⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Faebound
Saara El-Arifi
Romantasy as a genre seems to fall into a lot of the same tropes and similar magic systems. Faebound, however, was a distinctly unique and enjoyable read featuring two Elvish sisters, a hidden Faerie realm, and a fascinating magic system.
Saara El-Arifi weaves a multifaceted romantic adventure, but not only that; she delivers exquisite commentary on culture, history, and war.
I did not see (most of) the twists coming and I was fully invested in the characters, settings, and even the politics.
El-Arifi draws inspiration from African cultures, creating something so unique and beautiful that I could not put the book down.
I also have to recognize the queer representation, from lesbian marriages and gay “flings” to nonbinary and trans characters. Each character and circumstance is so artfully written, it’s clear that El-Arifi didn’t simply include them as token characters.
There were many layers to this auspicious first book in the Faebound trilogy. I can’t wait to follow up with Cursebound.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Midnight Review 