A review by gjalvi
The Binding by Bridget Collins

emotional reflective sad 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? N/A

2.75

The Binding would be an interesting read if I were someone into this kind of story. I picked this up hoping the magic and romance would be more centre stage but I was really bogged down by the overly descriptive writing style. Part 1 honestly felt like an extra long prologue that would have benefitted from some editing, but part 2 was excellent. Part 3 seemed to turn some people off but I didn't mind it for what it tried to do.

Emmett was a great character and I enjoyed his arc throughout the book; Lucian was cheeky though kind of annoying toward the end, but he's supposed to be; and Seredith was the best part of the entire thing.

Overall, my interest came and went throughout the novel and I'd have probably DNF'd it (again) if I weren't buddy reading it with a friend. Don't get me wrong, I know there is a market for people who would like this book (think fans of Erin Morgenstern and Neil Gaiman) but I quickly realised I wasn't one of them. I liked it enough to be interested in Collins' next novel (The Betrayal) but I'd have to be in a very specific mood to pick it up.
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