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A review by abbier_14
The Binding by Bridget Collins
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Overall this is a fresh and interesting concept, however its not the typical type of book that I love so unfortuntely I was bored in some parts.
This book did feel a little bit like a chore to read especially in the first part as well as in the third section where Lucian didn't recognise Emmett. However the second part where their romance is developing was really good and enjoyable.
I did like how the concept of binding was thought out. For example in Lucian's and Emmetts case it was used as punishment for their relationship so that their families wouldn't be shamed and they could go on and lead normal lives. We also saw people using it kind of like prostitution where they would sell their memories for money in order to live which I though was interesting, and then obviously Lucian's dad using it to get away with taking advantage of the servants.
One thing I didnt like was the time period this was set in. Im not a historical book gal so adding that with the new concept of binding I had to learn made the book a bit confusing and hard to follow at the start. Obviously it was needed to be set in the past so that the punishment of binding is realistic for Lucian and Emmett, but all this Brigerton esque family drama at the end with Lucian was just boring and took away from the main focus of the book.
However the ending was sooo tense and stressful I didn't want to read on lol I was scared of what was going to happen. But im glad its a HAE, or its left mysterious enough for you to interpret it as a HAE despite them still having to navigate being gay in their time period.
I think this book deserves 3 because of how interesting the concept is and I think me slogging through this book is more evidence of me being impatient rather than this book being bad.
This book did feel a little bit like a chore to read especially in the first part as well as in the third section where Lucian didn't recognise Emmett. However the second part where their romance is developing was really good and enjoyable.
I did like how the concept of binding was thought out. For example in Lucian's and Emmetts case it was used as punishment for their relationship so that their families wouldn't be shamed and they could go on and lead normal lives. We also saw people using it kind of like prostitution where they would sell their memories for money in order to live which I though was interesting, and then obviously Lucian's dad using it to get away with taking advantage of the servants.
One thing I didnt like was the time period this was set in. Im not a historical book gal so adding that with the new concept of binding I had to learn made the book a bit confusing and hard to follow at the start. Obviously it was needed to be set in the past so that the punishment of binding is realistic for Lucian and Emmett, but all this Brigerton esque family drama at the end with Lucian was just boring and took away from the main focus of the book.
However the ending was sooo tense and stressful I didn't want to read on lol I was scared of what was going to happen. But im glad its a HAE, or its left mysterious enough for you to interpret it as a HAE despite them still having to navigate being gay in their time period.
I think this book deserves 3 because of how interesting the concept is and I think me slogging through this book is more evidence of me being impatient rather than this book being bad.