What do you think?
Rate this book
Children of Ankh #2
Enlightenment
A mystical dark paranormal fantasy series unlike any other...
One thousand years ago, procreation with mortals became illegal under, immortal law. Any suspected immortal offspring will be allowed to live until the age of sixteen. At this time, a Correction will be sent to erase their family line. The suspected immortal and their immediate family will be executed. If the partially immortal teen manages to survive their Correction, or they have impressed the Guardians of the in-between with their bravery, they may be granted a second chance as a sacrificial lamb for the greater good. They must join one of three clans of immortals living on earth. Clan Ankh, Clan Trinity or Clan Triad. They will then have the symbol of that clan branded into their flesh and with this mark, their souls will no longer be permitted through the hall of souls when they die. They must wait in the in-between for their clans to heal their mortal shells. Once they have reached the age of eighteen they will be sealed to their clan. The next step is to train their partially mortal brains to survive the stresses of immortality. The next feat will be the immortal Testing where they will be dropped into a floating crypt the size of New York City. This Testing is fuelled by your worst nightmares. It is a place of magic. A personal hell, where anything can happen. Here you must die a thousand times if need be, in increasingly violent ways until you understand what it is to be immortal. All three Clans go into the Testing. They must remain together and search for the Amber room in order to survive. There is a catch…only the first two clans that find the Amber room will be allowed out. The third clan will remain trapped in the nightmare forever…
One thousand years ago, procreation with mortals became illegal under, immortal law. Any suspected immortal offspring will be allowed to live until the age of sixteen. At this time, a Correction will be sent to erase their family line. The suspected immortal and their immediate family will be executed. If the partially immortal teen manages to survive their Correction, or they have impressed the Guardians of the in-between with their bravery, they may be granted a second chance as a sacrificial lamb for the greater good. They must join one of three clans of immortals living on earth. Clan Ankh, Clan Trinity or Clan Triad. They will then have the symbol of that clan branded into their flesh and with this mark, their souls will no longer be permitted through the hall of souls when they die. They must wait in the in-between for their clans to heal their mortal shells. Once they have reached the age of eighteen they will be sealed to their clan. The next step is to train their partially mortal brains to survive the stresses of immortality. The next feat will be the immortal Testing where they will be dropped into a floating crypt the size of New York City. This Testing is fuelled by your worst nightmares. It is a place of magic. A personal hell, where anything can happen. Here you must die a thousand times if need be, in increasingly violent ways until you understand what it is to be immortal. All three Clans go into the Testing. They must remain together and search for the Amber room in order to survive. There is a catch…only the first two clans that find the Amber room will be allowed out. The third clan will remain trapped in the nightmare forever…
587 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2015
77 people want to read
About the author
Kim Cormack
12 books204 followersKim Cormack is the always comedic author of the darkly twisted epic paranormal romance series, "The Children of Ankh." She worked for over 16 years as an Early Childhood educator in preschool, daycare, and as an aid. She has M.S and has lived most of her life on Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. She currently lives in the gorgeous little town of Port Alberni. She's a single mom with two awesome kids. She has a son in grade 10 and another son in University at VIU. If you see her back away slowly and toss packages of hot sauce at her until you escape.
(If you've noticed my older daughter vanish from this bio. He's my son, I love him, and that's that. I'm in the process of changing every bio.)
A personal note from the author...
I began writing this series shortly after my M.S diagnosis. I had many reasons to fight. I had incredible children, a wonderful family, and amazing friends but this series gave me a purpose. Whenever things become dark, I use my imagination to find the light within myself. No matter what life throws your way, you are stronger than you believe. My hope is that the character's strength becomes an inner voice for the readers that need it. Stand back up and if you can't stand... Rise up within yourself. We are all beautiful just as we are. We are all immortal.
All heroes are born from the embers that linger after the fire of great tragedy...
She slept a dreamless sleep free of dragons for she had slain them once again...
