Im so glad I chose to read this without the reread first. I honestly can't wait to re read bewitched and be spelled nowI honestly can't wait to re-read bewitched and bespelled now. This was such a sweet and charming read, and I loved getting to know these characters before all the trauma that leads up to the primary series. I do think the pacing at the beginning of the book was a little odd. I would have liked to dive more into the time period when she first could hear him in her mind and how it built up to them eventually getting married. The beginning felt like I was being told about their romance instead of feeling it. But beyond that this was exceptional. Extremely well done.

Now this was a special book!

The historical setting was such a refreshing and unique twist for Laura Thalassa - I really enjoyed it. It was so sweet seeing the main characters in their younger days; it gave the whole story a tender, nostalgic feel. And wow, it made me feel so many emotions.

Of course, I can’t forget to mention: yes, it’s fairly spicy. Personally, I found it a bit too much at times and chose to skip a few scenes, but I know many readers will definitely appreciate that aspect.

I’m still conflicted about whether it’s better to read this before the first two novels or after, like I did. Honestly, both approaches offer something special. Reading it first lets you experience the journey from the very beginning, with more surprises along the way. But reading it after hits so much harder emotionally, because you already know what’s coming and that makes every moment feel even more poignant.

I was already a fan of Memnon from the moment I read Bewitched, the first release in the series. So I was nervous to get their backstory—but also so excited, because I wanted everything about Roxanna and Memnon. And this book did not disappoint.

I loved the layering of real-life history into their story. I’ve been in a bit of a fantasy slump, and I was nervous going into this one… but I shouldn’t have been. The storytelling, the worldbuilding, the emotional tension—it was all done so cleanly. You’re just in it. Fully immersed. Feeling, loving, stressing, and crying right alongside the characters.

And best of all? You don’t feel like you’ve been cheated out of any moments in their lives. This book ends and blends seamlessly into Bewitched.

Fabulous job. I’m so thankful this sequel lived up to the rest of the series.

Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books for the ARC!

What a prequel! I have been loving the Bewitched series and this prequel was such a great addition to the overall story! It makes me think of how with the from blood and ash series that getting the story of what was before enhanced the main story. This was definitely like that! I loved getting to know Roxilana and Memnon in this way, it makes me ache for them in the present timeline even more!

This is the story of Roxilana, a young girl born over two millennia ago who captured the heart of the Sorcerer King of the Sarmatians and became his queen which to the fall of an empire.

The Curse that Binds is the prequel to Bespelled and Bewitched, and while you could read those books without reading this one why would you as it tells the backstory of a love that time couldn’t stop despite the perceived betrayals. The world building was fabulous, and Laura Thalassa’s vivid words and descriptions made it so easy to visualise the backdrop of ancient civilisations and all the brutality of the time and the love that Memnon and Roxi shared the stuff of legend. The book was engaging easy to read, with the storyline thrilling and action-packed, and different from the norm. It had a gritty feel with an emotional vibe as, if you’ve read the first two books you already know how things are going to end. While normally romantasy or paranormal romance would never be my first choice but there is just something about these Memnon and Roxilana that has me obsessed and I can't wait to read more of their story.

Can I give it 10 stars? This book was good that I devoured it immediately in one sitting. What a beautiful mesmerizing story that Laura created with awesome characters yet again. sign me up for all things Laura!

I am in love with this series!! And to finally have Memnon and Roxilana's story is amazing! This is something that the readers wanted since Bewitched. The way that Laura Thalassa creates her worlds is so different, but so great as it keeps you immersed within the story. She always leaves me wanting more. I definitely feel like this is going to be one of those books where every time you read it, you'll pick up on something new. I'm so happy to finally have a backstory to the series! I may have to read the entire series again!

Thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the eARC.

📖 Title: The Curse That Binds- Bewitched# 2.5

✍🏾 Author: Laura Thalassa-I read Bewitched 3*, and Bespelled 4*

📅Publication date: 7/1/25 | Read 7/3/25

📃 Format: eBook 528 pgs.

Genre:
*Historical
*Romance
*Fantasy

Tropes:
*magic
*fated mates
*arranged marriage

👆🏾POV: 1st person single

⚠️TW: SA, miscarriage, grief, physical/mental abuse, war, death of loved ones


🌎 Setting: Rome, Sarmatia, Panticapaemus

💭Summary: Roxilana was living happily with her parents and siblings in Rome until tragedy struck and left her an orphan. Adopted by a greedy and selfish woman who abused her, Roxilana's magic is awakened, and she begins a "mind reading" friendship with Memnon-a warrior with his own magic too. They grow together and when Roxilana turns 18, her mother promises her to another man. Memnon admits he loves her and takes her away from Rome to his kingdom in Sarmatia. Soon Roxilana discovers the pain and endurance needed to be Queen of Sarmatia. War, tragedy, and betrayal have Roxilana and Memnon fighting for each other and their conscience.

