Bound and Betrayed

Cursed Souls #2

by Samantha Moran

Book #2 of the Cursed Souls series:
Selena Thomas was only ten when a demon named Iroth brutally murdered her in her best friend's basement. However, she didn't stay dead for long. Eighteen years later, Selena has spent her entire life being told by countless medical professionals that her horrific death and resurrection never occurred.

At 28-years-old, she's almost ready to believe them. But, when strange things start happening around her, she's forced to re-examine her past. What most have tried to convince her was simply an overactive imagination of a child may actually be true after all. With her life on the line once again, Selena must quickly sort out fantasy from fiction if she wants to survive.

Can she do it in time?

Author's Note:
Before reading Bound and Betrayed, Cursed Souls #2, it would be best to read Dealings in the Dark, Cursed Souls #1.
Bound and Betrayed is a psychological thriller and supernatural horror novella that deals with issues related to mental health and possession. As such, the story you are about to read contains chilling descriptions, graphic scenes depicting physical violence, gore, perceived mental illness, manipulation, and attempted suicide. If any of these topics are disturbing to you, you may not wish to proceed with this text.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2022

About the author

Samantha Moran (she/her) is an award-winning multi-genre author primarily focused on supernatural horror, thriller, and fantasy. She is fascinated by all manner of things that go bump in the night and strives to create relatable characters who face realistic problems in fictional settings. As her motto claims, she is a firm believer in the idea that "happily ever after is overrated" and prefers her stories to be full of twists and mysteries
.
Samantha holds a Bachelor's in English Secondary Education and is a proud Magna Cum Laude graduate of Western Michigan University. (Go Broncos!) She is also a loving mother of two amazing children and has been happily married to her husband since 2015. She and her family reside in southwest Michigan, though she has also previously resided in the Baltimore, Maryland area.

Samantha lives with Multiple Sclerosis which sometimes severely impacts her daily life, especially her ability to use her hands.

In her free time, she loves tarot, playing Dungeons and Dragons, reading books, writing, and spending time with her family and dog.

For more information about Samantha Moran, or to keep up with personally published works, visit her website at www.samanthamoran.net.


Reviews

[Sarah ♡ (let’s interact!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The psychological horror in Bound and Betrayed comes from the narrative being from inside the mind of a mentally unwell woman, whose childhood trauma is especially unique. Selena Thomas was ten years old when she was murdered by a demon named Iroth, then inexplicably brought back life. She is unsure if this actually happened though, if she was truly resurrected, or this was simply all made up inside of her mind.
Was she simply a child with an overactive imagination? Or are her worst nightmares actually true? It’s horrible for her trying to work out what is real, and what is merely a product of her mind, hallucinations. As this demonic experience, real or not, truly did scar her mind for life.
Selena must quickly work out what is happening in her reality from fiction, and quickly, if she wants to survive…

5 Stars

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Magick always comes with a price"
I LOVE that this second book dives into Selena's story that we got just a tidbit of in book 1.
My mind is racing on the possibilities of book 3!
Samantha, how's writing going? 😂

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super Creepy with lots of Paranoia. I got to be an advanced reader on this book and it was a complete and total pleasure. I loved this book just as much as Dealings in the Dark and loved the connections you can see throughout. Bound and Betrayed continues the storyline from Dealings in the Dark but with a new perspective. It has such a relatable creepiness to it like when you hear that creepy noise all alone at your house. It takes this creepiness and increases it tenfold. It makes it so that the main character Selena really does have to question everything. Another masterpiece by Samantha Moran and a must read!

[Samantha Moran]

I don't feel comfortable rating my own work, but I had so much fun writing Bound and Betrayed. By this point, I've read it so many times I've lost count! So, onto the "Read" shelf it goes! I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I have. Pre-orders will open on 12-1-22 and the novel will release on 1-31-23. :)

Edited to add that Paige Reisenfeld did a PHENOMENAL job with the audiobook version. I'm so excited for this to be available for you!

[Amanda Ulman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, that was amazing!!

This book follows Selena It happens at the same time as the first book I don’t want to give anything away, but I loved seeing it from her perspective!!!

I love how the author gently address and shows how when you’re different or when you’re seen as “broken” how people treat you differently, and often treat you poorly. Always thought it was so funny how people who consider themselves “Normal” can lose all sense of decency within seconds of being around someone who is different than them. but yeah, will expect the person who is different to be just like them and will blame them for their own outburst.

Well, done amazing story !!!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!

I absolutely loved book 1. Reading Selena's story that led up to the events Of the ending in book 1 was very Surprising. The beginning of the story is a bit slow but that's understandable because it's building you up to the events of what's about to happen. The details of Selena going through Schizophrenia, was so Spot on that it was unbelievably trippy to read. I loved that Iroth and We've made their appearance before his untimely departure at the end of book one. The news casting in the epilogue was a surprising twist of events I cannot wait to see what book 3 entails.

[Carl Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Horror Gem

I highly recommend you read the first book so you can fully appreciate this slow-burn horror masterpiece. We get to explore the events of Selena’s childhood and how they’ve defined her since. I liked how the story unfolded one ghoulish layer at a time in a way that makes you fully invested in Selena’s ordeal. Half the time it felt like I was right there with her (mostly yelling “Damn, Selena! Don’t!).

I loved this book. It kept me turning pages. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series.

[Heath Steph Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean can we talk about a mindfuck?! In this book you learn more in depth about Selena, who was previously in the first book of the series , Dealings in the Dark. I mean this girl had me looking in every direction and I was starting to wonder what was real and what wasn’t lol. It will definitely take your mind or a journey and have you talking out loud like I was! Definitely give it a read! Read Dealings in the Dark first! Witches / demons / gore / sadness / happiness / confusion - this series had it all

[Remy Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Sequel

Book 2 picks up where Book 1 left off. Selena is questioning why certain things are happening to her, in a mystery that unfolds throughout the book. Like book 1, Bound and Betrayed is a page turner. In both books, I loved the authors way of describing things. I still shiver thinking of her descriptions of the terrifying hell hounds. If you are a fan of horror, this book is for you!

[Shazara Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the journey of self discovery and learning to believe in yourself. Although, it came too late for Selena to save herself. I feel like if she would have just went and talked to Alexandria, things would have been different.

But that’s not why we came for this story, is it?

I lived the spooky vibes, 10/10 recommend reading at night, especially if you work night shifts. It makes the entire experience of this story so much fun.

Perfect for the Halloween season.

[Hannah The Awkward · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such a great story! I am so glad to see Selena’s perspective. I am so blown away how amazingly crafted book 2 is and I finished it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Bound and Betrayed gives you insight to what was going on behind the scenes during the timespan of Dealings in the Dark. What an amazing read! I also loved the resources included in the acknowledgements. 🖤

[Coco Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

such an amazing cozy horror.
Selena was 10 when a demon brutally took her life and then gave her life back. this is her life after that attack. She has been diagnosed as schizophrenic is there anyone out there that will truly believe what she is going through or will she have to fight a demon to continue to live?

[Stephanie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this has a different feel than Dealings in the Dark, I love how the stories are interwoven, and I feel for Selena, it was heartbreaking and terrifying both to watch everything she had to endure! Samantha Moran knows how to write a character you root for while simultaneously pitying!

[Tess Lavorre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of my seat good

Even though I had an idea of where this book would be going after Cursed Souls Book 1, I couldn’t stop reading. I was rooting for Selena the entire time, hoping with bated breath that I might be wrong. Now I have to wait for book 3. . .

[Marianne Antonichuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my now this was a book that I really could not put down the way this author wrote this story had me wanting to keep reading to find out more about Selena the twists were like oh my god I can’t wait to read more of this series I hope there is more coming

[Jackie Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is strictly my opinion.. nothing against the author but there’s nothing worse than a whiny fmc. I would have rated higher if fmc didn’t whine about and continuously bring up the fact that she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Wasn’t for me.

[Bookishme_lisamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this sequel! It was incredibly creepy and so well written! My only issue (which is almost always my issue with horror endings) is that it was a dark not-so-happy ending. I need book 3 RIGHT NOW and I need some payback against that darkness!! 💜

You need to read this series. And I need to read everything this author ever writes! 4⭐️

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

While definitely a different story arc, I enjoyed this just as much as the first book. Would highly recommend!

[Danielle Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

Bound and Betrayed was not shy with providing an intense, thrilling, heartbreaking and relatable storyline. I cannot wait for Book 3!

[Anna Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down

I loved the first one in this series and I loved this one too. I can not wait until the 3rd one comes out.

[Shannon (litmuggle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. Amazing paranormal take on mental health. This story may be short but it hooked me start to finish.

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how this book connects with the first book. The horror/thriller aspects to this book are on point. I’m looking forward to the third book of this series!

[Jennifer Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Movie quality! This is the perfect read for spooky haunting psychological horror!

[Kennedy Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this one on Audible and loved it! Once again, Samantha Moran's excellent storytelling paired with the vocal talent of Paige Reisenfeld made for a magnificent read. Selena's story was fascinating and I'm eager for the third installment!

[Glenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I’m usually reading

Was walking through the craft show and this writer snares my attention and convinces me to purchase two of her books. I’m extremely grateful that she did, excellent storytelling. Loved them both, cannot wait for the third installment and hoping that’s not the last.
Thank you Samantha for taking the time to convince me to purchase these, they are awesome. Oh, and I’m going to need my third book signed!

[Kassybetweenpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Two in did not disappoint!
In book one we meet Alexandria who has made a rotten deal with a cross roads demon. in that book are introduced to her childhood friend Selena and we learn a little bit about her. so absolutely go read Dealings in the dark 1st. check your tw for both books.

In this book we have a more in-depth view of Selena's past and the trauma that landed her in a physic ward. this book had my brain all turned around, Selena has trouble deciphering what is and isn't real and because of this you as the reader get turned around yourself. It was not as action filled and tense feeling as book one, but this book hooks you on more of a physiological level.

There were multiple times I was like "girl no don't do this or don't go over there" I love when a book has you so engrossed that you start talking to it! I love how the book ended and how everything from book on and two tied together flawlessly. this is not a book I will Forget any time soon!

[Caytlyn Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great sequel! I adored Dealings in the Dark and Bound and Betrayed delivered! I loved that this story followed a new character, Selena and we get to see the struggle she faced not only with herself trying to simply exist and recall a past that is locked away, but also the stigma many people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness face every day. Moran did an excellent job of portraying these harmful judgements and the amount of tension was amazing! This book actually gave me nightmares which shows how creepy and well written it is to stick with readers even after they've set it down! Can't wait for book 3!

[Jessica Goeken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing Perspective.

I enjoyed this story. The lack of magic that was present in the first book doesn’t detract from the suspense and the storytelling. The author nails the portrayal of Selena as someone who has been afraid, paranoid, and betrayed for her whole life. If you’ve read Book 1 then you’ll be able to see points where these two stories run parallel to each other. Excited to see where the rest of the series goes.

[John Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged enough to read this book before it was released and I'm glad I did. This book gives an interesting perspective that runs semi-parallel to our heroine from "Dealings in the Dark" and brings everything together in the end, joining back to Dealings.

Truly looking forward to more from this series and this author.

[Sammantha Selwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I’m ready for book 3 but also worried about what I will be put through while reading the next book🤣

The author does a great job with every single book she writes, at this point no matter what it is if Samantha Moran writes it I will read it!🖤