Warning
The information contained within this website is not intended for mere mortals. Reading this may inadvertently trigger a Correction. If you survive or have shown great bravery during your demise, you may be given a second chance at life by one of the three Guardians of the in-between. For your soul's protection until your 18th year, you must join one of three clans of immortals living on earth... Ankh, Trinity or Triad. You are totally still reading this, aren't you?
COA Universe
Children of Ankh Series
Sweet Sleep
Enlightenment
Let There Be Dragons
Handlers of Dragons
Tragic Fools
A C.O.A Series.
A spin-off series with Lexy as the main character
Wild Thing
Wicked Thing
Deplorable Me
Sacrificial Lamb Club
(A fun short Novella for the series readers)
Bring Out Your Dead
Coming in 2025
(Middle Grade Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi)
Repopulation Project
COA Universe Prequel
Requiem Of Doves & Swans
COA Universe
New York Hive
(If you've noticed my older daughter vanish from this bio. He's my son, I love him, and that's that. I'm in the process of changing every bio.)
A personal note from the author...
I began writing this series shortly after my M.S diagnosis. I had many reasons to fight. I had incredible children, a wonderful family, and amazing friends but this series gave me a purpose. Whenever things become dark, I use my imagination to find the light within myself. No matter what life throws your way, you are stronger than you believe. My hope is that the character's strength becomes an inner voice for the readers that need it. Stand back up and if you can't stand... Rise up within yourself. We are all beautiful just as we are. We are all immortal.
All heroes are born from the embers that linger after the fire of great tragedy...
She slept a dreamless sleep free of dragons for she had slain them once again...
Warning
The information contained within this website is not intended for mere mortals. Reading this may inadvertently trigger a Correction. If you survive or have shown great bravery during your demise, you may be given a second chance at life by one of the three Guardians of the in-between. For your soul's protection until your 18th year, you must join one of three clans of immortals living on earth... Ankh, Trinity or Triad. You are totally still reading this, aren't you?
COA Universe
Children of Ankh Series
Sweet Sleep
Enlightenment
Let There Be Dragons
Handlers of Dragons
Tragic Fools
A C.O.A Series.
A spin-off series with Lexy as the main character
Wild Thing
Wicked Thing
Deplorable Me
Sacrificial Lamb Club
(A fun short Novella for the series readers)
Bring Out Your Dead
Coming in 2025
(Middle Grade Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi)
Repopulation Project
COA Universe Prequel
Requiem Of Doves & Swans
COA Universe
New York Hive
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Want to read
February 7, 2016Kim Cormack celebrates the upcoming release of Let There Be Dragons by giving away 5 Kindle copies at Tome Tender!
Click on Banner to enter - Ends February 21, 2016 - Intl where allowed
Click on Banner to enter - Ends February 21, 2016 - Intl where allowed
October 2, 2022
I was given an ARC from story origin and this is my honest review:
Once again Kim has been able to take us onto an adventure unlike any I have every read about before. She has the knack to paint such vivid pictures you can actually see everything around you. The relationship building between characters is so natural and real its hard to find any you will hate and if you do you will find by the end you don't once you see their story. Kayn had everything going for her but eventually had to have it all ripped from her every way possible to become what she needs to be, Zack did not have such a nice life but has seemed to find a family perfect for him and Melody is the glue between the two broken halves.
5 stars for this story was an easy giving. The characters were natural, the scenery was so vivid it will take a while to forget some of it and the story flowed perfectly.
Once again Kim has been able to take us onto an adventure unlike any I have every read about before. She has the knack to paint such vivid pictures you can actually see everything around you. The relationship building between characters is so natural and real its hard to find any you will hate and if you do you will find by the end you don't once you see their story. Kayn had everything going for her but eventually had to have it all ripped from her every way possible to become what she needs to be, Zack did not have such a nice life but has seemed to find a family perfect for him and Melody is the glue between the two broken halves.
5 stars for this story was an easy giving. The characters were natural, the scenery was so vivid it will take a while to forget some of it and the story flowed perfectly.
March 13, 2015
Title: A Publisher’s Read
“Enlightenment” by Kim Cormack
Reviewed by T’s Blogging
03/1/2015
2:01 p.m.
Kevin’s gone and what was left of Kayn’s family is deceased, so what now? As she attempts to create a relationship and life with a new family, Kim Cormack’s main character, Kayn, is haunted by the truth that things won’t ever be the same. Will she accept the fate she has been dealt, which requires her to forget about Kevin? Will she find a rhythm with Frost and evolve into a true member of Ankh? Or will she remain loyal to a lost love and jeopardize everything? These are just some of the questions readers will find themselves asking as they become engulfed in Enlightenment. But more importantly, was Cormack able to deliver another good read?
In the first few chapters readers are re-accumulated with the characters mentioned in book I. As the story unfolds we get a better understanding of the different members of Ankh. In fact, the story reads like the great preparation before the epic storm, and then all hell breaks loose.
Filled with humor and scenes that make you blush, Cormack shows readers that she isn’t a one dimensional author. Within this novel, there is a depth of symbolic meanings that will leave impressions on readers. There is also a story that will capture the imagination of ever booklover. However, at times the story has its slow sections or areas in which one may wonder, “Why was this event needed in the story?” Yet, readers will learn that Cormack has a reason for everything, and she so brilliantly tells this story. So don’t fret, because in fact this story is told in breadcrumbs.
Leaving no stone unturned Cormack allows readers to journey through Kayn’s attempt to become enlightened, and trust me when I say the treats at the end will have you soaring the sky.
This is a Publisher’s Read!
I give “Enlightenment” 5 out of 5 stars.
Happy Reading
Ts Blogging
www.mcwpub.blogspot
“Enlightenment” by Kim Cormack
Reviewed by T’s Blogging
03/1/2015
2:01 p.m.
Kevin’s gone and what was left of Kayn’s family is deceased, so what now? As she attempts to create a relationship and life with a new family, Kim Cormack’s main character, Kayn, is haunted by the truth that things won’t ever be the same. Will she accept the fate she has been dealt, which requires her to forget about Kevin? Will she find a rhythm with Frost and evolve into a true member of Ankh? Or will she remain loyal to a lost love and jeopardize everything? These are just some of the questions readers will find themselves asking as they become engulfed in Enlightenment. But more importantly, was Cormack able to deliver another good read?
In the first few chapters readers are re-accumulated with the characters mentioned in book I. As the story unfolds we get a better understanding of the different members of Ankh. In fact, the story reads like the great preparation before the epic storm, and then all hell breaks loose.
Filled with humor and scenes that make you blush, Cormack shows readers that she isn’t a one dimensional author. Within this novel, there is a depth of symbolic meanings that will leave impressions on readers. There is also a story that will capture the imagination of ever booklover. However, at times the story has its slow sections or areas in which one may wonder, “Why was this event needed in the story?” Yet, readers will learn that Cormack has a reason for everything, and she so brilliantly tells this story. So don’t fret, because in fact this story is told in breadcrumbs.
Leaving no stone unturned Cormack allows readers to journey through Kayn’s attempt to become enlightened, and trust me when I say the treats at the end will have you soaring the sky.
This is a Publisher’s Read!
I give “Enlightenment” 5 out of 5 stars.
Happy Reading
Ts Blogging
www.mcwpub.blogspot
May 19, 2015
Enlightenment is the sequel to Sweet Sleep and picks up where it left off. Kayn is distraught as Kevin has been taken by the Triad, his memory wiped. She ponders their love that had just begin to blossom before the Triad got hold of him. Her life becomes consumed by how much she misses him, but as an Ankh there is no time to mourn. She and two others have to become enlightened. That is where the games begin.
Kayn, Melody, and Zach are sent into the crypt to be enlightened, meaning find their gifts. The crypt is an ever changing world of torture and death. The three along with members of the other clans must fight their way out. There are rules which they must learn to make it out and back to the real world. Throughout their experience death is relative and Cormack’s imagination came up with many interesting ways to die. They hop from one nightmare to the next is a seemly never-ending nightmare.
Enlightenment is a fast paced novel that had me cringing and nail biting. The action is non-stop and the characters jumped off the pages and came to life. The story never halts or slows but plows onward at high-speed culminating in a heck of a climax and opening the door for the next book in the series.
For fantasy/ paranormal/ horror/ action this series is a must!
Kayn, Melody, and Zach are sent into the crypt to be enlightened, meaning find their gifts. The crypt is an ever changing world of torture and death. The three along with members of the other clans must fight their way out. There are rules which they must learn to make it out and back to the real world. Throughout their experience death is relative and Cormack’s imagination came up with many interesting ways to die. They hop from one nightmare to the next is a seemly never-ending nightmare.
Enlightenment is a fast paced novel that had me cringing and nail biting. The action is non-stop and the characters jumped off the pages and came to life. The story never halts or slows but plows onward at high-speed culminating in a heck of a climax and opening the door for the next book in the series.
For fantasy/ paranormal/ horror/ action this series is a must!
April 28, 2015
“What would you do if you discovered that everything you’ve ever known to be your reality was a lie?”
Kim Cormack’s paranormal fantasy Enlightment, book 2 in the Children of Ankh series, makes readers question this very thing. This masterpiece is the very essence of action, adventure, suspense, power, romance, and raw emotion. Right from the first page, while providing background information on relatable characters and drawing the reader into a story that they will never want to end and will never, ever forget, Cormack slams the reader with a plethora of emotions.
You will feel.
You will hurt.
Be prepared for it.
I teared up quite a few times. At the same time, the story is amazing and its pacing is perfect. While you may want to read the first book just to have read the series in order, I don’t believe it’s not necessary. I myself was able to follow each part of the story easily. I won’t give it all away, but I will say that Kim is a master of her craft. I stayed up late into the night reading this one and could not put it down. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the Children of Ankh series. Enlightenment was amazing!
Kim Cormack’s paranormal fantasy Enlightment, book 2 in the Children of Ankh series, makes readers question this very thing. This masterpiece is the very essence of action, adventure, suspense, power, romance, and raw emotion. Right from the first page, while providing background information on relatable characters and drawing the reader into a story that they will never want to end and will never, ever forget, Cormack slams the reader with a plethora of emotions.
You will feel.
You will hurt.
Be prepared for it.
I teared up quite a few times. At the same time, the story is amazing and its pacing is perfect. While you may want to read the first book just to have read the series in order, I don’t believe it’s not necessary. I myself was able to follow each part of the story easily. I won’t give it all away, but I will say that Kim is a master of her craft. I stayed up late into the night reading this one and could not put it down. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the Children of Ankh series. Enlightenment was amazing!
May 24, 2022
This second in the series is another hit for Kim Cormack. It is time to test the new recruits. How many extremely brutal deaths can they withstand and come out of the arena sane. Thrown into the fire to prove themselves they endure one hideous death after another. This series takes you through a gamet of emotions. Some delightful, some horrified and some very teary. What a world this is. Immortals and those who strive to be. It is very easy to be drawn into this series and live there until the final page when you close the book and sigh. What a ride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
March 11, 2015
Book 2 in this series was even better than the first book, which is a must read as well... this whole series is going to be amazing and I could see it being turned into a movie!!!
July 31, 2021
This followup to the start of the series was really good. I very much enjoyed meeting more of the cast during their days of meeting together on neutral ground before the event. Of course, I almost immediately took to the 'bad' one of the three brothers (not surprised honestly).
Moving up to the main event, the actual trials. We've been hearing about these, and they're as brutal as they were described - or moreso. At some points, the trials bordered on tedious, but I realize that has to be part of it as well. The character is going through a frustrating, long, tiresome trial, while trying to figure out what to do, and drags us along for the ride - including all the good and bad that comes with that.
Overall, it was good. There were points where I wanted to scream at various characters, but I enjoyed this one much more than the first book. The characters all feel like they're developing and it's easier to get invested in them.
Moving up to the main event, the actual trials. We've been hearing about these, and they're as brutal as they were described - or moreso. At some points, the trials bordered on tedious, but I realize that has to be part of it as well. The character is going through a frustrating, long, tiresome trial, while trying to figure out what to do, and drags us along for the ride - including all the good and bad that comes with that.
Overall, it was good. There were points where I wanted to scream at various characters, but I enjoyed this one much more than the first book. The characters all feel like they're developing and it's easier to get invested in them.
December 18, 2021
Trying to command your heart is illusory and pointless - you love who you love and you feel how you feel, and happy or not life goes on to what you decide you can be. It's so painful to see how with each immortal death Kayn's hope dies as well and with each new life the old love refuses to stay gone and grant her peace.
Must life go on, or do we choose to go on? There's such a wonderful allegory in this book about the way you must stand up and go on every time life puts you down - and it WILL put you down flat on your back now and again, wrecked and bleeding. But if you are lucky, you will have people around you who will love, support and cheer you on.
Did you know some people think the saying "Blood is thicker than water" is misrepresented? Most people think it's about family being closer, more important than friends, but the opposite interpretation is “the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”. Clearly, in the immortal world it's the covenant who survives family, and the Clan becomes it, a fraternity of souls.
I love this author more and more, there's a lot more to her writing than just a story about a girl destined for great things. Can't wait to see what's next!
Must life go on, or do we choose to go on? There's such a wonderful allegory in this book about the way you must stand up and go on every time life puts you down - and it WILL put you down flat on your back now and again, wrecked and bleeding. But if you are lucky, you will have people around you who will love, support and cheer you on.
Did you know some people think the saying "Blood is thicker than water" is misrepresented? Most people think it's about family being closer, more important than friends, but the opposite interpretation is “the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”. Clearly, in the immortal world it's the covenant who survives family, and the Clan becomes it, a fraternity of souls.
I love this author more and more, there's a lot more to her writing than just a story about a girl destined for great things. Can't wait to see what's next!
February 11, 2018
This is the 2nd book of the series which I received free for an honest review. I did purchase and read book 1 first. Definitely a really good series with a storyline that is not similar to anything else I have read which just makes it that much more fun to read. Really good character development with characters you love and others not so much although even the characters you want to hate have their likeable moments. Nicely complex relationships that are certainly not one dimensional. This story continues to follow Kayn and her very complex life as she tries to transition into immortal thinking. The story takes us into the "testing" which is the point where Kayn needs to overcome human thinking about life and death or ...not...
Again I could not put the story down, the fast paced action draws you in to have to see what happens next. Now onto book 3... I must continue to read...
Again I could not put the story down, the fast paced action draws you in to have to see what happens next. Now onto book 3... I must continue to read...
March 8, 2022
I don't know how I stayed away from Kayn's story as long as I did. This book is even better than the first! The testing is finally coming and when it does, it's incredible. It's also terrifying and deadly.
This world is extremely well written and the characters are so believable, the reader feels like they stepped into the story. And it's almost impossible to drag one's self out.
I highly recommend this series!
This world is extremely well written and the characters are so believable, the reader feels like they stepped into the story. And it's almost impossible to drag one's self out.
I highly recommend this series!
May 31, 2024
Kim took us on an other fun adventure!!
The way she built the relationship between the characters was amazing, and so natural.
Kayn had everything good going, but than it was ripped from her. Zack was from a life where he didn’t have nice life at all, but Melody is the glue between the two broken halves and I loved it!
They were sent to find their gifts at crypt. This was a good book and I loved how the pace went, how the journey went for them!
The way she built the relationship between the characters was amazing, and so natural.
Kayn had everything good going, but than it was ripped from her. Zack was from a life where he didn’t have nice life at all, but Melody is the glue between the two broken halves and I loved it!
They were sent to find their gifts at crypt. This was a good book and I loved how the pace went, how the journey went for them!
August 28, 2025
This series continues to exceed expectations, with each installment building upon the strengths of its predecessors. The characters, plot, and world-building are particularly compelling. Readers should be prepared for an emotional experience. Anticipation is high for the next book in the series, as the narrative has proven to be consistently engaging. Absolutely a must-read series!
FIVE EASY STARS
🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
FIVE EASY STARS
🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 19, 2018
Enlightenment by Kim Cormac
As kayn and the clan recover they understand the need to move forward. Not to forget the past but to make it part of you.
Enlightenment is the second book of the children of the ank series. Kim Cormac dosent let her readers down it is once again a fantastic adventure full of action adventure and wonder.
As kayn and the clan recover they understand the need to move forward. Not to forget the past but to make it part of you.
Enlightenment is the second book of the children of the ank series. Kim Cormac dosent let her readers down it is once again a fantastic adventure full of action adventure and wonder.
May 23, 2023
Enlightenment is the second book in the Children of Ankh series and man, I cannot get enough of this series! The world building is incredible! Everything was so vivid, everything flowed beautifully, very fast paced, action packed (for being such a thick book). Kim Cormack 's writing is sooo unique and very well done.
June 13, 2021
I thought this was a very good read and I enjoyed it so much that I read if from the very beginning to the ver end.
The story line was really well done in my opinion.
The characters were so real to me and this is my opinion.
I got this book for free, with an honest review freely given.
The story line was really well done in my opinion.
The characters were so real to me and this is my opinion.
I got this book for free, with an honest review freely given.
March 5, 2018
Another excellent read from Kim. I'm onto the third book now. The group has now become enlightened. Kayn has finally moved on from her past. This gets better and better.
February 2, 2022
The second book in the Children of Ankh series is a direct sequel packed with action which doesn't let you stop reading.
March 30, 2023
favorite new author
Kim Cormack is my new favorite author. I completely love this series!!
I am now starting my second series of hers.
Kim Cormack is my new favorite author. I completely love this series!!
I am now starting my second series of hers.
November 1, 2024
I loved it! It was amazing. It was beautiful. I was hooked from the beginning. I was hanging onto every word.
August 22, 2015
I give this book 5 fangs.
Kayn has lost Kevin her bestfriend and just when they started to become something more. She has lost her family and now she only has her clan. There are two newcomers to the clan, Melody and Zach. Kayn, Melody, and Zach have to help each other when it is time to go through Enlightenment. If they don't become close they may not survive.
The book is written in third person making it easy to follow. My favorite character is Kayn, she is smart, funny, sweet, and brave. She has to overcome many obstacles throughout the book. The book has romance, comedy, and action. There was some sad parts in it. I was kept on my toes throughout the the book.
I'd recommend this book to mature readers because of the action and romance. If you want comedy, romance and action I recommend this book!
Independent Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
Kayn has lost Kevin her bestfriend and just when they started to become something more. She has lost her family and now she only has her clan. There are two newcomers to the clan, Melody and Zach. Kayn, Melody, and Zach have to help each other when it is time to go through Enlightenment. If they don't become close they may not survive.
The book is written in third person making it easy to follow. My favorite character is Kayn, she is smart, funny, sweet, and brave. She has to overcome many obstacles throughout the book. The book has romance, comedy, and action. There was some sad parts in it. I was kept on my toes throughout the the book.
I'd recommend this book to mature readers because of the action and romance. If you want comedy, romance and action I recommend this book!
Independent Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
February 20, 2016
"Enlightenment" is the second in the "Children of Ankh" series and quickly picks up as Kayne attempts to find closure from her lost love Kevin, while dealing with confusing feelings toward Frost, building lifesaving bonds with her team, and preparing for Enlightenment. As much as I enjoyed the first book, I liked this one more. It was a longer story, but far quicker read and keeps you on the edge of your seat through all the twists and turns. There were times that I wanted to tell Kayne "just move on", all while my heart was breaking for her. The "test" was an accumulation of all the horrible ways to die and I did at times think "enough already, let the poor people move on", but there are some fantastic life lessons. This book also ends in a cliff hanger making you salivate for the next story. I obviously rate this book 5 hearts.
***Reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock***
***Reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock***
October 26, 2015
Where do I begin on how amazing the second installment to Kim's Children of Ankh series. So many things happen in this novel from Kayn bonding with her clan, to meeting Kevin again, her Enlightenment, and the Testing. I enjoyed every moment of this book. I think it really picked up at the Summit and the Testing which had a Hunger Games feel to it. I cannot wait for the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews