What do you think?
Rate this book
When they made fun of Gia Santella's family in school, her father arranged for her to study karate.
But now her father was dead. And her karate skills had failed her. The attack--from someone she trusted--changed her, and her life, forever.
She was alone in the world and it was up to her to seek her own justice.
Vendetta was her destiny.
But now her father was dead. And her karate skills had failed her. The attack--from someone she trusted--changed her, and her life, forever.
She was alone in the world and it was up to her to seek her own justice.
Vendetta was her destiny.
ebook
First published January 24, 2018
77 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Kristi Belcamino
98 books424 followersKristi Belcamino is a USA TODAY bestselling author, an Agatha, Anthony, Barry & Macavity, award finalist, a newspaper cops reporter, and an Italian mama who makes a tasty biscotti.
Newsletter Sign up: https://www.subscribepage.com/KristiB...
FULL LIST OF BOOKS:
Gia Santella Crime Thrillers:
Related to Gia Santella Crime Thrillers:
Gia (prequel novella)
Lone Raven (novella)
Taste of Vengeance
Queen of Spades Thrillers
Related: Eva (prequel novella)
Vigilante Crime Series:
Stand Alones:
Nonfiction
Gabriella Giovanni Mystery Series:
Blessed are the Dead
Blessed are the Meek
Blessed are Those Who Weep
Blessed are Those Who Mourn
Blessed are the Peacemakers
Blessed are the Merciful
Related:
The Saint (prequel novella)
Misc:
City of Angels
Tomb of the Queen
Crush Your Query
Newsletter Sign up: https://www.subscribepage.com/KristiB...
FULL LIST OF BOOKS:
Gia Santella Crime Thrillers:
Related to Gia Santella Crime Thrillers:
Gia (prequel novella)
Lone Raven (novella)
Taste of Vengeance
Queen of Spades Thrillers
Related: Eva (prequel novella)
Vigilante Crime Series:
Stand Alones:
Nonfiction
Gabriella Giovanni Mystery Series:
Blessed are the Dead
Blessed are the Meek
Blessed are Those Who Weep
Blessed are Those Who Mourn
Blessed are the Peacemakers
Blessed are the Merciful
Related:
The Saint (prequel novella)
Misc:
City of Angels
Tomb of the Queen
Crush Your Query
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 26, 2022
What an intriguing novella. It’s definitely setting Gia up to be a possible heroine. The stuff that came at her all at once was harsh and I hope she has gotten over the self pity and self destructive behavior. Gia has a lot of potential. We will meet again soon, Gia.
October 3, 2020
Nice intro story to get acquainted with Gia Santella. Self contained but serves as a great teaser to the main series.
January 25, 2018
A new-to-me author. This novella is a prequel to her Gia Santella series. It gives a bit of foundation/background to Gia who had a difficult life as a teenager, teasing from friends and insecurities. Gia's parents have been killed in this novella and her only sibling, an estranged brother, has let her know that she will never see him again either.
I'm not fond of novellas, but since it was short I breezed through it in no time. Not a bad read, I had to wrap my brain around first person narrative - not used to that.
A thumbs up and 3.5 stars
I'm not fond of novellas, but since it was short I breezed through it in no time. Not a bad read, I had to wrap my brain around first person narrative - not used to that.
A thumbs up and 3.5 stars
July 15, 2022
Excellent prequel novelette introducing Gia Santella. Fast moving and action packed. Highly recommended.
June 18, 2019
Very interesting character. Good start to a promising series
-This is a new series from an author whose previous novels I thoroughly enjoyed. Those novels had a captivating way of describing action scenes and building up the right kind of tension, and this first short story follows in the same vein.
-Gia Santelli is one of two children of wealthy parents. Her parents are out of the country on the day of Gia’s 21st birthday. Her brother Christopher has no connection with anyone in her family and, in fact, Gia has a deep dislike for him bordering on fear. He was a sociopath, and it was suspected that he even murdered someone. Gia’s godfather, Vito, has always watched over her and she has a good relationship with him. In fact, she’s always lived by him during her parents’ frequent trips abroad.
-Gia had only one steady boyfriend, a boy named Andy, but he broke up with her before he went to college. It was a one sided relationship, as he only wanted what he couldn’t have. Gia was now reluctantly going out to celebrate her birthday with friends, with her ex being one of the group. It was trying for her, and she left early. Just as she left, though, a man came out of the bushes with his face covered by a mask and attacked her. Despite training that she’s been having in karate, he subdued and raped her. When she got home, she was going to tell Vito what happened, but as she walked in she saw him holding the phone, while his whole body trembled. He looked up to her and told her he was sorry, but both her parents were just killed in an accident. He then collapsed on the floor while clutching his heart.
-Gia managed to call 911, but she too had to be hospitalized, though she didn’t tell anyone of what happened to her. Days later, when she came to, she knew that traces of the rape would have been gone. The only thing that she could think of was vengeance against the person that did this to her.
-This is the start of how she pushed herself to overcome her fears, and how she started training to never be defenseless again. She did ultimately find the rapist, but she became a different person in the process, and someone who could be very interesting as a central figure in the upcoming series. The apparent wealth of Gia’s parents, now belonging to her and her estranged brother, will give her the financial freedom to engage in actions without worry of how to support herself.
-Though this was a very short novella, it still showed the high quality of writing by the author.
-This is a new series from an author whose previous novels I thoroughly enjoyed. Those novels had a captivating way of describing action scenes and building up the right kind of tension, and this first short story follows in the same vein.
-Gia Santelli is one of two children of wealthy parents. Her parents are out of the country on the day of Gia’s 21st birthday. Her brother Christopher has no connection with anyone in her family and, in fact, Gia has a deep dislike for him bordering on fear. He was a sociopath, and it was suspected that he even murdered someone. Gia’s godfather, Vito, has always watched over her and she has a good relationship with him. In fact, she’s always lived by him during her parents’ frequent trips abroad.
-Gia had only one steady boyfriend, a boy named Andy, but he broke up with her before he went to college. It was a one sided relationship, as he only wanted what he couldn’t have. Gia was now reluctantly going out to celebrate her birthday with friends, with her ex being one of the group. It was trying for her, and she left early. Just as she left, though, a man came out of the bushes with his face covered by a mask and attacked her. Despite training that she’s been having in karate, he subdued and raped her. When she got home, she was going to tell Vito what happened, but as she walked in she saw him holding the phone, while his whole body trembled. He looked up to her and told her he was sorry, but both her parents were just killed in an accident. He then collapsed on the floor while clutching his heart.
-Gia managed to call 911, but she too had to be hospitalized, though she didn’t tell anyone of what happened to her. Days later, when she came to, she knew that traces of the rape would have been gone. The only thing that she could think of was vengeance against the person that did this to her.
-This is the start of how she pushed herself to overcome her fears, and how she started training to never be defenseless again. She did ultimately find the rapist, but she became a different person in the process, and someone who could be very interesting as a central figure in the upcoming series. The apparent wealth of Gia’s parents, now belonging to her and her estranged brother, will give her the financial freedom to engage in actions without worry of how to support herself.
-Though this was a very short novella, it still showed the high quality of writing by the author.
November 6, 2018
After reading, and really enjoying, City of the Dead, the first novel in the Gia Santella series, I wanted to read the prequel Gia. This enables me to fill in some of the backstory for this kick-ass new heroine.
.
Gia isn't a cop, a private investigator or even a psychic. She is an Italian-American heiress who has a heart of gold and nerves of steel. This prequel, albeit very short, still filled in some blank spots for me and explained some of Gia's motivations for the way she is.
.
Belcamino is a very talented writer, with a style that invariably pulls the reader into her world, and makes them glad to be there. Gia, for all of her faults, is still a very sympathetic heroine, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Thank you, Kristi, for the chance to read this prequel.
.
Gia isn't a cop, a private investigator or even a psychic. She is an Italian-American heiress who has a heart of gold and nerves of steel. This prequel, albeit very short, still filled in some blank spots for me and explained some of Gia's motivations for the way she is.
.
Belcamino is a very talented writer, with a style that invariably pulls the reader into her world, and makes them glad to be there. Gia, for all of her faults, is still a very sympathetic heroine, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Thank you, Kristi, for the chance to read this prequel.
October 8, 2020
Gia - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A fascinating glimpse into the tragic events of Gia's 21st birthday evening, that triggered her aspirations as a vigilante heiress, to right the wrongs suffered by those who can't defend themselves, or suffer as she did that night.
It also introduces Vito, (Gia's godfather and her late parents' close friend) plus Gia's gay bff Dante, whose influence, care and (platonic) love has saved her from sinking into a desperate depression.
How will she overcome her sense of helplessness in the face of a cruel Fate?
Where will Gia learn how to move on with her life?
Who is Darling and how does she comfort Gia with practical help as well as tlc?
A must-read start to Kristi Belcamino's Gia Santella Crime Thrillers series, you'll definitely want to start Gia's new life journey with our heroine, so get your copy today!
A fascinating glimpse into the tragic events of Gia's 21st birthday evening, that triggered her aspirations as a vigilante heiress, to right the wrongs suffered by those who can't defend themselves, or suffer as she did that night.
It also introduces Vito, (Gia's godfather and her late parents' close friend) plus Gia's gay bff Dante, whose influence, care and (platonic) love has saved her from sinking into a desperate depression.
How will she overcome her sense of helplessness in the face of a cruel Fate?
Where will Gia learn how to move on with her life?
Who is Darling and how does she comfort Gia with practical help as well as tlc?
A must-read start to Kristi Belcamino's Gia Santella Crime Thrillers series, you'll definitely want to start Gia's new life journey with our heroine, so get your copy today!
February 10, 2018
Interesting heroine, loose moral standards of a spoiled rich girl lost to herself after family deaths. She has a despicable brother, a godfather, strange happening that begin t awaken her to a possible stalker intent upon her death. Along the way she discovers family secrets that open her eyes as to who she really is in a mob family and who you can trust along the way. Much drug use and sex one- nighters I did not really like, no actual descriptions of scenes however. Interesting story line.
October 7, 2018
Kristi's books were recommended to me and I acquired several as I worked on my reading queue. I enjoyed this prequel so much I binged my way thru 6 of Gia Santella's adventures. A kick ass female on her way to finding her true self and her place in the world. Great characters and story. Non-stop action and layers of intrigue will keep you reading long after you should have been asleep.
October 11, 2020
A coming of age story that takes a horrible turn due to several personal tragedies that the main character Gia experiences. Well written i through this short introductory story and want to know more about Gia’s escapades and what happens with her granddad, Dante and James. The ending was surprising, but an interesting version of fitting justice.
July 16, 2018
Although I have read and enjoyed the later books in this series, I received this novella from the author when I signed up for her mailing list. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and it provided a good lesson in not jumping to conclusions. The book helps in understanding the Gia of the later books.
December 20, 2018
This prequel is a great introduction to the character of Gia. The story is powerful with solid writing and character’s that are developed well. Can’t wait to read Book 1 of the series and get to know Gia even better. Love that the setting is in the Bay Area.
November 14, 2022
First Vengeance is the introduction to Gia Santella the main character of the Gia Santella crime thriller series. While this is a short book, it lacks noting in character development or story development and in my case has whet my appetite to read more of the series.
May 3, 2018
a great lead into the Gia Santella series.
May 21, 2018
A quick read and into to the Gia Santella character. I read this prior to starting the 4 book set featuring this character. It got me hooked enough to start the series!
June 19, 2018
Nice prequel ..
November 18, 2018
Recieved free for review:
Very short story introducing Gia.
Read others description, if I say anything more I will give it away
Great short back story!
Very short story introducing Gia.
Read others description, if I say anything more I will give it away
Great short back story!
April 25, 2019
Explaining Gia
This prequel explains so much about the Gia that emerges, from time. The one that is usually drunk, bitter, and used to one-nighters.
This prequel explains so much about the Gia that emerges, from time. The one that is usually drunk, bitter, and used to one-nighters.
April 27, 2019
Great prequel!
Now we know why our girl Gia has the demons that she does and behaves the way she does in a self destructive manner. Great book .
Now we know why our girl Gia has the demons that she does and behaves the way she does in a self destructive manner. Great book .
December 23, 2019
A new author for me. This is a great start to the Gia Santella series and Kristi Belcamino’s writing is fantastic!
March 4, 2020
A good short story, a great reflection of this writers style & characters! Nice to have background on the character! Liked it!
March 29, 2020
Wonder
Couldn't put it down. During this pandemic it help me do is on something else. Gia is such an interest character that I can't wait to read all her books .
Couldn't put it down. During this pandemic it help me do is on something else. Gia is such an interest character that I can't wait to read all her books .
May 9, 2020
Fantastic
This author has me ready to read all her books,starting with first Four. Gia is a terrific person who has learned to take care of herself. Excellent book
L
This author has me ready to read all her books,starting with first Four. Gia is a terrific person who has learned to take care of herself. Excellent book
L
May 18, 2020
Setting up the start of the books
Just what I needed to get me reading the Gia books. The pace of the book and contents are first class.
Just what I needed to get me reading the Gia books. The pace of the book and contents are first class.
April 22, 2021
Great introductory novella for the Gia Santella series.
June 6, 2021
This short prequel is a little rough but shows promise. I'll check out the next one.
March 18, 2022
Good story
Very interesting how Gia came to be. Can't wait to read more about this kickass character. Good author. This should be a good series.
Very interesting how Gia came to be. Can't wait to read more about this kickass character. Good author. This should be a good series.
November 17, 2022
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. A great rewrite of a already awesome book.
April 19, 2024
Wow!! And that folks as how you write a prequel to introduce your character and pull the reader in to want to read more of your books. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
December 28, 2024
This was a so-so origin story.
Hopefully the following in the series will be better.
Hopefully the following in the series will be better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews