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A review by marissaboone
Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
4.25
This book was SO addicting. There were juvenile and cringe moments, 100%, but what else can be expected when reading a high school romance?
Despite this, I couldn’t put Binding 13 down. I read the 750+ pages in less than 2 days. This was the only case of “touch her and die” outside of the fantasy genre that actually felt believable. Johnny was SO protective of Shannon, you couldn’t deny it.
My only other complaint was how weak and vulnerable Shannon came across. She had almost no personality beyond being a tiny fawn of a human. I honestly didn’t see the appeal in Johnny’s eyes… but her vulnerability made sense knowing her history and life. There were many triggering content matters in this story. These all made her empty shell personality make sense, even if she wasn’t “fun” to read about.
Aspects I really liked: it wasn’t really insta love the way some romance novels are. The story was spread out over months, which made it more believable. It also felt like the author was paying attention to the small details, and plot points from the beginning of the book lead to future points in the story. It made it feel like things were happening for a reason, and not like tropes were being written in just to move the story along. Finally, I really loved the depth of Shannon and Johnny’s feelings, as well as the depth of all the characters. I grew to care for them over the coarse of the book and I can’t wait to read more.
Despite this, I couldn’t put Binding 13 down. I read the 750+ pages in less than 2 days. This was the only case of “touch her and die” outside of the fantasy genre that actually felt believable. Johnny was SO protective of Shannon, you couldn’t deny it.
My only other complaint was how weak and vulnerable Shannon came across. She had almost no personality beyond being a tiny fawn of a human. I honestly didn’t see the appeal in Johnny’s eyes… but her vulnerability made sense knowing her history and life. There were many triggering content matters in this story. These all made her empty shell personality make sense, even if she wasn’t “fun” to read about.
Aspects I really liked: it wasn’t really insta love the way some romance novels are. The story was spread out over months, which made it more believable. It also felt like the author was paying attention to the small details, and plot points from the beginning of the book lead to future points in the story. It made it feel like things were happening for a reason, and not like tropes were being written in just to move the story along. Finally, I really loved the depth of Shannon and Johnny’s feelings, as well as the depth of all the characters. I grew to care for them over the coarse of the book and I can’t wait to read more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use and Miscarriage