Note: this is the first book in a trilogy.
Your father and I are fae.
I want to see you someday.
When you are ready, follow the clues.
*****
The summer before her senior year had been a major disappointment for seventeen-year-old Eevee. Especially the bit at the end, when she had been dumped by her boyfriend of ten months. But her friends Maggie and Cam are a text away to help her pick up the pieces of her broken heart.
In an effort to help distract Eevee from her woes, her parents give her a sealed envelope containing information about her adoption. Eevee is shocked when she finds a handwritten note from her birth mother claiming that Eevee is fae, and warning of danger if Eevee tries to uncover her true identity. The note is short and leaves Eevee with more questions than answers.
Following a trail of mysterious clues scattered across the fae realm, Eevee is set on finding her birth parents. Along the way, she meets an unlikely ally who will help her to understand this newly discovered identity and what it will mean for her future. As the clues unravel and bring her closer to her birth parents, they also bring her closer to danger.
However, when powerful enemies in the Unseelie Court take note of her activity in the fae realm, Eevee debates whether it's worth it to find the answers she's longed to know about her past.
Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: From the outset of the story, readers are pulled into the intriguing plot, genuine characters, and wonderful writing. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep readers on their toes and engaged at every moment of the story.
Prose: The prose helped to successfully build the plotline of the story throughout the novel. Holly captures a youthful vernacular without it ever feeling awkward or out of place.
Originality: Although the story does utilize conventions and archetypes within the fantasy genre, the story always feels fresh and offers something new. Holly constructs a beautiful and vivid new fantasy world for young readers to fall in love with.
Character/Execution: The worldbuilding remains strong throughout the novel, creating a complex and interesting setting that is easy to dive into for readers of all ages. Each of the main characters is written with flaws and positive qualities that make them both believable and likeable.
Date Submitted: May 23, 2023
Told entirely from Eevee’s perspective, the narrative exhibits a lighthearted, conversational tone that is consistent throughout...
Despite the light tone of the prose, the novel deals with weighty topics, including identity issues, questions of adoption and identity, self-doubt, determination, courage, and perseverance.
…as Eevee begins to look into her real identity, the worldbuilding expands further with deceptions and dangerous fey conspiracies coming to fruition. Sure to please fans of the YA fantasy genre.
I loved how El Holly was able to capture the pure, mischievous nature of the fae with her characters in Finding Fae. It’s a definite 5 stars, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
~Ammaarah Seboa
Thrillingly full of intrigue, magic, and emotion…“
Eevee is an endearing heroine, imperfect yet amazingly resilient as she faces the difficult circumstances of her life with courage and strength...
The engrossing first-person narrative is enhanced by the atmospheric worldbuilding, a mix of magical benevolence of the fae realm and trenchant decorum of humans...
YA fantasy fans will be delighted by this coming-of-age story about identity, friendship, and love.
Un-put-downable.
