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angelalibrosymiscelaneas's review
2.0
This book was sadly an almost DNF for me. I didn't enjoy it enough to keep interested and I push through it since 30% in. I got myself on a reading slump and in the end, it was not worth it.
If you wonder what I found appealing about this novel at the beginning, I would say the fantasy elements recreating history to unite three different characters in one single and bigger story. The mystery of the box that appears every birthday, the roanoke mystery, the weird and magic lost village... That was so good...too good to be true.
Don't get me wrong, you are gonna find all those things you were promised at the premise of the book, but the execution may not give you what you were expecting.
I found the multiple POV boring the longer I read. Eleanor's perspective gave too much information for my linking to keep me guessing and John's chapters were soooooo boring... Reed made the book work for me at the beginning, but eventually, I found her character boring too.
The way the story develops from a writing point of view reminds me of Bone Crier's Moon, which may be a good sign for future readers of this book.
I would recommend this to fans of that type of "slow multiple POV, magic story with enemies to lovers". I also think would be great for those young readers who are into paranormal fantasy or even contemporary books.
My reason to say this is because the amount of fantasy you will find in this novel it's not a lot, and you will have demonic forces as the main focus.
Also, this is an opening book for a series. Don't expect a lot of action or...fantasy.
To me, it feels at the end too much like and long introduction instead of an actual story, but I still can't deny all the potential it has that may charm other readers.
If you wonder what I found appealing about this novel at the beginning, I would say the fantasy elements recreating history to unite three different characters in one single and bigger story. The mystery of the box that appears every birthday, the roanoke mystery, the weird and magic lost village... That was so good...too good to be true.
Don't get me wrong, you are gonna find all those things you were promised at the premise of the book, but the execution may not give you what you were expecting.
I found the multiple POV boring the longer I read. Eleanor's perspective gave too much information for my linking to keep me guessing and John's chapters were soooooo boring... Reed made the book work for me at the beginning, but eventually, I found her character boring too.
The way the story develops from a writing point of view reminds me of Bone Crier's Moon, which may be a good sign for future readers of this book.
I would recommend this to fans of that type of "slow multiple POV, magic story with enemies to lovers". I also think would be great for those young readers who are into paranormal fantasy or even contemporary books.
My reason to say this is because the amount of fantasy you will find in this novel it's not a lot, and you will have demonic forces as the main focus.
Also, this is an opening book for a series. Don't expect a lot of action or...fantasy.
To me, it feels at the end too much like and long introduction instead of an actual story, but I still can't deny all the potential it has that may charm other readers.
wherethewildreadsare's review
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Honestly, a really interesting premise. I found it to be really fascinating for the first half. The second half got a little annoying with the FMC for me. I would definitely read the next one because I’m dying to know what happens next after that ending!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Violence
oneanjana's review
5.0
I always love historical fiction and fantasy. So, when I read the blurb, I’m instantly in love with it. To sum it with a single sentence, it’s a historical-fantasy-mixed-with-present-time book with dark-evil-magic and scary masks, based on the story of Lost Colony of Roanoke mixed with Tschaggata (scary masked figures) from Switzerland. Just google those two stories and you’ll know the dark vibes this book will give you.
The narrative itself is so engaging. It’s a page-turner from the very start until the very end, down to the Author’s Notes (which I enjoy the most because it tells about the real histories that form the base of the story). Almost all the characters were portrayed so strongly that I can feel connected to each one of them. Like I said before, it’s fascinating for me to know in the Author’s Notes that the most character name here is a real person in the Roanoke’s history.
One thing that seems off for me is the relationship between Redd and Shay (her bestfriend). Other than that, I have no complaints. I really can’t wait to read the sequels.
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The narrative itself is so engaging. It’s a page-turner from the very start until the very end, down to the Author’s Notes (which I enjoy the most because it tells about the real histories that form the base of the story). Almost all the characters were portrayed so strongly that I can feel connected to each one of them. Like I said before, it’s fascinating for me to know in the Author’s Notes that the most character name here is a real person in the Roanoke’s history.
One thing that seems off for me is the relationship between Redd and Shay (her bestfriend). Other than that, I have no complaints. I really can’t wait to read the sequels.
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
ailsareads's review
3.0
An intriguing slow burn of a fantasy-romance that tells the story of Redd and her mother’s very mysterious past. What is in the box that her mum won’t let her open? Why do they have to move every year? Why is her mother so paranoid? Who is the mysterious stranger John Smith and what is his agenda?
My main issue with this book is that there’s cliffhangers, and there’s finishing a book halfway through the plot - always feels like a bit of a cop out to me. I found this quite frustrating!
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.
My main issue with this book is that there’s cliffhangers, and there’s finishing a book halfway through the plot - always feels like a bit of a cop out to me. I found this quite frustrating!
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.
literareally's review
4.0
This book takes on a dark fantasy tale around the history of the “Lost Colony”. Hayoz’ depictions of what might have happened with the disappearance of the colony is very intriguing. The combination of historical facts and dark fantasy was done admirably.
There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the book and some might lose interest because of purposely withholding historical fantasy facts and foreshadowing that makes readers guess a lot. Be advised that those are needed in building the foundation of the story.
So, I was looking forward on John and Redd’s love story but I found it short of. There are scenes showing it but the building of the chemistry has always been cut abruptly. Intentionally or not, the author only knows.
The Book One, I may say, focus more on the building of foundations. The author had made a good job on that with Eleanor’s POV. With that established, I am looking forward that more are in stored for John and Redd.
So, yes, I am definitely looking forward for the next book and crossing finger that there’s more swooning romance in there ☺️
There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the book and some might lose interest because of purposely withholding historical fantasy facts and foreshadowing that makes readers guess a lot. Be advised that those are needed in building the foundation of the story.
So, I was looking forward on John and Redd’s love story but I found it short of. There are scenes showing it but the building of the chemistry has always been cut abruptly. Intentionally or not, the author only knows.
The Book One, I may say, focus more on the building of foundations. The author had made a good job on that with Eleanor’s POV. With that established, I am looking forward that more are in stored for John and Redd.
So, yes, I am definitely looking forward for the next book and crossing finger that there’s more swooning romance in there ☺️
literallytabz's review
4.0
The book grips you right from the start in a cascade of astonishment. Prepare for a double take because the plot isn't just a masterpiece; it's a symphony of ingenuity orchestrating a unique and captivating tale. Countless have ventured into the enigma of the Roanoke colonists, yet their ultimate destiny has eluded comprehension like a mischievous wisp. Theories dance across the spectrum, and this perplexing narrative's very fabric begs the question: can a fresh lens truly rekindle this mystique?
Dive into the riveting world of literary craftsmanship. Katie Hayoz, a maestro of imagination, deftly seizes a familiar enigma and unfurls a dazzlingly plausible solution that beckons credence. Through the prism of three distinct viewpoints, the tapestry of truth behind the Roanoke colony slowly unfurls. Enter Redd, an extraordinary young woman cloaked in concealed potency, poised on the precipice of her 18th year, yearning to rupture the chains of maternal dominion. Meet John, an anachronistic lad emancipating himself from the sanctuary of Eden, a seemingly paradisiacal realm shrouding a cryptic underbelly, all for the perilous reconnaissance of the Beyond. And then there's Eleanor Dare, a timeworn voice echoing from the annals of four centuries past. These threads intricately weave and interlace, knitting a tableau that is not just beguiling but hauntingly surreal.
Each character's voice resounds so clearly that differentiation requires no effort, a testament to the narrative craftsmanship. The tale's tempo races with such fervor that monotony finds no foothold, and as the crescendo beckons, the denouement tantalizingly leaves a trail of unanswered enigmas, igniting an insatiable appetite for the impending sequel. Prepare to be lured into a literary waltz that's as cerebral as it is enchanting, for this book is nothing short of a mind-bending adventure that beckons you for a thrilling encore.
Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher, for the ARC to review.
Dive into the riveting world of literary craftsmanship. Katie Hayoz, a maestro of imagination, deftly seizes a familiar enigma and unfurls a dazzlingly plausible solution that beckons credence. Through the prism of three distinct viewpoints, the tapestry of truth behind the Roanoke colony slowly unfurls. Enter Redd, an extraordinary young woman cloaked in concealed potency, poised on the precipice of her 18th year, yearning to rupture the chains of maternal dominion. Meet John, an anachronistic lad emancipating himself from the sanctuary of Eden, a seemingly paradisiacal realm shrouding a cryptic underbelly, all for the perilous reconnaissance of the Beyond. And then there's Eleanor Dare, a timeworn voice echoing from the annals of four centuries past. These threads intricately weave and interlace, knitting a tableau that is not just beguiling but hauntingly surreal.
Each character's voice resounds so clearly that differentiation requires no effort, a testament to the narrative craftsmanship. The tale's tempo races with such fervor that monotony finds no foothold, and as the crescendo beckons, the denouement tantalizingly leaves a trail of unanswered enigmas, igniting an insatiable appetite for the impending sequel. Prepare to be lured into a literary waltz that's as cerebral as it is enchanting, for this book is nothing short of a mind-bending adventure that beckons you for a thrilling encore.
Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher, for the ARC to review.
zombiecupcake29's review
3.0
Thank you to Katie Hayoz and BooksGoSocial for granting me a copy of this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I seem to be the odd man out with my opinion on this novel. I didn't hate it, but I wasn't head over heels in love with it either. I feel like it had amazing potential and I was so excited when I got a copy of it because let's face it I love all things that are even remotely related to Roanoke and the mystery that surrounds it. This book however caused me to struggle through the entire thing.
I'll start with the cons of the book. I usually love multiple POV books because I feel like it gives you the story from every perspective, however with this book the different POV and the switch between past and present caused a huge disconnect for me. I really felt like we could have completely done without Elanore's POV altogether because every single time it came back to Elanore and the past I didn't want to read those chapters. The romance also fell a bit flat for me. I'm not opposed to instalove in the slightest because sometimes it's needed when things happen quickly in a book but I just didn't feel a genuine connection between Redd and John.
As for the Pros I really did like Redd. I thought that she was a great main character and she's really the only thing that kept me interested in the book. I did love the plot and I felt like it would have been a five-star read had the switching back and forth not taken place and the focus was solely on the present and the plot. I also felt like Katie Hayoz did an amazing job at building up the suspense of the book. It kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next and caused me to not give up.
All in all, while I didn't exactly love the book I do plan on reading the rest of the series as it is published.
I seem to be the odd man out with my opinion on this novel. I didn't hate it, but I wasn't head over heels in love with it either. I feel like it had amazing potential and I was so excited when I got a copy of it because let's face it I love all things that are even remotely related to Roanoke and the mystery that surrounds it. This book however caused me to struggle through the entire thing.
I'll start with the cons of the book. I usually love multiple POV books because I feel like it gives you the story from every perspective, however with this book the different POV and the switch between past and present caused a huge disconnect for me. I really felt like we could have completely done without Elanore's POV altogether because every single time it came back to Elanore and the past I didn't want to read those chapters. The romance also fell a bit flat for me. I'm not opposed to instalove in the slightest because sometimes it's needed when things happen quickly in a book but I just didn't feel a genuine connection between Redd and John.
As for the Pros I really did like Redd. I thought that she was a great main character and she's really the only thing that kept me interested in the book. I did love the plot and I felt like it would have been a five-star read had the switching back and forth not taken place and the focus was solely on the present and the plot. I also felt like Katie Hayoz did an amazing job at building up the suspense of the book. It kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next and caused me to not give up.
All in all, while I didn't exactly love the book I do plan on reading the rest of the series as it is published.
emmybird86's review
4.0
This is my first Roanoke retelling. It was so interesting. I loved the different point of views. I also loved going back into the past to find out what happened. Redd is a fierce heroine. I was a little suspicious of John. I wanted them together but knew he was hiding something. I feel like there are so many things I still want to know. I need to read the next book right now!
the_fenharel's review
5.0
**Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book**
Picking up this book, I didn't know what to expect. A young girl receives a strange box every birthday that she's told not to open? What a strange concept. And I was completely expecting some sort of stereotypical "there's a crown in there cause she's actually a princess" or "here's some magic powers". What I got was not only unexpected, but downright fantastic and original.
Weaving in horror elements perfectly, the story opens on Redd, a girl who is very good at playing card games because she knows if you're lying. Her mother has raised her on some strange plans including being able to hold her breath for 5 minutes and having to touch a mysterious flower every morning which her mother later makes into a tea.
John is also a major player, coming from a place called Eden. He is trying to find her to bring her home. However, he knows his home isn't all rainbows and picnics. In fact, he has pets that are personifications of Chaos, Evil and many more. Eden isn't exactly the Eden from the Bible. Or is it?
And finally we look at Eleanor and the history of Roanoke. This thrilled me to the gills! Using such a wonderful mystery and in such an unexpected way! I loved that the author didn't shy away from showing the sexism and racism of the time. The fact that she was judged more harshly for doing the exact same thing her husband did, or that the Native Americans were still called 'savages' despite saving their lives many times.
What an absolutely incredible book and I can't wait to get my hands on the next part of the story!
Picking up this book, I didn't know what to expect. A young girl receives a strange box every birthday that she's told not to open? What a strange concept. And I was completely expecting some sort of stereotypical "there's a crown in there cause she's actually a princess" or "here's some magic powers". What I got was not only unexpected, but downright fantastic and original.
Weaving in horror elements perfectly, the story opens on Redd, a girl who is very good at playing card games because she knows if you're lying. Her mother has raised her on some strange plans including being able to hold her breath for 5 minutes and having to touch a mysterious flower every morning which her mother later makes into a tea.
John is also a major player, coming from a place called Eden. He is trying to find her to bring her home. However, he knows his home isn't all rainbows and picnics. In fact, he has pets that are personifications of Chaos, Evil and many more. Eden isn't exactly the Eden from the Bible. Or is it?
And finally we look at Eleanor and the history of Roanoke. This thrilled me to the gills! Using such a wonderful mystery and in such an unexpected way! I loved that the author didn't shy away from showing the sexism and racism of the time. The fact that she was judged more harshly for doing the exact same thing her husband did, or that the Native Americans were still called 'savages' despite saving their lives many times.
What an absolutely incredible book and I can't wait to get my hands on the next part of the story!
nightowlloft's review
4.0
How much evil can we do in the name of good? What lengths will we go to in order to save our own?
___________________________
To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement! The Curse That Binds Us is as much a dark Salem-style dance with the devil as it is an early settler-era historical drama and they weave so seamlessly into one another and into the present day that I found myself having to remember that it IS mostly fiction.
The first book in what is set to be a trilogy, it is the perfect start and a very well balanced blend of world/story building and forward momentum. Told from 3 different points of view we first follow Redd, a teenager living in Wisconsin who desperately wants to lead a normal life with her normal friends but who is plagued by an overbearing mother with strict rules and odd “training” that is supposed to be for Redd’s protection. Not to mention a mysterious trunk that shows up every year on her birthday prompting her mother to pack up their things and run year after year.
The second point of view is from John, a teenager from the beautiful idyllic town called Eden. Frozen in time the inhabitants of Eden do not age, suffer no ailments, and cannot sustain their own lives outside of Eden. True to its name in appearance you would wonder why they would ever want to leave, however it does not take long for you to learn the dark undercurrent and secrets of the world they call home.
The third and final point of view was my favorite and that is of Eleanor Dare, the first woman to birth an English child in the New World. Very, very loosely based on the history and mystery surrounding the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island NC we follow Eleanor from childhood in England through motherhood in Roanoke. A part of the Colony that “disappeared” without a trace, we follow her as well as some other key characters from the time they arrive in Roanoke to their mysterious vanishing. Interwoven in Eleanor’s story is a chance encounter with the devil and his pets during her childhood that seals her fate and ultimately sets the entire story in motion.
This book was very easy to follow even with 3 points of view and I was able to start weaving the pieces together rather quickly. The pacing was great, there were not really any “slow” parts. You were given vital bits of information at the perfect times to keep pulling you in while not overwhelming you with too much information at once so as to make it confusing.
Overall the story was captivating, the mystery engrossing, and though its origins were very dark it harkens back to the classic good vs evil fight and prods at deeper questions of morality such as how far WOULD you go out of desperation? And what WOULDN’T you do to care for someone you love? Is it weakness to have a soft heart? Or will a hardened heart only leave you blinded and vulnerable?
I would have loved to have seen a bit more romantic tension/chemistry between Redd and John, I feel like there was a fair bit building up in the beginning but then it kind of became nonexistent once they shared a pretty intense kiss. What was there, however, did both their characters’ personalities justice and laid the groundwork for hopefully more of a deeper connection for them in the story ahead.
Note: This book did leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger right as everything came to a head and I was begging for there to be just a little bit more, but overall it is an excellent read. I cannot wait for the next installment!!
TW: abuse, abduction, racism toward Native Americans, violence, rituals/sacrifice, death, child death.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for sending me a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review!
___________________________
To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement! The Curse That Binds Us is as much a dark Salem-style dance with the devil as it is an early settler-era historical drama and they weave so seamlessly into one another and into the present day that I found myself having to remember that it IS mostly fiction.
The first book in what is set to be a trilogy, it is the perfect start and a very well balanced blend of world/story building and forward momentum. Told from 3 different points of view we first follow Redd, a teenager living in Wisconsin who desperately wants to lead a normal life with her normal friends but who is plagued by an overbearing mother with strict rules and odd “training” that is supposed to be for Redd’s protection. Not to mention a mysterious trunk that shows up every year on her birthday prompting her mother to pack up their things and run year after year.
The second point of view is from John, a teenager from the beautiful idyllic town called Eden. Frozen in time the inhabitants of Eden do not age, suffer no ailments, and cannot sustain their own lives outside of Eden. True to its name in appearance you would wonder why they would ever want to leave, however it does not take long for you to learn the dark undercurrent and secrets of the world they call home.
The third and final point of view was my favorite and that is of Eleanor Dare, the first woman to birth an English child in the New World. Very, very loosely based on the history and mystery surrounding the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island NC we follow Eleanor from childhood in England through motherhood in Roanoke. A part of the Colony that “disappeared” without a trace, we follow her as well as some other key characters from the time they arrive in Roanoke to their mysterious vanishing. Interwoven in Eleanor’s story is a chance encounter with the devil and his pets during her childhood that seals her fate and ultimately sets the entire story in motion.
This book was very easy to follow even with 3 points of view and I was able to start weaving the pieces together rather quickly. The pacing was great, there were not really any “slow” parts. You were given vital bits of information at the perfect times to keep pulling you in while not overwhelming you with too much information at once so as to make it confusing.
Overall the story was captivating, the mystery engrossing, and though its origins were very dark it harkens back to the classic good vs evil fight and prods at deeper questions of morality such as how far WOULD you go out of desperation? And what WOULDN’T you do to care for someone you love? Is it weakness to have a soft heart? Or will a hardened heart only leave you blinded and vulnerable?
I would have loved to have seen a bit more romantic tension/chemistry between Redd and John, I feel like there was a fair bit building up in the beginning but then it kind of became nonexistent once they shared a pretty intense kiss. What was there, however, did both their characters’ personalities justice and laid the groundwork for hopefully more of a deeper connection for them in the story ahead.
Note: This book did leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger right as everything came to a head and I was begging for there to be just a little bit more, but overall it is an excellent read. I cannot wait for the next installment!!
TW: abuse, abduction, racism toward Native Americans, violence, rituals/sacrifice, death, child death.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for sending me a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review!