Faebound

I appreciate how the author effectively incorporated foreshadowing and clues throughout the book. I also loved the world-building. The writing was so descriptive. I found the younger sister character annoying, but I assume she was written that way on purpose. Can't wait to receive the second book so I can dive back into the story.

This did not disappoint. The world that was created turned into something truly beautiful. I look forward to the next book.

Faebound is a progressive fantasy that features a diverse and inclusive cast of characters. Initially, I was interested in Faebound because it has a strong female lead character but I stayed for the complex world-building and will-they wont-they romance.In Faebound we follow Yeeran, a disgraced warrior exiled out of the elven lands for her catastrophic last battle. Not content with the chieftain's decision to send Yeeran away, Lettle leaves her community to find her sister. They become involved in the world of the Fae, thought long dead by the world.Both Yeeran and Lettle are strong characters. Yeeran is driven by purpose, she's an interesting character and I found myself liking her more and more as time went on. Her sister is driven by a love and loyalty to Yeeran that makes her highly empathetic. Going back and forth between the two girl's points of view made for a more engaging story that was already compellingThat all being said, there were times when the romance felt a bit forced. For me, there was a lack of chemistry in both romances. Part one is also a little slow to start but once things get going it's pretty fast-paced.Overall I think this was a very satisfying novel with a lot of story beats that are carefully laid out that pay off big in the end. I'd like to see where the story goes from here and will be looking forward to the next book. If you're unsure of what fantasy novel to pick up this one is well worth reading.

Bought this in "new" condition, but the cover and spine was scratched up. I thought that may be how it's printed, but it is actually scratched as shown in attached pictures

Faebound follows two sisters, one a newly appointed commander (Yeeran) of the elvish army, and the other a diviner (Lettle). Lettle came to Yeeran with a prophecy she interpreted and Yeeran's decisions led her to follow Lettle's divining. In doing so she was exiled from the elven lands and Lettle followed. On their journeys - Yeeran to find a way to be welcomed back, and Lettle to find her sister, they are captured by the fae, a race the elves long thought extinct. The rest of the book follows both sisters learning to live amongst the fae, finding love, losing it, and learning so much more about who they are in the process.This book was so good. Most of my five star reads I fly through, but this one I loved savoring the story. I spent so much time seeing if I could find the events in where Lettle's prophecies may be true, trying to see if I could sparse out who the villain was, and honestly just enjoying how both sisters learned and adjusted to being thrown into a new life. It was a fantastic commentary on race relations, action intentionality, and politics.10/10 will absolutely be recommending to everyone I know.