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Illuminati - The Book of Life
Ljluka Vargas, immortal prince and the cool-headed enforcer for the Vargas Dynasty, must go up against his most intriguing enemy, the mysterious Nalini. She intends to beat him to the secret archaeological site of The Book of Life which contains the genetic secrets of their ancient ancestors.
In order to escape the cruel domination of her family and gain freedom for her mother, Nalini assumes the role of assassin. In her rival, the sleek and deadly Luc, she finds a different kind of danger. She’s supposed to eliminate him, but that would foil destiny’s plan for them to be together.
It’s a race from power-hungry D.C. cabinet rooms through the secret realms of the Vatican, from cloud forests and desert sands to the caverns of the Underworld as mankind hangs in the balance. For whoever possesses the Book of Life has the potential to rule the world, offering or denying immortality to the human race.
In order to escape the cruel domination of her family and gain freedom for her mother, Nalini assumes the role of assassin. In her rival, the sleek and deadly Luc, she finds a different kind of danger. She’s supposed to eliminate him, but that would foil destiny’s plan for them to be together.
It’s a race from power-hungry D.C. cabinet rooms through the secret realms of the Vatican, from cloud forests and desert sands to the caverns of the Underworld as mankind hangs in the balance. For whoever possesses the Book of Life has the potential to rule the world, offering or denying immortality to the human race.
- GenresSuspense
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2013
About the author
Elizabeth Alsobrooks
11 books85 followersNow that her children have flown from the nest, Elizabeth lives with her personal editor, Hudson (AKA Maltese), and husband, Kenton, (AKA Irish-Scotsman) at the foot of the beautiful Santa Catalina Mountain Range in Oro Valley, AZ.
She loves to sit on her patio sipping coffee and reading or brainstorming plots and enjoying the grandeur of her breathtaking mountain views.
Elizabeth calls herself a pantser on steroids. The first book of her Illuminati series flowed like a psychic muse channeled it from her fingertips to the keyboard. She wrote 120,000 words in 45 days. "After the first couple of chapters, the characters took over. They knew what they wanted and what they were willing to do to get it." She is more reluctant to discuss how long it took to edit and revise her manuscript.
Her love of mythology and ancient literature and history were the backbone for her series, and the Sigma Force series by James Rollins inspired the fast-paced adventures (He recently told her at a literacy fundraiser that he found that flattering, as no one had ever told him he was inspiring before!).
A friend compared Elizabeth's series to what it would be like if Ford and Jolie stepped through the Stargate, tried to kill each other, and ended up falling into a love as seemingly hopeless as Romeo and Juliet. Elizabeth claims she pictured a blond "The Rock" as the hero when she was writing, but that Jolie, with lavender eyes, would fit her heroine just fine.
Currently, she is dividing her writing time between book II in her Illuminati series and a New Adult spinoff series. Book 1 in the Immortal Sins series is titled Daughter of Ancients.
She loves to sit on her patio sipping coffee and reading or brainstorming plots and enjoying the grandeur of her breathtaking mountain views.
Elizabeth calls herself a pantser on steroids. The first book of her Illuminati series flowed like a psychic muse channeled it from her fingertips to the keyboard. She wrote 120,000 words in 45 days. "After the first couple of chapters, the characters took over. They knew what they wanted and what they were willing to do to get it." She is more reluctant to discuss how long it took to edit and revise her manuscript.
Her love of mythology and ancient literature and history were the backbone for her series, and the Sigma Force series by James Rollins inspired the fast-paced adventures (He recently told her at a literacy fundraiser that he found that flattering, as no one had ever told him he was inspiring before!).
A friend compared Elizabeth's series to what it would be like if Ford and Jolie stepped through the Stargate, tried to kill each other, and ended up falling into a love as seemingly hopeless as Romeo and Juliet. Elizabeth claims she pictured a blond "The Rock" as the hero when she was writing, but that Jolie, with lavender eyes, would fit her heroine just fine.
Currently, she is dividing her writing time between book II in her Illuminati series and a New Adult spinoff series. Book 1 in the Immortal Sins series is titled Daughter of Ancients.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 7, 2013
Luc Vargas is a strong, sexy, charismatic character that’s a hero in every sense, and Nalini is a sweet young woman that needs to be allowed to let her inner lioness out. Although both derive from legendary families, their lives couldn’t be more different. Nalini has suffered from the cruelty the men in her family possess, while Luc’s family is supportive and loving. When these two meet sparks fly and neither can understand the immediate attraction. With the help of some of the best supporting characters I’ve seen in a while, our hero and heroine race against each other and the clock to find The Book of Life.
I couldn’t put this book down! The author has interlaced Egyptian Mythology and the legendary Illuminati into an amazing story. The characters are intelligently written and each setting is described to perfection. I was impressed by the author’s ability to depict both the Illuminati’s creed of supporting the equality of women, and the personalities of the Gods/Goddesses fluently. While some of the deities are well known, Alsobrooks adds a little human touch to make them more relatable. The ending left room for a sequel, which I will be anticipating.
I highly recommend this fast paced, exhilarating, romantic novel!
I couldn’t put this book down! The author has interlaced Egyptian Mythology and the legendary Illuminati into an amazing story. The characters are intelligently written and each setting is described to perfection. I was impressed by the author’s ability to depict both the Illuminati’s creed of supporting the equality of women, and the personalities of the Gods/Goddesses fluently. While some of the deities are well known, Alsobrooks adds a little human touch to make them more relatable. The ending left room for a sequel, which I will be anticipating.
