Rating - 3.5⭐️

Thanks to the Author and NetGalley for the advanced copy to read for an honest review.

The story continues !

I think this must be one of the first cases where I’ve found the second book in a fantasy series much better.

I can’t lie but I found Faebound quite difficult to get on with, but I really felt that a lot of my questions were answered in Cursebound.

The character development and world building seemed to be easier and more structured, we stayed and built on relationships already introduced in book one with a nice addition of newness that felt natural and not just thrown in.

I did feel the pace was slow but it was more detailed and directional than Faebound. There seemed to be a clearer plot and plan here, with twists that I didn’t see coming.

If you were a fan of Faebound I really think this is going to only grow your love for the series. And if like me, you were left a little confused, then keep reading on, because I think you will see what you were missing out on and grow invested in the series.

The tea ☕️

🌎 - world building
📜 - prophecy
🏳️‍🌈 - LGBTQ rep
🪄 - curse/magical powers
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 - found family

This was easily another 5 star read in this series. The second book in a trilogy can sometimes feel a bit awkward, or fall a little flat, but that was not the case with Cursebound. It had me in its grips the same way Faebound did. I am already desperate to get my hands on the next installment! In Cursebound we saw the simmering tension present in the Fae community rise while an outside threat is making itself known. There are familiar faces and new characters that come in and really shake things up. I cannot recommend this series enough!

Picking up Cursebound made for the most refreshing start to my week. El-Arifi’s storytelling is unmatched. I was itching to dive back into the realm of Faebound-the characters rich and complex, the setting unique and enticing, and the plot all the more intriguing. Faebound, without giving spoilers, ended on a tense note, namely between the fae and the elves. In Cursebound, the fate of these two forces collide in the grasp of prophecy’s condemning fingers.

Please be warned, mild spoilers for Faebound below……

Cursebound begins with our favorite siblings, Yeeran and Nettle, as they test the ropes of the title, ‘consort.’ Yeeran ventures back to the elves to garner favor with her former lover. Lettle continues to tear apart the prophecy she’s been giving, and search for answers in a mysterious grimoire that lends truths to extinguish the curse upon the fae. Meanwhile, Lettle is hunted by an insurgency-a ruthless group of Lightless bent on changing the political tide in the fae lands. We also gain a third character’s perspective, Alder, a mysterious nomad with a penchant for sleepwalking/talking.

While I enjoyed Faebound, Cursebound holds the momentum and buy in that will, consequently lead to book three. Cursebound’s narrative is spurred on by twists and laced with betrayal. Still, the novel is full of the unique magical system-seers, drum wielders, earth magic-that drives political discourse among the world of the fae. I adore how pivotal the prophecies are in this series. Lettle, of all things, isn’t a typical seer and I LOVE that. She’s driven, brash, and at times impulsive. I found myself racing to her pov chapters-I’m excited to see how her story pans out in the next installment.

The ending cliffhanger was a revelation-this piece of the puzzle is the reason I’ll be racing for book three. A lot of momentum was built in Cursebound, and in the hands of Saara El-Arifi’s storytelling, it won’t be remised. This is a must-read trilogy for epic fantasy readers, and I was thrilled to review the ARC! Thank you to Penguin Random House and Del Rey for sending me a copy of this book.

First I want to thank Netgalley, Penguin Random House and Del Rey for this copy of Cursebound

Okay….

Now Lettle is my favourite character in this series! I loved her in this book, she was incredible! Her development in this book was spectacular.

I loved how this book continued on from the last one and how the lore and world continued building and I felt that I learned so much more. I also enjoyed seeing all of the different povs and I really liked meeting the characters and seeing their povs.

Now when it comes to second books in a series they can be hit and miss. This was a hit for me, I had such a good time with this book! I practically inhaled this book and I have no regrets! Now I can’t wait for book 3!

A fine follow up, I think that it has the same issues I had with the first novel, but overall an enjoyable read, If you loved the first one you will love this one

This book had me in its grasp from the start. We pick up right where we left off right into the story and action. It was just as good as book one in my opinion which is hard to accomplish. We explore so many new topics in this book and I found myself loving the characters and the world more ever chapter.
Even though there are big things happening, I really find myself hoping for equality for the lightless to be an important effort in the next book.
This book was not long enough! In a good way haha I wanted more and more and can’t wait for the next one.

I really enjoyed reading Faebound, so I was excited to have the privilege of receiving an ARC of Cursebound. When the second book in the series is better than the first, it's such an amazing feeling as a reader, and now I am really excited to see where this story goes. The characters are all amazing and I love seeing their development continue to happen throughout the series. It adds to the world that the author built.

I’m truly obsessed with this series! While a lot of times, I find second books in trilogies can hit a lull, this book kept me intrigued the whole time. The world is so rich that it just really draws you in. The lore of the world established in the first book is really expanded on in a natural way and it truly kept me hooked the whole time! It was easy to get to know the newly introduced character (and a new POV) while still following along with the main characters of book one. I loved seeing Leetle’s growth through the story. I just wanted to see more of her POV to see what she’s seeing and putting together! Also the plot twists!! I was guessing what comes next the whole time. I cannot wait to read the next book!

Thank you to Del Rey and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Really epic continuation of Faebound. The bar was high for this and given it being the second in the trilogy it really held its own. Super excited to read the third one, I needed it like yesterday!

A stunning sequel to Faebound in a rich and evocative world that is SO well done that there isn't a single character I don't love. I can't wait for the final book in this trilogy!

Picking up from the previous book, I think El-Arifi did a phenomenal job at recapping the previous book Faebound without the tedious retelling of it. This is always a hallmark of a good sequel, if it can seamlessly pick up from where it left off whilst still being accessible for readers who haven't read the first book.

Similar to Faebound, the writing style is ridiculously easy to zoom through. It feels effortless and that the pages fly past you. I really enjoyed the development of the seeds planted in Faebound with regards to Lettle's romantic relationship with Rayan that felt super satisfying to read. It was also nice to see Golan's character development and his involvement in the plot become more central than it was in Faebound. Moreover, it felt really well paced in the first quarter of the novel.

However, the novel did start to slow down in momentum and it didn't feel like the plot points were interesting enough to set it apart from Faebound. Because of this, I found myself quickly losing interest despite the prose still being digestible and easy to get through.

CURSEBOUND - SAARA EL-ARIFI

I don't have the best track record when it comes to the second book of most trilogies. I usually feel like they're just a bridge, building up to what will no doubt be an explosive finale in the last book. I'm happy to report that Cursebound is an exception to this! Here's the synopsis:

Yeeran was born for war but is unprepared for love. She has left her new lover to return to her homeland, only to find that her former lover now threatens war against the fae. Left behind, her sister Lettle is determined to break the curse that binds the fae to their realm. When a stranger appears in the city, Lettle is convinced he’s the key. But the Fates that once spoke to her have fallen silent. Can Lettle and Yeeran discover the secret behind the curse - and unite these two worlds before they destroy each other?

Not only did Cursebound disrupt my second-book expectations, I actually enjoyed it even more than the first book. The excellent worldbuilding continues, where Cursebound grows our understanding of the characters, the different races, the folkore and, importantly, Mosima, the fae realm. I loved getting to explore more of the realm and understand the conflicts that threaten it - both externally and from within.

While Yeeran and Lettle are still the main characters, there are two new points of view, and this helped to get both more understanding of the storyline, as well as adding a massive injection of mystery. In addition, the pace is fast and consistent, and I feel like I flew through the pages.

It's everything I want in a second book: providing substance as we understand more about the book's setting and characters, while also having a high-stakes mystery to solve within the book itself... All the while setting the stage for what's going to be an epic conclusion to this trilogy, of course. I, for one, can't wait to see what happens next.

Release date: 18 February 2025

Review score: 5/5

TWs: injury details, d*ath, s*xual content, gore

Thank you so much NetGalley and the publishers for access to this ARC.

Second books in a trilogy either make or break the series - especially when the first book was so exceptional. If it’s possible, I believe the second instalment of the trilogy is even better than the first. The world becomes even richer, the emotions even deeper, and the relationships even more complex.

The author cleverly makes the world so like ours whilst simultaneously like nothing we’ve experienced before. The ease at which we can relate to their emotional experiences makes the story even more enticing, I just couldn’t stop reading.

I read both books in quick succession, and now I’m left with an emptiness which will only be filled by the final instalment.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.

I was so excited to dive back into this world! I loved Faebound and Cursebound was an amazing sequel. I am so excited for the next book!

I love seeing the characters continue to grow from the first to the end of the second book.

Saara does an amazing job painting a world and characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for letting me read this book.

Cursebound was an amazing sequel. The characters are still showing growth and their relationship change as the series moves. This was a great crescendo to the final book in the trilogy.

The Lightless in Moishima are starting to revolt and times are changing in this very complex world. The author does a great job showing each moving piece and complicated politics.

I was so happy to return to this world and I can not wait for the next book! I loved the continued character development. I appreciated the author including some reminders of events that happened in the first book since I read the first one when it was published. The world continues to be developed and expanded. There is an addition of characters which helps to further develop the world and story line. You would need to read the first book to fully enjoy and understand this book. If you enjoyed the first book you will love this one!

Lettle is quickly becoming one of my favorite Seer related characters in the fantasy genre!! I love her, I just want to keep hearing what she’s putting together or prophecizing and this book delivered!! The second book in the Faebound trilogy was a really good continuation of the lore and world that we encountered in the first book!! I loved that we got introduced to a couple new characters— and learned more about what is driving the ones we have already met. It is such a diverse read, and I think that is very special. I loved the plot lines that were explored, and getting to experience more of the fae forests with Alder! The end fell together beautifully for the next book, and now I’m on the edge of my seat!! I really don’t know how all the turmoil is going to be resolved, but I cannot wait to see!

A wonderfully enchanting read. I really enjoyed this sequel to Faebound. I thought it was captivating and fast-paced. I love the world she built, and the magic system is so unique. It has amazing world-building, good character development, multiple POVs, and a strong plot. There were some romance elements I wasn't a big fan of, but other than that, I thought this was great. It had a cliffhanger ending that left me excited to see where the final book will take us.

Saara El-Arifi you will always be famous! I have been longing for Cursebound since it was announced, and it doesn’t disappoint, despite the notoriety of how tricky a second book in a trilogy can be.
Put Cursebound on a shelf with Catching Fire and The Two Towers: it builds on the lore of the world of the Fae, and deepens the relationships - romantic and otherwise - between the characters. All this, plus new characters, new twists and overwhelming danger made this a banger of a read. And all in under 400 pages which I truly can’t praise enough. Sometimes I want a fantasy novel that doesn’t double-job as a doorstop, ya know?
I’ve seen criticism of these novels that say the writing style is underwhelming; to me, El-Arifi is a writer who understands the benefits of the economy of language. I don’t need everything explained to me, I don’t need long pages of descriptors, especially not with a plotty read like this one. Her descriptions, for me, were just enough: beautiful without being flowery, and her worldbuilding intricate without being overbearing. For instance: in this world, coffee is just coffee! It doesn’t have to have a fancy different name, and I am fine with that!

The world of the Fae is utterly unique, and I was only delighted to return to Mosima and these characters. We pick up more or less where we left off; the novel widens the scope of Faebound, however, introducing us to the intricacies of the politics of Mosima; and spoiler alert, the ruling class might not be all-good! I really enjoyed the plot twists and turns in this one, and am excited to see where this plot goes in the third novel.
While I didn’t have an issue with the pacing, I will say that a lot of Cursebound’s plot is laying ground for a big finish - that’s often the job of the second book in a trilogy, and El-Arifi does a fab job of doing this while also crafting a compelling story and enriching the world she’s created. A stunning piece of fantasy writing that deserves far more hype!

Finally: thank you for putting a recap in the beginning for us one-brain celled fantasy readers. Sorely needed and deeply appreciated.

I read both the first one and this and I really love the series. The covers are beautiful! Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.