Publishers Weekly
10/23/2023
The beguiling first installment of a new fantasy trilogy from El-Arifi (The Final Strife) introduces a mystical world filled with conflict. Elves were born of the moon, fae were born of the sun, and humans were born of the earth, or so the myth goes. Now, only elves remain, and all is not well. The Forever War between elven tribes has raged on for as long as sisters Lettle and Yeeran have been alive. Yeeran is a decorated soldier determined to help the Waning Tribe win and thrive. Lettle, a diviner, is repulsed by the conflict but driven to prove her worth to her sister. When one of Yeeran’s command decisions ends in tragedy, she’s exiled to the harsh environment outside of the Elven Lands. Lettle and Rayan, one of Yeeran’s soldiers, follow her by choice, and all three find themselves unexpectedly drawn into the world of the fae, creatures they believed were long extinct. Relying on their scant knowledge from old stories, the sisters and Rayan must navigate this strange, underground world, replete with magic, secrets, and romance beyond their wildest imaginings. The worldbuilding is lush and exciting, and the focus on character development and relationships makes for a cast that readers will be excited to revisit in future installments. El-Arifi is off to a great start. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
Ambitious, brutal, seductive, Faebound is a masterclass in story-telling, enthralling and entirely unique. I raced through every page.”—Kat Dunn, author of Bitterthorn
“The most imaginative take on a steamy faerie court I’ve read in forever, with a cascade of epic twists that will leave readers gasping.”—Laura Steven, bestselling author of Every Exquisite Thing
“Faebound is a stunning, gripping addition to the romantasy genre . . . It’s the perfect read for fans of magical creatures, sizzling romance, and plot twists that will leave you reeling.”—Lena Jeong, author of And Break the Pretty Kings
“Faebound will ensnare you while sweeping you off your feet.”—Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle
“An epic romance that’s brimming with heart . . . You can’t help but fall in love with these characters, and the unique magic system will keep you hooked right from the first page.”—Kate Dylan, bestselling author of Mindwalker
“Full of magic, intrigue, heart-stopping romance, and the fierce bonds of sisterhood, Faebound is an exhilarating ride into a world of dangerous secrets and dazzling possibilities.”—Kate Heartfield, bestselling author of The Embroidered Book
“I can’t get enough of these warrior fae—seductive, dangerous, and sexy as hell! *fans self* A romantic fantasy full of tenderness and vengeance, hope and sacrifice. Enthralling to the last page.”—A. Y. Chao, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Shanghai Immortal
“Epic in scope, and imagination, Faebound is a stirring fantastical adventure that celebrates love in a landscape torn apart by war and heartache.”—Ehigbor Okosun, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Tainted Blood Duology
“Faebound is a devastatingly romantic and breathtaking fantasy. Opulent and sweeping, this book is unforgettable.”—Tasha Suri, award-winning author of The Jasmine Throne
“Exquisite fantasy, with a complex, mysterious, and sumptuous world of elves, fae, and gloriously compelling romance—so enthralling, it has wrapped its magic around my heart and set it alight.”—Hannah Kaner, internationally bestselling author of Godkiller
“Immersive, inclusive, and impressive—this fantasy takes hold of your heart and refuses to let go.”—Thea Guanzon, USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars
“Faebound is the book I've been looking for my whole life: full of compulsive twists and turns, framed within a deeply refreshing, innovative, and sweeping world that pulled me in from the first page.”—Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey
“The most exciting story I’ve read in a long time: Dangerous women and beautiful, cutthroat fae—what more could a reader ask for?”—Namina Forna, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Ones
“Joyously imagined and passionately told—a heartfelt love song to fantasy, and a compelling tale of romance, magic, and connection.”—Catriona Silvey author of Meet Me In Another Life
“This is a romantic fantasy of epic proportions, crackling with magic and passion. Your heart will beat like a drum.”—Samantha Shannon, bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree
Library Journal
11/01/2023
Endless war killed off humans and fae, and it's still consuming the elves. Yeeran rises in the elven army's ranks, but on the same day she's promoted, she faces exile for failure. Hunting in the wilds outside of the elven capital, she's ambushed—not by an opposing army, but by fae—for killing a fae prince. Brought to the fae court in an underground society, Yeeran is put on trial but saved when a fae beast bonds itself to her, giving her magic and the possibility to end both the war and the imprisonment of the fae. This ambitious series opener plays with genre, tone, gender, and expectations while delivering an intriguing series opener. The magic system is inventive and layered, and romance is slow to build and well paid off. Some story beats are predictable, especially given the heavy use of prophecy in the narrative, but others are twisty enough to surprise. VERDICT An intriguing start to a new series from El-Arifi (The Battle Drum).—Katherine Sleyko
FEBRUARY 2024 - AudioFile
Bahni Turpin narrates a West African-inspired romance blended with high fantasy. After a falling out with their chieftain, elven sisters Yeeran and Lettle wind up in fae lands and must adapt if they hope to survive. Turpin portrays elder sister Yeeran, a battle-hardened warrior, as proud and energetic, always ready to take charge. In contrast, younger sister Lettle is training to be a diviner, and Turpin depicts her as impulsive, inquisitive, and quick to retort--all of which reflect her passionate heart. Since the fae have been hidden for long enough to have passed into myth and are deeply foreign and unsettling to both Yeeran and Lettle, Turpin gives them entirely different accents to distinguish them from the elven sisters. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine