Trina and her friend and lover, Darci, labor as documenters of the artifacts of the past ages. They also try to better their finances by smuggling a number of these artifacts-a very dangerous proposition in this police state. Darci is the more dominant of the two, and a confirmed Lesbian, but Trina finds herself drawn to Wade Jeffries, an officer a social level above Trina. The feeling is mutual, and Wade contrives a way to "own" Trina as his sexual partner. Wade, however, is not the devoted officer he appears at first glance. He not only wants to win Trina's heart, he's sworn to an even higher cause. Wade is part of a revolution against the Illuminati, determined to break free to the outside world. While Trina and Wade fall deeply in love, Darci, now spurned, threatens to destroy the fledgling relationship and even Trina's safety.

Illuminati is an ambitious work with a very clear political message concerning civil liberties. The author's somewhat unflattering portrayal of lesbians is in conflict with the liberal tone of the rest of the book. Trina is a likeable, vulnerable character for most of the book, but her curt dismissal of her former lover makes her a bit less sympathetic towards the end of the story. Wade is an admirable, sexy hero, and Trina and Wade's erotic and emotional ties are believable and satisfying. The futuristic world, described in great detail, is not completely convincing. The nature of the Illuminati is a bit clouded, but the Christian metaphors attached to the repressive regime are quite transparent, including the Latin name.

If you like serious, message-laden science fiction with a good deal of erotic content, you're sure to enjoy Illuminati. There are some serious flaws, but Ms. Jenson gets high marks for her creativity and attempts at stretching the envelope of traditional sci-fi romance.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Kitty Cullen
April 10, 2005