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In the year 2015, civilization has moved underground due to a nuclear devastation. There is only one world order, a government called the “Illuminati”. Everything is regulated – people are classified according to genetics and aptitude, jobs are assigned, conformity is expected, even sexual partners must be approved. Any independence is punished, first by retraining and if that is not successful, then termination.
Trina is a level 3 citizen – a drone. As such she cannot own property, marry above her level, or even have children. Although she has a legal sexual relationship with a female co-worker, she remains a virgin and wonders about men. She has also spent her life dreaming of the outside world and a different way of life. While illegally smuggling artifacts, she meets Lieutenant Wade Jeffries, a level 2 Security officer.
As a level 2 citizen, Wade has certain privileges and expectations. He is moderately wealthy, physically fit, and successful as a security officer. But secretly, he yearns for more. When he meets Trina in a forbidden zone of the city, he realizes that she must have similar ideas and wants. Because of his instant attraction, he maneuvers a permit for sexual activity with the possibility of cohabitation. Since their relationship seems doomed from the beginning, both must be willing to explore different viewpoints in order to make it work.
I really enjoyed ILLUMINATI, a complex tale of two people struggling to discover their dreams, rebelling against the established government, and trying to find someone to love. Trina’s life is one of drudgery and fear. She has no real thought of ever improving her life but somehow maintains a level of hope. Her attraction for Wade is strong and undeniable. Wade is a model citizen with a dangerous secret rebellion. Trina is all wrong for him, yet he can’t and won’t deny his feelings. Together they are a strong couple who must fight for any amount of happiness. The oppressive atmosphere of the book makes the love that they discover all the more poignant. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!
Reviewed by Trang Black
for The Road to Romance
May 9, 2005
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