Vindicated

by Tasha Macklin

To the outside world Angel Eva Santiago appears to have it all: a loving family, money, beauty, and intelligence, but looks can be deceiving. After witnessing her first murder at the young age of eight, she soon discovers that her and her father shares something much deeper than just a father daughter bond; they share a dark and deadly secret, and like her father, she too, has an insatiable appetite for blood. When her father is sentenced to life in prison, Evas seemingly perfect life begins to unravel and she is forced into a cold and dangerous world without any protection. Eva soon learns that nothing is what it seems. Haunted by her past and straddling an imaginary fence between good and evil, right and wrong, Eva knows that somewhere in the middle lies her fate, but is it too late? Using her body and beauty that had always proven to be both a burden and a curse, Eva soon learns that they are both her greatest and deadliest asset. Taking matters into her own hands, Eva decides that she holds the key to life or death.

300 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2013

About the author

Tasha Macklin came to life in the pages of Wahida Clark’s bestselling Thug series. As one of Wahida’s most beloved characters, Tasha Macklin is part of Wahida Clark’s growing literary empire.

Wahida began writing fiction while incarcerated at a women’s federal prison camp, and has written a dozen novels and short stories. After creating the New York Times bestselling Payback and Thug series, Wahida opened her own publishing company, Wahida Clark Presents, through which she publishes adult and teen urban fiction.

Tasha Macklin is a pseudonym for Wahida Clark

Reviews

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narrator- Mr. Gates

Wahida Clark Presents Publishing, LLC; Audible Studios





I listened to this book on Audible (5hrs and 32 mins) and was completely drawn into the story within the first few minutes. I.... was..... hooked. The intro hits you hard and the story kept going from there until you are left with your mouth open waiting on part 2. Mr. Gates served up an excellent performance, but I expected nothing less from him.



This book had all of the key elements needed to make it a standout. There was action, consistent plot movement (no lulls), drama, interesting characters & violence that made sense in the world it was set. The "hero" was not only a flawed man - brutal in his business & family dealings- but one that you secretly rooted for when it comes time for his vengeance. The author did a fantastic job of also portraying mental illness by weaving it into the character's storyline slowly and deliberately. When the illness finally manifests itself for others to see, you felt the character's fear and confusion and of those she encountered. I appreciated the way the author used greed, violence, and betrayal to show how these things can color our interactions with others and how it changes our very being. Something that was a little surprising was that sex was an afterthought almost in this story and I think that made the story stronger. Yes, it played an important role, but the author didn't rely so heavily on it that it was all you remember.

I honestly have listened to this book more than a handful of times. Each time, between the skillfully written story and Mr. Gates' intoxicating narration, I feel like it is the first listen every time. I cannot wait for the sequel. It should be fire if the author can keep up the momentum set forth in book 1. The synopsis does not fit this book, but possibly was created to support the entire series. Book 1 was the father's story and book 2 promises to be his as well if the Eva character doesn't step up.

[Deedee Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read