Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
New York : Ballantine Books, c2012.
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Suspense. HTML: In the near future, as America endures its second Great Depression, former Navy SEAL Shane Laughlin finds work as a test subject at the Obermeyer Institute, only to be plunged into a strange world where mild-mannered scientists can kick his highly skilled ass. These "Greater-Thans" undergo rigorous training to master unique abilities--including telekinesis, super strength, and reversal of the aging process--by accessing untapped regions of the brain. But for the rich and reckless, there's a quick, seductive alternative: Destiny, a highly addictive designer drug that can make anyone a Greater-Than--for a lethal price. Michelle "Mac" Mackenzie is determined to end the scourge of Destiny. As one of OI's crack operatives, she's learned to wield her powers responsibly. But she's knocked for a loop when she meets the new test subject: Shane, the same smoldering stranger who just rocked her world in a one-night stand. Mac's got 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. BONUS: This edition includes Suzanne Brockmann's short story Shane's Last Stand..… (more)
Media reviews
Suzanne Brockmann envisions a complex and compelling near future in Born to Darkness, the first book in a paranormal romantic suspense series.
Both sexy and suspenseful, this sizzling story will draw readers into a world of frightening evil and heroic action
User reviews
LibraryThing member SadieSForsythe
I seriously almost loved this. Brockman can write. I liked the characters and the plot is an interesting one. But the fact that kept me from loving it and, in fact, coming to really resent large chunks of it is unfortunately so common in modern fiction it's hardly worth commenting on...except that
The whole book hinges on cliched female terror. Almost every single female in this book, adult and child, is either raped or threatened with rape at some point in this book. This is used as character development shorthand. Want a villain to seem especially vile? Make him a serial rapist, better yet a serial child rapist or a knife wielding sadistic rapist. Want a woman to be especially pitiable? Make her relive the memory of her rape over and over. What her to be notably strong? Make her over come her rape. Want a girl to be especially terrorized? Make her witness another girl get raped or threaten her with rape. Want your heroes to be especially good guys? Have them overlook the besmirchment of the women they love and, unlike everyone else, not judge them for getting raped. Better yet, have them also save them from the after-effects of their rapes. Either teaching them how to not remain stuck on the memory or convince them it wasn't their fault. All of these are in this book. Every single one of them and more. It's common, trope-based characterization shorthand and it's LAZY writing! I expected so much more from this book.
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we should all be commenting on it all the time.The whole book hinges on cliched female terror. Almost every single female in this book, adult and child, is either raped or threatened with rape at some point in this book. This is used as character development shorthand. Want a villain to seem especially vile? Make him a serial rapist, better yet a serial child rapist or a knife wielding sadistic rapist. Want a woman to be especially pitiable? Make her relive the memory of her rape over and over. What her to be notably strong? Make her over come her rape. Want a girl to be especially terrorized? Make her witness another girl get raped or threaten her with rape. Want your heroes to be especially good guys? Have them overlook the besmirchment of the women they love and, unlike everyone else, not judge them for getting raped. Better yet, have them also save them from the after-effects of their rapes. Either teaching them how to not remain stuck on the memory or convince them it wasn't their fault. All of these are in this book. Every single one of them and more. It's common, trope-based characterization shorthand and it's LAZY writing! I expected so much more from this book.
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LibraryThing member grammyellen
mac and shane work for the obermeyer institute. mac is trying to find kidnapped girls that someone is using to make a drug called destiny. mac and shane have an immediate sexual connection when they meet and are forced to work together to find these girls.
this one is a little different that usual
brockmann fans will enjoy this one.
this one is a little different that usual
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brockmann books, but she delivers none the less. with just the right amount of sex and intrigue it keeps you turning pages and hungering to find out what is going to happen in the end.brockmann fans will enjoy this one.
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LibraryThing member twylyghtbay
I liked this book. It is quite different from Suzanne Brockmanns prior Navy Seal based characters. Each individual character has personal strength and determination. There are three romances that develop throughout the book. Communication and miscommunication are stumbling points through out the
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story in each relationship. I like Mac, Shane, Bach, Elliot and Diaz, but found Anna annoyinng. Just like life, someone is usually annoying. Maybe Anna will grow-up in the next book in the series. The enemies are powerful people who control the corporate governement. Shane's life is in shambles because he made the choice to do what was morally correct instead of what the powers that be wanted him to do. It took about two days to read this book and I read almost every bit of it. No slow boring parts. The characters in this series have paranormal abilities and are slowly building a strong supportive team. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released. Show Less
LibraryThing member SunnySD
Not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this! Action packed, emotionally charged, and highly readable. And difficult to sum up in a few sentences... but I'll give it a shot.
Most people are ten-percenters, using only ten percent of their mental capacity at any given time. But for a select few, more
War has devastated the United States, sending the economy and infrastructure of society into a serious tailspin. Unemployment is rampant, law and order are crumbling. In the midst of chaos, the Obermeyer Institute is a bastion of research, wealth and stability, its researchers devoted to furthering humanity's mental integration.
Integration can happen with discipline and practice, or it can be forced with drugs, and a new drug known as Destiny is gaining popularity among those rich and powerful enough to afford it. But making it requires NASTY steps, and taking it means a huge risk of Jokering, complete with raging insanity and unstable, uncontrollable mental powers. The Organization - the makers of Destiny - doesn't care.
Dr. Bach and his team, Mac and Diaz, are Greater-Thans, integrated at much higher than ten percent. Operating out of the Obermeyer Institute, they're dedicated to bringing down Jokers and the Organization, but are they fighting a losing battle?
Warning! There are a few seriously raw scenes. And if you aren't open-minded enough to handle same-sex partners in a loving relationship, don't bother picking this up. But if you like your romances spiced up with action (of the non-bedroom variety) and you're into the paranormal, this might just be your cup of tea.
Most people are ten-percenters, using only ten percent of their mental capacity at any given time. But for a select few, more
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is possible - this is the beginning of their story.War has devastated the United States, sending the economy and infrastructure of society into a serious tailspin. Unemployment is rampant, law and order are crumbling. In the midst of chaos, the Obermeyer Institute is a bastion of research, wealth and stability, its researchers devoted to furthering humanity's mental integration.
Integration can happen with discipline and practice, or it can be forced with drugs, and a new drug known as Destiny is gaining popularity among those rich and powerful enough to afford it. But making it requires NASTY steps, and taking it means a huge risk of Jokering, complete with raging insanity and unstable, uncontrollable mental powers. The Organization - the makers of Destiny - doesn't care.
Dr. Bach and his team, Mac and Diaz, are Greater-Thans, integrated at much higher than ten percent. Operating out of the Obermeyer Institute, they're dedicated to bringing down Jokers and the Organization, but are they fighting a losing battle?
Warning! There are a few seriously raw scenes. And if you aren't open-minded enough to handle same-sex partners in a loving relationship, don't bother picking this up. But if you like your romances spiced up with action (of the non-bedroom variety) and you're into the paranormal, this might just be your cup of tea.
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LibraryThing member VmpGirl
As always, Suzanne Brockmann swept me up into her world within the first few pages. 48 hours later, I find myself at the end of the book, desperately flipping back through the pages to find when the next book is headed our way. Thank You, Suzanne Brockmann for another awesome ride into your world!
LibraryThing member lulu150
I was completely surprised by this book!!! I was a little unsure of the book in the beginning but I quickly began to really enjoy the book. I thought the paranormal aspect of the book was great! The book was also packed with a lot of action and romance. I think it all fit very nicely together and I
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cannot wait for the next book in the series!!! Show Less
LibraryThing member Books007
Mac, Shane, Bach, Elliot, Diaz & Anna work together to find Anna's sister, who has been kidnapped due to her paranormal abilities. (All of the main characters in this series have paranormal abilities and are learning how to increase them & control them.)
There are many subplot lines as well - Mac &
Although this book did keep me interested, I did find myself wanting to skim through certain parts. Got a little bored close to the end. Did I like the book? Yes. Will I read book 2 of this series? Not so sure.
There are many subplot lines as well - Mac &
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Shane, Diaz & Elliot, Anna & Bach romances. If you are uncomfortable with a gay romance, this may not be your type book as there are some M/M scenes. Although this book did keep me interested, I did find myself wanting to skim through certain parts. Got a little bored close to the end. Did I like the book? Yes. Will I read book 2 of this series? Not so sure.
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LibraryThing member lucky11
Suzanne Brockmann is one of my favorite authers to read, but "Born to Darkness" was really disappointing to me. Maybe I'm just used to her romantic suspense novels, that I just couldn't get into this one, even though I enjoy science fictions stories also. " Born to Darkness", is about a furturistic
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society, in which a small number a people train/can you use a higher percentage of their brain, from which they then gain superhero type powers. In this story they are tasked with rescueing a young girl, who is a potential traniee. Who was kidnapped by drug dealers who use potential's hormons to create a toxic, but powerful drug. This was the first in a new series for Suzanne Brockmann, not sure if I'll be reading the next. Show Less
LibraryThing member LauraKCurtis
An excellent series opener to Brockmann's new series.
I have to say I found her world-building a little weak. Some parts of it were easy to imagine--the corporate influence, the health issues, the gangs--but there were some that were hard to take. And I don't mean the psychic stuff...that's so
The storyline was vintage Brockmann fun with tons of action and plenty of hot romance. The main romantic couple was wonderfully well-developed and explained and their problems were realistic. You could really understand why Mac wouldn't believe someone could love her, even if she whined about it a bit much for my taste. And because she refused to believe he loved her, you could see how Shane might have some problems, too.
The secondary romances didn't work as well for me, particularly that between Elliott and Diaz. It went zero-to-sixty in a nanosecond. I understand that Diaz was supposed to have been in love with Elliott all that time, but Elliott accepts it so quickly and just like that they're a couple. Maybe in future books they'll have some problems that will make the romance more...I don't know how to put it, but make it stronger through work, I suppose.
All in all, I think this is a great entry to a new series that I hope will develop depth as Brockmann writes further books.
I have to say I found her world-building a little weak. Some parts of it were easy to imagine--the corporate influence, the health issues, the gangs--but there were some that were hard to take. And I don't mean the psychic stuff...that's so
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commonplace now you can't swing a dead cat in romantic suspense without hitting someone with paranormal powers. No, I had a harder time with some of the reactions to powers and stuff that I considered less well-thought-out. But that's relatively minor.The storyline was vintage Brockmann fun with tons of action and plenty of hot romance. The main romantic couple was wonderfully well-developed and explained and their problems were realistic. You could really understand why Mac wouldn't believe someone could love her, even if she whined about it a bit much for my taste. And because she refused to believe he loved her, you could see how Shane might have some problems, too.
The secondary romances didn't work as well for me, particularly that between Elliott and Diaz. It went zero-to-sixty in a nanosecond. I understand that Diaz was supposed to have been in love with Elliott all that time, but Elliott accepts it so quickly and just like that they're a couple. Maybe in future books they'll have some problems that will make the romance more...I don't know how to put it, but make it stronger through work, I suppose.
All in all, I think this is a great entry to a new series that I hope will develop depth as Brockmann writes further books.
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LibraryThing member chickey1981
I have had this book on my to read list for months now. I went to look at the reviews, ready to read it at last, and was a little disappointed to see relatively low ratings for all the hype that it had gotten. As I made my way through the book, I was more and more confused as to the low ratings
Born to Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann is definitely not her first novel, but the first time she dabbles in the paranormal. She introduces several very interesting characters called Greater-Thans, including Mac, Diaz, and Joseph. These characters can use a larger percentile of their brains at a time, allowing them to develop "supernatural" powers such as telekinesis. This group is using their powers for good but a drug called Destiny allows Fractions (those who use the normal 10 percent of their brain at a time) to elevate themselves to higher levels-- but at a great cost. After the gang meets Anna, whose sister has been kidnapped, a sinister underworld of evil is revealed.
I rate this book 4.5 stars. I had fully intended to rate it five stars until the end because the characters are fully developed and the description rich, and the relationships even richer (I will get to the reasoning of the rating soon). Halfway through the book, I took a look closer at some of the negative or less than happy reviews. First issue: this book is too dark. I disagree. The whole intent of this book is to be dark. Perhaps coming from a medical background, I see the dark underbelly of society more than I would like. Just yesterday, I helped interview a mom whose 6 month old was sexually abused. How is this possible? Unfortunately, it is, and evil like this exists in our world. I admired that Brockmann looked at this darkness in the face and put it starkly on the page. Second, this book is not like her usual navy SEAL romance novel and has paranormal elements. I really don't like when people pan a book because they detest a whole genre or because it isn't exactly what the author has done before. I admit I have not read her other books, but I do love that Brockmann has tried something new-- she is taking a risk, and I feel she does a wonderful job at creating this atmosphere and supernatural world. At the same time, this creation of the new world does not detract from the development of her characters. Third, some people were very turned off by the character Mac because she is a very angry character with a terrible past. I get that. However, after having read two books in the recent past in FIRST PERSON of an angry person like this, I actually had no problem with Mac. This book is written in third person and she is one of 6 (or 7) main characters, which balance her out. And it's quite clear to me why she is the way she is. Lastly, some people are very against homosexual relationships being written about in books. The fact people had such a problem with this was actually quite disturbing, especially since to me, this relationship was probably the sweetest one in the entire book.
The reason I docked it at all is because there didn't seem to be as nice of a resolution of that particular relationship-- we barely get to see them in the final pages, which would have been nice since ever other character gets space to end their respective stories.
This said, this novel is extremely compelling, a worthwhile read with fantastic characters that will stay in your memory for a long time. I can't wait to see the next in this series.
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because the book is fascinating and well written. I will get more into these other reviews in just a bit.Born to Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann is definitely not her first novel, but the first time she dabbles in the paranormal. She introduces several very interesting characters called Greater-Thans, including Mac, Diaz, and Joseph. These characters can use a larger percentile of their brains at a time, allowing them to develop "supernatural" powers such as telekinesis. This group is using their powers for good but a drug called Destiny allows Fractions (those who use the normal 10 percent of their brain at a time) to elevate themselves to higher levels-- but at a great cost. After the gang meets Anna, whose sister has been kidnapped, a sinister underworld of evil is revealed.
I rate this book 4.5 stars. I had fully intended to rate it five stars until the end because the characters are fully developed and the description rich, and the relationships even richer (I will get to the reasoning of the rating soon). Halfway through the book, I took a look closer at some of the negative or less than happy reviews. First issue: this book is too dark. I disagree. The whole intent of this book is to be dark. Perhaps coming from a medical background, I see the dark underbelly of society more than I would like. Just yesterday, I helped interview a mom whose 6 month old was sexually abused. How is this possible? Unfortunately, it is, and evil like this exists in our world. I admired that Brockmann looked at this darkness in the face and put it starkly on the page. Second, this book is not like her usual navy SEAL romance novel and has paranormal elements. I really don't like when people pan a book because they detest a whole genre or because it isn't exactly what the author has done before. I admit I have not read her other books, but I do love that Brockmann has tried something new-- she is taking a risk, and I feel she does a wonderful job at creating this atmosphere and supernatural world. At the same time, this creation of the new world does not detract from the development of her characters. Third, some people were very turned off by the character Mac because she is a very angry character with a terrible past. I get that. However, after having read two books in the recent past in FIRST PERSON of an angry person like this, I actually had no problem with Mac. This book is written in third person and she is one of 6 (or 7) main characters, which balance her out. And it's quite clear to me why she is the way she is. Lastly, some people are very against homosexual relationships being written about in books. The fact people had such a problem with this was actually quite disturbing, especially since to me, this relationship was probably the sweetest one in the entire book.
