Customer Reviews

Vengeance

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FBI agent James Benedict, along with hundreds of other passengers, finds himself trapped aboard a cruise ship sailing from San Diego to the Hawaiian islands. Around him, passengers are mysteriously dying of what appears to be a plague of boils. The victims are part of a vast conspiracy instigated by a man determined to obtain vengeance for loved ones who died during the Vietnam War. James and his friends must risk their lives to uncover the identity of the diabolical man who calls himself "Nam" before more passengers suffer hideous deaths.

Cruise ships are the ultimate settings for disaster and mayhem. Ever since watching the theatrical production of "The Poseidon Adventure" in 1972, I have been fascinated with cruise ships. I've watched innumerable films where passengers were threatened by tidal waves, plagues, terrorists, wild animals and supernatural creatures. Naturally, I had to read Donna Dawson's award-winning novel "Vengeance." My expectations were high and I was not disappointed. "Vengeance" is a non-stop thrill ride you won't want to miss. Book your reservations now!

"Vengeance" is an action adventure novel that moves at a fast pace. I was ensnared by the novel's bloody beginning and was unable to free myself until Nam's identity was finally revealed. Like most great works of literature, "Vengeance" contains a fine mixture of various genres that includes mystery, horror and romance. This well-crafted page turner will certainly satisfy most tastes. Fans of cruise ship horror will want to add "Vengeance" to their collections.

The moral lesson that this novel attempts to teach Christians is a very valuable and timely one. After all, most of us have suffered injustices and desired vengeance. "Vengeance" teaches Christians that revenge is best left to the Lord. Remember Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves but, rather, give place unto wrath; it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

However, Donna Dawson did such a wonderful job of describing the horrors of the Vietnam War and the atrocities committed by some of the victims on the cruise ship that I sympathized with Nam. My father fought in Vietnam and I am very thankful that he survived. Some of my childhood classmates can't say the same. I was almost rooting for the bad guy, but then I had to force myself to remember that he was responsible for innocent people dying during the testing of the poison. "Vengeance" is a hard novel to forget after you've finished reading it. It will continue nagging at your soul, forcing you to take to heart what Jesus said about forgiveness and vengeance.

FBI agent James Benedict and his girlfriend Dr. Julie Harding are likeable characters. They work hard at solving crimes and living according to the Bible. Donna Dawson did her homework when it came to fleshing out these and other characters of the FBI. I would love to see them in a series of mysteries. There were a few questions that remained unresolved. For example, James had doubts as to whether he would continue working for the FBI. A sequel would quickly answer that one.

Donna Dawson has a vivid imagination. She writes the kind of novels I like to read - ones that contain mystery and intrigue with strong elements of horror and romance. She has written "The Adam & Eve Project" where world leaders are kidnapping children in order to create a superhuman race. Her future novels include "Rescued" and "Vampire." I'll definitely have to read the latter one.

FBI agent James Kirk Benedict (yes, that is his name, Star Trek fans) goes on what he believes will be a relaxing vacation. He ends up in the middle of a case fearing for his own life, as well as all those on board the cruise ship. Dr. Julie Holding, James' girlfriend, is back on land trying to help a little girl James saved in his last case while trying not to worry about him. The agency is working very hard to help James figure out who is behind the mysterious murders and bring him back safely. This book will certainly keep you guessing!

Vengeance is a great mix of mystery and romance. It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next while giving you the satisfaction of a well-written romance. The book was definitely well-researched. Her characters come alive as you experience life right along side of them. There is a good amount of history from the Vietnam War that puts what you learned in school on a much more personal level.

The underlying message of the book is definitely that vengeance is not ours for the taking. Donna does a great job of including this message without overpowering her readers.

Romans 12:19&21 "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. . .Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. "

Julianna (onerainyafternoon.blogspot.com)

When FBI agent James Benedict goes on a two week cruise, he thought he was going to relax and rest. But when a passenger dies covered in bois that eat the flesh and bone, he is called in to assist. When another person dies of similar but strange conditions, they fear a virus has been unleashed.

It is soon discovered it isn't a virus but someone is murdering these people. James begins investigating whether there is any connection between the select few who have died.

Dr. Julie Holding is James' girlfriend back at work. She has trouble focusing on work knowing he is on a ship that appears to be a time bomb. She soon joins in by working on the mystery.

Can James find the connection before another person is killed?

This book is well-written and fast-paced. I found myself picking it up continuously to read further and try to unravel the well-constructed mystery. James was a great character and his long-distance relationship with Julie was very endearing.

I found myself engrossed in the story and wondering who was doing it right up until things were revealed. I highly recommend this book.