Guest Review: Born to Darkness – Suzanne Brockmann

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.

Series:  Fighting Destiny #1
Release Date:  March 20, 2012
Publisher:  Ballantine Books
Source:  NetGalley
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Reviewer’s Thoughts:

Let me start by saying I have read everything that Suzanne Brockmann has written to date and have love everything. That being said this book is no exception.

In the not too distance future , a new highly addictive drug name Destiny is making its rounds. It promises to reverse aging and to bring strength and vitality to users. It is extremely expensive. On Destiny it is very likely that you become violent and can loose your mind,even your life.

Shane Laughlin is a current blacklisted Navy Seal without a job and no chance of finding one anytime soon. He applies for testing on neural integration at the OI (The Obermeyer Institute helps train the people with potential and harnesses their powers for good) While waiting to hear if he gets accepted he meets Mac at a bar. Mac “Dr Michelle Mackenzie” is rough,strong-willed, high-strung with the special ability to seduce men. Shane seems to enhance Mac’s powers and in spite her resistance, he is also determined to become a significant part of her life.

Next we meet Stephen Diaz, Mac’s partner who is also a agent with the OI. He is able to do telepathic connection with people. Now meet Dr Elliot Zerkowski, research analyst, who Diaz has been in love with for years. This surprises Elliot.

Next we meet Anna who is looking for her little sister Nika who has been kidnapped because she is a potential for OI. Enter Dr Joseph Bach who vows to Anna to help her find and rescue Nika.
This is a very different story line from what is usually written by Brockmann, very enjoyable. I will definitely re-read this in the future.

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