The reason I docked it at all is because there didn't seem to be as nice of a resolution of that particular relationship-- we barely get to see them in the final pages, which would have been nice since ever other character gets space to end their respective stories.
This said, this novel is extremely compelling, a worthwhile read with fantastic characters that will stay in your memory for a long time. I can't wait to see the next in this series.
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LibraryThing member thehistorychic
Won from Library Thing Early Reviewers
Challenges: Men in Uniform, Mystery/Thriller
Overall Rating 5+
Story Rating 5+
Character Rating 5+
First thought when finished: This packed a punch and it's one that I won't recover from lightly!
What I Loved: Born to Darkness is like 2.5 romances in one with some
Final Thought: Can I give Born to Darkness a 5 plus? This book was just completely unique to me and I DEVOURED it :)
Seriously this review almost came down to this: Born to Darkness is a PNR (paranormal romance), PNT (paranormal thriller), and kick ass ride that will keep you mesmerized from beginning to end. I have no better way to put this but I at least tried LOL.
Challenges: Men in Uniform, Mystery/Thriller
Overall Rating 5+
Story Rating 5+
Character Rating 5+
First thought when finished: This packed a punch and it's one that I won't recover from lightly!
What I Loved: Born to Darkness is like 2.5 romances in one with some
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kick ass action and a little paranormal ability to increase it all! I don't know if it was my mood (Moody Reader Alert) or just the shear genius of Suzanne Brockmann (my first time reading her)but this book just clicked for me on every level. I must warn you that it could double as a weapon as it is quite lengthy BUT it is a super fast read. At the end, I was like I want more. The last book that made me do that was The Discovery of Witches. So needless to say, I just flat out loved it.Final Thought: Can I give Born to Darkness a 5 plus? This book was just completely unique to me and I DEVOURED it :)
Seriously this review almost came down to this: Born to Darkness is a PNR (paranormal romance), PNT (paranormal thriller), and kick ass ride that will keep you mesmerized from beginning to end. I have no better way to put this but I at least tried LOL.
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LibraryThing member mschweer432
I didn't love this book as much as I had hoped to. I loved the story line between Shane and Mac. I felt it was complex and interesting. I did not like the story line between Elliot and Diaz as much. I didn't feel like there was sufficient ground to base their feelings on which made it hard for me
I did enjoy the suspense side of the book. The story flowed and was easy to read. I was left wondering what was going to happen next without the events being so unpredictable that the book was ridiculous. I will most likely read the next book in this series.
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to care one way or the other about their relationship.I did enjoy the suspense side of the book. The story flowed and was easy to read. I was left wondering what was going to happen next without the events being so unpredictable that the book was ridiculous. I will most likely read the next book in this series.
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LibraryThing member hailelib
A romantic suspense with emphasis on the suspense though there are two romances; that of Shane Laughton and Michelle "Mac" Mackenzie and the one between Elliot Zerkowski and Stephen Diaz. There is also another pair who may or may not eventually have a more than friends relationship.
The story takes
But a very expensive and super addictive drug is being sold that will turn anyone into a Greater-Than and then turn them violently insane. Teams from OI regularly have to go out and subdue these addicts. With his skills as a former SEAL, Shane is welcomed into the institute. And the story develops from there.
This is very much a Brockmann novel but it also has some elements that are new such as the rather bleak future setting and the Greater-Than 'powers' that include super-strength, telepathy, aging reversal, etc. It did leave me hoping for a sequel or even a series. She does say in a note at the beginning of the book that this is the first book of The Fighting Destiny Series.
The story takes
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place in a future dystopian United States where the distance between haves and have-nots has become exceedingly vast. People will take any kind of job that will give them enough funds to eat and have a place to sleep. There are also the Greater-Thans who have been born with the ability to access more of their brain than the 'normal' people. The Obermeyer Institute searches out and trains Greater-Thans to properly use their abilities.But a very expensive and super addictive drug is being sold that will turn anyone into a Greater-Than and then turn them violently insane. Teams from OI regularly have to go out and subdue these addicts. With his skills as a former SEAL, Shane is welcomed into the institute. And the story develops from there.
This is very much a Brockmann novel but it also has some elements that are new such as the rather bleak future setting and the Greater-Than 'powers' that include super-strength, telepathy, aging reversal, etc. It did leave me hoping for a sequel or even a series. She does say in a note at the beginning of the book that this is the first book of The Fighting Destiny Series.
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LibraryThing member krystalsbooks
This book was great. I was truly engaged by the characters in this book and would love to read more by this author.
Each character felt fully developed and I felt like I understood why and how they made the decisions for good or bad that they chose. I truly hope that this author continues this
Each character felt fully developed and I felt like I understood why and how they made the decisions for good or bad that they chose. I truly hope that this author continues this
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series so all who have the opportunity to read this can follow these characters to the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookbeat
This is a hard review for me to do because I love Suzanne Brockmann. She is an amazing storyteller. I especially love her Troubleshooters series and when I requested a copy of Born to Darkness, I was interested in where she was going to take this. While I did not like it as much as her romantic
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suspense books, I believe readers who like urban fantasy will probably enjoy it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Conkie
Whoa... How does she do it? How does Ms. Brockmann take me from "Hmm...?" to "YES!!" in 3 chapters? It's been a LONG time since I was willing to stop at the end of a chapter (3, to be exact) and tell myself not to pick it up until I have a significant amount of available time to read and enjoy.
That significant amount of time never materialized, so I found myself having to read in bits and pieces. The story really deserves to be read in big chunks in order to stay on top of it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and the change from Ms. Brockmann's previous story lines. She's able to get the reader inside each character's mind [pun benefit] so we can feel/see/hear what they do. Even better though, is her ability to extrapolate current national woes into a scarily possible scenario for Boston in 2038 (date estimate is mine).
Where I was less sold on this work is in regards to her handling of the characters time lines. "Couple-dom" was almost 3 for 3 until the final pages of this book; which would have almost made future OI books impossible. Fear not, this didn't happen for all 3, but I'm left wondering if the "uncoupled" characters will carry my interest through another book. Ultimately disappointed enough that I bump this book from 5 stars to 4, but Review Reader [that's you], this book DOES rate a SOLID 4 stars.
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Anyone taking time to peruse my LT account (minus the 'Detangled' collection), knows I'm not particularly fond of futuristic/fantasy/scientific/paranormal stories, so even though S.B. is one of my favorite authors, I was skeptical/leery/mystified when reading about this story's premise. NOT NOW. I guess that's what separates those authors with talent from those who have a true gift. I'll post updates as I continue to read...but I'm giving it a 5 star rating for now!That significant amount of time never materialized, so I found myself having to read in bits and pieces. The story really deserves to be read in big chunks in order to stay on top of it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and the change from Ms. Brockmann's previous story lines. She's able to get the reader inside each character's mind [pun benefit] so we can feel/see/hear what they do. Even better though, is her ability to extrapolate current national woes into a scarily possible scenario for Boston in 2038 (date estimate is mine).
Where I was less sold on this work is in regards to her handling of the characters time lines. "Couple-dom" was almost 3 for 3 until the final pages of this book; which would have almost made future OI books impossible. Fear not, this didn't happen for all 3, but I'm left wondering if the "uncoupled" characters will carry my interest through another book. Ultimately disappointed enough that I bump this book from 5 stars to 4, but Review Reader [that's you], this book DOES rate a SOLID 4 stars.
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LibraryThing member 24girl
The philanthropic organization Obermeyer Institute is doing incredible research working with Greater-Thans, people who can use more of their brain than normal people. In fact these elite individuals can use anywhere from 30% to 70% of their brain and have special talents like telekinesis, the
Dr. Joseph Bach heads up OI with 70%, Dr. “Mac” Mackenzie and Dr. Stephen Diaz are second in command with 50%. Enter dishonorably discharged and blacklisted former Navy SEAL Shane Laughlin and suddenly there are mysterious spikes in their numbers. While looking into this further, another potential that was on OI’s radar, Nika, is kidnapped by The Organization, an evil group that is draining the life out of young potentials to create a drug called Destiny which gives the user Greater Than powers and is instantly addicting. Can the team save Nika and figure out how to manage these spikes in their Greater Than powers without losing anyone?
Phew! That was a longer than usual description but there is so much going on in this book and I wanted to touch on a little bit of it all. Basically Born to Darkness is a love story between three main couples but there is so much more going on throughout the whole book. I love the characters and their quirks. They are written so well that I wanted to reach into the pages and take one or two of them by the shoulders and shake some sense into them. When a book has you that hooked you know it’s a winner. This is book one in the Fighting Destiny series and I will definitely be reading the next installment as soon as it hits the shelves. I highly recommend this one for all urban fantasy lovers.
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ability to heal their own bodies, super seduction and empathic powers. Part of what the OI does is seek out Potentials who have an elevated brain function and show potential for more with their specialized training. Dr. Joseph Bach heads up OI with 70%, Dr. “Mac” Mackenzie and Dr. Stephen Diaz are second in command with 50%. Enter dishonorably discharged and blacklisted former Navy SEAL Shane Laughlin and suddenly there are mysterious spikes in their numbers. While looking into this further, another potential that was on OI’s radar, Nika, is kidnapped by The Organization, an evil group that is draining the life out of young potentials to create a drug called Destiny which gives the user Greater Than powers and is instantly addicting. Can the team save Nika and figure out how to manage these spikes in their Greater Than powers without losing anyone?
Phew! That was a longer than usual description but there is so much going on in this book and I wanted to touch on a little bit of it all. Basically Born to Darkness is a love story between three main couples but there is so much more going on throughout the whole book. I love the characters and their quirks. They are written so well that I wanted to reach into the pages and take one or two of them by the shoulders and shake some sense into them. When a book has you that hooked you know it’s a winner. This is book one in the Fighting Destiny series and I will definitely be reading the next installment as soon as it hits the shelves. I highly recommend this one for all urban fantasy lovers.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
I did enjoy this story. Set in a near future where things are worse than they are now and you need money to get anywhere. Shane Laughlin is an ex-naval SEAL, dishonourably discharged and looking to do something, preferably honest. He's offered a chance to take part in a project and finds himself
There were moments where it didn't work as well or flow as well as it could but this is the author's first SF/Near future fiction. It's not bad and I'm looking forward to more in this series. I also loved the romance between two of the male characters.
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caught up in some very complicated politics and learning more about himself and human potential.There were moments where it didn't work as well or flow as well as it could but this is the author's first SF/Near future fiction. It's not bad and I'm looking forward to more in this series. I also loved the romance between two of the male characters.
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LibraryThing member froggykm
This is the first book in her new series with a paranormal flair. I have always loved her books because of their attention to detail and her characters. This book is a great example of that. Ms Brockmann is so good at writing multiple character story lines and sucking me into all of them. In other
This book introduces us to a cast of characters that work for/with a facility that does paranormal research and assists in taking down drug addicts that have paranormal abilities that the police cannot handle. There is a drug that is becoming more popular and accessible that allows the user to look younger, live longer and use more of their brain at one time allowing some"paranormal" abilities. But the downfall is instant addiction and possible insanity. The facility is fighting against this drug and provides natural training for those who naturally use more of their brain at one time than the norm. None of this is public knowledge and most people scoff at the facility (if they have even heard of it) as being quacks.
In this near future world, most services have been privatized and those that are still available are a joke. For example, in the beginning of the book a woman goes to the police station to report her 13-year-old sister is missing. Their response is the have her fill out an online form and pay a fee and they might get to it in a few days. There have been major economical crashes and millions are out of work and just trying to survive.
The characters we meet in this book are the current top of the crop of people who utilize more than the norm of their brain at one time. They are trying to find a missing young girl who was on their list of potential kids to recruit. Someone has been kidnapping these kids and the police are too overworked to look for them. So Bach, Mac, Diaz and others at the facility are taking on the job. And of course, there is lots of great romance to add to the story :)
I really enjoyed this book (it is long!) and look forward to the next in the series.
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books i will find myself occasionally skipping over sections to get to the character storyline that i am most interested in, but with her books i am never tempted to do that, because they all keep me interested. This book introduces us to a cast of characters that work for/with a facility that does paranormal research and assists in taking down drug addicts that have paranormal abilities that the police cannot handle. There is a drug that is becoming more popular and accessible that allows the user to look younger, live longer and use more of their brain at one time allowing some"paranormal" abilities. But the downfall is instant addiction and possible insanity. The facility is fighting against this drug and provides natural training for those who naturally use more of their brain at one time than the norm. None of this is public knowledge and most people scoff at the facility (if they have even heard of it) as being quacks.
In this near future world, most services have been privatized and those that are still available are a joke. For example, in the beginning of the book a woman goes to the police station to report her 13-year-old sister is missing. Their response is the have her fill out an online form and pay a fee and they might get to it in a few days. There have been major economical crashes and millions are out of work and just trying to survive.
The characters we meet in this book are the current top of the crop of people who utilize more than the norm of their brain at one time. They are trying to find a missing young girl who was on their list of potential kids to recruit. Someone has been kidnapping these kids and the police are too overworked to look for them. So Bach, Mac, Diaz and others at the facility are taking on the job. And of course, there is lots of great romance to add to the story :)
I really enjoyed this book (it is long!) and look forward to the next in the series.
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LibraryThing member TwilightBlue
I really enjoyed this book. The basic idea is in the near future, there is a drug, the street name of Destiny, that is very addictive and deadly to take, but the promise of eternal youth and powers of the mind is a great lure. Some people in this future world, have learned to harness the unused
Now that you have a little bit of back history, the main characters are Mac, Sean, EIliot, Steven, and Bach. They each have their own plot line mixed in with the main story of trying to rescue a Potential (Nika) from the Organization. The characters are well fleshed out. I got to care for what happened to each and I believe I got to know them well as individuals.
I enjoyed the plot and the progression of the book, it kept me interested, not delving on one subject or person for to long.
There was only one issue I had with the book and that was toward the end. Not to put any spoilers in, is hard. The logic of the outcomes of a character who took the drug, didn't feel right to me, and sense it didn't make logical sense to me, it kind of put me off the ending. BUT... I can't wait to see what the next book of the series will bring.
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neural pathways in their brain to become Greater-Thans. They have studied and trained to integrate their brains, so they can use these special powers in the battle against jokers, people who have gone insane using Destiny and against the Organization, the people who make the drug. That's were the Obermeyer Institute comes in. They are a facility that trains Potentials to become Greater-Thans.Now that you have a little bit of back history, the main characters are Mac, Sean, EIliot, Steven, and Bach. They each have their own plot line mixed in with the main story of trying to rescue a Potential (Nika) from the Organization. The characters are well fleshed out. I got to care for what happened to each and I believe I got to know them well as individuals.
