Emmett Farmer's strength has deserted him since his illness. His hands shake so badly working in the fields that he can barely tie a knot. A letter arrives at his home that changes everything. Instead of remaining on the family farm, Emmett is forced to apprentice with a bookbinder. Books are feared in Emmett's world as rumors of witchcraft surround them, but he settles into a routine as the craft soothes him in a way nothing else has. Unfortunately, the power of books has corrupted others, and Emmett will have to choose what path to take.

Bridget Collins crafts a mysterious world where books have a deadly power in the hands of bookbinders. Emmett enters this dark world with little understanding of what is in store for him, other than he knows he's always been drawn to books despite his family's fear of them. I love how Bridget Collins builds the suspense about the power behind books as I had so many questions in the beginning, and oh, what fascinating answers unfold as this eloquently told story progresses!

THE BINDING is told in three parts, with the middle part focusing on the past and tying together the events of parts one and two. I have to admit that I found part one almost impossible to put down as Bridget Collins weaves a mysterious story line that keeps you guessing. I guessed most of the twists and turns in part two, but it sets the stage for one heck of a spectacular concluding section. It's hard to say much more as any spoilers would ruin the suspense that Bridget Collins so carefully creates.

An alluring, almost mystical tale, THE BINDING centers around the power of books. Bridget Collins' eloquent writing is hypnotic, drawing you in so deeply that putting THE BINDING aside for sleep seems impossible. The complexity of Bridget Collins' world-building awes me even now as I want to dive back into her world and hear more stories. If you love dark fantasy, THE BINDING is a must read for you!