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That Which Binds Us
“A violent offender, a lowlife criminal, a traitor, and a half-baked hero who couldn’t even save themselves.”
Mei is quirky, sweet, and, after The Test, probably strong enough to crush a human spine. Not that she wants to do that, but when a horrific fire ravages her school, she desperately uses her newfound genetically-activated superstrength. She wakes up in a body cast and assured that she definitely is strong enough to crush a spine.
At Myer’s Anatomy Training Center in sunny Hawaii, Mei meets her beautiful roommate. Devi is wild, terrifying, and alluring. They spend their days in training and their evenings together on the beach.
Studying at Myer’s is truly paradise. Except that Mei’s lack of enhanced core strength means she can’t use her superstrength safely, her trainer wants to grind her into a hotdog, she and her roommates keep losing at the violent sport used for training, and she sucks at flirting with Devi. When a hurricane threatens to wreak destruction, Mei and her crew rush to save the endangered people. Can helping the impoverished make them pay the ultimate price?
SCROLL UP AND GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!
Mei is quirky, sweet, and, after The Test, probably strong enough to crush a human spine. Not that she wants to do that, but when a horrific fire ravages her school, she desperately uses her newfound genetically-activated superstrength. She wakes up in a body cast and assured that she definitely is strong enough to crush a spine.
At Myer’s Anatomy Training Center in sunny Hawaii, Mei meets her beautiful roommate. Devi is wild, terrifying, and alluring. They spend their days in training and their evenings together on the beach.
Studying at Myer’s is truly paradise. Except that Mei’s lack of enhanced core strength means she can’t use her superstrength safely, her trainer wants to grind her into a hotdog, she and her roommates keep losing at the violent sport used for training, and she sucks at flirting with Devi. When a hurricane threatens to wreak destruction, Mei and her crew rush to save the endangered people. Can helping the impoverished make them pay the ultimate price?
SCROLL UP AND GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2023
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 23, 2024
An original storyline with LGBT and Oriental leanings about effectively a school for superheroes!
I really enjoyed this book, not least because it is totally different to anything I have read before but still very well written. One of the main protagonists is Mei, who is still at school and trying to work out what to do with her life and who turns out to have a very unusual level of the latent powers and abilities that make the difference between being normal and being one of the elite in her world.
So what type of book is it? Well it is hard to say because it covers a huge range of topics from disasters to superheroes, from sci-fi to cookery, and everything in between.
I don't want to give too much away, so I won't detail the story too much. Suffice to say that if you take the trouble to read this book it will take you through the whole gamut of emotions from tears to elation, and I don't think you will regret it.
There were a few references that I had to research (Bao is apparently a type of bun for example) but other than that it is very accessible for pretty much everyone, I think, and looking up the odd reference is a great learning experience and well worth the trouble if there are some you don't recognise.
Overall I would say it is an interesting, unusual, and enjoyable read that crosses multiple genres and always keeps you guessing. I believe that it is well worth the five stars I have given it.
I really enjoyed this book, not least because it is totally different to anything I have read before but still very well written. One of the main protagonists is Mei, who is still at school and trying to work out what to do with her life and who turns out to have a very unusual level of the latent powers and abilities that make the difference between being normal and being one of the elite in her world.
So what type of book is it? Well it is hard to say because it covers a huge range of topics from disasters to superheroes, from sci-fi to cookery, and everything in between.
I don't want to give too much away, so I won't detail the story too much. Suffice to say that if you take the trouble to read this book it will take you through the whole gamut of emotions from tears to elation, and I don't think you will regret it.
There were a few references that I had to research (Bao is apparently a type of bun for example) but other than that it is very accessible for pretty much everyone, I think, and looking up the odd reference is a great learning experience and well worth the trouble if there are some you don't recognise.
Overall I would say it is an interesting, unusual, and enjoyable read that crosses multiple genres and always keeps you guessing. I believe that it is well worth the five stars I have given it.
June 5, 2024
I’m not quite sure what to make of this book. It felt like it changed directions a couple of times. It starts out with Mei, the lead character, and her friend Henry being bullied in high school. On top of that, Mei has some odd quirks like naming her hair style and acting like it is sentient. They dream of escaping high school and the bullies. Mei does manage to escape by going to a special school, and starts living a totally different life. Everyone has some kind of superpower. Most of the book is devoted to Mei’s daily life, the trials she endures, her growing romance, and her new friends. This part reads like a typical YA book about growing up, making friends, falling in love and so on, albeit with an unusual curriculum. Then the final third turns that YA feel on its head as Mei and her team go to where there may may be a tsunami. This part was realistic because no one comes out unscathed.
When I first started to read this, I have to admit I wasn’t really feeling it. I’m not sure what it was, whether it was Mei’s odd quirks, or how the story was developing, or maybe the writing style, but after the event that led Mei to Hawaii, I became invested in her journey and wanted to know wht would happen next for Mei.
3.5 rounded up
March 28, 2024
A pretty wholesome story, perfect for teens and YA. I think One Piece fans would appreciate this book too. The cute little bond the ‘crew’ formed was sweet, and Ailani’s my favourite character… He’s just so silly, and trying to hide his hurt self. I am still not sure what happened exactly in his past. Is it just me?
The beginning of the book was a little confusing to me. For example, The Test and some of the modern things that were used. Of course, it becomes clearer the more you progress through the story. And then I saw the index with explanations at the end of the book, after completing the story. I felt so stupid! I think it would be better to put it before the first chapter, though. Also, what happened to Henry? I believe that’s his name…
The beginning of the book was a little confusing to me. For example, The Test and some of the modern things that were used. Of course, it becomes clearer the more you progress through the story. And then I saw the index with explanations at the end of the book, after completing the story. I felt so stupid! I think it would be better to put it before the first chapter, though. Also, what happened to Henry? I believe that’s his name…
August 10, 2023
the skills to survive the unimaginable result in heroic sacrifices and team rescue efforts and responses
after the death of a teammate close to her, Mei sought to develop better survival and support skills
in the face of one of the biggest cataclysmic weather events on record, the elements of a team are forged in the face of devastating loss
intense drama and action packed stories with friendships and romance
after the death of a teammate close to her, Mei sought to develop better survival and support skills
in the face of one of the biggest cataclysmic weather events on record, the elements of a team are forged in the face of devastating loss
intense drama and action packed stories with friendships and romance
May 28, 2024
That Which Binds Us (The Keys Book 1), my first read from author Eric Kao. A 234-page LGBTQ+ Science Fiction read. If LGBTQ themes offend you this book may not be for you althogh the LGBTQ theme is tastefully and quietly done. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 22, 2023
Oh my GOSH! This is such an awesome book! I loved the characters, they were such a motley crew and yet a perfect fit. There was a lot of humor throughout the book, action, fear, love, and very emotion in between. I loved how much they all improved through the year. I hope there is a follow up book with how they continue their education and training. I loved reading it!
June 18, 2024
Very interesting and entertaining story. Good characters. Very nice plot. All together a wonderful read. I would highly recommend to anyone. I enjoyed the book and will look for the next one.
October 15, 2024
This is the first full length novel I've read by this author. I loved the short stories I read. I enjoyed this book. It was interesting and the sci fi elements were very original. I definitely want to see what happens to the characters next, so I'm hoping there will be a book 2 in the series. It provided a lovely escape from all the complex reading I'm doing in grad school right now. That Which Binds Us gets a thumbs up and fun rating from me.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews