What do you think?
Rate this book
The Challenged World #2
Pretty Little Creatures
Pretty Little Creatures is a no-holds-barred battle of good vs evil. A small-town sheriff cannot accept he’s been chosen. An enigmatic French priest asks for help against a dark force. An eccentric technology genius discovers a diabolical conspiracy. And they are joined by a stunning CIA professional killer with a clear and final solution to any problem.
Together they struggle against the leaders of an illicit diamond trade and the foul entity providing the slave labor. Have they won? The doggedness of the technology genius and the assuredness of the French priest uncover deeper plans—a game of misdirection and intrigue masterminded by a powerful supernatural enemy.
The stakes rapidly rise as the trail leads them into the wild heartland of a Mexican drug cartel—a launching point to unleash a hellish scenario into the U.S. The final conflict looms as forces for good and evil muster for battle, joined by Navy Seals, Texas Rangers, and the CIA. Can three regular people prevent this incredible terrorist attack? They need to, because failure will forevermore alter the life of every American.
If you like wall-to-wall suspense, non-stop action, and the inspirational story of good people standing against evil, then you’ll love this roller-coaster ride tale of adventure and faith.
“Vince has a way to keep you on the edge of your seat and up late at night to read JUST one more chapter.” “Awesome Thriller!!” “A rip-roaring story of the battle between good and evil. What could be better?” “It ends with the shootout of all shootouts, which makes the gunfire at the OK Corral seem like a bridge party.” Kindle Reviewers
Together they struggle against the leaders of an illicit diamond trade and the foul entity providing the slave labor. Have they won? The doggedness of the technology genius and the assuredness of the French priest uncover deeper plans—a game of misdirection and intrigue masterminded by a powerful supernatural enemy.
The stakes rapidly rise as the trail leads them into the wild heartland of a Mexican drug cartel—a launching point to unleash a hellish scenario into the U.S. The final conflict looms as forces for good and evil muster for battle, joined by Navy Seals, Texas Rangers, and the CIA. Can three regular people prevent this incredible terrorist attack? They need to, because failure will forevermore alter the life of every American.
If you like wall-to-wall suspense, non-stop action, and the inspirational story of good people standing against evil, then you’ll love this roller-coaster ride tale of adventure and faith.
“Vince has a way to keep you on the edge of your seat and up late at night to read JUST one more chapter.” “Awesome Thriller!!” “A rip-roaring story of the battle between good and evil. What could be better?” “It ends with the shootout of all shootouts, which makes the gunfire at the OK Corral seem like a bridge party.” Kindle Reviewers
Paperback
First published September 10, 2015
16 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 14, 2015
PRETTY LITTLE CREATURES proved to be a quick read for me, which I owe to it having a lot going on as well being the second installment of a series. The characters and premise have already been established, so it give everybody a chance to pick up where we left off and hit the ground running.
A lot more globe-trotting this time around and is a definite change from the first book where you felt like you were sequestered with the danger rather than having a few rounds of cat and mouse. It suits the premise while adding scope and increasing the stakes.
The plot and storytelling tone the series is taking reminds me vaguely of Dean Koontz and THE LEFT BEHIND SERIES since it features plucky band of heroes on a righteous quest to stop an unfathomable evil.
One of my issues here - as with the writings I mentioned - is certain aspects of the story feel too convenient or contrived. I'll stipulate this might be personal preference but I get disenchanted by characters possessing specialized skills and knowledge that - coincidentally - are suited to contend with and defeat the dire task at-hand. More so when said-specialists lack any prior relationship with one another but miraculously come together in order to work as an elite team capable of doing the impossible for the good of all mankind.
Some stories adhere to tropes closer than others and I felt this was one. Tropes aren't a bad thing - they're unavoidable because nothing under the sun is original - but I suppose a little more novelty and less "bells and whistles" characterization would have made me more enthusiastic about PRETTY LITTLE CREATURES in the end.
Again, this all reflects my general attitude to trope-laden works and isn't a criticism of this book's ability to appeal to or charm other readers. I certainly wouldn't discourage anybody who read the book from continuing onto the second, if only to see if it answers a few of your lingering questions or piques intrigue in other ways.
