"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.