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A review by baileys_books
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
adventurous
emotional
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
3.0
I really, really wanted to like this. Alas.
The pros: incredible worldbuilding. The lore, the creation myths of humans, elves, and fae, the politics, and especially the magic were all fascinating. And the obeah! Some of the best animal companions yet, and they’re sassy and fun! (I’m on a real talking animal companions kick, y’all).
The diversity is exquisite and unforced, both racially and with a plethora of genders and disabilities. It’s all handled with dignity and grace, and makes the world even more vibrant and enticing.
The cons: the two main characters. They’re half-sisters, and clearly their idiocy and complete lack of insight and depth came from their shared mom, because holy fuck. They were INFURIATING. Neither of them seemed to undergo any personal growth, or ever even own up to their (many, MANY) mistakes, with exception for continually rolling around in the guilt of things that weren’t actually their fault. The fact that the book endedwith Lettle mad at Yeeran for the same thing she was mad at her about in the beginning is so fitting for her complete lack of emotional maturity and growth.
I’ll still read the sequel, because I care about some of the other characters, but holy fucking lack of critical thinking and big picture worldview. I cannot stand them, but particularly Lettle.
Also, Yeeran’s romance seemed to come out of nowhere. She really went “enemy… but hot? Mm yes, love of my life.”
The pros: incredible worldbuilding. The lore, the creation myths of humans, elves, and fae, the politics, and especially the magic were all fascinating. And the obeah! Some of the best animal companions yet, and they’re sassy and fun! (I’m on a real talking animal companions kick, y’all).
The diversity is exquisite and unforced, both racially and with a plethora of genders and disabilities. It’s all handled with dignity and grace, and makes the world even more vibrant and enticing.
The cons: the two main characters. They’re half-sisters, and clearly their idiocy and complete lack of insight and depth came from their shared mom, because holy fuck. They were INFURIATING. Neither of them seemed to undergo any personal growth, or ever even own up to their (many, MANY) mistakes, with exception for continually rolling around in the guilt of things that weren’t actually their fault. The fact that the book ended
I’ll still read the sequel, because I care about some of the other characters, but holy fucking lack of critical thinking and big picture worldview. I cannot stand them, but particularly Lettle.
Also, Yeeran’s romance seemed to come out of nowhere. She really went “enemy… but hot? Mm yes, love of my life.”