Vigilare [Kindle Edition]

Brooklyn James (Author), Janet Kilgore (Editor), Steve Richey (Illustrator)

Book Description

Book #1 in Vigilare series. Where One System Fails, Another Never Gives Up! Detectives Gina DeLuca and Tony Gronkowski investigate a string of murders among Vanguard's most loathsome population, rapists and pedophiles. With fed up citizens, the city is on the verge of a vigilante uprising in support of their seemingly superhuman Vigilare with the sparkling emerald green eyes. Friend or foe, Vanguard Police Department has a job to do in bringing the vigilant one to justice, causing their own internal battle with right and wrong, immoral and just. Following their leads, Detectives DeLuca and Gronkowski find themselves pulled into a mysterious world of super blood and super powers, and closer to the Vigilare than ever expected. It's a race to the finish between Detectives DeLuca and Gronkowski and the Vigilare to figure out who she is and why she exists. The first in a Trilogy, Vigilare-the one who watches over-comes to light. Advisory: Rated Mature. Mature themes. Mature language. Not for young audiences. Nor for the faint of heart.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"High-octane, suspenseful, Vigilare grips you with its supernatural anti-heroism.

Vigilare is not for the faint of heart. It is not for young audiences. This supernatural suspense thriller should come with a rating: Mature. For mature themes, mature language, and mature supernatural elements. It is cold and sinister and heroic and is absolutely worth every single chill that will undoubtedly raise the hairs on your neck.

What James has given us is an anti-hero similar to Matt Wagner's "Grendel," a character through which Wagner explored the nature of aggression conferred by an ancient evil spirit as it moves from host to host, and Tim Kring's "Heroes" character Niki Sanders through which Kring explored Dissociative Identity Disorder as the alter ego. The vigilante known as vigilare is not so dissimilar. James crafted a story that fully explores a scientific approach to hematology reminiscent of Michael Crichton's meticulous application of medicine while she juggles the pins and needles page-turner style of James Patterson.

Vigilare is a fast-paced, high-octane, supernatural thriller that has successfully managed to blend graphic novel grit with crime drama suspense. James has an infectious present-tense style that propels the story, always forward, though swinging back and forth between virtues and vices with such a ferocious and commanding stride she doesn't give you a chance to catch your breath. If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Vigilare is the book you've been looking for. It's not for the squeamish. Vigilare is for the brave, rising to the challenge when others cannot." ~ Read-Indie-Books

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Product Details

• File Size: 667 KB
• Print Length: 261 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1466402113
• Publisher: Arena Books (October 14, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005W4YEEC
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #465,121 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Looking forward to the next one January 7, 2012

By Gabino Iglesias

Format:Paperback

When an author sets out to write a trilogy, a ton of pressure goes into that first book. Besides introducing readers to characters and setting up the plot, the first book in a trilogy needs to be so good that readers will actually keep in mind that another one is coming. To accomplish this, a first book has to do the impossible: be fully satisfying while simultaneously leaving the reader wanting more. With "Vigilare," local author Brooklyn James has accomplished all of that and much more.

"Vigilare" takes place in Vanguard, a place that can be compared to any big city in the U.S. When a string of gruesome murders where the victims are all known sex offenders shakes the city, detectives Gina DeLuca and Tony Gronkowski, two talented detectives who are always going head to head to see who gets to the action first, are paired up and given the case. While DeLuca and Gronkowski battle to find a culprit, the city erupts in support of whoever is dishing out the vigilante justice and cleaning the streets of rapists and pedophiles. As the novel progresses, very strange suspects come into play and the tension builds rapidly all the way to a brutal revelation about the true identity of the Vigilare.

From the get-go, James manages to create a fast-paced thriller that's gripping and interesting while avoiding the cliches of the genre. Vigilare walks the line between a thriller and a supernatural adventure while safely anchored in a scientific discourse around blood that James put together so well that it's reminiscent of a Douglas Preston or Michael Crichton novel. With action, romance, a strong female hero and a likeable group of characters, "Vigilare" reads like a good action movie.

The characters all bring something special to the table.... From the intelligence, strenght and beauty of DeLuca to the caring and funny Chief Burns, who adds a hilarious touch via his peculiar and constant botching of everyday idioms, the story is full of people you can't get tired of. As a bonus, James seems to have mastered dialogue and timing, which makes the reading go by quickly. On a deeper level, DeLuca and Gronkowski have a palpable chemistry going, a playful flirtatiousness that's fun to read. Their interaction, both among themselves and with almost everyone they come in contact with, is fast and funny, even when it gets a tad violent. The comebacks are great throughout the book and they're scattered in a way that makes them a treat to find when the tension starts to be a bit too much.

If there is something in which James exceled, it has to be the way she treated her subject matter. Scenes of attempted rape and physical violence abound, but they're always carefully and tactfully done. Instead of going for the cheap thrills and shock value, the author gently deconstructs a sad reality and unflinchingly exposes the psychological devastation that such an experience can bring. Likewise, James managed to write a very sexy novel without having to rely on the pornographic writing or the "ardor in her loins" writing that some romance novels seem to be so fond of.

While most thrillers have breaks in the action, periods of rest that can be tiresome, slow or boring, "Vigilare" is relentless in its action and speed. Even when the narrative moves into a courtroom, the comeback, the humor, the sexiness and the heated debate about rights and the true meaning of justice remain untouched. Last but not least, the novel does something that's very interesting: through the writing and descriptions, from the fights to the violence and even the sex, oxygen and breathing become silent characters in the story. Gasping for air, being choked, having tape covering your mouth: it's all important in "Vigilare" and the reminder of how we need oxygen adds to the tension in the scenes where the two silent characters appear.

"Vigilare" delivers an action-packed story that twists and turns its way into a very surprising end that's satisfying while leaving the door wide open for the second book in the trilogy. You should pick up a copy now. Read more ›

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting take on super abilities March 9, 2013

By bicar

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This story has a bit of a different take on individuals with super abilities. The story was interesting and there are unresolved plot lines so I'm looking forward to a followup book. The characters are fairly well drawn. It was a good read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars I admit it--I'm OBSESSED with this Thriller! February 25, 2013

By jcat

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is not a book for young ones. It touches on hard subjects, and there's violence, sex, and rough language. It is an adult read that questions a legal system that releases rapists and child molesters to repeat their crimes again and again.

Enter a couple of Detectives who are assigned to a case where a Superhero of sorts, a "Vigilare", as the public deems it, is taking the law into its own hands and eliminating these repeat offenders.

Gripping, exciting, action-packed; this mystery with paranormal aspects (disguised as scientific possibility) kept me eagerly turning page after page. I can't give much plot information without spoiling it, but I will assure you that it didn't involve Vampires or Werewolves, for a change (not that I have anything against a good Vamp or Wolf story). The characters, whether main or secondary, are well developed. The plot is full of twists that are surprising.

I am planning to read the next book immediately. Even though this one didn't end with the dreaded 'Cliff Hanger' (thankfully!), I'm still eager to continue this story. This was a well written book, although a bit rushed towards the end. I believe that this author has real talent.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Suspenseful new beginnings of a superhero! January 20, 2013

By Charlene

Format:Kindle Edition

This story begins as told through the eyes of an awakening superhero. The suspense is derived from reading about the Vigilare coming into her powers but not understanding how or why that power has been given to them. The direction the author takes this aspect of this story was definitely unexpected, especially in when almost all is revealed in the end.

The other side of the story, the police procedural, is driven by the dynamic personalities of Detectives Gina and Tony and their exchanges are full of biting sarcastic wit and competitive rivalry as they investigate the serial murders. Their rapport is very entertaining and the author has created two very appealing characters with great chemistry. The writing overall in this story is very sharp and vividly detailed, with an abundance of sarcastic barbs coming from most of the main characters. Because the story takes the point of view of both the police and the victims of the rapists and pedophiles that are being stalked by the Vigilare, there is an interesting commentary on the nature of justice and the roles of government officials. It's thought-provoking, and deals with the theoretical conflict between superheroes and the police very intelligently.

The story has fast-paced, thriller elements, and well-paced courtroom scenes which are balanced very well within the narrative. The mystery and suspense of who and what the Vigilare is builds til the end, when there are some very surprising reveals. I found this a very enjoyable read.

(a copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Uniquely different November 14, 2012

By dianeelaine

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I don't normally read this type of genre but I was surprised! It was weird but very well written for the story line it followed. I am hoping there is a sequel.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book November 3, 2012

By ralphaelaudain

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

So far I have not done reading this book but I like what I have read so far. Yes I enjoy ready but not junk it must be a good book

More About the Author

Brooklyn James is an author/singer/songwriter inspired by life in the Live Music Capital of Austin, Texas. Her first novel, The Boots My Mother Gave Me, has an original music soundtrack and was chosen as a Quarter Finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. This book has ranked in Kindle's Top 100 Coming of Age and Women's Fiction.

Her supernatural thriller trilogy, Vigilare, is an adaptation from a short narrative film, inspired by vigilante movies, such as The Punisher and Boondock Saints. Currently available are Vigilare and Vigilare: Hell Hound. She is avidly working on the last novel in the series, Vigilare: The Torch. Brooklyn's latest release, Get This Body In A Barn: The Milkmaid's Guide To Fitness, is available exclusively as an ebook. Inspired by her childhood growing up on a dairy farm, she offers basic and practical fitness and nutrition regimens in getting in shape.

Coming March 2013 (Let It Go - a contemporary romance), May 2013 (Just Not Ready Yet - a contemporary romance) and July 2013 (Jolie Blonde - Prequel to Vigilare trilogy & stand-alone edgy coming of age/contemporary romance). Jolie Blonde will have an accompanying original music soundtrack as well, produced and recorded at Wonderland Studios, Austin. All songs from the soundtracks are written/co-written and performed by the author. Listen free at www.brooklyn-james.com or www.facebook.com/BrooklynJamesAuthor.

Brooklyn's music can be found on Amazon, iTunes, CDBaby, Pandora and Jango online Radio. Her song Can't Get It Right was chosen for MEOW's (Musicians for Equal Opportunity for Women) 2012 Discoveries Jukebox, naming Brooklyn among the top 15 female singer/songwriters on the rise. Can't Get It Right was also featured in the top 3 of 10,000+ entries in VO5's Red Hot Rising Stars Campaign. Jango Radio named her song Moving On to their Top 10 Songs of Summer.

Brooklyn holds an M.A. in Communication, and a B.S. in both Nursing and Animal Science. Her nursing career has seen specialties in the areas of Intensive Care and Labor & Delivery/Postpartum. She performs as part of an acoustic duo in the local live music scene in Austin. Brooklyn also serves as Guest Speaker from time to time with a focus on awareness and prevention of Domestic Violence and Suicide.