Inception

by Merilyn Dignum

Mia doesn’t know why she’s different but it has saved her life more than once and finally helped her find a safe place where who she is is accepted without fear or threat. When she is targeted because of who she is she may lose everything – her safe haven and her friends. Will she stand against those that are after her or will she be forced to join them?

At a very early age Mia developed abilities that allow her to channel her emotions through touch. These abilities have helped her survive on the streets where she has been on the run and living off the grid since she was twelve.

At seventeen Mia stumbles on a small group who survive underground by doing jobs for ‘clients’ from all walks of life. She now finally feels like she belongs somewhere. Life finally looks good. That is until the group takes in a new member and trouble arrives soon after.

As Mia struggles to stay ahead of those who want to capture her and take advantage of her abilities, she discovers the truth behind her unique genetics.

She discovers she’s not alone.

** This series contains feisty characters, and some coarse language and violence. **

Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2012

About the author

I was born and raised in Adelaide, a city I love, where I still live with my husband and two Great Danes. I've done a bit of travelling but there's no place like home.

I do read a wide variety of genres but my first loves are Fantasy and Science Fiction which is probably why ‘Ties That Bond’ doesn’t quite fit comfortably into either genre yet happily sits in the grey area in between.

Reviews

[N.A. Wetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have fallen into a pattern of reading the same thing over and over again forgetting the adventure that comes with falling into the un-familiar. I found this author through facebook. I took my time reading as it's not my usual branch of the paranormal books that I read in this genre. However, I was blown away. My drawbacks were towards the end there was a lot more cursing than in the beginning, so I skipped those words. Also, there were times that I wished there were more details. That is my opinion and mine alone. Over all though, I give it five stars. I have read a lot of books. I mean that too. I have read a lot of first time authors too. They usually start strong and just leave me wishing they would have done better. Merilyn Dignum doesn't do that with me at all. For a fist book and a fresh author she did very well. She has what it takes to go far. I feel that each book, like all authors, will get better as she continues to write. This is a different, fun, exciting, action packed and comical book that tosses you into the front cart of a rollercoaster and jerks you about on the ride. Like real life it's not pretty and there are points that you truly feel like hugging the main character. But Mia is real, and tough and most of all... the creation of an author that has a wonderful imagination. Grats Merilyn Dignum. I shall be following you in hopes that your next works will be just as good if not greater than this one. -Bows- You have found a fan in me.

[Torfinn Ingolfsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it.

[Ricard Margienda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Athought the plot strives to be black and cold, it ends up being the story of a teenager discovering some magical powers and finding a family of choice.
Couldn't finish it. Not my cup of tea.

[Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

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An amazing first book for this new author. I am not going to go into much detail about the story since I don’t want to spoil anything. If you know me, you know that I love a good paranormal romance story. Ties That Bond was a little different than the normal paranormal stories; vampires, werewolves, angels, aliens, etc. The story is about a young girl, Mia, who at the age of twelve was put into the system because her Aunt couldn’t control her but kept her ‘normal’ sister. Mia developed abilities at a young age that through her touch she could inflict her emotions onto others. Throughout the years of going in and out of foster homes Mia found herself in bad situations with the foster families and had to use her abilities to get out. At seventeen Mia found her saving grace in a group of men that live underground that have decided to welcome her into their family.

What I loved in this book is the dynamic in this group. Each member has different reasons for living off the grid and they all have different talents, although none are like Mia, that they contribute to the team in order to complete jobs for their various clients. Throughout the story you are able to see how they have all formed a strong bond and would do anything to help protect each other.

As I said, I really enjoy paranormal romances and there is some romance in the book but it is not the main focus of the story. I loved the little glimpses that we got of the relationship that was building. We are able to see the bond that is forming between the two and how devoted they are quickly becoming to each other. This was a great debut story. I thought the plot was well thought out and it was certainly different than any of the other paranormal stories that I have read. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys paranormal stories especially ones outside of the typical vampire/werewolf realm.

I can’t wait to see what is next from this author!

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't your usual 'someone with powers but no clue what to do and no one to show them' book. This is about Mia who ran away from the foster system and has been living and working with a bunch of guys who are now her family. Until someone else comes to stay and that someone is like her, only she can't figure out how.
Merrilyn Dignum had done a great job with this book. It's different and a good different.

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully written, VERY realistic and addictive read by new author Merilyn Dignum. Any fans out there of the genre that are looking for something original, exciting and unpredictable. Look no further. You have it right here!

I cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next! I'm keeping my eyes out for more :)

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is thrilling and suspenseful. It pulled me in and made me feel Mia's (the main character) emotions. Mia is a wonderfully developed character - very real with a definite personality. Her male counterparts are a little thin. Most of them felt like faceless names. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this, and look forward to reading book 2.

[Janette Nicholls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, easy to read. Loved the reference to the South Australian Port district.