👩🏾 Heroine: Roxilana "Roxi"-a seamstress asst. turned Queen

👨🏾 Hero: Memnon-King of the Sarmatians

🎭 Other Characters:

* Livia-Roxilana's adoptive mother from age 12-18
*Tamara-Memnon's mother
*Ilyapa-King of Moche Empire/Memnon's father
*Katiaria-Memnon's half-sister
*Eislyn -Ilyapa's advisor, a fairy
*Ferox-Roxilana's panther familiar

🤔 My Thoughts: This was a huge undertaking for me, and I took my time with it. Now I understand how everything turned out with Memnon and Roxilana. This story was epic considering it started when Roxi was 7 and ended when she was 23. I couldn't help but think of The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley and GRRM's Daenerys and Drogo from GOT. I also saw Thalassa's Four Horsemen series, but this was its own wonderful journey.

Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level 5/5 🌶️

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks | Bloom Books, and Laura Thalassa for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

The Curse That Binds is the first book I’ve ever read by Laura Thalassa, but I immediately purchased the other two in this series once I finished this one.
First of all, I loved Memnon and Roxilana’s story. Their magic and Memnon’s love and loyalty for his mate. The lengths he went to to make sure she was protected at all costs.
There are twists in this book that I wasn’t expecting, but looking back on the story I should’ve been prepared for them.

Thank you NetGalley and Laura Thalassa for this ARC

I started writing this review before even finishing the book—no idea why, but here we are.

Is it a good book? Yes, absolutely.
Am I enjoying it? So far, so good!
Do I love the characters? Memnon and Roxi are wonderful, even though his name is a bit of a mouthful (how do you even pronounce it?).

Now, here’s the funny part, I only realized midway that this is actually Book 2.5 in a series. Oops. But you know what? It didn’t matter. I still liked it just fine as a standalone experience.

At the time of writing this, I’m on page 225 of 381 (ARC copy), and I’m fully immersed in this beautiful, richly built world. The atmosphere, the tension, the magic—it’s all pulling me in.

That said… I did end up getting slightly bored towards the end. The initial excitement tapered off, and while I still liked the story, it didn’t quite hold my attention as strongly as it did in the beginning.

Final verdict? A solid 3 stars. Enjoyable, with great characters and world-building, but it lost some steam for me by the finale.

Would I read more from this series? Maybe! But next time, I’ll start from Book 1.

✨Book Review✨

I have been dying to read this little prequel novel since it was announced! This series is one of my absolute favorites by @laurathalassa

I really enjoyed getting to know Roxi here. How her mind works and the things she had to overcome. I wish we got to see her be more of a Queen and how she would rule. Also, seeing Memnon and how much he loved Roxi was endearing. You truly felt they were soulmates. We also, get to see how Memnon's magic changes him for the worst in away.

Can't wait for the next book! Thank you @read_bloom for the gifted ebook.

I loved this prequel to the Bewitched series.

I already loved Memnon and Roxi but this book made me appreciate them and their love so much more. Their story is one of the greats. Forbidden love, soul mates, fierce warriors and betrayal.

I love that the author wrote this book after the first two. You can see why Memnon is so obsessed with Roxi.

Highly recommend. I dare say I might have loved it even more than the first two.

Four stars for The Curse That Binds. I am SO happy that Laura Thalassa gave these two a whole book to explore and develop. I love this series and this book just really solidifies why this series is a must buy for me. I really enjoyed that we got to see the two main characters discovered each other, grow and dominate at what they do, all while keep most of their integrity. Roxi was a standout, she was strong, intelligent and I loved having this book from her point of view (mostly). Overall this was an excellent addition to the series and I cannot wait for more.

I absolutely love the Bewitched Series by Laura Thalassa and it was so amazing to go all back to the beginning of Roxilana and Memnon‘s story with their prequel The Curse That Binds. If you haven’t started this series yet, you could technically start here but for the best reading experience I personally recommend starting with Bewitched.
 
I absolutely love Roxilana and Memnon, so it’s to no surprise that I practically inhaled this book and absolutely loved it. Their story is one for the ages and I truly appreciated how much research was put into this book becomes it shows. I loved how we go back all the way to Ancient Rome were Roxilana lives a rather ordinary life until everything changed, and she connects with Memnon. I loved seeing both of them through the ages and how their love gets stronger and stronger. Memnon is such a warrior, and he protects Roxilana with everything he has and moves mountains for her.
 
I love soulmate stories and this one is extra special to me because it makes me feel everything. Their first meeting was just iconic, and I loved all the happy moments like Roxilana meeting her panther. But nothing good can be without a darker side and there were some very bittersweet and shocking scenes as well. In addition, it’s so interesting how the magic works and I loved how it was colorful.
 
If you’re not a hopeless romantic yet, you totally will be after reading this incredible book. I love Roxilana, Memnon and this world even more now and it’s just one of my favorite series ever. Infinite stars.
 
(Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc.)

Title: The Curse That Binds
Author: Laura Thalassa
Series: Bewitched
Rating: 4.5⭐️

When I tell you that I can't wait for the last and final book in this series its seriously no lie!! I have had the opportunity to read an ARC of each book in the Bewitched series and they just keep getting better and better!

The Curse That Binds is a prequel to the main story line in Bewitched and Bespelled. While reading Bespelled, we got small glimpses into Roxilana and Memnon's past but I so wanted more and this book did not disappoint. It was so amazing to see the chemistry, the connection, and the turmoil of this pair. It really puts the rest of the series in perspective, knowing what we already know about their future....

If you are just starting this series, I would likely recommend reading this book after Bewitched!

Read this book if you enjoy:
- Magic
- Fated mates
- Touch her and 💀 vibes
- Prequels

A huge huge thank you to Laura, the publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. These views are my own.

*arc review*

This is definitely not my usual read but I liked it! I was instantly drawn in at the beginning but I will admit about 70% in I was pretty bored. I think if the fighting and war wasn’t so repetitive I may have enjoyed it more! But I do find myself curious about the rest of the series so definitely think its enough to get hooked and find out more of the story. Thank you for the arc!

4 stars
3 on spice scale

I was so excited for this prequel story for Bewitched and Bespelled by Laura Thalassa. It is their origin story, love and struggles in this historical setting is what I have been waiting for. I loved the characters from the first two books, so it was so captivating seeing them in this new setting how they are the same and different from their future selves. Roxi really developed into the strong powerful character that I recognized, I loved her journey. One thing that I did not love in the first two books is still present in this one and it is the secrets and information that Memnon keeps from Roxi. Through all the books he speaks of devotion, love and would do anything for her, but keeps these big and important things from her, because of how she might react. That just really drove me crazy. You will definitely need to read the first two books, so you don’t get spoiled. There are some triggers in here, so please check those before picking it up. Overall, great store, love the context we get and very spicy!
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

Wow this prequel to the Bewitched series is just absolutely fabulous but I will warn you that it’s also heartbreaking . Roxilana is a slave of the Roman Empire and starts to hear a voice in her head that turns out to belong to a boy called Memnon . They form a bond that quite literally saves Memnons life ! Yes Roxilana has a power within her that somehow helps Memnon connect to amazing and yet deadly Sorcerer abilities . This enables Memnon to become a conqueror like no other and yes of course they do eventually meet in person but this book is sadly not to be a happy ending ! I have read the two books that follow this tale in the future and will start by saying that I was totally blown away with how my opinion of Memnon changed so much while reading this . I liked him so much more and could understand just why he behaved as he did . This is a passionate sacrificing love that they share and truly it is heartbreaking . The trials they experience, the loss they face and of course the treacherous jealousy that ultimately separated them was all vividly brought to life by the author and I just feel the series has been enriched and indeed elevated by this amazing prequel . I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book. This voluntary take is I believe fair and truthful

Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Series Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ (5/5)
Book Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5/5)
Series Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5/5)

I have been reading this book sporadically over three weeks and I literally couldn’t put it down but I also HAD to. Not because the story was bad (it wasn’t) or because Laura Thalassa’s writing style is off-putting (it’s not) or any other number of factors. It was because, having read all the other books in the series, I knew how this story would end.

And I didn’t want to witness it.

Still, despite that, I loved it. I loved learning how Memnon and Roxilana learned to love one another, how their bond as soul mates changed their fates even before they ever really met. Their start first as the best of friends before they became husband and wife wasn’t unconventional—there are entire books writtrn about this trope—but the way Laura Thalassa wrote it was revolutionary. I loved learning about the Sarmatian way of life (even if it wasn’t the most accurate depiction anymore) but this was just icing on the cake.

Ugh this story was beautiful and gut wrenching and such a beautiful homage to the human story of grief and longing. Even knowing how the story would end, I found myself hoping and praying it wouldn’t end that way, which is so masterful in Lauara Thalassa’s part because it just proves to show you how much your shared Roxilana’s grief in the end.

I love this series and I love this book so much!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

First couple of chapters felt a bit slow moving. Once the story picked up the book was entertaining and immersive. Both main charters were strongly written and were well portrayed. I have been a fan of this author for a while and really felt that this prequel rounded out and filled in many gaps from the first two books. Greatly looking forward to continuing the journey with these characters into the third book of the series.