I wasn’t sure if I was interested in reading a prequel focused on Roxilana and Memnon’s original story but I WAS WRONG.

This book is excellent!!! I loved their story and this backstory, and I am so glad I was able to read it! It reminds me a bit of War in the Four Horsemen series but also totally different at the same time.

I loved their connection and love for each other, and I love how they came to be and came together… so sweet and perfect. Roxi’s character arc to becoming a strong warrior was awesome, and I loved getting to see her as a person compared to who she is in present day.

Overall I loved this!! And it makes me want to reread the entire series!

4.25 thank you to netgalley, the publisher and Laura for this amazing ARC!

Wow! This story gives so much DEPTH and heartache to Memnon. His intensity, his passion.. it now all makes sense. The soulmate bond with Roxi was so deep. I loved being able to watch how that grows along with their relationship.

Now I need to go re read Bewitched & Bespelled! Cannot wait for #3!

I thought I was prepared to be emotionally wrecked by this book after reading the first two in the Bewitched series—but I was wrong. I was absolutely destroyed…in the most beautiful, gut-wrenching way. Roxilana and Memnon’s tragic yet stunning love story took my breath away.

Though this is technically a prequel, I highly recommend reading the first two books first to avoid spoilers and fully appreciate the emotional weight of their story. The writing is rich with vivid imagery, sharp wit, and heartfelt banter that brings every character to life.

I'm so glad this ended up being a full-length novel instead of a novella—it deserved every page. This book delivers a hauntingly beautiful tale of two fated souls whose minds connect as children. They become each other’s sanctuary, friends, confidants, everything the other needs long before they ever meet in person.

We get an intimate look at Roxi and Memnon’s lives before Bewitched—the fierce warrior and his gentle, humble queen, who ultimately becomes a reluctant yet powerful force of vengeance. Watching Roxi come into her own, embracing the darkness within to protect those she loves, no matter the cost, is both heartbreaking and empowering.

This story is a hauntingly beautiful blend of tragic romance and fate.

So this was perfection.

I absolutely loved Bewitched and Bespelled, but you could absolutely read this as a prequel without having read the other books. I was a little worried I wouldn't be as enamored, having read the first two which are set in a different time, but I should have just trusted Laura AS USUAL because this was everything.

Watching Roxilana and Memnon's story unfold over their lifetime was truly magical, and I am always so impressed when an author can make the magic happen over a span of many years without feeling rushed or dragging. Seeing how Roxi becomes who she is was FASCINATING and gave so much insight into the main books - can't say more without spoiling it! Memnon is, as always, delightfully toxic and unhinged, and such a well written morally grey to black character.

None of the people here are perfect people, and the ancient cultures and insights were well written and thoughtful without being apologetic. I enjoyed the heck out of this and I was already looking forward to the 3rd book in the Bewitched series. Check your trigger warnings, as always, and enjoy!

I received an ARC for this book and I am thankful for the opportunity.
I appreciated this book more than I thought I would. A girl from a young age discovers that she can communicate with boy through her mind. This involves into a beautiful love story between them as we get to see them over a couple of years.
Memnon is obsessed with Roxilana. When I mean obsessed, I mean down so bad he willingly lets her walk him like a dog. He only has eyes for her and her alone. Memnon is also strong and protective of his kingdom. He truly cares for those under his care and would do anything to protect them.
I liked Roxilana as a character. Though life before seemed to beat her down, she always rose to the challenge and never accepted defeat. She is strong protective and loyal to a fault. Roxilana knows that becoming Queen can be hard, but she also knows that without hardships is no reward.
Their relationship could be considered insta-love because of the way that their story is told. The book is told in three parts with each part having Roxilana at a certain age range. We see her in part one from ages 7-17. Part two she is 18, and part three she is a grown adult.
Though it turned out well, I believe that their fast relationship happened because of the life they lived, plus we are talking about Ancient Rome and they married early anyway.
Overall, this book was wonderful and I will be reading more of Laura Thalassa's writing in the future.

Laura Thalassa is so incredibly and talented in every single way! I have never not loved one of her books, and this one follows that trend.
It was so interesting getting more backstory through Roxilana and Memnon. It was beautifully written, romantic, and pulled at my heart in all the right ways.
This is a must read!!

Oh my god
I just finished and I feel sick, like a need to run a marathon, go into battle, sleep for a week straight and I’m all out of tears. There’s literally none left to give after all I have already cried.
The rage I feel…. I just don’t even know how to explain it.

This was my first book in this series and now I am utterly petrified at reading the rest.

A woman stolen as a child and cruelly forced to her a new “mother” who abuses her. Finds a voice in her head, that of a young man. The only source of friendship and kindness our FMC has, their relationship grows into something more, something both are scared to name.

When her adoptive mother tries to force her into marriage, the man in her head decides it is time to come claim his bride.

They love and loyalty between the two are something that will make you ache. They face battles, loss and pain together.

I don’t want to say more but this is not a book you should go into lightly.
Much of the way Firebird has intense scenes of the Roman Empire, expect it here too!

I'm so happy to finally have gotten to read Roxi and Memnon's history together, I'd been looking forward to it for a long time! As always Laura Thalassa's world building was really enjoyable, I adored the historical setting especially in a time period that is rarely done in romance.

I will say that I felt the beginning half of the story felt a little rushed, I really wanted to read more about Memnon's and Roxi early years talking to each other telepathically, I wanted to see the growth of their feelings towards one another in the early years. One other nit-pick I have is that sometimes the dialogue would sound far more 'modern' than what you'd expect from an ancient timeline, it would take me out of the story a bit.

Overall I enjoyed the journey of Roxi and Memnon's first lifetime together I think it adds much more flavor to their current timeline and who they are now, and btw the spicey-ness was *chef's kiss'!

I absolutely love Memnon and Selene/Roxilana in Bewitched and Bespelled, so I screamed when I got approved for an aARC. This is a friends to lovers book (and I'm rather meh about that trope), but it was great to get to know the characters better! So much about their past together is only hinted at in the main series.

As soon as I finished, I immediately had to re-read Bespelled and it somehow made that masterpiece even better!

I can't wait for the final book in the series!

I went into this story with no context because I have not yet read the rest of the series. I figured I would be ok reading this because it said it was the prequel. What I did not count on was how visceral my need to read the rest of the series would become. This book was utterly captivating. The absolute love and devotion between Memnon and Roxilana was palpable. They were not spared any suffering and fought against the world to build their lives.

The plot left some really interesting threads that I’m sure are used in the rest of the series and I have questions and theories incessantly occupying my thoughts.

New to this series or already a devoted follower? It doesn’t matter. Both would thoroughly enjoy this. It’s just that good. I could not recommend this book enough.

Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.

The Curse that Binds so good Laura Thalassa has done a mind blowing job of not only delivering a prequel that is so mesmerizing I honestly believe it’s the best book of the series. It is hauntingly tragic, beautifully written and gives us a glimpse into the hearts of an epic love for those that believe in star crossed lovers, fated mates , soul mates all the things of epic undying love we all fantasize can be real. This book truly delivers a tragically beautiful love story of two fated mates who’s minds touch as children they are friends confidants and everything the other needs fir years before they ever meet. This story gives us a look at Roxi and Memnon's life before Bewitched. A look into the heart of a fierce warrior and his kind humble queen who is molded into a formidable if not reluctant vengeful warrior in her own right as she embraces the darkest truth about her own power and the lengths she will go to protect those she calls family no matter the cost. And Ferox such a loyal loving familiar although he is not called such in the book he is what the epitome of a witches familiar and the way she saves him truly brave and fierce and dang cool as anything I’ve ever read. Not many can say they found a familiar in the midst of a gladiator ring. I was crying for joy at their fiercely loyal companionship. The Curse That Binds is dark, violent and tragic yet so full of hope and promise it is beautifully written and will have me binging the series over again! I want to redevour everything anew with what has to be one of the most epic backstories I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Truly amazing from start to finish
Though this is a prequel and can be read first I truly feel reading it in order if its release is a far better reading experience because all the bits you wish you knew are revealed and you fall so much deeper into the world of Roxi/Selene. Allowing you to fully grasp the deep passion, pain and anguish the characters have 2,000 years later. I mean can you imagine a love for the ages and more raw power then one can fathom asking with a sly cunning enemy who played them at every turn until they didn’t go Roxi!!! This book reveals each shattering revelations they set us up for a showdown of epic proportions and I am in stunned awe waiting for what will come next. I can hardly wait. I yelled, I cried I possibly cracked my phone screen well the glass protector anyway. But truly amazing perfect pacing , plenty of bloody action, bloodlust and a spicy meter of 15 out of ten yes the book is many many spicy chili peppers. With rich complex characters and a vividly real and beautiful world building. I feel like I could truly walk into Ancient Rome or the grassland and steps of the nomadic travels of Memnon’s barbarians. And Memnon’s family I loved them truly fantastic and richly developed people and lives. I honestly don’t think I can say enough it had everything the internal dialog the private mental conversations of years worth of experience developing a deep connection before they met. The natural pacing of growing to understand each other it was both a fast and slow burn with an electric instant connection that felt tangible and meaningful. Just read it you know you want to and it’s totally worth the sleep deprivation!! 10 stars if I could give it. Best book of the year so far.

