Meh. I struggled to get into this, got drawn in a little in the middle but then had to make myself finish it. Not really my cup of tea.

A slow start to a book that felt disconnected from the rest of the story, the mystery of the trade of binding and Seredith didn’t seem to have much of a conclusion once we reached the end of it. Part two quickly revealed this was, in fact, a historical queer romance and I was so invested in the story and characters I finished the entire thing in one sitting. It was tragic and beautiful and left you filled with hope. The ending was so abrupt though I thought my kindle skipped some of the pages and I had to laugh. This could have been a perfect read if it weren’t for the pacing of the book.

The love story is beautiful, but the execution left me a bit disappointed. It felt too long-winded. I forced myself past the first 7 chapters until it finally got better.

3.5

LOVED IT

It’s just a forbidden love story 🥺 it had everything right. The right amount of story, love and understanding to the concept. I just was overwhelmed with how long winded it was 🥲 but overall a definite must read

GAY

This was not at all what I expected. A beautifully written, atmospheric book about books, magic and an unexpected and unforgettable love story! One of the best!

loved it so much

It took me a while to get into but once it clicked I couldn't stop reading.

I won an advanced reader's edition from Goodreads Giveaways. I enjoyed this book and I want more of the people/world, but there are moments where the story telling feels clumsy and it cuts away from things you want to know. It used tropes in a way that I thought I had it all figured out only to turn into an adjacent similar trope instead which was a nice surprise.

I was triggered a lot throughout this book, and not in a good way. I couldn’t stand Emmett. The way time works in this book is just 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️. I couldn’t DNF because I read it for bookclub, but I was pining for the end the entire time. It never really did get better. Sad!

it had a lot of potential. I wish Collins did more with what she had by either making the book longer or setting it up so it could be a series. The idea was fantastic and the idea of binding was really interesting as was Lucian's relationship with his family and the glimpses we got into his past, however it didn't reach the expectations I had of it.

This book had potential to be really thought provoking and insightful but it changed into a teenage romance. While I'm not saying I don't enjoy a good teenage romance, the book was really centered around it when it could've been centered around something else

Not what I expected from the jacket summary that got me to pick up this book, but pleasantly enjoyed it nonetheless. It was a bit of a slow burn (pun intended?) and each stage of the book was its own.

THIS GAY HISTORICAL MAGIC REALISM ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND AU GOT ME ALL TYPES OF FUCKED UP!!!!! IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY LADS!!!!!!! i have to return this to the library tomorrow i'll try and write a coherent review afterwards bc it's almost 2am rn lmao i've been trying to think about how to review this for a few days now and i'm still reeling and recovering so idk maybe i shouldn't even try. let me just say these things: go into this book knowing nothing, it's the best experience. if it sounds like something you'd like: JUST GO READ IT. know that this book follows *TYPICAL* magic realism tropes, this is not about the mechanics of the fantasy/magic. this, in the end, is a character study and a romance. if you expect something else, you might be disappointed. OKAY NOW GO READ IT. also tw for a lot, including: suicide, emotional and physical abuse, rape, incest, murder, animal cruelty, and homophobia.

Che delusione

Well, this one took me by surprise. I didn't expect this kind of turn of events. But it was a pleasant one. It could have gotten a little bit more into the binding, but it was lovely nonetheless. I am not a big fan of the romance genre, but I did appreciate it this time.

i wasn’t sure what to expect when i started this book but i absolutely adored it. the writing was beautiful and the entire premise was so interesting to read about; i couldn’t stop thinking about it. i fell in love with emmett and lucian and their relationship and i’m actually really happy with the way it ended. i do wish the process of book binding has been explored a little more but this was still such an amazing read. 4.5 stars

3.75 ⭐️ TW: rape (but it’s handled well) and themes of coping with trauma - it’s almost extraordinary???? - fascinating concept and storyline - I wish her writing itself was more interesting - I’m going to need to think about this one

honestly could not even tell you the plot of this (derogatory) / 3 stars

Not really my cup of tea, but I liked it well enough to finish it. The concept was what drew me in and the writing was strong. It's just not really my bag if I'm honest.

I think the reason The Binding got so many critical reviews is because the synopsis on the book jacket isn’t very...accurate. Yes it’s about all that, but there’s a whole other storyline being woven through that the synopsis doesn’t cover. So if you go into this book thinking it’s going to be like the blurb, you’re gonna be disappointed. But if you can let go of what you think the book will be about, then the actual book is pretty friggin good.

Onverwachte wendingen en mystieke sfeer - een fantastisch verhaal. Het heeft me gegrepen en staat in mijn lijstje van beste verhalen ooit gelezen.