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!

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.

Interesting story.

I enjoyed the story but found myself at times, disliking the heroine. She was a wee bit irritating at times. The narrators did a great job.

Could not get enough

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

I would say this is a book I will listen too again and again. I am sure I missed things with so many twists and turns.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Shane! he did not give up no matter what. Mac is a tough women to love she is a bit like a hedgehog, prickle until you can get her to open up and feel the soft underbelly.

I WANT MORE

I loved all the characters in the book. Diaz and Mac as partners completely balanced each other out. Diaz was intense and focused. Mac was a smart ass and worked in controlled chaos. Their leader Bach was always the embodiment of control and even temperament. All changes when one little girl needs rescued and they discover their new strengths which comes from ...

I really enjoyed the interaction of the team with the addition or Anna and Shane along with Bennett. The book is so descriptive and makes it easy for you to have a complete vision of what is occurring. You can feel all the emotions that Mac goes through and how each character has so much to gain from their new alliances. I don't think I would ever had enough of Shane and would be using every form of persuasion that Mac has at her disposal in the pursuit of MORE!

I hope that the next book focuses on Bach. I love his character and I think I understand what happened in the end ... So excited for more! Great book and excellent narration! Melanie brought Mac to life and made you feel every emotion with such intensity. Patrick was the perfect navy seal and then was able to switch the compassionate Bach making both characters completely believe able. highly recommend!

Futuristic plot with intertwined love stories

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

This is the first book of this series and I look forward to the next.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that the story was action packed and there were several interlaced love stories.

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

Yes their performance was similar and they work well together.

Any additional comments?

The love scenes are discriptive and really got me into the book.