SIGN ME UP!!! It did not disappoint, I loved it. I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. I wish I could read it again for the first time! It was so good. My only issue is the ending for obvious reasons.

Sequel to this year's Faebound, Cursebound continues the story of our cast of elves and fae.

There are lies, betrayals and brewing war but still also moments of romance.

Characters made some poor decisions and its always frustrating when elements seem obvious yet the characters remain oblivious, but the story continues to be engaging enough to pull through to the end of the trilogy.

Now, I LOVED the first book of this trilogy ‘Faebound‘, like really loved it, so I was apprehensive as to whether ‘Cursebound’ would live up to my expectations or if it would be a disappointing follow up.

Well, I needed have worried, this was a STUNNING second instalment.

Lettle and Yeeran continue to live among the fae in Mosima, but this time round, we see Yeeran leave the fae kingdom to head back to her old life and warn her former friends and comrades about the new dangers that they face, namely from fae magic.

There were genuine moments of holding my breath in anticipation of what was going to happen. For example, when Yeeran headed home with Pila, I was screaming at her in my head not to go and not to put Pila in danger like that. For a book to evoke such emotion from me is rare, so I really enjoyed that.

I will be honest, I did predict the majority of what was coming throughout, including who ‘the authority’ was, but I didn’t mind that and for me, it didn’t take anything away from the book.

The only downside is that I now have to wait for the third book - I need it immediately!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Cursebound, I wish it every success.

<i>Cursebound</i> was everything I wanted and more in a sequel. Now, I am sitting in absolute anticipation of the third book. This book built off the story in <i>Faebound</i> in such a nice way. We got to immediately see our favorite characters while meeting new characters. I enjoyed the additional viewpoints in the novel and being able to see into all of these characters' heads. It made the story that much more dynamic and rich. We get to see how each individual is responding and reacting and it is done marvelously.

We pick up right away where we left off in <i>Faebound</i>. Shout out to Saara for the beautiful recap she had at the beginning of the book. It allowed me as a reader to get a refresher and primed me to dive into the current part of the story without struggling to put together things I might not have remembered from the time between reading the first and second book. It had the right balance between just enough information.

I absolutely loved returning to this world. The continued world building and societal structures between elves, fae, and humans was done so well. I absolutely loved it.

If you love fantasy, romance, rich worlds, and dynamic characters I absolutely recommend you pick this up! Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


4.25 out of 5 Stars

Continuing the story of Faebound, Cursebound gives the reader a lot of things we all love in a book.. “Forever the war will rage, until united, the three shall die.” With three races struggling for power - humans, elves, and Fae, you get a good mix of politics, magic, betrayal. I found Lettle and Rayan’s story to be my favorite in this second book. With Lettle’s magic and Rayans with his past and scars, they made for a great tension. Overall this story didn’t quite grab me the same way Faebound did, and I felt that the pacing threw me out of the story a bit. This is still not a completed series, so I look forward to book 3.

I also received Faebound as an ARC and it was my first 5⭐️ read last year. You know how second books in trilogies usually have a slump? This one does not. It’s action packed, the plot is good, the romance is tasteful and steamy, and the writing is easy to read. I really enjoyed getting to know our characters a bit more thoroughly, and I ✨love✨ Golan and Alder so much.


Thank you SO much for the opportunity to read this one. I love this series and can’t wait to continue.

Thankyou to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group / Del Rey for access to an ARC for my review.

Cursebound is the second book in Saara El-Arifi’s current trilogy, and follows on immediately from where we left off after Faebound.

I was looking forward to deeper character development, more detailed descriptions of the world, answers to why the fraedia crystal was so important/necessary to the elven lands, and further clarification on the magical systems - all of which had been line drawn and lacking in fullness for understanding in the first book.

Unfortunately that didn’t happen. Regularly we are told how beautiful mossima is, though without anywhere close to the on page descriptions needed for us to build a picture of it. The characters remained flat, and relationships and feelings seemed contrived and jarring (Yeeran flip flopping between love and hate for her ex, and seemingly confused - while not - about her feelings for Furi.)

Both sisters infuriated me in different ways. Leetle is inconsiderate, boorish and cannot communicate anything of need, while repeatedly sharing (the same) prophecy and the pointing out the obvious.

Yeeran went off to ??? do what, when leaving to go back to the elves. She never really seemed to know, never mind explain what she was going to do. And then seemed disgruntled that those who cared about her would be questioning her leaving to go back to a people who had exiled her and threatened death if she returned.

The pacing, choice of prose, and world building all were lacking, for me. Which is sad as the underlying story/plot and ideas are ones I really see the potential of and despite feeling like I’m pulling myself through the pages, I want to know what will happen, and how all the prophecies and curse and characters will pull together at the final arc.

I do feel that this book has been let down by a lack of robust editing, I wish I could read the version of this trilogy where the issues have been dealt with.

"Cursebound" by Saara El-Arifi is the second installment in the "Faebound" trilogy, a fantastical dive into a world rich with elven and fae lore, political intrigue, and deep emotional currents. Following the national bestseller "Faebound," this book continues the journey of two elven sisters, Yeeran and Lettle, as they navigate the complex dynamics of love, war, and magic. The narrative explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's heritage, set against a backdrop of an enchanting yet perilous fae realm. El-Arifi's storytelling is known for its intricate world-building, diverse characters, and a blend of romance with high-stakes adventure.

Quotes from the Novel

"United by war. Betrayed by destiny. Cursed by love." - This encapsulates the thematic essence of the novel, highlighting the central conflicts that drive the story forward.
"She has left her new lover, the Queen of the fae, to return to her homeland, only to find that her former lover now threatens war against the fae." - This quote sets up the personal and political turmoil Yeeran faces, illustrating her struggle between personal desires and duty.
"When a stranger appears in the city, Lettle is convinced he’s the key." - It introduces a pivotal plot element where Lettle, driven by her diviner's instincts, seeks answers and solutions to the fae's curse.
"Can Lettle and Yeeran discover the secret behind the curse – and unite these two worlds before they destroy each other?" - This question not only summarizes the main quest of the narrative but also underscores the tension and urgency of their mission.


"Cursebound" expands upon the foundations laid in "Faebound," delving deeper into the characters' psyches and the cultural intricacies of their world. El-Arifi maintains her signature style of weaving romance with fantasy, though the plot sometimes veers into predictability as noted by some readers. However, the strength of "Cursebound" lies in its character development, particularly in how Yeeran and Lettle evolve through their trials. The world-building continues to impress with its unique take on fae mythology, incorporating elements inspired by African and Arab cultures, making it a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre.

The novel, while not as groundbreaking as its predecessor, still holds its own with emotional depth and a compelling continuation of the saga. It sets up intriguing paths for the final book in the trilogy, promising a climactic resolution.

Ratings Breakdown

Plot: 3 - A continuation of the established narrative with some predictable turns but still engaging.
World-Building: 4/5 - Rich and detailed, with unique cultural influences that add depth to the setting.
Character Development: 3/5 - Characters grow significantly, facing new challenges that test their previous beliefs and relationships. Secondary characters are often portrayed as one dimensional.
Writing Style: 3/5 - El-Arifi's prose is evocative and immersive, though some might find the pacing uneven at times.
Emotional Impact: 4/5 - The story's emotional arcs are compelling, particularly the exploration of love and duty.
Overall Enjoyment: 3/5 - An enjoyable read for fans of fantasy romance, though not without its flaws, particularly in plot twists.

In summary, "Cursebound" is a worthy sequel that keeps the series' momentum, offering a blend of romance, action, and cultural exploration that fans of the genre will appreciate, even if it doesn't entirely escape the shadow of its predecessor.

Cursebound, the sequel to Feybound, follows two elf sisters as they navigate love and political peril after finding their soul mates and hidden worlds filled with untrustworthy Fae.
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. I am giving this book 3.5⭐️.
While I did not like this book as much as Feybound I do think it was an easy to read and fast paced adventure. I appreciated the addition of a refresher style this is what happened in book 1 disguised as a journal entry and I did enjoy the addition of the new character Alder to the mix.
That being said I found yet another fantasy book with so many POV characters tiresome. This is something that has worn out its welcome with me. The mystery in this book involves a conspiracy to kill one of our main characters and it was honestly not well done at all. Predictable and uninteresting. While this book was certainly fast paced certain plot points were glossed over so quickly they lacked any real emotional depth. This book ultimately felt like a filler book and at points I was disappointed.
I will post about this book on my social media (TikTok and YouTube) closer to the release date but am unsure if I will actually read the third book when it comes out. The thrill of Feybound has definitely been dimmed by its sequel.

"Cursebound" is the 2nd book in the Faebound triology, following sisters Yeeran and Lettle as they try to traverse the Fae realm of Mossima, while also trying to maintain the elvish roots.
When Yeeran returns to her tribe in Waning to warn her former lover Salawa of the Fae magic crescent has been using to destroy their land, she brings unexpected consequences to those she loves. Meanwhile, Lettle tries to figure out what Najima's research means, while dealing with assassination attempts and the fact that she has not been able to perform her duties as seer. The story was fast paced, captivating, and kept me rooting for our protagonists throughout!

I loved the new character Alder, and his involvement with the Fae and Elves. I also loved the mystery of who is trying to assassinate Lettle, and also the mystery of what Najima's research might mean. My favorite thing though, that I think EVERY AUTHOR should do, is the fact that there was a summary of book one at the beginning. That really helped me to remember what has been going on since it's been almost a year since I read book 1! This book kept me engaged throughout and I can't wait to read what happens in the final installment!

The only thing I find underdeveloped in both books 1 and 2 are the character relationships. They are all insta-love, I don't root for either of Yeeran's love interests, and I feel like every 5 seconds the characters switch how they feel about their romantic partner. However, overall this series is a win for me!

4/5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

**Review of *Bound by Love* (Sequel to *Faebound*)**

*Bound by Love*, the sequel to the bestselling *Faebound*, continues the heart-wrenching journey of Yeeran and Lettle, two elven sisters caught in the web of love, war, and ancient curses. The story picks up with Yeeran, once a fierce warrior for her homeland, now struggling with the complexities of love after leaving her fae lover, the Queen of the fae. As she returns to her war-torn homeland, she discovers that her former lover’s actions now threaten to spark a devastating war between their two worlds.

Meanwhile, Lettle, Yeeran’s devoted sister, is left behind to unravel the mystery of a curse that binds the fae to their realm. When a mysterious stranger arrives, Lettle believes he may hold the key to breaking the curse, but the Fates that once guided her have gone silent, leaving her to navigate an increasingly perilous situation on her own.

The heart of *Bound by Love* is its exploration of love’s complexities, particularly the deep emotional turmoil experienced by both sisters. Yeeran’s struggle to reconcile her love for the Queen with her duty to her homeland is palpable, while Lettle’s determination to save both worlds from destruction showcases her unwavering loyalty and courage. The sisters’ bond remains a central pillar of the story, even as they are pulled in different directions by forces beyond their control.

The pacing of the narrative is swift, maintaining tension throughout as the characters face both internal and external battles. The world-building is rich and immersive, pulling readers deeper into the fae and elven realms, where magic and danger collide. The stakes feel high, and the romance—while bittersweet—is undeniably captivating.

The prose is elegant, weaving together themes of destiny, love, and sacrifice with moments of introspection and emotional depth. The world-building and magical elements are well-crafted, offering enough intrigue to keep the reader invested. The twists and turns in the plot are unpredictable, making for an exciting, page-turning experience.

*Bound by Love* is a sequel that builds upon its predecessor with an emotional, character-driven plot that is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter. It’s a tale of two sisters bound by love and fate, with a narrative that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series and was so excited for the opportunity to read the second installment. Sadly for me, this one didn't grab my attention nearly as much. Overall I think the story was good but there was something missing for me in this one. I do want to give props to the author for summarizing the first book in the beginning of this one so that at least I was refreshed as to what happened before and I was able to continue the story with ease. I feel like this book was a bit predictable, which in general is ok but I was left feeling a little underwhelmed by this one. I will continue this series as there is definitely potential here and I hope the third book is more on par with the first.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I ate this book right up and it didn’t disappoint! I had Faebound on my shelf, so I read it right before this one.

I love that Cursebound introduces us to a new character and his POV. I was still invested in all of the previous characters and how they would solve all their evolving political and romantic entanglements as well. I think the way they are all bound up in this was revealed smoothly and swiftly. Something I love about Saara El-Arifi’s writing in this trilogy is how they move the plot forward quickly without there being plot holes. I never have time to be bored. Very exciting book. Very sexy book too. I appreciate the balance between sex and adventure, none of the intimate scenes were abrupt or crass.

My favorite character is still Lettle and I’m just yearning so badly for there to be some loophole in this prophecy with Rayan! Happy that there is a book three to discover more.

Despite the numerous deaths in this second book, I was not gutted or angry with any of the choices. All of the losses made sense to move the plot. Also, the twists on who each person betraying them was…wow! I could never guess too far ahead of time. I do like to be surprised. Really enjoyed this read. Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

First off I wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to review this book early. I was on the fence on whether I liked the series after reading Faebound. Yes I enjoyed the first book but wasn't sure if I was going to finish the series after Cursebound and the third book came out. But after reading Cursebound I have changed that thought. Cursebound kept me on the edge of my seat. I devoured this book in a couple days. Yes it has its flaws but it conveyed what it needed to do. It was a solid second book of a trilogy.

Cursebound, the second book in the Faebound trilogy, completely swept me away and deepened my love for this richly immersive world. Picking up where Faebound left off, this sequel delivers even more adventure, intrigue, and character development. I found myself completely captivated by the twists and turns in the plot, and while I did manage to predict one story twist, it was only a small part of a much bigger, unpredictable picture. The story is packed with unexpected surprises that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

What truly stood out for me were the side characters, particularly Galon and Anyah. Their unique personalities and the depth of their relationships with the main characters added so much heart to the story. I became just as invested in their journeys as I did in the primary plotline.

The world-building continues to impress, with vivid landscapes, intricate lore, and a sense of danger that lingers in every chapter. The book does a fantastic job of setting up the stakes for the final installment, leaving me on the edge of my seat in anticipation for Faebound’s conclusion.

A huge thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this fantastic book. I cannot wait to see how this trilogy wraps up, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book!

Cursebound is the sequel to Faebound and while reading it, I felt like it was easy to jump back into the story. Saara El-Arifi does a wonderful job with allowing you to understand her characters easily since their emotions are at the surface of her writing. Readers will enjoy Cursebound. I cannot wait for book #3!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed the first book in the series and was excited to read the second. I think I might even have preferred this new one. The author does a great job at recapping the first book at the beginning of this one. Then there are new secrets, plots and magic to explore, as well as a new main character, Alder. I enjoyed finding out more about politics and inequalities within fae society as well as meeting a group of nomadic elves who have turned their backs on the Forever War. Overall it was a very engaging and enjoyable story and I am looking forward to the next book.

Having been utterly captivated by *Faebound* and collecting every special edition available, getting an ARC of *Cursebound* felt like a dream come true. Saara El-Arifi has delivered an absolutely breathtaking sequel that exceeds all expectations. The world-building is richer, the stakes higher, and the emotions deeper. Yeeran and Lettle’s journeys are as gripping as they are heart-wrenching, with twists that kept me hooked until the very last page. The dual perspectives are perfectly balanced, and I loved how their individual arcs intertwined in unexpected ways.

*Cursebound* is a masterful continuation of the trilogy, blending romance, war, and fate with unparalleled finesse. Yeeran's internal conflict between duty and love with the fae queen had me in my feelings, while Lettle's relentless determination to break the curse added a layer of urgency and mystery. This book cements El-Arifi as a powerhouse in fantasy, and I cannot wait to see how she wraps up this incredible series. Truly a must-read for fans of complex characters and devastatingly beautiful storytelling!

If you liked <i>Faebound</i>, you’ll like <i>Cursebound</i>. Probably. The second book in the series picks up right at the end of the first book, picking up the plot threads right as they were left off previously. The only big difference is that a lot less stuff happens in the second book.

Faebound continues the stories of Yeeran and Lettle, two elves who have found themselves living among the fae, as they engage with fae politics and deal with the rising threat of war from the elves. Yeeran spends much of the book making a stunning number of bad decisions (again, this book is quite similar to the first), Lettle has a small side quest, and we meet a new character, Alder, a Nomad who might offer the key to breaking the fae’s curse. Compared to the first book, this book really just felt like nothing happened. The first book might also have glossed over some ideas I would have liked to read more of, but at least a lot happened: the sisters left the elf lands, discovered the fae, Yeeran became faebound, they learned about fae society, both sisters started romantic plots, and they uncovered a violent scheme in fae government. In the second book, it felt like nothing happened. This book feels drawn out compared to the first book.

A huge positive thing about this book was that it began with a summary of the first book. It was written in-character from Lettle, but even without this framing it would have been an extremely welcome addition. All authors should do this throughout a book series; it helps so much to have a few paragraphs to jog my memory and remind me of important side character names.

An aspect of this series that I truly do not care for is how utterly obvious all of the prophecies and mysteries are, and how much the characters just do not see the obvious things in front of them. Numerous prophecies given across the book, and each Lettle in particular spends a lot of time not knowing what they mean even when the meaning is…pretty dang obvious to the reader. For example, one of the lines of a major prophecy from the first book has a line, “<i>But when the waning moon turns”</i>, which Lettle does not know what it means, but the elf tribe Lettle and Yeeran are from is called the Waning Tribe, and they have reason to turn on Lettle and Yeeran…sure, maybe the author will pull and bait-and-switch and this is actually referring to something else, but it seems like Lettle of all people should assume this means that when the Waning tribe shows up something bad is going to happen. This sort of lack of logic is pervasive throughout the book. The very end of the book is a super major breakthrough for Lettle (almost literally spelled out in a prophecy) and while I think the author was trying to plant breadcrumbs of hints that will make sense after this grand revelation, what actually happened is that I fully figured it out early in the book and had to sit there and watch the characters not understand for a while. It doesn’t make me feel clever or make me think the book is being clever with its information, but instead just feels like the characters are not seeing obvious things right in front of their faces.

Another note that might be more of a pet peeve: I am glad to see an author present a queernormative world; however, the authors use of the character’s pronouns is mixed. There are multiple main characters (Furi, Golan, all of the obeah) who use she/they or he/they pronouns. Of course, every individual who uses multiple pronouns will have their own preference for how they would like them used—do they want people to use them equally? Do they want some people to use one of the pronouns exclusively, and some people to use the other? These are all very personal decisions made on an individual basis, and thus I don’t have a specific ‘right’ way for authors to depict such characters in a book. However, if I didn’t read the character list at the end of the book, I would have no idea that any of these characters used anything other than she/her or he/him. Reading the book, I cannot ever recall Furi being referred to by they/them either by the author in the prose (which could be excused as being confusing to the reader to have her pronouns switched around throughout the book, but that I do think the author could accomplish if it was considered in the writing) or by other characters in dialogue (I could be wrong on this, but I did search through half of the ~650 times Furi was referred to in the book to see if there were any cases where they pronouns were used and found none, and I do think I would have noticed while reading). The same holds for Golan and all the obeah. The obeah are animals, yes, but they are completely sentient and able to talk to their bonded, so I feel like its reasonable for their pronouns to be used as well. I’m conflicted on this one as I understand that, unfortunately, characters who use multiple pronouns have only become more mainstream recently and thus there is less of an established method for including multiple pronouns clearly; and even then, given the many ways individuals might approach their own pronouns means that there is no ‘correct’ way to respect these pronouns. However, the fact that these pronouns seem to be referenced only in the character list and nowhere else makes it feel as though the pronouns are an afterthought, which is a bit of a shame. It is clear that the author cares a lot about portraying diverse characters, and for the most part it is accomplished in a respectful and normative way. I would love to see future writing from the author work to better incorporate gender identities which use multiple pronouns.

In conclusion, this book is fine. It wasn’t as good as the first book and, admittedly, I am not the biggest fan of the series; thus, I am giving this book a 2.5 out of 5 stars. I am rounding up to a 3 because, while I didn’t really enjoy the book, I also didn’t particularly dislike it. If you really loved the first book, there’s a good chance you’ll like this one too, though I do suspect you will agree that the first was better.

3.5 stars

“Cursebound,” sequel to “Faebound,” continues the stories of Yeeran, Lettle, Rayan, and Furi throughout ongoing interpersonal and international conflict. Yeeran has left to warn her former commander and lover about the impending danger from Crescent, leaving Furi feeling betrayed and angry; Lettle becomes the target of an assassination attempt as revolt brews in the world of the fae. We also meet a new character, Alder, with a fascinating affliction that hints at his place in the world. While this was still an entertaining read, it fell short of the promise of its predecessor. A lot of the political intrigue that defined the first book was missing or simplified. A lot of the interpersonal conflict felt like it was surface level and got resolved too quickly. I found the identity of the Authority to be very predictable, because with the relatively small cast of characters there were just only so many characters it could have been. There was one delightful plot twist I didn’t see coming, which set up a lot of possibilities for book 3 - I will continue to read this series, I’m just hoping the final installment is better than this one.