The Sacred Sin [Paperback]

Estevan Vega (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 218 pages
• Publisher: PublishAmerica (August 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1424183065
• ISBN-13: 978-1424183067
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,421,453 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Since he was in fifth grade, Estevan Vega wanted to write. He was definitely cocky for a kid, but it didn't matter. He was determined to publish a book by high school. At fifteen, he published his first book Servant of the Realm. At eighteen, The Sacred Sin was released. ARSON, his third and most popular novel, is the beginning of a series. ASHES is the sequel. More in the series will come. He has also released several short stories, which include VANILLA RED, BABY BLUE, and THE MAN IN THE COLORED ROOM. He lives in Connecticut. Check out www.estevanvega.com for more of the nitty gritty.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned., January 13, 2008

By 

Nolene-Patricia Dougan "Dougs" (Ravara, Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sacred Sin (Paperback)

Detective Jude Foster is a man with a past. Nearly a year ago, Foster was left for dead by his friend and partner, Morgan Cross. Since then, Foster has been tormented by demons that only his mind can create. However, Foster must snap out of his self-induced malady. A series of sporadic murders are terrorizing the streets of Los Angeles. In order to catch the killer, Foster must face up to his past and stop his old partner, Morgan Cross. While Foster has been making cynical remarks in his psychiatrist's chair, Morgan Cross has transcended to a much darker plane. And, so, the ultimate battle of Good and Evil has begun. The question is, "Can the righteous win, without losing their souls?"
I have heard it said, that people under twenty-five should not write a novel. You have to have experienced a little of the world or had your heart broken at least once, in order to produce anything worthwhile. Estevan Vega is defying that convention, because at only eighteen-years-of-age, he has already written two novels. The Sacred Sin is the second of his literary efforts and, considering the author's age, it is a very impressive work of fiction.
The Sacred Sin is an engaging and fast-paced detective tale, with a wonderfully wicked, supernatural edge. Vega has striven to write a horror story that is a cut above this usually pulp- filled genre. Vega's book has quite a profound subtext. The author touches upon the nature vs. nurture argument several times, and the malevolence of complacency is well demonstrated in the pages of this novel.
Vega's characters are well drawn and intriguing, but at times, they do seem a tad clichéd. However, I am sure that time and experience will correct this tiny flaw in Vega's writing. Also, The Sacred Sin perhaps has a few too-many references to pop culture, which might sometimes alienate the more mature reader.
At just eighteen-years-old, Estevan Vega has achieved something that some writers take decades to produce. Vega is full of literary promise, and I, for one, am certain that he has a bright future ahead. In conclusion, The Sacred Sin is a thrillingly devilish, detective story that will leave you thirsting for more from this young writer.

4.0 out of 5 stars Bridget's review, June 23, 2009

By 

bridget3420 "Bridget Hopper" (KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sacred Sin (Paperback)

Jude Foster, a detective, has just been assigned a new case and a new partner. Jude doesn't play nicely with others. His previous partner, Morgan Cross, tried to kill him, so you can see why he has trouble trusting. Jude's not sure which situation is worse, being partnered with Rachel or the fact that a killer is on the loose who kills his victims without touching them. How do you track down pure evil that doesn't leave behind any clues? It seems that when each dead body turns up, they are faced with more questions than answers. Can they crack the case before it's too late?

I have to start by saying that I'm not easily scared. When I was 14 I would walk up to the video store at 10 o'clock at night, rent a few scary movies and then watch them by myself in my bedroom with the lights off. I still to this day don't know many people who could do that as an adult, let alone a teen. Anyway, it takes a lot to scare me or even creep me out. I have to admit that parts of this book freaked me out. Needless to say I'll definitely be checking out "Servant of the Realm".

**WARNING: child abuse**

4.0 out of 5 stars A great psychological horror story!, April 21, 2009

By 

A. Pohren (IA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sacred Sin (Paperback)

If you like horror, psychological terror and suspense, The Sacred Sin is the perfect read for you! Centering on L.A. homicide detective Jude Foster, who just happened to be taken in by a priest, at the age of seventeen, after losing his parents at a young age and fleeing from the cops - sure that they were his ticket back to juvi. The Sacred Sin is like a never ending tunnel ride of twists and turns. The reader is gripped within the story's dark clutches, from the first word until the very last.

Jude is a dark and mysterious, almost tortured character. The author, Mr. Vega, has created a perfect leading character in Jude, as well as an excellent supporting character in Rachel Cragin, who has reluctantly returned to Los Angeles to help in the case of a sinister serial murderer.

Jude does not take kindly to his newest partner, Rachel, after losing his previous partner, Morgan Cross, who was like a brother to him. However, Jude doesn't have a choice and together, he and Rachel must try to solve a crime spree that leaves it's victims dead and with an imprint of a cross carved within them (seeming being carved from the inside out). Behind him, the killer leaves a note - phrases from the Bible with certain letters that are highlighted in blood.

There is an evil and sinister force that is out there, killing, taking souls and it all seems to revolve around Jude. But what part does he play in the entire scheme of things? Is there a dark monster lurking within him, waiting to come out and if so, can he stop it before it is too late?

The Sacred Sin is not a story for the squeamish or easily scared or offended. This is a story that takes the reader to the depths of hell and evil - leaving no question about good and villainous. Mr. Vega does a great job of composing his story and bringing the reader into a world of darkness and sinister evil. As I read, I was brought to mind of the writings of Stephen King, Wes Craven, early Dean R. Koontz, as well as Bentley Little. Estevan Vega shows great promise in becoming a lasting novelist and writer of the horror genre.

I greatly enjoyed The Sacred Sin and was woven tight within it tale. There were a few mechanical errors throughout, but not nearly enough to detract from the writing and story itself. I feel that lovers of the genres of horror/supernatural/suspense and thriller will get a charge out of The Sacred Sin and be yearning for more from Mr. Vega. I, for one, cannot wait to see what the future holds for this young talent.

As a side note, I do want to mention the cover artwork. It is fantastic and really represents the story within. Gazing upon the eyes, you are dragged into their reaches - a glimpse into a tortured soul.