Genre & Tropes : Romantasy x Roman Empire x Ancient History x Witch x Barbarian vibes x Conquest plot x Childhood friends to lovers x Both Virgins x Spicy

Warning : This is a prequel that requires reading the other books ! In theory, you can read it without having read the other books, but in reality, it's a thousand times more interesting if you've already read the first two books !

A prequel that I was SO eagerly awaiting and that I devoured

When I found out I was going to get this book early, I was SO EXCITED !! The Bewitched series is one of my favorites, and I couldn't wait to find out how the characters met nearly 2,000 years ago ...

The whole world around the Romans and the Sarmatians was absolutely fascinating (and as a history teacher who loves Antiquity, I was thrilled reading the descriptions of the customs of the Romans, the Sarmatians, AND the mention of the Moche civilization !!).

The plot was SO gripping ! Surrounding the rise of the Sarmatians, Memnon's ambitions against the Romans, and of course all the scheming and betrayal (I SO wanted to kill a certain character !!!) Even though we already know how it ends, it makes things even more tense !

The characters !! I particularly loved Roxilana and seeing her grow and gain confidence, going from the fearful and submissive little Roman girl to a strong and self-assured queen ! And it was fascinating to see how Memnon became the cruel and manipulative sorcerer we know (special mention for the fact that BOTH characters are virgins and they have their first time together, which I found super romantic and cute !)

OK, I know this book is over 500 pages long, BUT honestly, I would have liked something longer >< I wanted more details on EVERYTHING ! About Memnon's father, about the daily life of the Sarmatians, about Nero ...
And I must admit that even though I really liked Roxi and Memnon together, I think I prefer the romance between Memnon and Selene, which I found more balanced !

In short, a prequel to a romance series that I loved and devoured !
I definitely recommend this book to fans of the series, but if you haven't read it, I highly recommend the entire series, which is absolutely addictive !!

Well, I can see why this book that was meant to be a novella turned into a huge book. This story needed to be told! The history of Memnon and Selene that we've been given nibbles of so far in the series in no way could compare to the reality of their loved experience. I love that we got to see them right from the beginning. The unique way that they met, the doubt, their forlorn existences...so many things about them that endeared them to me so much.

Selene is a girl living in a small village with her family when tragedy hits. Overnight her life is turned upside down and for years she exists as a shell of her old self. When she starts to hear a voice in her head, she doesn't believe it's real. Over time however, she befriends the voice of the boy that talks to her. Slowly, they form a bond, and a smidgen of her faith returns that maybe there's hope for a better life after all.

When Memnon and Selene finally meet, the true meaning of soulmates must come into existence. This book made me feel that no true love could exist before they found one another. Their love truly transcends time and space and had me aching such a tender ache. They embody what it is to sacrifice oneself for those you love.

Through their journey as friends, allies, lovers, and soulmates, Memnon and Selene find courage in one another. They build each other up, strengthen each others mystical powers (he's a sorcerer, she's a witch), and build a life meant to be as strong and unfailing as their love.

Tragedies strike them throughout this book, and the way they handle themselves really leads the story. Memnon's eagerness to seek revenge, greater riches, and more, more, more for the love of his life starts to cloud his judgement and decision making skills. The once keen ruler starts to lose sight of the bit picture, and the story becomes one big battle scene after the other.

I really love how action packed this book was. The world building was immaculate and the sweet, agonizing, tension-filled love that blossoms between Memnon and Selene just embedded itself into my heart even more. I can't wait for the trilogy to come to an end, only because I am desperate to read how their pasts and futures coalesce. I need them to find happiness, security, and a place to belong, and I fear that the time between this book and the next will be agony.

The Curse That Binds is everything I hoped for and more. As a prequel to Bewitched, this book beautifully fills in the missing history behind Selene’s world—especially the origins of magic, the bloodlines, and the deep-rooted curses that shape everything in Book 1. Roxilana’s journey is intense, emotional, and tragic in the best way, and her bond with Memnon adds rich layers to the lore. Knowing what’s to come made this story all the more heartbreaking and powerful. Laura Thalassa proves again why she’s the queen of dark romantasy.

