Cursebound, the second book in the Faebound trilogy, is a fantastic continuation of Saara El-Arifi’s rich and immersive world. Yeeran and Lettle may have escaped, but they’re still trapped—by war, love, and destiny.

Yeeran struggles between duty and desire, torn between her homeland and the Queen she left behind. Meanwhile, Lettle is determined to break the fae’s curse, even as the voices that once guided her fall silent. With new characters, deeper character arcs, and high-stakes tension, this book expands the lore in such an exciting way. It’s diverse, emotional, and impossible to put down an incredible follow-up that sets the stage for an epic finale

As a sequel to Faebound, I felt this was much more developed and can see the growth in the writing. I was happy the story jumps in right away where the first one ends, and it had more exploration of the relationships, love and sacrifice that was introduced in book one. The political intrigue and difference between elves and fae was stronger in this book and I felt it added the depth the first book was missing. I LOVE that the author is choosing to have relationships with lesbian and gay representation and those relationships honestly feel more honest than the straight relationships depicted in the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the eARC, I always appreciate the opportunity to read early and leave an honest review.

I want to preface my review by stating that due to personal issues I was unable to finish my ARC read of this book, but it was NOT for lack of anything on the book's part. Cursebound is one of my most anticipated releases of the year, so I am reviewing the 30% I did read now, and I will edit my review before cross-posting to review sites when I am able to finish my read (because I definitely will!).

Cursebound by Saara El-Arifi is the second book in the Faebound Trilogy. I truly enjoyed Faebound (Book 1), I love Saara's voice and writing style, and I loved the world-building and cast of characters we had been introduced to, but it was truly a "setting the stage" book, (as Book 1 should be) so I was looking forward to more of a deep dive into the characters and the ongoing plot!

In Cursebound, the writing is still this beautiful fairy-tale narration from multiple points of view, all with distinct and memorable personalities, backgrounds, and experiences of the world. But what has truly begun to shine is how Saara El-Arifi paints a picture with her storytelling skills, allowing us to piece together the path that these characters will traverse through multiple POVs, a prophecy or two, and the larger lore of the world from the understanding of both the elves and the fae. We are getting to know the characters even more, and as we are introduced to new characters and their POVs, we are starting to piece together what is happening on a larger scale. I loved the introduction of this nomadic tribe of Elves, and how they provide a rare outside view of this very structured group of clans and tribes that make up the Elven people. I am still loving the Obeah, particularly Pila and her sass - the Obeah make this story something so special and add such a unique layer.

Because of these core things, and the % of the story that I did make it through that has left me intrigued and ready to continue when I am able, I am rating this 4 stars for now. Once I am in a better place to digest fantasy books, this is the first book I'll be picking up to finish reading.

If you took my advice and read Faebound, you need to read Cursebound immediately. If you didn’t take my advice, it’s not too late! Grab both and prepare yourself!

As book 2 in a trilogy, I was a little anxious about how it would go, but I am blown away!! (I also started this book under the assumption that it was a duology, and I’m so happy to be wrong.)

The story continues in all the same tone and emotion from the first book. The relationships, Furi with Yeeran and Lettle with Rayan feel real and solid. There are also new relationships that I love but won’t mention because spoilers.

The depth of the world and the magic system continue to blow me away, both in their beauty and their uniqueness. I’d recommend the books for this reason alone.

I’ll close this review by saying that Pila is the best animal companion, and I adore her on every page she’s mentioned.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eArc! All opinions are my own.

Saara El-Arifi has done it again with Cursebound—a story that kept me hooked from the very first page. I really appreciated the recap at the beginning; it’s been a while since I read Faebound, and that little refresher made jumping back in totally seamless.

The sisters remain the heart of the story, just as they were in the first book. Yeeran’s life is… complicated. She’s with the fae queen now, but her ex is out here trying to start a war. Meanwhile, Lettle is still struggling with her seer abilities (or the lack thereof) and feeling left behind. Their contrasting journeys and unwavering determination made them so compelling to follow.

I also loved the introduction of Alder as a new main character. His perspective gives us deeper insight into the intricacies of fae society—from its cutthroat politics and hidden agendas to the stark inequalities within. The inclusion of the nomadic elves who’ve turned their backs on the Forever War only deepens the worldbuilding further.

And the Obeah? This book only deepened my love for them, and I still want one. Love Pila!

And that twist at the end? I cannot wait to read the final book.

I really enjoyed Faebound, but Cursebound might just be my favorite so far. It’s fast-paced, full of twists, and packed with characters I genuinely care about. Saara El-Arifi is quickly becoming one of my auto-buy authors.

Thank you to the author, Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy.

Cursebound by Saara El-Arifi is book two in the Faebound Trilogy. If you read and liked Faebound, you will really enjoy Cursebound, as I think it is an improvement on Faebound. There is more world building and new characters all of which improves the overall narrative of the story. The pacing is good, and I like the character work here. Also, there is a summary at the beginning of the book. It has been a year since I read Faebound, so I was concerned that it would be difficult to read Cursebound, and that is not the case. Their is politics and adventure and love in this story and I really enjoyed my read. I gave it 4 stars. I need to thank Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey. This book releases today, February 18, 2025.

Overall, I like how this book built on the world and how we got to see more of this world building and more of interactions of new characters as a while as building on the relationships created in the previous story. I cannot wait to see and experience the ending of the series

This was everything Faebound built, and more. The world building and lore continues, and didn’t disappoint. Cannot wait for the third!

**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Cursebound is book 2 in the Faebound Trilogy and it did not disappoint. I actually enjoyed this book more than the first. Some new characters were introduced, while I learned so much more about those already established. Cursebound has cemented my desire to know what happens and I will definitely be finishing this trilogy.

I appreciate the author’s ability to get right to the point which makes this book a very easy read. But, this also created something of a disconnect between myself and the characters. I found myself struggling to connect or stay connected emotionally. Sometimes a scene called for more showing and less telling but this is a small issue in my opinion. The story moved forward at a pleasing pace and I never felt lost within the details. I was able to predict some of the outcomes but it didn’t turn me off or make me lose interest. I’m still left with the need to know how this story ends.

My favorite part of Cursebound was a new character named Alder. He was written well and I really enjoyed his inner monologue. The way he lives his life and the way he expressed himself just felt good. The political issues which include class systems, segregation, and the rise up of a rebellion offers plenty of tension. I liked seeing characters being made uncomfortable and having to face their own choices/mistakes. Plus, as the first book was, this book is packed full of representation and it feels so natural to the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I give it an easy 4 stars and look forward to how everything comes together in book 3.

Man, I really want more from this world. I think it is so fascinating and that El-Arifi could really expand it. I hope she writes different novels with some side characters. I did enjoy this but I think there was too many plot lines going on. It felt like the characters got muddled together.

Okay, I know the second books in a trilogy seem to usually fall flat, but this was the exact opposite. Faebound was great with many twists and turns but Cursebound turned it up a notch. The twists just kept coming where again for as many as I could guess, another was thrown in that I never expected. The multiple POVs in this one was actually refreshing and very well done. The culture in this series is also something I truly love. It has so many different themes and influences that are very intriguing. I can’t wait to find out how this trilogy ends.

In Cursebound, our group of characters continues their mission to break the Fae curse. We dive deeper into the history and lore, where we learn more about Mosima. While the characters are fine, I didn't feel as deeply invested in them as I wanted to be. I think there was potential for way more depth to really make them stand out. Truthfully, I think this has to do with multiple main storylines, rather than focusing on just one with side plots and I always feel myself connecting with one side more than the other. I found that to be the case here. The pacing felt a bit off which could easily be a second book syndrome case. I do feel the writing style is about tad inconsistent. At times, we have more telling than showing, but in other places, it was done very well.

On a positive note, I appreciate the representation and really do love the story itself. I am still excited to see how the story concludes and will definietly love to pick up the last book.

Thank you netgalley for this earc.
Unfortunatly I have to say that I was struggling to really find the get going in this book..
Ofcourse I wanted to try to finish it but im sorry I have to be honest that I didnt finish the book, I kept putting it down/away.

Like the world and the setting but the rest wasnt for me this book

Becuase I did not finish it im not reviewing it online further

I felt quite average about the first book in the series, but it had enough in it for me to at least want to continue this series. I thought that this book just kept my interest enough to finish it, but I wasn't overwhelmingly in love with it. I will say that this sequel built more of the setting, and allowed me to learn more about some of the characters that I wasn't initially too interested in and view them in a more enjoyable way. I was so frustrated that the couples did NOT communicate, like PLEASE TALK.
I will say that I thought the magic system was far more detailed in this second book. I really liked it. I also liked all the POVs, including Alder.
Overall, still somewhat average to me, but enjoyable enough! Definitely a good addition to the first book.

A beautiful and highly anticipated sequel to Faebound, one of my favorite romantasy books of 2024! Another mind blowing cliffhanger to keep me wanting more and I certainly did not see that coming - I cant wait for book 3!!

I LOVED the new character introduced - not only for the lore and mystery surrounding him, but also how well he complimented one of my favorites from book 1, giving him more on page presence this time around 🤭

BETRAYAL would be my word to describe Cursebound… I’m so sad 😭 trying not to spoil but be warned, a favorite of mine certainly did us all dirty!

Just like Faebound, the sequel had lush descriptions and beautiful prose that just really helps set the stage for an epic story. I loved how much more we got to learn about some of the characters introduced and the depth this gave to the plot and characters Saara established in book 1.

If you love faes and elves, this is such a fresh and unique take. I find it even more interesting seeing how the humans are the rarity and how much mysticism is around them. So curious to see how this all unfolds in the final installment!

*3.5 stars*

*Thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group for providing a digital copy to review*

I started reading this as soon as I finished Faebound and it felt like a seamless transition which was great.

The world-building is still so fascinating. Learning more about the history of the Fae, Elves, and Humans as well as the curse that keeps the Fae trapped underground and at the mercy of the ruling family. It was also fascinating to see how intertwined Rayan and Furi are with the land and the consequences that occur when they leave.

This book once again has multiple POVs and we now get Furi’s as well as Alder, who is a new character. I found Alder very interesting, from being one of the nomad Elves to somehow perhaps being the key to the freedom of the Fae thanks to Lettle’s prophecy. Lettle’s gift is both amazing and infuriating, especially since I am no good with riddles.

This book really put the two couples through a couple of tense situations and they tend to do the thing that really infuriates me. THEY DO NOT TALK TO EACH OTHER. Omg just talk, please.

While I enjoyed this book the plot structure kind of felt a bit repetitive from the first book. Especially with the reveal of who was trying to kill Lettle. The ending, with the major reveal of information relating to the obeah, was amazing and it made me so excited for the next book.

I was gifted an ARC by NetGalley. I loved the first book in this trilogy and the second did not disappoint. We pick up right where we left off, but there are plenty of new obstacles for our main characters. I love the way the recap came in as it had been awhile since I read the first book. It was informative without recalling everything from the first book. All the new things we learn in this book down to the last chapter kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait for the final book to come out!

Cursebound is a decent yet somewhat uneven sequel to Faebound - suffering slightly from the dreaded second-book syndrome but still managing to hold my interest. Picking up where the first book left off, Yeeran and Lettle are no longer captives of the fae, but their struggles are far from over. Yeeran, ever the warrior, finds herself caught between love and duty, torn between the Queen of the fae and her former lover, who now leads an army against them. Meanwhile, Lettle is determined to break the fae’s ancient curse, convinced that a mysterious stranger holds the key—if only the Fates that once guided her would speak again.

While I still love the world-building and much of the cast, this installment felt more disjointed than its predecessor. The plot meandered in places, and character development took a frustrating step backward—especially with Lettle, who was borderline insufferable throughout. The pacing dragged at times, and the supposed big twist was predictable from early on. That being said, the book wasn’t without its highlights. The expansion of the world and Nomad elven tribe was fascinating, and Alder, the standout new addition to the cast, absolutely stole the show.

Despite my frustrations, I remain invested in the series and am eager to see how everything concludes in the final book. Hopefully, it delivers the payoff this story deserves!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

This was a really good "keep on your toes" installment in this trilogy. I loved how the author shares at the beginning of her end notes that the second book is always the hardest to write and I think it was really well done.

While predictable in some instances I felt like the world building was really well done and we got just enough meat that I will be on my toes for the next one.

The story follows Yeeran and Lettle who are both trying to navigate their new roles and responsibilities due to the discoveries that were made in book 1. I felt the character development was still good AND we get to meet another VERY interesting character that will play a KEY role in the next one.

Content wise: open door and queer friendly with some language (not much).

I enjoyed Faebound, so I've been looking forward to the next book in the series. I was excited to get a chance to read Cursebound early and I'm happy to report that the follow-up is just as much fun as the first book!

Like with the first book in the trilogy, many twists and turns make this book feel exciting and fast-paced. The plot moves quickly which makes it so easy to get absorbed in.

Cursebound also introduces new characters to the series. One of the most important new characters is Adler, a great addition to the story who plays a pivotal role in one ongoing plot. Familiar characters get some interesting development too, of course.

While the two main pairings spend small portions of the book apart, there's still lots of love and focus on each relationship. Yeeran/Furi and Rayan/Lettle have some big highs and lows in this installment! There is also a new relationship involving a supporting character and Adler that I adore! It doesn't get as much focus as the other two couples but the time we spend with them is lovely. I hope we see more of their burgeoning romance in the next book.

Cursebound ends with several issues looming and many characters unsettled. It sets up what is sure to be an exciting conclusion for this series. Book #3 can't come soon enough for me!