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The Forsaken
DON'T LET IT IN. The first victim has no natural wounds. No prints left behind. No evidence at all. But the life has been gruesomely drained from the corpse, and a broken cross is now imprinted inside the skin. Left for dead a year ago by his former partner, reckless and medicated Detective Jude Foster now endures mindless therapy sessions in order to be given another chance at his life. When the chief of police discovers the first victim strangely killed in this sadistic fashion, Jude enters a dark world all-too-familiar. He's seen this method of murder before, but he never caught the killer. Could this be a copycat, or is it the one that got away? Forced to take on a new partner for the case, Jude must come to terms with the fractured memories of his past, attempt to keep his younger brother safe, and chase down a ghost killer who is collecting human souls for an unfathomable endgame. But time is against him. How many more victims will there be before the killer is satisfied? And will Jude Foster be able to survive this new hell or in the chaos, will he risk becoming something else entirely?
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2007
30 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Estevan Vega
17 books126 followersI’m a writer. Well, technically an author, because they say that you magically become an author (i.e. true creative) if you’ve published something, and you’re a writer if you haven’t (you know those closet aspiring geniuses who just scribble stuff into notebooks and hide it from the world?). But I still call myself a writer. I’m one of 4 brothers. The middle son. I guess that’s supposed to make me uber weird and dysfunctional, but the jury’s still out on that one. I love mint chocolate chip ice cream. Like, really love it. Watching movies and going to rock shows are 2 of my favorite pastimes, and I am addicted to telling stories.
It all started because a 5th grade teacher decided to become a meddler in my life. That’s right, one of my least favorite authority figures at the time assigned us to write these 1 page short stories for class. We had the freedom to create whatever we wanted (within reason), but the assignments were do every day, and upon completing the school year, the plan was that we’d all bind them to compile a book. Well, at the time I hating reading, hated writing, and wanted to be a comic book artist. I figured I’d one day work for Marvel or Disney or something. And I was pretty good at sketching too. But I always found it hard to create my own characters, and I often just settled for copying somebody else’s masterpiece.
Something was missing.
Well, then a 2nd meddler enters the picture. My pops. He starts helping me with the stories. And by helping me, I really just mean I was there more as a consultant and a constant nuisance, ensuring proper grammar was employed. He was the real writer, in my mind. I just wished I could be him. My teacher started grading the stories, and I was floored to see A+ after A+. And she liked my stories enough…ahem, our stories enough, to read them in front of the class. The response was terrific. My classmates actually gave a crap. They wanted to know what happened next. So I turned 1 story into about 12 or so, and made a little book out of it. Looking back, it’s probably terrible. But the point is…I was hooked on the game.
My father and I began discussing book concepts until finally, in 6th grade, I set out to write a “real” book, all by myself. 3 years later, Servant of the Realm was born. It was so under the radar it wasn’t even funny, but I was just stoked to have my book searchable on the internet. It’s a pretty cool feeling when you’re 15. 3 years later, I released The Sacred Sin, a much darker story about a detective on the hunt for a serial killer who can steal souls. (THE FORSAKEN is the revamped version. I literally rewrote every page, and added about 100 more pages to the story. So if you haven’t picked that baby up, you might wanna.) 3 years after that–I know, 3 is the magical number, it seems–ARSON was unleashed. This story is closest to my heart because it came from a very unique place and time in my life. It’s like I grew up while writing it.
Well, sorta…
Flash forward to now. I’ve got 5 novels and several short stories out. I’ve been interviewed on TV, radio, and the internet. I’ve done several blog tours, have my own Youtube channel, twitter page, FB page, so quite frankly, there’s really no reason for you not to stalk me. I’m still that sort of college kid looking for his path while already on a path. I love to write. I love to ask the big questions, to create raw, flawed characters who do incredible things. And I’m reminded every day why I do what I do, why I write, why I tell stories…because of you. Because of something greater than myself. Because if I didn’t, I’d probably go insane.
Welcome to my dysfunctional world.
Spread the fire!
It all started because a 5th grade teacher decided to become a meddler in my life. That’s right, one of my least favorite authority figures at the time assigned us to write these 1 page short stories for class. We had the freedom to create whatever we wanted (within reason), but the assignments were do every day, and upon completing the school year, the plan was that we’d all bind them to compile a book. Well, at the time I hating reading, hated writing, and wanted to be a comic book artist. I figured I’d one day work for Marvel or Disney or something. And I was pretty good at sketching too. But I always found it hard to create my own characters, and I often just settled for copying somebody else’s masterpiece.
Something was missing.
Well, then a 2nd meddler enters the picture. My pops. He starts helping me with the stories. And by helping me, I really just mean I was there more as a consultant and a constant nuisance, ensuring proper grammar was employed. He was the real writer, in my mind. I just wished I could be him. My teacher started grading the stories, and I was floored to see A+ after A+. And she liked my stories enough…ahem, our stories enough, to read them in front of the class. The response was terrific. My classmates actually gave a crap. They wanted to know what happened next. So I turned 1 story into about 12 or so, and made a little book out of it. Looking back, it’s probably terrible. But the point is…I was hooked on the game.
My father and I began discussing book concepts until finally, in 6th grade, I set out to write a “real” book, all by myself. 3 years later, Servant of the Realm was born. It was so under the radar it wasn’t even funny, but I was just stoked to have my book searchable on the internet. It’s a pretty cool feeling when you’re 15. 3 years later, I released The Sacred Sin, a much darker story about a detective on the hunt for a serial killer who can steal souls. (THE FORSAKEN is the revamped version. I literally rewrote every page, and added about 100 more pages to the story. So if you haven’t picked that baby up, you might wanna.) 3 years after that–I know, 3 is the magical number, it seems–ARSON was unleashed. This story is closest to my heart because it came from a very unique place and time in my life. It’s like I grew up while writing it.
Well, sorta…
Flash forward to now. I’ve got 5 novels and several short stories out. I’ve been interviewed on TV, radio, and the internet. I’ve done several blog tours, have my own Youtube channel, twitter page, FB page, so quite frankly, there’s really no reason for you not to stalk me. I’m still that sort of college kid looking for his path while already on a path. I love to write. I love to ask the big questions, to create raw, flawed characters who do incredible things. And I’m reminded every day why I do what I do, why I write, why I tell stories…because of you. Because of something greater than myself. Because if I didn’t, I’d probably go insane.
Welcome to my dysfunctional world.
Spread the fire!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 2, 2022
got to the 34% finished mark kindle library loaner and decided not to go further one because time is limited summer self-employed busy the last two or three reads i had to renew digital library a bit of a hassle the protagonist, or one of them, voiced words i thought he would not voice..."like a child!" something along that line and i paused to consider it eyes screwed up barely audible whud? and the antagonist, or one of them, is a bit too supernatural for me yeah sure willing suspension and all but my patience wears thin lately and i'd prefer to remain in the realm of the somewhat realistic and that provides pause as well since i have read fiction where...events beyond belief happened...though there was an explanation...scientists forking with dna and things too small to see with a fancy microscope...intense training that had led to superhuman powers...something...and maybe an explanation would be forth-coming, but patience, like i said. that is all. onward and upward...this would have been the first from vega for me
April 18, 2020
Good read!
September 22, 2020
It was ok
This was pretty dark and not my cup of tea. The writing was good. Not much more to say about it.
This was pretty dark and not my cup of tea. The writing was good. Not much more to say about it.
October 16, 2022
This book sucked.
August 4, 2024
Loved how dark it was
It was a little all over the place but overall was a good read!
It was a little all over the place but overall was a good read!
July 14, 2012
Time Taken To Read - 2 days
Blurb From Goodreads
DON'T LET IT IN.
The first victim has no natural wounds. No prints left behind. No lacerations. But the life has been gruesomely drained from the corpse, and a broken cross is now imprinted inside the skin.
Left for dead a year ago by his former partner, reckless and medicated Detective Jude Foster now endures mindless therapy sessions in order to be given another chance at his life.When the chief of police discovers the first victim strangely killed in this sadistic fashion, Jude enters a dark world all-too-familiar. He knows he’s seen this method of murder before, but he never caught the killer.
Could this be a copycat, or is it the one that got away?
Forced to take on a new partner for the case, Jude must come to terms with the fractured memories of his past, attempt to keep his younger brother safe, and chase down a ghost killer who is collecting human souls. But time is against him. How many more victims will there be before the killer is satisfied? And will Jude Foster be able to survive this new hell or in the chaos, will he risk becoming something else entirely?
My Review
Where to start! Detective Jude Foster is our main character and in a bit of an emotional state. He is back on duty after being left for dead by his partner and a whole mystery surrounding the partners disappearance. Bodies are turning up at an alarming rate and have a distinct link to a series of killings that previously went unsolved. Is it the same killer or just a copy cat? the bodies seem to be drained, a shell of their former selves and something supernatural is involved. Jude just needs to find the what, how and why and stay.
I actually liked the start of this book and some parts of it throughout but a lot of the time I found myself having to reread parts as I felt I was missing out on key parts of the story. It jumps around a fair bit too, some of the characters visit their past and why they are the way they are now but the chapters aren't headed so it takes a bit of getting used to it to figure out what has happened.
The supernatural aspect of it is original and some of it is explained, however for me there was so many parts I was left wondering actually how did that happen, where did it come from and the way of it all which isn't explained(sorry it is vague but I don't do spoilers). I know plenty of people will love this, it has a bit of everything - intrigue, murder, mystery, religion and demons. I found it interesting but hard going with it jumping around so 2/5 for me. Thank you so much to the author for introducing me to their work and giving me the opportunity to review this book.
Blurb From Goodreads
DON'T LET IT IN.
The first victim has no natural wounds. No prints left behind. No lacerations. But the life has been gruesomely drained from the corpse, and a broken cross is now imprinted inside the skin.
Left for dead a year ago by his former partner, reckless and medicated Detective Jude Foster now endures mindless therapy sessions in order to be given another chance at his life.When the chief of police discovers the first victim strangely killed in this sadistic fashion, Jude enters a dark world all-too-familiar. He knows he’s seen this method of murder before, but he never caught the killer.
Could this be a copycat, or is it the one that got away?
Forced to take on a new partner for the case, Jude must come to terms with the fractured memories of his past, attempt to keep his younger brother safe, and chase down a ghost killer who is collecting human souls. But time is against him. How many more victims will there be before the killer is satisfied? And will Jude Foster be able to survive this new hell or in the chaos, will he risk becoming something else entirely?
My Review
Where to start! Detective Jude Foster is our main character and in a bit of an emotional state. He is back on duty after being left for dead by his partner and a whole mystery surrounding the partners disappearance. Bodies are turning up at an alarming rate and have a distinct link to a series of killings that previously went unsolved. Is it the same killer or just a copy cat? the bodies seem to be drained, a shell of their former selves and something supernatural is involved. Jude just needs to find the what, how and why and stay.
I actually liked the start of this book and some parts of it throughout but a lot of the time I found myself having to reread parts as I felt I was missing out on key parts of the story. It jumps around a fair bit too, some of the characters visit their past and why they are the way they are now but the chapters aren't headed so it takes a bit of getting used to it to figure out what has happened.
The supernatural aspect of it is original and some of it is explained, however for me there was so many parts I was left wondering actually how did that happen, where did it come from and the way of it all which isn't explained(sorry it is vague but I don't do spoilers). I know plenty of people will love this, it has a bit of everything - intrigue, murder, mystery, religion and demons. I found it interesting but hard going with it jumping around so 2/5 for me. Thank you so much to the author for introducing me to their work and giving me the opportunity to review this book.
September 21, 2012
Duncan McGonall’s Review of Estvan Vega’s The Forsaken
At first blush, this work resembles much of that early work the esteemed Stephen King produced, gritty, fractured and extremely human. Vega seems to rely upon religious icons, setting them up like so many chipped and faded figurines inherited from the less than favorite aunt and kept solely out of guilt. A complete collection, it seems. He assigns relevant, attendant archetypes their meanings, and embarks upon a process of paring them down to their skin stretched gaunt over bones then sets them to methodically nip at heels until the prey falls from its lofty supernatural perch and is forced to cast its lot with the basest filth humanity has to offer in a journey to discover the grit and grime required of true-to-life heroes.
