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Vigil
In the caves beneath an Italian lake, the fossil of a creature older than the earth has been disinterred.
In the Judaean desert, a legendary parchment has been discovered.
One reveals the secrets of Heaven.
One foretells an impending Hell.
And deciphering their message has been left to paleontologist Carter Cox--a man of science whose faith in the empirical is about to be shaken by forces of evil beyond imagining.
In the Judaean desert, a legendary parchment has been discovered.
One reveals the secrets of Heaven.
One foretells an impending Hell.
And deciphering their message has been left to paleontologist Carter Cox--a man of science whose faith in the empirical is about to be shaken by forces of evil beyond imagining.
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
52 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Robert Masello
34 books615 followers Robert Masello is an award-winning journalist, TV writer, and the bestselling author of many novels and nonfiction books. In addition to his most recent book, THE HAUNTING OF H.G. WELLS, he has written the #1 Amazon Kindle bestseller, THE EINSTEIN PROPHECY, and many other popular thrillers, including THE JEKYLL REVELATION, THE NIGHT CROSSING, BLOOD AND ICE, THE MEDUSA AMULET, and THE ROMANOV CROSS.
He is also the author of two popular studies of the Occult -- FALLEN ANGELS AND SPIRITS OF THE DARK and RAISING HELL: A CONCISE HISTORY OF THE BLACK ARTS.
His books on writing include WRITER TELLS ALL, A FRIEND IN THE BUSINESS, and the classroom staple, ROBERT'S RULES OF WRITING.
His TV credits include such popular shows as "Charmed," "Sliders," Early Edition," and "Poltergeist: the Legacy."
A native of Evanston, Illinois, he studied writing at Princeton University under the noted authors Robert Stone and Geoffrey Wolff, and served for six years as the Visiting Lecturer in Literature at Claremont McKenna College.
He now lives and works in Santa Monica, CA.
He is also the author of two popular studies of the Occult -- FALLEN ANGELS AND SPIRITS OF THE DARK and RAISING HELL: A CONCISE HISTORY OF THE BLACK ARTS.
His books on writing include WRITER TELLS ALL, A FRIEND IN THE BUSINESS, and the classroom staple, ROBERT'S RULES OF WRITING.
His TV credits include such popular shows as "Charmed," "Sliders," Early Edition," and "Poltergeist: the Legacy."
A native of Evanston, Illinois, he studied writing at Princeton University under the noted authors Robert Stone and Geoffrey Wolff, and served for six years as the Visiting Lecturer in Literature at Claremont McKenna College.
He now lives and works in Santa Monica, CA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 4, 2021
Where to begin...?
As a frustrated novelist, I find enjoyment in picking apart strange choices that writers make. Why did they do that? Why didn't the Editor stop them, or correct them, or suggest something else? Why did they let them write this book? Why would they publish it?
I had a field day with Robert Masello's VIGIL. That isn't to say that I enjoyed it, just that I returned to it day after day, like an abused wife, to see what punishment it was going to dish out to me today. Along the way, I pondered the above questions...Why? Why...?
Why?
I'm sure there there are similarly afflicted folks lurking around Goodreads
As a frustrated novelist, I find enjoyment in picking apart strange choices that writers make. Why did they do that? Why didn't the Editor stop them, or correct them, or suggest something else? Why did they let them write this book? Why would they publish it?
I had a field day with Robert Masello's VIGIL. That isn't to say that I enjoyed it, just that I returned to it day after day, like an abused wife, to see what punishment it was going to dish out to me today. Along the way, I pondered the above questions...Why? Why...?
Why?
I'm sure there there are similarly afflicted folks lurking around Goodreads
August 2, 2011
How original in this post-Da Vinci Code society: Ancient scrolls, religious themes and academic people in the middle of it all.
But I am a sucker for these kind of books and I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would. Masello writes the characters well and the pacing are good throughout the book. The reason why it isnt a great book is the somewhat rushed ending and I think that the "monster" could have been used more and given a more extensive background.
But I am willing to give Robert one more chance to convince me.
But I am a sucker for these kind of books and I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would. Masello writes the characters well and the pacing are good throughout the book. The reason why it isnt a great book is the somewhat rushed ending and I think that the "monster" could have been used more and given a more extensive background.
But I am willing to give Robert one more chance to convince me.
October 26, 2017
Plot holier than a pasta strainer.
What a ridiculously stupid story. The beginning peaks your interest fast, because who doesn’t want to find out what mystery from the deep past is locked up in a rock. However not only is that end never really explained, the timeline is absurd and would give a five year old pause. The author doesn’t seem to know that stars are older than their planets, or that this fossil that was a monster but now an ‘angel’ would not know anything about mankind or its religions or vice versa if said fossil angel is billions of years old.
This was a frustrating read, and I only finished it in hopes the author would redeem himself somehow. Nope.
The plot felt harvested from a half finished comic book, the characters made decisions that defied logic, common sense and obvious questions were never asked or answered, characters appeared and never came back and I couldn’t finish this ‘book’ fast enough. Avoid this garbage at all costs.
What a ridiculously stupid story. The beginning peaks your interest fast, because who doesn’t want to find out what mystery from the deep past is locked up in a rock. However not only is that end never really explained, the timeline is absurd and would give a five year old pause. The author doesn’t seem to know that stars are older than their planets, or that this fossil that was a monster but now an ‘angel’ would not know anything about mankind or its religions or vice versa if said fossil angel is billions of years old.
This was a frustrating read, and I only finished it in hopes the author would redeem himself somehow. Nope.
The plot felt harvested from a half finished comic book, the characters made decisions that defied logic, common sense and obvious questions were never asked or answered, characters appeared and never came back and I couldn’t finish this ‘book’ fast enough. Avoid this garbage at all costs.
July 22, 2016
What do fallen angels, mysterious flooded caves, unidentifiable skeletons, and ancient parchments have to do with each other? After reading this book, I'm still not entirely sure. It's not particularly bad, and the writing actually manages to get to "really good" in places, but the story is... well, much like a quality cheese - full of holes.
December 30, 2013
Had to give up on this one. It felt like nothing was happening and wasn't holding my attention at all.
December 20, 2018
Ich hatte mir das Buch aufgrund des Titels zugelegt, weil ich eine ähnliche Abenteuergeschichte wie bei "Relic" von Douglas Preston und Lincoln Child erwartet hatte. Das Buch konnte mich leider nicht begeistern.
Das letzte Relikt beinhaltet kaum Spannung und verfranst sich in Nebensächlichkeiten, wie etwas Restaurantbesuche und sich wiederholende Dialoge. Noch dazu endet das Buch mit einem kleinen Cliffhanger, sodass es sein kann, dass eine Fortsetzung folgen wird. Leider muss ich sagen, dass ich den Anfang am spannendsten fand, danach zog sich die Geschichte wie Kaugummi. Wer hier ein Abenteuerbuch mit Monstern oder zumindest spannenden Verfolgungsjagden und Schreckmomenten erwartet, wird enttäuscht sein.
Mein Fazit
Der Anfang war gut, dann wurde es langweilig. Enttäuschend.
Das letzte Relikt beinhaltet kaum Spannung und verfranst sich in Nebensächlichkeiten, wie etwas Restaurantbesuche und sich wiederholende Dialoge. Noch dazu endet das Buch mit einem kleinen Cliffhanger, sodass es sein kann, dass eine Fortsetzung folgen wird. Leider muss ich sagen, dass ich den Anfang am spannendsten fand, danach zog sich die Geschichte wie Kaugummi. Wer hier ein Abenteuerbuch mit Monstern oder zumindest spannenden Verfolgungsjagden und Schreckmomenten erwartet, wird enttäuscht sein.
Mein Fazit
Der Anfang war gut, dann wurde es langweilig. Enttäuschend.
December 13, 2007
There was a lot of potential in this novel. The ending was short and too sweet. The cadence kept me going, the author did just enough research to keep me intrigued, but the ending was like a Peep, sugary and empty, in the end. leaving a slightly bad taste in my mouth.
April 16, 2010
Very fast paced and hard to put down. It kept me enthralled the entire time. Unfortunately, I thought the end was a cop-out, otherwise I would have given it a higher rating.
January 22, 2012
Started out good, but when downhill from there.
January 17, 2021
It was standard, good Masello fare. The ending could have been elaborated upon. But I always enjoy his writing. I have a feeling that the baby will turn out to be a problem child.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2021
None stop goodies
I never wanted to put vigil down. His use of word play is intoxicating and easy to read. Worth my time
I never wanted to put vigil down. His use of word play is intoxicating and easy to read. Worth my time
February 22, 2025
Фосил по-стар от земята, в която е лежал. Свитъци писани с кръв, която е все още жива разказват ужасяващи истории за създания бдели над хората в самото начало на времето. Едно пророчество, което е на път да оживее пред очите ни.
Библейските загадки са страст и вдъхновение на много автори на трилъра и има защо. Това са тайните на човешкото съществуване и те често водят в посока, в каквато не сме очаквали.
Динамична, увличаща и мистериозна. Ето това е „Бдение“ за мен, една изключително добре разказана история, в която са вплетени древните загадки, пазени в строга тайна и човешкото поведение днес. Персонажите са добри, загадката също беше на високо ниво. Много ми хареса методът на разследване и връзката му със старите произведения в литературата даващи насоки на тези, които умеят да четат между редовете. Робърт Масело ме спечели достатъчно, че с радост бих потърсила и други негови произведения.
Библейските загадки са страст и вдъхновение на много автори на трилъра и има защо. Това са тайните на човешкото съществуване и те често водят в посока, в каквато не сме очаквали.
Динамична, увличаща и мистериозна. Ето това е „Бдение“ за мен, една изключително добре разказана история, в която са вплетени древните загадки, пазени в строга тайна и човешкото поведение днес. Персонажите са добри, загадката също беше на високо ниво. Много ми хареса методът на разследване и връзката му със старите произведения в литературата даващи насоки на тези, които умеят да четат между редовете. Робърт Масело ме спечели достатъчно, че с радост бих потърсила и други негови произведения.
January 21, 2022
My path to reading this is convoluted
I read the sample and loved it then I bought it by accident when I meant to wish list it and then decided it was karma Or kismet or luck and decided to read it
This book combines two of my favorite subjects Paleontology and Eschatology. And involves one of my favorite questions Did Dinosaurs become birds?
When a bizarre fossil is unearthed in an Italian submarine cave it creates more questions than answers
It will bring chaos and death to NYC. It will involve the Dead Sea scrolls, the Book of Enoch and the Watchers.
Part sci-if, part horror, part Apocrypha with action and adventure
It’s delightfully bizarre
I read the sample and loved it then I bought it by accident when I meant to wish list it and then decided it was karma Or kismet or luck and decided to read it
This book combines two of my favorite subjects Paleontology and Eschatology. And involves one of my favorite questions Did Dinosaurs become birds?
When a bizarre fossil is unearthed in an Italian submarine cave it creates more questions than answers
It will bring chaos and death to NYC. It will involve the Dead Sea scrolls, the Book of Enoch and the Watchers.
Part sci-if, part horror, part Apocrypha with action and adventure
It’s delightfully bizarre
October 29, 2020
Great start to this book! Fast read! I enjoyed the characters. Unfortunately after the explosive reveal there was still half the book left. I'm not sure if it was my own hopes being let down or having read a lot of less mature fiction with the same subject matter that made it so dissatisfying. Still, it was worth finishing. Don't expect a very solid mix of themes here but if you're down for a lot of eerie and chilling semi-religious scenes, this is for you.
March 27, 2020
Really strange book. Appeared to have two separate story lines until they merged later in the book. Did especially enjoy this book. Strangely Sci-Fi and would not recommend it. Not type of book I normally read.
March 28, 2020
This story had good potential and was fun for the most part. There were a few incongruities re: religion timing, but those can be overlooked. However, this book would've benefitted from less head - hopping and a good editing.
November 21, 2020
I'm rapidly becoming a big fan of this author! Good tempo, characters sufficiently rounded to be believable and keep the plot rolling steady on, with just enough thrill to quicken one's pulse without gore or other gratuitous violence.
July 28, 2018
Engaging story, but not as scary as description on the back of the paperback would have you believe.
August 5, 2018
Left too many things hanging. Like concept of story line.
That's all I wish to say. Will look at other Masello books. Is there a sequel to Virgil that is available?
That's all I wish to say. Will look at other Masello books. Is there a sequel to Virgil that is available?
August 30, 2018
Uralter Engel wird ausgegraben.
January 6, 2019
Definitely a page turner.
A bit of history, some amazing characters and an end that makes you want to read the next book as quickly as possible.
A bit of history, some amazing characters and an end that makes you want to read the next book as quickly as possible.
December 3, 2019
When your boss tells you to leave something alone, do what he says. You might unleash a monster!
January 17, 2021
the prologue was interesting but from there we switch to a bunch of different characters that weren't...reminded me very much of Bestiary which was not that great.. DNF
June 27, 2021
Angels St Michael didn't Finish
Great build up to what it's all about and then....enough to give you nightmares. Pray the St Michael prayer before you begin.
Great build up to what it's all about and then....enough to give you nightmares. Pray the St Michael prayer before you begin.
August 2, 2022
I quit reading at page 49
January 16, 2024
The cover says it's "as scary as The Omen or The Exorcist," hahahahaha.
October 7, 2024
Entertaining historical fiction from Robert Masello, weaving three story-lines together - his thing: Ancient/Modern. Didn't really like the "hoping for a sequel" ending, but enjoyed the book.
July 26, 2025
Giving it 4 ⭐ because it's well written. Could have done without some of the side plot but the author has a good command of the language and the main plot is satisfying.
Read
March 9, 20232nd reading is even better
The finds of the past, that the people of two countries find, that unfold into a tale both frightening and loving. Some finds of the past are just strange. A great read. I stirs the inner archeologist you.
The finds of the past, that the people of two countries find, that unfold into a tale both frightening and loving. Some finds of the past are just strange. A great read. I stirs the inner archeologist you.
March 20, 2017
Robert Masello has done it again. Quite an interesting read. The ending left me wondering? But overall the plot and characters were well developed & believable. Can't wait to read Bestiary.
So until next time, Ciao!
So until next time, Ciao!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews