanted to know more about their significance.
The Lore:
The Story of the Wheat, the Bat, and the Water.
In the beginning, there were three Gods... El-Arifi created a genesis story for the world of Feabound and it was really interesting. They gave me, "Mind, Body, and Soul". There is much emphasis in this story about the importance of knowing your history, your lineage, and that we are all connected in some way.
The Sisters:
Yeeran and Lettle remind me so much of my sisters and me. They are fiercely protective of each other and often get on each other's nerves. The sisters have different paths in response to the conflict taking place. To me, they often don't see the other side of things. They can't see themselves in the other's shoes, so to speak. Each believes their way can bring about the peace, abundance, and security their tribe needs. I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship develops because there is much healing and understanding needed in their relationship.
The Conflict:
It's tragic how the conflict in the book has ruined so many lives. The resources they are fighting over can help so many of the Elven, including those not of the Waning Tribe. The first few chapters shed such a grime, but realistic light, on the ravages a war can have on children and the echos it leaves for those in the future.
The Obeah:
Can we get a larger picture? I'd like to confirm my mental image of them. I love the personality of one of the main Obeahs.
The Fea and their World:
The synopsis stated that they would be seductive... I didn't get that vibe, but it wasn't a bad thing. I appreciate that the Fae, and Elven peoples, are so diverse in their coloring, and characteristics and judgment-free in how they decide to present themselves. The relationships that developed were unexpected, but sweet and smoldering. I wanna read more! At the same time though, there is a particular relationship that I hope doesn't end in heartbreak.
Overall, great read. This is my third five-star read for the year of 2024. Ms. El-Arifi, I'm looking forward to more!
Check out my Booktube promo of the book: https://youtu.be/zXfZbt-5z3A
Below are some of the thoughts I had while reading it.
The Map:
I love me a read with some visuals. At the beginning of the book, there is a map of the land the Elven tribes reside on. There is so much detail to the surrounding border of the map. The border of the map alone had me hooked because there were so many symbols and I wanted to know more about their significance.
The Lore:
The Story of the Wheat, the Bat, and the Water.
In the beginning, there were three Gods... El-Arifi created a genesis story for the world of Feabound and it was really interesting. They gave me, "Mind, Body, and Soul". There is much emphasis in this story about the importance of knowing your history, your lineage, and that we are all connected in some way.
The Sisters:
Yeeran and Lettle remind me so much of my sisters and me. They are fiercely protective of each other and often get on each other's nerves. The sisters have different paths in response to the conflict taking place. To me, they often don't see the other side of things. They can't see themselves in the other's shoes, so to speak. Each believes their way can bring about the peace, abundance, and security their tribe needs. I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship develops because there is much healing and understanding needed in their relationship.
The Conflict:
It's tragic how the conflict in the book has ruined so many lives. The resources they are fighting over can help so many of the Elven, including those not of the Waning Tribe. The first few chapters shed such a grime, but realistic light, on the ravages a war can have on children and the echos it leaves for those in the future.
The Obeah:
Can we get a larger picture? I'd like to confirm my mental image of them. I love the personality of one of the main Obeahs.
The Fea and their World:
The synopsis stated that they would be seductive... I didn't get that vibe, but it wasn't a bad thing. I appreciate that the Fae, and Elven peoples, are so diverse in their coloring, and characteristics and judgment-free in how they decide to present themselves. The relationships that developed were unexpected, but sweet and smoldering. I wanna read more! At the same time though, there is a particular relationship that I hope doesn't end in heartbreak.
Overall, great read. This is my third five-star read for the year of 2024. Ms. El-Arifi, I'm looking forward to more!
Check out my Booktube promo of the book: https://youtu.be/zXfZbt-5z3A
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and War
tetrootz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Violence, Suicide, Blood, War, Body horror, Animal death, Stalking, Medical trauma, Gore, Death of parent, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Murder, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Cursing, Confinement, Torture, Slavery, Death, and Alcohol
fairyollie's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
it is so rare to find a book with a main character who is not just disabled, but disabled and sexy, and strong, and smart. i love the diversity of the characters and the world in Faebound, how gender, sexuality, and disability all were natural facets of life (as they should be). such a beautiful book, with stunning world-building, rich lore, and intriguing, complex characters. cannot wait for the rest in the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Xenophobia, Animal death, Death, Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, and War
Moderate: Abandonment, Death of parent, Dementia, and Grief
the_lesbrarian's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Faebound follows the complex bond between two sisters: a devoted war general and a haunted seer. When one is exiled from their tribe trying to fulfill a prophecy, both find themselves trapped in the realm of fae that the world lost to fable. Within, they find themselves questioning the truths of the homeland they have been fighting for.
The diversity of the characters is well-written and normalized. Most characters are black, as the setting is West-African inspired. Several of the main and major characters are queer, one of the major characters is trans, and many characters throughout the novel have disabilities.
This novel has the elements of a sapphic “romantasy,” and spends a lot more time with the romance than most other sapphic books in this sphere. If you’re looking for a Sarah J. Maas level split of fantasy and romance, but much more diverse and sapphic, this is the closest you will get from major publishing houses right now.
While this book suffered from some minor pacing issues— the middle third dragged a bit and a lot happened in the last quarter that I wish had been given more pages to be explored— those problems are easy to overlook for all of the beauty that the rest of the novel had to offer. A unique magic system, true diversity of characters, and an adult sapphic romance make Faebound a fun new read this winter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Animal death, and War
Moderate: Grief and Death
Minor: Alcohol
bibliomich's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Faebound hooked me from the first chapter, and this ended up being quite a quick read for me, especially as someone who typically takes a long time to finish fantasy novels.
What I appreciated:
- Diverse character representation
- The setting of Mosima; I could truly picture the landscape, and the underground world that El-Arifi imagined was so vibrant and beautifully described.
- The relationships between the characters, especially the complicated sister relationship between Yeeran & Lettle
- The different systems of magic
What would have made this book even better:
- The end of the novel felt a little rushed to me. I appreciate that this was structured to be the first in a series, and I was completely okay with the loose ends and questions that we were left with at the end of the book. But I still felt like so many hugely significant events happened in a very short period of time, and we don't really get to see the characters process these events.
- I would have loved to have seen the obeah play a more prominent role in the book. I don't want to say much more, as I don't want to provide any spoilers, but I will just say that this was one particular area where I was really hoping for *more*.
I'm very much looking forward to the next installment in the series. Thank you to NetGalley for my digital ARC.
What I appreciated:
- Diverse character representation
- The setting of Mosima; I could truly picture the landscape, and the underground world that El-Arifi imagined was so vibrant and beautifully described.
- The relationships between the characters, especially the complicated sister relationship between Yeeran & Lettle
- The different systems of magic
What would have made this book even better:
- The end of the novel felt a little rushed to me. I appreciate that this was structured to be the first in a series, and I was completely okay with the loose ends and questions that we were left with at the end of the book. But I still felt like so many hugely significant events happened in a very short period of time, and we don't really get to see the characters process these events.
- I would have loved to have seen the obeah play a more prominent role in the book. I don't want to say much more, as I don't want to provide any spoilers, but I will just say that this was one particular area where I was really hoping for *more*.
I'm very much looking forward to the next installment in the series. Thank you to NetGalley for my digital ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, War, Classism, and Grief
Moderate: Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Blood, Abandonment, and Death of parent
Minor: Dementia and Sexual content