The Curse That Binds is everything I hoped it would be—and more. As the origin story of Roxilana, this prequel to the Bewitched series is rich with magic, fate, and emotional intensity. Laura Thalassa masterfully balances spice, tension, and world-building, creating a story that’s both darkly romantic and deeply immersive. Roxi’s journey is powerful, haunting, and unforgettable. One of my most anticipated reads of 2025—and it absolutely delivered.

5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

What to Expect:
🖤Fated Mates
🔮Mind Communication
🖤Childhood Sweethearts (Kinda!)
🔮Dark Romance
🖤STRONG FMC
🔮Morally Grey MMC
🖤Touch Her &💀
🔮Found Family
🖤Magic
🔮Romantasy
🖤He’s OBSESSED with Her!
🔮Prequel
🖤Ancient Rome
🔮Panther Familiar

I devoured The Curse That Binds in the snap of my fingers… literally… like that fast—and I’m still not okay. As a diehard fan of Bewitched and Bespelled, I already LOVEEE Memnon and Roxi, but this prequel made me feel them in a whole new way (I LOVE getting their backstory finally!!). Seeing their story unfold from childhood, when they could only speak through their minds, to the moment Memnon crosses empires to claim her as his? Utterly breathtaking. The setting is rich with ancient Roman grit and Sarmatian war culture, giving serious GOT-Dothraki vibes, and the magic system is just so frickin well done—unique, soul-deep, and completely woven into their love story… like literally… without it, would their love exist?

Watching Roxi and Memnon fall for each other with just their mindspeak—before they even knew each other—was the kind of romantic slow burn that scorches your soul! They’re true love… childhood sweethearts… fated mates… ride-or-die equals who dream of reshaping the world together. And THEY DO… for a time at least. But just when I thought they might actually conquer it all (including my heart), in comes a devious little fae to blow it all apart. I was screaming, legit hollerinnnn at that vile thing. This villain’s betrayal didn’t just hit—it stabbed and shattered everything in me. It adds so much context to what we’ve seen in the modern timeline of the series, and it explains so much about the heartbreak and choices that led to where we first met Memnon in Bewitched.

Honestly? I’m not sure I could pick a favorite of the series, but I absolutely LOVED this one. It’s gripping, bloody, emotional, and so beautifully tragic. This is a must read for anyone who loves this series… but definitely read it after book two for the MAXIMUM EMOTIONAL DAMAGE (and no, not in the best way… but in the best way!) This book… no, this ENTIRE SERIES holds a permanent, sacred place in my heart.

A HUGE thank you to Laura Thalassa, Netgalley and Bloom books for sending this amazing ARC over! I absolutely loved everything about it!!!

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!! The Curse that Binds is the prequel to the bewitched series! Did you know this was actually suppose to be a novella? And then it got out of hand and became a prequel 😂. I’m so happy it turned out that way because there’s no way we would have gotten everything we needed in this book as a novella! Even though this is a prequel I suggest reading it third. You won’t ruin the twists and turns and it helps you relate to the characters so much more. This is currently one of my favorite on going series and I just received my paperback in the mail today! I bought the original published cover to match my other two. If it’s not on your tbr yet, go add it! Thank you so much to @netgalley and @read_bloom for the ARC copy!! Happy reading!!

This long awaited prequel to Roxilana and Memnon's story was everything I ever hoped it would be. Bewitched and Bespelled pulled me and was so intriguing. The world pulled me in and the plot twists of reincarnation opened the possibilities of what Selene (Roxilana) and Memnon were like and why this man crawled to his soul mate regardless of everything happening between them. I was beyond stoked to find out last year that Laura was going to bless us with this couples origin story. The beginning of their beautifu love story that stretched over centuries. It was heart stoppingly romantic, an action fulled plot, and devastatingly having to accept the bittersweet ending. The pain of falling so deeply in love with these two characters knowing their fate that awaited them at the end was wonderful and heart breaking. Laura really knows how to lead us to our own heartbreaks.

This prequel just adds more profundity to an already favorite romantasy of mine. Roxi and Memnons love overcame vast space between them, years of distances, battles and betrayals which beautifully ties into Bespelled and Bewitched. I am so excited for book 3 now that I’ve fallen deeper in love with them both. On behalf of the writing, I've said it multiple times. Laura Thalassa is a beast and a DaVinci/a michelin chef when it comes down to her writing. The imagery in this writing is crazy amazing, not that I'm surprised when it felt beautiful and lyrical and so immersive. It's easy to feel transported time back imagining an ancient civilization and visualizing the battles and feelings our characters go through.

✨Tropes✨
⭐️ Witch x Sorcerer
🌙 Friends to Lovers
💫 Soul Mates
⭐️ Mind Speak
🌙 Ancient Magic
💫 Touch Her and Die (...Brutally so Brutally)

Laura Thalassa delivers another gem with The Curse That Binds, the powerful third entry in her Bewitched Series. This prequel offers a breathtaking dive into the past, revealing the complete history of Roxilana and Memnon and the very genesis of their legendary love. Having already been captivated by them in the first two books, this installment deepened my connection and empathy for their journey profoundly. The Curse That Binds masterfully enriches the original story with vital backstory and character depth, a rare feat for a prequel. It doesn't just add to the narrative; it elevates it, making it an indispensable part of the series. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and the entire Bewitched Series. My anticipation for the final book is sky-high!

FIVE FREAKING STARS!!!!!!

AHHHH I am so in love with this series - Laura Thalassa has me hooked.

The Curse that Binds goes back to Selene's life as ROXILANA - where she and Memnon first become connected. This is such a wild ride - it made me want to jump back into the series and reread Bewitched and Bespelled -- which I highly recommend doing if you have the time as having this fresh in your mind would be ideal when revisiting the "future" with Selene, Nero, and Memnon.

The way that Laura writes is so captivating she has me hanging on every single word and it was so hard to put this book down - it took me longer than usual because I was on a family vacation, but I found myself wondering about them throughout the day and looking forward to coming back and finding out what's really going on.

I think this backstory really helps us understand the grip that Roxi/Selene has on Memnon and the way the two of them truly do have a deep fated mate connection that withstands any curse or test of time. Learning about the ways that Memnon has protected Roxi even before they met in person was incredible. I love him so much. Roxi made a lot of sacrifices of her own that show that she and Memnon are a match made in heaven.

Thank you so much to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This series is one of the best.

“If I hate you, it’s only because it’s safer than what I feel.”

*Slow clap, THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUUUUT."* I have BEEN waiting for this prequel novella!

This novella had no business being this emotionally loaded. It's a few 100 pages of mutual loathing, forced proximity, ✨soul bonding✨, and so much suppressed tension I thought my screen would crack from sheer angst compression.

Roxi is a grief soaked witch with a sarcasm problem and unresolved trauma in every spell. Memnon? Immortal war criminal, emotionally constipated, allergic to vulnerability and now they’re magically shackled together like fate said “what if enemies to lovers but we made it spiritual agony?”

“You’re the only thing in this place that doesn’t make me want to destroy it.”

This book is dark, cursed, and full of “I hate you but I’m starting to breathe for you” energy. If you want polished fantasy worldbuilding and high court politics? Not here. If you want violent longing, rage to yearning, and two broken people falling in love like it’s a bloodsport? Welcome.

🕯️ Tropes You’ll Devour:
🖤 Soul-bonded enemies (and not the fun kind)
⚔️ Grumpy x rage possessed
🧊 He’s all blade and silence, she’s all fire and grief
🌪️ Magical prison dimension with trauma seasoning
🥀 “You terrify me.” “Good.” (HELLO??)

Read this if you love your romances feral, your characters broken, and your bonding magical, metaphorical, and emotionally catastrophic.

I absolutely loved getting Roxi and Memnon's start to their love story that spans hundreds of years. Roxilana's ultimate sacrifice in the end had me tearing up as she was and is down for her husband just as much as he is for her.

"I would follow him to the ends of the earth. I would follow him even into death." Truly a love story of a love so deep, they will find each other in every lifetime. I CANNOT WAIT for the epic conclusion of the Bewitched trilogy.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and Bloom for the E-ARC.

4⭐️ 3🌶️

Wow! What a wild ride!

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book since despite knowing Roxilana and Selene are the same person, or at least the same soul, they felt like two different people. Especially since for the longest time Selene didn’t believe she was Roxilana.

But I shouldn’t have worried. I loved diving into this book and seeing where things began. It made me understand Memnon’s obsession and need for vengeance. Because that man was OBSESSED.

