Audiobook Review: Born to Darkness
Book: Born to Darkness
Author: Suzanne Brockmann
Series: Fighting Destiny #1
Release Date: March 20th 2012
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Source: purchased from Audible
Length: 18 hrs & 40 mins
Links: Amazon | Goodreads | TBD
My Rating: 2.5 stars
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.
Review:
I know there’s an audience for this type book; unfortunately, I’m not part of that cool crowd. And I’m bummed about it too because I had such high hopes, especially after reading Felicia’s review of Born to Darkness. I mean, she gave this book 5+ stars. And it was because of her review that I purchased the audiobook for myself on the day it was released.
In my defense, I’m not a total dunce. I definitely get why Felicia loved BtD. There is a lot of technical stuff to geek out over in the story. And the concept of how the “Greater-Thans” develop their superhuman abilities was unique and interesting.
But yeah, I could never actually get into the story and there were several reasons for this. My main problem was that I really disliked the female lead, Mac. She was such a Bitch! I hate romances in which the only thing the girl does to win over the guy’s heart is treat him like shit, and that is exactly what happened here. Mac threw Shane a couple plethora of “Fuck offs” and suddenly he was declaring his undying love for her. Wow, really?! That’s how you get a man to fall in love with you? Damn, looks like I wasted a lot of time reading the Men are from Mars crap. Thanks for the tips, Mac. I’ll be sure to try that tactic the next time I run into Alexander Skarsgard. In fact, I’ll try it now. “Hey Alex, Fuck you!”
I wonder how long I’ll have to wait for him to propose to me? Hang on, my phone’s ringing…
Okay, sure, I’ll admit that I’m being too hard on Mac; I mean, the girl does have a shameful past (Gee, didn’t see that coming) to contend with, and now she believes that no one is capable of loving her true self. But that only brings me to the next thing I didn’t care for in the story, all the mind reading! I’ve said before, but I’m not a fan of stories that focus a lot of attention on ‘being inside someone’s mind’. To me, it’s a lame cop out. Seriously, I can think of a million things I’d rather read about, like The Complete Guide to Porcupine Mating Rituals, than about some dude walking around in another person’s mind and catching her have a sex dream or strategizing on how to ‘break down the walls’ a person has erected in their mind. Is it really too much to let people actually interact in stories, like in person? Without the mind games?
Pair that up with the fact that I didn’t care for the male narrator’s voice, and it’s not hard to wonder why this book just didn’t do anything for me. I also found it entirely too repetitious and tedious to get through. The hardcover of this book is 519 pages, but it could have easily been half of that and still told the same story.
Posted at 12:00 am • Labels: 2 stars, 2012, audiobook, Book Review, Romantic Suspense, Suzanne Brockmann, urban fantasy
Oh you made me crack up. I’ll try saying that to James Marsters…that’ll make him leave his 26 year old gorgeous wife for me. I know it! But yeah, that wouldn’t impress me either and it is so hard with audio books when you can’t connect with the narrator.
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Be sure to send me a wedding invitation, soon to be Mrs. Marsters!
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I’m all for some good insta-hate turned love, but it sounds like this just takes it over the top.
Though I have to admit porcupine mating rituals sound pretty interesting. They’d have to be careful of all the pricks. I mean… spines.
PS. Every time I stop by your blog, I find myself wanting to pet it lovingly. So gorgeous!
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hehe. You said pricks! And thank you. Pet away.
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I’m sad you didn’t like it as much as me but I will be honest it was all the geeky science stuff that really kept me riveted. I did love the romance and while Mac got on my nerves–I thought she was ballsy. I liked that LOL
That being said—with the sheer size of this book I am not sure I could have done it in audio. I think the parts that lagged or were super technical just would have glared out.
Great review (and don’t feel bad I am about to review Lover Reborn where I had the exact opposite reaction as everyone else to the book). Some times they just don’t work for us!
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Yeah, I don’t think I’ll ever get another audio this lengthy again.
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Oh bummer. Sorry it didn’t work for you. Thanks for your review.
PS Do you watch Hart of Dixie? Doesn’t the guy on the cover look like hottie Wade?
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I love Hart of Dixie. Wade is my favorite. And yes, I can definitely see a resemblance.
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“That’s how you get a man to fall in love with you? Damn, looks like I wasted a lot of time reading the Men are from Mars crap.”
Dammit! I went about it all wrong too! Apparently, I should have told hubs to fuck off when we met. I wonder what’s wrong with him that he loves me without my swearing at him at every possible opportunity? Maybe I should rethink our marriage…:)
Also, if you do go around throwing out random fuck you’s to attract men, can I go with you? I very much would like to be a part of that particular social experiment:)
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What? He loves you despite the fact that you haven’t told him to FO? He must be defective, Jenny. Get a new hubs asap.
And yes, let’s make plans to try out this social experiment soon.
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HAHA- Missie, your ‘tude’ is cracking me up!! You never know maybe Alex will call soon…I hear he is single now…..:D Ive never even heard of this book….geez Im not in the cool club either.
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It’s okay, T! We will make our own Cool Club! You can even be president, as long as I get to be treasurer. 8)
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You are hilarious girl!! There is always a crowd for every book, I strongly believe this! Baes on what you tell, I might not joing the club for this book any time soon!
But, we should try that with Alexander… or Barrons (although if you tell him to Fuck Off,… I am not entirely sure what would happen!)
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I think all the issues you bring up, especially with Mac, are part of the reason I’ve held off reviewing this. While I did enjoy it–the world with the Greater-Thans was really cool–Mac and the whole romance just didn’t work for me. I got that Mac was all defensive and supposedly a marshmallow middle but she was quite the bitch. Guess Mac just “fuck you”-ed her way into Shane’s heart. Heh.
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Let me know how that works with Alex.
I’m not fond of that kind of lead female either. I don’t see how that attitude is attractive, but then maybe that is why I’m still single.
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Oh goodness, I don’t think this one’s for me either. And can we also stop having tough female leads named “Mac?” Bleh.
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Difficult when the story isn’t for you nor the narrator… not a lot after that. I confess I didn’t know this book, so I think I’ll just pass. thanks for the review
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Aww, sorry about the crappy experience! That’s *exactly* how I felt with the one I reviewed today. The heroine had no spine, no personality. Everyone under the sun knew her husband was cheating on her. I waited and waited and WAITED for that flipping light bulb to go off. And when it did? She forgave him because he got no love as a kid and had a horrible adolescence. So yeah, you can treat a guy like crap and have him at your doorstep or forgive a cheater who cheated throughout your marriage and STILL live happily ever after. GRRR…
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Your review made me laugh, but I am sorry that you did not like it. To be honest, the blurb totally does not appeal to me.
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LMAO – ‘Fuck off’ has worked for me. Can’t help it, I’m a bitch. Maybe I should try this book
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Hey to the soon to be Mrs. Skarsgard…thanks for the laugh. I am sorry this wasn’t a better read but it sounds like you got some great how to catch a man tiips…NOT! Ok well maybe some men go for that. Thanks at least for the laughs. Hope you have a great weekend!
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LOL your reviews are always so fun to read even if you didn’t enjoy a book as much as you hoped to, Missie! You have a sort of no-crap-taking/straight-to-the-point/always-honest review style that I completely love! x) It made me laugh how you described Mac — it doesn’t sound like I’d be her biggest fan either, and it bugs me when a book feels dragged out like it could be so much shorter. 519 pages is a lot!
Awesome honest review, Missie! <3
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“Seriously, I can think of a million things I’d rather read about, like The Complete Guide to Porcupine Mating Rituals” – Oh, Missie I am dying over here! Actually, that book sounds kinda cool. Is it real and where can I get it???
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You have me wanting to read it to see how she does work that FU! Unfortunately if I tried it, I’d just either get laughter or Well, FU TOO! *shrugs* Let me know if it works for you. Then give me pointers. I guess I just can’t rock the bad ass. I must look to silly.
Great review… it really does make me want to pick it up just to see what you are talking about!
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I love to read your audibook reviews. Love the great insights. Too bad I can’t add this one to my list. Thanks for sharing
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LOL if talking/acting like Mac actually works then we’d all have guys lining up around the block.
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Holy cow (Yes, I said it) your new layout is amazing! Awesome look girl!
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Lol. I totally cracked up at the Porcupine Mating Ritual book reference. By the way…THIS is for you Missie.
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“In fact, I’ll try it now. “Hey Alex, Fuck you!” I wonder how long I’ll have to wait for him to propose to me? Hang on, my phone’s ringing…” Lol, Missie, you are too funny! I never understand why some authors think that having their MC be a bitch is the way to make the romantic lead fall in love with them. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t work in real life so why would anyone believe it works in the fictional world?
Just in case,your phone does ring with a proposal, I better be invited to the wedding
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Missie, do you listen to your audio romances in the car? I’ve never tried listening to a romance novel (not that I do that much audio in general, I have such a nitpicky problem with most narrators, hah), but I’m always curious what happens if a random stranger in a passing car overhears a particularly steamy part!
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Really? Lol, I think if I had told bf to f off then he would have indeed have f’ed off and I would have been lonly and sad
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LOL, Missie, this review is absolutely brilliant! I doubt that particular tactic would work with the Tall One (plus, you’re way too smart to use it), but the hope never dies, right?
Sadly, this doesn’t sound like something I’d like. everything depends on the main character for me, and Mac doesn’t sound like an MC that would allow me to relax and get into the story.
I’m so sorry this didn’t work for you. You know how much I love your audio reviews.
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LMAO! Porcupine Love Rituals. Talk about ouch! I have this for review and was rather excited because I’ve never read Brockman’s books. Hmmmm….maybe I should start with something else. Great review!
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Over 18 hours, 2.5 stars, and the ultimate trick: they made the cover models look like they were on Battlestar Galactica. Expectations NOT met.
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You mean FUCK YOU doesn’t turn you on. Oh ya, that’s supposed to be FUCK ME. See how that changes things.
I have a hard time with audio. I am weary to ever start a new series through audio. A bad narrator can ruin a good book.
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[...] Born to Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann, 2.5 [...]
UH oh. There is nothing more disappointing than an unworthy LONG audiobook. I’m really not a fan of heroines like this. I feel like I just don’t connect and they always seem irrational to me. But seriously this might just me. Ahh! I love it when two bloggers have such different experiences. It intrigues me!
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LOL!! You crack me up!
I added this to my TBR after Felicia’s review as well. I’m hoping I like this more since I do read more sci-fi/geek books :/
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