Born to Darkness

Eternal Youth, Book 1

By: Suzanne Brockmann

Narrated by: Melanie Ewbank, Patrick Lawlor

As the New York Times bestselling author of the Troubleshooters series and a “superstar of romantic suspense” (USA Today), Suzanne Brockmann has an acclaimed history of taking listeners’ breath away with her novels of hot passion and high adventure. Now she takes her talent for sexy, action-packed storytelling in a thrilling new direction: forward - into a future, both fantastic and frightening, that only the brilliant Brockmann could envision.

Dishonorably discharged, former Navy SEAL Shane Laughlin is down to his last ten bucks when he finally finds work as a test subject at the Obermeyer Institute, a little-known and believed-to-be-fringe scientific research facility. When he enters the OI compound, he is plunged into a strange world where seemingly mild-mannered scientists - including women half his size - can kick his highly skilled ass.

Shane soon discovers that there are certain individuals who possess the unique ability to access untapped regions of the brain with extraordinary results - including telekinesis, super strength, and reversal of the aging process. Known as “Greater-Thans,” this rare breed is recruited by OI, where they are rigorously trained using ancient techniques to cultivate their powers and wield them responsibly.

But in the depths of America’s second Great Depression, where the divide between the haves and the have-nots has grown even wider, those who are rich - and reckless - enough have a quick, seductive alternative: Destiny, a highly addictive designer drug that can make anyone a Greater-Than, with the power of eternal youth. The sinister cartel known as The Organization has begun mass-producing Destiny, and the demand is epidemic. But few realize the drug’s true danger, and fewer still know the dirty secret of Destiny’s crucial ingredient.

Michelle “Mac” Mackenzie knows the ugly truth. And as one of the Obermeyer Institute’s crack team of operatives, she’s determined to end the scourge of Destiny. But her kick-ass attitude gets knocked for a loop when she finds that one of the new test subjects is none other than Shane, the same smoldering stranger who just rocked her world in a one-night stand. Although Shane isn’t a Greater-Than like Mac, as an ex-SEAL, he’s got talents of his own. But Mac’s got powerful reasons to keep her distance from him - and reasons that are just as strong to want him close. She’s used to risking her life, but now, in the midst of the ultimate war on drugs, she must face sacrificing her heart.

©2012 Suzanne Brockmann (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

A new world begins for me, yay!

I was looking for something different to read and this was the perfect story! Loved the paranormal touch (which I believe is very plausible) and that the story is set in the future as well. I am a big fan of dystopian future worlds and I'm always looking for the next good story to listen to. Of course the love stories were the cherry on top!

It was okay

I wasn’t a fan of the amount of sex—there is A LOT. The plot was way too slow to balance it out. It was basically about how sex boosts the powers if these super humans and they use their boosted powers to save a bunch if girls. There was so much sex in this book I started to get bored and I honestly skipped the sex scenes altogether after a while. The plot was super slow until the last few chapters. It was good enough to string me along to finish, but I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend either. If you are in to books with a ton of sex from the beginning and a slow burning plot, this might be for you. For me, it was just okay.

Amazing

Where does Born to Darkness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Born to Darkness ranks in the Top 10% of all of the Books I have read or listen to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Elliot - Honest, smart, caring, and a true person. Not imposing or afraid to take a risk.

Which character – as performed by Melanie Ewbank and Patrick Lawlor – was your favorite?

Mac was my favorite character. Mac really cared about the young girls in trouble, and would risk her life for them and her friends.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Several scenes were great. The one where Elliot and Steven discovered the attraction and need for each other was special.

Any additional comments?

Great book. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I will be waiting.

Good characters, awful detailed crimes

Where does Born to Darkness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The story is hard to listen to due to rape, torture and murder of little girls - usually enjoy Suzanne Brockmann books but the villians were just too awful.

Would you be willing to try another book from Suzanne Brockmann? Why or why not?

I would buy another book but not in this series (it seems it will be a series as questions were left unanswered)

What does Melanie Ewbank and Patrick Lawlor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I like these 2 narrators and have enjoyed them narrating previous SB books.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I kept taking my headphones off to let the story continue without me listening - never want to hear little girls tortured and screaming.

Any additional comments?

Sexy characters and would have enjoyed this much more without all the details of the crimes being committed.

Incredible story!

What did you like about this audiobook?

The story, plot and character development was well done. Shane and Mac are perfect together and Mac is a good ole fashion hero living in modern times.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

I am always looking for new and different versions of scifi/fantasy love stories that maintain a good story despite the "love". Born to Darkness did this better than most!