I kinda feel the author was more worried about making social commentary on America that writing a book judging by the multiple story lines that just kinda dropped off
But hey, if you like reading that. Go to down.

This was a solid second entry to the Faebound series. I continue to appreciate that there as a wide array of representation in this world and that it tackles tough topics like segregation, and class systems in addition to the wider war between creatures. I very much appreciated the recap of book one that was cleverly disguised as a journal entry during the first chapter! I felt that the plot could've moved forward a bit more quickly, though this is the curse of second books. I liked that there was more fantasy and less romance when compared to the first book. I look forward to seeing how the trilogy will end.

Thank you to Del Rey for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel via NetGalley.

I had hoped going into this book that it would show growth from El-Arifi as a writer and be an improvement on the first book. Sadly, this book did not make me. any more. willing to read the third book in this series. I believe this is where El-Arifi and I. part ways. I will. not be requesting an ARC of book 3, nor willI purchase it myself.

I LOVE THIS WORLD!!!!
No second book in a trilogy issues to be seen here 👀

It’s hard to review second books without dropping spoilers so I’ll keep this brief but allude to what to expect if you were on the fence about continuing.

Cursebound opens up in the same lush and vivid way as faebound did - the world is one of my favourites and we get more of it, new areas, more lore and more magic. This also meant the introduction of some new POV’s.

The new POV’s added more depth to the story and a new romance between characters *squeals* (I love them your honor). And some really enjoyable characters, too! I did not feel bogged down by the extra POV’s.

Cursebound also moved into some more political topics such as segregation, class systems and rebellions. As with all things, what is reflected internally is also reflected externally and we really get to see how fear can create resistance.

This moves quickly and was paced well. I’ve never read a fantasy faster in my life and I attribute that to El-Arifi’s ability to write concisely and in such vivid detail. The only downside to this fast moving story is that I struggled to stay emotionally connected to the characters during harder times and crisis. I don’t believe this would be an issue for anyone who prefers plot driven stories though.

ADORED. Can’t wait for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Faebound was one of my favorite reads for 2024. I was worried book 2 wouldn’t live up to my expectations, but I think I loved this book even more than the first. I did not see the ending coming and can’t wait for more.

Let me start with the peeves first. This is entirely a personal preference and is not a reflection on the story or the writing, but I, personally, have never been a fan of throwback/recaps through the chapters to earlier books. So I found that it took me a while to properly get into the story, it also didn’t help the fact that it wasn’t that long ago I read book 1 so the story line was pretty fresh in my head. When I did manage to get past the re-caps, I found myself falling into the story. It was a fast paced read with something always happening and found myself getting really involved with the characters. I did ruin it for myself by finding out there was a big twist in the story, so naturally I went in trying to figure it out, which I managed quite early on. But this did not take anything from the story at all, I was loving it all and I loved seeing the plot unfold.

Will I be getting book 3? Absolutely! Have I already Pre-ordered a physical special edition copy of this book? Without a doubt!

Thank you Saara El-Arifi, NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group for provided me with an e-ARC. I'm extremely grateful.

I cannot tell you how much I love this book. Like I have no compliants other than I'm really sad I didn't get a redemption arc that I wanted (not going to even put a spoiler because I don't want to ruin it for anyone!). It's so hard to believe it's only 270 pages. There's just so much going on but it was perfectly written. I did not want to adult while reading it but I had to. This is now one of my top 3 series.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House & Del Rey for the e-ARC of Cursebound by Saara El-Arif.
I was lucky enough to pre-read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it! I the diversity, and complexity of the characters in the books.
I was super pleased to have a little recap of the previous book before diving into the world once again to continue the story. While I felt this book was less on the action-packed side than the first - I think it was crucial to the storyline and I loved getting to connect with the characters and meet new ones along the way. I also enjoyed the mysterious aspect of “The Authority” and felt it added a well written layer to bridge the gap between the first book, and the next. I can’t wait to see where the story goes as the war looms with the elves and tensions rise (or maybe fall) between the Faebound and the Lightless.
I rate this book 4.25⭐️

I can’t wait for the fairyloot special edition because I absolutely adore this series! I love the characters, and the lore is one of my favorites. I can’t wait for book 3!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey via NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!

Faebound was one of my favorite reads last semester so I was so excited to be teleported back into the world Saara El-Arifi has crafted in Cursebound. This book went by fast, especially with adding in new characters / POVs. I do think that the fact that this is the second book in a trilogy leaves the reader wanting something more, but I still felt invested and interested in the plot and characters. My one main piece of feedback is that at times it felt like the very tense/ important plot points felt like they went by very quickly, both in the development of the tension and then the resolution following.

Such an exciting sequel to Faebound. Starting where the first left off, we are thrown back into the daunting world of Mosima with all of the interspecies politics, swoon-worthy romance, and unforeseen revenge we saw in the first. I loved the depth we got in this second book for all the characters and the new romance; they are so cute! If you seeking a unique fantasy with well-rounded characters, many twists and turns, and beautiful writing, this may be the perfect series for you!

First off, a round of applause for being an author of a series that recognizes the importance and value of recapping the previous book at the beginning of the next. Love that!

