Faeborne by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson (The Otherworld Series Book 9)

(A Stand Alone with NO CLIFFIES!)

Brennon Roarke is cursed. Stolen from his family at the age of sixteen and forced to use his glamour in the service of Eilé’s most malevolent goddess, Brenn has little room for warmth in his heart. For seven long years, he endured hardship and pain, only to escape and find his parents and sister murdered, his nephew left blind and broken. With the stain of dark magic on his soul, Brennon perseveres for the sake of his young ward, always worrying that one day the evil infecting his spirit will destroy him for good. 

Seren is an outcast among her own kind, ridiculed and ostracized by all but her mother. Born to the Fahndí tribe of the Weald, Seren’s glamour allows her to transform into a deer, but it also grants her the power to heal grave wounds. When she reveals this gift to her peers, jealousy and hatred drive them to murder, forcing Seren to either flee or fall victim to their malice. Taking on her animal form, Seren leaves her old life behind hoping to find a safe haven in a world that has only ever offered her hardship. 

Despite being worlds apart, Seren and Brennon are brought together in a single life-altering moment. When the doe Brenn shoots turns into a young woman before his very eyes, he has no choice but to bring her home with the hope that she’ll recover. What he doesn’t realize, however, is that Seren is quite capable of healing herself with glamour that may be able to cure his wounds as well, and not only the ones that run skin deep. 

                                                                       
                                                                  REVIEW

Though both are of Eile, Brenn and Seren practically live in different realms. Their traits, ideas, and knowledge from practically growing up on opposite sides of the world are completely foreign to the other. Secrets and vulnerabilities cause them to keep the other at bay while building a heavy anticipatory atmosphere. It is beyond emotional! 

 The character development in Faeborne is meticulous and well plotted.
The characteristics, thoughts, and behavorisms are in sync with one another, painting people who are weary to trust again and have endured traumatic pasts. They are resistant to break down their walls for fear of rejection, cosequences, and the ghosts of their pasts resurfacing. They are perfect for each other in every way!

The budding friendship between young Rori and Serena is most pleasant and so enjoyable to read. I smiled the entire time as they became familiar with one another.

With each book Johnson's writing skills improve impressively. There is such a diversity in word usage and though the details and scenery are abundant they are not excessive. They are explicit and entertaining. Book lovers will fall in love with Faeborne. 5 stars!

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