Really epic continuation of Faebound. The bar was high for this and given it being the second in the trilogy it really held its own. Super excited to read the third one, I needed it like yesterday!

A stunning sequel to Faebound in a rich and evocative world that is SO well done that there isn't a single character I don't love. I can't wait for the final book in this trilogy!

Picking up from the previous book, I think El-Arifi did a phenomenal job at recapping the previous book Faebound without the tedious retelling of it. This is always a hallmark of a good sequel, if it can seamlessly pick up from where it left off whilst still being accessible for readers who haven't read the first book.

Similar to Faebound, the writing style is ridiculously easy to zoom through. It feels effortless and that the pages fly past you. I really enjoyed the development of the seeds planted in Faebound with regards to Lettle's romantic relationship with Rayan that felt super satisfying to read. It was also nice to see Golan's character development and his involvement in the plot become more central than it was in Faebound. Moreover, it felt really well paced in the first quarter of the novel.

However, the novel did start to slow down in momentum and it didn't feel like the plot points were interesting enough to set it apart from Faebound. Because of this, I found myself quickly losing interest despite the prose still being digestible and easy to get through.

CURSEBOUND - SAARA EL-ARIFI

I don't have the best track record when it comes to the second book of most trilogies. I usually feel like they're just a bridge, building up to what will no doubt be an explosive finale in the last book. I'm happy to report that Cursebound is an exception to this! Here's the synopsis:

Yeeran was born for war but is unprepared for love. She has left her new lover to return to her homeland, only to find that her former lover now threatens war against the fae. Left behind, her sister Lettle is determined to break the curse that binds the fae to their realm. When a stranger appears in the city, Lettle is convinced he’s the key. But the Fates that once spoke to her have fallen silent. Can Lettle and Yeeran discover the secret behind the curse - and unite these two worlds before they destroy each other?

Not only did Cursebound disrupt my second-book expectations, I actually enjoyed it even more than the first book. The excellent worldbuilding continues, where Cursebound grows our understanding of the characters, the different races, the folkore and, importantly, Mosima, the fae realm. I loved getting to explore more of the realm and understand the conflicts that threaten it - both externally and from within.

While Yeeran and Lettle are still the main characters, there are two new points of view, and this helped to get both more understanding of the storyline, as well as adding a massive injection of mystery. In addition, the pace is fast and consistent, and I feel like I flew through the pages.

It's everything I want in a second book: providing substance as we understand more about the book's setting and characters, while also having a high-stakes mystery to solve within the book itself... All the while setting the stage for what's going to be an epic conclusion to this trilogy, of course. I, for one, can't wait to see what happens next.

Release date: 18 February 2025

Review score: 5/5

TWs: injury details, d*ath, s*xual content, gore

Thank you so much NetGalley and the publishers for access to this ARC.

Second books in a trilogy either make or break the series - especially when the first book was so exceptional. If it’s possible, I believe the second instalment of the trilogy is even better than the first. The world becomes even richer, the emotions even deeper, and the relationships even more complex.

The author cleverly makes the world so like ours whilst simultaneously like nothing we’ve experienced before. The ease at which we can relate to their emotional experiences makes the story even more enticing, I just couldn’t stop reading.

I read both books in quick succession, and now I’m left with an emptiness which will only be filled by the final instalment.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.

I was so excited to dive back into this world! I loved Faebound and Cursebound was an amazing sequel. I am so excited for the next book!

I love seeing the characters continue to grow from the first to the end of the second book.

Saara does an amazing job painting a world and characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for letting me read this book.

Cursebound was an amazing sequel. The characters are still showing growth and their relationship change as the series moves. This was a great crescendo to the final book in the trilogy.

The Lightless in Moishima are starting to revolt and times are changing in this very complex world. The author does a great job showing each moving piece and complicated politics.

I was so happy to return to this world and I can not wait for the next book! I loved the continued character development. I appreciated the author including some reminders of events that happened in the first book since I read the first one when it was published. The world continues to be developed and expanded. There is an addition of characters which helps to further develop the world and story line. You would need to read the first book to fully enjoy and understand this book. If you enjoyed the first book you will love this one!

Lettle is quickly becoming one of my favorite Seer related characters in the fantasy genre!! I love her, I just want to keep hearing what she’s putting together or prophecizing and this book delivered!! The second book in the Faebound trilogy was a really good continuation of the lore and world that we encountered in the first book!! I loved that we got introduced to a couple new characters— and learned more about what is driving the ones we have already met. It is such a diverse read, and I think that is very special. I loved the plot lines that were explored, and getting to experience more of the fae forests with Alder! The end fell together beautifully for the next book, and now I’m on the edge of my seat!! I really don’t know how all the turmoil is going to be resolved, but I cannot wait to see!

A wonderfully enchanting read. I really enjoyed this sequel to Faebound. I thought it was captivating and fast-paced. I love the world she built, and the magic system is so unique. It has amazing world-building, good character development, multiple POVs, and a strong plot. There were some romance elements I wasn't a big fan of, but other than that, I thought this was great. It had a cliffhanger ending that left me excited to see where the final book will take us.

Saara El-Arifi you will always be famous! I have been longing for Cursebound since it was announced, and it doesn’t disappoint, despite the notoriety of how tricky a second book in a trilogy can be.
Put Cursebound on a shelf with Catching Fire and The Two Towers: it builds on the lore of the world of the Fae, and deepens the relationships - romantic and otherwise - between the characters. All this, plus new characters, new twists and overwhelming danger made this a banger of a read. And all in under 400 pages which I truly can’t praise enough. Sometimes I want a fantasy novel that doesn’t double-job as a doorstop, ya know?
I’ve seen criticism of these novels that say the writing style is underwhelming; to me, El-Arifi is a writer who understands the benefits of the economy of language. I don’t need everything explained to me, I don’t need long pages of descriptors, especially not with a plotty read like this one. Her descriptions, for me, were just enough: beautiful without being flowery, and her worldbuilding intricate without being overbearing. For instance: in this world, coffee is just coffee! It doesn’t have to have a fancy different name, and I am fine with that!

The world of the Fae is utterly unique, and I was only delighted to return to Mosima and these characters. We pick up more or less where we left off; the novel widens the scope of Faebound, however, introducing us to the intricacies of the politics of Mosima; and spoiler alert, the ruling class might not be all-good! I really enjoyed the plot twists and turns in this one, and am excited to see where this plot goes in the third novel.
While I didn’t have an issue with the pacing, I will say that a lot of Cursebound’s plot is laying ground for a big finish - that’s often the job of the second book in a trilogy, and El-Arifi does a fab job of doing this while also crafting a compelling story and enriching the world she’s created. A stunning piece of fantasy writing that deserves far more hype!

Finally: thank you for putting a recap in the beginning for us one-brain celled fantasy readers. Sorely needed and deeply appreciated.

I read both the first one and this and I really love the series. The covers are beautiful! Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

This time last year I was raving about Saara El-Arifi’s first book in a new series called Faebound. And let me tell you, I loved that book! Cursebound picks up essentially right where the first book leaves off. We find Yeeran making her way back to the Elves, and her former lover, to negotiate for peace. Lettle, Rayan, Furi, and company are still in Mosima to work towards freeing the Fae from the Curse that ties them to their prison of paradise. A stranger arrives in Mosima at the same time Lettle finds something that could be the key to breaking the curse.

I wanted to love this book as much as I loved the first one! And there were parts that were fantastic and kept me engaged. But overall, this book fell victim to middle book syndrome. While it wasn’t a long book, it felt like the parts that were moving the story forward were just being told to me as opposed to showing me the story.

What I loved about all of our characters from book one just felt off. They all felt a little flat and surface-level. While the story was good overall and I did enjoy my time with it, something about Cursebound just missed the mark that Faebound hit for me last year. I will still continue with the series! But I’m feeling a little let down at the moment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars rounded up. The second book in a trilogy always feels a little like filling the gaps but I actually enjoyed this more than Faebound. The expanding of the world, lore, and characters was much needed and it set up the third and final book nicely.

I still find the writing style and level of detail a bit underwhelming, but I’m a reader who enjoys flowery prose so it could be a personal thing. I think everything just comes across a little rushed, I wish the timeline was longer and that the author would go into deeper detail at each plot point instead of moving on at lightning speed.

Overall, Cursebound gives good character development, the world is beautiful and unique, and I am looking forward to the next instalment!

Thank you to Del Rey, Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC!

While so many trilogies have a ‘soggy middle’ that slows the momentum, Cursebound did not have that problem. The plot unfolded as if I were reading an extension of the first and unpeeling more layers to the story and the world.

The characters, new and old, had me invested throughout. I always appreciate queernormative fantasy stories and this had excellent gender diverse representation in presentation and identity. The spicy scenes did not overrun the story and were well done.

Overall, very excited for the third book!

**An Exhilarating Sequel That Surpasses Expectations – A Must-Read!**

*Cursebound*, the second book in the *Faebound Trilogy*, is an exceptional continuation of a series that’s quickly becoming one of my all-time favorites. Where *Faebound* introduced us to the enchanting, perilous world of the Faerie realms, *Cursebound* dives deeper into the magic, intrigue, and heartache that make this series so unforgettable.

From the very first page, the stakes are higher. The characters face even darker, more dangerous challenges, and the consequences of their actions are starting to weigh heavily on them. The story picks up right after the intense events of the first book, but it doesn’t waste time rehashing what we’ve already learned. Instead, it propels us forward into a whirlwind of political scheming, treacherous alliances, and the looming threat of ancient curses that could unravel everything the characters have fought for.

What truly stands out in *Cursebound* is the way the author masterfully deepens the emotional and psychological complexity of the characters. The protagonist, who we saw struggle with her identity and newfound powers in the first book, is now grappling with the full weight of her role in this world. Her journey is no longer just about survival—it’s about making impossible choices, questioning loyalties, and confronting the darkest parts of herself. Watching her evolve into a more powerful, yet vulnerable, character is a compelling journey that makes every page turn feel earned.

The secondary characters are equally well-developed. The romance between the protagonist and her love interest is perfectly balanced—there are moments of tension, passion, and heartbreak that feel earned rather than forced. The relationship dynamics in this book are far more intricate, as characters are forced to face their secrets, pasts, and hidden motivations. The romantic subplot is beautifully woven into the larger narrative, never overshadowing the main plot but adding richness to the emotional landscape.

The world-building in *Cursebound* is absolutely stunning. The author expands on the complex, layered world of Faerie that we were introduced to in *Faebound*, but now we venture into darker corners of the realm, encountering new and dangerous creatures, long-forgotten magic, and hidden societies that feel both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The way the author blends political intrigue with ancient lore and new magical systems is seamless, creating a world that feels alive, unpredictable, and brimming with possibilities.

The pacing is also perfect. At no point does the story drag, and every scene serves a purpose—whether it’s advancing the plot, deepening character development, or immersing us further into the fantastical world. There are plenty of twists and turns, some that will leave you gasping and others that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew. The action sequences are intense, with high stakes that keep you on the edge of your seat, while the quieter, more introspective moments provide emotional depth that enriches the story.

And the ending—oh, the ending! Just when you think you’ve gotten a handle on the story, the author delivers a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that will leave you begging for more. It’s the kind of ending that makes you realize just how much you’ve invested in these characters and their journey, and it’s impossible not to immediately want to pick up the next book to find out what happens next.

In summary, *Cursebound* is a remarkable sequel that takes everything readers loved about *Faebound* and amplifies it. It’s a book filled with heart-pounding action, emotional depth, complex relationships, and world-building that will immerse you entirely in its pages. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with intricate plots, strong characters, and a touch of romance, this series is a must-read. I cannot recommend *Cursebound* highly enough—it’s a brilliant continuation of a series that has me hooked from the very first page. Five stars, without a doubt!

Cursebound, the follow up to Faebound starts off with a journal entry from Lettle recapping what happened in the first book; I absolutely appreciate this and wish a recap would be put into more sequels, especially if there is a good amount of time between books.
Cursebound, in many aspects was more enjoyable to me than the first book -- the politics, and class tensions, mixed with betrayal and romance were more intriguing and fun to see how it would unravel. I really found the relationships of magic, lore, and the connections of the faebound to be interesting and honestly wish there was even more of a focus on that.
The romance fell a bit flat, and I do feel like while the bits of spice were well written, honestly, I could have done without them and in their place more relationship building. Saara El-Arifi’s writing and world building is lovely without being too much and she has just a really rich and almost velvet like touch to her writing which is quite magical to read.
I also enjoyed Alder and the POV he brought into the story and feel like it was a wonderful edition this time around. However, I do think as a bit of a side note it would be interesting to have a POV from the faebound partners, as I feel like the way they view the world would add depth to the story.

Cursebound was enjoyable and while the middle of the book and some areas lost its momentum with the largely fast pacing of the book, overall it did keep me interested enough to want to read the next installment.
(I did have a hard time giving a star rating to this as i felt it was a bit stronger than a 3 but not quite a 4 star for me)

Thank you to netgalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read this arc!

*GoodReads full review will be published upon pub date

Yeeran must face new challenges with her new lover if they're to face the future together. Lettle wants to find Afa's grimoire to end the cursebound fae. Rayan steps up in his role as King in The Jani Dynasty. Someone wants Lettle dead but who. Will Yeeran accept her fate? Will Lettle be killed? What's next for The Cursebound? Find out in Cursebound.

I want to thank Del Rey for this ARC via Netgalley.

“If there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that worthiness is a quality made up by those who wish to justify a hierarchy.”

Book two of the Faebound trilogy really leans into the societal issues of both the Fae and Elven territories and spoiler: it’s not good.

It was really hard for me to rate this book because on the one hand I am LIVING for the vibrant, thoughtful, and deep world building, and the plot - while predictable - is engaging and right up my alley.

On the other hand, I just cannot connect with the characters with the exception of one new POV added for this second installment, and the romance continues to fall flat. In a bizarre twist I almost wish this had zero romance and was all plot.

If you are someone who is all about plot and world building, and is looking for a world that isn’t based on Anglo Saxon history / culture, you should check out this trilogy!

The book was definitely a rich reading experience as yet again the author is descriptive and her world building is immersive and enjoyable to read. I enjoyed reading more depth of character’s personalities and the on growing challenges these characters face.

I did get second book syndrome from this book and it did feel quite filler to me. There were occasions where I felt the story wasn’t really going anywhere and I did need to get pulled back in to the full story.

I think the book ended strongly and it definitely has built up to the third and final book in this trilogy, which I will definitely be reading.