Any book which I find physically impossible to put down because I'm so hooked on the story is automatically going to get all the highest ratings from me, and "The Binding" is such a book. I did know about the romance element going in, which did make certain interactions more painful to watch as I knew what was going to happen, and I almost wish I hadn't known from the blurb that Emmett has bound himself because the moment of him finding his book would have been so much more heart-wrenching. Overall, though, I loved it. Emmett and Lucian's dynamic is perfect, all the initial antagonism turned to feelings. I loved the general undercurrent throughout the book of just how badly this magic could be misused too. Mr Darnay's library was absolutely chilling and some of Nell's dialogue had me on the point of tears. Absolutely will be recommending this one to anyone who loves books, romance and historical fiction.

Serendipity in Ink
I kept hearing so much about this book that I just had to find out what the hype was all about. It wasn’t hype! A beautifully-crafted novel that takes the reader in an unusual journey where books aren’t everything they seem - they are so much more. An historical novel. A horror story. A love story. A dream...

Fantastic story really enjoyed this and the characters just made it even better. If you like a good plot mixed with fun and excitement you will love this.

A beautifully descriptive historical fantasy and an impressive debut into the world of adult fiction from this young adult author. Not the kind of book I would normally read, but I enjoyed it and having my reading extended into a new genre.

I found this an amazing book. It has a theme that - to me - is completely new. Books are forbidden because memories can be removed and kept hidden - in a book that no one reads. The exploration of the change in belief and behaviour when memories are removed is a large part of the story. The main characters are enormously likeable while having their faults. I found that I was desperate to find out what happened in the end - reading compulsively until I finished.
However, there is a fantasy angle in the "binding" which readers who dislike fantasy might find off putting. I often avoid it myself but I didn't find it a problem in this book.
I recommend the book.

A ground breaking story in this genre.
Set in a time when books are memories and any secrets or misdemeanours can be erased by having ones memory bound into a book. The people who are able to do this are called book binders.
Emmett Farmer is apprenticed to one such person and although he did not wish to leave his family has always had a love of books until he realises what they hold.
Although it is of the fantasy genre it is also a love story that breaks all conventional lines.
Brilliant and sensitive.

I was really looking forward to this book. The synopsis intrigued me, the cover was eye catching and was really looking forward to reading it. Although I did enjoy the story I found it too long and maybe would have enjoyed it more had it been broken into more books. A good story though if you’re looking for something to draw you in for the long haul.

I was intrigued by the idea of this book. I enjoy a well written fantasy read. The idea that a binder could take away a person's painful memories and put them into a book was novel to me.
Certainly the opening chapter appealed and was powerful. We have Emmett, a boy working on his family's farm, who is ill. He is to be apprenticed to an ageing binder against his will. Binders are seen by many as akin to witches and to be avoided and feared.

The book is in three parts. The first part follows Emmett's story in the present time. The second part looks at a time in the recent past again through Emmett's eyes. The third part returns to the present time but looks at the story unfolding through another person's eyes.

The first part of this book I simply loved. After reading the first chapter I was sure I would enjoy the book. The writing was very good indeed and highly evocative. It took hold, gripped me and dragged me in. Underlying the narrative is a feeling that there are strange and maybe frightening things to be seen in the future but, like Emmett we have little control of our destinies. I found it increasingly hard to put down.

I did enjoy reading the second part. If anything the writing became even more powerful though in a different direction. I found it a little long maybe. I guess the third part was inevitable and possibly less surprising than the earlier parts of the book. I was not expecting the direction the book took from the blurb. It is a hard book to review without giving things away though.

Whilst this is both fantasy and historical in some ways it is really about love and relationships. I really did feel that the writing caught the relationship between Darnay and Emmett exceptionally well. It resonated deeply with me. I think those who are simply seeking a fantasy read may be less pleased with this story. The whole idea of "binding" is key to this story but not the "magic" of doing it. The importance - even pain - of our memories underpins this. It may not have been what I was expecting but I really enjoyed reading it. 4.5/5 for me.

What a magical reading experience this was.

If you have memories that you don’t want to bear anymore, you can be a book binder can bind your bad thoughts in a book and lock it away. some times however, this doesn't always go to plan..

Emmett Farmer is apprenticed to Seredith in her bindery on the marshes and then finds out a secret concerning himself . There's a book there with his name on it....

Shivers already? That's all I want to say as this is a novel to read for yourself. It's magical , the scene setting is excellent and the words shimmer and sparkle from the page. It's a world of wonder and I felt enchanted by this book and a little worried as I could see a shelf of bound books from where I was reading. Ooh I'm getting shivers just thinking about it now.

Not a Booktrail book in that the locations are mere backdrops and vague at that. It's a book for a wonderful story about books, binding and the magic that goes into it all. It's an enchanting story! Loved it! ( and that's why it gets the five stars)

This book is essentially a star crossed lovers story with an incredible original take entwined with a fantasy element.

The Binding is set in 19th Century Britain, but here's the fantastical paradigm; books are dangerous, sordid things that are not to be messed with. Books are to be made, bound and locked in reputable vaults.

We meet Emmett Farmer, who works on his fathers land. He is a hard worker who comes from a humble background. One day Emmett receives a very unwelcome letter. He is called upon to be an apprentice book binder by a woman named Seredith. This is not the sort of calling you can refuse, yet it is with dread that the apprenticeship is received. Whilst it's obvious what the job will entail, why would anyone dread learning such a skill? Binding is a craft which is viewed upon with great suspicion and distrust amongst 'normal' folk. Emmett is unsure why he has been chosen to be a book binder, but he finds out the real reason why he was not allowed to read as a young boy (even though he was always drawn to books)...

You see books are used to bind peoples bad/horrible/traumatic memories. In doing so, this rids the person of said memory. If you destroy any book with a memory bound in it, it releases the memory back to the holder. Binders are often seen as witches and although used quietly by many, they are generally mistrusted by all.

Emmett starts his apprenticeship under the elderly but experienced Seredith. He quickly learns that she is one of the few binders that has a strict moral code. For all the books and secrets she binds, she keeps them in a vault. Whilst Seredith is mocked by other fellow binders for being so old fashioned, Emmett learns that there is a dark underworld to binding.

The secrets of others are coveted by the wealthy who pay vast sums to other less scrupulous binders in exchange for the books that they hold in their vaults. The more tragic the better.

One day early on in his apprenticeship Emmett meets Lucian Darnay. Lucian couldn't be more opposite to Emmett; a slightly cocky young man from an affluent background. Emmett feels that he knows Lucian but cannot quite put his finger on it...

I have to admit I thought the magical element of binding would feature more prominently in the book. Not that I was disappointed in the way that Collins wrote her story at all, it's just the premise hinted at the fantastical being more heavily weighted. I also thought that the single description in the book of the bindings weren't that in depth and as such didn't provide a deep enough anchor for the role Emmett was taking on.

This book was a bit of a slow burner for me. This book is in 3 parts, and the first one was definitely the slowest - although shrouded in mystery it wasn't quite as fast paced as I usually enjoy (the writing is brilliant however). The second part I became much more invested in. We find out Emmett's own bound story (and all the gaps are filled in from part one). I don't think it's too much of a spoiler to say that Emmett found the love of his life before he became a binder and the characters are really fleshed out so by the third part you wanted to know what happened to Emmett (and Lucian Darnay).

Collins really knows how to build a world in which you can almost feel the biting cold of the winter and the sting of old wounds that won't heal. I absolutely loved that the love story was a gay one too. So utterly refreshing and wonderful to read. Set in a time when same sex love was not only seen with contempt, it was punishable by law, which made me more invested in their story. Adding an extra layer to this complex love story was one of class. Emmett was of working class and Lucian of aristocracy but yet they suited each other so well and loved so completely.

I would have loved for the theme of binding to be more fully explored. The fact that you would want to voluntary forget something is so intriguing and the ramifications of doing so.

I would absolutely read another book by Collins, she is eloquent and a wonderful story teller.

A 3 star read for me.

I would like to thank Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Gosh - I loved this - initially resistant to the countryside historical with all the trappings, soon I overcame that and was deeply 'in' to this engaging story - wondering why, since I love books, they were frightening and irreligious items in this world. I fell in with Emmet who has been consigned to a binder as apprentice - and his 'master' was wonderful and warm - in some ways its observations about what looks like, but is not, a mental illness are very appropriate too. his adventures and his coming into his own mattered to me very much, and i was deeply moved - in fact i had to force myself to put it down to get some sleep! highly recommended .. for story and characterisations.

This is such a beautiful book design and it's really builds the anticipation for the reader to be immersed into this world. I have to admit I found the opening very slow paced, with elements of mystery that works well, but sometimes are more frustrating than intriguing. The middle section is much more enjoyable and the concept here is far more interesting, although the descriptive passages at times work really well, but there seemed to be a lot of repetition?
The concept of binding was definitely compelling and there's certainly a literary intelligence from the writer, but all the pieces didn't come together for me. I also think the relationship didn't work, a bit too much YA forced diversity for the sake of it (if I can say that without with being blasted?).
All in all some beautiful writing and concept, but didn't come together for me - the cover and the blurb promised the reader something else?

I almost didn’t read this because of all the rave reviews – yep I’m nothing if not contrary.
However, it is a book about my favourite thing, books, and the cover is so exquisite I felt I had to put my popularity-prejudice aside. I’m so glad I did. Read in two sittings, purely because I had to go to work, this is a fascinating novel. Split into three parts with each having a different perspective works really well to move the narrative on. Emmett and Lucian especially are such well written characters that the novel visually springs to life around you making it is so easy to become thoroughly absorbed. I’m not the most imaginative person so this is a great feat by the author. I can’t say anything else as I don’t want to give anything away.
Primarily a highly emotional love story set against a fascinating backdrop of bookbinding. Definitely a book that will stay in my memory for a long time, which is quite apt.
Very, very good.

My expectations of this book were sky high. The synopsis, the cover, it all added and i was so excited to read this. Thankfully i was not let down at all. The writing is outstanding and really made me feel deeply which is the sign of an incredible book. The characterization was spot on. I can't recommend this book enough.

Well, "The Binding" was such a great read! Firstly, it was about books, secondly I loved the ending, thirdly I really liked the language, it made me feel like I was inside the story (creepy, if you read the book and you know what I am talking about). I suggest though you do not read much of the blurb - I think it revealed a bit to much and without certain things mentioned I might have enjoyed the book even more. As it was, I sort of guessed the plot (correctly) and was slightly disappointed in not being able to enjoy the big reveal.s and plot twists. However, I think as the story progressed I have found myself loving it anyway. The premise of the book is unusual (ok, I have read someone comparing it to "Inkheart", but I have not read "Inkheart", so there) and not like anything I have ever read. Imagine the world in which your memories, bad and good, can be taken way of you and binded into books. Imagine living without your memories, not sure if something is missing and unable to remember it. Books will never be the same for you after reading this captivating story. But be aware, it is much darker and violent in places then you might have expected. It is set up in the world from Victorian era and it is equally grim, polluted, full of greed and darkness. The females in the book are never treated fairly, neither are those who dare to be different. But there is also hope, love and affection, and glimmers of happiness that made "The Binding" stand out for me. I was unsure how to rate this book, in the end I decided to go for 5 stars simply because, despite my reservations, once i finished the book I made a satisfied ahhh noise and hope for the sequel. (Thank you Netgalley for a ARC copy of the book).

How to even start to explain this book? Is it a fantasy? Is it historical? Is it a love story? It is certainly original! You need to read it to decide!

Emmett Farmer is a young man who is struggling to retain his strength after an illness so that he can once again pull his weight on the farm. WHen a letter arrives telling him he is to become apprentice to a bookbinder her is confused. The only time he ever had a real book his father beat him & burned it. In Emmett's world books are scary things. They are full of people's memories that have been taken from them. Want to forget a tragedy? Want to forget a mistake? What to stop grieving? A binder will take those things away & keep them in a locked vault of books.

It is hard to say much more without revealing the plot. Suffice to say this is a book that will stay with me a long time. If you loved The Toymakers & The Night Circus this could be the book for you.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this unusual book. I loved it!

Would you choose to have an unpleasant memory recorded in a book and wiped from your mind? With some it may seem ideal but what happens when the custodian of your memories is unscrupulous and sells those memries for the enjoyment of others? or the binding of traumatic events that are repeated and erased numerous times? A really interesting idea, wonderful character descriptions and a story ultimately of forbidden and unrequited love. The cover conveys the magical content.

The Binding is Bridget Collins first foray into adult literature and with this beautifully imagined, yet often disturbing novel, she certainly does not disappoint. However she’s done such a good job that it’s very hard to review this book without giving away some major plot points; I shall do my best to summarise my thoughts without spoilers!

Emmett Farmer is a young farmer’s lad who has been suffering from a mysterious sickness. Very suddenly, we discover that he is to be sent away from his family, ending his life on the farm, to become a Binder’s apprentice. Emmett knows nothing of what Binders do, except that it has something to do with books – which, Emmett has been told in no uncertain terms, are bad things that he must stay away from. Desperately unhappy at the thought of leaving his parents and sister, Alta, Emmett riles against the decision, but eventually accepts the will of his family and tries to settle into his new life.

Working with the old Binder, Seredith, Emmett learns that all existing books are made from memories – extracted from a living person and bound between the pages of a book. As a Binder, this will be his future – however he is unsettled by the whole concept. Desperate people go to Binders to have upsetting memories removed to allow them to move on in life and to some extent he understands that, but what about the rich and privileged men who provide a stream of frightened and abused women to the Binder’s door with the sole purpose of covering their nefarious behaviour? Add to those the people who are having experiences purely to sell them to be made into a bawdy tale so they can make a fast buck – is that something Emmett can live with being a part of?

It actually might not be an issue for long – after a horrific event turns Emmett’s new life upside down, he is forced into a new life where he happens upon someone from his past. This person triggers something in Emmett, and shows him something that changes the way he thinks about everything…and ultimately leads him onto a completely different path to the one he thought he would be following. It’s a dangerous and confusing path, but also one full of forbidden pleasures and feelings he has never experienced before.

Although the novel is based around the concept of binding – which is clever and exciting, it’s actually the relationships that made this novel for me. Intense and beautiful, hurtful and vicious all at once, it’s a joy to invest in.

Many Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC of this beautiful book in return for an honest review – it was an absolute pleasure!

I loved The Binding. Being perfectly honest I requested this book as my friends had been talking about it and I'm so glad I did because it's a lot more than I expected.
The thought of binding is very interesting and I definitely thought the book would focus more on this and Seredith training Emmett in passing on the right morals etc but I love the direction it took, I was surprised that the book was mostly about Emmett's back story.
Part two for me was probably my favourite. As I mentioned it was a total surprise that the book took and I absolutely loved the romance in this part, although I think Emmett forgave Alta far too quickly!
The only reason this isn't a 5 star for me (it's 4.5 but you can't do half stars on good reads!) is because I wasn't as keen on the third section. I think the pacing for this was a bit off in comparison to the first two parts, especially towards the end. I also wasn't a huge fan of the ending because I would've thought Emmett as a binder would've had more consideration for the books, although I am happy that they ended up together.
The Binding was an absolute joy to read and I found myself completely absorbed in the story. I sped through this in about three days, reading this was definitely a case of 'just one more chapter' because I just needed more of the story and to find out what was happening next!

Incredible, just incredible. It is such an unusual book and I just love the whole concept because it is accurate – after all what are books if not memories: real or imagined. I loved the characters particularly Lucien and Emmett but who could not. The phrase more sinned against than sinner resonates. The writing itself is reminiscent of Dickens; the bleak landscape, the poverty, the meanness of existence and the pure poetry of the language, just sublime!

Oh, by the way, did I mention I like it? I loved it. You clever thing Ms Collins, how I envy your talent, but how I appreciate it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.