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Enlightened #1
The Seers
Nora is a Seer, and the Seers must die.
Exiled from an advanced and secretive scientific society and her memories erased, Nora lives a mundane life with no idea that she’s a rare, genetically enhanced probability expert. When a pair of eccentric strangers show up at her door with wild claims about her past, Nora is skeptical—right up to the point when a pair of futuristic soldiers storm her home with guns drawn, making the warning clear: outside the protection of her society, she’s being hunted.
In a rival society, Annabel is searching for a way to take back her power to rule from her brother. Killing Nora would finally level the battlefield between the societies, giving Annabel everything she'd need to regain her role, but her brother has a plan of his own. Ordering a dangerous, experimental procedure, he hopes to make Annabel a Seer giving him the upper hand in the war. Kept as little more than an asset at his disposal afterward, Annabel can trust no one, not even her old friend Jasper, her brother’s most-trusted adviser. With or without allies, she has a new mission now. She’s going to take her brother down.
With the hunt closing in, Nora is forced to seek the help of a fiery outsider she can’t remember, but he certainly remembers her—and not fondly. Together, they'll have to fight against the full force of their society, which intends to use them as weapons in their war. Will Nora be able to summon enough of the person she used to be to save herself and her society?
Exiled from an advanced and secretive scientific society and her memories erased, Nora lives a mundane life with no idea that she’s a rare, genetically enhanced probability expert. When a pair of eccentric strangers show up at her door with wild claims about her past, Nora is skeptical—right up to the point when a pair of futuristic soldiers storm her home with guns drawn, making the warning clear: outside the protection of her society, she’s being hunted.
In a rival society, Annabel is searching for a way to take back her power to rule from her brother. Killing Nora would finally level the battlefield between the societies, giving Annabel everything she'd need to regain her role, but her brother has a plan of his own. Ordering a dangerous, experimental procedure, he hopes to make Annabel a Seer giving him the upper hand in the war. Kept as little more than an asset at his disposal afterward, Annabel can trust no one, not even her old friend Jasper, her brother’s most-trusted adviser. With or without allies, she has a new mission now. She’s going to take her brother down.
With the hunt closing in, Nora is forced to seek the help of a fiery outsider she can’t remember, but he certainly remembers her—and not fondly. Together, they'll have to fight against the full force of their society, which intends to use them as weapons in their war. Will Nora be able to summon enough of the person she used to be to save herself and her society?
- GenresScience FictionRomance
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2018
39 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Bennet
9 books251 followersI'm a military wife and mother of four kids, who loves all things sci fi, fantasy, and action packed. Home is wherever the Air Force sends us, and right now we’re lucky to be in Colorado Springs.
I write speculative fiction with strong characters and relatable struggles, but since I’ve always been inspired by the burst of creativity that happens when science, politics, and the human element collide, you can expect colossal adventures to ensue with a touch of romance to make the journey sweeter.
When I'm not at my kids' school, church, or sporting events, you can find me either cozied up with my kindle or writing on my laptop—always with a big cup of coffee.
I write speculative fiction with strong characters and relatable struggles, but since I’ve always been inspired by the burst of creativity that happens when science, politics, and the human element collide, you can expect colossal adventures to ensue with a touch of romance to make the journey sweeter.
When I'm not at my kids' school, church, or sporting events, you can find me either cozied up with my kindle or writing on my laptop—always with a big cup of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 10, 2018
HEART POUNDING, ADRENALINE RUSH!!!
Ok guys, are you ready? I could tell you all about the tale. I could say its off the charts explosive and can keep you on the edge of your seat. I could even tell you how smart the heroines are. But come on guys, you've read the blurb, you know what the other readers are saying. You know the score. So because I'm me, I'll running this show. Just kidding, there's no show. If you like a fast paced, action packed, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, pulse racing, unpredictable read that captures your attention from the start. Congratulations my friends you've found it. This is one read that will captivated and keep you frozen in place until the last word. All the action and drama with the right balance of spice to make things a little more interesting and bold. The characters were off the charts realistic with such depth that once the layers started peeling back you got a new perspective on the whole situation and man it will totally blow your mind. Katherine doesn't know the meaning of the phrase "no way". She is definitely a "yes way" person with the talent that draws you deep into the world she has created and you are totally mesmerized following the characters as their personalities transform and come alive beore your eyes. The scenes were so vividly detailed and descriptive that it was like you were part of the story instead if reading from the sidelines. You get so caught up you couldn't put this bad boy down had you the intention to try. Yes, its that spellbinding that keeps you on your toes. Twists, turns and unexpected surprises that kept my attention on the pages and complete focus on turning the pages faster. I had to see what was next. Yes, I'm impatient like that. If you can't hold my attention for the first two chapters your not going to keep it. This is one whirlwind, rollercoaster ride of emotions and danger at every corner. It will completely take your breat away in moments and have you on your knees the next. All I can say is BRING ON THE NEXT ONE PLEASE! Phenomenal job Katherine bringing this little gem together flawlessly and without a crease. Thank you so much for sharing.
Ok guys, are you ready? I could tell you all about the tale. I could say its off the charts explosive and can keep you on the edge of your seat. I could even tell you how smart the heroines are. But come on guys, you've read the blurb, you know what the other readers are saying. You know the score. So because I'm me, I'll running this show. Just kidding, there's no show. If you like a fast paced, action packed, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, pulse racing, unpredictable read that captures your attention from the start. Congratulations my friends you've found it. This is one read that will captivated and keep you frozen in place until the last word. All the action and drama with the right balance of spice to make things a little more interesting and bold. The characters were off the charts realistic with such depth that once the layers started peeling back you got a new perspective on the whole situation and man it will totally blow your mind. Katherine doesn't know the meaning of the phrase "no way". She is definitely a "yes way" person with the talent that draws you deep into the world she has created and you are totally mesmerized following the characters as their personalities transform and come alive beore your eyes. The scenes were so vividly detailed and descriptive that it was like you were part of the story instead if reading from the sidelines. You get so caught up you couldn't put this bad boy down had you the intention to try. Yes, its that spellbinding that keeps you on your toes. Twists, turns and unexpected surprises that kept my attention on the pages and complete focus on turning the pages faster. I had to see what was next. Yes, I'm impatient like that. If you can't hold my attention for the first two chapters your not going to keep it. This is one whirlwind, rollercoaster ride of emotions and danger at every corner. It will completely take your breat away in moments and have you on your knees the next. All I can say is BRING ON THE NEXT ONE PLEASE! Phenomenal job Katherine bringing this little gem together flawlessly and without a crease. Thank you so much for sharing.
April 18, 2020
Original Review at Jaunts & Haunts
4/5
I gave this book four Niotian stars!
This was a great, action-filled novel.
We start with Nora (Leonora), a woman working in Minnesota hating her job. Since moving there, she felt like a huge piece of her has been missing. She longs for an escape, for something more. You know the old saying 'Be careful what you wish for'? That definitely applies here.
After heading home, Nora is thrust into an epic battle between two hidden and technologically advanced people, the Niotians and the Tavians. Who can she trust? Will she ever be safe again? And why do they want her? Nora's journey takes her to places she never imagined on an adventure that will test her will and cunning.
I really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of great elements that worked so well for me.
For starters, the concept and plot really did it for me. Two races of tech-saavy geniuses battling each other? Count me in! The mystery of how Nora fit into everything kept me going throughout, and bit by bit we learn more about the past and the secrets behind it all. There were plenty of plot twists and action-packed thrills along the way, and I was all about it.
The characters were strong too. Nora, Annabel, Tobin, Jasper, they all really hit their marks quite flawlessly. They each had a unique perspective that I enjoyed, and though at times I did think there was a tad too much internal thought, if I were in that situation my mind would've been racing constantly too.
The level of detail was amazing. I could picture each scene clearly in my head, and it all rolled out like a movie, at least for me. A lot of authors can't do that, but Bennet did a wonderful job of that.
If I had to pick at anything (to be fair), I would say that the romance element got a little thick for me at times, but I'm also not a romance buff and I understood that there would be plenty of it going in. That being said, the romance was believable given the intriguing past of our characters.
Overall, this was a fun-filled read filled with all the thrills I crave, and I'm excited to read more from this author in the future!
4/5
I gave this book four Niotian stars!
This was a great, action-filled novel.
We start with Nora (Leonora), a woman working in Minnesota hating her job. Since moving there, she felt like a huge piece of her has been missing. She longs for an escape, for something more. You know the old saying 'Be careful what you wish for'? That definitely applies here.
After heading home, Nora is thrust into an epic battle between two hidden and technologically advanced people, the Niotians and the Tavians. Who can she trust? Will she ever be safe again? And why do they want her? Nora's journey takes her to places she never imagined on an adventure that will test her will and cunning.
I really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of great elements that worked so well for me.
For starters, the concept and plot really did it for me. Two races of tech-saavy geniuses battling each other? Count me in! The mystery of how Nora fit into everything kept me going throughout, and bit by bit we learn more about the past and the secrets behind it all. There were plenty of plot twists and action-packed thrills along the way, and I was all about it.
The characters were strong too. Nora, Annabel, Tobin, Jasper, they all really hit their marks quite flawlessly. They each had a unique perspective that I enjoyed, and though at times I did think there was a tad too much internal thought, if I were in that situation my mind would've been racing constantly too.
The level of detail was amazing. I could picture each scene clearly in my head, and it all rolled out like a movie, at least for me. A lot of authors can't do that, but Bennet did a wonderful job of that.
If I had to pick at anything (to be fair), I would say that the romance element got a little thick for me at times, but I'm also not a romance buff and I understood that there would be plenty of it going in. That being said, the romance was believable given the intriguing past of our characters.
Overall, this was a fun-filled read filled with all the thrills I crave, and I'm excited to read more from this author in the future!
May 9, 2018
The book starts with a woman called Nora, who has no memory of her past, not the fact that she is a Seer. The latest fact means that her life is in danger and two opposing sides, the Niotians and the Tavians, want to use the power she has as a Seer to overpower their foes. She was exiled and her memories erased by her side of the Enlightened. There are no other Seers and the side that lost the last war, due to the other sides Seers, wants her to defeat their enemies. Some strangers approach her and say she is in danger, but she ignores them.
On the other side, Annabel is the younger sister of Cyrus, a cruel leader of the ruling classes of Enlightened, who will do anything to continue his rule unopposed including using his sister for his own ends. Not a nice guy! He drugs his own sister and uses a kidnapped scientist he has tortured to run experiments on her to change her into a Seer. There have been no new Seers on either side for over twenty years.
Both Nora and Annabel have to rely on trusting someone that they think they might have known before, or be taken advantage of to their detriment. If Annabel doesn’t turn into a Seer, her life is lost forever, her brother will see to that. Nora has to rely on strangers and someone she feels she may have known, to keep her safe.
They both have to rely on these others to stop a war from happening between their people, but Cyrus, for one, has other ideas. The people after Nora, have soldiers who can teleport, track citizens by implant and others by their genetic profile and strange and dangerous weapons. This is the first book in the Enlightened series and promises to be an interesting series to follow and see what happens to our main characters.
I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting and will look forward to the next one coming out. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion.
On the other side, Annabel is the younger sister of Cyrus, a cruel leader of the ruling classes of Enlightened, who will do anything to continue his rule unopposed including using his sister for his own ends. Not a nice guy! He drugs his own sister and uses a kidnapped scientist he has tortured to run experiments on her to change her into a Seer. There have been no new Seers on either side for over twenty years.
Both Nora and Annabel have to rely on trusting someone that they think they might have known before, or be taken advantage of to their detriment. If Annabel doesn’t turn into a Seer, her life is lost forever, her brother will see to that. Nora has to rely on strangers and someone she feels she may have known, to keep her safe.
They both have to rely on these others to stop a war from happening between their people, but Cyrus, for one, has other ideas. The people after Nora, have soldiers who can teleport, track citizens by implant and others by their genetic profile and strange and dangerous weapons. This is the first book in the Enlightened series and promises to be an interesting series to follow and see what happens to our main characters.
I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting and will look forward to the next one coming out. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion.
April 22, 2018
This series completely elevates the genre of science fiction, featuring strong women, romance, action and excitement!! It’s everything I never knew I could find in Sci Fi, and I can’t get enough of it.
Nora is a character women can relate to, caught in a rut until two strangers show up at her door and turn her life around. Annabel, her counterpart, enjoys the perks that come with being part of a ruling family, but struggles to find her voice and put her own plans in motions. Both women are from secret enlightened societies and show their wit and intelligence at every turn. And – lucky for us – each of them has a man in their life that are equally smart, skilled and smoldering.
I was completely hooked from the start. The characters jump off the page with their distinct voices, individual goals and compelling love stories. And the action doesn’t stop! One heart-pounding moment to the next, Katherine Bennet can’t help but constantly tug at our heartstrings and draw us deeper into the worlds of Octavius and Nios. She is, by far, one of my favorite authors ever. I need more of these novels in my life!!
Nora is a character women can relate to, caught in a rut until two strangers show up at her door and turn her life around. Annabel, her counterpart, enjoys the perks that come with being part of a ruling family, but struggles to find her voice and put her own plans in motions. Both women are from secret enlightened societies and show their wit and intelligence at every turn. And – lucky for us – each of them has a man in their life that are equally smart, skilled and smoldering.
I was completely hooked from the start. The characters jump off the page with their distinct voices, individual goals and compelling love stories. And the action doesn’t stop! One heart-pounding moment to the next, Katherine Bennet can’t help but constantly tug at our heartstrings and draw us deeper into the worlds of Octavius and Nios. She is, by far, one of my favorite authors ever. I need more of these novels in my life!!
June 25, 2018
Enjoyable
This is a book with a little bit of everything...action, SciFi, humor, romance...well, almost. No graphic sex, no foul language. What a concept now days. It also had well written, strong characters, both male and female. For a new writer, they were amazingly well developed. Some were more likeable than others. I enjoyed the worlds she created within the world. While the book was about seers, and two of the main characters were seers, the seers concept was barely touched on but hopefully that's to come. One thing I REALLY liked was that, even though this is a series, there was no cliffhanger. Looking forward to Book 2.
This is a book with a little bit of everything...action, SciFi, humor, romance...well, almost. No graphic sex, no foul language. What a concept now days. It also had well written, strong characters, both male and female. For a new writer, they were amazingly well developed. Some were more likeable than others. I enjoyed the worlds she created within the world. While the book was about seers, and two of the main characters were seers, the seers concept was barely touched on but hopefully that's to come. One thing I REALLY liked was that, even though this is a series, there was no cliffhanger. Looking forward to Book 2.
May 17, 2018
Good
I really enjoyed this book. Had a very hard time putting it down. The characters and scenes come alive. Have to say, though, that the “enlightened” people, as a whole, are not good people. And the Tavians? Not much to redeem them at all. At least that’s the impression I got from the story. Was very happy for Nora and Tobian. Will try to wait patiently for the next book. Good job!
I really enjoyed this book. Had a very hard time putting it down. The characters and scenes come alive. Have to say, though, that the “enlightened” people, as a whole, are not good people. And the Tavians? Not much to redeem them at all. At least that’s the impression I got from the story. Was very happy for Nora and Tobian. Will try to wait patiently for the next book. Good job!
May 5, 2018
This book had me with the beautiful front and description. This storyline was wonderful and was so good that I kept reading until I finished it. The characters were outstanding. With Tobin and his team trying to keep Nora safe and behind them Jasper and his team. The story was interesting and intriguing. Can’t wait for more! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
April 20, 2018
This is a wonderful sci-fi for women . It has a lot of different things in here to make it exciteing like adventure, humor, suspence, and even romance. It is very complex and very interesting to read love it.
I received an ARC and am giving an unbias opinion.
I received an ARC and am giving an unbias opinion.
June 24, 2018
Nora's just an average office worker until two strangers walk in to her life. Their story is strange, but not as strange as the uniformed men armed with high-tech weaponry barging into her home with orders to shoot to kill. Nora's a Seer - genetically enhanced to have the potential to be a human super-computer. The soldiers are Tavians, a rival faction of the "Enlightened" society that created people like her. As the last of the Seers, they want her dead. Thus starts a whirlwind chase, where Nora discovers her own hidden past alongside her newfound allies of the Niotian Enlightened who exiled her in the first place. And there's something about the gruff, reluctant Tobin that's uncannily familiar... Meanwhile in the Tavian's secret city, Annabell is having her own problems. She's isolated by her brother Cyrus, current head of the ruling family, and despite their years apart she can't get the handsome Head of the Guard Jasper out of her mind. Not content with removing the last living Seer, Cyrus has plans to make his own. Unfortunately, it's a risky, untried process and he wants to keep it not just under wraps but also inside the family...
And breathe! Yes, there is a lot going on in this book and dang, if it isn't a solid piece of writing. The pace rarely lets up, and it's quite a frenetic ride of love, loss, betrayal, anger, twists, turns... Basically everything you could want from a young adult sci-fi adventure. It's a little heavy on the romance but there's plenty of action to go alongside it. The characters are comfortably fleshed out as much as they need to be, and their relationships feel natural (even if I did get annoyed with Annabell's circular thinking - but she is meant to be a sheltered and possibly petty character given her background).
I would really recommend readingBlack Rose to go with this, as it explains so much of the Tavian side of the story that there just isn't time to delve in to in this book. It is just so packed with events and world-building explanations that I'm not surprised! I loved the complexity of the Niotian/Tavian societies, and appreciated that the plot twists were simple and yet satisfying.
A definite 4.5 - only less than 5 because I'm personally not so gone on all-consuming love interest chapters, but don't let that put you off. There's so much going on, and with a comfortable happy-for-now ending it was an immensely enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading more from the Enlightened universe!
And breathe! Yes, there is a lot going on in this book and dang, if it isn't a solid piece of writing. The pace rarely lets up, and it's quite a frenetic ride of love, loss, betrayal, anger, twists, turns... Basically everything you could want from a young adult sci-fi adventure. It's a little heavy on the romance but there's plenty of action to go alongside it. The characters are comfortably fleshed out as much as they need to be, and their relationships feel natural (even if I did get annoyed with Annabell's circular thinking - but she is meant to be a sheltered and possibly petty character given her background).
I would really recommend readingBlack Rose to go with this, as it explains so much of the Tavian side of the story that there just isn't time to delve in to in this book. It is just so packed with events and world-building explanations that I'm not surprised! I loved the complexity of the Niotian/Tavian societies, and appreciated that the plot twists were simple and yet satisfying.
A definite 4.5 - only less than 5 because I'm personally not so gone on all-consuming love interest chapters, but don't let that put you off. There's so much going on, and with a comfortable happy-for-now ending it was an immensely enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading more from the Enlightened universe!
November 11, 2018
Good reading.
If this book had not been written for young readers I would surely have given it a full five star rating. The story intrigued me so this 69 year old finished and enjoyed it whilst making the adaptation needed to assume a teenager. I'm sure others will, as well.
If this book had not been written for young readers I would surely have given it a full five star rating. The story intrigued me so this 69 year old finished and enjoyed it whilst making the adaptation needed to assume a teenager. I'm sure others will, as well.
May 27, 2018
Fantastic story! I love these characters!
June 2, 2018
This is science and Genetics in the future. Everything that goes on here we seem to be close to achieving today. The Author does an excellent job setting the stage for the drama and high tensions the characters have to survive in.
This is a book to read and enjoy today. The author has done an excellent job writing this book. Can't wait for the next!
This is a book to read and enjoy today. The author has done an excellent job writing this book. Can't wait for the next!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews