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Vengeance Man #1
The Vengeance Man
At 34, an SAS soldier's days of active service are over. After risking his life for his country, he is condemned to spend the rest of his days in a dead-end civilian job.
But one man decides he isn't ready to be put out to pasture.
The Vengeance Man.
As the 'operations manager' for a specialist insurance firm, he can still work undercover for clients that include the Government.
And working behind the scenes, and beyond the law, he can still take up arms on behalf of the weak and the helpless.
A personal crusade is born.
And while the public may applaud as 'The Vengeance Man' brings justice to the guilty, very soon the Government has no choice but to bring their most lethal maverick operative under control.
The hunt begins....and it will end in death.
This enthralling, thought-provoking action-packed thriller, written by an insider from the front-line of intelligence work, is certain to appeal to readers of Lee Child, Frederick Forsyth, Robert Ludlum and Andy McNab.
"The Vengeance Man is the best new action thriller this year" - Matt Lynn, author of the best-selling Death Force series.
"A heart-pumping ride, with more twists than a roller-coaster." - Tom Kasey, author of the best-selling Trade Off.
John MacRae is the cover name of a former senior Intelligence Officer with a Special Forces background. He has written extensively on intelligence and military history, and has worked for BBC television and other TV companies as an advisor on military and intelligence subjects. He saw active service in the Falkland Islands, Cyprus, Arabia, and Northern Ireland.
Endeavour Press is the UK's largest independent publisher of digital books.
But one man decides he isn't ready to be put out to pasture.
The Vengeance Man.
As the 'operations manager' for a specialist insurance firm, he can still work undercover for clients that include the Government.
And working behind the scenes, and beyond the law, he can still take up arms on behalf of the weak and the helpless.
A personal crusade is born.
And while the public may applaud as 'The Vengeance Man' brings justice to the guilty, very soon the Government has no choice but to bring their most lethal maverick operative under control.
The hunt begins....and it will end in death.
This enthralling, thought-provoking action-packed thriller, written by an insider from the front-line of intelligence work, is certain to appeal to readers of Lee Child, Frederick Forsyth, Robert Ludlum and Andy McNab.
"The Vengeance Man is the best new action thriller this year" - Matt Lynn, author of the best-selling Death Force series.
"A heart-pumping ride, with more twists than a roller-coaster." - Tom Kasey, author of the best-selling Trade Off.
John MacRae is the cover name of a former senior Intelligence Officer with a Special Forces background. He has written extensively on intelligence and military history, and has worked for BBC television and other TV companies as an advisor on military and intelligence subjects. He saw active service in the Falkland Islands, Cyprus, Arabia, and Northern Ireland.
Endeavour Press is the UK's largest independent publisher of digital books.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2012
456 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
John MacRae
18 books6 followersJohn MacRae is the cover name of a former senior Intelligence Officer with a Special Forces background. He has written extensively on intelligence and military history, and has worked for BBC television and other TV companies as an advisor on military and intelligence subjects.
He saw active service in the Falkland Islands, Cyprus, Arabia, and Northern Ireland as well taking part in several bloody bureaucratic battles in the political jungles of Whitehall, NATO and Brussels.
He saw active service in the Falkland Islands, Cyprus, Arabia, and Northern Ireland as well taking part in several bloody bureaucratic battles in the political jungles of Whitehall, NATO and Brussels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 4, 2015
Fairly read
Found it was a little too much dragging drawn out dialog and seemed to go endlessly was extremely hard to keep reading
Found it was a little too much dragging drawn out dialog and seemed to go endlessly was extremely hard to keep reading
June 5, 2023
The writing style is a bit more "matter-of-fact" than most books of this genre - however for me this made the story seem more real, and grounded in fact. The main protagonist is no super-hero shooting his way through bad guys - he's complex, has his flaws and also has skills which he puts to use.
The author clearly has strong knowledge of the security services, surveillance and interrogation techniques, and this comes out strongly throughout the book.
Like many of the other reviewers, I understand why the ending might not to be to everyone's tastes, but for me brought much of the rest of the book into sharper clarity and neatly explained so many plot artefacts that had seemed random or unrelated. Uncomfortable, yes - realistic, yes.
I'm more of a fan of believable stories than the more common fantasy lone super-hero triumphing over all of the bad guys style, and therefore I've rated this 5*
The author clearly has strong knowledge of the security services, surveillance and interrogation techniques, and this comes out strongly throughout the book.
Like many of the other reviewers, I understand why the ending might not to be to everyone's tastes, but for me brought much of the rest of the book into sharper clarity and neatly explained so many plot artefacts that had seemed random or unrelated. Uncomfortable, yes - realistic, yes.
I'm more of a fan of believable stories than the more common fantasy lone super-hero triumphing over all of the bad guys style, and therefore I've rated this 5*
July 27, 2012
Fast pace, interesting characters. It started a bit slowly, more 'front story' than I thought necessary but segued into a tense, interesting storyline with a many layered plotline.
Up until the final chapters, I found it to be a real page turner. The ending was, unfortunately for me, grim, nihilistic and while perhaps realistic it is not the kind of thing I want to read for entertainment.
Prior to the ending, I'd have given it a 4 star rating and would have looked for additional books by the author. Unfortunately, the ending was a 1-star rating for me. I don't need my entertainment to be grim and depressing and 'it's ok' is generous, actually, as I would not care to read anything else by this author and get blindsided again by this kind of ending.
Up until the final chapters, I found it to be a real page turner. The ending was, unfortunately for me, grim, nihilistic and while perhaps realistic it is not the kind of thing I want to read for entertainment.
Prior to the ending, I'd have given it a 4 star rating and would have looked for additional books by the author. Unfortunately, the ending was a 1-star rating for me. I don't need my entertainment to be grim and depressing and 'it's ok' is generous, actually, as I would not care to read anything else by this author and get blindsided again by this kind of ending.
July 1, 2024
Overall, a less than adequate product. The first part of the story was disjointed, even though it was supposed to set the path for the book. The middle was not too bad. The end was even less coherent than the first part, but thankfully shorter.
The editing was woeful - the text was littered with sentences that seemed to have been corrected with a word processor, leaving in the stuff that should have been removed, but not proof-read afterwards.
All in all, there will be no more of this author's work for me.
The editing was woeful - the text was littered with sentences that seemed to have been corrected with a word processor, leaving in the stuff that should have been removed, but not proof-read afterwards.
All in all, there will be no more of this author's work for me.
May 11, 2024
Solid premise seen written better by other authors. Hard to believe in this effort after reading Mark Greaney, Lee Child, and Robert Ludlum.
MacRae's effort to build a realistic British veteran turned retribution machine in his free time, with all the flaws and missteps, felt contrived and long winded. We are given the military service aspect as an intro, followed the vengeance acts (if you will), then the publicity/"interrogation by officials" scenario that built little tension, handed an ending with random love for the press/fear of the government, and an oddly tacked on "Where is he now?" to infer possible sequels. Clearly more books have been written to which I won't be pursuing.
The start was well crafted and felt authentic, from my own veteran experience. Then the book devolved into drinking buddy sessions discussing scenarios that were supposedly "good ideas for a story." The "moments" as we shall call them, were run of the mill boring... almost an attempt to plagiarize the Equalizer for the modern-day Vet (aka a younger dude) while leveraging the Afghan/Pakistan conflicts as a backstory for credibility.
Throw in an underwritten and unbelievable romance to perhaps add a dimension to the main character, only to cause confusion as to "Was she really into him or a spy for the powers that be?" but that comes later.
Near the end, supposedly the writer wants you to feel paranoia about all the "moments" being programmed into play by the Govt, without "Vengeance" or Fritz knowing {insert eye roll here}, or someone/everyone being bugged, or cracks in the story structure. But by the time its received, we are late in the third/final act of the story and could really care less. There were way too many pages wasted on surveillance detection routes, tails and interactions, etc., without a true purpose or link to f'n "Why?"
And throughout it all MacRae couldn't keep his vision of our hero clear, one minute he is bumbling through a "moment", the next he is omnipotent about all things spy craft. Super genius, then uber human, without premise or causation. Remember he started out as a combat vet without any PTSD or neuro problems.
QFG: Who gets out of legal questioning by going on a "government op" if the government is all powerful and the one doing the questioning? asking for a friend.
So much more could have been delivered (with less), with a quality editor and judicious use of the words "No, stick to the plot." As it stands, it felt underwhelming and rambling. I never got behind our lead, which kills the franchise for me.
No bad but read at your own peril.
Thanks for reading.
MacRae's effort to build a realistic British veteran turned retribution machine in his free time, with all the flaws and missteps, felt contrived and long winded. We are given the military service aspect as an intro, followed the vengeance acts (if you will), then the publicity/"interrogation by officials" scenario that built little tension, handed an ending with random love for the press/fear of the government, and an oddly tacked on "Where is he now?" to infer possible sequels. Clearly more books have been written to which I won't be pursuing.
The start was well crafted and felt authentic, from my own veteran experience. Then the book devolved into drinking buddy sessions discussing scenarios that were supposedly "good ideas for a story." The "moments" as we shall call them, were run of the mill boring... almost an attempt to plagiarize the Equalizer for the modern-day Vet (aka a younger dude) while leveraging the Afghan/Pakistan conflicts as a backstory for credibility.
Throw in an underwritten and unbelievable romance to perhaps add a dimension to the main character, only to cause confusion as to "Was she really into him or a spy for the powers that be?" but that comes later.
Near the end, supposedly the writer wants you to feel paranoia about all the "moments" being programmed into play by the Govt, without "Vengeance" or Fritz knowing {insert eye roll here}, or someone/everyone being bugged, or cracks in the story structure. But by the time its received, we are late in the third/final act of the story and could really care less. There were way too many pages wasted on surveillance detection routes, tails and interactions, etc., without a true purpose or link to f'n "Why?"
And throughout it all MacRae couldn't keep his vision of our hero clear, one minute he is bumbling through a "moment", the next he is omnipotent about all things spy craft. Super genius, then uber human, without premise or causation. Remember he started out as a combat vet without any PTSD or neuro problems.
QFG: Who gets out of legal questioning by going on a "government op" if the government is all powerful and the one doing the questioning? asking for a friend.
So much more could have been delivered (with less), with a quality editor and judicious use of the words "No, stick to the plot." As it stands, it felt underwhelming and rambling. I never got behind our lead, which kills the franchise for me.
No bad but read at your own peril.
Thanks for reading.
July 11, 2024
John MacReas »The Vengeance Man« beginnt mit einer packenden Actionszene im Nahen Osten. Dies wird seine letzte Mission sein, da er mit 34 Jahren aus dem aktiven Dienst als SAS-Soldat ausscheidet. Nachdem er sein Leben für sein Land aufs Spiel gesetzt hat, ist er dazu verurteilt, den Rest seiner Tage in einem aussichtslosen zivilen Job zu verbringen.
Aber hey, dieser Kerl hat echt keine Lust, auf die grüne Wiese geschickt zu werden. Stattdessen wird er zum Racheengel in Menschengestalt.
In seiner Position als Manager einer Versicherungsfirma mit besonderem Fokus hat er immer noch die Möglichkeit, verdeckt für Kunden zu arbeiten, darunter auch die Regierung, und bleibt somit mit Regierungsaufträgen verbunden. Gleichzeitig kann er im Hintergrund und außerhalb der gesetzlichen Grenzen weiterhin für die Schwachen und Hilflosen kämpfen.
Während die Leute begeistert Beifall klatschen, wenn »The Vengeance Man« den Schuldigen bestraft, ist die Regierung bald gezwungen, ihren gefährlichsten Einzelgänger zu zähmen. Es geht los mit der Verfolgungsjagd … und die wird tödlich enden.
John MacRae ist ein Pseudonym für einen früheren hochrangigen Agenten, der in der Vergangenheit bei den Special Forces gedient hat. Er hat ausgiebig über Geheimdienst- und Militärgeschichte geschrieben und war als Berater für militärische und geheimdienstliche Angelegenheiten für das BBC-Fernsehen und andere Fernsehsender tätig. Er hat Einsätze auf den Falklandinseln, in Zypern, im arabischen Raum und in Nordirland absolviert.
Dieser als fesselnd beschriebene, teils actiongeladener und von einem Insider geschriebener Thriller hat mich leider nicht gepackt. Die Motivation, als entlassener Soldat bei einer Firma als Rächer hat mich leider nicht überzeugt, auch wenn der Protagonist für sich beansprucht, den Schwachen zu helfen. Seine privaten Aufträge sind genauso widerwärtig wie seine offiziellen über seine neue Firma.
Auch der Schreibstil von John MacRae ähnelte eher einem Tagebuch. Es fehlen einfach Spannung und Cliffhanger unterwegs. Es weist typische Merkmale eines Sachbuchautors auf. Das Wissen um die tatsächlichen Fakten des Geschehens muss gewaltig sein, aber die Umsetzung in eine fiktionale Handlung ist eher weniger gut geworden.
© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2024
Aber hey, dieser Kerl hat echt keine Lust, auf die grüne Wiese geschickt zu werden. Stattdessen wird er zum Racheengel in Menschengestalt.
In seiner Position als Manager einer Versicherungsfirma mit besonderem Fokus hat er immer noch die Möglichkeit, verdeckt für Kunden zu arbeiten, darunter auch die Regierung, und bleibt somit mit Regierungsaufträgen verbunden. Gleichzeitig kann er im Hintergrund und außerhalb der gesetzlichen Grenzen weiterhin für die Schwachen und Hilflosen kämpfen.
Während die Leute begeistert Beifall klatschen, wenn »The Vengeance Man« den Schuldigen bestraft, ist die Regierung bald gezwungen, ihren gefährlichsten Einzelgänger zu zähmen. Es geht los mit der Verfolgungsjagd … und die wird tödlich enden.
John MacRae ist ein Pseudonym für einen früheren hochrangigen Agenten, der in der Vergangenheit bei den Special Forces gedient hat. Er hat ausgiebig über Geheimdienst- und Militärgeschichte geschrieben und war als Berater für militärische und geheimdienstliche Angelegenheiten für das BBC-Fernsehen und andere Fernsehsender tätig. Er hat Einsätze auf den Falklandinseln, in Zypern, im arabischen Raum und in Nordirland absolviert.
Dieser als fesselnd beschriebene, teils actiongeladener und von einem Insider geschriebener Thriller hat mich leider nicht gepackt. Die Motivation, als entlassener Soldat bei einer Firma als Rächer hat mich leider nicht überzeugt, auch wenn der Protagonist für sich beansprucht, den Schwachen zu helfen. Seine privaten Aufträge sind genauso widerwärtig wie seine offiziellen über seine neue Firma.
Auch der Schreibstil von John MacRae ähnelte eher einem Tagebuch. Es fehlen einfach Spannung und Cliffhanger unterwegs. Es weist typische Merkmale eines Sachbuchautors auf. Das Wissen um die tatsächlichen Fakten des Geschehens muss gewaltig sein, aber die Umsetzung in eine fiktionale Handlung ist eher weniger gut geworden.
© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2024
May 18, 2025
This book is about using a man and his training until it got too hard for his superiors. Use and abuse by authority and power. I felt as defeated as the main character at books end when the Author didn't use his power to at least end the shit show on a better outcome. The abusive and hopeless ending was unexpected and not acceptable to any sort of enjoyment in reading this book. In fact I would not recommend anyone with certain issues to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2022
Tabloid betrayal
When I finished reading the book I sat and thought, yes I could imagine it happening. You never know what goes on behind closed government doors. It was an excellent read and kept you on the edge of your seat right the way through it!well written, well thought out.
When I finished reading the book I sat and thought, yes I could imagine it happening. You never know what goes on behind closed government doors. It was an excellent read and kept you on the edge of your seat right the way through it!well written, well thought out.
April 16, 2024
Quite the Story
I could be critical of the length of this book or the need for some editing. But I stayed with it and am glad I did. This is an excellent story - one that could be equal parts fact and fiction. And I honestly didn’t see the ending coming. If you enjoy spy thrillers and the like, this is a book worth reading.
I could be critical of the length of this book or the need for some editing. But I stayed with it and am glad I did. This is an excellent story - one that could be equal parts fact and fiction. And I honestly didn’t see the ending coming. If you enjoy spy thrillers and the like, this is a book worth reading.
August 26, 2024
Five Stars
A great read. Lots of twists and turns throughout the book but towards the end of the book these twists were completely nail biting. I am now hooked on this series and my next book will be ‘Second Shot’. A big thank you to the author, John Macrea and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great read. Lots of twists and turns throughout the book but towards the end of the book these twists were completely nail biting. I am now hooked on this series and my next book will be ‘Second Shot’. A big thank you to the author, John Macrea and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 3, 2023
Samartains Alternative In London!
A good read.
Solid, dependable storytelling and believable plotting.
The somewhat darker side of U.K. Plc in a very plausible fictional setting.
A good read.
Solid, dependable storytelling and believable plotting.
The somewhat darker side of U.K. Plc in a very plausible fictional setting.
March 22, 2024
Revenge aa appetizer
Storyline full of promises but dont really deliver. Enough of action but too much of unnecessary explanation, sometimes battle to follow the story line properly, sometimes seem that writing was forced.
Storyline full of promises but dont really deliver. Enough of action but too much of unnecessary explanation, sometimes battle to follow the story line properly, sometimes seem that writing was forced.
March 24, 2024
Brilliant
What a great read Mr Macrae, very enjoyable, very believable and very realistic. Sometimes you wonder at all the shady dealings done in our name, the government does! Pretty scary too!
What a great read Mr Macrae, very enjoyable, very believable and very realistic. Sometimes you wonder at all the shady dealings done in our name, the government does! Pretty scary too!
March 27, 2024
Very unsatisfying ending!
I thought the book was very informative of the “secret” life. I thought the conversation about “what is democracy” was very enlightening and I have some similar views. But, the ending was so poor that I’m sorry I took the time to read it.
I thought the book was very informative of the “secret” life. I thought the conversation about “what is democracy” was very enlightening and I have some similar views. But, the ending was so poor that I’m sorry I took the time to read it.
March 29, 2024
I thought the story line was decent until the last chapter. The whole story was told in first person from the viewpoint of the main character. Suddenly it goes third person and the ending I found very disappointing.
October 31, 2018
Just finished reading Book 1, am now intrigued to see what happens next, I thought the ending was realistic based on how the plot panned out. Fritz now needs revenge !!
October 31, 2020
Problematic
Painfully British, full of incomprehensible acronyms and slang. It has its moments, and more than adequate gore, but spirals down to a disappointing end
Painfully British, full of incomprehensible acronyms and slang. It has its moments, and more than adequate gore, but spirals down to a disappointing end
November 11, 2022
I love a good book.........but this wasn't it
Kept hoping a story would emerge and gain pace it didn't very disappointed and I couldn't be bothered to finish it
Kept hoping a story would emerge and gain pace it didn't very disappointed and I couldn't be bothered to finish it
September 2, 2023
Excellent story
Enjoyed it very much.
Found it dragged a bit at times.
Overall an excellent tale.
Would follow the same auther.
Enjoyed it very much.
Found it dragged a bit at times.
Overall an excellent tale.
Would follow the same auther.
March 20, 2024
nope
Lots of swearing, blasphemy, etc etc. now according to Amazon I need to write twenty more words, whereas in reality I have nothing more to say.
Lots of swearing, blasphemy, etc etc. now according to Amazon I need to write twenty more words, whereas in reality I have nothing more to say.
May 1, 2024
enjoyable read
July 14, 2024
Overall a good read but perhaps could do with being 50 or so pages shorter in the middle. Just my opinion though I will certainly download the next in the series.
August 21, 2024
Great book
This is the best book I have read in ages. A really good interesting plot with some tasty characters. One of those 'This might happen some day's books.
This is the best book I have read in ages. A really good interesting plot with some tasty characters. One of those 'This might happen some day's books.
March 12, 2025
Good read and good insight to our secret service. Lots of twists and unexpected turns. Looking forward to book 2 of the set.
May 30, 2025
Good Read! To me, it seemed like it took a while, like half the book, to get going at a good pace, but it ended up being really good.
September 18, 2012
Review by http://indiebookclub.wordpress.com/
- - -
Plot:
An Ex-SAS specialist finds his days filled with tedium. Looking for adventure, he works in the shady world of the black-op contractor, only to discover his actions have become embroiled in a clandestine plot that threatens everything around him.
It’s a typical framework from which to pitch this kind of novel. It’s not done with any real grace and sets no new limits on possibilities. That is, until the real story begins to take over.
There is a very good plotline here. A clever idea, with some very interesting and bold concepts. It is gripping, pacey and definitely thought-provoking (something that is usually missing from these Gung-Ho Daring-Do Adventures). It is A-Typical in its genre, and for that, it deserves some serious credit.
Then there’s the ending. This is again outstanding – in as much as it ruins a good book. Quite what the author was attempting, I am unsure, but whatever it was, it very quickly erases my thoughts about the clever setup and the main character’s plight.
Brave attempt, surrounded by a lack-luster opening gambit and a truly woeful ending.
Plot Rating: (3/5)
- – -
Character:
The characters in the book are decently pitched for what they are. Our protagonist is a little too brash to begin with, and this disassociates the reader from any kind of early engagement. He really doesn’t develop a character until much later, and even then it is probably more a tolerance of the reader based on a desire to find out what is going on, rather than any acceptance of motive.
The supporting cast is fairly broadly drawn, but do not hinder story progression.
From time to time, there is an attempt at personal scene-setting, but these are not additions to the story, they only hold it back. I’ve lost interest in knowing the character too early to save him later, and these passages get in the way of me finding out things I am interested in.
The opening thirty pages need looking at again. Give me a character to follow, and you have your hook for the story that follows. As it is, not many people will get beyond your opening and thus will not come back for another novel later.
Character Rating: (2/5)
- – -
Style:
The style of The Vengeance Man is very light for a book that at times is so dark. It’s simplistically written, and has a fresh and vibrant tempo to its approach.
It very rarely rambles through dialogue, has plenty of descriptions at appropriate moments, and gives a sense of confident storytelling ability.
But that assessment covers only 70% of its contents.
This book, for the other 30% of its bulk, it poorly written, overly wordy, badly edited garbage.
There are scenes, and not just a few of them, which have you willing them to end. The tone-setting at times is awful and the pace the novel has built is lost because of it.
This is what happens if you cheap-out on a good edit. You end up with a decent story, showing more than a little ability, being ruined by stodgy, brain-drainingly tiresome sections. Not to mention the complete re-write your stinker of an ending requires.
Great style potential. Utterly ruined.
Style Rating: (2/5)
- – -
Impact:
There are some real impact moments in the story. Some have good, keep-me-enthralled impacts, others have negative, I-want-to-put-this-book-down-and-never-come-back-to-it impact.
I understand that people who kill people tend not to care about how the deed is done. Your readers might. Also, it should go without saying that the tone you write with says something about you. Think about that and read your ending again.
There is the skill here to produce something not seen in the genre for a long time. You have nothing left to prove and no-one left to prove it to other than your audience. Impress your readership – not your ex-colleagues.
Impact Rating: (2/5)
- – -
Readability:
The novel has a very clear vision, for the most part, in what and how it is going to say things. This comes across well, and the very low crystal mark make a good portion of this book a fuelled page-turner.
Then there’s the spelling, grammar and typesetting. This is not so good. In fact, to be honest, at moments it’s terrible.
Then there’s the ending. It’s not readable at all. It ruins everything that’s been done before.
I’m going to give this a higher mark than maybe these words suggest, because there is definite skill here. Talent almost. It needs time and work. But it could get there, and I will read more if it’s fixed.
Readability Rating: (3.5/5)
- – -
Overall Rating
(2.5/5)
This book could have been something special. It’s not. If you like gung-ho, military action and are happy to ignore errors, give it a shot – just remember to put it down about thirty pages from the finale and invent something suitable in your head to conclude it with. What came out of the mind of the author will only disappoint.
Paul - 2012
- - -
Plot:
An Ex-SAS specialist finds his days filled with tedium. Looking for adventure, he works in the shady world of the black-op contractor, only to discover his actions have become embroiled in a clandestine plot that threatens everything around him.
It’s a typical framework from which to pitch this kind of novel. It’s not done with any real grace and sets no new limits on possibilities. That is, until the real story begins to take over.
There is a very good plotline here. A clever idea, with some very interesting and bold concepts. It is gripping, pacey and definitely thought-provoking (something that is usually missing from these Gung-Ho Daring-Do Adventures). It is A-Typical in its genre, and for that, it deserves some serious credit.
Then there’s the ending. This is again outstanding – in as much as it ruins a good book. Quite what the author was attempting, I am unsure, but whatever it was, it very quickly erases my thoughts about the clever setup and the main character’s plight.
Brave attempt, surrounded by a lack-luster opening gambit and a truly woeful ending.
Plot Rating: (3/5)
- – -
Character:
The characters in the book are decently pitched for what they are. Our protagonist is a little too brash to begin with, and this disassociates the reader from any kind of early engagement. He really doesn’t develop a character until much later, and even then it is probably more a tolerance of the reader based on a desire to find out what is going on, rather than any acceptance of motive.
The supporting cast is fairly broadly drawn, but do not hinder story progression.
From time to time, there is an attempt at personal scene-setting, but these are not additions to the story, they only hold it back. I’ve lost interest in knowing the character too early to save him later, and these passages get in the way of me finding out things I am interested in.
The opening thirty pages need looking at again. Give me a character to follow, and you have your hook for the story that follows. As it is, not many people will get beyond your opening and thus will not come back for another novel later.
Character Rating: (2/5)
- – -
Style:
The style of The Vengeance Man is very light for a book that at times is so dark. It’s simplistically written, and has a fresh and vibrant tempo to its approach.
It very rarely rambles through dialogue, has plenty of descriptions at appropriate moments, and gives a sense of confident storytelling ability.
But that assessment covers only 70% of its contents.
This book, for the other 30% of its bulk, it poorly written, overly wordy, badly edited garbage.
There are scenes, and not just a few of them, which have you willing them to end. The tone-setting at times is awful and the pace the novel has built is lost because of it.
This is what happens if you cheap-out on a good edit. You end up with a decent story, showing more than a little ability, being ruined by stodgy, brain-drainingly tiresome sections. Not to mention the complete re-write your stinker of an ending requires.
Great style potential. Utterly ruined.
Style Rating: (2/5)
- – -
Impact:
There are some real impact moments in the story. Some have good, keep-me-enthralled impacts, others have negative, I-want-to-put-this-book-down-and-never-come-back-to-it impact.
I understand that people who kill people tend not to care about how the deed is done. Your readers might. Also, it should go without saying that the tone you write with says something about you. Think about that and read your ending again.
There is the skill here to produce something not seen in the genre for a long time. You have nothing left to prove and no-one left to prove it to other than your audience. Impress your readership – not your ex-colleagues.
Impact Rating: (2/5)
- – -
Readability:
The novel has a very clear vision, for the most part, in what and how it is going to say things. This comes across well, and the very low crystal mark make a good portion of this book a fuelled page-turner.
Then there’s the spelling, grammar and typesetting. This is not so good. In fact, to be honest, at moments it’s terrible.
Then there’s the ending. It’s not readable at all. It ruins everything that’s been done before.
I’m going to give this a higher mark than maybe these words suggest, because there is definite skill here. Talent almost. It needs time and work. But it could get there, and I will read more if it’s fixed.
Readability Rating: (3.5/5)
- – -
Overall Rating
(2.5/5)
This book could have been something special. It’s not. If you like gung-ho, military action and are happy to ignore errors, give it a shot – just remember to put it down about thirty pages from the finale and invent something suitable in your head to conclude it with. What came out of the mind of the author will only disappoint.
Paul - 2012
October 8, 2012
I'm a little surprised at the negative reviews for this book. Admittedly there are a few too many typos and doubled words in the Kindle version but that didn't detract from the narrative.
The best thing about the book is the way that the author elevates the action between sections of the book. It starts out with the main character being in a covert international military operation. That goes south in a big way and then the book moves towards domestic issues, first vigilante justice and later on MI-5 and MI-6 interaction. At each stage the book got better.
The main character is British and most of the book takes place in England so be prepared for British slang if you read this. I was using Google a few times to figure out some of the phrases that aren't as well known outside of England.
I wasn't bothered by the ending of the book, though I thought it was a little wordy, but I can easily see why other people were. Given the buildup, the way the novel ended wasn't surprising but the way the author decided to present things was emotionally distant.
All-in-all, quite a good book if you don't mind a dozen or so typos.
The best thing about the book is the way that the author elevates the action between sections of the book. It starts out with the main character being in a covert international military operation. That goes south in a big way and then the book moves towards domestic issues, first vigilante justice and later on MI-5 and MI-6 interaction. At each stage the book got better.
The main character is British and most of the book takes place in England so be prepared for British slang if you read this. I was using Google a few times to figure out some of the phrases that aren't as well known outside of England.
I wasn't bothered by the ending of the book, though I thought it was a little wordy, but I can easily see why other people were. Given the buildup, the way the novel ended wasn't surprising but the way the author decided to present things was emotionally distant.
All-in-all, quite a good book if you don't mind a dozen or so typos.
February 11, 2017
Gave up
Not often do I give up on a book , I read one or two a week, but this promised so much more. Enjoyed the first bit and any hero who submits to dysentery in such a glorious fashion is ok by me but all downhill for there. Don't believe in such extraneous circumstances to activate a revenge policy and if you don't believe then the rest is pointless. Sorry but not for me.
Not often do I give up on a book , I read one or two a week, but this promised so much more. Enjoyed the first bit and any hero who submits to dysentery in such a glorious fashion is ok by me but all downhill for there. Don't believe in such extraneous circumstances to activate a revenge policy and if you don't believe then the rest is pointless. Sorry but not for me.
August 21, 2013
I simply don't understand the ratings this book received? I quite enjoyed it and am now reading the second installment of the vengeance man.. When you grab a copy of a book called the vengeance man are you looking for a Literary treasure or a guilty pleasure?
I found the book quite interesting and entertaining a guilty pleasure. Anytime a book can make you think about your own moral compass and values it's a win for me. A solid 4 stars if you accept it for what it is. It's the first installment in the series so give it a chance to grow. Give it a chance my friends and don't be afraid to like what you like. Pay no attention to the negativity and decide for yourself.. Let me know how it works out for you! RWN
I found the book quite interesting and entertaining a guilty pleasure. Anytime a book can make you think about your own moral compass and values it's a win for me. A solid 4 stars if you accept it for what it is. It's the first installment in the series so give it a chance to grow. Give it a chance my friends and don't be afraid to like what you like. Pay no attention to the negativity and decide for yourself.. Let me know how it works out for you! RWN
March 13, 2015
The Vingence Man
I was really pleased up to the ending. I expected Mr X (interestingly you never gave him a name except 'Vingence Man', 'Love' and 'Boyd'), I expected him to find a wineo to take his place up into the mountains, then slip out to Jamaca or some other small country. He could have made a deal with Joy to meet him in several weeks, traveling the long route in case she was followed.
Now the real trick question - It seems like the reporter had several months to collect information. And then have his Editor trash the story (even though he was right - they both would have met with an accident).
Well written except ending just cut off!
I was really pleased up to the ending. I expected Mr X (interestingly you never gave him a name except 'Vingence Man', 'Love' and 'Boyd'), I expected him to find a wineo to take his place up into the mountains, then slip out to Jamaca or some other small country. He could have made a deal with Joy to meet him in several weeks, traveling the long route in case she was followed.
Now the real trick question - It seems like the reporter had several months to collect information. And then have his Editor trash the story (even though he was right - they both would have met with an accident).
Well written except ending just cut off!
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