While I really liked the premise of this story and was really excited to see how things would develop between the humans and the fianna, I don't think the story lived up to my expectations. The love story was a little lacking considering Finn had a closer relationship with Jay and Adelaide was still too new to even being a human to understand love, but suddenly the two of them were proclaiming their love to one another after knowing each other for all of three seconds.

Jay was honestly the most compelling character in the story, and his treatment was my least favorite part of the story, because he had so much potential and he was Finn's driving force and I really wanted his love for Finn (or any guy) to come out. Losing him, and then losing the hope of getting him back was the most painful thing ever.

Caleb and Anna were also really compelling characters, but their story also isn't handled in the best of ways. I wanted some hope for SOMEONE and I got none for anyone.

Finn and Adelaide were interesting characters, but I didn't think they matched up very well and honestly the whole story just didn't mesh well for me because nothing made too much sense and no one was very logical and the explanation at the end was...strange, to say the least.

What a strange, haunting book. This rating doesn't tell the whole story. On one hand, it deserves much more than 3 stars. The prose is beautiful and story more original than typical YA. It has a very Princes Mononoke vibe, and in a good way. This is a book that stays with you. It is beautiful and goes deeper than a typical YA.

On the other hand... There are some things that were not handled great. This is a non-spoiler review, so I will just say that some aspects were not handled well. Also, the male MC's POV was difficult to read at times (and impossible to relate to.) He reads a lot like a modern American man and it took me out of the story completely.

So, all in all, this average rating is a combination of great things and poor things in the novel. I am sure the story will resonate with many people. It is beautiful, and haunting, and sad. I am also sure the story will not resonate with many people, particularly those looking for enjoyable LGBT elements.

Admittedly, the first couple lines of this book are some of the most beautiful and captivating lines I've ever read. The premise of this story was certainly interesting and I believe the beautiful writing elevated it to another level. It's always interesting to read these kind of books: ones that bring humans and a non-human species together, and in the process question which human acts are actually humane, what's right, how someone can go against what they think is right and moral when the situation calls for it.

Although I enjoyed this book, I can't say I loved it. The middle felt like it was sort of dragging a bit and I couldn't exactly connect with the story that much.

Begin again, begin again, begin again...

Tragic. Brutal. Special.

I don't think the blurb does this story justice. It has a certain atmosphere to it that's hard to describe. Adelaide and Finn live in this tragic, helpless world and the irony and sorrow of it all is stark and terrible yet meaningful.

I will say that the author has room to grow, since there are a few loose ends to contend with and the world building could have been a bit more developed, but that there's something here in this first novel that I hope blossoms and becomes stronger.

A maiden. A hunter. Something ancient and hidden and dark that has drawn them to this point. A cycle. A betrayal. A truth, harsh and painful. An ending and a start. Begin again.

I can't speak much of the story without explicit mapping out the important reveal, but I was pleasantly charmed by the brutal, tragic little story. It was a fast read, but worth the time. I also find the cover to be gorgeous beyond all belief; crisp, beautiful watercolor work and stunning imagery! I love it.

I am looking forward to book 2. I have high expectations of what's to come!

(I received a copy of this title for free via NetGalley, but that does not, in any way, affect my opinion for better or worse.)

A magical story with beautiful world building Foreign to You follows our two protagonists Finn and Adelaide on opposing sides of rising racial tension.

Finn is a hunter. Human. Ruthless.

Finn's life is a tangled mess with his insane father, a dead mother, the death of the man he loves right before his eyes, ongoing attacks from feral Fianna and whispers of legends that may be able to change his life around.

Adelaide is a Fianna. A shapeshifting deer. A prophesized leader of her kind.

Adelaide can't recall her life before waking up human one cycle. She's prophezised to lead her corrupted people from darkness back home to peace with their god. But the darkness is rampant and stronger than she knew.

There are a couple of twists and turns that are well thought out and overall this is an enjoyable read. It's well structured, has a beautiful world and the author builds and sustains emotion brilliantly.

It's not exactly a book I'd read and fall in love with myself purely because I have these ingrained ideals of deer (Bambi) and I just couldn't wrap my head around the concept of "were-deer" I guess you could call them if we're being blunt. BUT... OH BOY BUT - This is still a great book. I read it within 48 hours because I was constantly intrigued and all the characters are believable and beautiful.

I have to give it 4 stars. Anything less feels like a rip off.

REVIEW WILL BE LIVE ON MY INSTAGRAM @BOOKSANDYASS 31st JAN

Thank you to NineStar Press, LLC for the arc of this book.
At first you think this is going to be a light hearted magical tale, and although it is a magical tale it is very deep and meaningful.
I really enjoyed this story, and look forward to the next in the series to see how everything unfolds for Finn, Marshall and Adelaide.

I'm having a hard time giving this anything higher than a 3 out of 5 stars. It was a great read and I read the bulk of it in one day despite being in a bit of a reading slump, but the flowery descriptions weren't quite to my taste (that's just my personal preference) and something about it reminded me of the Raven Cycle, which I didn't love either (I'm not saying this story is similar to the Raven Cycle, but it just gave me a similar vibe).

However, I think the story was captivating, it had many twists and turns to keep the story fresh and exciting and it took you on many emotional rollercoasters. It also had a beautifully gruesome take on shapeshifters which made this story unique and read a little like a fairytale.