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The Ties That Bind
An eighteen-year-old girl must travel the world to find six other teens destined to help her end another world's war.
Three months ago, seven pillars of light lit up the continents. Seven teenagers rose to fight. The world survived.
Now Jen Monroe is tasked with finding the six other Human-Borns. Still reeling from her traumatic encounter with the monstrous Cregorous, she faces cultural barriers, personality clashes, and a worldwide trek to find those destined to help her. But threats sleep in the shadows, and the humans were not blind to what they witnessed seven teenagers accomplish.
Meanwhile, the very enemy the Human-Borns are fated to encounter lies in wait.
He is patient. He is cunning. He is ruthless.
Soon, these seven teenagers find themselves in a battle they never expected. But in their drive to save those they care about, what might be lost in the process?
Three months ago, seven pillars of light lit up the continents. Seven teenagers rose to fight. The world survived.
Now Jen Monroe is tasked with finding the six other Human-Borns. Still reeling from her traumatic encounter with the monstrous Cregorous, she faces cultural barriers, personality clashes, and a worldwide trek to find those destined to help her. But threats sleep in the shadows, and the humans were not blind to what they witnessed seven teenagers accomplish.
Meanwhile, the very enemy the Human-Borns are fated to encounter lies in wait.
He is patient. He is cunning. He is ruthless.
Soon, these seven teenagers find themselves in a battle they never expected. But in their drive to save those they care about, what might be lost in the process?
630 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2023
26 people want to read
About the author
Susan L Markloff
12 books40 followersSusan Markloff spent a majority of her childhood pretending to live in other worlds. Coupled with her admiration for fantastical stories, she crafted one of her own. Studying writing at Houghton College, she learned how to hone her skills as an author, writing first drafts of five books during her college career. The Rise of the Raidin is her debut novel and the first in the Human-Born Era series. To date, she has published 3 novels and 6 novellas, winning a total of 4 awards for her books.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 21, 2024
Ties was an outstanding sequel to Rise. Have you ever read a book (or series) and you can just tell the author knows and loves their characters inside and out? Well, Ties told me how much Susan loved her characters X's 30+ because the character cast is huge, and everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) is fleshed out!
Traveling across the world to meet the rest of the Human-Borns was amazing, and I cannot wait to read Reflection! (Though, I want to take a quick detour to read the HBC's and get to know the rest of the Human-Borns a bit better.)
There is something for everyone in Ties. Banter, romance, heartbreak, plot twists, scenes that will have you laugh out loud, and everything in between. <3
Traveling across the world to meet the rest of the Human-Borns was amazing, and I cannot wait to read Reflection! (Though, I want to take a quick detour to read the HBC's and get to know the rest of the Human-Borns a bit better.)
There is something for everyone in Ties. Banter, romance, heartbreak, plot twists, scenes that will have you laugh out loud, and everything in between. <3
April 24, 2024
I loved this book so much! Despite it being a big book, I devoured it in three days. I love Markloff's storytelling and I was ecstatic to return to the world of the HBC's. I live for Alpha Team banter and had so much fun learning about the new characters, and despite this huge cast, I was able to keep every character separate. Every page had something new to discover and I laughed out loud too many times.
January 30, 2025
To preface things, I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so I went into this one with some really high expectations.
That said, this one didn't land with me the way the first one did. Reflecting on my experience reading this book, I have concluded that this one didn't land with me because of the type of reader I am. As I reader, I am most pulled in by a compelling plot, but that was not the primary focus of this book.
The world crafted by the author is absolutely top notch. The portal, the powers, the characters, the lore, the two worlds, it always feels masterfully thought out. No issues. In fact, some of the best worldbuilding I have read. Love it.
However, there were two primary issues that made this book difficult for me to enjoy.
First is the characters. I really loved the handful of characters we got in the first book. In this book, there were simply too many all of the time. I guess I should have seen that coming because we went from one human-born with a zahari to 7 human-borns with other Agerians characters accompanying them. Quite honestly, while the author meticulously designed each character with a backstory, it was too much all at once for me, so almost all of the characters ended up blending together, and I found myself only connecting with a few of them (Krelien in particular, but also Jen, Tyron, and Alastar).
My second issue is the plot. For the longest time, I thought it was the pacing, but at the end of the book, I realized that this was a connector book. The plot itself was meeting all the characters. There were several other sub plots, and I appreciated those, but the overarching plot was gathering the cast for whatever comes next.
I think it's worth mentioning that tone of this book jumped around. The first book was YA. While this book is marketed as NA, much of it still feels YA but with a few abrupt jumps into a darker tone. It was a bit disorienting.
