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In the search for her eternal love, the re-incarnated cave girl visits family in Australia and when her aunt is robbed Vic pursues the bad guys to a mysterious grotto where legend says a horrible monster guards a family treasure – and finds herself confronted by other equally virulent threats along the way!
All the things you expect from a Vic Challenger novel - bad guys, cryptids, nature, just a touch of social issue, a bit of 1920’s nostalgia, and Vic continues her search for her lost love. She is with Lin Li in Australia, visiting family on her mothers side. It’s a swell vacation, then whamo! The best laid plans of travel writers and their friends often go kaboom! Time after time, Vic and Lin find the relevance in the saying, ‘It’s easy to get dead when you’re slow.’ Savage, unpredictable action! Guaranteed!
In the search for her eternal love, the re-incarnated cave girl visits family in Australia and when her aunt is robbed Vic pursues the bad guys to a mysterious grotto where legend says a horrible monster guards a family treasure – and finds herself confronted by other equally virulent threats along the way!
All the things you expect from a Vic Challenger novel - bad guys, cryptids, nature, just a touch of social issue, a bit of 1920’s nostalgia, and Vic continues her search for her lost love. She is with Lin Li in Australia, visiting family on her mothers side. It’s a swell vacation, then whamo! The best laid plans of travel writers and their friends often go kaboom! Time after time, Vic and Lin find the relevance in the saying, ‘It’s easy to get dead when you’re slow.’ Savage, unpredictable action! Guaranteed!
206 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2016
144 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
May 2, 2020
Jerry Gill, the author, de!ivers again with this novel of the adventures of Vic Challenger and her friend Lin Li while in Australia. It is great tale describing how they survive in the wild while tracking a gang of thieves and killers. Vic and Lin must defend themselves against monsters. But that isn't all. The author educated the reader in life and good in other countries.
I wish the Vic Challenger books had been available when I was growing up. I would have eaten them up with a spoon. That is how good they are.
I wish the Vic Challenger books had been available when I was growing up. I would have eaten them up with a spoon. That is how good they are.
June 1, 2016
*I was sent a copy of this book by the author for a free and honest review*
Vic Challenger: Fast by Jerry Gill is the fifth standalone adventure novel in a series that features a reincarnated cave woman who is searching for her lost, true love. During this search, she gets up to different hijinks and (mis)adventures but, despite the premise, this is not a romance novel. I have not read any of the previous instalments, but I consented to a possible review because the subject matter of this particular book seemed interesting: an adventure in 1920s (ish) Australia. (I have been slightly obsessed with Australia lately.)
I rated this book three (rounded up from 2,5) stars, as the adventure part was kind of fun but the text itself was littered with minor grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, the editing process should have been a lot more intense as many errors would have been caught by a good editor. There were also quite a few non-fiction-y and unnecessary descriptions of everyday items. Then again, I think this has a lot to do with the author’s previous job as a non-fiction writer, and I for one understand occupational hazards.
At first the writing seemed to be a tad juvenile, but it evened out a bit in the end and became less awkward. I kind of enjoyed how the novel didn’t try to take itself too seriously and just did what it said on the tin: it’s an adventure novel with cryptids and kick-ass ladies as protagonists.I loved how they were never damsels in distress, but stayed alive thanks to their own knowledge of emergency medicine and survival techniques. I really enjoyed the friendship between the two pals, which was believable and not overly emotional, and the main mystery was also interesting and kept me hooked until the end. The idea of the novel as such was rather unique.
All in all, it is not really my usual reading fare, but I would have probably loved the books when I was younger and hooked on Buffalo Bill-esque adventure stories. There was some blood and gore, but nothing that a young adult reader couldn’t handle. However, I would definitely read the novels in the order they were published as I feel like I missed some in-jokes due to not having read the earlier books. They are quick reads and not too demanding, so I would recommend the book if you want something fun to read.
“Journeys are good for life and help you better understand both yourself and the world. Journeys, though, are things that end.”
Originally appeared on: http://doublelettersbookclub.blogspot...
Vic Challenger: Fast by Jerry Gill is the fifth standalone adventure novel in a series that features a reincarnated cave woman who is searching for her lost, true love. During this search, she gets up to different hijinks and (mis)adventures but, despite the premise, this is not a romance novel. I have not read any of the previous instalments, but I consented to a possible review because the subject matter of this particular book seemed interesting: an adventure in 1920s (ish) Australia. (I have been slightly obsessed with Australia lately.)
I rated this book three (rounded up from 2,5) stars, as the adventure part was kind of fun but the text itself was littered with minor grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, the editing process should have been a lot more intense as many errors would have been caught by a good editor. There were also quite a few non-fiction-y and unnecessary descriptions of everyday items. Then again, I think this has a lot to do with the author’s previous job as a non-fiction writer, and I for one understand occupational hazards.
