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!
linesandafterthoughts'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 ☺️
thiane_reads_sa's review
4.0
Extremely atmospheric, eerie and a writing style that will transport you into this world.
Told from three different perspectives, you get introduced to three characters:
Redd who recently turned 18 and since she can remember have been receiving strange boxes on her birthday.
John who is tasked to bring Redd back to his home in Eden willingly, where through out the book you as the reader are kept in the dark as to why this quest is so important..
And lastly Eleanor who is told in past tense, where she lived in England in the 1500 and meets the devil who whispers dark instructions into her ear… and the consequences later lead her to have to move to an Island to start a new life.
Throughout the book the switching of POV’s are done perfectly and each character distinguished easily from another. I found myself constantly speed reading to understand how these 3 characters intertwine, and when the mystery of their connection is revealed I was pleasantly shook because I did not see that coming at all. Extremely clever.
Very enjoyable, atmospheric and will keep you glued to the pages.
Told from three different perspectives, you get introduced to three characters:
Redd who recently turned 18 and since she can remember have been receiving strange boxes on her birthday.
John who is tasked to bring Redd back to his home in Eden willingly, where through out the book you as the reader are kept in the dark as to why this quest is so important..
And lastly Eleanor who is told in past tense, where she lived in England in the 1500 and meets the devil who whispers dark instructions into her ear… and the consequences later lead her to have to move to an Island to start a new life.
Throughout the book the switching of POV’s are done perfectly and each character distinguished easily from another. I found myself constantly speed reading to understand how these 3 characters intertwine, and when the mystery of their connection is revealed I was pleasantly shook because I did not see that coming at all. Extremely clever.
Very enjoyable, atmospheric and will keep you glued to the pages.
brits_got_books's review
3.0
Note: I received an arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As long as she can remember, Redd and her mom have constantly moved from town to town, trying to escape-something or someone--that what Redd does not know. On her birthday, Redd stumbles upon a clue that will lead her to some answers as to what is going on and whom she really is.
This book is told from multiple viewpoints, which does help move along the plot point. I did, however, find myself losing interest whenever it was one particular character's (Eleanor) chapter, though I understand the reason for the inclusion to help set the foundation. However, I felt there was so much of Eleanor's point of view that it left me wanting more for Redd and John's chapters, as they flowed so much better.
The book started off slow for me and took a while for me to really be able to get into that momentum with the storyline. There's a bunch of different worlds tied into one from different time points, and it just personally took me a minute to connect with each of them and how they connected with one another.
In terms of character development, I found Redd being somewhat strongheaded-which may lead to her own downfall. What she struggles to find may be the ticket to what her mother has tried to hide her from all long. John seems innocent enough to Redd, but there were some red flags as to why she didnt notice these and even when she did discover more about him, why she didnt stop trusting him.
I think its an interesting premise, but not sure if it hooked me deeply enough to continued onto the next book.
As long as she can remember, Redd and her mom have constantly moved from town to town, trying to escape-something or someone--that what Redd does not know. On her birthday, Redd stumbles upon a clue that will lead her to some answers as to what is going on and whom she really is.
This book is told from multiple viewpoints, which does help move along the plot point. I did, however, find myself losing interest whenever it was one particular character's (Eleanor) chapter, though I understand the reason for the inclusion to help set the foundation. However, I felt there was so much of Eleanor's point of view that it left me wanting more for Redd and John's chapters, as they flowed so much better.
The book started off slow for me and took a while for me to really be able to get into that momentum with the storyline. There's a bunch of different worlds tied into one from different time points, and it just personally took me a minute to connect with each of them and how they connected with one another.
In terms of character development, I found Redd being somewhat strongheaded-which may lead to her own downfall. What she struggles to find may be the ticket to what her mother has tried to hide her from all long. John seems innocent enough to Redd, but there were some red flags as to why she didnt notice these and even when she did discover more about him, why she didnt stop trusting him.
I think its an interesting premise, but not sure if it hooked me deeply enough to continued onto the next book.
readingwithkaitlyn's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Physical abuse, Violence, Racial slurs, Sexual violence, Sexism, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Sexual content, Murder, War, Genocide, Sexual harassment, Religious bigotry, Hate crime, Grief, and Cultural appropriation