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Virgilante
When an ancient artefact grants him invincibility, Virgil
McAllister begins to take revenge on the bullies in his life.
But as the violent reprisals escalate, Virgil starts to realise: not every problem can be
solved with a pair of fists…
VIRGILANTE is a gripping power fantasy for anyone who wishes they had the muscles to back up their sense of justice. With a twisty narrative, full of cliff-hangers and subverted expectations, it asks big questions about the catharsis of violence and whether it ever truly solves problems.
Virgil McAllister is Jamaican and his mother is disabled: on both counts he faces ignorance and prejudice. But, as revenge begins to turn him into the very people he despises, Virgil discovers that there is only one way to destroy your enemies...
A rip-roaring morality tale that asks timely questions about violence, revenge and the redemptive power of forgiveness. VIRGILANTE is a must-read for teens and adults alike.
McAllister begins to take revenge on the bullies in his life.
But as the violent reprisals escalate, Virgil starts to realise: not every problem can be
solved with a pair of fists…
VIRGILANTE is a gripping power fantasy for anyone who wishes they had the muscles to back up their sense of justice. With a twisty narrative, full of cliff-hangers and subverted expectations, it asks big questions about the catharsis of violence and whether it ever truly solves problems.
Virgil McAllister is Jamaican and his mother is disabled: on both counts he faces ignorance and prejudice. But, as revenge begins to turn him into the very people he despises, Virgil discovers that there is only one way to destroy your enemies...
A rip-roaring morality tale that asks timely questions about violence, revenge and the redemptive power of forgiveness. VIRGILANTE is a must-read for teens and adults alike.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2020
1 person want to read
About the author
Joe Eardley
5 books2 followersJoe writes thrillers that grip readers from page one and never let go. His stories contain no swearing, no explicit content, and no blasphemy—just clean, compelling adventure for those who crave edge without compromise.
Joe studied Fine Art at De Montfort University and Pastoral Theology at the Yorkshire School of Christian Ministry. He lives in Leicester with his wife and two daughters.
Popular Questions
What age does Joe recommend for his books?
Due to some themes, Joe recommends his stories for readers aged 13 and up.
What about violence?
Joe’s stories do contain violence, but because his work is underpinned by Christian values, he is careful not to glorify it.
What about horror?
Some stories include elements of horror (Calenture House, Rowtor Rocks). In Joe’s books, evil is always presented as evil, and good as good. He focuses on strength of character and moral choices, not darkness for its own sake. Joe believes horror as a genre has a unique ability to explore our deepest fears and show ways to overcome them.
Are your books “Christian”?
Joe is a Christian, and his worldview informs his writing. Readers won’t find literal references to Jesus on every page, and not all his protagonists are believers. His stories are not allegorical like Narnia, but the foundation of his work is Biblical values.
Why write clean fiction?
Joe reads widely and has been struck by how explicit many young adult stories can be. He wanted to create books he could confidently recommend to his own children. His stories contain all the grit and intrigue of a page-turner, but without anything nasty at their core.
Joe studied Fine Art at De Montfort University and Pastoral Theology at the Yorkshire School of Christian Ministry. He lives in Leicester with his wife and two daughters.
Popular Questions
What age does Joe recommend for his books?
Due to some themes, Joe recommends his stories for readers aged 13 and up.
What about violence?
Joe’s stories do contain violence, but because his work is underpinned by Christian values, he is careful not to glorify it.
What about horror?
Some stories include elements of horror (Calenture House, Rowtor Rocks). In Joe’s books, evil is always presented as evil, and good as good. He focuses on strength of character and moral choices, not darkness for its own sake. Joe believes horror as a genre has a unique ability to explore our deepest fears and show ways to overcome them.
Are your books “Christian”?
Joe is a Christian, and his worldview informs his writing. Readers won’t find literal references to Jesus on every page, and not all his protagonists are believers. His stories are not allegorical like Narnia, but the foundation of his work is Biblical values.
Why write clean fiction?
Joe reads widely and has been struck by how explicit many young adult stories can be. He wanted to create books he could confidently recommend to his own children. His stories contain all the grit and intrigue of a page-turner, but without anything nasty at their core.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 22, 2021
Shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award 2021
This book is strikingly original. The opening chapters, when Virgil’s family are set upon by thugs in an Asda car park, is a great snapshot, that everyone can identify with, of how some sections of contemporary society feel they can do whatever they like without fear of repercussions. Virgil’s feelings of helplessness and rage were depicted very realistically, and his vigilante approach to keeping the disabled bays in the supermarket car park free for the entitled customers was an excellent touch! The writing is good and confident, and the storyline would appeal to many teens. The scenes where Virgil tests the magical powers of the shield grip he discovers in the church crypt, and those where he takes his revenge on the bullies, are so well-written that the reader is really cheering him on.
This book is strikingly original. The opening chapters, when Virgil’s family are set upon by thugs in an Asda car park, is a great snapshot, that everyone can identify with, of how some sections of contemporary society feel they can do whatever they like without fear of repercussions. Virgil’s feelings of helplessness and rage were depicted very realistically, and his vigilante approach to keeping the disabled bays in the supermarket car park free for the entitled customers was an excellent touch! The writing is good and confident, and the storyline would appeal to many teens. The scenes where Virgil tests the magical powers of the shield grip he discovers in the church crypt, and those where he takes his revenge on the bullies, are so well-written that the reader is really cheering him on.
Displaying 1 of 1 review