One family lives as genetic launchpad for the Bonded, a human evolutionary side-branch. 'The Bonded' have a communal mind, and they've coexisted with humans since prehistory. The book begins as a young forensic scientist and his mentor investigate a series of violent crimes. They learn an unknown group is involved, and one 'woman of interest' turns out to be a prominent member of the Bonded. She has the ability to cheat death, and has lived for centuries. She also turns out to be their mother. Each individual Bonded member sees the hive mind in addition to their individual consciousness. The group must juggle that combination. Ultimately, a competition breaks out for evolutionary advantage. The conflict results in catastrophic nuclear war, leaving all who survive to pick up the pieces.

About the book:

One family lives as genetic launchpad for the Bonded, a human evolutionary side-branch. 'The Bonded' have a communal mind, and they've coexisted with humans since prehistory. The book begins as a young forensic scientist and his mentor investigate a series of violent crimes. They learn an unknown group is involved, and one 'woman of interest' turns out to be a prominent member of the Bonded. She has the ability to cheat death, and has lived for centuries. She also turns out to be their mother. Each individual Bonded member sees the hive mind in addition to their individual consciousness. The group must juggle that combination. Ultimately, a competition breaks out for evolutionary advantage. The conflict results in catastrophic nuclear war, leaving all who survive to pick up the pieces.

About the Author:

Stephen Bramer has been creatively driven throughout his life, most of which he's spent in the Midwestern United States. He is the son of English teachers but ultimately pursued careers in science, engineering, and finally IT to support and raise two children. He has worked as a professional illustrator and as a professional musician, writing and recording for independent record labels. This is his first novel.