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.

I think from this point on, I’m just going to blindly trust Laura Thalassa. She will give me what I never knew I needed. My patience will be rewarded. I think The Curse That Binds is just proof of that.

📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The Curse That Blinds by Laura Thalassa

📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Bewitched. Book 3 of 4.

📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.

📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Romantasy

📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Fated mates, instalove, antihero.

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: The Curse That Binds is a prequel novel to the first two books of the Bewitched series, following Selene, a witch in training, and Memnom, the thousand year old warlord sorcerer who believes she is his mate. The prequel follows their origin story in ancient Roman times.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Honestly, when I read The Bargainer series I was convinced I didn’t need need to read Emperor of the Evening Stars. But it’s one of my favorite books of the series. And The Curse That Binds is the same situation.

I didn’t think I needed a prequel. But it’s very clear that even though I thought I “got it,” I definitely didn’t. Memnom and Roxi have a connection so soul deep, I couldn’t comprehend. In the previous books, Memnom explained it and told it. In The Curse That Binds, he didn’t have to - it was right there on the page as their connection grew. I was absolutely gutted when it ended, even if I knew what was coming.

Laura Thalassa writes the deepest, most soul wrenching love. She creates worlds that I can see in my minds eye, and relationships that aren’t always picture perfect. This book was full of strife and I felt it so intensely.

As always, this series is dark. Not morally gray… dark. There’s triggers to read, especially on this one. The end of this series is going to be incredible, and I’ll come back here then to say I told you so.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶

𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.

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.