In “Cursebound,” the captivating second installment of the Faebound trilogy, Saara El-Arifi returns us to the underground realm of Mosima with heightened stakes, deeper character development, and a masterful expansion of her intricately crafted world. Following the events of “Faebound,” this sequel delves into the complex relationships between fae, elves, and the long-forgotten humans, weaving a tale of love torn by loyalty, prophecies burdened by secrecy, and a curse that has bound destinies for centuries.
El-Arifi’s strength continues to be her ability to create multi-dimensional characters whose flaws and virtues clash in emotionally resonant ways. Where “Faebound” established the foundations of this world, “Cursebound” builds upon them with political intrigue, class struggles, and the looming shadow of war, all while maintaining the intimate character moments that made the first book so compelling.
The Story Continues: Love, Loyalty, and Prophecy
“Cursebound” picks up shortly after “Faebound” ends, splitting its narrative between two sisters whose paths have diverged. Yeeran, once a colonel in the Waning army, has left her fae lover, Queen Furi, to warn her homeland about the fae’s involvement with their enemies in the Forever War. Meanwhile, her sister Lettle remains in Mosima as both seer and consort to King Rayan, harboring a devastating prophecy that she will one day be the cause of his death.
The narrative gains complexity with the introduction of Alder, a nomadic elf with mysterious ties to the long-extinct humans. As assassination attempts target Lettle and war looms on the horizon, both sisters must navigate treacherous political waters while wrestling with matters of the heart.
El-Arifi brilliantly expands on the groundwork laid in “Faebound,” taking readers deeper into the history of the curse that has imprisoned the fae for centuries and building toward revelations that reshape our understanding of this world.
Strengths: Character-Driven Emotional Depth
The true prowess of “Cursebound” lies in its emotional landscape and the complex relationships between characters:
- Layered love stories: Both Yeeran’s conflicted feelings between Furi and her former lover Salawa, and Lettle’s guilt-ridden love for Rayan, showcase El-Arifi’s talent for writing romance that feels authentic and messy rather than idealized.
- Class conflict: The introduction of the “Lightless” (fae who never bonded with obeah) adds a compelling layer of social inequality to Mosima, creating tension that mirrors real-world struggles.
- Found family: The bonds formed between characters from different backgrounds create emotional anchors throughout the narrative, particularly as betrayals and revelations threaten to tear them apart.
The writing shines brightest in intimate moments between characters, whether in tender exchanges or painful confrontations. The sequence where Lettle’s secret prophecy is revealed demonstrates El-Arifi’s skill at building emotional tension to a devastating crescendo.
World-Building That Enchants and Evolves
El-Arifi continues to expand her world with impressive attention to detail:
- Cultural depth: From the nomadic tree-dwelling elves to the complex political structures of Mosima, each culture feels lived-in and authentic.
- Magic systems: The different forms of magic—fae threads, elven drumfire, and hints of human magic—interact in ways that feel both consistent and surprising.
- Historical mysteries: The gradual unfolding of the connection between humans and obeah adds compelling layers to the established mythology.
- Physical spaces: From the Crystal Glade to the southern plains, new locations are rendered with vivid sensory details that make them feel tangible.
The way El-Arifi weaves prophecy throughout the narrative is particularly effective, creating a sense that events are simultaneously predestined and dependent on character choices.
Areas for Improvement: Pacing and Political Framework
While “Cursebound” excels in character development and world-building, a few elements could have been strengthened:
- Pacing imbalances: The middle section of the novel occasionally drags, particularly during Lettle’s research sequences, before accelerating rapidly toward the climactic revelations.
- Political framework: While the class conflict between faebound and Lightless is compelling, the political systems governing Mosima could have been more clearly established to give greater weight to the rebellion plot.
- Multiple villains: The Authority mystery plot, while interesting, competes for attention with the external war threat, sometimes diluting the tension rather than enhancing it.
- Exposition: There are moments where information about the curse and the prophecies feels delivered through conversation rather than naturally integrated into the narrative.
These issues don’t significantly detract from the novel’s strengths but do occasionally slow its momentum at crucial points.
Characters That Linger Beyond the Page
El-Arifi excels at crafting characters whose motives and actions feel authentic even when morally ambiguous:
- Lettle: Her journey from outsider to political reformer while carrying the burden of prophecy makes her one of the most compelling characters in contemporary fantasy.
- Yeeran: Torn between love and duty, her struggle to reconcile her feelings for Furi with her loyalty to her homeland creates genuine emotional complexity.
- Furi: Her grief and the weight of ruling make her simultaneously sympathetic and frustrating as she pushes away those who love her.
- Alder and Golan: Their developing relationship provides both tenderness and hope amidst darker plot threads.
- Sahar: His transformation from trusted advisor to antagonist is handled with nuance that makes his betrayal all the more devastating.
Even secondary characters like Omur and Anyah are given distinct personalities and motives that make them feel essential to the story rather than merely functional.
Comparison to “Faebound” and Other Fantasy Series
“Cursebound” builds successfully on the foundation of “Faebound,” deepening the world and raising the emotional stakes. Where the first book focused on the sisters discovering Mosima, this sequel explores the consequences of those discoveries with greater complexity.
The series stands alongside works like Tasha Suri’s “The Jasmine Throne” and R.F. Kuang’s “The Poppy War” in its ability to blend intimate character studies with grand political narratives. Like N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy, it uses fantasy to explore themes of oppression and resistance while maintaining emotional authenticity.
El-Arifi’s approach to prophecy and fate bears comparison to Leigh Bardugo’s “Six of Crows” duology, where characters struggle against seemingly predetermined paths. However, her emphasis on romantic relationships and family ties gives the Faebound trilogy its own distinct emotional resonance.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Continuation That Leaves Readers Eager for More
“Cursebound” successfully avoids the middle-book slump that plagues many trilogies, delivering a story that both satisfies and creates anticipation for the finale. El-Arifi balances multiple plot threads with skill, weaving together personal and political stakes in ways that make both feel urgent and interconnected.
The final revelations about the nature of obeah and humans, along with the looming war, set up what promises to be an explosive conclusion to the trilogy. Most importantly, we remain deeply invested in these characters and their fates, which is perhaps the truest measure of a successful fantasy series.
While not without flaws, “Cursebound” represents a significant achievement in modern fantasy storytelling, blending romance, political intrigue, and magical mystery into a compelling whole. For readers who enjoyed “Faebound,” this sequel deepens that experience, while newcomers would be well-advised to start with the first book to fully appreciate the rich tapestry El-Arifi has created.
In a genre often dominated by European-inspired settings, El-Arifi’s world—with its African and Middle Eastern influences—offers a refreshing and necessary alternative vision of fantasy. “Cursebound” confirms that the Faebound trilogy belongs in the conversation about the most exciting fantasy series of recent years, and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this enchanting and emotionally resonant story.