This was a very interesting, kind of odd book. I’m all about originality and twists on the typical fantasy, but I think this was just a little more science fiction for my liking. It was a little slow in the beginning, but I was just so confused and intrigued by figuring out what everything was talking about that I read it quickly. Once it was action packed, it was fast paced. I feel that the romance was a little rushed, definitely could have shown more moments rather than offhandedly mention it. I think the plot twist was a bit obvious but still interesting to watch unfold. Overall not a bad read, but not too sure if I’ll pick up the second book in the series.

3.5 stars

Kait Peters is a normal Mortal living a normal life until an accident on a rain-slicked road exposes her to a deadly parasite and a hidden world. Kait soon suspects the questions haunting her since that night could reveal secrets more dangerous than anything she could have imagined. She meets Jackson Cunningham on that fateful night who is an Immortal infected with a parasite granting him superhuman abilities with a terrible cost. Together they must fight to protect the ones they care about from a rogue Immortal infecting people.

I was really excited for the premise of this book. I love a good twist on vampire retellings. I had a really hard time pushing through the overly descriptive paragraphs that plague the first couple of chapters. I can see what Duncan was going for after I pushed through and learned more about the Immortals but that is mostly what brought the rating down for me. I really loved how frank and honest Kait was. I wish we could have seen a little more into her life and relationships before the action of the story begins. I feel like Duncan really hits her stride about 35% of the way through this book. The characters fell a little flat for me because the whole plot takes place in a little over 3 weeks and I wanted more depth from the characters. It looks like this will be the first book in this series. I am curious on how this will develop. I really do like this world and want more from it. Duncan has set up some great potential for world building and character development.




Posted review on storygraph and Instagram 10/15/24 @kayskraftyreads

"Immortal" by V.E. Duncan is a captivating blend of fantasy and science fiction, enriched with elements of thriller, mystery, and romance. This multifaceted narrative introduces readers to Kait, a resilient childhood cancer survivor who returns to her hometown to teach art to young patients in the pediatric oncology unit. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Jackson, a intriguing immortal who belongs to a secretive underground society. This group is infected by a parasite that alters their lifespan and abilities, rendering them dangerous to mortals during a monthly event known as the Bloom.

The story begins with a fateful car accident that brings Jackson into Kait's life. Though he is bound by duty to maintain distance, Jackson finds himself irresistibly drawn to Kait. Their burgeoning, yet forbidden relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a darker narrative involving a rogue immortal with plans to genetically engineer the parasite and exploit innocent mortals for his experiments.

Duncan skillfully weaves a plot that is both engaging and thought-provoking, seamlessly blending romance with themes of danger and ethical dilemmas. The character development is commendable; both Kait and Jackson are nuanced and relatable, navigating their complex emotions amid external threats. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, keeping readers invested from start to finish.

Overall, "Immortal" is an enthralling read that successfully merges various genres into a cohesive and compelling narrative. V.E. Duncan has crafted a story that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the nature of life and the ethical implications of immortality. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of fantasy and science fiction alike.

Immortal by VE Duncan is a romantic science fiction novel about Kait, a mortal, accidentally exposed to a parasite that causes immortality and Jackson, the immortal tasked with monitoring her for symptoms of the parasite. I really enjoyed this twist on immortality and learning about the hidden world. It was a lot different than I expected. There’s also a mystery and romance woven in. The mystery aspect I really enjoyed and it kept me entertained. The romance was ok. I would’ve liked more chemistry between Kait and Jackson. There were a few dates and interactions we’re told about that I think would’ve been beneficial to the romantic development if we’d seen the scenes actually play out. Overall, I enjoyed the book but would’ve like a better developed romance since the relationship was a major plot point.

Kait Peters is an ordinary Mortal leading a typical life until a fateful accident on a rain-slicked road exposes her to a deadly parasite and unveils a hidden world. This incident leads her to Jackson Cunningham, an enigmatic stranger who comes to her aid. Unbeknownst to Kait, Jackson is an Immortal infected with the same parasite that grants him superhuman abilities but at a significant cost. His responsibility now lies in observing Kait for any signs of infection while keeping the existence of the underground world of Immortals hidden from her.

As their paths intertwine, Kait begins to see through Jackson’s carefully constructed facade. Meanwhile, a rogue Immortal threatens Mortals by infecting them with the immortality parasite, putting Kait directly in danger as Jackson pursues this rogue. Together, they must navigate their growing attraction amidst the web of lies and half-truths that threaten their lives and love.

The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the collision between two worlds—one mortal and one immortal—as Kait and Jackson fight to protect each other against external threats while grappling with their own secrets.

I would rate Immortal 4.5
The pacing of the plot kept me engaged all the way through. The characters were interesting. I appreciated Kait's growth from her own background and Jackson's literal take on every word was amusing. Unique plot overall and I look forward to the next installment in the series.