Book Review: You Are Mine by Janeal Falor

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. (From Goodreads)

*Please note that I'm reviewing an ARC, and plot details, grammer, spelling, wording, etc may change between what I read and the final version.

Best Bits: This was a very satisfying read. When the book begins we're thrown right into the tough stuff. Falor does a good job of drawing the reader into a society where women are treated like objects, and expected to do their duties or they will experience the ultimate punishment, being turned into a tarnished (whose rank in society reminds me of the untouchables). Hints of romance and fantasy are woven perfectly into this story. This book is insta-love free, and the magic serves to propel the plot forward, without taking away from Serena. 

I also thought Falor did a great job dealing with the topic of abuse. Serena experiences fear of punishment throughout the book, which, while upsetting to read, seemed really accurate to her upbringing. I'm glad that  she didn't suddenly embrace her newfound freedom, because she had grown up in an environment where her father was in control of her, and pain and fear were how he kept that power (he is an awful man, by the way). 

Nit Picks: Again, I read an ARC so this is subject to change, but there were a couple of words used in dialogue that didn't quite fit with the rest of the book. The language isn't completely formal, but a character saying "ew" seemed out of place for me. It made me do a double-take, but it didn't pull me out of the novel. 

You Are Mine
By Janeal Falor
273 Pages
Received for Review
Rating: B

Author Guest Post: Janeal Falor

Today we have author Jeneal Falor here to talk about five books that influenced her as a teen!

5 Books that Influenced Me as a Teen 

 5. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine 

I wasn't a fan of the movie, but I loved the book! Fairy Tales have always attracted my attention, and this one is such a fun and fabulous retelling of Cinderella. The unique take on it was fantastic. After reading it, I remember wanting to be strong like Ella. 

 4. The Princess Bride by William Goldman 

This movie is one I do love, and it makes me want to write 'by S. Morganstern.' When I found out there was no such person, I was quite shocked. This book isn't perfect, Buttercup was never as strong as I wanted her too be, and Westly hitting her--makes me all sorts of grumpy. Despite those two strong dislikes, this book had a really big impact on me. Quotable, funny, quirky, and love. It had kept my imagination going for a long time. 

3. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

I don't usually reread books, but I probably read this 4+ times as a teenager. There's so much tension and emotion in it. The fact that it was based on a true story scared me with it's horrificness, but also touched a place deep inside me. I've never forgotten it. 

 2. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle 

I remember forever telling people when they talked about how to get somewhere that they need to fold space and step across instead of taking the long way around. Meg and Charles Wallace were such great characters. I loved how smart Meg was. 

1. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi 

Imagining Charlotte, her neat pressed self, slowly growing into a strong woman and sticking up for things she believes in was thrilling. I can still imagine the feel of her gloves going on over her coarse skin. The emotions that grabbed me still have me all over the place even though it's been years since I've read it.

Janeal Falor lives in Utah where she’s finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years without moving. In her spare time she reads books like they’re nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about the voices in her head (From the author's website)

You can check out Janeal Falor at her website, on Twitter, or on Facebook 

Check back tomorrow to see my review of her book, You Are Mine.