Customer Reviews

The Sacred Sin

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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.

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**

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.

To kill a man by stealing his soul - it takes a special type of killer for that. "The Sacred Sin" follows Jude Foster, a troubled L.A. Homicide detective who is faced with a unique type of murderer, one far more evil than anyone on the force has encountered before. A deftly written psychological thriller sure to grip readers all the way through, "The Sacred Sin" is highly recommended for community library thriller collections and fans of the genre.

Meet Jude Foster. He is a disillusioned LA homicide detective. A year ago, his previous partner nearly killed him in an old church. Now, saddled with a new interim partner, Rachel, Jude is investigating more bizarre homicides. The victims are untouched, except for a bizarre cross mark on their bodies that seem to have come from the inside rather than with any outside injuries.

Jude is struggling with inner demons over the betrayal of his previous partner, Morgan Cross, and is obsessed with finding the unknown murderer. He believes that Morgan, the recent crimes, and the ever elusive "Victor" are all connected.

With a story that travels from LA to Haiti and back again, the reader is entranced in the nightmare murder investigation that Jude is caught smack dab in the middle of. His brother gets caught in the web of intrigue, as does an old priest who befriended Jude years ago.

Mr. Vega is a new young writer with a talent for keeping the reader in suspense until the very end. It wasn't until the last chapter that everything is revealed and the story can be wrapped up. At only eighteen years of age, Mr. Vega has a long future ahead of him. He's definitely an author to keep your eye on!

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

At the young age of eighteen, Estevan Vega has proven himself as a talented, ambitious writer with this second book. "The Sacred Sin" is a well-written descriptive story, with great characters and just the right amount of suspense. On the downside, some may find it a little too descriptive as the story moves slowly along.

Jude Foster, a detective with a past, pursues a supernatural killer. The story is intriguing and entertaining. A good read.

Vega is growing as a new writer, and I look forward to his next book.

The Sacred Sin
By Estevan Vega


In the newest page-turner by a talented, emerging writer, detective Jude Foster ravages through a plot driven by serial murder, religious archetypes and a plethora of antithetical conflicts. Vega's relationship with the Catholic church is exposed and explored as Foster battles against the phenomenal history, issues, and glory of a deposed institution in a chaotic state of affairs.

Older teens and adults alike will identify with Jude and those closest to him, as he internalizes the physical and mental afflictions of religious iconography and its impact, real and beyond real. The modern day setting keeps the narrative grounded despite flying bodies, objects and demons. Supernatural and superhuman elements establish a profound juxtaposition to seemingly routine characters, characters that prevail and evolve past daily existence to produce an original and refreshing mystery. --Karen L. McNulty

By the age of 18 Estevan Vega accomplished something most people dream about their entire life. He
published a book. Actually, by the time he was 18, he already published two books. This is quite amazing by
itself, but even more amazing is the depth and maturity of Mr. Vega's writing. If the back cover of "The
Sacred Sin" would not have disclosed his age, I would have never guessed that he is still a teenager.
Mr. Vega deals with the "darkness that lies within all men" with unusual maturity, showing the reader how it
is not only vice but also complacency that is evil and utterly malevolent in its nature. The main character,
Jude Foster, oozes hatred toward any- and everybody, including himself; and as such is not a difficult prey for
the vile supernatural forces. The rest of the characters are less well developed and slightly clichéd, but I am
certain that Mr. Vega will be able to overcome this challenge in his future works. His story moves well in
general and provides enough surprises to keep it interesting and flowing smoothly.
Overall I enjoyed reading "The Sacred Sin." The story was captivating and challenging enough to keep my
interest throughout. I am sure it will be greatly enjoyed by readers who like mysteries, especially those with
some supernatural elements.

Estevan Vega's novel The Sacred Sin is an intriguing novel with the suspense of LA detectives solving the murders of a crazed killer. Vega's style leads vigorously through the whole story in a well-written descriptive text. I highly recommend this novel as a pleasure read. At such a young age he is making his dreams come true and pursuing beyond all doubt. Estevan is a creative and inspiring young adult that truly inspires me.