I love how this adds depth to Bewitched and Bespelled. It was unique in the idea to have Roxi and Memnon's beginning, and I also liked the way it was set up.

For dying to know what happens AFTER Bespelled this was also a very interesting book to get to know Memnon more and also Roxi. The chemistry was fire.

Spicy.

And we have a fuller picture.

Can't wait to read book 3!

Alright, sooo I went into this without any background context because I haven't read the other parts of the series but I've heard such splendid things. Well, shame on me because AHHHH. This created an insane want, no a need, to read the rest of the books.

I was captivated immediately. The devotion and love between Roxi and Memnon is just... Utterly breathtaking. There were definitely some pieces I probably missed not reading the rest of the series first, but I guess that just leaves more intrigue and necessity to read it!

Devoted to the series already, or a newbie? Doesn't matter because I guarantee you'll be enthralled like I was.

A lush, intense prequel that beautifully enriches the Bewitched world while standing strong as its own story. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy brooding heroes, fierce heroines, and a touch of ancient magic.

This was a lovely look into the world before the other novels. I love getting to see the back story with this and now I want to re read the others!

I was prepared to be a little disappointed in this book. I never know how to take prequels written mid series. But this held me and my attention captive from the first chapter. I loved getting to learn about Roxi and Memnon through Bewitched and Bespelled and would have thought that I didn't need this. But it was so compelling. Roxi's perspective is so good and brought so much life to the whole series. I loved getting to watch them fall in love and fight and struggle and see what actually happened to put him to his long sleep. I am now unprepared for the long wait for book 3.

You have waited a lifetime to meet each other. Roxilana grew up in a harsh environment her family was slaughtered and she was taken. She was mistreated by the woman that took her in. But everything changed with she heard a voice. This is when she met Memnon and their friendship brought them comfort in the years that followed. She never thought that he would come for her.
Memnon has dreamed of fetching her as she awakened his magic & saved his life. He has never given up hope of them being together. So when she is about to be married he saves her and their new life starts together.
Their magic works well together but she worries that she could lose him one day. But will they be able to break the curse to be free? Or is this the end of their story?
A great read full of action & a life worth living. Good characters easy storyline.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

I loved getting Roxi and Memnon’s backstory. To see how much they truly loved and would do anything for the other was so sweet. From the very beginning Roxilana had it rough, she was taken to Rome and raised by an abusive adoptive mother. One day she hears a voice in her head and thinks she is going crazy. Turns out there is a Sarmatian king on the other end. Once Memnon comes for her their lives truly begin. She slowly becomes the queen that his people need and they live a mostly happy and prosperous life. Above all their love shines thru, we get to see that much sweeter side of Memnon that’s mostly missing in Bewitched. This is the backstory that we needed, and I cannot wait to see where their story goes next in the series!!

Thank you so much to Laura Thalassa, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
This book is so good! The prequel I didn't know that I needed.
This was action-packed, intense, so sweet, and just ahhh... such a good book.
You can feel the absolute devotion of Memnon. The pure, dedicated, and sweet love that he gives, you just feel so deeply with him! I couldn't get enough of him.
Since this is a prequel, of course, I knew what was coming.
"With every piece of me, I do. I know my magic has corrupted my heart, but I vow to all the gods, it remains true to you and you alone".
I have never read a man so deeply in love and ruthless at the same.
As his magic strips him of his conscience, he still loves with a passion.
The love between Memnon and Roxi is told so beautifully. I loved this so much, but hated what was going to happen all at the same time!
Do yourself a favor and grab this book up!
Happy Reading!

This novel was extremely intriguing and adventurous! It came with lovable characters and a lot of mystery! This book is a prequel to the Bewitched series. It made me feel emotional, tense and hopeful. It’s about forbidden love and romance. I cannot wait until the next book in this series comes out! This author is a wonderful writer that certainly has a big imagination! I found this to be thought provoking, entertaining and captivating. It flowed well and was easy to read! This romance fantasy book is one you are wanting to pick up and read! It explores themes such as magic and power, betrayal and loss, culture and identity and love!

“The Curse That Binds” centers around a young woman named Roxilana. She is a Roman girl that discovers her hidden magical abilities. As this story unfolds, a love develops and she is entered into a new world! Overall I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Laura Thalassa and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books for this advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I think anyone that loves to read books about fantasy, romance and magic would love this book and this Bewitched series! Content warnings include violence, attempted sexual assault, animal deaths, pregnancy losses, death and murder.

This book is expected to be published on July 1, 2025! You can preorder it now!

This was so entertaining, tragic, and such a quick read! I love this world and am so happy to have more on Roxy/Selene story and also Memnon.

Ce livre ne sors qu'en juillet mais j'ai eu l'opportunité de le lire en avance!
Ce livre est le tome 2.5 de la série Damnatio memoriae mais il s'agit avant tout d'un prequel car nous allons suivre Roxilana durant sa jeunesse, sa rencontre avec Memnon mais aussi comment ce dernier s'est retrouvé maudit...

Je voulais vraiment découvrir ce prequel pour en apprendre d'avantage sur la relation entre Roxilana et Memnon et j'ai vraiment passé un très bon moment en leur compagnie! J'ai beaucoup aimé la mise en place de leur relation, l'évolution de celle-ci mais aussi la mise en place de la malédiction! Certes, j'ai trouvé qu'il y avait quelques longueurs sur la fin mais cela ne m'a pas empêché de passer un excellent moment et de me préparer pour le dernier tome de la série!

En bref, un très bon préquel pour cette série!

Ce livre ne sors qu'en juillet mais j'ai eu l'opportunité de le lire en avance!
Ce livre est le tome 2.5 de la série Damnatio memoriae mais il s'agit avant tout d'un prequel car nous allons suivre Roxilana durant sa jeunesse, sa rencontre avec Memnon mais aussi comment ce dernier s'est retrouvé maudit...

Je voulais vraiment découvrir ce prequel pour en apprendre d'avantage sur la relation entre Roxilana et Memnon et j'ai vraiment passé un très bon moment en leur compagnie! J'ai beaucoup aimé la mise en place de leur relation, l'évolution de celle-ci mais aussi la mise en place de la malédiction! Certes, j'ai trouvé qu'il y avait quelques longueurs sur la fin mais cela ne m'a pas empêché de passer un excellent moment et de me préparer pour le dernier tome de la série!

En bref, un très bon préquel pour cette série!

As someone who has not read the bewitched series, I am so happy I got to read this first. As a prequel this was beautifully done. Falling in the love with the characters and setting was so easy. And I know this book has really set me up for continuing the series. If you enjoy a romantic fantasy that’s heavier on the romance, I think you’ll enjoy this. One this about Laura Thalassa is her books are great at grabbing your attention early on, and this was no different!

This book was a lovely read, I particularly enjoyed the descriptive language used in it, and how well everything was always explained from everything to clothes to the smells that could be smelt. It felt I credibly immersive which I absolutely adored.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publishing company for allowing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Thank you so much to Laura Thalassa and Netgalley for the eARC of this book!

This prequel to the Bewitched series (2000 years before) was such a great read! I loved going back in time to learn about the start of Roxi and Memnon’s love story. It's intense and has so many layers. It was amazing!

If you love the Bewitched series this is a must read and if its still on your TBR, I would suggest reading Bewitched and Bespelled before this book to get the excitement . Either way, read this series because it's great!

I am a big fan of Laura Thalassa's prior works and The Curse that Binds absolutely delivered on all my expectations. It added so much depth to the storyline I already love so much.

Ouch, that hurt. It’s almost worse knowing what’s coming because the anticipation is awful. Memnon was out here burning the world down for Roxi, I love to see it. I liked that their connection basically spanned their whole lives. One thing though, I hate that conniving fairy!! She’s out here ruining everyone’s lives. This was an excellent prequel for their story, and I’m glad it turned into a full novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-ARC!