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Vyper: A Laynie Portland Sequel
Task Force Resolute holds a mandate to hunt terrorists online. Director Wolfe provides the funding and agency umbrella under which Resolute operates, while Bella Tobin serves as Resolute’s team leader. Bella, however, is not this woman’s actual name. It is the current identity of Laynie Portland, spy extraordinaire, a covert asset who operated under deep cover in Sweden and Russia for more than twenty years before “coming in from the cold.”
Enter Resolute’s top intelligence analyst, Jasmine Jessup, or Jaz as she prefers. In front of her teammates, Jaz cuts a touchy, solitary, and peculiar figure. Few individuals alive, including her team, are aware that she, like Laynie, has a shadowed past, a dark history hidden behind a barricade of counterfeit identities—more aliases than even Laynie Portland could boast.
At the same time, Wolfe, Bella, and Task Force Resolute guard Jaz’s most precious Within the upper echelons of international hacking, Jaz’s brilliance and reputation are legend—for behind a keyboard, Jaz reigns as Vyper, the Venom Queen, a computer guru who instills both dread and reverence across the global hacker community.
Despite her renown in cyberspace, Jaz is not a trained field agent. So why would Director Wolfe recruit Jaz for a dicey undercover assignment—one he insists has her name written all over it?
Turns out, it isn’t Jaz but Vyper Director Wolfe desperately needs for this high-risk assignment.
As Jaz prepares for her assignment, uppermost in her training is operational security. Her handlers stress the peril that would await her should she be recognized as Vyper by someone in the hacker community, thus blowing her cover. Even so, no one could predict that Jaz will soon face a dangerous figure from her past—an individual who will hold her life in his hands.
Enter Resolute’s top intelligence analyst, Jasmine Jessup, or Jaz as she prefers. In front of her teammates, Jaz cuts a touchy, solitary, and peculiar figure. Few individuals alive, including her team, are aware that she, like Laynie, has a shadowed past, a dark history hidden behind a barricade of counterfeit identities—more aliases than even Laynie Portland could boast.
At the same time, Wolfe, Bella, and Task Force Resolute guard Jaz’s most precious Within the upper echelons of international hacking, Jaz’s brilliance and reputation are legend—for behind a keyboard, Jaz reigns as Vyper, the Venom Queen, a computer guru who instills both dread and reverence across the global hacker community.
Despite her renown in cyberspace, Jaz is not a trained field agent. So why would Director Wolfe recruit Jaz for a dicey undercover assignment—one he insists has her name written all over it?
Turns out, it isn’t Jaz but Vyper Director Wolfe desperately needs for this high-risk assignment.
As Jaz prepares for her assignment, uppermost in her training is operational security. Her handlers stress the peril that would await her should she be recognized as Vyper by someone in the hacker community, thus blowing her cover. Even so, no one could predict that Jaz will soon face a dangerous figure from her past—an individual who will hold her life in his hands.
- GenresChristian Fiction
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2023
13 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Vikki Kestell
54 books211 followersVikki Kestell’s passion for people and their stories is evident in her readers’ affection for her characters and unusual plotlines. Two often repeated sentiments are, "I feel like I know these people," and "I'm right there, in the book, experiencing what her characters experience."
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 6, 2023
Great sequel or stand-alone story!
Vyper really grows up in this fabulous sequel to the Laynie Portland series. In addition to learning why Jaz is the way she is, we get to see her embrace emotions and actions (like hugs!) that she has avoided as self protection. And ultimately, she meets the King and really learns to hug! Vikki Kestell is my all-time favorite fiction writer. Her work is seriously breathtaking, absorbing and fast paced, and rejoices in knowing Jesus. I highly recommend this book!
Vyper really grows up in this fabulous sequel to the Laynie Portland series. In addition to learning why Jaz is the way she is, we get to see her embrace emotions and actions (like hugs!) that she has avoided as self protection. And ultimately, she meets the King and really learns to hug! Vikki Kestell is my all-time favorite fiction writer. Her work is seriously breathtaking, absorbing and fast paced, and rejoices in knowing Jesus. I highly recommend this book!
October 4, 2023
Wow! What a great way to wrap up this series.
Kestell has a great talent for creating characters. And as she develops each one, sometimes one stands out as needing their own story.
If you are unfamiliar with her works then I would encourage you to dig in here. Then backup saved read the books that eventually produced this character. And if you are already familiar with her work then I would just say, read on, and get ready for a treat.
I'm already looking forward to her new series.
Kestell has a great talent for creating characters. And as she develops each one, sometimes one stands out as needing their own story.
If you are unfamiliar with her works then I would encourage you to dig in here. Then backup saved read the books that eventually produced this character. And if you are already familiar with her work then I would just say, read on, and get ready for a treat.
I'm already looking forward to her new series.
October 29, 2023
Much anticipated story
It was great to get insight on Vyper's backstory, to see how she got to where she was. It was also cool to see where her life intersected with believers and how their input into her life eventually came together with the work of the Spirit for her to make a decision for faith. Finally. We see how her skills prepare her for the role she plays as an agent.
Also, I love Harris's role.
For those who have read the Laynie Portland series, you will enjoy the return to familiar characters and the chance to know more about Vyper. If you haven't yet read the Laynie Portland series, I encourage you to do so!
It was great to get insight on Vyper's backstory, to see how she got to where she was. It was also cool to see where her life intersected with believers and how their input into her life eventually came together with the work of the Spirit for her to make a decision for faith. Finally. We see how her skills prepare her for the role she plays as an agent.
Also, I love Harris's role.
For those who have read the Laynie Portland series, you will enjoy the return to familiar characters and the chance to know more about Vyper. If you haven't yet read the Laynie Portland series, I encourage you to do so!
October 15, 2023
Vyper is an offshoot of the Laynie Portland series by Vikki Kestell. It is the story of Vyper, a computer hacker genius, who now works for the US government. She takes an out-of-the-office field assignment to infiltrate a terrorist cell that is intent on causing mayhem and death in the country. I loved how the action of the story never let up. Characters from previous stories show up, and I liked that too. I gave this 5 stars because I know I’ll reread it and I am looking forward to another book to continue the story.
November 25, 2023
5 star novel
Vikki Kestell only serves five star writing for a readers enjoyment, encouragement, and deep fulfillment and blessing. As a writer, has the range of a Pavirodi in her amazing ability to both entertain and capture her readers.
Viper is just one more great expression of this amazing writer’s life purpose in expressing life changing reality that Jesus brings in books that will compel you to read anything she writes.
Vikki Kestell only serves five star writing for a readers enjoyment, encouragement, and deep fulfillment and blessing. As a writer, has the range of a Pavirodi in her amazing ability to both entertain and capture her readers.
Viper is just one more great expression of this amazing writer’s life purpose in expressing life changing reality that Jesus brings in books that will compel you to read anything she writes.
November 18, 2023
Wow!
Best book I've read in a while, and I read over 100 books each year! It has all the things I look for in a book: suspense, faith, developed relationships (not superficial), technology, and a touch of romance. Ms. Kestell is one of my all time favorites authors because of the detail and depth she puts into her works. Read this series, you won't regret it!
Best book I've read in a while, and I read over 100 books each year! It has all the things I look for in a book: suspense, faith, developed relationships (not superficial), technology, and a touch of romance. Ms. Kestell is one of my all time favorites authors because of the detail and depth she puts into her works. Read this series, you won't regret it!
December 8, 2023
Amazing
When I see a Vikki Kestell book, I know I’m going to read a winner. During my reading, there were times when I couldn’t read fast enough. Vikki can sure put out the Word of God, so much so that I get convicted to serve Him better! Thanks, Vikki! You did it again and all the glory goes to God!
When I see a Vikki Kestell book, I know I’m going to read a winner. During my reading, there were times when I couldn’t read fast enough. Vikki can sure put out the Word of God, so much so that I get convicted to serve Him better! Thanks, Vikki! You did it again and all the glory goes to God!
October 11, 2023
YES! So Awesome!!
I knew it would be amazing. I’d already developed a soft spot for Jaz somewhere down the road, so I was super excited to find out this was coming. I was so, NOT disappointed! I can’t recommend it enough!!
I knew it would be amazing. I’d already developed a soft spot for Jaz somewhere down the road, so I was super excited to find out this was coming. I was so, NOT disappointed! I can’t recommend it enough!!
October 31, 2023
Love, Love, Love!!
What more can be said about Vikki Kestell's writing than has already been said over and over? I'll try anyway! Exciting. Fun. Riveting. Just the story I wanted to hear. More, please!
What more can be said about Vikki Kestell's writing than has already been said over and over? I'll try anyway! Exciting. Fun. Riveting. Just the story I wanted to hear. More, please!
May 28, 2024
Loved this book!
I had been looking forward to reading the story of Jaz and this was very in depth about her life and is a story I recommend even if you haven't read the other Laynie Portland books (which I also recommend if you like Spy stories, etc)!
I had been looking forward to reading the story of Jaz and this was very in depth about her life and is a story I recommend even if you haven't read the other Laynie Portland books (which I also recommend if you like Spy stories, etc)!
October 12, 2023
Best yet!
I enjoyed this book SO much. Keeps you reading through the night, great twists and turns. Hope there will be more of their story.
I enjoyed this book SO much. Keeps you reading through the night, great twists and turns. Hope there will be more of their story.
October 29, 2023
Vikki Kestell is such a gifted writer. Love her books and always look forward to the next one. Vyper is no exception. Action packed and informative!! Highly recommend
November 3, 2023
I loved every minute of this book!
Vikki Kestell is my favorite author. She amazes me with her writing and the clarity and joy of the gospel message!
Vikki Kestell is my favorite author. She amazes me with her writing and the clarity and joy of the gospel message!
Currently reading
February 7, 2024Fast Paced
This book was fast paced. It kept me turning the page to see what was next. Vikki is a great storyteller and she weaves in the gospel in a real life scenario s.
This book was fast paced. It kept me turning the page to see what was next. Vikki is a great storyteller and she weaves in the gospel in a real life scenario s.
October 7, 2023
Vikki has outdone herself with this book. Vyper is a special spin off character from the Laynie Portland series with a history line you could never have imagined. It is truly a faith-filled fiction writing that you should not miss.
November 6, 2023
Vyper answers so many questions
For those of us who have been on a journey with Vikki Kestell through the Prairie Heritage series to the Laynie Portland series this last book in the series answers questions about Jaz; aka Vyper. As always+ Vikki Kestells characters are unique and fascinating. Vyper is one of her most intriguing characters. This book gives the details of Vyper’s evolvement from abandonment as a toddler to a super hacker and from there as a believer in Christ to doing the work God uniquely prepared her to do. I don’t want to tell much about the story to avoid spoiling it for you,but I will just say it a good satisfying read as Vypers story is completed. I lost a lot of sleep reading this book because I couldn,t find a good place to stop for the night!
For those of us who have been on a journey with Vikki Kestell through the Prairie Heritage series to the Laynie Portland series this last book in the series answers questions about Jaz; aka Vyper. As always+ Vikki Kestells characters are unique and fascinating. Vyper is one of her most intriguing characters. This book gives the details of Vyper’s evolvement from abandonment as a toddler to a super hacker and from there as a believer in Christ to doing the work God uniquely prepared her to do. I don’t want to tell much about the story to avoid spoiling it for you,but I will just say it a good satisfying read as Vypers story is completed. I lost a lot of sleep reading this book because I couldn,t find a good place to stop for the night!
May 4, 2024
Vicki's works are very well researched and I really enjoy following her character development. Vyper was a fascinating personality in the Laynie series so I'm glad we get to see and understand more of her in this sequel.
The way Laynie (Bella) has forged a relationship with deeply guarded Vyper is truly a Christian miracle.
The way Laynie (Bella) has forged a relationship with deeply guarded Vyper is truly a Christian miracle.
January 12, 2025
Loved it!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews