The Curse That Binds Us by Katie Hayoz
Series: The Devil of Roanoke #1
Genres: Historical Fiction
Some curses can’t be outrun.
The secret to Redd’s past is locked away in a 400-year-old box that mysteriously appears every year on her birthday. For her entire life, her mother has kept them running from whatever lurks inside it. But Redd’s had enough of not knowing who she is. So when the box shows up where only she can find it, she opens it…and awakens a link to the evil her mother fought to keep dormant.
John lives in an old-fashioned village, a place of exquisite beauty and abundance. But such splendor demands that the villagers commit dark and unspeakable acts. When the link with Redd is unlocked, the village council believes they have an alternative. John is sent to find the one girl who could possibly save them…by making the ultimate sacrifice.
Eleanor sets off from England to America in 1587, pregnant and desperate to leave her ties with the devil behind. But when the captain of the ship refuses to take her and the other settlers further than Roanoke Island, what should be the beginning of a better life turns into a horrendous struggle to survive. Eleanor’s desire to see her daughter live at any cost will curse her and everyone around her for centuries to come…
Follow as Redd, John, and Eleanor's stories twine together in a mash-up of dark contemporary and historical fantasy. The Curse That Binds Us delves into the nuances of good and evil, the price of loyalty, and the extremes we will go to for those we love.
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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
my review
The Curse That Binds Us had a lot of potential with its unique blend of historical and contemporary fantasy and a plot that definitely knows how to grip you, especially in the final stretch. The last 30% of the book was an absolute page-turner—I was hooked, needing to know how everything would unfold. The central romance, however, didn’t quite work for me. It felt underdeveloped and lacked the chemistry I was hoping for, leaving me emotionally uninvested in the love story.
The dual POV, especially Eleanor’s chapters, often pulled me out of the flow of the narrative. Her perspective felt detached and, at times, confusing—particularly because of the somewhat murky worldbuilding. While the premise had all the ingredients for a rich and layered magical setting, some of the rules and context felt vague or rushed.
That said, the book does shine in other areas. The female friendship dynamic is a real highlight—loyal, fierce, and a reminder that sometimes the strongest bonds aren’t romantic. I also appreciated the sharp edge to the heroine’s voice and the story’s unapologetically dark undertones. There’s a definite Twilight-esque vibe here—something that will either pull readers in or push them away depending on their preferences.
While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I can absolutely see how readers who love intense, curse-driven drama, strong sisterly bonds, and a dark fantasy twist will devour it.
meet the author
Too bad as it sounds like a good read. Different POVs are difficult to read if the author isn’t confident in this type of writing. I’m impressed you read the whole thing. I would have quit long before. I’d be interested for you to read another of this author’s books to see how it is.