This book captivated me from beginning to end. Immediately fell in love with the characters and was so excited to be back in the same universe as the bargainer series! I actually ended up reading this as the prequel to bewitched and be spelled, so I’m very excited to jump into those next as a continuation of a curse that binds! If you love fated mates, war, magic and strong MMC/FMCs then I highly recommend! You can read this either before bewitched or after bespelled, but I’m very glad I read it first.

Bewitched and Bespelled were two of my favorite reads from 2024 so when Laura Thalassa announced she was releasing a prequel story about Memnon and Roxilana I immediately was on board and hyped.

This story follows the characters through their introduction in their past life as Memnon the indomitable and his queen; How they meet and fall in love and ultimately their fated separation. Though we know how they come together again after 1000 years from Bewitched and Bespelled, it was still super interesting to see how they end up there.

I rated this four starts because I really enjoyed it, but I do feel like it had a moment or two where the pacing felt just a little off. I also would have liked to learn more about Esilyn- the scheming fae. Though I do believe we will be learning more in upcoming books.

Overall if you're a fan of spicy dark witchy romances then this book series is something you will enjoy, and the Curse that Binds is a great addition to the story and character building!

Great read!! I have read the bewitched series and was hoping for the third book in the series, but this was a great read since I did not have to do a reread! Roxi and Mmemon are soulmates and find each other through a mental connection. The story starts when they are pretty young and proceeds until the end of their relationship of the past. It was pretty slow paced, but I enjoyed it. I really understand Mmemon’s character in the main series from his back story. I see the way they are drawn to each other, and will definitely pick these tidbits up when I do a reread of the series. I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Laura has done it again. She is an amazing writer and I will always read anything she writes. The storyline was amazing the characters are likeable. Thank you for an arc of this gem!

And just like that, I have read my favorite book of 2025!!!!

I have been dying for this story since reading Bewitched. I love Memnon so much and I was so intrigued and curious to how their story started. Memnon and Roxilana are my everything! These two, I just loved every single second of this book.

Them knowing about each other, them MEETING, THEIR WEDDING! I love Memnon so much!!!!! I with this story never ended!!!!

I was beyond excited to jump straight into this one because Bewitched and Bespelled have become one of my favourite series of all time, and you know what? i binge read this in 2 days 😄
This was way more than a 5 star read for me, and i would urge anyone who loves fantasy romances with a morally grey main character, unique magic systems, and ancient world building to pick this up!

I knew that there were going to be some things that would take some getting used to, and that the story wouldn’t be the same as the others because its a prequel that focuses on the mmc from these books (Memnon) and his first love Roxi. I know this sounds weird and maybe problematic but it works so well because the fmc in the other books is actually Roxi from a previous life (so they’re quite literally soul mates who cheated death to have another chance with each other).
We also step into a completely different setting in this one, as we go back in time to when Memnon is a Sarmatian warlord, and Roxi is a Roman orphan. The only way I can really describe the setting other than Roman is how similar it felt to season 1 of Game Of Thrones when we are introduced to the Dothraki. Like seriously, I was just picturing Memnon as Jason Momoa the whole time 👀

I went into this one with seriously high expectations and it didn’t disappoint at all! It might actually be my favourite one out of all three of the novels so far, because it just felt so fresh and different, while still going us a bunch of tropes that are familiar, and still being super easy to understand and read. The pacing was chaotic and fast, but in the best way possible. There wasn't a single second that this was boring or lackluster!

You will definitely love this one if you enjoy these tropes;
🖤 Feminine Rage
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Touch Her And Die
🖤 Unique Magic
🖤 GOT Dothraki Vibes
🖤 Ancient Cultures + Setting
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 Childhood Sweethearts
🖤 Fated Mates

I cannot begin to express just how much I enjoyed this one, and just how much further it made me fall in love with the series.
It was seriously so adorable to see both Memnon and Roxi find each other at such a young age, and be there for each other during hard times before they ever met. The book opens up with them both still in their childhoods and being able to communicate with each other mentally. Roxi has no idea what is happening and thinks that she has gone insane, but Memnon knows that this means he is speaking to the other half of his soul 🥹 like come on!
They continue to grow closer this way over the years before Memnon travels all the way to Rome to FINALLY see Roxi and make her his, all while rescuing her from a marriage that she wants no part of.
It was fantastic and really kicked off a sequence of events where they fall in love and begin to slowly conquer the world together (quite literally, they go up against the Roman Empire in the hopes of being the rulers instead) while remaining equals and teaching each other what it means to be soul mates and have magic.

There were so many moments throughout this one where I was swooning, giggling and just in love with them and everything that they were doing, but the plot really changes mid way through when a conniving fairy is introduced.
EVERYTHING WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE IF SHE NEVER EXISTED AND WAS NEVER INTERESTED IN MEMNON BUT OK?!?!
She is the worst character, and is single handedly the reason that Roxi and Memnon don’t get to have their happy ending in this story. She sows a lot of deceit into the minds of the people closest to Memnon, and turns a lot of characters against the two of them.
The entire end of this book was the best set up imaginable for the rest of the series, and it just gave so much more insight into how all of the different characters behaved before meeting again in the modern day.

This is quite possibly one of the best prequels i have ever read, and it added so much to the rest of the series that i can't imagine having never read it. I also think that this one can be read at any time within the series, but it would probably have the most impact if it was read at the end of book 2 (which i think is when Seline starts to get all of the memories back from her past life as Roxi?)

words cannot sum up just how much of a special place this now holds in my heart, and it is likely to be one of my top 3 books of the year, but PLEASE read the TRIGGER WARNINGS before starting this one as it does deal with quite a few hard hitting topics, as well as some hard to read material and things that people might not like and might want to be forewarned of before starting.

I was absolutely thrilled to get an ARC of The Curse That Binds by Laura Thalassa, and diving into the heartbreaking tale of Roxilana and Memnon was a rollercoaster of emotions. Their tragic demise was beautifully written, dripping with angst that made me savor every moment, even as I dreaded the inevitable ending. Readers should know that this book was originally meant to be a novella, which explains some of the choppy jumps through time. I wish the side characters had been fleshed out more, but still, this book left me desperate for the rest of the series so that I could get back to modern times with my girl Selene, whose chemistry with Memnon I like a little more. The Curse That Binds delivered the angst, heartbreak, and history of Memnon and Roxilana I craved, and despite knowing where their love was headed, I enjoyed this epic love story, and love the world Thalassa has created. 100% recommend—4/5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley for the e-Arc of this book!

So this is a book that you definitely need to check the trigger warnings for.

Their story starts out pretty young when Roxi is 7 Memnon hears her in his head for the first time and when she is 12 she hears him in her head for the first time. So from 12 and on through the years they talk, just casual conversations. If you look at the chapter titles, you can make the conclusion that Memnon is 4 years older than her. Which makes it a bit awkward knowing that she is 12 and he is 16 when they start talking, even though it is innocent conversation. I wish she would have sped that process up and gotten to when Roxi turns 18 much sooner than it actually did, because it just feels awkward knowing the age gap.

Then the first spicy scene really told me how I was going to feel about this book because while she is 18 at the time, it gives the feeling that she is much younger due to her naivety and their very awkward conversation during it. Then from there, each spicy scene just stayed uncomfortable.

If you read the content warnings then you know that this book has a pregnancy loss in it, but that’s not it. She gets pregnant, then fights in a battle and gets a lot of damage from an arrow. She passes out due to power overuse and wakes up fine. Then a few days later she looses her baby and it goes into enough detail to mention her actually holding the unborn fetus in her hand and crying as she digs a grave for it with Memnon. So it just got pretty heavy and then all is fine right after that.

It was just awkward and uncomfortable in so many places which sucks because I loved Bewitched and was really looking forward to this book

Step back in time to the story that started it all. Roxi has been raised in Rome to a cruel adopted mother. But at twelve, she starts to hear a voice in her head. Memnon's voice. A Sarmatian warlord from halfway around the world, Memnon becomes Roxi's dearest friend, and as they age, something more. On the eve of her unwanted wedding, Memnon rides into Rome to claim her as his bride. But they have enemies they never could have expected, and even a love as powerful as theirs is doomed for an unhappy ending.

I love the original books in the Bewitched series and ancient history, so The Curse That Binds was the perfect combination of both. While the pacing was a little too fast at the end, the romance was incredible, and I loved the character growth. Getting a glimpse at the author's version of the Sarmatian people was also fascinating and it's clear that she did her research when portraying their culture while adding a touch of her own imagination.

Read if you like...
⚔️ Touch her and you die
⚔️ I'd burn down the world for you
⚔️ He eventually hates everyone but her
⚔️ An abused woman coming into her power
⚔️ Feminine rage
⚔️ Healing wounds
⚔️ Mental communication for... various purposes
⚔️ Magic inspired by ancient cultures
⚔️ An adorable magic panther
⚔️ Great nods to the original series
⚔️ He makes her his equal
⚔️ Training sequences
⚔️ Eternal love
⚔️ Strong sisterhoods and chosen female community

"The Curse That Binds" was one of my most-anticipated books of 2025, and it did not disappoint!

We get such an amazing look at Roxilana's life from a young age all the way through the events that we got in a flashback moment in "Bespelled", and it really filled in all those blanks for me that I ached for. ESPECIALLY where Roxi and Memnon's past relationship was concerned! We also get a lot more insight into Memnon as a character which made me appreciate his progression in "Bewtiched" and "Bespelled" so much more.

Overall, just so good and so satisfying!

The Curse That Binds was absolutely fantastic. Fast paced and utterly chaotic (in the best way), and I loved every minute of it.

This book was amazing from the start. Laura Thalassa is a great storyteller who brought Roxi and Memnon’s story to life in a way I didn’t expect. Their love felt very real and deep, full of both passion and tenderness. I liked how their connection grew slowly but strongly, and how the story showed both their strengths and struggles. Memnon is a fierce warrior but so gentle with Roxi, and she really is his whole world. Even knowing how the story ends, I couldn’t stop reading because it’s so emotional and powerful. The writing is easy to follow but also very rich and dark in a good way. I can’t wait to read more from this series. Thank you so much to the author, Sourcebooks, and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

Laura is a master storyteller, this book was everything I’d been waiting for and more. From the very first page, I was completely swept away, transported from the heart of Rome to the wild steppe.
Even though I knew how it would end, nothing could’ve prepared me for how deeply it would hit. The love story between Roxi and Memnon was so tender and unique, i couldn'tget enough of these 2. Their connection felt timeless. Roxi may share a soul with Selene, but she’s her own person, so different, so striking in her own way. Watching their lives unfold in such different eras made everything feel even more profound.
I’m holding onto hope for their happily ever after, they’ve more than earned it.

4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5 for The Curse that Binds the perfect prequel to the Bewitched series.

What you can expect to find in The Curse that Binds:
-fated mates
-they can speak in each others mind
-a down bad mmc
-mmc that backs his queen at every. single. opportunity.
-🌶️🌶️🌶️
-gave me Khaleesi x Khal Drogo vibes

I have been LOVING the Bewitched series by Laura Thalassa. So when I found out there was going to be a prequel to how Roxilana and Memnon. The sweet way that these two found their way to each other was ugh so beautiful. I loved how before they even met they were able to share minds and talk to each other throughout their struggles. It only made prolonging that first meeting between Memnon and Roxilana so heartful and sweet. Yes, Memnon is a bit of a brute - but he clearly loves his little witch so much.

I'm not going to say much more than that, because I feel like you have to read the books in order to get the gist of this prequel. I will say that I can sympathize with Memnon more now that I know his shared background with Roxi. And that ending? 😭😭😭.

Absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series.

4.5⭐️
"Roxi, you are my first and last thought each day. I have longed for you more than I care to admit- not just as my friend and confidant but also as my lover and wife and amage."
Amazing. Honestly just SO good. Laura Thalassa has said that this book was a labour of love and you can really just feel how much work and heart she put into it. When I first read Bewitched I remember thinking how great it would be if we got flashbacks of Roxilana and Memnon's early years- so when I found out LT was writing this (originally as a novella) I was THRILLED. And when it became not only a full-length book, but the longest in the series? Seriously I was counting down the days.

Roxilana and Memnon are of course, rock-solid. We get to learn how they first heard each other's voices and then later met in Rome. The love between them is so strong, but also the friendship between them. They truly see each other- the good and the bad, and even the bloodthirsty parts. And they accept and love each other no matter what. Every step of the way, both of them are willing to do whatever it takes to protect the other and to make them happy. I loved how Memnon is- even in the early days of magic use- this battle hardened warrior, but is always soft and gentle with Roxi. She's his entire world and he tells her every chance he gets. And for Roxi, who grew up without love or affection, Memnon is her home.

Of course because we know how this story ends, it's also very bitter-sweet. We know what's going to happen to Roxi and Memnon and can do nothing as they continue to walk towards their fate. And it was a little frustrating at times, because it's easier with the knowledge of what is going to happen to point out where they could have stopped it. Like sometimes just wanted to yell at them through the book. For all Memnon loved Roxilana and was fighting for her, he also refused to step back from conquering. And even though Roxi didn't agree with it or want it, she refrained from even giving her opinion most of the time. Like this man is your soulmate and holds your opinion above all others, so SAY SOMETHING my god, he'd listen to Roxi over his advisors, surely. But because Roxi is unquestionably loyal to Memnon, she just went along with all of his plans.

This really just made me want a happy, peaceful life for these two.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I went in blind, because I like to read series in a chronological order, although understanding the premise, I think this prequel is also super enjoyable for those who are already familiar with Roxilana’s and Memnons story.
Laura’s writing is deliciously dark, enjoyable and easy to get lost in.
Will definitely continue with this series!

Are you kidding me! She is such a master piece. I knew I’d love this but I didn’t realize just how much. It’s perfection. The romance and history behind the couple and how things lead to books 1and 2. The love they have is so viscerally strong as the years go back. You could almost just read this as a standalone BUT you’d be doing yourself a disservice. This story stands on its own and is so magical and emotional. I just can’t say enough good things. Thank you for allowing me to read this early 🩷

This is the perfect prequel. You see where both characters begin, how they come together, and how everything gets fucked up.
Compelling and interesting all the way through.

The Curse That Binds Us had me hooked, confused, and very possibly in love with a morally grey sea god.

Look, I still don’t fully know what happened. The plot is chaos, the world is wild, and the pacing is… questionable. But did I devour every page? Yes. Yes, I did.

Cosima is feisty, reckless, and makes very questionable choices (same, girl). And the Bargainer? Dark, broody, full of secrets… aka, my type.

It’s messy. It’s magical. It’s a little unhinged. But I’ll be reading the next one because apparently, I enjoy emotional whiplash.

3.5 stars of beautiful disaster energy

This prequel ATE so well, like oh my goodness. This story was so well done in typical Laura Thalassa fashion and gave us such a perfect prequel book of characters who have this beautiful forbidden romance, fantasy, and all the intrigue that makes any romantasy reader.

It flowed really well, and if you've read the other books in the series that are currently out, you're going to want to dive right in and eat this book up!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!