Justice Incarnate

Shadows of Justice #1

by Regan Black

"Move over Lara Croft-Jaden Michaels is the quintessential heroine of the 21st century, full of heart and totally lethal!" - Best-selling suspense author Debra Webb Whoever said, "you only live once…" Attacked by an evil nobleman on the eve of her wedding in 1066, her life took a dramatic detour. In the millennium since, she's lived repeatedly with one eliminate the demonic entity that continues to prey on women and children. Through each of her multiple incarnations, she's chased him down to exact her fatal brand of justice, only to lose her own life in the process. Didn't know Jaden Michaels. Now, in 2096, he's embodied as a powerful judge and Jaden must fight the monster and the system he manipulates in order to find the one weapon that will break the cycle and banish him forever.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fantasy, Amazon, Ebooks, Romance, Mystery

298 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2005

About the author

Regan Black, a USA Today bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed romantic novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. She and her husband currently enjoy the empty-nest life in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich blend of legend, romance, and history fuels her imagination.

Get a free read: http://reganblack.com/perks
All books: https://www.reganblack.com/all-books/
Amazon: http://bit.ly/2eYabBI

Reviews

[Donald Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

from conception to execution, this book was very well done. i even like the premise that in the foreseeable future, things like sugar and coffee might be legally banned. in this day and age of government overregulation based on the notion of 'protecting the public', it's easy to picture our legislators going that far overboard. primarily, this was a well written book. characterization, plot, pacing, sufficient action and tension mixed with a blossoming love story....all of that was well played by an adept and talented new author. ms. black even employs a bit of the minimalist style that i often use in my own writing. she doesn't lean on it as heavily as i, but the delicate touch of that writing style can enhance a story if done properly. by not giving away too much detail and describing everything to a tee, the reader is subtly induced to envision some of the people and places on their own...and since people are prone to put familiar faces on people and places they are reading about, the reader can't help being drawn into the story on a more personal level.
the supernatural elements of the story are handled well, and are not overbearing. they do not monopolize the script, they move it along....making the story feel more plausible instead of trite and phoney. and i can't think of any errors other than the occasional paragraph structure and forgetting to identify the speakers during conversations which are common problems in indie novels......but black had fewer of those kinds of problems than most. this really is a very well written action/police drama/supernatural/social commentary/love story that i am happy to give a 5-star rating. i can recommend giving justice a try!

[A.T. Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Justice, book one, ‘Justice Incarnate’, by Author Regan Black

Jaden Michaels is a hunter. Hunting the one evil entity that has tortured her restless soul for multiple lifetimes. Unable to rest until she saves young girls and women from the beast, Jaden gives all of herself and abilities, even to the love interest she could never have in lifetimes before. The same love interest that has killed her time and again.

This story is beautifully thought out and even better crafted. Entertaining and fast reading, ‘Justice Incarnate’ is the type of story a reader picks up for a book vacation, and never quite comes back. Thankfully, there is another fix. Because ‘Justice Incarnate’ is book one, readers can count on Author Regan Black to deliver pulse-pounding action and suspense in great volume. Don’t hesitate to pick this book up. It’ll be a vacation that never ends. One where a fantastic heroine in nerve-tingling situations is found. The kind you’re used to men navigating. Not here. Regan Black delivers the best of the better half. Thanks, Regan.

[Grammy 1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Guild was approached for a Submission for Review for Veil of Justice Book #3 of the Shadows of Justice Series by Regan Black. Since I must suffer from ADD or OCD or whatever they call it, the need to have things orderly, I e- mailed Ms Black and asked “where Book 1 and 2 were.?” Even though books are sometimes stand alone, it is good to have a feel for the author and her story and read them in order. All I can say is I am so glad I asked.…Instead of one review for Ms Black, you now will be forced to hear me probably rave about all three, if Book One is any indication.
The idea is so unique, and yet we have all voiced this thought at one time or another in our lives…“I wish I could do that over”…Well what would happen if you were re-incarnated for over thousands of years , through hundreds of lifetimes, and not gotten IT right. The year 2096, in Chicago, Jaden Michaels finds herself in that spot again, searching for the evil that permeates her life. Jaden is working hard teaching women to protect themselves, she holds classes in these martial arts. She works with the local police at times.
Thousands of years ago she was abused, raped and marked by a serial rapist. With this occurrence, she lost her one true love Bryon, and these three have been in a macabre dance, over and over .Her need is to destroy the man who soullessly has been torturing all women, especially young women for thousands of years. Their names and lives change over these years as they are reborn . The reason for the re-birth is her failure, for someone to see the Demon as the monster he is and just believe in her.
..
We are reading with frustration from the past, the writings of Gabriella Stamford’s Diary.. Gabriella is now Jaden. We follow this demon through every name he has been, as he himself is reborn, changing, growing stronger, getting more and more arrogant. In 2096, the Demon is The Honorable Judge Stewart Anderson.

Ms Black tantalizes us with gadgets of the future, cell cards, monitoring devices, all fun to think
about how incredible our electronics might be in another 75 years. We meet Police Chief Brian Thomas, who is the third element in our story. The Judge and Jaden remember all of their past. lives, while Brian has no idea of the part he will play. He just knows, Jaden is someone he wants to first watch, and then love. The story is intriguing, fast paced, well written. Your palms sweat at the twists and turns. You want Jaden to prevail. You want the Judge to be vanquished. Does this happen?????Aww you are going to have to read the book….NO SPOILERS HERE…Only this review and soon to come a review of Book 2
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Senior Reviewer Paranormal Romance Guild

[Loves To Dive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Chicago 2096, Justice Incarnate introduces us to Jaden Michaels, a female self defense instructor. At least, that is what she wants the public to believe she is. Jaden's soul has been reincarnated over and over in an effort to destroy another evil soul which continues to be reincarnated. In this time period, he is the Honorable Stewart Albertson, judge. Along with Jaden and Judge Albertson, Jaden's soul mate, is also reincarnated over and over.

In all her lives Jaden is a strong woman and remembers each time that she has lived before and why she is here. She is destined to live and die over and over until she can destroy Judge Albertson. In this lifetime, she discovers that artifacts from one of her previous lives are on display in the National Museum. One of the artifacts is her diary, which she feels might hold the key as to how to destroy the judge so she breaks into the museum to steal it. On her way, a street bum connects to her and joins her on the job. Destiny takes over from here and the action begins.

There is a great caste of characters in this book, all well written. The dialogue and action flow well and keep you interested in the story. The future depicted is believable and not too out there. I ran the gambit of emotions while reading this book, my heart broke for Jaden, I got angry at the injustice, I hoped for a happy ending and the villain was nasty enough to make me hate him and wish very bad things to happen to him. A great read, packed with action scenes, romance, mystery and humor, I look forward to reading the next book.

[Riana Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to be surprised by a book! Another one that I didn't expect much from (because it was free) that ended up depriving me of sleep! The characters were well thought out without being so detailed as to be tedious, the action moved nicely, and I loved the historic flashbacks and completely appropriate quotes that added dimesion.
I did have a problem with the ending as, with no warning, it became a little too surreal (even for a book already fantastical in nature) and then wrapped up. The pacing here felt as if the author realized it was the end and just wanted to tie everything in a bow, clearly delineating what was good & what was evil. A bit disappointing.

[Preeti Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on my nook and wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I really enjoyed this story and thought the author wove flashbacks into the story very effectively. Set in the future, the story depicts a very believable legal and technological structure.

The heroine, Jaden, was very appealing: not too perfect, big problems to solve, and with a heart in the right place, etc.

The ending felt rushed: without any spoilers, I can safely say that I'd like to have heard more about the main character's critical decisions and their consequences.

Formatting-wise, the book was pretty clean but the scenes were not separated very effectively. Beyond just a moment's confusion, though, it was easy to decide she had switched characters' points-of-view and keep reading.

[Theresa Stillwagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I loved it. From page one until the end it keep my attention.
Go now and get this book. You will not be disappointed.

[Belladonna]

6

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this tale of evil, justice and love, three souls have been reincarnated for a thousand years- two with the knowledge of their past lives, the third in the dark. Strong and resolute, Jaden Michaels is once again doing her best to permanently stop the evil that is now known as Judge Albertson. She hasn't had the best of luck doing this in any of her past lives, but she can't give up trying, even though as far as she can tell, nothing seems to be any different this time. Unaware of the role he has had in this battle countless times in the past, Police Chief Brian Thomas is doomed to repeat his part in this centuries old game of cat and mouse if this time around he can't look past his skepticism and trust his heart. This book is unique and exciting- a real page-turner. Jaden Michaels is a strong heroine with just the right amount of vulnerability. You can't help but really hope that she and Brian will finally get their happily ever after. I was completely sucked into this book. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[mountainmama · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the near future, Jaden fights against abuse, hoping to finally bring an evil judge to justice. She has failed many times in past lives but keeps being reincarnated to try again. She teams up with her soul mate, but he struggles to understand and believe her mission, the same problem which has defeated her time and time again.

Ms. Black has penned a well-crafted unique tale, mixing past, present, and future to create the personalities of the characters. Action, suspense, and some paranormal romance keep the story moving and the pages turning. Witty dialog and good editing add to the enjoyment. It took me a few chapters to figure out what was happening, but that actually worked quite well in setting the tone of the story. Great entertainment!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book was what initially grabbed me, and in the first few pages I was sucked in and couldn't be let go. Just like Jaden, it felt like I was trapped- her in this warped time/space continuum, me within the pages of this novel. I don't think I have read a novel so fast in a long time. The tension between her and the judge is palpable, and it makes for a very fascinating, edge-of-your seat read. I love the way the author strings her readers along, and I shamelessly admit I was dragged the entire way. I won't give anything away, but the characters have so much depth and breadth to them you will not be disappointed in this book.

[Leah Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost stopped reading after the second chapter. In the beginning, there was a discernable lack of world building, which may have led to my initial confusion and disinterest. Having read through to the end I can say that if there had been more world building or an initial outline of a back-story, it would have been easier to follow.
Some scenes would have benefited from more explanation or a better description but regardless of this and my initial confusion, I did find the book creative and original.

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

c2005: Kindle freebie so I can't say too much. I found this to be a disjointed and anachronistic read. I think the basic story was a good idea but I just found the characters to be slightly cardboardish. A lot of telling. A small mention of my favourite plact, Iowa "Cedar Hill, Iowa. I was the devil's tool against a good man. A fine upstanding man of God" Go Hawks. Oh, and in the interest of throwing everything in bar the kitchen sink, even Jack the Ripper is mentioned. Unable to recommend to the normal crew.

[Brandy Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the third book in the series first sort of by accident and was happy to find that the sample I downloaded of this book seemed to be as good as the third book in the series.

Set in a dystopic future, I have to say I really kind of fell in love with this version of America. It was nice to read female characters that supported each other for a change. The romance portion was all right, but not really why I read the book. I'm already reading the second book.

[Priscilla Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

At some point after doing things the same way over and over and receiving negatives results you have to change your approach. Easier said than done especially when you realize the one person you need is the same people that has failed you in not only this life but every life you lived before. This book was great at getting you to understand the main character's internal struggle to let go of the past in order to have a future.

[Michelle [Helen Geek]]

Free on Amazon 03/29/2012.

[Terri Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concept was pretty good but there were a lot of flaws in the writing. The big fight scene at the end was confusing.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING read. You don't get a second to catch your breath and neither do the characters in the book! Pick it up you won't regret it!

[J.A. Canter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The concept is original, the heroine is thoroughly thought out. It's tense at certain moments and the ending is quite surprising.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim finished this book 8-8-13 and rated it 4.0 stars; Robbie gave it 4.5.

[Mary Aquino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kinda felt like I didn't know what was going on through the whole book.