A review by lalunablue
The Binding by Bridget Collins

dark slow-paced

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

1.5

I made myself finish this book. I had such high hopes, but I did not like a single character. Scratch that, the one character I liked had minimal time.

I feel when you write about horrible situations and horrible people, the main characters should make you root for them, not shake your head in frustration. 

I am disappointed in the lack of world building and what Binders actually do, it was such a neat concept that fell to the wayside. 

The queer rep was ... Questionable. I am all for good representation and stories we are so sorely lacking, but this just wasn't it. As much praise as this book has received, I didn't see the appeal.

The writing was beautiful and the only reason it got an additional half star , but that doesn't make up for characters I can't even force myself to care about.  There was little to no growth, either. 

Overall, it was a profound idea that fell flat and relied far too much on shock and triggering subject matter that shouldn't be the sole purpose of a book. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Emotional abuse, Animal cruelty, Blood, Animal death, Child abuse, and Suicide

Moderate: Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Homophobia, and Vomit

Do not read if animal death upsets you, a dog is flat out murdered in a bag. It's brief, but horrible. Rape and child abuse are a running theme, and while not outright described it is enough to be jarring. There is also a graphic suicide scene of a rape victim. All of these are horribly triggering. There are instances of homophobia throughout.