** I received this book, courtesy of the author, in exchange for an honest review **
A lot more globe-trotting this time around and is a definite change from the first book where you felt like you were sequestered with the danger rather than having a few rounds of cat and mouse. It suits the premise while adding scope and increasing the stakes.
The plot and storytelling tone the series is taking reminds me vaguely of Dean Koontz and THE LEFT BEHIND SERIES since it features plucky band of heroes on a righteous quest to stop an unfathomable evil.
One of my issues here - as with the writings I mentioned - is certain aspects of the story feel too convenient or contrived. I'll stipulate this might be personal preference but I get disenchanted by characters possessing specialized skills and knowledge that - coincidentally - are suited to contend with and defeat the dire task at-hand. More so when said-specialists lack any prior relationship with one another but miraculously come together in order to work as an elite team capable of doing the impossible for the good of all mankind.
Some stories adhere to tropes closer than others and I felt this was one. Tropes aren't a bad thing - they're unavoidable because nothing under the sun is original - but I suppose a little more novelty and less "bells and whistles" characterization would have made me more enthusiastic about PRETTY LITTLE CREATURES in the end.
Again, this all reflects my general attitude to trope-laden works and isn't a criticism of this book's ability to appeal to or charm other readers. I certainly wouldn't discourage anybody who read the book from continuing onto the second, if only to see if it answers a few of your lingering questions or piques intrigue in other ways.
** I received this book, courtesy of the author, in exchange for an honest review **
January 20, 2016
Pretty Little Creatures is a story of “Demons and diamonds!” …amongst other things.
This novel covers very real and serious issues, such as Ebola and the terror of ISIS, while also having a supernatural element.
Although this is not one of my preferred genres, I did enjoy this book, in the same way I enjoyed the first book in this well written, action packed spiritual thriller series.
It was great seeing some familiar characters again. Their individual personalities really come through. Francois, the French priest always makes me laugh, and I love Texas sheriff, Cole, for his sarcastic comments throughout.
Although the plot really has very little link to Scooby-Doo (well, apart from solving mysteries), I couldn’t help but think of the Scooby-Doo cartoon characters while reading this. Cole, Nadine and Francois are such an unlikely match of personalities, but they work well together in an attempt to save the day. I wonder if they’ll ever get a dog to join their team in the future, ha ha.
I recommend The Challenged World series to fans of action thrillers, spiritual thrillers, and supernatural fiction.
I would like to thank the author, Vince Milam, for providing me with a copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review, and wish him success with this series.
This novel covers very real and serious issues, such as Ebola and the terror of ISIS, while also having a supernatural element.
Although this is not one of my preferred genres, I did enjoy this book, in the same way I enjoyed the first book in this well written, action packed spiritual thriller series.
It was great seeing some familiar characters again. Their individual personalities really come through. Francois, the French priest always makes me laugh, and I love Texas sheriff, Cole, for his sarcastic comments throughout.
Although the plot really has very little link to Scooby-Doo (well, apart from solving mysteries), I couldn’t help but think of the Scooby-Doo cartoon characters while reading this. Cole, Nadine and Francois are such an unlikely match of personalities, but they work well together in an attempt to save the day. I wonder if they’ll ever get a dog to join their team in the future, ha ha.
I recommend The Challenged World series to fans of action thrillers, spiritual thrillers, and supernatural fiction.
I would like to thank the author, Vince Milam, for providing me with a copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review, and wish him success with this series.
November 5, 2015
Pretty Little Creatures by Vince Milam is the second book is The Challenged World series. It was good to get back to the main characters from the first book, Cole, a small county Texas sheriff, Nadine, an IT savant, and Francois, a French priest demon hunter with a penchant for colorful clothes and excellent food. This book has everything: two demons, jihadists, Mexican cartel members, CIA assassins, Texas Rangers, and a SEAL team.
Cole, Nadine and Francois get paired up with a CIA assassin and her partner after terrorists and two demons in Sierra Leone are reportedly trafficking children and using them for blood diamond mining and food. You might think that is enough, but no. They take care of that problem and then have to go after Mexican cartel members, jihadists on the border set to spread the pretty little creatures throughout the US to bring down the whole country and the last remaining demon in the form of a witch. In Mexico, they also have the aid of Texas Rangers and a SEAL team, but Francois maintains he alone must fight the demon.
I want to thank the author for gifting me a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed it even more than the first, which makes me extremely anxious for the next. The characters are very well defined and the plot moves at a brisk pace throughout. My problem with the first story’s ending, I feel was handled better in this one and made a big difference. More please!
Cole, Nadine and Francois get paired up with a CIA assassin and her partner after terrorists and two demons in Sierra Leone are reportedly trafficking children and using them for blood diamond mining and food. You might think that is enough, but no. They take care of that problem and then have to go after Mexican cartel members, jihadists on the border set to spread the pretty little creatures throughout the US to bring down the whole country and the last remaining demon in the form of a witch. In Mexico, they also have the aid of Texas Rangers and a SEAL team, but Francois maintains he alone must fight the demon.
I want to thank the author for gifting me a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed it even more than the first, which makes me extremely anxious for the next. The characters are very well defined and the plot moves at a brisk pace throughout. My problem with the first story’s ending, I feel was handled better in this one and made a big difference. More please!
December 11, 2015
You can find this review on my blog: https://makingdaysbetter.wordpress.co...
I still think the same about the characters but I think Nadine relaxed a little bit with Cole so maaaaybe their relationship could work :/. Also, I felt like Francois was in his things and problems on one side and Nadine and Cole were in a lot different thing… I felt distance between them. :(
I found a new favorite character in this book, Celine! :D This doctor was very sweet and smart, I liked her a lot through the book. There are a lot new good characters who help our trio and also the bad guys like, El Cuello. I liked El Cuello a lot, I know is the bad one but he’s a gangster and book gangsters are my weakness. :P
What I truly love about this books are that after three or four chapters narrated by the main characters’ point of view, there comes one or two chapters narrated by the antagonist’s point of view, and that made the books a lot more interesting for me. Another great thing was the way Vince described all the action scenes, I felt all the adrenaline that the characters were feeling. <3
The thing I didn’t like was that the characters could speak English and Spanish so sometimes they used the same word but in different languages and it felt too repetitive for me, in the last five chapters I even tried to avoid this words but it was difficult. :/
However, if you don’t know Spanish I’m sure you won’t have a problem with that. ;)
I still think the same about the characters but I think Nadine relaxed a little bit with Cole so maaaaybe their relationship could work :/. Also, I felt like Francois was in his things and problems on one side and Nadine and Cole were in a lot different thing… I felt distance between them. :(
I found a new favorite character in this book, Celine! :D This doctor was very sweet and smart, I liked her a lot through the book. There are a lot new good characters who help our trio and also the bad guys like, El Cuello. I liked El Cuello a lot, I know is the bad one but he’s a gangster and book gangsters are my weakness. :P
What I truly love about this books are that after three or four chapters narrated by the main characters’ point of view, there comes one or two chapters narrated by the antagonist’s point of view, and that made the books a lot more interesting for me. Another great thing was the way Vince described all the action scenes, I felt all the adrenaline that the characters were feeling. <3
The thing I didn’t like was that the characters could speak English and Spanish so sometimes they used the same word but in different languages and it felt too repetitive for me, in the last five chapters I even tried to avoid this words but it was difficult. :/
However, if you don’t know Spanish I’m sure you won’t have a problem with that. ;)
March 15, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads.com giveaway.
A French priest, a small town sheriff and a female eccentric technology genius go to West Africa. Sounds like the start of a joke, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not. It’s the three main characters and the beginning of Vince Milam’s “Pretty Little Creatures.”
The blood diamond trade has been resurrected in Ebola-plagued West Africa. Father Francois Domaine calls upon two old American friends, Cole Garza and Nadine May, for their help in the spiritual world. Domaine has just battled an evil spirit, but now knows that something bigger is on the rise. Along the way, the CIA gets involved, as well as a Navy Seals Team.
The outcome rises rapidly as the trail gets hotter and leads them into the vast wilderness heartland of a Mexican drug cartel; the point of no return as the plan to unleash a dreadful scenario in the U.S. becomes too much of a reality. The final war between good and evil comes to a head.
The story line was nicely developed; the characters as well. The plot was well thought through and laid out perfectly. The story was easy enough to follow. Milam gives us the opportunity to experience the battle between good and evil, as well as bringing justice to criminals.
I was expecting a more descriptive detail of the scenes. Was West Africa steamy and hot? What about Texas and Mexico? We are given some descriptive detail, but to me, it wasn’t enough. I like to picture the scenes in my mind, so to give me a better feel for the book. I want to be drawn into the story and become a part of it.
Also, I have noticed throughout “Pretty Little Creatures,” that Vince Milam allows for a blank page to follow the ending of a chapter, but only sporadically. It is not consistent. Either you leave the blank page, or you don’t. I prefer not to see a blank page between chapters, only because it tells me that you need to stop reading. A good author would want for their readers to continue reading; hook them into the story. I checked out three other authors (Lisa Jackson, Stuart Woods, and James Patterson) and they all continued the next chapter after the conclusion of the previous one.
Everything comes into consideration when I read a book that I will review. It is important that the author has open communications with his/her agent and publishing house. It is the little things that make a book great.
If you are into action-packed spiritual thrillers, then Vince Milam’s “Pretty Little Creatures” is for you. I enjoyed it immensely.
A French priest, a small town sheriff and a female eccentric technology genius go to West Africa. Sounds like the start of a joke, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not. It’s the three main characters and the beginning of Vince Milam’s “Pretty Little Creatures.”
The blood diamond trade has been resurrected in Ebola-plagued West Africa. Father Francois Domaine calls upon two old American friends, Cole Garza and Nadine May, for their help in the spiritual world. Domaine has just battled an evil spirit, but now knows that something bigger is on the rise. Along the way, the CIA gets involved, as well as a Navy Seals Team.
The outcome rises rapidly as the trail gets hotter and leads them into the vast wilderness heartland of a Mexican drug cartel; the point of no return as the plan to unleash a dreadful scenario in the U.S. becomes too much of a reality. The final war between good and evil comes to a head.
The story line was nicely developed; the characters as well. The plot was well thought through and laid out perfectly. The story was easy enough to follow. Milam gives us the opportunity to experience the battle between good and evil, as well as bringing justice to criminals.
I was expecting a more descriptive detail of the scenes. Was West Africa steamy and hot? What about Texas and Mexico? We are given some descriptive detail, but to me, it wasn’t enough. I like to picture the scenes in my mind, so to give me a better feel for the book. I want to be drawn into the story and become a part of it.
Also, I have noticed throughout “Pretty Little Creatures,” that Vince Milam allows for a blank page to follow the ending of a chapter, but only sporadically. It is not consistent. Either you leave the blank page, or you don’t. I prefer not to see a blank page between chapters, only because it tells me that you need to stop reading. A good author would want for their readers to continue reading; hook them into the story. I checked out three other authors (Lisa Jackson, Stuart Woods, and James Patterson) and they all continued the next chapter after the conclusion of the previous one.
Everything comes into consideration when I read a book that I will review. It is important that the author has open communications with his/her agent and publishing house. It is the little things that make a book great.
If you are into action-packed spiritual thrillers, then Vince Milam’s “Pretty Little Creatures” is for you. I enjoyed it immensely.
March 26, 2017
Pretty Little Creatures grabbed me by the throat right off the bat...and held it's strong fingers there to the end. I especially loved reading about the priest. But, I'm sure I would try to do him bodily harm if I was near him for any length of time.
The characters were all so different, but they blended beautifully.
I am looking forward to reading the next book.
The characters were all so different, but they blended beautifully.
I am looking forward to reading the next book.
August 1, 2017
From Instafreebie, all good and horror, with two demons and so many drug cartel, the chapters were somewhat long but the story was good all the way, hard for you to move away from this story. Good job.
November 19, 2017
First book was pretty good but this one was very redundant and got boring.
Read thru pg 200 of 263. DNF
Will not continue with the series.
Read thru pg 200 of 263. DNF
Will not continue with the series.
September 28, 2015
These two books are action/adventure, mystery thrillers. However, the story lines are directly about spiritual warfare. But this is not your modern, over the top, Hollywood battle. This is action/adventure on a spiritual level.