I do like the bones of this story. It’s a classic fantasy in many ways. A war/oppression story where the characters are discovering things about themselves, the world, and finding love in the midst of the struggles. I like the characters Saara has created. Their journeys are different, but they’re clearly pieces apart of the same puzzle. My struggle with the plot is the lack of tension. I just wanted more drama and action. Most of the action was either off page or ended quickly. Plus, many of the conflicts were wrapped up so neat and easy. There were opportunities for drama amongst characters and again, they seemed to brush things under the rug and just move on.

I think trilogies are difficult. It’s a challenge to overcome the book 2 FILLER curse. Saara does introduce a new character’s POV which is important to the overall story, but I feel like the rest of the plot didn’t progress much. I was reading and reading and reading and when I looked down to see how far I had gotten, I was shocked to see I was 71% done. It didn’t feel like much had happened.

I wouldn’t tell people not to read this, but it’s not a book I’d rave about.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

Thankyou NetGalley and harper Collins for this arc copy, wow this book exceeded the first book, the world building and descriptions within the book made me feel like I was apart of this beautiful world. The depiction of characters are so beautiful described, I can’t believe the plot twist. This book defo left me wanting more and kind of gutted it finished can’t wait to see what happens next

I loved the first book in this series and book two has just continued to flesh out the world and characters that I already loved. Second books in a trilogy are notoriously hard, but this one managed to be better than the first! I liked that this one felt like a mystery was being woven and unveiled throughout the book, whereas book one felt more like it was building the sandbox that book two is now playing in. Once again, I loved the worldbuilding and the African mythology that much of this world is based on. I love every time that the magic drums are brought up as this is such a fun and unique concept to me. Of course, the idea of an Obeah is also such a fun magical concept. The banter in the minds of Obeah and their Faebound is such a fun part of the story and really helps the characters' personalities develop. I also have to shout out the fact that there was a recap at the beginning of this book via “Lettle’s journal”. I was doing some of my own review of book one but it was so nice to have the major plot points refreshed at the beginning. I wish this was a standard, especially for complex fantasy series. The same as book one, book two ended on a major cliffhanger that leaves me wanting more! I loved Cursebound and cannot wait for the next in the series!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and author for the arc copy!

I read Faebound (book 1) and this one back to back so it was a very seamless transition. But there is a little recap of book 1 from the pov of Lettle in her journal which I thought was a fantastic way of getting readers back in!

I really enjoyed this book and although it was a little slow at times it never made me lose my intrigue. This book picks up about 5 days after the ending of book 1 which is great, I love that a ton hasn’t happened. I enjoyed exploring the new connections that were started in book 1. Also, I loved the addition of new POVs and Alder! I can’t wait to see where this story goes with the curse!

Thank you for the recap of book 1! I love it when series do this, brilliant move.

Leans into the strengths of this series (plot, world building, magical creatures) and away from the weaker romantasy elements of Faebound. Alder is a great addition. It’s a little bit twisty and moves fast. No book 2 syndrome here!

I really loved the first book Faebound! I‘m absolutely into Faes and finding out more about all of them. I loved the characters, the diversity and of course the plot.

Fantasy books come with a challenge other genres don’t have: stand-alones may not build enough of the world to immerse the reader (unless it’s like 800 pages) OR they become a series. In the case for Faebound and many others, it becomes a trilogy; Book Two needing to hold the momentum while keeping the charm from the first and setting up for a satisfactory ending. And boy, did this book DELIVER.

It had been a while since I enjoyed the first book so I was very pleased to see the time that was taken to recap at the start— something that could have felt like a cop-out, but felt like I was returning to and catching up with old friends. Between the lore deeply rooted in the Caribbean’s rich history to the cast of characters the author created, this book and the rest of the series is a winner (because I KNOW with a twist like THAT, Book Three will also SLAP)

Outstanding. Highly, HIGHLY recommend if you are looking for diversity in your diversity.

Thankyou to Random House Publishing Group for this gift.

Ended on a cliffhanger 👀
As the title suggests, there is a little more focus of the curse of the Fae for this sequel. A turn of events for many characters and the twisting plot line made it very intriguing!

Developing into trying to understand this curse and the prophecy of how to break it, we are introduced to new characters along with the sudden threat of war in more places. The romance continues to be a sub-plot along with some "fade to black" and minor detailed intimate scenes. Upper YA.

I loved the story line, the unique magic system, some characters and the development of the overall tale into one of surprising turns of within the Fae lands and "top side". The hurt characters feel is genuine and reasons for actions are justified. Nothing within the story is outrageous nor out of place - it flows really well.
Unfortunately, I just didn't click with this novel.

3 stars 🌟

Wow!! A sequel can be hard to follow up but Saara you did it!! This book is full of betrayal, found family and plot twists! I absolutely love the queer representation in this book. The characters also have so much depth and complexity in book 2. Just when I think I have an idea of what’s going on, the next POV shows me different. Keeps me on my toes and my anxiety on alert. I was sucked in from book 1 and am so excited to see how this trilogy wraps up!

Thank you to Saara Random House and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.