I received a copy of this book from the author, Samantha Britt, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Samantha, for the opportunity to read another one of your books.
3.5/5 stars
Enlightened is a different & intriguing story. It is the first of (I believe) four novels in the “Immortal Chronicles” series being released this year. This YA story focuses on one main female character, who we learn is mistakenly swept up into the world of the “Immortals”. Who they are & what roll she plays draws the readers in. While often slow, I did find that the unanswered questions and the continuous mystery was enough to pull me along for the ride.
(Minor plot spoilers:) Darcie, our protagonist, is an introverted straight-laced teenage girl who spent a good portion of her recent life being homeschooled abroad by her history professor father, who was on sabbatical. During a routine Saturday visit to the library back home in Maine, she unknowingly meets her first immortal, Thane. She runs into him again with his brother, Des, while at a club with her good friend, Marie. After overhearing an unusual discussion between the brothers, Darcie decides to leave early. She is attacked in the parking lot & wakes up in the Greek home of the immortal brothers. She is confusingly discussed as the “One” & is ultimately sent back home, after it is decided it was a mistake. Her memory was wiped & she has no recollection of what occurred. She is attacked again, however, & is brought back to their home. This time the three brothers feel her safety is too much of a risk & will not let her return home. Her time in Greece answers many of the questions, including her possible tie to one of the brothers & why she’s being attacked. Despite all the comforts being provided to her, Darcie wants to go home to her dad, Marie & her developing relationship with Kevin, Marie’s brother. Des, who is the brother denying her connection, makes a deal with her to go back, but she finds herself accidentally swept into enemy hands. In the end though, Darcie convinces the brothers to let her go, which is where this first story ends… physically in Kevin’s arms but mentally with Des.
Overall, I found this first book to be an easy read. There was not much to the plot - most of it felt like a set up for the rest of the series. I’m glad I have book two to begin right away. The concept of the Immortals is different, which I like. Darcie, the brothers & their wives are likable characters. Darcie’s time at the brother’s mansion was slow, but we do gain background on many of the characters & their world. I’m very interested in seeing where her new relationship with Kevin is going, if she does actually have a connection with Des (& the fallout of the love triangle that could ensue) & if or when the immortal world will come crashing back in on her front door. I look forward to reading Ensnared next.