Forestborn (Forestborn, #1)

by Elayne Audrey Becker

TO BE BORN OF THE FOREST IS A GIFT AND A CURSE.

Rora is a shifter, as magical as all those born in the wilderness-and as feared. She uses her abilities to spy for the king, traveling under different guises and listening for signs of trouble.

When a magical illness surfaces across the kingdom, Rora uncovers a devastating truth: Finley, the young prince and her best friend, has caught it. His only hope is stardust, the rarest of magical elements, found deep in the wilderness where Rora grew up-and to which she swore never to return.

But for her only friend, Rora will face her past and brave the dark, magical wood, journeying with her brother and the obstinate, older prince who insists on coming. Together, they must survive sentient forests and creatures unknown, battling an ever-changing landscape while escaping human pursuers who want them dead. With illness gripping the kingdom and war on the horizon, Finley's is not the only life that hangs in the balance.

• ISBN10: 1250752167
• ISBN13: 9781250752161
• Publish Date: 31 August 2021
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Out of Print: 11 July 2023
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 368
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Elayne Audrey Becker's debut novel, Forestborn, is one of those rare fantasy books that you truly don't want to miss out on. Trust me!

Rora lives in a world where humans and magical beings both exist – though one could not claim that they coexist. Not peacefully, at any rate. Rora should know. She's a shifter, and she has long gotten used to the entire kingdom looking down upon her.

However, their disdain is not enough to discourage Rora from doing what is right. Even if that means going into the woods of her nightmares to find the cure for her terminal friend – and hopefully save the kingdom while she's at it.

"Fear is just a story waiting to be told. Learn the story and remember every part of it so you can tell me."

Forestborn is without a doubt one of the most enchanting novels I've read this year – and I've read a lot of them! Rora's story is powerful and emotional; it'll work hard to make the readers care about the characters and world.

I am still blown away by this book. I went into it, not sure what to expect, but hoping for at least a mildly entertaining evening. What I got was so much more! This world is fantastic, and I am so grateful that there will be another novel...though I do rather hate that we'll have to wait (so greedy of me, I know).

This is more than just a simple fantasy. Forestborn explores deep concepts such as selfishness versus selflessness, right versus wrong, and the origin of prejudice and fear. It's a powerful read, one that got me thoroughly invested in each character – even the few that I loved to hate.

What I find truly outstanding about Forestborn is that the book and world are LGBT+ inclusive. While there is very real prejudice in this series – it seems to be entirely aimed at the magical beings of the world, such as shifters.

As such, there are many layers to this novel. I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes, especially as there is still so much to learn and explore. Personally, I'm especially looking forward to seeing how Rora's character develops in the next book. And admittedly, I'm looking forward to seeing how the politics of this world will be fleshed out – because I do not doubt that it is coming.

Thanks to Tor Teen and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Check out more reviews at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks