Laura, my poor heart!!!! Okay so I knew this book was going to destroy me emotionally- Laura is an expert at that- but she left NO CRUMBS. I am so in love with these characters that I was a distressed, crying mess by the end of this book. IYKYK. My heart physically hurt but it also swooned, did happy dances and everything in between. I'm so thankful she wrote this prequel, I know it will make the next one so much more potent. Okay, bye--- need to go reread the 1st two again!

"The Curse That Binds" is a dark, emotional, and utterly addictive installment that delivers all the angsty tension and slow-burn intensity fans expect from Laura Thalassa. Her signature blend of gritty fantasy, romance, and morally gray characters shines through once again. While some pacing lulls and familiar tropes crop up, the emotional payoff and world-building make it a satisfying and immersive read. A solid addition for fans of tortured love stories and high-stakes magic.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. As someone who has loved the first 2 books in this series, I was so excited to read the prequel when it was announced she was writing a Novella for it. Fast forward to now, and that Novella ended up a full-length novel, and while it did have its good parts I just feel like it fell slightly shy of being great. Roxi and Memnon's origin story was so intriguing in Bewitched and Bespelled however, I think it would have still done better as a novella since as a full length novel it felt like it dragged on a lot and so much of it could have been cut out or shortened in the extended descriptions and scenes that did not add anything to the story and felt like they were just there to make the story longer.

This is a breathtaking prequel to the Bewitched series that completely drew me in. Roxilana and Memnon’s story is a timeless, soul-deep romance filled with magic, destiny, and heartbreak. Watching Roxi grow from a naive girl to a powerful queen was inspiring, and Memnon’s transformation from gentle to ruthless felt both tragic and inevitable. Even knowing how it would end, I was captivated by the emotional journey and rich world-building. Some parts dragged slightly, but the payoff was worth it. This book gave me a deeper appreciation for the main series, adding so much meaning to Selene’s story. Whether you're new to the series or a longtime fan, this is a must-read.

I absolutely loved this. I was so happy that Laura wrote a prequel for this series and that we got a little glimpse into Roxi and Memnon's past. These are some of my favourite characters and I have yet to be disappointed by this story.

The historical elements of this were really interesting. It was really cool to see an author draw inspiration from an ancient civilization we don't hear much about in general let alone in a novel. It gave the story so many different avenues for entertaining plot points and Laura definitely delivered on using them. This was easily one of my favourite settings/inspirations I've ever read.

I've loved the romance plot line of this series from the first book, so it's no surprise that I loved seeing the true beginning of it. Memnon is the kind of obsessed and devoted male lead I read romance for. Everything he does is for her, and while sometimes it might be a little extreme and very violent, his insane methods of protecting her are a big part of why I liked him so much. Roxi really needed someone to have her back and give her some confidence, and he was just perfect for that.

Overall, this book was exciting, entertaining and the right amount of spicy. I'm devastated that we're nearing the end of this series but I'm already counting down the days until the next release. Thank you for the opportunity to read this one!

Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books for this Copy!

When I requested this book, I didn't realize that it was a prequel to a series that I have not read yet, but since it is a prequel I went ahead and gave it a shot as the first book in the series. Honestly, I think that was totally fine, I am sure there are easter eggs and little things that I missed, but I still feel like it is completely okay to read this book first if you haven't completed the other two books in the series. I will definitely be jumping straight into Bewitched soon, already have it loaded on my kindle because this was such a fun story.
I am definitely interested to see where the series goes, and I absolutely love Memnon and Roxilana as a couple.

3 ⭐️

This book is a prequel in the Bewitched series - it can be read before the others to get a nice background into the characters.

I enjoyed the connections made between the Romans and Sarmatians. The start was very promising but then felt a bit repetitive, nothing much happened tbh. That is until the end where things got exciting. Because of that I have this a 3 ⭐️ but am still looking forward to the rest of this series.

Laura!!!!! Thank you for existing in the world at the same time as me! I am so happy I can read your books. This one was extra good and even though we know how it ends, the ride to get there was just perfect!

I love Laura Thalassa and I was so excited when I was approved for this ARC! This prequel from the Bewitched and Bespelled universe is exactly what fans are looking for. I enjoyed this book from start to finish! If you are a Laura Thalassa fan, run to your nearest book store and dive into this amazing story!

This book is seriously so good! Giving Roxi and Memnon's back story was a wild adventure that made me fall in love with both of these characters so much more. Laura was right not making this a short novella, this book is everything.

Knowing the end really didn't make it any less heartbreaking. I loved Memnon and Roxilana so much throughout Bewitched and Bespelled. Their fiery enemies to lovers energy was perfection, but getting to see their fated mate bond from the beginning was truly magical. Is there truly anything better than a fierce and ruthless warrior that's only soft for his wife??

This was absolutely everything I wanted and needed from their love story, and I'm so excited to get back to their present day.

THIS WAS UTTERLY FANTASTIC omg. The Curse that Binds completely exceeded my expectations, and Laura Thalassa took all of the elements I loved (fast-pacing, romantic chemistry, magic) from Bewitched and Bespelled and increased them tenfold here. Easily one of the best prequel books I've ever read!

The story-telling was marvelous, and I loved how we followed Roxilana's life linearly, as she came of age then later became queen. Seeing how her and Memnon's connection was initially forged, how their magic was unlocked, and how she bonded with FEROX. The backstory only further enhanced the threads of fate between the characters and the events of Bewitched/Bespelled.

I also LOVED the large role the historical aspect played in The Curse that Binds. The world-building was excellent, and I loved the emphasis on the culture of these ancient empires, peoples, and kingdoms. Reading about the lifestyle, day-to-day activities, and battles of nomadic tribes from millennia ago amidst the backdrop of a romantasy setting was incredibly intriguing. Plus the element of magic—this book did feel less witchy/coven/fall vibes than Bewitched/Bespelled. I loved the ley line system and how that magic connected the Sarmatians with the Moche kingdom in South America.

And the ROMANCE. I knew how this book would end because of what happened in Bespelled, but it was even more emotional than I anticipated, especially after 500 pages of highlighting Roxilana and Memnon's unwavering love for each other. There also was a scene around half-way through that was absolutely heart-breaking and had me tearing up. Now, I desperately am craving a Bewitched/Bespelled reread, and I'm begging the author to write more historical romantasy!

Thank you so much to Bloom Books for sending me an ARC of The Curse that Binds. As always, my reviews are one hundred percent voluntary and all opinions are my own :)

Absolutely loved this!! I feel like this is the book we’ve been dying for to know the past and it definitely don’t disappoint!! MEMNON 🫶🫶🫶

Thank you for this arc! Finally i got to read the whole backstory! I loved this book and after reading this one, i had to re-read the first ones again! Great storytelling!

I absolutely loved this prequel story on Roxilana and Memnon! I was gripped from chapter one and I couldn't put this down!!

I was so happy to have been accepted as a reader on Netgalley for this book. Memnon is everything I thought he would be! My expectations have been blown out the water. Roxi is just as expected too! I love this prequel so so much! I love seeing the beginning. My feelings had me alll over the place. I cried for their trauma, pain, their sweet love and hardships. It was so amazing. I feel like im apart of the clan! Lol!! Im also a little disturbed about the Roman ruler "Nero", I've been seeing alot of horrible things about this "thing" of real life.. gosh im so glad he was dealt with in the book! But I dont want to take away from the book. Many lovely Easter eggs and ahHa moments too through out this read. This book is perfect!!! I feel like I never want this series to end.😅 Thank you so much Laura Thalassa for your majestic masterpieces of storytelling! You are a master of words! 10 stars!
Xoxxx

3.5 Red Light Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

This is the first book I've read by Alta Hensley and I don't regret it...I don't know what to make of this book. It's not at all what I was expecting... or jumping into...

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Briar Waters suffers from a chronic autoimmune disease that leaves her pretty weak. She returns to her family's old summer home on the eerie island of Heathens Hollow where she’s hoping the quiet isolation will give her time to recover and regroup, especially after being pushed aside by her father, who’s preparing to marry someone younger than her. Instead, it is a place filled with secrets and danger. On her birthday Briar, in an act of rebellion, she throws a party for her new town themed after a raucous and salacious event held on the island called "The Hunt", where men chase women in white dresses and then fuck them. At first, it’s all fun and games, until one of the men at the party gets too aggressive, and things go very wrong for Briar. In an act of defence Briar ends up killing him. Damiano, her strange and brooding gardener and his on-again-off-again-ex Flint end up tied up in the event and together the three are forced to cover up the murder, especially since the dead man’s brother is known for taking justice into his own hands.

𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I love Briar because while she's the type of girl that at times is VERY "too stupid to live", because she constantly makes ridiculous, stupid, spontaneous decisions that put her into crazy situations... she is also incredibly feisty, confident and stands up for herself despite being physically weak.

The relationship between Briar, Damiano, and Flint is toxic, explosive, violent and primal. Damiano and Flint are terrible for each other in the worst way. The two have an incredibly complicated relationship that's almost painful to witness but their chemistry is undeniable. They blur the line between love and hate with every interaction, both of them shaped by a deeply hurtful past. BUT that said with Briar in the middle, she calms them down and brings an almost synergy to their chaos. The three of them just work in this messed up weird magnetic way.

The major star in this book is the writing. It is haunting, poetic, lush and metaphorical. It is filled with an atmosphere that is intense, dark and heavy. There’s a visceral weight to the emotion in every sentence. Everything feels deep, aching, and dangerous in the best kind of way. It is what drew me in and kept me in. The island is its own character, and the dynamic between Briar, Damiano, and Flint is twisted yet intoxicating to watch.

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Dark Romance
▶ Small Town Romance
▶ MMF Romance (YES there is crossed swords)
▶ Strangers to Lovers with Second Chance (between the MMC's)
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Forced Proximity

𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨:
➢ Biting
➢ Primal Play
➢ Voyeurism

and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Nicknames
▷ Chronic Illness Rep
▷ "Plant Vibes"
▷ Grey Sweatpants
▷ MMC with Tattoo's
▷ "Don't Stop"
▷ He Takes Care Of Her

If you like darkly poetic writing, morally grey characters, and messy, unfiltered chaos wrapped in fantastic vibes, I REALLY RECOMMEND THIS...

Thank you to Valentine PR for the gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own

It was so much fun to get the backstory for Memnon and Roxi. I loved hearing about how they met and fell in love. It made me love Memnon even more! The scenes were the perfect spice level and the romance was swoon worthy. However, I felt the battle and war parts were a bit too much. I found myself getting bored. Overall I’m glad we got their prequel but it wasn’t my favorite. I am excited for book 3!

Thank you to netgalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. This was a great fantasy read. Loved the writing style.

AMAZING! I loved this book. I felt like we got so much history and backstory with Memnon and Roxi. I love how the ending set up the ending of the first book. I love the characters and Laura’s writing. Will continue to read books by her!