This is Clive Cussler/Jack de Brul-type of action/adventure
Yet they are clearly Christian. The characters grow in faith and that is one of the major threads of both books. The three hero/heroines are a delight: a typical, 21st century sheriff suddenly confronted with the reality of spiritual evil; a computer geek supreme, completely worldly—confronted with the same; and a Vatican exorcist who acts more like a spiritual Chuck Norris, a la Friar Tuck.
The story, characters, interactions, and the world-building are all first rate. I felt like I was reading one of the old heathen political/military technothrillers: Dale Brown, Clancy, Thor, and so on. But what would be the word to use for spiritual thrillers in that context? It was fun to read a book, which gave me the same escape I used to find with the heathen thrillers, that had a genuine spiritual edge.
Spiritually, I have to give it 3 stars, but it's real
This is mainline-level spirituality with a twist. It's real. These are complex, likable, intriguing characters forced to live in a spiritual world which they had no idea existed. The idea of a need for faith is like a bucket of cold water to sheriff and the geek.
It was like old home week for me. My father was an Episcopalian exorcist when Jesus touched me in 1974. He was my main mentor during the early years of my walk in the Lord. I've worked quite a bit in deliverance, and it was one of the focuses of my dad's ministry. This book had little of the reality of spiritual warfare in the real world. But in its own way, it is much more realistic than what we see in Marc Romang's books, for example.
CBA beware, this is edgy stuff
It reads like a worldly action/adventure book. There's not really any horrible language, gratuitous sex, or anything like that. But: there's a lot of violence, crudity, innuendo, characters on the good guy side who are completely heathen, and a level of reality which will make many looking for a clean read quite uneasy. Reality is like that, as we all know.
My recommendation is to tough it out, and enjoy a good book. If you are giving it to your kids, make sure you read it first. But it could open them to a level of spiritual good and evil which might be very powerful.
Vince gave me copies to review, though I think I started by getting The Unknown Element for free.
This is Clive Cussler/Jack de Brul-type of action/adventure
Yet they are clearly Christian. The characters grow in faith and that is one of the major threads of both books. The three hero/heroines are a delight: a typical, 21st century sheriff suddenly confronted with the reality of spiritual evil; a computer geek supreme, completely worldly—confronted with the same; and a Vatican exorcist who acts more like a spiritual Chuck Norris, a la Friar Tuck.
The story, characters, interactions, and the world-building are all first rate. I felt like I was reading one of the old heathen political/military technothrillers: Dale Brown, Clancy, Thor, and so on. But what would be the word to use for spiritual thrillers in that context? It was fun to read a book, which gave me the same escape I used to find with the heathen thrillers, that had a genuine spiritual edge.
Spiritually, I have to give it 3 stars, but it's real
This is mainline-level spirituality with a twist. It's real. These are complex, likable, intriguing characters forced to live in a spiritual world which they had no idea existed. The idea of a need for faith is like a bucket of cold water to sheriff and the geek.
It was like old home week for me. My father was an Episcopalian exorcist when Jesus touched me in 1974. He was my main mentor during the early years of my walk in the Lord. I've worked quite a bit in deliverance, and it was one of the focuses of my dad's ministry. This book had little of the reality of spiritual warfare in the real world. But in its own way, it is much more realistic than what we see in Marc Romang's books, for example.
CBA beware, this is edgy stuff
It reads like a worldly action/adventure book. There's not really any horrible language, gratuitous sex, or anything like that. But: there's a lot of violence, crudity, innuendo, characters on the good guy side who are completely heathen, and a level of reality which will make many looking for a clean read quite uneasy. Reality is like that, as we all know.
My recommendation is to tough it out, and enjoy a good book. If you are giving it to your kids, make sure you read it first. But it could open them to a level of spiritual good and evil which might be very powerful.
Vince gave me copies to review, though I think I started by getting The Unknown Element for free.
December 15, 2015
Posted originally on my blog:
The Writer's Inkwell
As I mentioned in my previous review, I accidentally started this book before picking up the first one. But you know what? I'm glad I did because the one issue I had with the previous book: the character Nadine, was not so much an issue in this one. I think this can be attributed to the way you are introduced to her in this particular book. She's outside with Cole and she and his neighbor are teasing him about their lack of extracurricular bedtime excursions. Sure, they're all up for fighting Evil with Francois, but when it comes to taking things to a more physical level, Cole's being a bit gun shy.
In truth, the author outdoes himself with this book. The adventure starts immediately and within a few pages, Francois is already confronting his first demon... in none other than Ebola-strickened Sierra Leone. That's what makes Francois so charming as a character, though. He's willing to go in guns blazing (metaphorically in this particular instance) with no regard to his own safety. He is truly committed to his mission and to helping to rid the world of Evil, one demon at a time. But their journey doesn't stop in Africa, the quirky trio find themselves globetrotting as they continue to hunt down those seeking to set forth a bioterrorism attack on the United States.
The demons are more animated in this book and it's a great addition to the story telling. The first one, for example, is almost spider-like in her movements and yet, when Francois first approaches her, she's opening her jaws much like a snake, in order to devour her prey. I can really appreciate this type of imagery, because it helps add that needed paranormal sense to the demon.
Furthermore, the author holds no punches and is willing to even turn allies into enemies. As a reader, this is a great contribution to a series, as too many authors try to tread lightly with keeping the bad guys and the good guys clearly in their own corners. He's also not afraid to approach some extremely relevant topics such as Ebola, the blood diamond trade and terrorism in his work. This is a great way to shed light on the evils of the world, while still allowing people a softer means of understanding these sometimes heavily covered topics.
This is a great book for anyone who enjoys adventure-filled thrillers. So if you haven't heard of this series, now would be a great time to add it to your Christmas wishlist.
Reviewer's note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Writer's Inkwell
As I mentioned in my previous review, I accidentally started this book before picking up the first one. But you know what? I'm glad I did because the one issue I had with the previous book: the character Nadine, was not so much an issue in this one. I think this can be attributed to the way you are introduced to her in this particular book. She's outside with Cole and she and his neighbor are teasing him about their lack of extracurricular bedtime excursions. Sure, they're all up for fighting Evil with Francois, but when it comes to taking things to a more physical level, Cole's being a bit gun shy.
In truth, the author outdoes himself with this book. The adventure starts immediately and within a few pages, Francois is already confronting his first demon... in none other than Ebola-strickened Sierra Leone. That's what makes Francois so charming as a character, though. He's willing to go in guns blazing (metaphorically in this particular instance) with no regard to his own safety. He is truly committed to his mission and to helping to rid the world of Evil, one demon at a time. But their journey doesn't stop in Africa, the quirky trio find themselves globetrotting as they continue to hunt down those seeking to set forth a bioterrorism attack on the United States.
The demons are more animated in this book and it's a great addition to the story telling. The first one, for example, is almost spider-like in her movements and yet, when Francois first approaches her, she's opening her jaws much like a snake, in order to devour her prey. I can really appreciate this type of imagery, because it helps add that needed paranormal sense to the demon.
Furthermore, the author holds no punches and is willing to even turn allies into enemies. As a reader, this is a great contribution to a series, as too many authors try to tread lightly with keeping the bad guys and the good guys clearly in their own corners. He's also not afraid to approach some extremely relevant topics such as Ebola, the blood diamond trade and terrorism in his work. This is a great way to shed light on the evils of the world, while still allowing people a softer means of understanding these sometimes heavily covered topics.
This is a great book for anyone who enjoys adventure-filled thrillers. So if you haven't heard of this series, now would be a great time to add it to your Christmas wishlist.
Reviewer's note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2016
I was given a copy of this novel by the author in exchange for my review.
I have not read the first book in the Challenged World Series and feel that has left me feeling as though I’ve missed a lot both in character development and connection. The idea of normal people charged with superhuman tasks is a common theme in thrillers while perhaps the paranormal aspect is a bit of a twist that leaves to the reader to decide if it’s welcome or not.
There’s a lot going on in Pretty Little Creatures. The story is far-reaching and improbable, taking its characters around the world and tackles dangers inspired by the news of the day. As an example, JoBeth of the CIA appears in the story instantly when it’s time to leave to join Francois, complete with a private jet. In respect of the international scope of the story, Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon series comes to mind.
Pretty Little Creatures is called a spiritual thriller. Beyond having a priest as a main character, there is a definite religious thread running through the work. The novel is gritty, brutal and imbued with a morality battle.
I have not read the first book in the Challenged World Series and feel that has left me feeling as though I’ve missed a lot both in character development and connection. The idea of normal people charged with superhuman tasks is a common theme in thrillers while perhaps the paranormal aspect is a bit of a twist that leaves to the reader to decide if it’s welcome or not.
There’s a lot going on in Pretty Little Creatures. The story is far-reaching and improbable, taking its characters around the world and tackles dangers inspired by the news of the day. As an example, JoBeth of the CIA appears in the story instantly when it’s time to leave to join Francois, complete with a private jet. In respect of the international scope of the story, Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon series comes to mind.
Pretty Little Creatures is called a spiritual thriller. Beyond having a priest as a main character, there is a definite religious thread running through the work. The novel is gritty, brutal and imbued with a morality battle.
June 11, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars If you are thinking that the devil is this cute little guy ......, June 11, 2016
This review is from: Pretty Little Creatures: An Action-Packed Spiritual Thriller (Challenged World Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
... in a tiny red onesie with horns sewn on it's head and sitting on someone's shoulder... hang onto your butt because you are in for a wild ride! I hope everyone gets the chance to experience the books written by Vince Milam. They are truly action-packed novels that are the best I've read in a long time, and this is just his second published book! A lot of talent here!
This book, like his first, is a gem, brimming with "interesting" characters. The three main characters (same as in the first book) remain a wonderful mix of personalities, with each becoming stronger with every trial they face. The supporting characters are primarily new, but no less interesting! Awesome!
These novels are called "spiritual thrillers". To be honest, I didn't really know what that meant when I picked up the first book. Trust me, they are not "ripped from a church sermon"! Instead they are all about good vs. evil just as we are all exposed to everyday, sending the threesome all over the world to fight the devils we can see and those we can't. Francois has his work cut out for him when dealing with the unseen evil, but when not involved in direct conflict, he is a real piece of work!
We still have the "ewww" factor. Sick as it is, I love the "ewww" factor! Chomp, chomp!
This is the second time this author has scored a bases-loaded home run in my world! Can't wait for the next chapter!
September 29, 2015
Pretty Little Creatures is another home run for Vince Milam. In this second story of The Challenged World series, Milam’s three warriors: Francois---a French priest, gourmet cook, and tireless hunter of demons, Cole--- a cool headed Texas sheriff with no ambivalence when it comes to dispatching justice, and Nadine---the IT-genius who provides grit and essential information for their quest, are back to pursue evil around the globe and back. With an odious group of human traffickers operating in Ebola infested West Africa to ISIS terrorists enabled by a ruthless drug lord in Mexico, there is no shortage of bad guys for our crusaders to chase. And, did I mention a plan to annihilate North America, orchestrated by the villain of all villains, Empusa, the one the drug leader calls, The Witch, is at the center of the mayhem? Pretty Creatures is a wild ride, indeed. By the time the story culminates in the Mexican dessert, the Texas Rangers, Navy Seals and a “company” hit team join the trio for the shootout of all shootouts, which makes the gunfire at the Okay Corral seem like a bridge party. I’m looking forward to the next installment from Vince Milam. Pretty Creatures was a great read.
May 23, 2016
As an avid reader of different themes, I totally enjoyed both The Unknown Element & Pretty Little Creatures by Vince Milam. First, the three different types of characters are what held my interest: Francois with his strong faith, Cole the doubting sheriff, and Nadine with no faith or belief. It was the element and the combination between the characters and the hunt for evil that kept the pages turning. With the thrill of the chase, traveling from one place to another, and finally the vanishing of evil. The end of the first book The Unknown Element was so spiritually uplifting. The second book Pretty Little Creatures left me wanting to read more about the one that got away.
Second, I loved the humor in both books. Francois is not what I assumed a priest would be like. He has his own style and behavior. Cole and Nadine also grow in faith and all three people form a union that evil cannot break apart. Both books are good, clean, and inspirational. I can’t wait to the read the third book. With Francois’s faith in God, the three will search and destroy evil no matter where it takes them.
Rebecca
Second, I loved the humor in both books. Francois is not what I assumed a priest would be like. He has his own style and behavior. Cole and Nadine also grow in faith and all three people form a union that evil cannot break apart. Both books are good, clean, and inspirational. I can’t wait to the read the third book. With Francois’s faith in God, the three will search and destroy evil no matter where it takes them.
Rebecca
November 12, 2016
This was a quick read but that is not saying that the story was seriously lacking in depth or content. The book is about three unlikely heroes who have been decreed a life mission of riding the world of evil, both on a mystical and physical plane. The author does not make the book/text confusing as to be almost unreadable, but keeps to the main thesis by introducing action; in the form of evil, mortal personnel, mystical; in the form of demons interfering in the lives of man, and the ways our heroes rectify those problems. The authors have the characters playing well against each other with very defined roles within the story.
September 22, 2015
Best kind of spiritual thriller
I was excited when I was asked by kindest Vince Milam, to read "Pretty little creatures״, still am after finishing the second adventure of the rock star Father Francois, Kick ass Nadine and the one who gathered this interesting team- Cole.
The story goes through most recent and some of the scariest topics: Ebola and jihad.
Milam has good understanding of our world. Realistic but with awesome characters. Can't wait for the next adventure. Rock on Father Francois!
I was excited when I was asked by kindest Vince Milam, to read "Pretty little creatures״, still am after finishing the second adventure of the rock star Father Francois, Kick ass Nadine and the one who gathered this interesting team- Cole.
The story goes through most recent and some of the scariest topics: Ebola and jihad.
Milam has good understanding of our world. Realistic but with awesome characters. Can't wait for the next adventure. Rock on Father Francois!
September 19, 2015
Again, the French priest has requested back up from his friends in Texas. Cole & Nadine ride to the rescue with a couple of CIA assassins who though not worthless, don't believe what's going on. The CIA is after the diamond miners who are using child slave labor which is being provided by the "Witch". Eliminating the which however does not eliminate the evil. Her sister is worse.
Absolutely MUST have a sequel due to relationship issues between Cole and Nadine left unfinished. In the end, their faith will carry them through to the next adventure and we all know it.
Absolutely MUST have a sequel due to relationship issues between Cole and Nadine left unfinished. In the end, their faith will carry them through to the next adventure and we all know it.
December 7, 2015
First I must say thank you to Mr. Milam for giving me a copy of this book to read and review.
I enjoyed this second book as much as I did the first, maybe even more because I now feel that I know the characters. This is not a flowery book, there is lots of action and it's quite creepy. Since I like non flowery, action books this was right up my alley. If you don't like any books with religion or belief of a higher power this is not the series for you. But if you like evil both is demons and persons then I think you will like this book and this series.
I enjoyed this second book as much as I did the first, maybe even more because I now feel that I know the characters. This is not a flowery book, there is lots of action and it's quite creepy. Since I like non flowery, action books this was right up my alley. If you don't like any books with religion or belief of a higher power this is not the series for you. But if you like evil both is demons and persons then I think you will like this book and this series.
May 14, 2016
This is the second book in this series by Vince Milam. Again our intrepid threesome, i.e. a French priest, a Texas sheriff and a computer guru, fight Satan's minions to save humankind. This adventure takes them to West Africa, back to the USA and then to Mexico, were they do battle with an unholy evil. Well written with characters that one can connect with, these supernatural thrillers have no dull moments and flow rapidly. I truly enjoy reading these novels and highly recommend them.
January 25, 2017
When I first started reading this one, wasn't convinced that I would enjoy it. Some parts of it grated to begin with......and it didn't help that I wasn't aware it was number two! But, I also found that I couldn't just put it down....I wanted to know what came next. The characters certainly grew on me as things progressed..........and now I've got to get hold of the first book too. Overall a good book with a few skips and jumps included :-)
January 20, 2017
This is a good story and had lots of suspense and action. I had a little trouble with the style of writing. At times the sentence structure was a little awkward and wordy. The characters were well-described and consistent. I did not finish this book with a strong desire for more.
January 2, 2018
I loved Vince Milam's Pretty Little Creatures! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It's fast paced, and exciting. :o)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews