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A review by rebelbooks101
Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book follows Shannon, who starts attending a new school after being heavily bullied at her last one. There she meets Johnny when he accidentally hits her in the head with a rugby ball and the story goes from there.
This book I have some complicated feelings about. On the one hand I would say I really enjoyed this book. On the other hand I also had some major issues with this book.
Let’s start out with the positives. I firstly liked the way the dual POV was written. Shannon and Johnny have such different voices and internal dialogue that their chapters sounded different and were well written.
I also enjoyed the romance. Was it maybe a little toxic? Yes. Did I still like it? Also yes. I really liked their connection and seeing the slow burn development of their relationship made me not want to put the book down. I spent all of yesterday just glued to this book as I waited to see these two get together. At the end of the day, these two just want the best for each other and wants the other to be safe.
What I couldn’t get behind was how violent of a character Johnny was. Given Shannon comes from an abusive household, I don’t know if a guy who solves his problems with his fists is the best guy for her. It’s not really addressed at all. Johnny’s flaws were very apparent so I’ll give the story that. He was always out to fix all of Shannon’s problems so you could take it as he’s in love with her or he’s just obsessed with her (or both). Maybe their relationship is not the healthiest but I also think this is one of those times I’m just going to separate fiction from reality.
Overall, I had a good time with this book. I would recommend it but I don’t think it’s a book for everyone so I’d be hesitant on who I’d recommend it to.
This book I have some complicated feelings about. On the one hand I would say I really enjoyed this book. On the other hand I also had some major issues with this book.
Let’s start out with the positives. I firstly liked the way the dual POV was written. Shannon and Johnny have such different voices and internal dialogue that their chapters sounded different and were well written.
I also enjoyed the romance. Was it maybe a little toxic? Yes. Did I still like it? Also yes. I really liked their connection and seeing the slow burn development of their relationship made me not want to put the book down. I spent all of yesterday just glued to this book as I waited to see these two get together. At the end of the day, these two just want the best for each other and wants the other to be safe.
What I couldn’t get behind was how violent of a character Johnny was. Given Shannon comes from an abusive household, I don’t know if a guy who solves his problems with his fists is the best guy for her. It’s not really addressed at all. Johnny’s flaws were very apparent so I’ll give the story that. He was always out to fix all of Shannon’s problems so you could take it as he’s in love with her or he’s just obsessed with her (or both). Maybe their relationship is not the healthiest but I also think this is one of those times I’m just going to separate fiction from reality.
Overall, I had a good time with this book. I would recommend it but I don’t think it’s a book for everyone so I’d be hesitant on who I’d recommend it to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Vomit