I highly recommend this fast paced, exhilarating, romantic novel!
May 28, 2016
A riveting read. Fans of Egyptian and Greek mythology will enjoy this out of this world romantic adventure! Luc and Nalini are both well-developed characters and opposites in every respect, whose love story could alter the course of history. The author weaves a story with many threads that flow beautifully. Would make a fast-paced, entertaining film
December 29, 2016
As a huge fan of Egyptian and Greek mythology I simply loved this book!!! It's the first book I read from this author and can't wait to read her next books!
May 28, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up.
Elizabeth Alsobrooks debut novel, Illuminati: The Book Of Life, is a mysterious mixture of mythical ancient legends brought to life, intrigue and sabotage in both the ancient and modern day corporate world, family duels that rival the Hatfields & McCoys, and love that seems destined to end before it has a chance to blossom like Romeo & Juliet. I quickly found myself drawn into a web of suspense and intrigue as the race to find and possess the Book of Life escalates, and Luc and Nalini battle to claim the book for their rival families...while also fighting their attraction to one another. The author slides back and forth between the modern & ancient settings flawlessly as the characters travel via camels through the desert, navigate the booby trapped tunnels of the ones who came before, survive the horrors of the underworld, and sit in on meetings in a modern corporate boardroom. The wide array of characters include mortals, immortals, gods & goddesses, and mythical beings...the creatures legends are made of. They lend authenticity to the story as well as mystery, action, intrigue, romance, and yes, even humor - I'm talking about you Hassidim! What a great supporting cast of both friends and foes.
Read my full review at:
http://crossmyheartbookreviews.blogsp...
Elizabeth Alsobrooks debut novel, Illuminati: The Book Of Life, is a mysterious mixture of mythical ancient legends brought to life, intrigue and sabotage in both the ancient and modern day corporate world, family duels that rival the Hatfields & McCoys, and love that seems destined to end before it has a chance to blossom like Romeo & Juliet. I quickly found myself drawn into a web of suspense and intrigue as the race to find and possess the Book of Life escalates, and Luc and Nalini battle to claim the book for their rival families...while also fighting their attraction to one another. The author slides back and forth between the modern & ancient settings flawlessly as the characters travel via camels through the desert, navigate the booby trapped tunnels of the ones who came before, survive the horrors of the underworld, and sit in on meetings in a modern corporate boardroom. The wide array of characters include mortals, immortals, gods & goddesses, and mythical beings...the creatures legends are made of. They lend authenticity to the story as well as mystery, action, intrigue, romance, and yes, even humor - I'm talking about you Hassidim! What a great supporting cast of both friends and foes.
Read my full review at:
http://crossmyheartbookreviews.blogsp...
March 31, 2013
Myths, immortals, humanity in the balance. Strong, well-drawn characters walk a tight-rope of ancient legends and modern day intrigues, blending action a la Indiana Jones/Lara Croft with the lure of a Dan Brownesque mythology in a smart adventure/romance this talented debut author categorizes as urban fantasy reinvented. Then add feuding family pathos packed with surprises. These folks could have their own reality show: Affairs of the Rich and Immortal! Alsobrooks leads the reader along a daring chase that leaves plenty of teasing openings for series expansion. My personal favorite – the eloquently fawning servant Hassidim. I need a Hassidim. I want a Hassidim. And then, of course, there’s the hunky brother, Andrew . . . but that, I’m told, is another story. I’ll be looking forward to it.
August 20, 2018
This is a wonderful novel! And I'm very glad that my friend advised me this wonderful book. Now I will definitely read everything Elizabeth Alsobrooks wrote!
So, this is the story of a strong girl. Her name is Nalini. And she never give up and is not afraid of any obstacles! Girl's power!)
In addition, this is a wonderful, magical and mysterious love story.
And all this together with a complex plot gives an unusual pleasure for a real fan of good books!
Since this book is very difficult to attribute to any one genre, I highly recomend it to everyone!
So, this is the story of a strong girl. Her name is Nalini. And she never give up and is not afraid of any obstacles! Girl's power!)
In addition, this is a wonderful, magical and mysterious love story.
And all this together with a complex plot gives an unusual pleasure for a real fan of good books!
Since this book is very difficult to attribute to any one genre, I highly recomend it to everyone!
September 21, 2013
This book is packed full of an intriguing plot. The Book of Life could in the hands of someone could give them the power to rule the world. There is a race to see who will get to it first and enemies who should kill each other to find themselves not quite doing that. I liked this story as it is different and offers tales of mythology and has an urban fantasy theme as well. The two blend together to make a good book. It has delightful characters that you get to know including Luc and Nalini. Nalini I liked because she wants to stand on her own and out from the shadows and thumb of her family. She struggles to do what she is supposed to and it is neat to read about her as you learn more as you go. Luc is deadly but have to say it wold be hard to turn him away as he has that power vibe to me that makes him stand out. There is plenty of secondary characters that threaten to steal the show for me but you have to read to see why. If you like a book you take your time in reading to appreciate and want something new to read try this one.
May 29, 2016
Not the sort of book I would usually read, but was recommended by a friend and I'm glad she did. Alsobrooks writes well written powerfully believable characters. Illuminati is a fast paced mix of action and adventure, ancient and modern seamlessly married together. Ultimately it's a love story that will have you turning the pages long into the night!
May 31, 2016
Great characters and fast paced action fill the pages of this unique story combining ancient legends and modern day. I loved the characters and the romance growing between them- a love story that could alter history. An enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews