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Faebound #3
Earthbound
Yeeran and Lettle’s world has been shaken by a revelation from the Fates that changes everything: the obeah are not what they seem. Return to the intoxicating realm of the fae one last time in the final installment of the #1 Sunday Times bestselling Faebound series.
Broken by love.
Trapped by war.
Bound by magic.
Lettle is on a quest to uncover the truth. Along with the human Alder, the last of his kind, she sets off on an arduous journey of discovery. But after a painful separation from King Rayan, she is struggling to find her way.
Alder is determined to learn more about his origins. With no memories of his childhood, he retraces his steps to the cave where it all began. But what he finds there may shake him to the core.
Back in the fae court, Yeeran has other priorities. The warrior-turned-ambassador must negotiate a peace treaty with the elven army to save them all. But it’s hard to bargain with a duplicitous enemy. And it’s even harder to negotiate with a broken heart.
Secrets ripple like an earthquake across the land and love and power is at the core of them all…
Broken by love.
Trapped by war.
Bound by magic.
Lettle is on a quest to uncover the truth. Along with the human Alder, the last of his kind, she sets off on an arduous journey of discovery. But after a painful separation from King Rayan, she is struggling to find her way.
Alder is determined to learn more about his origins. With no memories of his childhood, he retraces his steps to the cave where it all began. But what he finds there may shake him to the core.
Back in the fae court, Yeeran has other priorities. The warrior-turned-ambassador must negotiate a peace treaty with the elven army to save them all. But it’s hard to bargain with a duplicitous enemy. And it’s even harder to negotiate with a broken heart.
Secrets ripple like an earthquake across the land and love and power is at the core of them all…
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2026
About the author
Saara El-Arifi
16 books3,960 followersSaara El-Arifi is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Ending Fire Trilogy
and the Faebound Trilogy.
El-Arifi knew she was a storyteller from the moment she told her first lie. Over the years, she has perfected her tall tales into epic ones. She has lived in many countries, had many jobs, and owned many more cats. After a decade of working in marketing and communications, she returned to academia to complete a master’s degree in African studies alongside her writing career. She currently resides in London as a full-time procrastinator.
and the Faebound Trilogy.
El-Arifi knew she was a storyteller from the moment she told her first lie. Over the years, she has perfected her tall tales into epic ones. She has lived in many countries, had many jobs, and owned many more cats. After a decade of working in marketing and communications, she returned to academia to complete a master’s degree in African studies alongside her writing career. She currently resides in London as a full-time procrastinator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
Want to Read
February 1, 2026I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS!!
September 3, 2026
full review to come! i'm a little sad to be writing this review because this is the last book in a trilogy that is near and dear to me. but what an ending it was, and it's honestly gonna take me awhile to recover from the emotional rollercoaster i endured.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
for the third and final installment in the faebound series we return to our favorite group of characters on separated and on the brink of war. lettle and alder have set off on a quest to uncover alders past in an attempt to unanswered questions, while yeeran and furi remain in mosima attempting to barter for peace with the elves.
wow, i cannot believe this series has come to an end. there is a pang of sadness over finishing, but in my eyes this was the perfect conclusion?
this book was such an emotional rollercoaster. i smiled, giggled and kicked my feet at the reunions, gasped over reveals and cried over characters i've grown attached to facing impossible odds.
this book offers multiple povs, allowing us to watch our favorite characters grapple with their own internal battles and attempt to grow from their mistakes, especially when it came to their relationships. as usual, i love the queer representation throughout this book and series.
faebound was the first arc i EVER read, so the series holds such a special place in my heart. i cannot wait to see what al-arifi publishes in the future.
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘦𝘭-𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪, 𝘥𝘦𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 🤍
wow, i cannot believe this series has come to an end. there is a pang of sadness over finishing, but in my eyes this was the perfect conclusion?
this book was such an emotional rollercoaster. i smiled, giggled and kicked my feet at the reunions, gasped over reveals and cried over characters i've grown attached to facing impossible odds.
this book offers multiple povs, allowing us to watch our favorite characters grapple with their own internal battles and attempt to grow from their mistakes, especially when it came to their relationships. as usual, i love the queer representation throughout this book and series.
faebound was the first arc i EVER read, so the series holds such a special place in my heart. i cannot wait to see what al-arifi publishes in the future.
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘦𝘭-𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪, 𝘥𝘦𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 🤍
September 27, 2026
I loved the concept of this world, loved the writing and the way queerness just excists. Not at as a plot devise or something. Anyone can love everyone and no one cares. Someone says he's male and it is accepted, pronouns of choice used without question. Really awesome, we need more of that causal queerness. Why not 5 stars then, you might ask? Well, what happened with Alder wasn't my favorite and all the stuff with the spells... Well thought through? Yeah. But it didn't make me read further. Not the author's fault but personal preference. All in all I wholeheartedly recommend this series. I love it.
October 7, 2026
Now THAT is how you wrap up a series!
It’s messy, dramatic, romantic, and devastating in the best way possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and DelRay Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
It’s messy, dramatic, romantic, and devastating in the best way possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and DelRay Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2026
The perfect end to a beautiful series!
In all honesty, I originally picked up Faebound because the Fairyloot edition was gorgeous. A superficial reason, yes, but I'm so glad I did! I've had so much fun with this series and I can't believe I never hear anyone talking about it. In terms of plot, it's kind of like if ACOTAR met Fourth Wing. In terms of vibes, however, it's entirely different (in a good way)! Basically every characters is queer and/or BIPOC, which is a lot more diversity than either Sarah J Maas or Rebecca Yarros even attempt. It's really a shame that such diverse reads don't always get promoted as heavily. But back to the plot, I was really impressed by the way that Earthbound tied together all the plot threads that were built up throughout this series. Although I would love to spend more time in this world and with these creatures, I really do think this was the perfect way to end the trilogy.
To all the girls, gays, allies, and cat lovers ... this is the series for you!
In all honesty, I originally picked up Faebound because the Fairyloot edition was gorgeous. A superficial reason, yes, but I'm so glad I did! I've had so much fun with this series and I can't believe I never hear anyone talking about it. In terms of plot, it's kind of like if ACOTAR met Fourth Wing. In terms of vibes, however, it's entirely different (in a good way)! Basically every characters is queer and/or BIPOC, which is a lot more diversity than either Sarah J Maas or Rebecca Yarros even attempt. It's really a shame that such diverse reads don't always get promoted as heavily. But back to the plot, I was really impressed by the way that Earthbound tied together all the plot threads that were built up throughout this series. Although I would love to spend more time in this world and with these creatures, I really do think this was the perfect way to end the trilogy.
To all the girls, gays, allies, and cat lovers ... this is the series for you!
August 14, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
what a conclusion. this was easily the most action packed of the trilogy and after the two previous books, i throughly enjoyed the focus on yeeran and furi getting closer emotionally + being allowed to show vulnerability with each other. if you enjoy sapphic characters, quests, animal sidekicks, and a black fantasy series i implore you pick this up!
what a conclusion. this was easily the most action packed of the trilogy and after the two previous books, i throughly enjoyed the focus on yeeran and furi getting closer emotionally + being allowed to show vulnerability with each other. if you enjoy sapphic characters, quests, animal sidekicks, and a black fantasy series i implore you pick this up!
October 1, 2026
Earthbound is an excellent ending to the Faebound trilogy.
In Earthbound we finally get long-awaited answers about Afa, the humans, and how the obeah came to be.
This novel was worth the wait. Everything wraps up beautifully. Like the other books the pacing is perfect. We switch between POVs, which helps keep up the pacing as events unfold. Every question you have is answered; there are no loose ends.
If you liked the first two books, you will be very satisfied with this ending. It's sad, beautiful, joyful, and brimming with hope.
In Earthbound we finally get long-awaited answers about Afa, the humans, and how the obeah came to be.
This novel was worth the wait. Everything wraps up beautifully. Like the other books the pacing is perfect. We switch between POVs, which helps keep up the pacing as events unfold. Every question you have is answered; there are no loose ends.
If you liked the first two books, you will be very satisfied with this ending. It's sad, beautiful, joyful, and brimming with hope.
October 23, 2026
This is how you do a trilogy!
This third book is really a great final installment to the Faebound story, the world becomes more magical and the characters really had me in their grasp. I love how they have such distinct personalities and truly feel like grown people navigating their world to the best of their abilities. There are no issues caused by childish and/or uncharacteristic actions (one of my biggest pet peeves) and the book addresses systemic issues in a subtle and accessible way, which I appreciate because so many fantasy books just decide to not address what caused the societal problems or how to rebuild society after the final conflict is resolved.
Personally, I really thought every book was better than the last, so Earthbound is definitely my favourite!
This third book is really a great final installment to the Faebound story, the world becomes more magical and the characters really had me in their grasp. I love how they have such distinct personalities and truly feel like grown people navigating their world to the best of their abilities. There are no issues caused by childish and/or uncharacteristic actions (one of my biggest pet peeves) and the book addresses systemic issues in a subtle and accessible way, which I appreciate because so many fantasy books just decide to not address what caused the societal problems or how to rebuild society after the final conflict is resolved.
Personally, I really thought every book was better than the last, so Earthbound is definitely my favourite!
September 10, 2026
Rating: 4.25 stars
Faebound is a trilogy I enjoy for its simplicity, quirks, and charm. I first read an arc of Faebound in 2023 and I appreciate how easy it is to fall back into this world year after year. Earthbound gives you the romance and action expected in a final installment, and it weaves together the strands of the plot points that were lingering after book two. I look forward to whatever (sapphic) projects Saara El-Arifi gifts us with next.
Faebound is a trilogy I enjoy for its simplicity, quirks, and charm. I first read an arc of Faebound in 2023 and I appreciate how easy it is to fall back into this world year after year. Earthbound gives you the romance and action expected in a final installment, and it weaves together the strands of the plot points that were lingering after book two. I look forward to whatever (sapphic) projects Saara El-Arifi gifts us with next.
October 14, 2026
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
(Side-note: I got confused about the release date of this book because my life has been... a lot lately, so I didn't realize how late I was in getting to this. Pretend this was posted in a timely manner, I beg.)
Bittersweet ending to a trilogy and a definite improvement from book 2.
I don't truly know how to review this book. Partly because it's the final book in a series and I want to avoid spoilers; but also partly because I don't really know how I feel about it. On the one hand, there's much to admire and appreciate here. There is never a moment when one isn't aware of the creativity Saara El-Arifi has crafted this story with, or the love she has for the characters. On the other hand, I also never connected with this book?
There's a bit of a... technical disjointing that happened in this series; something I'm not entirely sure how to put into words. A lot of this book feels overly dramatic, without enough rooting me to the events and the characters themselves (I, unfortunately, never connected with Alder - something that this book hinges on quite intensely.) Some of the moments feel very earned and full-circle, while others feel like they exist purely for the sake of checking a plot checklist.
Overall, while this was a bit of a miss for me, I do think that people who are deeply in love with this trilogy will appreciate this conclusion. I say this all the time but I want to reiterate it since this isn't my favorite series: I love Saara El-Arifi and I'm excited for whatever she creates next.
(Side-note: I got confused about the release date of this book because my life has been... a lot lately, so I didn't realize how late I was in getting to this. Pretend this was posted in a timely manner, I beg.)
Bittersweet ending to a trilogy and a definite improvement from book 2.
I don't truly know how to review this book. Partly because it's the final book in a series and I want to avoid spoilers; but also partly because I don't really know how I feel about it. On the one hand, there's much to admire and appreciate here. There is never a moment when one isn't aware of the creativity Saara El-Arifi has crafted this story with, or the love she has for the characters. On the other hand, I also never connected with this book?
There's a bit of a... technical disjointing that happened in this series; something I'm not entirely sure how to put into words. A lot of this book feels overly dramatic, without enough rooting me to the events and the characters themselves (I, unfortunately, never connected with Alder - something that this book hinges on quite intensely.) Some of the moments feel very earned and full-circle, while others feel like they exist purely for the sake of checking a plot checklist.
Overall, while this was a bit of a miss for me, I do think that people who are deeply in love with this trilogy will appreciate this conclusion. I say this all the time but I want to reiterate it since this isn't my favorite series: I love Saara El-Arifi and I'm excited for whatever she creates next.
October 26, 2026
Was für ein Finale 🥹🥹🥹 & ich brauche mehr von diesen diversen, queernormativen Welten, bitte! So sehr ich auch ne secret, forbidden lovestory liebe, lieb ich es auch, dass es Welten wie diese hier gibt, in denen queere Liebe und Identität ganz normal ist und gar nicht zum Thema gemacht wird.
September 3, 2026
Thank gods this was not a disappointment
August 7, 2026
Netgalley ARC.
that’s how you finish a trilogy 👏
I really enjoyed this series even though it’s not my usual kind of read. It’s a fantasy, not a complicated fantasy with lots of world building. But there is a lot going on, with lots of different characters & animals. The names were hard to follow at times. But it felt like a real cosy read. LGBT representation. Found family. The relationship between fae & obeah was written so well. I loved how this all came together at the end. Again, following different people with different POVs can be hard to follow sometimes but the plot was worked out so well. I love how this was concluded. I loved the characters. I love the world building and how the magic system works. Probably a really nice fantasy read if you’re starting off with fantasy.
that’s how you finish a trilogy 👏
I really enjoyed this series even though it’s not my usual kind of read. It’s a fantasy, not a complicated fantasy with lots of world building. But there is a lot going on, with lots of different characters & animals. The names were hard to follow at times. But it felt like a real cosy read. LGBT representation. Found family. The relationship between fae & obeah was written so well. I loved how this all came together at the end. Again, following different people with different POVs can be hard to follow sometimes but the plot was worked out so well. I love how this was concluded. I loved the characters. I love the world building and how the magic system works. Probably a really nice fantasy read if you’re starting off with fantasy.
August 9, 2026
Earthbound provided the absolute perfect conclusion to this incredible series, and I am so highly satisfied with how everything wrapped up! I loved the inclusion of the gritty, dirty war tactics and the raw, heavy exploration of trauma, which were both brilliantly balanced by the lovely, deeply moving character relationships. It was so incredibly fulfilling to finally get all of the answers to the massive mysteries built up across the trilogy. I have enjoyed diving into this brilliantly crafted world so much throughout the entire series, and this finale delivered everything I could have hoped for and more! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
September 11, 2026
I was a bit disappointed by book 2 in this series, but Earthbound reminded me why I fell in love with this series at the beginning: the beauty of the writing, the rich characters, the culture and the worlds. And in the end, all the threads were neatly gathered, truths revealed, and new beginnings made. I loved spending time with these characters.
Would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a rich and beautifully diverse fantasy novel.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a rich and beautifully diverse fantasy novel.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
October 13, 2026
Hmmmmmmm unsure what to rate this
It was GOOD….but also kinda disappointed???
Knowing it was the last book I wanted some emotionnnnn and go feel like the book was wrapped up well
I don’t think I felt that with the plot and the characters??????
Will always be however the prettiest book series ever <3
It was GOOD….but also kinda disappointed???
Knowing it was the last book I wanted some emotionnnnn and go feel like the book was wrapped up well
I don’t think I felt that with the plot and the characters??????
Will always be however the prettiest book series ever <3
September 10, 2026
A beautiful, slightly bitter sweet but mostly sweet and wholesome ending to the trilogy I admire 🥹
So glad for the epilogue also. Getting a snippet into 1 yr later ❤️
So glad for the epilogue also. Getting a snippet into 1 yr later ❤️
August 1, 2026
Thank you NetGallery for the eARC!
I can’t believe that this trilogy has come to an end. I am going to miss these characters and world very deeply.
This series has held a special place in my heart. I picked up the first novel at random when it released, and I’ve had the honor of reading the second and third now as early additions. These books have become a form of nostalgia and comfort to me, and the ending was perfect.
As with the first two, Earthbound is fast-paced and keeps you intrigued at every page turn. Even with the gaps in each book being published, I was always able to jump back in and recall where the narrative was at. But as much as I loved each character in this conclusion, one perspective took the show: Alder.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
In revealing Alder’s true identity, the rest of the puzzle slid together. The combination of identity within Afa, and then the ending (ifykyk), I found him to be incredibly interesting and the perfect answer. I never was able to guess where the plot was going throughout the trilogy, and I appreciated that greatly in this grand conclusion.
I was also happy to see the humans in their true forms again :)
I deeply love these characters, and I hope that you all adored this trilogy in the same way I did.
I can’t believe that this trilogy has come to an end. I am going to miss these characters and world very deeply.
This series has held a special place in my heart. I picked up the first novel at random when it released, and I’ve had the honor of reading the second and third now as early additions. These books have become a form of nostalgia and comfort to me, and the ending was perfect.
As with the first two, Earthbound is fast-paced and keeps you intrigued at every page turn. Even with the gaps in each book being published, I was always able to jump back in and recall where the narrative was at. But as much as I loved each character in this conclusion, one perspective took the show: Alder.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
In revealing Alder’s true identity, the rest of the puzzle slid together. The combination of identity within Afa, and then the ending (ifykyk), I found him to be incredibly interesting and the perfect answer. I never was able to guess where the plot was going throughout the trilogy, and I appreciated that greatly in this grand conclusion.
I was also happy to see the humans in their true forms again :)
I deeply love these characters, and I hope that you all adored this trilogy in the same way I did.
September 24, 2026
Hoewel dit helaas geen nieuwe favoriete serie van me is geworden, heb ik me weer enorm vermaakt met dit laatste deel van de trilogie.
Dit boek was overduidelijk het meest fast paced en action packed, wat ook niet zo gek is als je ziet wat er allemaal nog moest gebeuren voor het einde. En juist het feit dat er zo veel gebeurde maakte dat ik hier enorm van heb genoten.
Is het een serie waar ik nog veel aan zal denken? Nee, dat denk ik niet. Daarvoor was het niet origineel genoeg en had ik niet genoeg connectie met de karakters. Maar al met al heb ik me er mee vermaakt en ben ik blij dat ik hem heb gelezen.
Dit boek was overduidelijk het meest fast paced en action packed, wat ook niet zo gek is als je ziet wat er allemaal nog moest gebeuren voor het einde. En juist het feit dat er zo veel gebeurde maakte dat ik hier enorm van heb genoten.
Is het een serie waar ik nog veel aan zal denken? Nee, dat denk ik niet. Daarvoor was het niet origineel genoeg en had ik niet genoeg connectie met de karakters. Maar al met al heb ik me er mee vermaakt en ben ik blij dat ik hem heb gelezen.
October 13, 2026
Another brilliant end to a trilogy! I should finish series more often 🤣
This finale was fast paced, emotional and satisfying. I loved all of the different relationships and personalities, but mostly Pila 🥹
This finale was fast paced, emotional and satisfying. I loved all of the different relationships and personalities, but mostly Pila 🥹
September 7, 2026
the ending really saved this book - El-Arifi's endings are always so good they keep me coming back for more each time
October 4, 2026
3.75 ⭐
September 8, 2026
This is the best series I’ve read in a very long time WOW WOW so much diversity ugh are you kidding me
September 3, 2026
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
September 16, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley for the e-arc even though Im a bit late in getting round to it haha.
I finished this epic conclusion in a day!
And what a conclusion it was. I have loved this series from the very beginning and am I glad this 3rd book did the series justice.
It was nice to have the multiple POVS as the characters each went off exploring parts of their world for answers but then still being able to sort of keep up to date via the Obeah.
Also a moment for Alder and Golan!
I liked that there was an epilogue too so we werent left hanging too much and the last sentence from Pila was just what my heart needed!
I finished this epic conclusion in a day!
And what a conclusion it was. I have loved this series from the very beginning and am I glad this 3rd book did the series justice.
It was nice to have the multiple POVS as the characters each went off exploring parts of their world for answers but then still being able to sort of keep up to date via the Obeah.
Also a moment for Alder and Golan!
I liked that there was an epilogue too so we werent left hanging too much and the last sentence from Pila was just what my heart needed!
August 12, 2026
4 stars. A great conclusion to this trilogy. I really should’ve reread the first two books cause I won’t lie, I’ve forgotten a lot about what happened in this series but it didn’t take me too long to catch up and enjoy this book. It’s action packed and emotional and the pacing of it is really good. I never felt bored while reading it because all of the characters had something interesting going on. I liked how everything wrapped up for everyone and the ending does kinda leave it to where the author could come back to this world years down the line. I would be so here for that. Furi and Yeeran were my favorite characters as I love them together but Alder’s chapters had me intrigued as well. I found his character to be so fascinating.
I ended up really enjoying this series and I can’t wait to see what El-Arifi does next.
Spice: ❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
I ended up really enjoying this series and I can’t wait to see what El-Arifi does next.
Spice: ❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
August 16, 2026
Thank you to Del Rey for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review!
⭐️3.5⭐️
This was one of my anticipated reads of the year, the conclusion to Faebound. The first book was one of my absolute favorite reads when I read it. So much so that I immediately read Cursebound when it came out. It gave typical book two energy. While it wasn’t a bad read, I had wished it gave more.
Now, Earthbound was better in my opinion than book two. However, the explanation for everything that happened to get the characters and world to where it was when we entered book one was…interesting. I understood the messaging and did have a few gasps here and there, but it didn’t give me the same feelings as book one did.
It is a good conclusion to the story, but I did want a tiny bit more to get it to 4 stars.
All in all, I overall like this trilogy and hope to reread it in the future and take more from it, perhaps love it more.
⭐️3.5⭐️
This was one of my anticipated reads of the year, the conclusion to Faebound. The first book was one of my absolute favorite reads when I read it. So much so that I immediately read Cursebound when it came out. It gave typical book two energy. While it wasn’t a bad read, I had wished it gave more.
Now, Earthbound was better in my opinion than book two. However, the explanation for everything that happened to get the characters and world to where it was when we entered book one was…interesting. I understood the messaging and did have a few gasps here and there, but it didn’t give me the same feelings as book one did.
It is a good conclusion to the story, but I did want a tiny bit more to get it to 4 stars.
All in all, I overall like this trilogy and hope to reread it in the future and take more from it, perhaps love it more.
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