Despite this book not landing with me, I do plan to continue reading the series. I believe this book was written to set up the future events which promise to be epic. I am hopeful that the next book will be every bit as entertaining as the first.
That said, this one didn't land with me the way the first one did. Reflecting on my experience reading this book, I have concluded that this one didn't land with me because of the type of reader I am. As I reader, I am most pulled in by a compelling plot, but that was not the primary focus of this book.
The world crafted by the author is absolutely top notch. The portal, the powers, the characters, the lore, the two worlds, it always feels masterfully thought out. No issues. In fact, some of the best worldbuilding I have read. Love it.
However, there were two primary issues that made this book difficult for me to enjoy.
First is the characters. I really loved the handful of characters we got in the first book. In this book, there were simply too many all of the time. I guess I should have seen that coming because we went from one human-born with a zahari to 7 human-borns with other Agerians characters accompanying them. Quite honestly, while the author meticulously designed each character with a backstory, it was too much all at once for me, so almost all of the characters ended up blending together, and I found myself only connecting with a few of them (Krelien in particular, but also Jen, Tyron, and Alastar).
My second issue is the plot. For the longest time, I thought it was the pacing, but at the end of the book, I realized that this was a connector book. The plot itself was meeting all the characters. There were several other sub plots, and I appreciated those, but the overarching plot was gathering the cast for whatever comes next.
I think it's worth mentioning that tone of this book jumped around. The first book was YA. While this book is marketed as NA, much of it still feels YA but with a few abrupt jumps into a darker tone. It was a bit disorienting.
Despite this book not landing with me, I do plan to continue reading the series. I believe this book was written to set up the future events which promise to be epic. I am hopeful that the next book will be every bit as entertaining as the first.
August 28, 2024
I can't believe I'm done with this amazing book! Ahhh! If you thought the first book was good, JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU READ TIES!
This book is just so good with its plot twists, it's characters and their developments, it's lore of the world and the Human-Borns powers---- and the start of chapter 43??! I will never forgive Susan Markloff for that pain and tragedy I felt reading those words!
All in all, this was such a beautiful book and story and I cannot wait to binge my way through the Human-Born Chronicles and read book three!
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves gut-renching stories that will tear you apart but manage put yourself back together again.
This book is just so good with its plot twists, it's characters and their developments, it's lore of the world and the Human-Borns powers---- and the start of chapter 43??! I will never forgive Susan Markloff for that pain and tragedy I felt reading those words!
All in all, this was such a beautiful book and story and I cannot wait to binge my way through the Human-Born Chronicles and read book three!
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves gut-renching stories that will tear you apart but manage put yourself back together again.
July 22, 2023
Hooked from the start. Rejoining Jen and her zaheri for the next chapter in the Human Born Era.
Spoilers: Jen looks for and gathers all of the Human Borns, learns to fight, make new friends and loss of family. Jen learns to lead and is a strong leader.
Spoilers: Jen looks for and gathers all of the Human Borns, learns to fight, make new friends and loss of family. Jen learns to lead and is a strong leader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2023
4.5/5 Stars - Awesome sequel that takes you across the world (and into a new one)
I finished the 630-page beast, and it was awesome. To give you a quick plot summary, The Ties That Bind, by Susan L. Markloff, is book two in the urban fantasy series, The Human-Born Era. After surviving Cregorous’ attack, Jen Monroe and her Zaheri (team of protectors) set off to find and unite the remaining six human-borns.
Meeting the other human-borns was one of the things I was most excited about in The Ties That Bind. It was really fun to see the whole team get together and do some training/explore their powers. There were a lot of side characters, so things did get a bit chaotic at times, and if it weren’t for the glossary in the back (which I LOVE), I wouldn’t have had a prayer at keeping everyone’s physical description straight. Even so, it was neat to see the relationships between all the Zaheri.
Honestly, all the character relationships/dynamics in Ties were great. Susan told me that while book three is where ships really take off, the groundwork is laid in book two. She was right. Speaking of book three, I really need it after that ending.
Anywho, to wrap this all up, The Ties That Bind was great. It was cool to see the characters travel to so many different countries and meet all these new people. It also had plenty of action and plenty of Krelien antics. I also loved how much depth was added to the worldbuilding and lore of Tillion. It was a great sequel, and I am definitely looking forward to book three. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go binge the first three Human-Born Chronicles.
I finished the 630-page beast, and it was awesome. To give you a quick plot summary, The Ties That Bind, by Susan L. Markloff, is book two in the urban fantasy series, The Human-Born Era. After surviving Cregorous’ attack, Jen Monroe and her Zaheri (team of protectors) set off to find and unite the remaining six human-borns.
Meeting the other human-borns was one of the things I was most excited about in The Ties That Bind. It was really fun to see the whole team get together and do some training/explore their powers. There were a lot of side characters, so things did get a bit chaotic at times, and if it weren’t for the glossary in the back (which I LOVE), I wouldn’t have had a prayer at keeping everyone’s physical description straight. Even so, it was neat to see the relationships between all the Zaheri.
Honestly, all the character relationships/dynamics in Ties were great. Susan told me that while book three is where ships really take off, the groundwork is laid in book two. She was right. Speaking of book three, I really need it after that ending.
Anywho, to wrap this all up, The Ties That Bind was great. It was cool to see the characters travel to so many different countries and meet all these new people. It also had plenty of action and plenty of Krelien antics. I also loved how much depth was added to the worldbuilding and lore of Tillion. It was a great sequel, and I am definitely looking forward to book three. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go binge the first three Human-Born Chronicles.
February 14, 2023
This book was so much fun!! It’s rare for me to enjoy a sequel more than the original book in a series, but that’s what happened here. We meet so many new characters in this book, each of the 6 humans borns, and their Zaheri, well, most of them. We literally travel around the world, and then to another world, and each set of characters that are added change the group dynamic in some way.
Some of my favorite aspects of this book were:
Skylar and Takeo, any interaction between these two had me grinning or straight out laughing. They’re both idiots, and together they’re even bigger idiots.
Krelien is still one of my favorite characters, because he’s such a hot mess of a person, but also has a ride or die personality for his team, especially Jen.
Cregorous actually feels like a valid threat. He’s a powerful psychopath, who makes my skin crawl anytime we’re in his head space. I’m interested to see how that dynamic plays out through the series. The last couple of chapters really made me sit up and go, oh, he’s a villain villain.
The battle scene in Africa with the bus… just golden. Loved everything about that.
Alaster. Nuff said.
Definitely read this book, you won’t regret it. I am very much looking forward to the next installment in the series, as well as the novellas telling each of the Human Born’s stories. The author recently announced them on social media, and now that I’ve met the characters, I am stoked to read each of their stories and get to know them and their teams a little better.
Some of my favorite aspects of this book were:
Skylar and Takeo, any interaction between these two had me grinning or straight out laughing. They’re both idiots, and together they’re even bigger idiots.
Krelien is still one of my favorite characters, because he’s such a hot mess of a person, but also has a ride or die personality for his team, especially Jen.
Cregorous actually feels like a valid threat. He’s a powerful psychopath, who makes my skin crawl anytime we’re in his head space. I’m interested to see how that dynamic plays out through the series. The last couple of chapters really made me sit up and go, oh, he’s a villain villain.
The battle scene in Africa with the bus… just golden. Loved everything about that.
Alaster. Nuff said.
Definitely read this book, you won’t regret it. I am very much looking forward to the next installment in the series, as well as the novellas telling each of the Human Born’s stories. The author recently announced them on social media, and now that I’ve met the characters, I am stoked to read each of their stories and get to know them and their teams a little better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2023
Okay, it's official: I'm hooked! I am completely, totally hooked on Jennifer Monroe's story, the world of Tillion, and the Human-Born Era! This is the second installment of Susan Markloff's series, and to me it is even better than the first.
I found myself reading more and more urgently as the story unfolded, knowing that the teens and their teams were in a race against time. I was excited to learn more about Agerius and Tillion and even spend some chapters there. Markloff's story makes me feel things, and like my heart goes out to these kids who have the weight of the world on their shoulders, and they're not even real people, they are characters in a book. It's been awhile since I've read such a compelling series in "real time" and I'm a little sad that I can't just finish the story now, I have to wait for the next book to come out! Guess all good things take time 😆
I found myself reading more and more urgently as the story unfolded, knowing that the teens and their teams were in a race against time. I was excited to learn more about Agerius and Tillion and even spend some chapters there. Markloff's story makes me feel things, and like my heart goes out to these kids who have the weight of the world on their shoulders, and they're not even real people, they are characters in a book. It's been awhile since I've read such a compelling series in "real time" and I'm a little sad that I can't just finish the story now, I have to wait for the next book to come out! Guess all good things take time 😆
June 21, 2024
I’m caught between a 4.5 and 4.75 so I’m rounding up regardless. It wasn’t a 5 stars because my brain trying to finish this and the novellas before the 3rd’s release and giving myself no time made it hard for me to just focus and enjoy it as much. But regardless of the fact that sometimes I didn’t know where the characters were/what was happening I feel like I know the characters and they’re my friends and I don’t want this journey to ever end with them.
October 11, 2023
This book was an excellent continuation of The Human-Born Era series. I think I enjoyed this one more that the first book as we met many new characters. I loved jumping back into this world and I can’t wait for the next book. If you like YA fantasies check out this series!
October 11, 2023
This book was an excellent continuation of The Human-Born Era series. I think I enjoyed this one more that the first book as we met many new characters. I loved jumping back into this world and I can’t wait for the next book. If you like YA fantasies check out this series!
September 10, 2024
The Ties That Bind, the second chapter in Susan L. Markloff's Human-Born Era series, plunges readers back into the extraordinary saga of Jen Monroe and her fellow Human-Borns. This novel continues their epic struggle against the dark forces of Cregorous. A gripping YA fantasy, this installment brims with action, character growth, and masterful world-building, solidifying its place in the genre. The story picks up swiftly from where the first book left off. Jen, having survived her initial encounter with Cregorous, is now honing her powers and preparing to unite the other six Human-Borns. These teenagers, each wielding incredible abilities, must come together to confront their terrifying common enemy. Their journey demands not just facing external dangers but also wrestling with internal conflicts and the pressures of leading dual lives.
Markloff's world-building stands out. Having established the foundation in the first book, she now enriches the world with intricate details that fantasy enthusiasts will relish. Her skill in blending the familiar with the fantastical breathes fresh life into a crowded genre. The world she creates feels vivid and layered, especially for a YA novel. The setting, a mix of the realistic and the supernatural, captivates the reader, making it easy to lose oneself in the story.
Not only does the world the author has created shine—but the characters do, too. Jen, our protagonist, is exceptionally well-crafted. Her authenticity and relatability draw readers in, even as the story delves into the strange and the surreal. Though the other Human-Borns don’t receive as much focus, each one emerges with a distinct personality and background. The interactions between the characters are often highlighted, with Markloff excelling at capturing the nuances of teenage banter. The chemistry between characters like Skylar and Takeo infuses the story with humor and warmth, raising the stakes when danger looms. Cregorous, the ever-present villain, remains a formidable and well-developed threat. At times, the amount of characters in the story can feel overwhelming, but the glossary at the back proves invaluable. The plot itself strikes a balance between intense, fast-paced action and slower, introspective moments. Without giving anything away, the climax delivers excitement and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
The Ties That Bind is a stellar entry in YA fantasy, leaving me eager for what comes next. Susan Markloff delivers a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Markloff's world-building stands out. Having established the foundation in the first book, she now enriches the world with intricate details that fantasy enthusiasts will relish. Her skill in blending the familiar with the fantastical breathes fresh life into a crowded genre. The world she creates feels vivid and layered, especially for a YA novel. The setting, a mix of the realistic and the supernatural, captivates the reader, making it easy to lose oneself in the story.
Not only does the world the author has created shine—but the characters do, too. Jen, our protagonist, is exceptionally well-crafted. Her authenticity and relatability draw readers in, even as the story delves into the strange and the surreal. Though the other Human-Borns don’t receive as much focus, each one emerges with a distinct personality and background. The interactions between the characters are often highlighted, with Markloff excelling at capturing the nuances of teenage banter. The chemistry between characters like Skylar and Takeo infuses the story with humor and warmth, raising the stakes when danger looms. Cregorous, the ever-present villain, remains a formidable and well-developed threat. At times, the amount of characters in the story can feel overwhelming, but the glossary at the back proves invaluable. The plot itself strikes a balance between intense, fast-paced action and slower, introspective moments. Without giving anything away, the climax delivers excitement and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
The Ties That Bind is a stellar entry in YA fantasy, leaving me eager for what comes next. Susan Markloff delivers a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
July 9, 2023
The Ties That Bind is the second installment from The Human Born Era series by Susan L Markloff. I enjoyed the first book The Rise of the Raidin and was looking forward to reading the continuation. Once again I was interested of this magical tale that is full of action and adventure. It was a little intimidating with the size of the book, but quickly found it to be a good read. I liked it.
I am giving The Ties That Bind four stars. I believe fans of young adult paranormal and fantasy fiction will want to give this one a read. I am hoping for a follow up in The Human Born Era to see what could possible happen next with the characters.
I received a hard cover copy of Susan L Markloff's The Ties That Bind from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving The Ties That Bind four stars. I believe fans of young adult paranormal and fantasy fiction will want to give this one a read. I am hoping for a follow up in The Human Born Era to see what could possible happen next with the characters.
I received a hard cover copy of Susan L Markloff's The Ties That Bind from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
February 22, 2023
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME
This books is wonderfully chonky and an awesome read with AMAZING characters to fall in love with. It's wonderfully unique and definitely recommended!
This books is wonderfully chonky and an awesome read with AMAZING characters to fall in love with. It's wonderfully unique and definitely recommended!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews