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The Incredible Adventures of Vic Challenger #3
Never Give Up
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ISBN can be found here
In less than three weeks Vic and Lin are leaving on perhaps the most prestigious ocean liner ever built, on a trip that promises to be fun and relaxing, truly a camp out. But before they leave they are taken prisoner by a group of Dine’ who mistake them for killers, get caught up in an incredible ancient mystery, Lin learns a secret that devastates her, Vic gets news that could mean the end of her quest, and they pursue a murdering slaver in an attempt to save two children – they must deal with it all before the truly deadly adventure even begins! And this time around, they find out more than once how harsh life can be, but they…Never Give Up!
A merciless, agonizing memory can sometimes break a person and render them incapable of facing even the commonplace without being unnerved. Sometimes it endows a person with near super human ability to take action in even the most savage of circumstances.
Vic’s memory from a thousand generations past has emboldened her with the daring and determination to embark on an epic quest that may last a lifetime and on any day bring violent death. Yet she is prepared to challenge any peril and venture into any danger, known or unknown. She has learned from her mysterious avatar Nat-ul, even when you face the gravest of threats, you need not be brave, you just need to do what needs done”
In less than three weeks Vic and Lin are leaving on perhaps the most prestigious ocean liner ever built, on a trip that promises to be fun and relaxing, truly a camp out. But before they leave they are taken prisoner by a group of Dine’ who mistake them for killers, get caught up in an incredible ancient mystery, Lin learns a secret that devastates her, Vic gets news that could mean the end of her quest, and they pursue a murdering slaver in an attempt to save two children – they must deal with it all before the truly deadly adventure even begins! And this time around, they find out more than once how harsh life can be, but they…Never Give Up!
A merciless, agonizing memory can sometimes break a person and render them incapable of facing even the commonplace without being unnerved. Sometimes it endows a person with near super human ability to take action in even the most savage of circumstances.
Vic’s memory from a thousand generations past has emboldened her with the daring and determination to embark on an epic quest that may last a lifetime and on any day bring violent death. Yet she is prepared to challenge any peril and venture into any danger, known or unknown. She has learned from her mysterious avatar Nat-ul, even when you face the gravest of threats, you need not be brave, you just need to do what needs done”
180 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2014
4 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Gill
29 books4 followersI have written/edited/published for years but it was non-fiction, especially directories. The government decided to do some things that impacted my products, and spent years postponing proposed changes. My customer base was pretty much decimated. Oh well...life.
Wake up! When I was 10 or 12, I read The Eternal Savage by Burroughs (in two parts, 1914 and 1917). I immediately went looking for a sequel. There never was one. I re-read the book a few times and in 2013 decided I'd do the sequel myself. I re-wrote the beginning, sequel (#2), then #3, #4 as of February 2015. It will require 4-5 more at least to use the scenes already in my head.
Why Vic instead of a Victor? I have four fantastic hanai neices. Women have it better now than once upon a time but still people don't give them deserved credit. I wanted to create a character that wasn't a vampire or super hero, just the girl next door but with a goal and unwilling to let anything stop her. Vic remembers when life was stupendously savage, when actions we might today equate with extreme bravery were just daily life. Vic's motto: You don't need to be brave, you just need to do what needs done.
Obviously a great influence is Edgar Rice Burroughs. I liked all his work but especially his less celebrated books. I read most Tarzan books but preferred stories like Eternal Savage, Pellucidar novels, the Moon Trilogy, Beyond Thirty, Land of Hidden Men, The Oakdale Affair, Time Forgot books, and so on.
ERB was not my only influence, though, I remember trying to read a Hardy Boys book and never finished one. Tried Nancy Drew and loved it. One part of the formula for Nancy books is inclusion of real facts. For example I recently re-read Moss Covered Mansion and it had a fantastic description of visiting the Kennedy Space Center before a launch in the 60's. I try to include real facts without making it a travelogue. And although there is a sci-fi component to the books (and will continue to be) I want Vic to always do things that are possible. Often they are far from easy, and definitely not recommended as many of her actions are very dangerous - but always possible. On the website under references I give all the places where I dug up info for the books.
Nancy Drew and ERB had influential helpers. All those writers who contributed as Kenneth Robeson to Doc Savage and The Avenger were great influences, also. I read all of both series.I figure if my writing can bring readers even a tiny fraction of the pleasure I was given by those writers of yesteryear, it's worth anything I put into it.
Lots of information about Vic and the books are on the website http://www.vicplanet.com. References are listed, non-English vocabulary used in the books, discussion questions for book clubs, reviews, excerpts, trailers and more.
Each novel has it's own board on Pinterest. Just go to https://www.pinterest.com/glbwandvic/ You can follow me and Vic on Twitter if interested @vicaction I spend about an hour per day on Twitter. Twice I read through the most recent 100 tweets. I usually retweet several on many topics. It's not just Vic stuff. I follow back 99% of the time. I send thank you tweets to new followers. I send about 5-10 tweets myself. Some are quotes from Vic or others. Some are about coming books. Some are review quotes. Some are none of the above.
A fan set up a Vic fan group on FaceBook. It would be great if you joined. No cost, no work. If you ever want to talk about a Vic book or rellated you have a place to go. I have nothing to do with the group (I think it would be tacky to join a group for my own character) but I will try to always give advance notice of next book and such, discounts and that sort of thing. Nothing to lose, maybe something to gain. https://www.facebook.com/groups/14744...
Finally, a request to share. I'm told reviews help. Amazon uses them to determine what customers see when they search. When you read a Vic novel, please write a review
Wake up! When I was 10 or 12, I read The Eternal Savage by Burroughs (in two parts, 1914 and 1917). I immediately went looking for a sequel. There never was one. I re-read the book a few times and in 2013 decided I'd do the sequel myself. I re-wrote the beginning, sequel (#2), then #3, #4 as of February 2015. It will require 4-5 more at least to use the scenes already in my head.
Why Vic instead of a Victor? I have four fantastic hanai neices. Women have it better now than once upon a time but still people don't give them deserved credit. I wanted to create a character that wasn't a vampire or super hero, just the girl next door but with a goal and unwilling to let anything stop her. Vic remembers when life was stupendously savage, when actions we might today equate with extreme bravery were just daily life. Vic's motto: You don't need to be brave, you just need to do what needs done.
Obviously a great influence is Edgar Rice Burroughs. I liked all his work but especially his less celebrated books. I read most Tarzan books but preferred stories like Eternal Savage, Pellucidar novels, the Moon Trilogy, Beyond Thirty, Land of Hidden Men, The Oakdale Affair, Time Forgot books, and so on.
ERB was not my only influence, though, I remember trying to read a Hardy Boys book and never finished one. Tried Nancy Drew and loved it. One part of the formula for Nancy books is inclusion of real facts. For example I recently re-read Moss Covered Mansion and it had a fantastic description of visiting the Kennedy Space Center before a launch in the 60's. I try to include real facts without making it a travelogue. And although there is a sci-fi component to the books (and will continue to be) I want Vic to always do things that are possible. Often they are far from easy, and definitely not recommended as many of her actions are very dangerous - but always possible. On the website under references I give all the places where I dug up info for the books.
Nancy Drew and ERB had influential helpers. All those writers who contributed as Kenneth Robeson to Doc Savage and The Avenger were great influences, also. I read all of both series.I figure if my writing can bring readers even a tiny fraction of the pleasure I was given by those writers of yesteryear, it's worth anything I put into it.
Lots of information about Vic and the books are on the website http://www.vicplanet.com. References are listed, non-English vocabulary used in the books, discussion questions for book clubs, reviews, excerpts, trailers and more.
Each novel has it's own board on Pinterest. Just go to https://www.pinterest.com/glbwandvic/ You can follow me and Vic on Twitter if interested @vicaction I spend about an hour per day on Twitter. Twice I read through the most recent 100 tweets. I usually retweet several on many topics. It's not just Vic stuff. I follow back 99% of the time. I send thank you tweets to new followers. I send about 5-10 tweets myself. Some are quotes from Vic or others. Some are about coming books. Some are review quotes. Some are none of the above.
A fan set up a Vic fan group on FaceBook. It would be great if you joined. No cost, no work. If you ever want to talk about a Vic book or rellated you have a place to go. I have nothing to do with the group (I think it would be tacky to join a group for my own character) but I will try to always give advance notice of next book and such, discounts and that sort of thing. Nothing to lose, maybe something to gain. https://www.facebook.com/groups/14744...
Finally, a request to share. I'm told reviews help. Amazon uses them to determine what customers see when they search. When you read a Vic novel, please write a review
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 7, 2014
This is the third in a series of novels about your average female resident of the early 20th century who isn't really so average.
Victoria Custer's "day job" is as a travel and adventure writer for her local, Nebraska, newspaper. Using the pen name Vic Challenger, she travels to places that even experienced, male adventurers would hesitate to visit. Vic has a very good reason; she has inside of her an avatar of a 100,000-year-old cavewoman named Nat-ul. She came from an era where violent death could come at any moment. If Nat-ul has survived all these centuries, then Nu, her lover, must also be alive. That search is the real reason for Vic's adventures.
Vic and her friend, Lin Li, are booked on a very fancy ship for a trip to England in a couple of weeks, so they make a quick trip to the Grand Canyon for some camping. They will take some photos, write some articles; it will be fun, right? They are taken prisoner by some Native American warriors who accuse them of being human slavers targeting Native American children, they are later taken prisoner by actual human slavers, and they come across a bottomless cavern full of what looks like ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. They manage to reach their ship for England with minutes to spare.
Once in Britain, they head for Scotland, intending to camp in the ruins of a Scottish castle on the shore of Loch Ness (home of the famous Monster). The local inhabitants are tormented by the mysterious disappearances of animals, and people. Some say that the Loch is inhabited by a number of "beasties." Other tales are about a family of human cannibals. Vic and Lin learn, to their horror, that both stories are true. Amid all this Vic just misses meeting an artist named Stu James, who she is sure is the reincarnation of Nu, her lover.
I totally enjoyed this book (and this series). It's got a strong female main character, it's got plenty of action and brushes with death, and it would make a really good movie. This is very much worth reading.
Victoria Custer's "day job" is as a travel and adventure writer for her local, Nebraska, newspaper. Using the pen name Vic Challenger, she travels to places that even experienced, male adventurers would hesitate to visit. Vic has a very good reason; she has inside of her an avatar of a 100,000-year-old cavewoman named Nat-ul. She came from an era where violent death could come at any moment. If Nat-ul has survived all these centuries, then Nu, her lover, must also be alive. That search is the real reason for Vic's adventures.
Vic and her friend, Lin Li, are booked on a very fancy ship for a trip to England in a couple of weeks, so they make a quick trip to the Grand Canyon for some camping. They will take some photos, write some articles; it will be fun, right? They are taken prisoner by some Native American warriors who accuse them of being human slavers targeting Native American children, they are later taken prisoner by actual human slavers, and they come across a bottomless cavern full of what looks like ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. They manage to reach their ship for England with minutes to spare.
Once in Britain, they head for Scotland, intending to camp in the ruins of a Scottish castle on the shore of Loch Ness (home of the famous Monster). The local inhabitants are tormented by the mysterious disappearances of animals, and people. Some say that the Loch is inhabited by a number of "beasties." Other tales are about a family of human cannibals. Vic and Lin learn, to their horror, that both stories are true. Amid all this Vic just misses meeting an artist named Stu James, who she is sure is the reincarnation of Nu, her lover.
I totally enjoyed this book (and this series). It's got a strong female main character, it's got plenty of action and brushes with death, and it would make a really good movie. This is very much worth reading.
August 10, 2014
Vic Challenger returns for another adventure in her quest to find Nu, the son of Nu. This time Vic and her friend Lin are headed to Scotland and London in search of an artist that Vic believes to be the reincarnation of Nu. Expecting a nice, quiet, fun vacation; the pair of adventurers stumble upon slave traders, strange beasts, and much more danger than they had anticipated. But never fear, for these super women are more than up to the challenge.
With well formed storylines, author Jerry Gill weaves an incredible tale full of interesting characters, plot twists, historical tidbits, and nonstop action. I find that I can't help but root for Vic as she searches for her long lost love of so many lives past. Unlike many authors of today, Gill manages to hold a reader's attention throughout the series without reverting to the ever present cliff hanger. I definitely recommend this series to any reader and cannot wait to find out what happens next.
With well formed storylines, author Jerry Gill weaves an incredible tale full of interesting characters, plot twists, historical tidbits, and nonstop action. I find that I can't help but root for Vic as she searches for her long lost love of so many lives past. Unlike many authors of today, Gill manages to hold a reader's attention throughout the series without reverting to the ever present cliff hanger. I definitely recommend this series to any reader and cannot wait to find out what happens next.
March 30, 2015
I like it. Vic and Lin begin with a trip to the Grand Canyon, which makes me well disposed toward the book. They find a mysterious presence and a Black Ops unit in place to protect the American people from the menace. The author leaves unfinished business that I look forward to returning to in future books.
The heroines go to Europe where they encounter a different take on the Lochness monster. The story takes a turn toward the dark. But, the author pulls it off with a nice balance by ending with the picture of a daughter grateful for the good influence and positive instruction from her mother.
I think highly of these books and do actively recommend them to young people interested in adventure stories with positive massages in them.
The heroines go to Europe where they encounter a different take on the Lochness monster. The story takes a turn toward the dark. But, the author pulls it off with a nice balance by ending with the picture of a daughter grateful for the good influence and positive instruction from her mother.
I think highly of these books and do actively recommend them to young people interested in adventure stories with positive massages in them.
March 2, 2015
I have read all 3 books and have enjoyed all of them. Vic Challenger and her friend Lin Li are off on another exciting adventure once again. However, this time they have a plan that they will avoid all danger, which includes no bad guys and no monsters. They are taking up the opportunity to go on a fun camping trip. I liked how the scenery expanded from Arizona to Scotland. I have always wanted to go to Scotland and felt as though the author did a great job in describing the scenery as it was very vivid. Vic Challenger and Lin Li don't get away without any danger. They run into some bad guys along the way along with some evil things and bad luck. They blame their misfortunes on the fact that it's just life and nothing will be that simple.
Vic Challenger and Lin Li actually get taken prisoner throughout their journey while visiting Arizona. Some Native American Warriors accuse them of being human slavers and targeting Native American children. Being held prisoner isn't anything that Vic Challenger or Lin Li planned on happening. Vic Challenger is such a fighter and a tough woman, holding her ground throughout the entire trip. They somehow manage to make their ship before it takes off so they can make their trip to London.
These stories are very inspiring to me and I have loved the series. Vic Challenger is an inspiration to women and especially for a woman in her time, she is very brave and such a leader. If you haven't read this series yet, I would recommend doing so. You won't be disappointed by any means. This is probably one of the best series that I have read in a very long time.
Vic Challenger and Lin Li actually get taken prisoner throughout their journey while visiting Arizona. Some Native American Warriors accuse them of being human slavers and targeting Native American children. Being held prisoner isn't anything that Vic Challenger or Lin Li planned on happening. Vic Challenger is such a fighter and a tough woman, holding her ground throughout the entire trip. They somehow manage to make their ship before it takes off so they can make their trip to London.
These stories are very inspiring to me and I have loved the series. Vic Challenger is an inspiration to women and especially for a woman in her time, she is very brave and such a leader. If you haven't read this series yet, I would recommend doing so. You won't be disappointed by any means. This is probably one of the best series that I have read in a very long time.
March 8, 2015
Call me biased if you want to, but this third installment in Jerry Gill’s The Incredible Adventures of Vic Challenger series is the best one. I had a crush on the first one, had a fling with the second one, and fell in love with this one. By the time I get to book four, they will be scraping me off of the floor. The title, Never Give Up says it all. Readers are once again thrust into the world of Victoria Custer in the 1920s. Her high school buddy, Lin Li is back and braving more adventures across the globe with the travel writer from Nebraska.
The fierce heroines make simple travel plans that turn into anything but. Vic, who is the reincarnation of 100,000-year-old warrior Nat-ul, is always searching for her eternal love, Nu. She learns that he could be in London reincarnated as Stu. The friends fight for their lives to eliminate obstacles as they tackle one quest at a time. Slavers, killers, and kidnapped children are just a few of the people they encounter. Secrets, mysteries, and death abound as Lin faces devastation and Vic battles villains with hammers and axes.
Gill brings Europe, the Grand Canyon, the Loch Ness Monster, and New York together in another terrific tale. High energy, colorful escapades, fantasy, and content that transcends time are what are in store for you with Never Give Up.
The fierce heroines make simple travel plans that turn into anything but. Vic, who is the reincarnation of 100,000-year-old warrior Nat-ul, is always searching for her eternal love, Nu. She learns that he could be in London reincarnated as Stu. The friends fight for their lives to eliminate obstacles as they tackle one quest at a time. Slavers, killers, and kidnapped children are just a few of the people they encounter. Secrets, mysteries, and death abound as Lin faces devastation and Vic battles villains with hammers and axes.
Gill brings Europe, the Grand Canyon, the Loch Ness Monster, and New York together in another terrific tale. High energy, colorful escapades, fantasy, and content that transcends time are what are in store for you with Never Give Up.
August 24, 2014
The premises of Gill’s novels are always a mouthful, and that’s how I like it. There are no other stories our there like the Vic Challenger books. They follow a travel writer from the 20th century who carries the memories and emotions of a 100,000-year-old cave woman whose mate had tragically died. The story is about Vic’s latest adventures in search for her mate’s reincarnation. What follows is a fast read filled with travel, action, and adventure that does not quit for 176 pages. I am absolutely in love with this series and can’t wait to hear what the 4th one is about.
August 2, 2014
If you want something plodding, this isn't it. Possibly more action than the first two Vic Challenger novels. Vic and Lin are planning on this trip to be a camp out, literally. But the best laid plans of mice and writers.... They do manage to do the impossible. Action stretches from the Grand Canyon to Drumnadrochit. Where? Clean for any age. Great Pinterest page
http://www.pinterest.com/glbwandvic/v...
More info at
http://www.vicplanet.com
http://www.pinterest.com/glbwandvic/v...
More info at
http://www.vicplanet.com
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews