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The Vendicatori #1
Four Pieces for Power: Book 1 of the Vendicatori
When mysterious strangers arrive at the home of Andrew Correo, they provide him with life changing news. He learns of the Vedicatori, a secret organization established by his ancestors, an organization he now has the chance to inherit control over. In order to gain this control, he needs to compete with Robert Stavero in a global scavenger hunt. They must search for four illusive crystals that, when brought together, will tell them their final destination. Also in Edson, Monica Correo is planning a wedding to her love, John Weaver. With the wedding so close to Halloween, the pair decide to have a masquerade ball for the wedding reception. It will be an event no one in Edson will ever forget. With just a clue and limited guidance, both Andrew and Robert set out on their secretive journey. For both, the path leads to mystery, suspense, and self-discovery. As Andrew looks forward to his future, while putting parts of his past behind him, Robert grows greedy and develops a love for deception and hate. The hunt brings them through the ruins of Teotihuacan to the Eternal City and its history, but who will have the cunning to come out on top?
246 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2014
About the author
Marc Estes
2 books22 followersMarc Estes is a two-time winner of the Vermont Playwright's Award for his plays, What Would Dickens Do? and Glass Closets in 2010 and 2011. What Would Dickens Do? also won the 2012 Robert J. Pickering Award for Playwriting Excellence.
His play, Gumbo (adapted from the short story by Charles Huckelbury) was a finalist in the 2011 Safe Streets Arts Foundation Short Play Competition and was presented at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
His play The Practice of Killing (co-written with Robert Johnson and adapted from the short story by Mr. Johnson) has been published in the Spring 2013 edition of Tacenda Literary Magazine.
His Play Glass Closets won the 2013 Robert Chesley Award. Attaining this award earned him the Artist In Residence Grant from the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation in Taos, New Mexico in 2014.
Early in 2014 Marc Estes proudly presented his debut novel, Four Pieces For Power: Book One of the Vendicatori. This marks the first in a series of Vendicatori novels developed by Mr. Estes. Rekindle The Flame: Book 2 of the Vendicatori will be released in early 2015.
In September of 2014, his play, Going Home, was presented at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC as part of the the Page To Stage Festival.
In 2015 Four Pieces For Power was given the Gold Seal of Literary Excellence and nominated for the Eric Hoffer Award.
His play, Gumbo (adapted from the short story by Charles Huckelbury) was a finalist in the 2011 Safe Streets Arts Foundation Short Play Competition and was presented at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
His play The Practice of Killing (co-written with Robert Johnson and adapted from the short story by Mr. Johnson) has been published in the Spring 2013 edition of Tacenda Literary Magazine.
His Play Glass Closets won the 2013 Robert Chesley Award. Attaining this award earned him the Artist In Residence Grant from the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation in Taos, New Mexico in 2014.
Early in 2014 Marc Estes proudly presented his debut novel, Four Pieces For Power: Book One of the Vendicatori. This marks the first in a series of Vendicatori novels developed by Mr. Estes. Rekindle The Flame: Book 2 of the Vendicatori will be released in early 2015.
In September of 2014, his play, Going Home, was presented at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC as part of the the Page To Stage Festival.
In 2015 Four Pieces For Power was given the Gold Seal of Literary Excellence and nominated for the Eric Hoffer Award.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 1, 2014
What can I say? Amazon review compared it to Dan Brown :)
March 9, 2014
Book – Four Pieces for Power (The Vendicatori #1)
Author – Marc Estes
Star rating -★★★★★
Plot – nicely planned, well paced and intriguing
Characters – lots of variety, good exploration
Movie Potential -★★★★★
Ease of reading – very easy to read
Cover -✔
Suitable Title - ✔
Would I read it again - ✔
-
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
.
First off, let me say that I LOVE the cover, the idea, the plot and the title. If it wasn't for the author finding me first, I would definitely have picked up this book at any time, any place, all from the blurb, title and cover. First impressions mean a lot and this one ticks all the boxes for me. All prove to be extremely relevant and appropriate for the story.
I enjoyed the start of the story. It was interesting, with good mood and atmosphere and a nice blend of description and story. We were instantly introduced to the story with intrigue and a history that instantly sucked me into the story. I was able to connect with Andrew, our MC really quickly. He's such a likable character, but in no way perfect. He has his flaws and a history that we gradually find out about, but there's also a lot that is hinted at that we may find out about in future books.
