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Bound
TWO MINDS. ONE BODY.
Shennan and Adin are two minds joined in a single body, one of the rare Bound. Bred and trained as an elite soldier, they protect the Polis’s clandestine First Contact Teams on new worlds. The Bound can be reanimated into a new body after death, and brutal deaths on hostile worlds are a price they willingly pay to protect the Polis.
On Polis worlds, violence is long forgotten; equity and justice are universal. But when peaceful citizens transform into savage killers—the Mad—idyllic Polis worlds descend into chaos. The Mad are spreading. The Mad are winning. And the Mad know how to kill the Bound—permanently.
Shennan and Adin become the key to destroying the source of the Mad. Thrown into a frantic pursuit from star to star, they will be tried not merely in battle but in their hearts. Will friends abandon them in horror at what they must do? Can they defeat the Mad without becoming a monster?
Grab this high-intensity space opera debut novel now. Immerse yourself in a richly complex universe with many characters you’ll embrace -- and some others you’ll dread.
Shennan and Adin are two minds joined in a single body, one of the rare Bound. Bred and trained as an elite soldier, they protect the Polis’s clandestine First Contact Teams on new worlds. The Bound can be reanimated into a new body after death, and brutal deaths on hostile worlds are a price they willingly pay to protect the Polis.
On Polis worlds, violence is long forgotten; equity and justice are universal. But when peaceful citizens transform into savage killers—the Mad—idyllic Polis worlds descend into chaos. The Mad are spreading. The Mad are winning. And the Mad know how to kill the Bound—permanently.
Shennan and Adin become the key to destroying the source of the Mad. Thrown into a frantic pursuit from star to star, they will be tried not merely in battle but in their hearts. Will friends abandon them in horror at what they must do? Can they defeat the Mad without becoming a monster?
Grab this high-intensity space opera debut novel now. Immerse yourself in a richly complex universe with many characters you’ll embrace -- and some others you’ll dread.
430 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2020
9 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Sullivan
2 books2 followersPat Sullivan started writing science fiction in grade school and then took a long detour, ending up as a systems security engineer for a major defense company. There he picked up a few patents and designed quite a number of, shall we say, interesting gadgets. His breakout novel, BOUND, tells the story of two women: independent minds sharing a common body. They are an elite soldier who dreams of being a peacemaker but is stereotyped as an agent of destruction. Pat’s interests are eclectic, with bookshelves containing fiction from Asimov through Zelazny and non-fiction from Applied Cryptography to Warped Passages. He’s enjoyed traveling throughout North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, and Oceania. Please wave if you see him. He lives with his brilliant wife and blind dog in Minneapolis, MN.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 12, 2021
The scenario is that two women are fused in one body, so as to be some sort of fighter. They have a weird advantage – they can't die, since if they do, somehow medical technology puts them into new bodies. Why this is unavailable to ordinary people is unclear. They work for some civilization that seems to have one policy: if another planet has a physicist that looks like coming anywhere vaguely close to what they do, they either, through first contact, keep them down such as killing such physicists, or if they can't do that, they exterminate life on the planet. There is one other race that has got interplanetary ability and these so far have resisted extermination. Basically the so-called superior race is a bunch of Daleks. The reader may have some trouble if they view it as "Good vs Evil".
The idea of two people in one body is novel, but in my opinion, it did not really lead anywhere. They talk to each other inside the common head, but so what. They have moments when they confess to themselves they are doing horrible things, but they fully intend to keep doing them. They feel they have achieved something when they do not exterminate the population of a planet by merely killing the physicists. I found the action sequences a little messy, the descriptions were by and large not emphasised as most of the effort seemed to be devoted to how the two in one were coping. The writing was easy enough to read, and my view was that apart from the depressing morality, somehow the rather novel premise did not fire. But maybe those premises were too difficult
The idea of two people in one body is novel, but in my opinion, it did not really lead anywhere. They talk to each other inside the common head, but so what. They have moments when they confess to themselves they are doing horrible things, but they fully intend to keep doing them. They feel they have achieved something when they do not exterminate the population of a planet by merely killing the physicists. I found the action sequences a little messy, the descriptions were by and large not emphasised as most of the effort seemed to be devoted to how the two in one were coping. The writing was easy enough to read, and my view was that apart from the depressing morality, somehow the rather novel premise did not fire. But maybe those premises were too difficult
May 17, 2022
A tale of power and morality with a good bit of action plays out on both a galactic and intrapersonal scale in Bound. The concept of a ruling “morality” is given an inventive life in the novel and the world building is very layered, with nods to a strange utopia and a “threat” that leaves you pondering right/wrong through the complicated social systems across a galactic civilization. Most captivating for me was the internal dynamic between Adin and Shennan – their binding and the way the author handled their central place in the story was deft, clever, and thought-provoking. A lot was introduced quickly at the outset, and it took time to settle into all the names, places, and players (I struggled a bit with the time sequences and shifts of every chapter). Readers of scifi who enjoy stories with elite soldiers working within and against political factions, with enemies that rise to threaten entire worlds, with a good dose of scifi tech you will enjoy Bound.
March 13, 2021
Bound, written by author Sullivan, is a sci-fi, long story that got me reading late at night. The author created a complex plot that attracted me from the very beginning. Although I would imagine the story could be shorter, I liked it a lot.
There were some surprising turns that I enjoyed completely. Moreover, characters are very well portrayed, in a way that readers want to know more about them. The narrative is very good and easy to follow.
I would recommend this read for sure, especially to those who are fan of science fiction, like me.
There were some surprising turns that I enjoyed completely. Moreover, characters are very well portrayed, in a way that readers want to know more about them. The narrative is very good and easy to follow.
I would recommend this read for sure, especially to those who are fan of science fiction, like me.
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December 14, 2020I received a wonderful review from Kirkus. I could hardly ask for more:
In this debut SF novel, a powerful warrior with two complex personalities must discover and destroy the source of a dangerous infection.
The Polis federation, consisting of various intelligent species on more than 10,000 planets, knows no crime because of its members’ unconscious neural links to the Consensus, a shared morality. In case of a threat, the federation can also activate some underlying genes to engender Keld—strong, agile warriors capable of killing. Rarest of this rare breed are the Bound Keld, who can regenerate after their deaths into new lives. These Keld have two personalities, or rather two aspects of the same personality, in one body. Usually these personalities alternate with each reanimation, but Adin Rayne went through a tortuous process in order to become fused with Shennan, her other half. Only one can be ascendant (in charge of the body) at a time, but they’re mutually aware and communicative. Although she’d rather be a peacemaker, as a warrior with the Keld Special Action force, she’s charged with killing worlds, if need be, to protect the federation. On five planets, a new and unprecedented threat has arisen called the Madness, seemingly some type of infection that induces ordinary people to carry out deadly attacks despite the Consensus. In her battles, Adin discovers she has a unique ability to perceive the Mad, allowing her to track down the true nature of this infection and its source, which must be annihilated before the whole Consensus is contaminated. Her dangerous, bold endeavors have severe physical and emotional consequences; as if that wasn’t difficult enough, the Prospect planet Moton has been infected while its scientists are developing technology they’re not socially advanced enough to handle, a double threat. If Keld Special Action can’t wipe out the Madness on Moton, the planet may have to be destroyed.
In his book, Sullivan presents an intricate two-in-one main character whose psychology is as compelling as her warrior prowess. Adin and Shennan complement each other but have different preferences and strengths. Adin is reserved and cool, for example, while Shennan is more optimistic and gregarious. After each death, the personality that was ascendant retires to recoup, allowing the other to come forward and choose the preferred body type for that incarnation (complicating their romances). Adin/Shennan’s conflict between wanting to make peace while required to make war gives the character additional depth, and the worldbuilding is equally intricate and well thought out. The author gives attention to the kinds of differences many SF writers overlook, such as how diverse the cultures and languages can be and the ramifications of that variety. On Pellegro, for example, the four-caste system means a strike team doesn’t have enough taps for cable-fiber bundles, with the group expecting one bundle but getting four: “Who would have thought they wouldn’t even allow their data to touch?” This thoughtfulness is matched by exciting, dynamic action scenes with an array of weaponry and tactics, all described with crystal clarity while fully imparting their urgency and danger.
A brilliant tale offering a universe and protagonist that are impressively well realized. [Kirkus Reviews]
In this debut SF novel, a powerful warrior with two complex personalities must discover and destroy the source of a dangerous infection.
The Polis federation, consisting of various intelligent species on more than 10,000 planets, knows no crime because of its members’ unconscious neural links to the Consensus, a shared morality. In case of a threat, the federation can also activate some underlying genes to engender Keld—strong, agile warriors capable of killing. Rarest of this rare breed are the Bound Keld, who can regenerate after their deaths into new lives. These Keld have two personalities, or rather two aspects of the same personality, in one body. Usually these personalities alternate with each reanimation, but Adin Rayne went through a tortuous process in order to become fused with Shennan, her other half. Only one can be ascendant (in charge of the body) at a time, but they’re mutually aware and communicative. Although she’d rather be a peacemaker, as a warrior with the Keld Special Action force, she’s charged with killing worlds, if need be, to protect the federation. On five planets, a new and unprecedented threat has arisen called the Madness, seemingly some type of infection that induces ordinary people to carry out deadly attacks despite the Consensus. In her battles, Adin discovers she has a unique ability to perceive the Mad, allowing her to track down the true nature of this infection and its source, which must be annihilated before the whole Consensus is contaminated. Her dangerous, bold endeavors have severe physical and emotional consequences; as if that wasn’t difficult enough, the Prospect planet Moton has been infected while its scientists are developing technology they’re not socially advanced enough to handle, a double threat. If Keld Special Action can’t wipe out the Madness on Moton, the planet may have to be destroyed.
In his book, Sullivan presents an intricate two-in-one main character whose psychology is as compelling as her warrior prowess. Adin and Shennan complement each other but have different preferences and strengths. Adin is reserved and cool, for example, while Shennan is more optimistic and gregarious. After each death, the personality that was ascendant retires to recoup, allowing the other to come forward and choose the preferred body type for that incarnation (complicating their romances). Adin/Shennan’s conflict between wanting to make peace while required to make war gives the character additional depth, and the worldbuilding is equally intricate and well thought out. The author gives attention to the kinds of differences many SF writers overlook, such as how diverse the cultures and languages can be and the ramifications of that variety. On Pellegro, for example, the four-caste system means a strike team doesn’t have enough taps for cable-fiber bundles, with the group expecting one bundle but getting four: “Who would have thought they wouldn’t even allow their data to touch?” This thoughtfulness is matched by exciting, dynamic action scenes with an array of weaponry and tactics, all described with crystal clarity while fully imparting their urgency and danger.
A brilliant tale offering a universe and protagonist that are impressively well realized. [Kirkus Reviews]
February 20, 2022
“Bound” introduces Adin and Shennan, each a Keld (gifted warriors) bound into a complicated connection. While each personality and conscious remains independent, they share the same body. They can also regenerate in the case of death—into either of their visual presences. They are members of the Polis Federation which has connected many species and planets into one combined moral neural link. But something’s gone wrong a new threat, the Madness, threatens the pair and all of those around them.
Overall, I was a little torn about this story. I found the premise different and interesting: two women with different skills and enhancements not just working together, but connected by the same shared body with ability to communicate internally. I also found the concept of the moral neural link to be a good one full of promise. The beginning of the story was well done with intrigue between what was going on, who the characters were, and how the reanimation happened. But about halfway through the story, I felt a little lost. The full blog post can be found at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this book in exchange of a full and honest review.
Overall, I was a little torn about this story. I found the premise different and interesting: two women with different skills and enhancements not just working together, but connected by the same shared body with ability to communicate internally. I also found the concept of the moral neural link to be a good one full of promise. The beginning of the story was well done with intrigue between what was going on, who the characters were, and how the reanimation happened. But about halfway through the story, I felt a little lost. The full blog post can be found at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this book in exchange of a full and honest review.
March 7, 2021
This was an interesting concept of two women sharing the same body. The author carefully explains that these are actually two aspects of the same woman. But NOT schizophrenia. They are aware of each other and supporting of each other. But they have distinct personalities and talents. She/They can be revived after death. Usually the one who was ascendant at death will be in the background after the revival, but they are now able to voluntarily release control to the other. Depending on the task at hand, they often change places.
But this is simply aspects of the main character set in a life or death struggle. She is/They are unfettered by the behavior dampeners that control almost all humans. But she is/They are one of the few who are free and able to do the necessary things that safeguard civilization. Things that most people don’t even know about.
It’s a long, complex, read with real, raw, emotions. She has/They have to make hard, heartbreaking choices. Even those she loves are unable to understand and give her the emotional support she/they desperately need.
But this is simply aspects of the main character set in a life or death struggle. She is/They are unfettered by the behavior dampeners that control almost all humans. But she is/They are one of the few who are free and able to do the necessary things that safeguard civilization. Things that most people don’t even know about.
It’s a long, complex, read with real, raw, emotions. She has/They have to make hard, heartbreaking choices. Even those she loves are unable to understand and give her the emotional support she/they desperately need.
March 9, 2021
An exceptional novel
Pat Sullivan is the author of the book “Bound”. I personally consider Sullivan as a writer of the new era. He is modern because he includes LGBTQ characters.
The setting of this title is futuristic since the whole story develops in different worlds. This is no ordinary story. There is a relationship, a connection, a BOUND to protect from outside threats, and evil souls. But this relation is interpreted as unique. You can feel the connection between the characters just by going through these pages.
Bound is an enjoyable book that presents a different story; one tale which is worthy for passing the time.
Pat Sullivan is the author of the book “Bound”. I personally consider Sullivan as a writer of the new era. He is modern because he includes LGBTQ characters.
The setting of this title is futuristic since the whole story develops in different worlds. This is no ordinary story. There is a relationship, a connection, a BOUND to protect from outside threats, and evil souls. But this relation is interpreted as unique. You can feel the connection between the characters just by going through these pages.
Bound is an enjoyable book that presents a different story; one tale which is worthy for passing the time.
March 9, 2021
“Bound” is a thrilling tale about good versus evil. This story is sensational, offering suspense and wonder. It is extremely well-written and creative. The best thing about the book is that the characters are very original. The author describes a different world where there is the “Bound”, people with two minds joined in a single body, who will have to do the impossible to defeat Los Mad and defend the polis.
The story soon gets the reader involved. In fact, I felt so attracted to the book that I finished it in just 3 nights.
All in all, readers, like me, who enjoy science fiction and dystopian thrillers won't want to miss this one!
The story soon gets the reader involved. In fact, I felt so attracted to the book that I finished it in just 3 nights.
All in all, readers, like me, who enjoy science fiction and dystopian thrillers won't want to miss this one!
January 27, 2022
Creative world and protagonists. Beautifully written attention-grabber.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews