Born to Darkness

Eternal Youth, Book 1

By: Suzanne Brockmann

Narrated by: Melanie Ewbank, Patrick Lawlor

Length: 18 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

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!

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!

Not everyone can read a story

For me neither narrator was a good performer it really took away from the book. I guess i will have to read it because I hated both of them,

Wow this one is filled with some interesting ideas

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! It was a really great book. Suspenseful and the most oddly done romance book that want to keep you reading and wanting more!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Born to Darkness?

I liked the part in the book where Diaz and Dr. Z discover that they are sharing the same erotic dreams.

Have you listened to any of Melanie Ewbank and Patrick Lawlor ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't but I thought that they did a fabulous job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it was very hard to put it down!

Love & Violence & Save the World!

What did you love best about Born to Darkness?

Truthfully, I liked the Elliot Zerkowski & Stephen Diaz romance. Their relationship is so genuine and caring. They were my favorite couple!

What did you like best about this story?

I'm grateful Suzanne Brockmann has another series!!! I have read or listened to every book she has ever written.

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

Futuristic concepts are presented with such realism. Sometimes I forget that we can't just scan ourselves. She uses language the listener can easily understand.

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

Melanie Ewbanks and Patrick Lawlor are fabulous together! I'll listen to anything Lawlor narrates!

FANTASTIC :)

couldn't get enough! Suzanne Brockman is hilarious! I do wish one person would have been for each voice, like Mr. Lawlor for Shane and Ms. Eubank for Mac. Still, amazing!

exciting to believe SB is introducing new series

What did you like best about this story?

I love Suzanne Brockmann and her whole SEAL team series, and now I hope here's a whole new parapsych fantasy series. Besides her amazing imagination and great story-telling skills, she does an excellent job of including same-sex LOVE scenes. I hope these will help some of those unfortunates that suffer from homophobia. Don't get me wrong, she includes plenty of non-stop action/adventure, fascinating para-psych futuristic fantasy, and plain old hetero romance, too! dsh*

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

tone and emphasis, plus so much of the dialogue is internal or projected thoughts, it somehow helps keep it all straight in my head.

Ummmm, I liked it .. I think

It was easy for me to get into the story and I love the super power ideas but at times it got a bit dragged down with the personal relationships. I didn't mind the relationships but it seemed like the book was designed for everyone to fall in love which wasn't what I was expecting. A little more super action would have been good.