I loved Roxilana, she was so smart, brave, and kind. Trying to hang onto her humanity despite being married to a warrior king with many enemies.

I mostly loved Memnon. It frustrated me how much he kept from Roxilana afraid that if she knew the truth she would fear him or leave him. But I was ok with it because I knew how obsessed he was with Roxilana and would do anything to keep her happy and with him. Where he lost me is where it came to Eislyn and his ambition. None of that was about keeping Roxi happy, in fact he repeatedly ignored her thoughts and feelings (which should be particularly hard since he can literally read her mind and feel her through their bond) with predictably disastrous results.

It’s funny because even though I knew how this book was going to end, I still felt blindsided. That’s how much this book sucked me in. I want to dive into a reread of Bewitched already!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC.

The Curse That Binds is a prequel to the Bewitched series and as soon as I finished it I wanted to go and reread book 1 and 2. It was very interesting to be able to see how their relationship evolves over the years, as well as seeing their development as individuals, especially Roxi's since the book begins with her at 7 years old. And also be able to understand more behind Memnon's motivations. This book was really good, I love Laura Thalassa’s writing even the author's notes were interesting and I would like to read a lot more about it. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Having read Bewitched and Bespelled first, I was anxiously awaiting this prequel story about Memnon and Roxy and this book was even more than I could have asked for!
I loved hearing little tidbits in the first two books, but finally having the whole story was amazing. From the first time the two become acquainted, to the slow way they get to know each other, to when they unite and become an unstoppable force, I was absolutely captivated.
The characters are raw and real - both have their flaws, but their enduring love for each other is unable to be shattered. I appreciated that Memnon was not perfect by any means, but always was so tender and caring toward Roxy.
I especially loved the end as I felt like it raced toward what everyone really wants to know: how things got to be the way they were in Bewitched. I couldn’t read it fast enough!
If you were intrigued by Bewitched and Bespelled, you’re going to devour this book the way I did. I can’t wait to continue reading this world and Roxy and Memnon’s story!
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and Netgalley for the eARC!

I had the chance to read a eARC of The Curse That Binds thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books. I appreciated the shift in setting to ancient times. It was interesting to learn more about Roxilana and Memnon’s past and how their story began, especially with the mythological elements woven in. While some parts of the story felt a bit long, overall it was a solid read that added meaningful context to the main series.

I do not know if there are words to express how much I am in love with this series and Laura Thalassa's writing, but I will try. I knew the moment I picked this book I had to cancel all my plans because nothing else was getting done until this book was read! I legit read it in practically one sitting, that's how deep I'm in with Roxilana and Memnon story. This prequel was a rollercoaster journey that gave so much more meaning to this series. There were so many chapters that were included in the first two books that was great to read in context of a continually timeline. The love that literally crossed across continents. THIS MAN MARCH HIS WHOLE ARMY TO COME AND GET HER. Like please that man could have had anything he wanted lol.

With this book, the writing and the way the stories just flow together. There has been no point while reading this series where my mind wandered or I got distracted. Something about it just pulls me in and immerses me in the world as if I am watching a movie. (Speaking of, these rights need to be sold asap!)

Overall it made me look at book one in a whole new light. Obviously Memnon did not know what happened in those final hours before his sleep but damn Roxilana legit went through hell and that's the thanks she gets??? Still love them down though I just wish he did more groveling in book 2 lol. As long as my girl gets her happiness because the pain and the loss that she experienced had me tearing up multiple times.

5 ⭐ 2 🌶️

I've been excited for this story and ohmygoodness, it did not disappoint. It was exciting and suspenseful and heartbreaking and just everything I was hoping for when going back to Selene and Memnon beginnings.

I really enjoyed Roxilana's (aka Selene's) journey to Memnon. Runaway bride is such a fun trope and it had me giggling in this one. But watching her turn from a young adult into a powerful queen was so amazing. She was strong and sure and I loved how she handled diversity.

Then that ending. How on earth does an ending you know is coming still feel like such a bloody cliffhanger? It has me itching to read Bewitched and Bespelled all over again. I absolutely loved this prequel story.

Thank you so much to Laura Thalassa and Bloom for this advanced copy!

I am screaming, crying, throwing up. Laura has me in a chokehold with this ARC and I might never recover because this was the fantasy love that I showed up for. There wasn't a moment of this book that left me wanting. I absolutely adored our MMC with my whole chest and it's exactly the kind of love we love for, we die for, we change the world for.

Half of this read was just me shouting, he loves her, he loves her, he loves her!

If someone ruins this book for me I'll cry so please join me or leave me on my merry way into the rest of the Bewitched series.

Screaming for Laura Thalassa’s The Curse That Binds!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Let’s be real—it deserves more than 5)

I was in love with Memnon before but now I am absolutely devoted and OBSESSED.

I don’t even know how to function after finishing The Curse That Binds. Laura Thalassa has done it AGAIN, and this time she ripped my soul out in the most beautiful, excruciating way. This book is technically a prequel, but don’t be fooled—this story binds (pun fully intended) everything together in a way that made my jaw drop and my heart race. I was screaming, wiggling, kicking my feet, and genuinely almost fainting at multiple points.

From chapter five onward, I was 1000% HOOKED. There was no going back. The tension? Immaculate. The twists? Unholy. The spice? Chef’s. Freaking. Kiss. 🔥🔥🔥

If you’re already obsessed with the series, just buckle up. This book delivers EVERYTHING you didn’t know you needed. It adds layers of depth to the world, wrecks your emotions, and somehow makes you fall even harder for characters you thought you already knew.

Laura Thalassa, I don’t know what deal you made with the Fates to write like this, but thank you. 10/10. 5/5. Infinity stars. My soul is not okay, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Curse That Binds is a prequel story to the Bewitched series that covers the entirety of Roxilana and Memnoch’s relationship during Selene’s first incarnation of self. Even though this book is being published after the release of Bespelled, the second book in this series, I feel it would best be read after finishing Bewitched.

I spent a lot of time during Bewitched and Bespelled wondering how such a love as Memnoch and Roxilana’s could’ve gone so wrong? How did such a wondrous love go sour? The Curse That Binds gives us the answers and isn’t gentle about it, but it also gives us an extensive look into how such a great and enduring love came to be in the first place, from adolescent yearnings in the quiet darkness and daring rescues from despot rulers to reading lessons in secret rooms and making love under the stars. You can truly see how these two fell so hard and deep for each other and why they went the lengths they did for one another. 4⭐️


I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Action-Adventure/Book Series/Romantasy/Historical Fantasy/Spice Level 2/Witch Fiction

The Curse that Binds is actually a prequel to the Bewitched series. Have I read the Bewitched series? No. So, there was a learning curve in reading this, but honestly, it wasn't really a problem. I wasn't going to pass up fated mates!

One thing I loved right away was that there was no way to have a miscommunication in this story-they can talk to each other in their minds. They can actually do this before they even meet, so it leads up to an in person meeting really well. I loved that aspect. The plot is rich and engaging. There were certain parts that I feel probably alluded to the first 2 books, but it just makes you want to read them! Their love story is tragic though, so be prepared. This was a beautifully written fantasy that had dynamic characters and a rich world. I am giving it 3.5 stars until I can read the previous books and really understand what happened.

Laura Thalassa once again exceeded all of my expectations with The Curse That Binds just like she has with all the other books of hers that I’ve read!

I’m so glad Laura decided to write a prequel to her Bewitched series in order to give us Roxi and Memnon’s story! Who doesn’t love two characters that will give the world to each other? Roxi and Memnon are both absolutely incredible characters and being able to read their story brought all of the emotions forward for me!

Laura does such an amazing job with these characters and this story gives us so much backstory to the original story but I love that it didn’t take away from the original story either! Roxi and Memnon’s love for each other shines in this book but they have an incredible friendship as well and I love that they see each other in every way!

Per usual, Laura brings the spice and boy do these two have that amazing chemistry! If you want to read about a man who wants to make sure his woman is satisfied, then Memnon is your man!

I’m so happy that the wait for this book is finally over and as you can tell, I loved everything about it! I absolutely can’t wait for book three in the Bewitched series to come out!

Before I got my hands on this, I’d never read any of Thalassa’s previous works and didn’t know what to expect from the story or the series it belongs to. After reading it, I’m adding everything and anything she’s written to my tbr.
The fact that the series is called Bewitched sums up my whole reading experience of the book perfectly. I was absolutely captivated, by the plot and by Roxilana and Memnon’s relationship, and it’s going to take me a long minute to get this book out of my head.