When we first heard that the prequel, an origin story of Memnon and Roxilana, was coming, it was supposed to be a novella. Instead, we were blessed with over 500 pages of their beginnings. Memnon, in Bewitched and Bespelled, comes off as vey intense, very much in love with his woman and a little unhinged. We got a few glimpses into their past. But we still had some questions and were left wanting MORE.

A Curse That Binds gave it to us! We got everything we wanted and far more than that. I love seeing Roxilana discover her tie with Memnon. We get to experience her life from a child into her teens and twenties. The same with Memnon, although Roxilana is the main POV.

I loved this deep dive into their past SO much. I felt we really got to understand them before which helped really fuel their story for later. They are soulmates and nothing can separate them- not time, not distance, not generations between them.

After finishing this, I just had to go back and dive into Bewitched and Bespelled for a bit to experience their time in the present again with a new understanding and fresh eyes.

My heart hurts so much after reading this but in the best way possible! Most readers going into this one know the outcome and how it ends and I honestly think that it makes the entire book more gut wrenching and amazing. Throughout the book you see Roxi and Memnon develop into the characters you see throughout the previous books but also how they fell in love the first time round which was just so bittersweet as we’ve already seen them in a different life. All the stars for this instalment and I cannot wait to get my grubby mitts on the next book when it comes out but until then I will be hiding away to re-read Bewitched and Bespelled!

This book literally shows "This is my Roman empire" not just because it's written during that setting but also entailing with battles & betrayals! THE ORIGIN STORY YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! The characters we know and loved from the bewitched series get their redemption in their prequel novella! The romance was living up to the hype everyone has waiting for!
The pacing, plotting, and writing is truly Laura Thalassa which means it's very easy to read and fast paced.

Perfect if you love:
Who hurt you? Le's bind us
Slowburn Soulmates
Witchy Magic
"F*ck it" Moments


Thank you so much to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this arc!

An achingly beautiful, brutal, and utterly addictive finale

The Curse That Binds is everything I hoped it would be—and more. Laura Thalassa delivers an emotionally charged, gut-wrenching, and deeply romantic conclusion that left me completely breathless. This book is the definition of dark fantasy done right: it’s intimate, intense, and soaked in feeling.

Pros:
• The emotional depth is staggering. Every moment between the leads crackles with tension, longing, and love that feels earned after everything they’ve endured.
• The writing is lush and immersive—equal parts poetic and raw.
• The plot twists are devastating in the best way. Just when you think you’ve caught your breath, Thalassa pulls the rug out again.
• The deluxe edition extras? Worth it. They add even more richness to an already unforgettable experience.

Cons:
• Honestly, none for me—but fair warning: this series is not light. It’s heavy with emotion and trauma, so be sure you’re in the right headspace.

This book broke me and healed me all at once. If you’ve followed this series, The Curse That Binds is an unmissable, soul-shattering finish that proves Laura Thalassa is a master of beautifully broken love stories.

This story had a lot of in depth world building. So glad to have the ability to read Roxi and Memnon's story. Now I have to go back and read the next two books again so I can put all of the pieces together. :) Lots of descriptive battles in this book and morally grey areas. Loved Roxi's character but was a bit conflicted about Memnon's. He was very devoted to her, but at times he seemed dominating but not in a good way. I liked how the author progressed Roxi in a timeline that was easy to follow. On to read the next in the series!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for an ARC of The Curse That Binds! I’ve been a long time fan of Laura Thalassa, from the Rhapsodic series to the Bewitched series, and I was thrilled to get an advanced copy of the prequel to Bewitched - The Curse That Binds. Highly recommend this series for fans of the Legends of Thezmarr, Fairydale, and Rhapsodic.

We finally get to see all of the details of Roxi’ and Memnon’s first lives, from the time they can first speak through the bond, to the first time they meet in person, how they acquired the palace on the river where Selene finds Memnon, through to the destruction of their family and their world as they knew it. I flew through this prequel in the span of a day - the pacing, romance, and overarching plot are both compelling and easy to binge.

Now that I’ve read this, I’m immediately diving back into Bewitched and Bespelled so that I have a completed reread checked off before the third book is released next year. I also can’t get enough of Roxi and Memnon - their snark, their banter, their passion. Bingeing this series on MDW was a perfect choice.

Overall - 4.25 ⭐️
Plot - 4.5 ⭐️
Characters - 4.25 ⭐️
Character Development - 4.25 ⭐️
Setting - 3.5 ⭐️
Writing - 4 ⭐️

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!!