Thank you so so much for the arc Bloom Books and Laura Thalassa!

I have been waiting for this book ever since we got Bewitched and Bespelled. I loved it so much. The history, the plot, the love….it was everything. I cannot wait to go back and read book 1 and 2 again with this book in my head. I trust that Laura weaved somethings into the story that will only make sense to me now having read this prequel.
Memnon is everything. EVERYTHING. He is all you could want in a man. Obsessed with you and willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy. Roxi…gah she’s one of my favorite FMC’s I have read about in awhile. I loved her fierceness, her loyalty, and the sass yall…She’s so sassy and Daddy Memnon loves it so much. I didn’t think anything could top Laura’s four horsemen series for me but I think they are at the very least tied with this series now.

Update went and reread a few things in books 1&2 and ughhhh the way Laura did this. So good. Perfect really. Its been a few days since I read this book and I cannot stop thinking about it.

*sigh*

Laura Thalassa has done it again, and delivered a beautiful story that gives us a look at Roxi and Memnon's life before the world of Bewitched. I loved this book - it was dark and haunting and bittersweet, yet full of passion and a desperate love that satisfied everything I wanted in this prequel story. I'm in two minds about when I'd recommend reading this. I think if you read it before diving into Bewitched (if you've never read the series), it will enrich your experience of the story and change your perspective of the characters. I was never the biggest fan of Memnon, but this book made me fall in love with the character. Reading it after will make everything fall into place and probably give you a richer, more immersive experience with this particular story. Both options make for a fabulous reading experience - it just depends if you want to be set up with a lot of the background info before diving into the world, or if you want to fall in love with the world first and then dive into a totally different experience with the prequel.

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Bloom Books and NetGalley for the eARC of this book!

Ok this book was a fast fun read for me but I have one criticism. How does the most powerful Sorcerer almost due multiple times?
I love her childhood story, coming of age, fated and becoming a witch. I also especially love mind to mind inside communication! Makes for fun banter!!

First, I want to thank NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, and the amazing author Laura Thalassa for the opportunity to review this book.

I’ve heard a lot about Bewitched and Bespelled, and I’ve been super curious about them, so when I saw there would be a prequel, my interest grew even more. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous going in because I hadn’t read the other books and wasn’t sure if that would be a problem. But to my surprise, The Curse That Binds stands strong on its own. The story was clear, cohesive, and completely immersive.

What I loved most is that the book takes place during ancient Roman times. The setting added so much depth and richness to the story. Watching the connection between Memnon and Roxalina unfold was captivating. The time they spend getting to know each other creates such a solid emotional foundation and the way this was done was very unique.

Laura Thalassa’s writing is so vivid, you feel like you’re living the story right alongside the characters. Their love story, set against the backdrop of war and laced with magic, feels both epic and intimate. The way Memnon and Roxalina complement each other on every level (physically. and emotionally) was beautiful to witness. There are moments of heartbreak that give the story weight and realism, and their love feels deep, powerful, and timeless. Another part I loved was the fact that there were bonds with other special characters and seeing their perspectives was amazing.

Yes, the book is a bit lengthy, but it needs to be. The pacing and development are done so well that it flows naturally, and I finished it in just two days because I couldn’t put it down.

I absolutely recommend picking this one up. It’s a magical, emotional, and beautifully written love story that will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait to dive into Bewitched and Bespelled next!

#NetGalley #LauraThalassa #TheCursethatBinds #MagicandPower #Loveistimeless #GriefandLove

I’ll be honest—series can be a struggle for me. By the time book two or three comes out, I’ve usually forgotten half of what happened in book one. That’s why I really appreciated this book. It gave me the full history of the characters' love story—from how they met to everything that led up to the events in book one.

I loved diving deeper into their connection and finally seeing how it all began, especially since book one drops us in after the curse has already started. Getting to witness their relationship develop from the very beginning made me even more invested in their journey. It added so much depth and emotion to everything I already knew about them.

If you’re like me and like knowing the “before” to truly appreciate the “after,” this book delivers exactly that. It made me want to reread book one with a whole new perspective.

I chose to read this prequel as a true prequel, so I haven't read the other books yet, but I will! Because this was amazing.

This book is an insta-love kind of deal, which I don't mind especially with it being a prequel. The bond and relationship between the 2 main characters was beautiful, it started when they were younger and grew as they grew. There are some shady characters whom I hated from the start and some who sneak up on you later, and really fricken ticked me off. The ending sort of went how I expected it to go with a couple of little things I didn't initially expect until just before they happened. The ending sets up the next book's events, which I cannot wait to jump into!

I very thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's what I'd expect from this author, I've been a fan since "The Bargainer" series.

I devoured this book and am so glad the author chose to make this a full book instead of a novella. Anything shorter would have felt rushed. Bewitched was the first of Laura Thalassa’s writing I read and I have been hooked since. Her writing is entertaining and her pacing is quick without feeling rushed. This is no exception.

This prequel is such a great, albeit tragic, ride. Knowing what will happen, you can see the writing on the wall, and so do many of the characters. I loved getting to know Roxy before she became Selene and Memnon before he lost much of his conscience. Now that I have this context, I really want to reread the first two books.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

By far the best book in the series!

This is a prequel to the Bewitched and Bespelled books. This book provided so much detail about the MMC and FMC, really filling in knowledge you were wondering about from the first two books, such as the pet names the MMC has for the FMC. So much context is given to best understand the MMC, including why he is the way he is, his devotion for the FMC, and what happened that led to him being so awful in the first book. I know the glimpse of the past is revealed prior to the prequel, but this book provides so much more information. I loved it!

Honestly, I like the FMC more in this book as Roxi than the FMC as Selene in the first two books. I found Roxi's character development more interesting and I appreciated her thought processes being more mature. There are times when I wanted Roxi to stand up for herself the way Selene would; yet, again, I found Roxi more thoughtful and less impulsive and dramatic as Selene. I really hope now that Selene has all of Roxi's memories, we see the best version of the FMC, i.e., more mature and thoughtful, while being more assertive and standing up for herself (i.e., being less passive). I hope to see her more assertive towards Memnon who (in this book) always did what he wanted and often did not consider Roxi's perspective and wishes. What an amazing character development that could be for both FMC and MMC! I am also hoping Selene tells Kane off in the next book! Goodness, we see how much Roxi loves Memnon, yet Selene says no to Kane and then she continues to give him more chances, where he again pushes boundaries. Kane- NO MEANS NO. This book also gives more context to why the MMC had such a huge, harmful reaction towards Kane when Kane and Selene were about to have intimacy in the first book.

Overall, this book gives significant insight into the past, helping you better understand the first two books. I kept wanting to read to learn more and more. The pacing is well done, as there is character development, internal dialogue, relationship development, and action scenes. Some parts of the book you want to yell, JUST LISTEN MEMNON, because we know what is coming.

Once I finish this, I immediately ran back and skimmed over Bespelled. So much more made sense!! I believe that, when a new book comes out and makes you want to go back and read previous books, an excellent job was done. So much pre-thought must have gone into creating this series, then writing and publishing in a specific way that creates the biggest awe… well done!

FANTASTIC job Laura! I liked the series, but now I LOVE it because of this book.

Laura Thalassa's "The Curse That Binds," is an electrifying addition to the Bewitched series that will leave you breathless! If you thought you knew the depths of this magical world, prepare for a journey that will re-forge your understanding and ignite your senses. For me, this is hands down the best book in the series yet.
This origin story takes us back to the very beginning, unveiling the profound love story of Roxilana and Memnon. This is the original tale that sets the stage for everything we come to know later in the Bewitched series, a truly poignant and strikingly beautiful chronicle of their connection. It's an intimate look at two souls, innocent in their own ways, navigating a world filled with violence and trauma, yet finding solace and love in each other amidst the chaos. Their connection is a tender dance of coming-of-age, spanning time and distance, and it will undeniably tug at your heartstrings, making the later revelations in the series even more impactful.
Get ready for an adrenaline rush because the action and excitement in this book are simply phenomenal. My heart was racing more times than I can count! The suspense leading up to Roxilana’s vows with Quadratus is masterfully crafted. You'll be on the edge of your seat, wondering if Memnon will make it in time. And when "the screaming starts," be prepared for your heart to pound right along with Roxie's! The moment Memnon and Roxilana finally see each other is pure magic—a singular, all-consuming instant where the world fades away, leaving only their palpable connection. Laura Thalassa truly excels at crafting chemistry and passion that practically leaps off the page, a testament to her undeniable skill.
Beyond the intense drama, "The Curse That Binds" is also hilariously entertaining. The wedding hunt is a perfect blend of exhilarating action and laugh-out-loud humor that will have you simultaneously on the edge of your seat and giggling with delight. And the banter between Memnon and Roxie? Absolutely brilliant! Their conversations are witty, charming, and add another layer of depth and enjoyment to an already incredible read.
This book is an absolute triumph, and I simply cannot wait for book #3 in the Bewitched series! It's a solid 5 Stars from me!
And as a final testament to the power of their bond, one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"From the gods that made me to the gods that take me. From this breath to my last, I am yours."

Be sure to get your copy on release day! July 1, 2025

I want to thank #LauraThalassa,#Netgalley and #Bloombooks for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

+++I was given a copy of this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++