REVIEW: You Are Mine (Mine #1) 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.

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My Thoughts:

My blood will entice warlocks to ask for my hand in marriage, so of course Father wants it spilled. The sooner the magic within it is measured, the sooner he can sell me off. According to the laws of Chardonia, there's no escaping it. For me that day has come.

This book right here is going on my favourites list for 2013. To say I loved it would be an understatement. To say it was awesome would not do it justice. To say that the characters took a hold of my heart would be putting it mildly. The writing was wonderful and the story was amazing!!!

Woman live in an oppressive society where their purpose is to serve and obey their men. Once they come of age their blood is tested to determine the level of magic that it contains. The more potent her magic, the higher her worth. They must live and abide by The Woman's Canon at all times. Failure to do so will result in punishment. Punishment that is brutal and dished out purely for what men determine as transgressions. Things like wearing the wrong clothes, looking the wrong way, speaking without permission are only some of the things that are classed are deserving of punishment.

Serena is set to become the property of of a cruel and evil warlock. A man that she detests on sight. However things transpire and Serena is won in battle by Zade, a man from Envadi. Envadians are looked down upon and considered to be quite low on the ladder. And so she sets out to test the boundaries with him but at all times she chastises herself for speaking and lives in fear of what evil and cruel punishment he will inflict for being so outspoken. 

And he's never lifted a fist at me. Perhaps he's trying to lull me into a state of ease so the punishment feels harsher when finally dealt.

But Serena, has been living with fear in her life for so long that she doesn't understand the man that is Zade. He has no desire to hit her or to belittle her or to use a hex on her. He wants to see her smile and to hear her opinions on things. He treats her as his equal in every way possible. Unless of course they are in public where society dictates that appearances must be upheld. 

I loved the characters in this book. Serena was just so incredibly strong of character and heart. She endured so much punishment, not just for herself but to protect her sisters as well. She hated being owned and like all of us just wanted to have her opinions matter and be valued and loved for herself. She underwent such growth and discovery. Zade was just perfect. I adored him so much. He was so caring and compassionate. The perfect match for Serena.

His lips touch mine. Flowing and sunny. They grow firmer. It feels so much better than I thought it could.

The romance was not the main focus of the story although it was there as an underlying current for a good portion of the book. And just when I thought things were going to move forward it slowed right on down again. But it was also pure and sweet.

You Are Mine is not fast paced. In fact there are periods where it was quite slow, but never at any time was it dull. It is not a book that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat for the whole book, although there were definitely times when I was anxious about what was going to transpire. There were twists that I didn't see coming and throughout Janeal Falor was able to keep me completely engaged in the story that she had created through her fantastic writing. 

In summary, You Are Mine was a spectacular debut and I cannot thank Janeal Falor enough for entrusting me with a copy to review. 

5/5 Stars!!!