This book engrossed me from the very first chapter!
I loved the constant switching between our world and Eden. I like historical fiction ad I enkoy reading books that give real world mysteries a supernatural/magical explanation so I liked Eleanor's POV as well.
The book did a good job at building the lore around Eden without being info dumpy, leaving the reader to slowly put two and two together.
I have just two main complains, which is the reason I couldn't give 5 stars.
I dislike with a passion when a book has characters who know things but don't speak without a strong reason. Yes Agnes, I'm looking at you! I understand not telling Redd the truth because she thinks she's giving her a choice but if you think about it for more that a minute you realize it's STUPID! Agnes should have realized that vague answers were not going to be enough once Redd got older. Redd is showing a lot of frustration and Agnes is still racing to get to the box in time, so it's clear it's just a matter of time before she loses credibility with her. And what did she think was gonna happen once she died? Did she really believe her daughter would have continued living her life until she got old following her rules with no explanations?? NONSENSE!
Second, Redd and John's attraction happened too quickly meaning John immediately started having doubts. I would have preferred a slower build to this dynamic.
I absolutely want to know how the story ends!

The Curse That Binds Us had a lot of potential with its unique blend of historical and contemporary fantasy and a plot that definitely knows how to grip you, especially in the final stretch. The last 30% of the book was an absolute page-turner—I was hooked, needing to know how everything would unfold. The central romance, however, didn’t quite work for me. It felt underdeveloped and lacked the chemistry I was hoping for, leaving me emotionally uninvested in the love story.

The dual POV, especially Eleanor’s chapters, often pulled me out of the flow of the narrative. Her perspective felt detached and, at times, confusing—particularly because of the somewhat murky worldbuilding. While the premise had all the ingredients for a rich and layered magical setting, some of the rules and context felt vague or rushed.

That said, the book does shine in other areas. The female friendship dynamic is a real highlight—loyal, fierce, and a reminder that sometimes the strongest bonds aren’t romantic. I also appreciated the sharp edge to the heroine’s voice and the story’s unapologetically dark undertones. There’s a definite Twilight-esque vibe here—something that will either pull readers in or push them away depending on their preferences.

While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I can absolutely see how readers who love intense, curse-driven drama, strong sisterly bonds, and a dark fantasy twist will devour it.

this one was totally fine, i had to try to read it a few times and when I was finally able to get into it, there was definitely enough there to pull my attention in but not enough to have my feel emotionally invested which is a shame but also not a bad thing. I did not hate the book at all- i think it was a great one for when you kind of just needs something different between heavier/darker reads.

The Curse that Binds Us by Katie Hayes
The Curse that Binds Us is a captivating dark fantasy with an intriguing premise, though it occasionally struggles with pacing. Hayes crafts a vivid, eerie atmosphere, but some plot threads felt a bit underdeveloped. Still, fans of twisted, supernatural tales will find plenty to enjoy here.

Amazing! This book is a true page turner, keeping me invested and on the edge of my seat from the first chapter to the last

This was an okay story. A fantasy inspired story from the history of Roanoke - the lost colony. Lots of different perspectives. Intersting story but hard to get into/understand at times.

The Curse that Binds Us by Katie Hayoz is a perfect fit for readers who crave a thrilling and atmospheric tale of dark fantasy, historical intrigue, and complex moral dilemmas, with a deep exploration of the human condition and the power of love and sacrifice.

Honestly, a really interesting premise. I found it to be really fascinating for the first half. The second half got a little annoying with the FMC for me. I would definitely read the next one because I’m dying to know what happens next after that ending!

It took me three tries to finally get into this book, but once I did, I was hooked and couldn't wait to get to the end. That being said, I'm not invested enough to look for book two.

The book grips you right from the start in a cascade of astonishment. Prepare for a double take because the plot isn't just a masterpiece; it's a symphony of ingenuity orchestrating a unique and captivating tale. Countless have ventured into the enigma of the Roanoke colonists, yet their ultimate destiny has eluded comprehension like a mischievous wisp. Theories dance across the spectrum, and this perplexing narrative's very fabric begs the question: can a fresh lens truly rekindle this mystique?

Dive into the riveting world of literary craftsmanship. Katie Hayoz, a maestro of imagination, deftly seizes a familiar enigma and unfurls a dazzlingly plausible solution that beckons credence. Through the prism of three distinct viewpoints, the tapestry of truth behind the Roanoke colony slowly unfurls. Enter Redd, an extraordinary young woman cloaked in concealed potency, poised on the precipice of her 18th year, yearning to rupture the chains of maternal dominion. Meet John, an anachronistic lad emancipating himself from the sanctuary of Eden, a seemingly paradisiacal realm shrouding a cryptic underbelly, all for the perilous reconnaissance of the Beyond. And then there's Eleanor Dare, a timeworn voice echoing from the annals of four centuries past. These threads intricately weave and interlace, knitting a tableau that is not just beguiling but hauntingly surreal.

Each character's voice resounds so clearly that differentiation requires no effort, a testament to the narrative craftsmanship. The tale's tempo races with such fervor that monotony finds no foothold, and as the crescendo beckons, the denouement tantalizingly leaves a trail of unanswered enigmas, igniting an insatiable appetite for the impending sequel. Prepare to be lured into a literary waltz that's as cerebral as it is enchanting, for this book is nothing short of a mind-bending adventure that beckons you for a thrilling encore.

Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher, for the ARC to review.

"The Curse That Binds Us" is a captivating fantasy tale that draws inspiration from the intriguing history of the lost colony of Roanoke. Through the interchanging points of view of three characters, the story weaves a complex narrative that keeps readers engaged throughout.

The central protagonist, Redd, is a teenage girl with a life filled with mysteries. Each year on her birthday, a mysterious box appears, forcing her and her mother to constantly uproot their lives. Determined to break free from this cycle, Redd decides to open the box, unknowingly awakening a malevolent force that her mother had tried to protect her from. As the book unfolds, the narrative primarily focuses on Redd's journey and the challenges she faces.

The story's plot gradually builds suspense, particularly in the final quarter, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. However, the narrative takes unexpected turns, defying conventional expectations. The book concludes with a gripping cliffhanger, setting the stage for an even more enthralling continuation in the next installment.

While the storyline is interesting, the book has its flaws. The beginning chapters prove challenging to engage with, as they are confusing and hinder the reader's immersion. The multiple points of view also contribute to the complexity. However, around the 40% mark, the narrative gains momentum and reignites interest, overcoming earlier reservations. The character development falls slightly short, as the characters lack depth and fail to evoke strong emotional connections. Additionally, the romantic element introduced relies on instant infatuation and lacks believability.

Despite these drawbacks, the unique storyline and the desire to uncover the truth behind Redd's experiences make the prospect of reading the second book highly enticing. The conclusion hints at further revelations, fueling anticipation for Redd's transformative journey and the resolution of the lingering curse.

This is my first Roanoke retelling. It was so interesting. I loved the different point of views. I also loved going back into the past to find out what happened. Redd is a fierce heroine. I was a little suspicious of John. I wanted them together but knew he was hiding something. I feel like there are so many things I still want to know. I need to read the next book right now! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Earc in exchange for my honest review.

A very interesting and unique perspective on the early American settlers. Not what I expected, but I enjoyed the story thoroughly.

I thought this was a decent read. I really enjoyed the plot. It kept me interested throughout the whole story. I also liked the characters. I thought they were well written and you became attached to them easily. I felt like I was rooting for them. I also liked the pacing of the book. I felt like there were not many lulls you sometimes hit in books.

A DNF for me, not from any fault of the book. I love the premise and the idea of Redd taking control of her future and wanting answers to her questions. The whole Roanoke aspect has me super intrigued, i think i just need to be in a different frame of mind to read this. I will give it another go in the future for sure.

This is such an incredible and well written book and I really enjoyed it.
I usually struggle with multiple POVs, but the different perspectives were very individual and it made the different POVs an enjoyable experience. The plot and the pacing were both awesome and keep me invested in the progression of the story. I also found that I gravitated towards Redd's character. I have a lot of problems with willy-nilly protagonists and that was not a problem during this book. Redd is intelligent and it was refreshing.

The cliffhanger at the end was a bit frustrating but I understand the idea behind it, looking forward to the second installment.

Katie Hayoz‘s The Curse That Binds Us is a mash-up of dark fantasy, historical fiction, and contemporary adventure. Splitting her tale three ways between Redd, John, and Roanoke colonist Eleanor, Hayoz’s series opener showcases a world brimming with secrets, sacrifice, and dark powers.

Eleanor’s tale is perhaps the most interesting, revealing in gradual increments the truth behind John’s village and Redd’s connection to it. It’s dark, sinister, and engaging, drawing on the real life mystery of Roanoke to craft an exciting tale of dangerous bargains and a centuries old curse.

Redd and John tread a rather more familiar YA path, but that’s nothing to complain about. Their tales are strong too, with enough twists and revelations to keep readers’ interest even if the predictable hint of romance doesn’t quite hit.

Though it’s perhaps a touch over-long, The Curse That Binds Us is a strong start, offering more than enough to pique interest in sequels to come.

Loved the premise of this! A very gripping story and I liked the characters a lot. The time jumps are so interesting, and the idea of what really happened to Roanoke is super interesting. Overall I think this is a really cool YA novel.

DNF @ 42%

I think this is more of a me thing than an actual issue with the book. I appreciate the set up, the mysteries within the plot, and the fictional take on Roanoke. Unfortunately, I just don't particularly enjoy books that read as YA any more, and I just was unable to connect with this story.

The plot of this book and the end was the best part of this book. It went from meh to a page turner.
The world building was confusing and I wasn't super crazy about the characters. It did have an interesting story line though. Three stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley.