Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - The Binding

Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'

The Binding by Bridget Collins

17 reviews

greymalkin's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Writing is decent enough and I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the idea of what binders do. But wow does this book feel like it needs to have all the content warnings included.

I didn't much like any of the characters and the terrible abuse of all the female characters (not a single one is spared) was really upsetting. Especially as the male characters tended to be the abusers and awful people and for the most part had zero repercussions or punishment. I also wish that the book had lingered more on the actual bookbinding part instead of just a few descriptions of materials and tools that we never "see" used so we don't know what they do. Since the author has actually taken a lot of bookbinding classes I expected more but it felt more like what someone might add after an evening of googling and youtube videos. Since it was such a huge part of the magic system of the world, I wanted more details. All the bits about "trade" and fakes were intriguing but we never get to interact with them "onscreen". Humans are storytellers, how is that no one has written down stories before? If they didn't, then why isn't there more of an oral tradition? My questions really took me out of the book.

Content Warnings

zoeelizabethk's review against another edition

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2.5

I actually really liked the writing style - it's pretty atmospheric and the tone kinda reminded me of Red Rising actually. But I just felt like I wasn't interested enough to keep going another 250 pages. The events and magic are confusing - which is part of the point - and it just lacked drive or direction to move forward. Then I looked at reviews and evidently Parts 2 and 3 are completely different. But I don't feel like struggling to acclimate to part 1 then start all over in part 2. Anyway, I think this will really appeal to some - and I don't dislike it - I just feel like I have better things to do with my time.

Content Warnings

izzybell's review

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

alymac42's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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cherry__tomatoes's review

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.25

Really great read. I really liked the first two parts of the book. I especially loved the first part and how the author handled it. The last part of the book was a tad bit confusing to me, but overall a really good read, and I really enjoyed the ending.

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bill369's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious 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? N/A

4.5

When I read about the theme of the book, I immediately knew I must read it.

My favourite character is Emmet. He's hard-working, caring, thoughtful. While reading I related to his anger and I could imagine why he did certain actions. I feel as his motives, and his whole personality overall was written flawlessly. I adored, how he always grinned while he was talking to Lucien. It was so sweet. Their story and relationship are truly a work of art and I can't wait to have a deep bond as they had.

The theme is gripping and the reason why I even gave this book a chance. The first part of the book was a little confusing and it took me some time to get into the story, but once I did I couldn't stop reading. The main aspect of the theme was described well and the author uses rich vocabulary, which gave me a hard time since my English isn't perfect. However I did learn many new words and I always could understand what was going on, therefore I take it as a positive. Also, the descriptions are detailed and magical. I love how the author had written the book, I had a great time reading it.

I have many favourite parts. My first favourite lines are on page 260 from the New House. They describe the happiness before it all went wrong.
The lines are:

I had never been so happy. I didn't know it was possible. When I woke up in the morning I lay there, incredulous, nearly blinded by it, holding on to the edge of the bed as if I was shipwrecked. I should have been at home, working, but it felt as if I was thinking about someone else's life, not mine. One way or another, the jobs would get done; it was a luxurious pleasure to lie still, listening to the birds, knowing that I was playing truant, not caring. It was late, and the sun was creeping up the side of the bed over the rumpled sheets and Lucian's legs. He slept as though he'd been thrown away, one arm over his head, the veins on his wrist showing blue under the skin. In sleep his face seemed smoother, his mouth wider. I watched him for a long time, imagining him as a child and as an old man. Then, at last, I had to get up; partly because the pleasure of looking at him was too close to pain, and partly because I needed to piss.

The other lines are on page 363 describing Lucian's mixed feelings after he was bound and I just find them heart-touching. The lines are:He opens his mouth. But whatever he wants to say, he doesn't say it. He gives me a tight nod, and turns on his heel. It takes an effort not to watch him leave. His footsteps die away. Now he's gone I notice how cold I am. I'm a fool to trust him. I shouldn't have given him the money. I should have given him more.

Other lines are on page 385 taking place in Seredith's house, I like them because they are pure and full of love. The lines are:He takes his coat off and drops it on the bench. He leans against the wall next to the stove. He's watching me. He smiles. He lowers his head to hide it, but he's definitely smiling.
„What?“
„Nothing.“
„What?“
He raises on shoulder. „I can't help it.“

And lastly one of Lucian's happy memories on the summer with Emmet. Page 437. The lines are:Out of the whirl of memories, one surfaces: a damp, blue evening last spring, when I walked back to the New House from the farm. I'd stayed to dinner, because Emmet had asked me to. When I said goodnight he'd grinned at me, that awkward quick-quenched grin that made me feel like we were the only people in the world. I walked home whistling, dancing on the path like a music-hall turn, laughing softly to myself. I was wearing Emmett's shirt. My heart was so light I could have flown. The memory of it takes my breath away. I didn't know happiness was that simple.

The end was nice, however, I hoped to see and know more. It ended on a good note, but there's just so much that could happen at that moment. I wish there was a sequel. But it was a good ending I won't lie.

I wanted to give it five stars, but it was difficult for me to get into the story and I didn't understand everything, since my vocabulary isn't as extensive as is in the book. Otherwise, I got no complaints.
I will be recommending this one!

Content Warnings

annawookie's review

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dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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