You Are Mine (Mine #1) by Janeal Falor

Author: Janeal Falor
Publication: May 6, 2013
By: Create Space
Genre: YA Fantasy
4 Stars

Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts.

Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.

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Thank you Janeal Falor for sending me this book to review.

What I liked: I'm not usually a huge fan of stories with a lot of magic or fantasy (Shadow and Bone having been the exception) but I enjoyed this book.  It's well written with engaging characters and detailed world building. You Are Mine has plenty of romance too but the message focuses on sacrificial love and the need for change. This was not always an easy read because of the way women are treated, Serena in particular.  However, there are a few key players who are excellent examples of what love should look/feel like and one whose kindness and patience was made of all the awesome. 

What left me wanting: The women are said to have magic in their blood and I was waiting for Serena to unleash some of that - perhaps in the next book. I also wanted more of a certain character who shall not be named for fear of spoilers. ;)

Final verdict: Magic, fantasy, romance and swoon, You Are Mine is an entertaining start to a new series.

 

Review also posted at YABC.