I'm a major archaeological/mystery fan and for me, this book had it all. A mysterious letter, good characters, lots of suspenseful moments and cliffhangers, romance, crime, murder, and of course a good archaeological search, complete with riddles that were solvable for the reader, as well as the characters. I think that is VERY important. If the reader can make sense of the riddle, it makes it more believable that a random Joe off the street, with no prior knowledge of the 'secret society' can solve it too.
I must admit that I found chapter 2 extremely emotional, but it wasn't until later that I had the complete emotional breakdown that had me in tears. It was sad, sweet and hit me where it hurt.
I find the characters were interesting; Monica and John are intriguing and I can't wait to see where their story will go. I also really like that Monica is a romance mystery writer and that we get to see parts of her life, which seems separate to the story with Andrew. I hope, and think, the two will interlink later in the series. That would be great. I love Brad and Andrew. They are by far the best characters in the book, in my opinion. They have depth, character, a dark history and lots of potential for growth.
Robert is really interesting, as well. For being a bad guy, I'm really intrigued by his story and how it will develop in the next book. He's been through a lot and he's done a lot, but I'm not sure this is the last we've seen of him yet. With this series, anything is possible. He's incredibly cocky, self-assured and convinced of his own invincibility and that's probably going to keep him coming back again and again. At least, I hope so.
I really, really don't like Jenna. I'm not sure it's the character, I think it's just me. I don't like girls who insist that someone will be theirs without even talking to, consulting or appreciating the wishes and feelings of that person. Jenna is so singularly focused on Andrew being her future husband that she sees nothing and acts very selfishly, more like she's infatuated than in love. Maybe it's because she's had to wait for him to see her, but maybe it's just because she's needy, desperate and obsessed. Unfortunately, it only gets worse as the book goes on. However, the very fact that I have this intense dislike towards Jenna just means that I really connected with the book and the characters. So this is a big thumbs up.
Ramos and Dominic are such interesting people. I know, I use that word a lot, but it's true. And Brad completely breaks my heart, many, many times. Brad + Virgo (the cat) = tears. End of.
I think the fact that we get little snippets of the story at a time, and sometimes have to wait for the next revelation, is brilliant. It keeps the story interesting and builds suspense throughout the whole book, right to the last page.
There are a lot of shocking twists and turns in this book. I read it, able to see many ways for Andrew to win the contest at the end of the book, possibly with Robert getting away to fight another day. I could also see Robert winning, since it's book one and there are more in the series, with Andrew coming back to beat him later. There were so many possibilities for how the book would end and who would triumph. That, to me, is a great writer, because it was neither predictable nor too complex. The story had a good flow, a great ending and so many possibilities for the next book. Personally, I would love to see Jenna become a bad guy, since I don't want her getting together with Andrew, but hey, that's me.
My suggestion – buy this book! You won't regret it.
Author – Marc Estes
Star rating -★★★★★
Plot – nicely planned, well paced and intriguing
Characters – lots of variety, good exploration
Movie Potential -★★★★★
Ease of reading – very easy to read
Cover -✔
Suitable Title - ✔
Would I read it again - ✔
-
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
.
First off, let me say that I LOVE the cover, the idea, the plot and the title. If it wasn't for the author finding me first, I would definitely have picked up this book at any time, any place, all from the blurb, title and cover. First impressions mean a lot and this one ticks all the boxes for me. All prove to be extremely relevant and appropriate for the story.
I enjoyed the start of the story. It was interesting, with good mood and atmosphere and a nice blend of description and story. We were instantly introduced to the story with intrigue and a history that instantly sucked me into the story. I was able to connect with Andrew, our MC really quickly. He's such a likable character, but in no way perfect. He has his flaws and a history that we gradually find out about, but there's also a lot that is hinted at that we may find out about in future books.
I'm a major archaeological/mystery fan and for me, this book had it all. A mysterious letter, good characters, lots of suspenseful moments and cliffhangers, romance, crime, murder, and of course a good archaeological search, complete with riddles that were solvable for the reader, as well as the characters. I think that is VERY important. If the reader can make sense of the riddle, it makes it more believable that a random Joe off the street, with no prior knowledge of the 'secret society' can solve it too.
I must admit that I found chapter 2 extremely emotional, but it wasn't until later that I had the complete emotional breakdown that had me in tears. It was sad, sweet and hit me where it hurt.
I find the characters were interesting; Monica and John are intriguing and I can't wait to see where their story will go. I also really like that Monica is a romance mystery writer and that we get to see parts of her life, which seems separate to the story with Andrew. I hope, and think, the two will interlink later in the series. That would be great. I love Brad and Andrew. They are by far the best characters in the book, in my opinion. They have depth, character, a dark history and lots of potential for growth.
Robert is really interesting, as well. For being a bad guy, I'm really intrigued by his story and how it will develop in the next book. He's been through a lot and he's done a lot, but I'm not sure this is the last we've seen of him yet. With this series, anything is possible. He's incredibly cocky, self-assured and convinced of his own invincibility and that's probably going to keep him coming back again and again. At least, I hope so.
I really, really don't like Jenna. I'm not sure it's the character, I think it's just me. I don't like girls who insist that someone will be theirs without even talking to, consulting or appreciating the wishes and feelings of that person. Jenna is so singularly focused on Andrew being her future husband that she sees nothing and acts very selfishly, more like she's infatuated than in love. Maybe it's because she's had to wait for him to see her, but maybe it's just because she's needy, desperate and obsessed. Unfortunately, it only gets worse as the book goes on. However, the very fact that I have this intense dislike towards Jenna just means that I really connected with the book and the characters. So this is a big thumbs up.
Ramos and Dominic are such interesting people. I know, I use that word a lot, but it's true. And Brad completely breaks my heart, many, many times. Brad + Virgo (the cat) = tears. End of.
I think the fact that we get little snippets of the story at a time, and sometimes have to wait for the next revelation, is brilliant. It keeps the story interesting and builds suspense throughout the whole book, right to the last page.
There are a lot of shocking twists and turns in this book. I read it, able to see many ways for Andrew to win the contest at the end of the book, possibly with Robert getting away to fight another day. I could also see Robert winning, since it's book one and there are more in the series, with Andrew coming back to beat him later. There were so many possibilities for how the book would end and who would triumph. That, to me, is a great writer, because it was neither predictable nor too complex. The story had a good flow, a great ending and so many possibilities for the next book. Personally, I would love to see Jenna become a bad guy, since I don't want her getting together with Andrew, but hey, that's me.
My suggestion – buy this book! You won't regret it.
November 20, 2014
I found Four Pieces for Power: Book 1 of the Vendicatori by Marc Estes to be a very enjoyable thriller to read. I have watched quite a few thrillers on the cinema and television screen, but I have not read many thriller novels. I can understand why readers like them. There is the pleasure of a puzzle solved, for one thing. The book began very well, as far as I was concerned, for its first sentence introduces one of its main characters, Andrew Correo, sat in his study, reading The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, his favourite classic novel, a book I enjoyed reading myself. Sadly, when people hear the title, The Phantom of the Opera, they are far more likely to think of the films and stage musical by that name, and not the book on which they are based. Could the fact that the book begins with Andrew reading The Phantom of the Opera be a clue to what is to come, I wondered. Now that I have finished reading the book, I know that it did. Robert, Andrew's rival to become the head of the secret organisation, the Vendicatori, is a master of disguise, like the Opera Phantom, for example, which I thought made him an even more chilling, dangerous opponent.
The novel read to me like a journey through a maze, from the first door, deeper and further in, growing more complex, intriguing, so that, of course, I wanted to know what lay at its centre. Once Andrew set off on his quest, first to the Temple of the Sun in Mexico, then to Italy, I liked the way his adventures were contrasted with events at home in America, where his friends and family are preparing for the wedding of his sister. The passages dealing with the preparations for the wedding effectively helped to increase the tension of those concerned with Andrew and his quest.
Marc Estes writes well, I think, in clear prose, and his characters are all interesting and believable. Certainly his story made me want to read Book Two. Anyone who likes a good thriller, a journey down a labyrinth to solve a riddle, and find mysterious objects, which when brought together will solve a puzzle, will enjoy reading this book.