At first the writing seemed to be a tad juvenile, but it evened out a bit in the end and became less awkward. I kind of enjoyed how the novel didn’t try to take itself too seriously and just did what it said on the tin: it’s an adventure novel with cryptids and kick-ass ladies as protagonists.I loved how they were never damsels in distress, but stayed alive thanks to their own knowledge of emergency medicine and survival techniques. I really enjoyed the friendship between the two pals, which was believable and not overly emotional, and the main mystery was also interesting and kept me hooked until the end. The idea of the novel as such was rather unique.
All in all, it is not really my usual reading fare, but I would have probably loved the books when I was younger and hooked on Buffalo Bill-esque adventure stories. There was some blood and gore, but nothing that a young adult reader couldn’t handle. However, I would definitely read the novels in the order they were published as I feel like I missed some in-jokes due to not having read the earlier books. They are quick reads and not too demanding, so I would recommend the book if you want something fun to read.
“Journeys are good for life and help you better understand both yourself and the world. Journeys, though, are things that end.”
Originally appeared on: http://doublelettersbookclub.blogspot...
March 31, 2016
"Fast" the fifth installment in the "Vic Challenger" series which I won through Goodreads Giveaways begins after Victoria Custer (pen name Vic Challenger) a travel writer and her friend Lin Li return to the normalcy of life in Beatrice only to be whisked away to Australia to visit Vic's Aunt Ethel Hudgeons and her Uncle Pete. But life is never simple for the re-incarnated cave girl especially when her aunt, uncle and their guests at a party at their bush station are robbed; personal valuables stolen as well as a piece of an old treasure map. In a fast-paced, action-packed adventure Vic and Lin track the thieves into the wilds suffering the heat, thirst and learning to live on bush tucker until they confront the culprits in a mysterious grotto where a vicious legendary beast guards the family's treasure.
At the heart of the story is Na-tul a mighty huntress and warrior who died in an earthquake 100,00 years before and was reincarnated as Victoria Custer an adventurous journalist who continues to look for her lost love Nu. Following up on clues that have her searching for the artist Stu James, Vic and Lin take a side trip to Australia to visit her Aunt Ethel.
Intensity and suspense begins to escalate when Vic and Lin hunting for Geoffrey Bucknal and his gang of desperados struggle to survive not only in a hostile environment but in a fight for their lives against thylacines (Tasmanian wolves), the Ur (bloodthirsty beasts), and the bad guys. In this captivating page-turner, Jerry Gill touches on themes like survival, intolerance, justice and the defining choices of an individual.
The characters are colourful, complex and unforgettable; like Vic Challenger who's tactful, independent, adventurous and guarded. Skilled with an ax, she's a proficient warrior and tracker like her trusted and loyal friend Lin Li. These two personalities as well as a cast of others including the greedy, cold, heartless Geoffrey Bucknal and his gang of merciless killers fuel the story with excitement, energy and drama.
Short but thoroughly enjoyable "Vic: Fast" is a roller-coaster thrill ride that doesn't let go until the end. I look forward to reading Vic's next adventure.
At the heart of the story is Na-tul a mighty huntress and warrior who died in an earthquake 100,00 years before and was reincarnated as Victoria Custer an adventurous journalist who continues to look for her lost love Nu. Following up on clues that have her searching for the artist Stu James, Vic and Lin take a side trip to Australia to visit her Aunt Ethel.
Intensity and suspense begins to escalate when Vic and Lin hunting for Geoffrey Bucknal and his gang of desperados struggle to survive not only in a hostile environment but in a fight for their lives against thylacines (Tasmanian wolves), the Ur (bloodthirsty beasts), and the bad guys. In this captivating page-turner, Jerry Gill touches on themes like survival, intolerance, justice and the defining choices of an individual.
The characters are colourful, complex and unforgettable; like Vic Challenger who's tactful, independent, adventurous and guarded. Skilled with an ax, she's a proficient warrior and tracker like her trusted and loyal friend Lin Li. These two personalities as well as a cast of others including the greedy, cold, heartless Geoffrey Bucknal and his gang of merciless killers fuel the story with excitement, energy and drama.
Short but thoroughly enjoyable "Vic: Fast" is a roller-coaster thrill ride that doesn't let go until the end. I look forward to reading Vic's next adventure.
February 11, 2016
This is the fifth story about Victoria Custer, who, using the pen name Vic Challenger, is an adventure and travel writer for her hometown newspaper. She happens to have the avatar of a 100,000-year-old cavewoman, named Nat-ul, living inside of her, which gives her the self-confidence to do things that even experienced male adventurers won't do.
Vic, and her friend, Lin Li, travel to the Australian Outback to visit Vic's relatives. During a party with some of the locals to celebrate their arrival, the group is robbed at gunpoint by unknown individuals (The word "treasure" has been used). Vic and Lin Li go after them, after appropriate preparations. A person can't just chase someone who is on horseback in the Outback without carrying food and water, at minimum.
They are not totally sure if they are following the bad guys, or a decoy. Eventually, they catch up to them at an abandoned cattle station. Vic and Lin Li can't just burst in with guns blazing; two of them against several bad guys are not good odds. Before that, they have to deal with some Tasmanian wolves called thylacines that are kept at the station. They are large and carnivorous, and have been beaten and starved into becoming killers.
As the chase continues, dehydration is a major concern for Vic and Lin Li. They manage to find just enough water and edible plants and animals to keep going. The chase leads to a small forest, at night, where unseen, but very carnivorous, creatures mow down the rest of the thylacines like they were nothing, and nearly do the same to Vic and Lin Li.
The "treasure" is found in a grotto, next to a pond that is guarded by a creature that sets new records for carnivorousness. Again, our heroes barely escape, this time with the leather chest. Finally, Vic runs into the leader of the bad guys. Who wins the draw? Is this the end of Vic/Nat-ul's quest to find Nu, her lover from all those centuries ago?
By the time a fiction series reaches Part 5, there is bound to be some lessening, however small, in the quality of the writing. That is not the case here. The writing is still really good, with plenty of action. Any of these novels would make a really good movie.
Vic, and her friend, Lin Li, travel to the Australian Outback to visit Vic's relatives. During a party with some of the locals to celebrate their arrival, the group is robbed at gunpoint by unknown individuals (The word "treasure" has been used). Vic and Lin Li go after them, after appropriate preparations. A person can't just chase someone who is on horseback in the Outback without carrying food and water, at minimum.
They are not totally sure if they are following the bad guys, or a decoy. Eventually, they catch up to them at an abandoned cattle station. Vic and Lin Li can't just burst in with guns blazing; two of them against several bad guys are not good odds. Before that, they have to deal with some Tasmanian wolves called thylacines that are kept at the station. They are large and carnivorous, and have been beaten and starved into becoming killers.
As the chase continues, dehydration is a major concern for Vic and Lin Li. They manage to find just enough water and edible plants and animals to keep going. The chase leads to a small forest, at night, where unseen, but very carnivorous, creatures mow down the rest of the thylacines like they were nothing, and nearly do the same to Vic and Lin Li.
The "treasure" is found in a grotto, next to a pond that is guarded by a creature that sets new records for carnivorousness. Again, our heroes barely escape, this time with the leather chest. Finally, Vic runs into the leader of the bad guys. Who wins the draw? Is this the end of Vic/Nat-ul's quest to find Nu, her lover from all those centuries ago?
By the time a fiction series reaches Part 5, there is bound to be some lessening, however small, in the quality of the writing. That is not the case here. The writing is still really good, with plenty of action. Any of these novels would make a really good movie.
May 30, 2016
Author Jerry Gill does it again! Vic Challenger is on another grand adventure that will keep you entertained and engaged! Vic Challenger "Fast" is everything you want Vic to be; a reincarnated cave girl with the bravery and attitude to get things done! In this newly released journey, Vic is found visiting her aunt and enjoying the Australian countryside. To get things moving, Vic's aunt is the victim of a burglary, and the adventure begins. Vic takes after the assailants only to be swept into more intrigue, mystery, and mayhem. As always, Vic keeps her head and uses her instincts to stay alive!
"Vic Retained hold of her weapon and rode the dead thing to the ground, for a breathing warrior was one who never deliberately let her weapon from her hand in the company of enemies." Bravo, Jerry! A well-written 'Incredible Adventure' that will keep you on the edge of your seat and ready for the next Vic Challenger novel.
"Vic Retained hold of her weapon and rode the dead thing to the ground, for a breathing warrior was one who never deliberately let her weapon from her hand in the company of enemies." Bravo, Jerry! A well-written 'Incredible Adventure' that will keep you on the edge of your seat and ready for the next Vic Challenger novel.
February 9, 2016
Fast is the fifth book in the Vic Challenger series. Author Jerry Gill continues to deliver fun, fast-paced and off-beat adventure in this series. Featuring all manner of strange mythical creatures, cryptids, the series blends myth, history and adventure. Victoria Custer, known to the world as adventure journalist Vic Challenger, journeys to Australia for some family bonding. What was meant to be a relaxing reunion is cut short when Vic’s Aunt is raided by robbers. Not the type to take such actions lying down, Vic takes action, following the criminals’ trail to dispense justice for her family. Along the way she discovers that this plot may be more closely connected to her goals than she imagined. See, Victoria’s life-long mission is to find the modern incarnation of Nu, the soul mate of Nat-ul, a cave girl that Vic lived as in a past life. Could these Australian bandits have some connection to Vic’s mission?
February 24, 2016
In my mind, I imagined this is what Laura Croft would be like if she lived in the 1920's. I originally got this book to tide me over from watching Miss Fischer Mysteries.I enjoy this time period of t he 1920's. Vic is a woman who is independent and adventurous as a travel writer for her news paper back home. She is the reincarnation of an 100,000 year old woman by the name of Nat-ul, who clearly remembers her past life while residing in the body of Vic. This book is the 5th Installment by Jerry Gill. I recommend reading the ample preview on Amazon and especially reading the prologue. Whether you enjoy adventure or not, this is a very interesting read and intense adventure where visiting her mom in the Australian Outback turns into an robbery and leads to an adventure to find treasure.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews