Scan barcode
_willow_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
valeriewatts's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
_justagirlthatlikestoread's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
stephaniepao's review against another edition
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
samtom's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25
rachel123456789's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
missniaaa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
stacyfrancesreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Chloe Walsh's "Binding 13" is a sprawling romance novel that treads the fine line between heartfelt and frustrating. At over 800 pages, it promises an epic love story, yet often gets bogged down in repetitiveness and slow pacing. While the main characters, Johnny and Shannon, provide some memorable moments, it's the secondary characters, particularly Gibsie and Joey, who truly steal the show.
The story revolves around Shannon, a girl dealing with severe domestic abuse and bullying, who finds solace and new beginning at Tommen College. Enter Johnny, the school's rugby star, who becomes her protector and love interest. The dynamic between Shannon and Johnny is meant to be the heart of the novel, but their relationship is hindered by Johnny's incessant comments about their age gap. This fixation becomes tedious, detracting from what could have been a compelling development of their bond.
Shannon's character is crafted to evoke sympathy; her fragile demeanor in the face of overwhelming adversity positions her as a damsel in distress. This portrayal, however, can make it challenging for readers seeking a strong, resilient protagonist to fully connect with her. While her struggles are poignant and realistic, her character development feels somewhat stagnant, relying heavily on Johnny's protection rather than her own growth.
The romance between Johnny and Shannon is the epitome of a slow burn - perhaps too slow. The repetitive nature of their interactions and the sheer length of the novel makes the progression of their relationship feel like a crawl. Readers might find themselves yearning for more substantial plot advancement rather than the cyclical dialogues and scenarios that dominate much of the narrative. The novel's length could have been trimmed significantly without losing any essential elements, thereby creating a more engaging and tightly woven story.
Despite these drawbacks, "Binding 13" shines in its later chapters and whenever Gibsie or Joey, secondary characters, grace the pages. Gibsie's humour and vibrant personality inject much-needed energy into the story. His interactions are a breath of fresh air, providing comedic relief and endearing moments that overshadow the main romance. Similarly, Joey, Shannon's older brother, adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics amidst turmoil.
The hospital scene, in particular, stands out as a highlight, showcasing Walsh's ability to blend humour and emotional resonance effectively. These moments reveal the potential of Walsh's storytelling when not weighed down by excessive repetition.
"Binding 13" is a mixed bag. It offers glimpses of compelling storytelling and strong secondary characters that, for me, outshine the protagonists. While the central romance is marred by slow pacing and repetitiveness, the novel still manages to deliver emotional depth and moments of genuine humour. Gibsie and Joey are the true stars, elevating the book from a lower rating. For readers who enjoy an ultra-slow burn romance and can overlook some narrative flaws, "Binding 13" provides a unique, if somewhat uneven, reading experience.
The story revolves around Shannon, a girl dealing with severe domestic abuse and bullying, who finds solace and new beginning at Tommen College. Enter Johnny, the school's rugby star, who becomes her protector and love interest. The dynamic between Shannon and Johnny is meant to be the heart of the novel, but their relationship is hindered by Johnny's incessant comments about their age gap. This fixation becomes tedious, detracting from what could have been a compelling development of their bond.
Shannon's character is crafted to evoke sympathy; her fragile demeanor in the face of overwhelming adversity positions her as a damsel in distress. This portrayal, however, can make it challenging for readers seeking a strong, resilient protagonist to fully connect with her. While her struggles are poignant and realistic, her character development feels somewhat stagnant, relying heavily on Johnny's protection rather than her own growth.
The romance between Johnny and Shannon is the epitome of a slow burn - perhaps too slow. The repetitive nature of their interactions and the sheer length of the novel makes the progression of their relationship feel like a crawl. Readers might find themselves yearning for more substantial plot advancement rather than the cyclical dialogues and scenarios that dominate much of the narrative. The novel's length could have been trimmed significantly without losing any essential elements, thereby creating a more engaging and tightly woven story.
Despite these drawbacks, "Binding 13" shines in its later chapters and whenever Gibsie or Joey, secondary characters, grace the pages. Gibsie's humour and vibrant personality inject much-needed energy into the story. His interactions are a breath of fresh air, providing comedic relief and endearing moments that overshadow the main romance. Similarly, Joey, Shannon's older brother, adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics amidst turmoil.
The hospital scene, in particular, stands out as a highlight, showcasing Walsh's ability to blend humour and emotional resonance effectively. These moments reveal the potential of Walsh's storytelling when not weighed down by excessive repetition.
"Binding 13" is a mixed bag. It offers glimpses of compelling storytelling and strong secondary characters that, for me, outshine the protagonists. While the central romance is marred by slow pacing and repetitiveness, the novel still manages to deliver emotional depth and moments of genuine humour. Gibsie and Joey are the true stars, elevating the book from a lower rating. For readers who enjoy an ultra-slow burn romance and can overlook some narrative flaws, "Binding 13" provides a unique, if somewhat uneven, reading experience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse and Domestic abuse
rmgeorge4's review against another edition
1.0
If I took a shot for every time the FMC blushed and said “are you sure?” I’d die of alcohol poisoning by 10% in. This is one of the worst rom com books I’ve ever read, and I can’t believe I actually finished it. If you’re looking for a book where the author writes the same things overandoverandover again for 600 pages, then this is the book for you. How this book has so many 5 star ratings is beyond me.