Jean Brannon’s Atlantis Writhing is the first book in the Highest Light series. Before their journey to Poseidia, six Ahlaielian missionaries were stripped of their Highest Light abilities. Elysia possesses a psychic truth ability and has seen a vision in which they did not survive the trip. Three delegates greeted them, and Alaric approached Elysia. Alaric’s overtures leave her shaken until her beloved, Hunter, intervenes. It frustrates Hunter that Elysia feels desire for Alaric. The following day, Quenna, a crew member, falls seriously ill, and Elysia finds herself alone with Alaric. He takes her down a secluded alley and kisses her, but Elysia doesn’t stop him. Alaric pulls away and tells her to use her feelings to guide her thoughts. Elysia’s shocking memories open her eyes to her true identity.

Jean Brannon uses intense detail to build up the inner turmoil Elysia struggles with. Her psychic truth ability is a strength, but it also makes her an empath. Elysia feels the anguish of others, which can overwhelm her. At first, I hoped Hunter and Elysia could stand against Alaric’s influence. However, the unpredictable twists in the plot changed my view of multiple characters. The rumors of the dark past of some challenged me by leaving questions about how much of it was the truth. A mission to change Poseidia to seek Highest Light blends into a story of unconditional love. I enjoyed the exceptional detail given to the “courting at court” dances. They display the feelings of the dancers with the effortless connection they build. The dialogue reveals important details about several characters. For example, several expressions from Elysia’s crewmate, Will, made me believe he could be a native Texan. The end left me eager to read the sequel. Atlantis Writhing will appeal to fantasy readers who enjoy a sensual story of sharing joy and unconditional love.

A team of missionaries from Ahlaiele undergoes surgery to travel from a place of Highest Light to Atlantis, a place with Lesser Light. Their mission is to plant the Highest Light energies and leave before anyone knows what they are up to. Unfortunately, through a vision, one of the missionaries, Elysia, discovers they have been betrayed by their trusted teachers and mentors, who have hijacked their home planet and programmed their ship to kill them before they reach Atlantis. Luckily, they safely arrive in Poseidia, the capital of Atlantis, but their surgeries make their bodies and emotions unstable and weak. Elysia is affected the most and cannot control her feelings when she meets Alaric, an alluring shape-shifter who acts like he has known her forever. Elysia learns there is more to their connection, and what she deems a weakness may be the key to saving her team. Get a copy of Atlantis Writhing by Jean Brannon to enjoy this amazing story.

Atlantis Writhing is the first book in the Highest Light series, and Jean Brannon introduces you to an interesting cast of characters. The story is narrated from Elysia's point of view, and readers will feel her emotions, which are the central theme of this story. The story contains mythology and new concepts and rules that make the plot unique and entertaining. The regions mentioned are rich in culture, history, and traditions. The leads, Elysia and Alaric, have great chemistry and a love that transcends time and space. Little details like their connection to the red lotus made their story heartwarming. The book contains sex scenes that are not explicit and some language. I recommend this book because it has an intriguing and unique plotline, and I hope to read more from this series and this author.