Book Review: Cursebound (Faebound, #2) by Saara El-Arifi
As I dove into Cursebound, the second installment of Saara El-Arifi’s Faebound series, I was immediately struck by the captivating world and the beautifully complex characters. After the delightful escapade of Faebound, I found myself eagerly anticipating this sequel—not just for the plot twists but for the emotional landscapes El-Arifi so expertly navigates. Her ability to weave intricate relationships within a rich fantasy world makes this series a must-read.
In Cursebound, we continue to follow familiar faces like Furi, whose perspective we finally get to experience. Her trials felt raw and relatable; watching her navigate the chaotic world around her was both empowering and exhausting. It’s as if every time she caught a moment to breathe, another betrayal or challenge sprung into action, echoing the relentless pace of life itself. This relentless momentum is certainly thrilling, but part of me yearned for quieter moments—those precious pauses where characters truly connect.
Speaking of connections, I was intrigued by the romantic developments, or lack thereof, featuring Furi, Yeeran, and Salawa. Initially, the promise of a love triangle sparked my excitement, only to find El-Arifi steering us in a different direction. While I appreciated the unexpected twist, I couldn’t help but feel a bit robbed of the potential messiness that could have enriched the narrative. Adriana, my reading buddy, aptly noted that the pacing might benefit from a few more pages—allowing us to linger in the lush Wasted Marshes or delve deeper into the dynamics of the Waning Tribe. It seems we’re racing to a conflict without knowing the players as intimately as I would’ve liked.
Thematically, Cursebound—while sometimes feeling straightforward compared to Ending Fire—is rich in examining the essence of identity. Characters like Lettle and Yeeran grapple with their past associations, questioning what truly represents home. The exploration is profound, as seen in Alden’s poignant line: “I may not know who I was, but I do know who I am.” This journey of self-discovery versus societal expectation resonates deeply, providing a framework within which I found myself reflecting on the choices we all make in defining who we are.
El-Arifi’s prose remains approachable yet immersive, perfectly balancing the need for action while also allowing space for introspection. However, some political musings, particularly Yeeran’s good vs. bad royal musings, felt a touch heavy-handed to me. And I must confess—Lettle’s journey from anger to self-righteousness made me want to shake her and suggest a bit of patience and humility!
Overall, while I enjoyed Faebound slightly more, Cursebound is still an engaging read filled with lush world-building and strong character arcs. I trust El-Arifi is leading us skillfully into the climax of this trilogy and am excited about how these relationships will evolve in the final book.
If you’re looking for an epic tale exploring identity and love within beautifully crafted realms—especially if you’re new to Black queer romantasy—Cursebound is a fantastic entry point. Personally, I can’t wait to see how this journey unfolds in Book 3; I just know that the world El-Arifi has built continues to call me back, and I’m eager for more!
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