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.

DNF at 24%

This book started off promisingly but unfortunately, I’m not able to get past this point. However, this is only a DNF for now because I really like the premise and the writing is pretty straightforward and simplistic. It’s the kind of book I know I can return to at some point. I'll update this space when I do.

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.

A great story with and interesting plot. At times it was a bit slow, but overall I was immersed in the book. I definitely wanted to know how it ended and couldn’t put it down during the last third of the story.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Curse That Binds Us by Katie Hayoz is a fantasy book that combines historical fantasy with contemporary fantasy. The story is told from the perspectives of three characters: Redd, John, and Eleanor. A mysterious box appears on Redd's birthday every year. One year, she decides to open it and has to face the consequences. John lives in a village of evil. Eleanor is pregnant and arrives in Roanoake from England in 1587. How do these three characters' lives end up intersecting?

Here is a gripping excerpt from Chapter 1, which is from Redd's point of view:

"The secret to my past is locked away in an ancient box that mysteriously appears every year on my birthday.
Whatever hides in there is dark. I know because I see traces of the past in the shadows under my mother's eyes, in the way she breathes, in the shriveled mass of her left arm. I can taste her fear increase as we get closer and closer to my birth date."

Overall, The Curse That Binds Us is a fantasy book with an intriguing premise. One highlight of this book were the flashbacks to Roanoake. I remember learning about Roanoke at school, but this is the very time I've seen it mentioned and included as a locale in a fantasy book. I did take off 2 stars, because I didn't enjoy all three perspectives. I enjoyed Redd's chapters the most, but I still wasn't drawn into the story. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of fantasy books in general, you can check out this book, which is available now!

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.

This was so, so good. I loved the characters, and the changing time lines and perspectives was very well done. Some moments felt a little slow, but overall the pacing was good and kept me hooked. I would definitely recommend giving this a go, and will be eagerly awaiting the next one!

I enjoyed this book. I do feel it was slow at times but I could read it again. The cover Is great. At times this book felt flat and it could take alot time to get into.

Extremely atmospheric, eerie and a writing style that will transport you into this world.
Told from three different perspectives, you get introduced to three characters:

Redd who recently turned 18 and since she can remember have been receiving strange boxes on her birthday.

John who is tasked to bring Redd back to his home in Eden willingly, where through out the book you as the reader are kept in the dark as to why this quest is so important..

And lastly Eleanor who is told in past tense, where she lived in England in the 1500 and meets the devil who whispers dark instructions into her ear… and the consequences later lead her to have to move to an Island to start a new life.

Throughout the book the switching of POV’s are done perfectly and each character distinguished easily from another. I found myself constantly speed reading to understand how these 3 characters intertwine, and when the mystery of their connection is revealed I was pleasantly shook because I did not see that coming at all. Extremely clever.

Very enjoyable, atmospheric and will keep you glued to the pages.

Katie Hayoz is an insta-read for me. I have adored her books and this one is no different.

This book is exciting, intriguing, dark, a little scary for me, yet it will keep you on the edge of your seat enough that you're not going to want to put it down!