The novel read to me like a journey through a maze, from the first door, deeper and further in, growing more complex, intriguing, so that, of course, I wanted to know what lay at its centre. Once Andrew set off on his quest, first to the Temple of the Sun in Mexico, then to Italy, I liked the way his adventures were contrasted with events at home in America, where his friends and family are preparing for the wedding of his sister. The passages dealing with the preparations for the wedding effectively helped to increase the tension of those concerned with Andrew and his quest.
Marc Estes writes well, I think, in clear prose, and his characters are all interesting and believable. Certainly his story made me want to read Book Two. Anyone who likes a good thriller, a journey down a labyrinth to solve a riddle, and find mysterious objects, which when brought together will solve a puzzle, will enjoy reading this book.
August 17, 2014
There's much to like about this story of an average guy, Andrew, who suddenly becomes involved in a clue solving contest to win an inheritance and take his seat at the head of the shadowy organisation of the Vendicatori, but at the same time, I was constantly wanting more of some bits and less of others.
I wanted to know more about the organisation, more about Andrew's 'nemesis' Robert, and more about the rules of the game they found themselves in. There was a slight lack of depth to the characters' actions because of this, but if you take it all at face value and just go along for the ride, then the book is very enjoyable.
The author is an extremely capable writer, whose style fits the genre perfectly, and the reader is swept along and constantly wanting to know what happens next. The sub-story of Andrew's family back home and his sister preparing for her wedding is a great device to give balance to the story; and to highlight the underlying general theme of family, but I felt there was far too much of the sub-story, and therefore too little of 'the action' and the competition at hand.
As this is the first book in a series, presumably some of the questions I was left with will come to be answered.
All in all, if you're a fan of conspiratorial adventure books, in the vain of Dan Brown and Clive Cussler, then I'm sure you won't be disappointed. It's an easily read, mostly fast paced book which I could easily see being turned into a movie. And maybe the author's much more clever than I think- seeing as I'm left wanting to know more, and will therefore be wanting to read the next in the series!
Harry Whitewolf. (Author of Route Number 11: Argentina, Angels & Alcohol.)
I wanted to know more about the organisation, more about Andrew's 'nemesis' Robert, and more about the rules of the game they found themselves in. There was a slight lack of depth to the characters' actions because of this, but if you take it all at face value and just go along for the ride, then the book is very enjoyable.
The author is an extremely capable writer, whose style fits the genre perfectly, and the reader is swept along and constantly wanting to know what happens next. The sub-story of Andrew's family back home and his sister preparing for her wedding is a great device to give balance to the story; and to highlight the underlying general theme of family, but I felt there was far too much of the sub-story, and therefore too little of 'the action' and the competition at hand.
As this is the first book in a series, presumably some of the questions I was left with will come to be answered.
All in all, if you're a fan of conspiratorial adventure books, in the vain of Dan Brown and Clive Cussler, then I'm sure you won't be disappointed. It's an easily read, mostly fast paced book which I could easily see being turned into a movie. And maybe the author's much more clever than I think- seeing as I'm left wanting to know more, and will therefore be wanting to read the next in the series!
Harry Whitewolf. (Author of Route Number 11: Argentina, Angels & Alcohol.)
September 3, 2014
Four Pieces for Power by Marc Estes is subtitled Book I of The Vendicatori, so right away you suspect (and hope) you're in for a thrill ride through a murky world of international intrigue, clandestine control, and ancient esoterica. And that’s exactly where Estes takes you.
Our protagonist, Andrew, is an unassuming guy with an idyllic life in small-town New England, but that tranquility shatters when two enigmatic strangers inform him that his bloodline makes him heir apparent to unimaginable power as leader of the secretive Vendicatori, a cryptic organization that is used to benefit the world. But that power must be earned through competition with a ruthless and cunning usurper who wants to wield that power to fuel his own megalomania.
Estes contrasts Andrew’s globe-trotting adventure with preparations for Andrew’s sister’s wedding back in New England, but as Andrew progresses more and more into his quest, even those ostensibly innocuous events garner a sense of foreboding.
Estes’ brisk storytelling keeps everything moving and all the plates spinning – jumping from one character to the other, one location to the other - while the reader tries to keep up, wondering what’s lurking around the next turn of the page.
It’s what Andrew needs to learn that drives the narrative – and the reader – and whether it’s a cozy restaurant in New England or the musty Catacombs in Rome, Estes keeps it compelling.
Solve the clues, outsmart the villain, get there first, then get back to your family in time. And oh, yeah, don’t get yourself killed in the process. Good luck, Andrew. And, Andrew, try to get as much rest as you can. This is just Book I.
Our protagonist, Andrew, is an unassuming guy with an idyllic life in small-town New England, but that tranquility shatters when two enigmatic strangers inform him that his bloodline makes him heir apparent to unimaginable power as leader of the secretive Vendicatori, a cryptic organization that is used to benefit the world. But that power must be earned through competition with a ruthless and cunning usurper who wants to wield that power to fuel his own megalomania.
Estes contrasts Andrew’s globe-trotting adventure with preparations for Andrew’s sister’s wedding back in New England, but as Andrew progresses more and more into his quest, even those ostensibly innocuous events garner a sense of foreboding.
Estes’ brisk storytelling keeps everything moving and all the plates spinning – jumping from one character to the other, one location to the other - while the reader tries to keep up, wondering what’s lurking around the next turn of the page.
It’s what Andrew needs to learn that drives the narrative – and the reader – and whether it’s a cozy restaurant in New England or the musty Catacombs in Rome, Estes keeps it compelling.
Solve the clues, outsmart the villain, get there first, then get back to your family in time. And oh, yeah, don’t get yourself killed in the process. Good luck, Andrew. And, Andrew, try to get as much rest as you can. This is just Book I.
September 29, 2014
Andrew Correo is an average guy, recently going through a grieving peroid for a lost love. The last thing he expects is for strange men to show up, tell him his dead grandfather actually was alive until recently and he is next in line to inherit the Vendicatori, the family legacy...but he isn't the only contender. In order to beat his opponent, he has to travel the world, looking for four pieces of a puzzle to lead him to his birthright.
Robert is the other, a devious man who, after getting word of the vast fortune he is to compete for, gets a taste for death and trickery.
Meanwhile, Andrew's sister is getting married at a Halloween masquerade, and he may not make it home to be there.
Acclaimed playwright Mark Estes' debut novel is an adrenaline-filled adventure, wrought with danger and deception at every turn.
It is a slightly moral tale, about how money and power can corrupt even the most good-hearted man. The evil that lies dormant in every human heart comes to the surface in Four Pieces For Power, where a fortune that could change your life is at stake.
The characters seem very basic, except for one thing in each. In Andrew, it's his grief over a murdered lover. It's relatable and genuine, and easily makes him the favorite of the two main characters. With Robert, it's actually his corruption. The darkness is alluring and frightening at the same time.
This is a well-plotted tale and I will be reading the rest of the series!
4/5--great work!
Robert is the other, a devious man who, after getting word of the vast fortune he is to compete for, gets a taste for death and trickery.
Meanwhile, Andrew's sister is getting married at a Halloween masquerade, and he may not make it home to be there.
Acclaimed playwright Mark Estes' debut novel is an adrenaline-filled adventure, wrought with danger and deception at every turn.
It is a slightly moral tale, about how money and power can corrupt even the most good-hearted man. The evil that lies dormant in every human heart comes to the surface in Four Pieces For Power, where a fortune that could change your life is at stake.
The characters seem very basic, except for one thing in each. In Andrew, it's his grief over a murdered lover. It's relatable and genuine, and easily makes him the favorite of the two main characters. With Robert, it's actually his corruption. The darkness is alluring and frightening at the same time.
This is a well-plotted tale and I will be reading the rest of the series!
4/5--great work!
January 2, 2015
Dan Brown, look to your laurels!
Andrew is reading Gaston Leroux's original Phantom of the Opera novel when a black limousine turns into his driveway: the perfect opening to a book that comes close to rivalling the Da Vinci Code. He is told of the real death of his grandfather, a man thought killed in car crash twenty years before, and his task of finding the four pieces for power. Meanwhile Robert, born to a rival family, is told the same thing about the quest by a different “guide”. Winner takes all: a vast fortune and power over the Vendicatori, a philanthropic version of the Mafia.
From the location of the first “piece”, the Temple of the Sun, the highest of the great pyramids at the Holy City of Teotihuacan, the fight for the four pieces is non-stop action. Andrew is an ordinary young man, anxious to return home for his sister’s wedding, while Robert is his opposite, almost his mirror-image dark side. It comes as no surprise, given the Mafia connection, or rather the lack of it since the Vendicatori was formed for good not evil, that the next stop is Rome: one of the few things I did guess, and I suspect I was intended to guess.
Who wins the murderous battle for the first “piece”, and who finds the second? Two more, and everything to play for... with Andrew’s sister’s wedding, the date ironically set for Halloween, getting closer, and closer… A clever, compelling, story with well-drawn, memorable characters, it would make a terrific movie.
Andrew is reading Gaston Leroux's original Phantom of the Opera novel when a black limousine turns into his driveway: the perfect opening to a book that comes close to rivalling the Da Vinci Code. He is told of the real death of his grandfather, a man thought killed in car crash twenty years before, and his task of finding the four pieces for power. Meanwhile Robert, born to a rival family, is told the same thing about the quest by a different “guide”. Winner takes all: a vast fortune and power over the Vendicatori, a philanthropic version of the Mafia.
From the location of the first “piece”, the Temple of the Sun, the highest of the great pyramids at the Holy City of Teotihuacan, the fight for the four pieces is non-stop action. Andrew is an ordinary young man, anxious to return home for his sister’s wedding, while Robert is his opposite, almost his mirror-image dark side. It comes as no surprise, given the Mafia connection, or rather the lack of it since the Vendicatori was formed for good not evil, that the next stop is Rome: one of the few things I did guess, and I suspect I was intended to guess.
Who wins the murderous battle for the first “piece”, and who finds the second? Two more, and everything to play for... with Andrew’s sister’s wedding, the date ironically set for Halloween, getting closer, and closer… A clever, compelling, story with well-drawn, memorable characters, it would make a terrific movie.
August 17, 2014
Adventure!
A man’s very settled life suddenly turns upside down by an unexpected visitor who reveals a secret that changes everything. Andrew Correo’s grandfather, who he’d thought to be dead for many years, had faked his death and disappeared to head a powerful organization known as Vindicatori. Now, he has passed away and Andrew has the opportunity to take over the command of this world dominating force and carry on his grandfather’s work.
But, there is a challenge, set in place by Grandfather Correo that must first be won . Andrew and his rival, Robert, must compete in a high stakes deadly game to find four pieces of a puzzle.
The first man to find all four pieces wins the leadership of Vindicatori. This quest leads them from the pyramids of Mexico to Rome, where they discover clues to help them find each piece of the puzzle. But, one of the men doesn’t play fair. Suspense builds throughout the story with a climatic ending.
Marc Estes did a great job of weaving the characters of this story together in a compelling way. I was hooked from the first chapter. This tale is very much along the lines of an Indiana Jones adventure or a Dan Brown novel. If you like action/adventure stories with intrigue and espionage, you will love this debut novel!
A man’s very settled life suddenly turns upside down by an unexpected visitor who reveals a secret that changes everything. Andrew Correo’s grandfather, who he’d thought to be dead for many years, had faked his death and disappeared to head a powerful organization known as Vindicatori. Now, he has passed away and Andrew has the opportunity to take over the command of this world dominating force and carry on his grandfather’s work.
But, there is a challenge, set in place by Grandfather Correo that must first be won . Andrew and his rival, Robert, must compete in a high stakes deadly game to find four pieces of a puzzle.
The first man to find all four pieces wins the leadership of Vindicatori. This quest leads them from the pyramids of Mexico to Rome, where they discover clues to help them find each piece of the puzzle. But, one of the men doesn’t play fair. Suspense builds throughout the story with a climatic ending.
Marc Estes did a great job of weaving the characters of this story together in a compelling way. I was hooked from the first chapter. This tale is very much along the lines of an Indiana Jones adventure or a Dan Brown novel. If you like action/adventure stories with intrigue and espionage, you will love this debut novel!
June 2, 2015
Andrew Correo is the typical average guy who is living a somewhat idealistic life. It seems that his only problem is having trouble getting over a lost love life. One day while reading the original “Phantom Of The Opera” (Love that subliminal motif there), a group of strange men arrive at his house and inform him that he is now in line to be the leader of a secret organization called the “Vendicatori”. But he isn’t automatically given the title of the leader after the men leave his house. The only way he can be given the role he desires is to compete against another man named Robert Stavero who is a rival of Andrew’s family and who also longs to be the leader of the “Vendicatori”. Unlike Andrew who wants to do good for his family and the organization, Robert is just after the organization for his own personal greed. The two men must compete against each other in a search for four crystals. When they are brought together, they will inform the winner of where they must go next to become the leader of “Vendicatori”
Marc Estes provides us with a dark adventure filled with entertaining characters and many situations filled with action and suspense. This book is apart of a series. In other words, can't wait to read book two.
Marc Estes provides us with a dark adventure filled with entertaining characters and many situations filled with action and suspense. This book is apart of a series. In other words, can't wait to read book two.
July 7, 2014
A Worldwide Conspiracy to control wealth and power!
Marc Estes has created a well-written book dealing with a worldwide conspiracy to control wealth and power. In the style of Dan Brown, Marc weaves a tale about two men competing to head the global organization, Vendicatori. They must solve riddles and travel to Mexico and Italy to recover four stones that collectively will solve the puzzle and win the competition. It is a fast paced, entertaining story with good character development, scene descriptions, and lots of suspense. I would have preferred slightly less of the family subplot and more of the search, but that is a minor issue. Overall, this is a great first book of a series. I strongly recommend 'Four Pieces for Power'.
Marc Estes has created a well-written book dealing with a worldwide conspiracy to control wealth and power. In the style of Dan Brown, Marc weaves a tale about two men competing to head the global organization, Vendicatori. They must solve riddles and travel to Mexico and Italy to recover four stones that collectively will solve the puzzle and win the competition. It is a fast paced, entertaining story with good character development, scene descriptions, and lots of suspense. I would have preferred slightly less of the family subplot and more of the search, but that is a minor issue. Overall, this is a great first book of a series. I strongly recommend 'Four Pieces for Power'.
May 10, 2015
Interesting, Mysterious and Adventurous
What more could you want in a novel? I loved the story of Andrew Correo and how he had to fight for something he never would've dreamed of wanting before Dominic came into his life with his inheritance. The story moved forward at a steady pace as Andrew and his adversary studied clues to find their next prize. The winner of the game would win the kingdom, so to speak.
I loved many things about the "Four Pieces For Power" story and the writing. I loved the short chapters and I liked the way Mr. Estes divided up the scenes and brought everything together in the end. I loved the different locations introduced as the story moved forward. I give this book a 4.5 which I rounded up to 5. I can't wait to read the next book of the Vendicatori series.
What more could you want in a novel? I loved the story of Andrew Correo and how he had to fight for something he never would've dreamed of wanting before Dominic came into his life with his inheritance. The story moved forward at a steady pace as Andrew and his adversary studied clues to find their next prize. The winner of the game would win the kingdom, so to speak.
I loved many things about the "Four Pieces For Power" story and the writing. I loved the short chapters and I liked the way Mr. Estes divided up the scenes and brought everything together in the end. I loved the different locations introduced as the story moved forward. I give this book a 4.5 which I rounded up to 5. I can't wait to read the next book of the Vendicatori series.
August 1, 2014
Wow this book was exquisite to read. Wonderfully set out and thoughtfully written out my heart felt thanks go to the amazing author Marc Estes & thanks for the privilege of reading his amazing book.Ido hope to read more of his wonderful work in the future as this book was a pleasure to read. I also can see the amazing hard work you put in to writing your wonderful book so thank you. This book I would be delighted to recommend this amazing book to all my friends so happy reading to all with love from wee me. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
November 21, 2014
Two men competing for untold wealth and power – a good basis for any plot. Andrew and Robert are both given the clues to finding the four pieces that will give one of them supreme control of the Vendicatori, but there can only be one winner. Andrew is an ordinary man, still grieving from Colleen’s death five years ago when he is thrown into a situation he could never have imagined. Will he be able to match Robert’s determination and capacity for killing?
February 27, 2015
I have had the distinct pleasure of seeing Marc develop as a writer in the years that i have known him. I first had the pleasure of reading this book in manuscript form, and I could not put it down. A year ago when it was released i was already waiting for the sequel to be written.
He has taken the genre that Dan Brown started and made it his own.
He has taken the genre that Dan Brown started and made it his own.
October 14, 2014
Intrigue from the very first chapter that keeps on going. Great plotting with a story line that keeps you engaged and reading. Have to say I did not want to go to bed and spent my first hour of the morning reading this book. If you like a thriller like The Da Vinci Code, you'll love Four Pieces for Power!
April 22, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked within the first few pages. The characters, plot, and writing style is interesting and works together to keep you engrossed.
My only disappointment with this book was... it's too short! I can't wait for Book 2!
My only disappointment with this book was... it's too short! I can't wait for Book 2!
November 21, 2014
This was a very interesting book. I was interested from the 1st chapter. It was like I was living in the book. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Thank you Goodreads and Marc Estes for giving me the chance to read this book.
June 20, 2014
It was a good, fun, short summer read. A little disappointed with the ending, I knew who was taking the stairs two at a time and it was not the guy who was recovering from a gun shot wound.
July 31, 2015
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Ideally, I'd give this book 3.5 stars. While I personally don't feel it's quite at 4 stars, I did find it really easy and entertaining to read.
It was a bit disappointing that the synopsis gave away who the bad guy was. I would have liked there to be a bit more mystery involved. I also wasn't sure what the four pieces that both Andrew and Robert were working towards were meant to actually be... although I did understand their importance to the organisation fairly well.
I have to say, I found Andrew to be a character with a bit more depth to him than Robert... though the character I very much preferred was Ramos. I found him intriguing and there was a lot more to him than was first revealed. It would have been good to have the opportunity to see more of his interactions with Dominic. I would have liked to see more of the personal relationships altogether.
Although there were some elements of mystery in this book, I did find it difficult to figure out the clues and how they related to where the pieces were. There were a couple of nice scenes containing banter... but I found that there were a lot of information dumps in the narration and too much summarising of the story.
I found it interesting to read about the past involving Andrew's wife... though it would have been nice to be shown about her, rather than told. It was good to see that she still affected the other characters and I couldn't help feeling sorry for Brad. While I was glad that he ended up with company, though, his feelings for Jenna didn't really come across as very realistic.
It was good to have Monica's and John's wedding plans interspersed with the action involving Andrew and Robert. I didn't really like Brittany, even though I think she did care about her son and daughter. There were some nice family scenes... I just think it would have been good to be able to see the story expanded and with more showing rather than telling.
I'm not sure I'd read the second book in this series. It depends on how expanded the story and characters are.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Ideally, I'd give this book 3.5 stars. While I personally don't feel it's quite at 4 stars, I did find it really easy and entertaining to read.
It was a bit disappointing that the synopsis gave away who the bad guy was. I would have liked there to be a bit more mystery involved. I also wasn't sure what the four pieces that both Andrew and Robert were working towards were meant to actually be... although I did understand their importance to the organisation fairly well.
I have to say, I found Andrew to be a character with a bit more depth to him than Robert... though the character I very much preferred was Ramos. I found him intriguing and there was a lot more to him than was first revealed. It would have been good to have the opportunity to see more of his interactions with Dominic. I would have liked to see more of the personal relationships altogether.
Although there were some elements of mystery in this book, I did find it difficult to figure out the clues and how they related to where the pieces were. There were a couple of nice scenes containing banter... but I found that there were a lot of information dumps in the narration and too much summarising of the story.
I found it interesting to read about the past involving Andrew's wife... though it would have been nice to be shown about her, rather than told. It was good to see that she still affected the other characters and I couldn't help feeling sorry for Brad. While I was glad that he ended up with company, though, his feelings for Jenna didn't really come across as very realistic.
It was good to have Monica's and John's wedding plans interspersed with the action involving Andrew and Robert. I didn't really like Brittany, even though I think she did care about her son and daughter. There were some nice family scenes... I just think it would have been good to be able to see the story expanded and with more showing rather than telling.
I'm not sure I'd read the second book in this series. It depends on how expanded the story and characters are.
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