The prey? You may be wondering. The mind.
From the first word to the last, Estevan Vega bashes home a single theme throughout The Forsaken. The work is deliberately and artfully deceptive. It teaches the reader to accept as honest this deception with purposeful, blatant fractured sentence structures and uniquely utilized descriptive verbs, changing the meaning of words to suit his purpose in the tale.
Vega treats religious iconology with just enough contempt to sway the reader into discounting it as mere furniture, as if devices are present only as artifacts of his setting and chattel of the lives of his characters. Its a lie and very good one. Its very persistence belies something else.
The reader is drawn into the same battle of wills, the same part truths and cryptic meanings, the same game of parallel choice sets as Vega’s own characters. The horror is in the process, the sifting through parts of sacred mixed with parts of profane, as characters face their deepest internal darkness, and squirm to be free of its grip.
Psychological thriller? Definitely. Horror? Indeed, and one better. The horrified and horrifying share the same locker. In all, the work is visceral poetry whose muse is perhaps the most loathsome behavior in the matrix of the human condition--hypocrisy.
The Forsaken will no doubt become, through the ages, many things to many people. It will enrage some and offend others; but one thing about it will endure. It is, without a doubt, literature and damned good at that. It is good art, and like all the best art, there will be those that hate it; those that will love it and those that will love to hate it. It is, in the end, a work worth your time.
At first blush, this work resembles much of that early work the esteemed Stephen King produced, gritty, fractured and extremely human. Vega seems to rely upon religious icons, setting them up like so many chipped and faded figurines inherited from the less than favorite aunt and kept solely out of guilt. A complete collection, it seems. He assigns relevant, attendant archetypes their meanings, and embarks upon a process of paring them down to their skin stretched gaunt over bones then sets them to methodically nip at heels until the prey falls from its lofty supernatural perch and is forced to cast its lot with the basest filth humanity has to offer in a journey to discover the grit and grime required of true-to-life heroes.
The prey? You may be wondering. The mind.
From the first word to the last, Estevan Vega bashes home a single theme throughout The Forsaken. The work is deliberately and artfully deceptive. It teaches the reader to accept as honest this deception with purposeful, blatant fractured sentence structures and uniquely utilized descriptive verbs, changing the meaning of words to suit his purpose in the tale.
Vega treats religious iconology with just enough contempt to sway the reader into discounting it as mere furniture, as if devices are present only as artifacts of his setting and chattel of the lives of his characters. Its a lie and very good one. Its very persistence belies something else.
The reader is drawn into the same battle of wills, the same part truths and cryptic meanings, the same game of parallel choice sets as Vega’s own characters. The horror is in the process, the sifting through parts of sacred mixed with parts of profane, as characters face their deepest internal darkness, and squirm to be free of its grip.
Psychological thriller? Definitely. Horror? Indeed, and one better. The horrified and horrifying share the same locker. In all, the work is visceral poetry whose muse is perhaps the most loathsome behavior in the matrix of the human condition--hypocrisy.
The Forsaken will no doubt become, through the ages, many things to many people. It will enrage some and offend others; but one thing about it will endure. It is, without a doubt, literature and damned good at that. It is good art, and like all the best art, there will be those that hate it; those that will love it and those that will love to hate it. It is, in the end, a work worth your time.
June 7, 2012
God, it's so hard to keep reviews for a mystery book spoiler-free. I love a good mystery/thriller, especially murder mysteries. They're the ones that keep me up at night, scared out of my wits and yet I'm addicted to that adrenaline rush I get while reading them. As a Criminal Minds and The Mentalist addict, it's not surprising that I find serial killer story-lines the most interesting. This one didn't disappoint!
The Forsaken begins with Detective Jude Foster in a mandatory therapy session. He's got a brutal past, one involving his ex-partner that left him scarred for life. Now there's a new killer on the loose and Jude is on this case, forced to work with a new partner while trying to capture him. Only, Jude's not sure if this killer's all that new or if he's someone Jude already has a past with.
I've read Vega's YA book, Arson and I loved it immediately because it had a touch of darkness. The same goes for The Forsaken. Vega's one of those few authors who can pull off a completely dark and twisty story while still having some goodness in it.
I can't believe I took so long to get to this because it's totally my cup of tea. The Forsaken is like going on a roller-coaster ride - thrilling, dark and has you gripped. As usual, the writing's strong and engrossing. The crime scenes were vivid, intense and for a moment, I had to shut my eyes to shake the image off my head.
There were a few parts of the book that weren't important..at least, not to me. To be honest, Jude wasn't a character I cared much about. I paid attention only to the storyline around the crimes and that was enough for me. I ignored the flaws because mostly, The Forsaken was unputdownable.
If you scare easily, this one isn't for you. On the other hand, for those who enjoy excellent crime mysteries irrespective of how disturbing it may be, you'll enjoy this one.
April 19, 2012
*** Possible Spoiler Alert ***
This book is not my usual chosen Genre but I was intrigued by the description.
This book is a very entertaining thriller with a dark twist. There were parts in this book I genuinely found creepy.
The characters were well written and there was a fantastic twist towards the end of the book which I had not guessed.
The descriptions of the corpse's found at the crime scene were very graphic, but I believe this was consistent with the dark nature of the book so it worked well.
My favourite parts of the book were Jude's discussions with Father Eliam, there were some tender and intense conversations.
I also particularly enjoyed the part where Kevin has been arrested and is talking to Jude about Crystal, I felt quite emotional and choked up reading that.
The part where Jude and Rachel were in the Motel room I found very intense and well written.
If I am being honest I was undecided whether to give this 3 or 4 stars, I did enjoy the book but I felt the part where Jude goes to Haiti was a bit hard to follow as it seemed to happen all of a sudden.
Having said that once he was there that story was very entertaining and quite scary.
The reason I opted for 4 stars was because there was a fantastic twist and also because I really liked the ending. The end was not your usual predictable horror/thriller ending and I could not guess how it was going to end.
If you like thrillers with a dark twist then this book is for you. Be warned though there are some scary parts in it so it's not for the faint hearted.
I would definitely like to read more of the author's work.
Becky Sherriff
(The Kindle Book Review)
This book is not my usual chosen Genre but I was intrigued by the description.
This book is a very entertaining thriller with a dark twist. There were parts in this book I genuinely found creepy.
The characters were well written and there was a fantastic twist towards the end of the book which I had not guessed.
The descriptions of the corpse's found at the crime scene were very graphic, but I believe this was consistent with the dark nature of the book so it worked well.
My favourite parts of the book were Jude's discussions with Father Eliam, there were some tender and intense conversations.
I also particularly enjoyed the part where Kevin has been arrested and is talking to Jude about Crystal, I felt quite emotional and choked up reading that.
The part where Jude and Rachel were in the Motel room I found very intense and well written.
If I am being honest I was undecided whether to give this 3 or 4 stars, I did enjoy the book but I felt the part where Jude goes to Haiti was a bit hard to follow as it seemed to happen all of a sudden.
Having said that once he was there that story was very entertaining and quite scary.
The reason I opted for 4 stars was because there was a fantastic twist and also because I really liked the ending. The end was not your usual predictable horror/thriller ending and I could not guess how it was going to end.
If you like thrillers with a dark twist then this book is for you. Be warned though there are some scary parts in it so it's not for the faint hearted.
I would definitely like to read more of the author's work.
Becky Sherriff
(The Kindle Book Review)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2012
Review 7*******
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
This is a psychological thriller that captured my attention, and kept it hooked from the first page! I LOVED IT!
Detective Jude Foster is a charismatic character. He is an unconventional detective, but he usually gets his man. Trying to recover from being left for dead by his ex-partner, he is tormented by the one that got away, Victor.
Victor is a sadistic killer, who leaves no finger prints or any kind of forensic evidence. He is cruel and dangerous.
This is a very clever thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. The paranormal aspects of this book kept me guessing, and the excellent writing style of Estevan Vega made the story flow flawlessly. The numerous twists and turns in the story had my heart racing, and chills running down my back. This book actually crosses a few genres - thriller, horror and suspense – but the ride it takes you on is like being on a roller-coaster. The ending of the book was a complete surprise, and made me question whether evil is real, or if it is all insanity and we are all living in an insane asylum with varying degrees of sanity.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will no longer be the last. Estevan Vega has a way with words that take you on a journey, albeit a scary and terrifying one, that will haunt you long after you have finished the book. I highly recommend this book if you love horror, suspense or thrillers.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
This is a psychological thriller that captured my attention, and kept it hooked from the first page! I LOVED IT!
Detective Jude Foster is a charismatic character. He is an unconventional detective, but he usually gets his man. Trying to recover from being left for dead by his ex-partner, he is tormented by the one that got away, Victor.
Victor is a sadistic killer, who leaves no finger prints or any kind of forensic evidence. He is cruel and dangerous.
This is a very clever thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. The paranormal aspects of this book kept me guessing, and the excellent writing style of Estevan Vega made the story flow flawlessly. The numerous twists and turns in the story had my heart racing, and chills running down my back. This book actually crosses a few genres - thriller, horror and suspense – but the ride it takes you on is like being on a roller-coaster. The ending of the book was a complete surprise, and made me question whether evil is real, or if it is all insanity and we are all living in an insane asylum with varying degrees of sanity.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will no longer be the last. Estevan Vega has a way with words that take you on a journey, albeit a scary and terrifying one, that will haunt you long after you have finished the book. I highly recommend this book if you love horror, suspense or thrillers.
May 6, 2008
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
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!
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!
June 23, 2012
This is a really great book, Jude is the sneering police detective who is recovering from what should have been an assault that killed him, and the fact that it was done to him by his supposed to be partner has left his world in a realm of self loathing and drug addiction from pain medications.
The Forsaken is a very good name for this book, as Jude seems to be the forsaken son.
When he heads up a case and is assigned a new partner things seem to get weird from there, his brother is kidnapped by a dead man and he ends up following what clues he has to track down the horrors that haunt him, on a nightly basis.
Once I got into the book it moved along quickly, I felt the initial start of the book was a little slow for me though, however I loved when the story really kicked into gear e and the supernatural elements were seeping into the story, sometimes a gritty book is just what is needed after hanging out with faeries and vampires and all other kinds of mythical creatures.
This book is action packed and definitely worth reading, and coming from a fan of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, this book is definitely up there with regards to the thrill and darkness of the book.
Although I don't find Jude likeable in anyway I couldn't help but want to see where he was going to end up next.
The Forsaken is a very good name for this book, as Jude seems to be the forsaken son.
When he heads up a case and is assigned a new partner things seem to get weird from there, his brother is kidnapped by a dead man and he ends up following what clues he has to track down the horrors that haunt him, on a nightly basis.
Once I got into the book it moved along quickly, I felt the initial start of the book was a little slow for me though, however I loved when the story really kicked into gear e and the supernatural elements were seeping into the story, sometimes a gritty book is just what is needed after hanging out with faeries and vampires and all other kinds of mythical creatures.
This book is action packed and definitely worth reading, and coming from a fan of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, this book is definitely up there with regards to the thrill and darkness of the book.
Although I don't find Jude likeable in anyway I couldn't help but want to see where he was going to end up next.
June 24, 2009
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**
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**
August 7, 2012
I have no clue where to start with this review, so I’ll jump right in and start by saying that this book really wasn’t what I thought it would be. I knew from a friend who recommended it to me, that it is a really dark read, but it was a lot darker than I anticipated - so much so that it bordered on becoming a depressing, emotionally draining read.
I’m giving it a four star rating however for the mere fact that it is an exceptionally well-written dark and disturbing read. At times it gripped me, but after a few chapters I would lose interest, only to be drawn into the story again nearer the end. It took me a little more than a week and a half to finish the story, since this isn’t something you’ll want to read in one sitting. The characters are well-developed and very realistic, but I still had a hard time connecting to any of them. The plot moved at an excruciatingly slow pace as the devil really was in the details.
Overall, this might be a worthwhile read to some, and I genuinely cannot fault the author on anything being “wrong” with this book. It just turned out to be a novel that wasn’t much to my taste.
I’m giving it a four star rating however for the mere fact that it is an exceptionally well-written dark and disturbing read. At times it gripped me, but after a few chapters I would lose interest, only to be drawn into the story again nearer the end. It took me a little more than a week and a half to finish the story, since this isn’t something you’ll want to read in one sitting. The characters are well-developed and very realistic, but I still had a hard time connecting to any of them. The plot moved at an excruciatingly slow pace as the devil really was in the details.
Overall, this might be a worthwhile read to some, and I genuinely cannot fault the author on anything being “wrong” with this book. It just turned out to be a novel that wasn’t much to my taste.
June 4, 2012
Wow, to say I was blown away by this book and this author is like saying I tolerate reading. The plot is fast and action packed. The dialogue at times funny and ironic but mostly real and sinister. The story flows with effortless ease and leaves the reader turning page after page. No sparkly vamps, no epic love stories not even a traditionally happy ending. A love story though, yes, an ending, yes. Supernatural, oh my yes, but the evil kind, the mass murder kind. The kind you should not let in!
I am at a loss as to what to say less I give a plot twist away. But what I can and will say is this. If you are a horror fan, this book is so for you. But remember, don’t let it in! I give this book an 8 star rating. It is a book I would and already have recommended as a must read to my best friend. I walked through the house making one after the other cup of coffee without letting go of my kindle, and lastly and most importantly, I personally can't wait to read more by this author.
I am at a loss as to what to say less I give a plot twist away. But what I can and will say is this. If you are a horror fan, this book is so for you. But remember, don’t let it in! I give this book an 8 star rating. It is a book I would and already have recommended as a must read to my best friend. I walked through the house making one after the other cup of coffee without letting go of my kindle, and lastly and most importantly, I personally can't wait to read more by this author.
July 25, 2012
I enjoy books that are supernatural in nature, a good police procedural and intense thrillers. I'm happy to say that The Forsaken had elements of all three, which made this book hard to put down. Jude Foster has his own monsters to slay - especially after being left for dead by his previous partner. Now, he has a new partner, but the monster's wont stay gone.
A killer is on the loose, leaving drained bodies and a signature of a broken cross. The same killer that got away before or a copy cat? Jude is determined to get his man, no matter what this time. Whether it be pure evil, supernatural or human, nothing will stand in his way. Along the way, the reader is glimpsed with parts of Jude's past, things that have made him what he is today and the things that still haunt him. Add in some twists, turns, taut and chilling circumstance and you will find yourself on a heart-thumping ride. I won't say more - I don't want to spoil it for you but if you enjoy thrillers, superb writing and the unexpected, read The Forsaken! Fantastic!
A killer is on the loose, leaving drained bodies and a signature of a broken cross. The same killer that got away before or a copy cat? Jude is determined to get his man, no matter what this time. Whether it be pure evil, supernatural or human, nothing will stand in his way. Along the way, the reader is glimpsed with parts of Jude's past, things that have made him what he is today and the things that still haunt him. Add in some twists, turns, taut and chilling circumstance and you will find yourself on a heart-thumping ride. I won't say more - I don't want to spoil it for you but if you enjoy thrillers, superb writing and the unexpected, read The Forsaken! Fantastic!
September 12, 2012
I received this book from the author to give an honest review.
Where do I even start with this book? It has everything that I truly enjoy reading in a book. Suspense, horror, murder, mystery, the paranormal and to top it off it was a detective type story.
The characters and the plot was written great! Towards the end Estevan wrote in great detail what was happening to Jude it was GREAT!
Jude Foster has demons that he is dealing with his self. When bodies start turning up it looks like his old partner who left him for dead a while back may be at the center of it all along with some help. Along the way of solving the murders that have occurred something paranormal happens to Jude and he has to stop it from taking him over.
The only thing that bothered me a bit and it was nothing major. Is the back story between Morgan and Jude. Either they could have elaborated more or it could be a story written by itself because they have a past together since they use to be partners.
If you truly enjoy a great murder, paranormal book. That is a bit chilling, give this book a read!
Where do I even start with this book? It has everything that I truly enjoy reading in a book. Suspense, horror, murder, mystery, the paranormal and to top it off it was a detective type story.
The characters and the plot was written great! Towards the end Estevan wrote in great detail what was happening to Jude it was GREAT!
Jude Foster has demons that he is dealing with his self. When bodies start turning up it looks like his old partner who left him for dead a while back may be at the center of it all along with some help. Along the way of solving the murders that have occurred something paranormal happens to Jude and he has to stop it from taking him over.
The only thing that bothered me a bit and it was nothing major. Is the back story between Morgan and Jude. Either they could have elaborated more or it could be a story written by itself because they have a past together since they use to be partners.
If you truly enjoy a great murder, paranormal book. That is a bit chilling, give this book a read!
September 21, 2012
I was given this book in return for an honest review. Detective Jude Foster is a trainwreck, left for dead by his partner while hunting a serial killer, he has severe issues and is emotionally unstable. He uselessly sees a therapist when the only real help he gets comes from Friend and priest Father Eliam, who seems to be able to get Jude through the worst of times. When a new killer shows up and leaves a body that has been drained with no marks on it other than a broken cross imprinted on the skin, it is like a flashback for Jude. He's seen this before. He will go on the hunt, but not alone, he is given a new partner against his will. Of course, he can't stand her. This is not your normal killer and this hunt will take him to other places and he will have to figure out if he can trust/protect the people around him to survive. This book was a supernatural,suspense, mystery wrapped in emotions. The killer in this book is not like any killer I've read about before, which I found refreshing in a twisted way. It was a twisted, action packed thriller that I really enjoyed. WaAr
August 6, 2012
This book is about a Detective Jude Foster, who is the main person in this book
The book is about a person that kills people and has a dark twisted feel to it,
Jude was badly hurt a year before by his partner Morgan Cross that left him for dead,
Bodies are turning up dead round the area is it a copy cat killing or the same person back
Jude has a friend in the church St Jude's Father Eliam who he see when thing get rough, Jude has a brother Kevin that takes drugs, and he get a new partner to work with Racheal which he dont like to start of with
the book is a page turn
thank you Estevan for letting me read the book
The book is about a person that kills people and has a dark twisted feel to it,
Jude was badly hurt a year before by his partner Morgan Cross that left him for dead,
Bodies are turning up dead round the area is it a copy cat killing or the same person back
Jude has a friend in the church St Jude's Father Eliam who he see when thing get rough, Jude has a brother Kevin that takes drugs, and he get a new partner to work with Racheal which he dont like to start of with
the book is a page turn
thank you Estevan for letting me read the book
April 7, 2014
Dreadful. Could not finish. Got about 40% through it. I appreciate that when reading a book that contains demons, vampires, spirits or whatever, one has to suspend disbelief. But things that are ordinary events should follow the well known path. Cleary the author never watched an episode of CSI or Law & Order.
Every character in the book is an isolated, loner with some troubled past. There ends any character development through character interaction.
Every character in the book is an isolated, loner with some troubled past. There ends any character development through character interaction.
March 24, 2009
I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Estevan Vega is definately talented and I hope with his next book he finds a better editor. I keep looking into those self-publishing places. I think if he had been picked up by one of the big publishing houses and had a great editor, this story would have gone fron okay to amazing.
May 15, 2015
I found this book very difficult to get through. I will read just about anything but the dark arts in this book were a little much for my liking. It also didn't move as fast as I thought it would. I would read a few chapters and get bored then pick it up weeks later...it did not capture my attention at all. The writing was great and the storyline was not bad, overall just not my favorite book
June 1, 2013
I did not finish this novel which is really unusual for me. Too bazaar!
July 9, 2013
Well written but far too dark for me. Found it hard to read . Stephen king fans may enjoy it though.
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