I enjoyed the plot and the progression of the book, it kept me interested, not delving on one subject or person for to long.
There was only one issue I had with the book and that was toward the end. Not to put any spoilers in, is hard. The logic of the outcomes of a character who took the drug, didn't feel right to me, and sense it didn't make logical sense to me, it kind of put me off the ending. BUT... I can't wait to see what the next book of the series will bring.
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LibraryThing member Aronfish
Well, it was a great quick read, good action and good sex.
LibraryThing member ReginaR
This book was highly anticipated for me. I really enjoy Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series and while irrelevant, I think her public persona is pretty amazing. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review. The first 270 pages of the book was really good and
I am a long time fan of Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series. The Troubleshooters series is rich in great character development and interesting struggles, but in addition to that, the Troubleshooters series offers readers a great romance or two in each book. Brockmann has this ability to slowly unravel the story while writing great characters and while the characters get to know each other, so do the readers. She has interwoven storylines and characters that come back into focus in subsequent books even though their romance has been written. Reading her Troubleshooters series is like sitting down with long time friends - in a way similar to the Virgin River series by Carr and the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by Ward. Not that the way those authors write is similar or that their storyline is similar; I am referring only to the interwoven stories and the return of characters who are a constant to the storyline. Ms. Brockmann has promised that her new series - Fighting Destiny - will be similar in this respect.
Born to Darkness is the start of Brockmann's new Fighting Destiny series. There is a pre-quel to Born to Darkness called Shane's Last Stand. It is not necessary to read the pre-quel, although it is an enjoyable quick read. Born to Darkness is set in the future several decades out from the present and clear changes have happened to American society and the American government. There has been an economic collapse and the majority of Americans are suffering economically. To magnify the problems most Americans are experiencing, the infrastructure in the US is collapsing - for example, police stations charge fees to investigate crimes. Corporations have clear control over society, culture and the government. The U.S. is taking on military missions driven by corporations and many civil rights belonging to U.S. citizens have been curtailed by new austere laws. It is a dark and scary time. That dystopian setting is where Born to Darkness begins. However, the world building does not end there.
A few scientists in this future world have uncovered some people's potential to utilize more than 10% of their brainpower at a time. Some people have the ability to utilize 40%, 50%, and some up to 70% of their brain at one point in time. Those people who can use greater than 10% of their brain power at any given moment are called "Greater Thans" (i.e. greater than 10%) and those that use 10% or less are called "Fractions" (i.e. a fraction of 10%). The Greater Thans have greater than normal human power - -typically telekinetic and self-healing capabilities. Although some can fly and breathe fire. There is an organization focused on using these powers for good and developing the powers of others and it has the feel of a "brotherhood" or hey--the SEALs (Brockmann's forte). There is also an X-Men feeling to the powers people have and how these people with powers, or the Greater Thans, join together.
The world Brockmann creates is believable and scary. The characters are likeable. The romance is sweet and passionate. Born to Darkness is a big book, similar to her later Troubleshooters books - -it is 510 pages. I sped through the first 270 pages or so and loved every minute of those pages. I was completely invested in the storyline. However, the story evened out for me after that and I did have the urge to skim (which embarrassingly I succumbed to). I felt that there were too many romances and hook ups happening - 6 characters paired up in to 3 pairs almost seemingly too easily. They all loved each other and meshed at the halfway point of the book. I think this is simply a first book in a series, a strong world is created and not everything clicked for me perfectly with it. I didn't buy into all of the couplehoods and I was disappointed at the distraction from the fabulous world that Brockmann had written. I wanted more of the dystpoia and the struggle happening in this depressing future. And while I normally really appreciate point of view shifts, particularly how Brockmann writes them, in Born to Darkness I felt like it prevented me from really getting to know any one of the 6 or 7 characters that the point of view switched to and from. As a disclosure, I am not a fan of Brockmann's Tall Dark and Dangerous series or her stand-alones. So my issues may be unique to what I was looking for - I am guessing that readers who enjoy her TDD series or her standalones may really like this book.
I absolutely plan on reading #2 in the Fighting Destiny series. Readers who are fans of any of Brockmann's books will enjoy Born to Darkness. Readers who like sci fi romance or dystopia based romance will likely enjoy this - just be ready to commit for 510 pages!
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I couldn't put the book down. But the last 240 pages dragged for me. I think it may be a first book in a series issue. The passion is there, the romances are believable and the world created is unique and very interesting; the excitement just didn't last through the entire book.I am a long time fan of Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series. The Troubleshooters series is rich in great character development and interesting struggles, but in addition to that, the Troubleshooters series offers readers a great romance or two in each book. Brockmann has this ability to slowly unravel the story while writing great characters and while the characters get to know each other, so do the readers. She has interwoven storylines and characters that come back into focus in subsequent books even though their romance has been written. Reading her Troubleshooters series is like sitting down with long time friends - in a way similar to the Virgin River series by Carr and the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by Ward. Not that the way those authors write is similar or that their storyline is similar; I am referring only to the interwoven stories and the return of characters who are a constant to the storyline. Ms. Brockmann has promised that her new series - Fighting Destiny - will be similar in this respect.
Born to Darkness is the start of Brockmann's new Fighting Destiny series. There is a pre-quel to Born to Darkness called Shane's Last Stand. It is not necessary to read the pre-quel, although it is an enjoyable quick read. Born to Darkness is set in the future several decades out from the present and clear changes have happened to American society and the American government. There has been an economic collapse and the majority of Americans are suffering economically. To magnify the problems most Americans are experiencing, the infrastructure in the US is collapsing - for example, police stations charge fees to investigate crimes. Corporations have clear control over society, culture and the government. The U.S. is taking on military missions driven by corporations and many civil rights belonging to U.S. citizens have been curtailed by new austere laws. It is a dark and scary time. That dystopian setting is where Born to Darkness begins. However, the world building does not end there.
A few scientists in this future world have uncovered some people's potential to utilize more than 10% of their brainpower at a time. Some people have the ability to utilize 40%, 50%, and some up to 70% of their brain at one point in time. Those people who can use greater than 10% of their brain power at any given moment are called "Greater Thans" (i.e. greater than 10%) and those that use 10% or less are called "Fractions" (i.e. a fraction of 10%). The Greater Thans have greater than normal human power - -typically telekinetic and self-healing capabilities. Although some can fly and breathe fire. There is an organization focused on using these powers for good and developing the powers of others and it has the feel of a "brotherhood" or hey--the SEALs (Brockmann's forte). There is also an X-Men feeling to the powers people have and how these people with powers, or the Greater Thans, join together.
The world Brockmann creates is believable and scary. The characters are likeable. The romance is sweet and passionate. Born to Darkness is a big book, similar to her later Troubleshooters books - -it is 510 pages. I sped through the first 270 pages or so and loved every minute of those pages. I was completely invested in the storyline. However, the story evened out for me after that and I did have the urge to skim (which embarrassingly I succumbed to). I felt that there were too many romances and hook ups happening - 6 characters paired up in to 3 pairs almost seemingly too easily. They all loved each other and meshed at the halfway point of the book. I think this is simply a first book in a series, a strong world is created and not everything clicked for me perfectly with it. I didn't buy into all of the couplehoods and I was disappointed at the distraction from the fabulous world that Brockmann had written. I wanted more of the dystpoia and the struggle happening in this depressing future. And while I normally really appreciate point of view shifts, particularly how Brockmann writes them, in Born to Darkness I felt like it prevented me from really getting to know any one of the 6 or 7 characters that the point of view switched to and from. As a disclosure, I am not a fan of Brockmann's Tall Dark and Dangerous series or her stand-alones. So my issues may be unique to what I was looking for - I am guessing that readers who enjoy her TDD series or her standalones may really like this book.
I absolutely plan on reading #2 in the Fighting Destiny series. Readers who are fans of any of Brockmann's books will enjoy Born to Darkness. Readers who like sci fi romance or dystopia based romance will likely enjoy this - just be ready to commit for 510 pages!
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LibraryThing member Nicholette
One of my favorite authors, this is the first book in the Fighting Destiny series. It took me a couple of chapters to get into it only because I had my mind set on the other series I like so much by her.
It’s set in a alternate/future world where there is little to no government and corporations
One group of fractions and Greater-thans is fighting a new expensive drug, Destiny. The new drug provides health, anti-aging, instant addiction and death. Unfortunately besides being violently addictive, it gives users a feeling of superiority and breaks down their morals so when a small percentage of the addicts spontaneously integrate their brain, they turn violently insane destroying and killing everything around them.
The interaction of the group fighting the drug organization is interesting. The story moves at a nice pace, giving you some unexpected twists. You see how science is playing a part in everyday life and romance or the lack of it too has impact. I’m looking forward to seeing more books in this series and reading them.
It’s set in a alternate/future world where there is little to no government and corporations
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have the power. Using the old adage that people use 10% of their brains, science is proving that some people are actually using more or integrating the use of more of their brain. Some people have more potential to do this than others. This has made finding potentials important. Integrating the use of your brain means you can do more with it, getting powers like strength, healing, and various mind skills. So you have normals (unaware), fractions/less-thans (less than 20%) and the Greater-thans (20%+).One group of fractions and Greater-thans is fighting a new expensive drug, Destiny. The new drug provides health, anti-aging, instant addiction and death. Unfortunately besides being violently addictive, it gives users a feeling of superiority and breaks down their morals so when a small percentage of the addicts spontaneously integrate their brain, they turn violently insane destroying and killing everything around them.
The interaction of the group fighting the drug organization is interesting. The story moves at a nice pace, giving you some unexpected twists. You see how science is playing a part in everyday life and romance or the lack of it too has impact. I’m looking forward to seeing more books in this series and reading them.
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LibraryThing member kayceel
A super-sexy, fast-paced thriller! As Mac, Diaz and Bach race to save a 13-year-old girl from a powerful drug cartel, they struggle with their suddenly increasing mental powers and suspect that their burgeoning relationships may have an unexpected affect to their ability to manipulate their
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surroundings with their minds. Show Less
LibraryThing member Dbookwhore
Review to follow soon
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2012-03-20
ISBN
0345521277 / 9780345521279
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