Review Detail

Forestborn by debut author Elayne Audrey Becker is a fantastical tale that will sweep readers into a land where magic is reawakening and war looms. Rora is a shifter, born in the wilds of the Vale, an orphan who has made a home working as a spy for the king in Telyan, the middle kingdom of Alemara. When the youngest prince is afflicted with the Fallow Throes, an unknown magical disease that is infecting those with no magic, Rora is tasked with returning to the Vale to find stardust, the only hope of saving her friend. Traveling with her and her brother is the prince’s stern older brother. Old alliances will be tested and new ones forged as the quest tests the limits of their minds and bodies.

I simply adored this book! There is so much to unpack here. Rora is a fantastic narrator for our story. Told entirely from her perspective, the reader gets a glimpse at not only her current experiences, but the past that shapes her view of them. As a shifter, Rora has faced discrimination simply for being born with magic. She’s been called a monster and worse by those that fear the Prediction (more on that in a moment), yet she’s always faced it head on with her brother. Helos lends her strength and courage when she has none. I found Rora fascinating and loved her character’s arc throughout the story. So much happens to her, and she grows from it.

Helos is a tough one. Seen through Rora’s eyes, I wanted to love him. But to the reader looking in, it is clear that Rora sees him through rose colored glasses. He is broken, and he isn’t as selfless as she thinks he is. He is perfectly flawed, and Rora’s realization of that is heartbreaking and a turning point for her.

Then there is Weslyn, the elder prince. Rora describes him as an oak, steady and always there. I found this to be true. Weslyn is steadfast and a quiet observer. He studies his surroundings and the people he encounters and is not quick to pass judgment. Despite his and Rora’s differences, the two are quite alike.

The youngest prince’s illness becomes the catalyst for the plot. Building slowly, introducing the key characters and building the world around them, I was completely immersed. The beautiful and stunning imagery of the landscape and animals they encounter on their journey come to life on the pages, not to mention the action and danger that threatens at every turn. I cannot wait to return to this world in the sequel.

Final Thought: With an intricately built world, fully fleshed out characters, and magical prose to match, Forestborn by Elayne Audrey Becker is an instant classic and deserving of space on every fantasy-lover’s shelf.