A review by the_fenharel
The Curse that Binds Us by Katie Hayoz
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!