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Vendetta #1

Vengeance

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Everyone dreams of revenge… Sin lives for it.

Sin was only nine when her family was slaughtered by crime lord Kolya Kurev. She’s had nothing but time to plan how Koyla and his kin will pay for what they did. But hers wasn’t the only family the Kurev crime lords took down. And now Lee is hot on her heels, as angry as she is and trying to steal her revenge. His methods are haphazard, and he’s got a death wish of his own. He’s going to get them both killed unless Sin can stop him, too. All along, she’s just barely managed to evade capture. In fact, the FBI hasn’t yet figured out their most wanted criminal is just a girl. But, between Lee and the FBI, Sin isn’t likely to make it out of this alive…Readers say A.J. Scudiere’s start to this award-winning trilogy is “seriously one of the best action/suspense books I've ever read.”Vengeance is the first book in the Vendetta Trifecta by USA Today bestselling author A.J. Scudiere. While it can be read as a standalone, be prepared to reach for book two as you finish this one.

498 pages, ebook

First published October 22, 2008

557 people are currently reading
680 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Scudiere

65 books389 followers
📖𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘆, 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲
♟️stories you can't outguess! 𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘵𝘳𝘺!
🏆USA TODAY bestselling author
🎁grab a FREE BOOK at my website ReadAJS.com

𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝟥𝟢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳!

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5 stars
287 (56%)
4 stars
143 (28%)
3 stars
52 (10%)
2 stars
18 (3%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Katy.
1,293 reviews308 followers
May 15, 2014
Please note: Originally read 9/14-15/2011; I am re-reading the book before I read the 2nd book in the series, Retribution. I received the original file from JKS Communications in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Book information: Genre: Suspense
Reading Age: Adult
Trigger Warnings: torture, murder, rape (not on page, historical), suicide (historical)
Animals: Several guard dogs are killed; deer is killed for food

My Thoughts and synopsis: Vengeance is exactly my kind of story. That is probably the most important thing I can say about it – it is a thriller, very well-written and filled with well-defined characters that are unique and interesting. Essentially the plot revolves around two people who have lived through terrible things and are, as a result, out for vengeance. Thus the catchy title! Each of them has been after people of the same general ilk, removing the scum from society – but they’ve started running across one another and duplicating their efforts. When an attempt to divide and conquer goes awry, they decide to join forces. We also spend some time with an FBI agent who is trying to track them down – while he is sympathetic to their cause and doesn’t mourn the people they’ve taken out, he feels compelled to track them down anyway, due to his need for answers.

Added Thoughts from May 2014 Re-Read: The nice thing about re-reading books is you catch things you might have missed the first time around. In my case, I first read an uncorrected proof/ARC, so I couldn't really comment on editing issues anyway. This copy I'm reading though is the final edition, one which I picked up on Amazon during a sale. I have noticed that the spelling used is inconsistent. It's running about half and half between the correct duffel (bag) and incorrect duffle (which is a type of heavy coat). The correct discreet is used a couple of times, but more often the incorrect form discrete (meaning singular) is used. T-shirt is all over the place, and always incorrect, as tee shirt, tee-shirt, t-shirt... When discussing clothing, it's T-shirt, V-neck, that sort of thing: capitalized. A lot of these wouldn't be noticed by anyone but pedants like me, but... they are there.

Recommendations: This was the 2nd book I read by Scudiere and I continue to be impressed. She has a great style and paces her story well. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next one. You should definitely pick this book up if you are a fan of thrillers and suspense.
Profile Image for David Rose.
Author 7 books53 followers
February 25, 2018
While I do know I loved this book, I'm afraid of what that says about me. Do you fancy a murder romp?

Two revenge serial killers are taking out a list of bad guys. Mobsters, hired guns, rapists, drug dealers - in other words, the scum of the earth. Yay!
It's vigilante action at its worst. Yes, I said worst. You see, the bad guys don't die quickly, or cleanly. Not without suffering, as their victims did. Yay - er - no, *cough, cough*, I think?

Am I really that immature? That unethical? I'm afraid I might be. Because repeated scenes where the evil men get tortured to death didn't trouble me. A.J. Scudiere is careful to win the reader's heartfelt sympathy for the serial killers before she really cuts loose. And to establish just how much these criminals deserve to die (the mafia types, and a few rapists and paedophiles along the way, not the vigilante criminals). And of course, the vigilantes have me rooting for them all the way, not to mention chuckling over the funny bits. (If you are at all politically correct, run away now. This book will trample your values.)
Ultimately, the person I sympathised with most was Owen, the lead FBI agent on the trail of serial killers he's not sure he really wants to catch, never mind his oath, or what the law says. If, that is, he can even manage it. Because the evidence, what there is of it, is making no sense.

Who wins? In terms of the outcome of the story, I'm not going to spoil it by telling you.
The answer is the reader wins. Because this is hugely entertaining, so long as your morality on revenge is at the level of, say an eight year-old, while your tolerance for gore is that of, say, an eight-year Vietnam veteran. And it has one of the very best, cleverest endings I have ever delighted in.
To read or not to read is your choice. I give it five stars. And I'm embarrassed about that.
Profile Image for Terryann.
575 reviews9 followers
September 21, 2011
At the age of 11, Cyn is brutally attacked and watches as her parents are murdered right before her eyes by the Russian Mafia. Lee is an accountant for the same bad guys. After Lee tries to get the them back for their evil ways, his wife and daughter are murdered. Both Cyn and Lee independently go out for vengeance. Cyn by turning ninja, Lee by guns and brute force. Unfortunately, they keep running into each other, while going after the same guys. They also have to contend with the FBI. This book is darkly funny and very fast paced. highly reccomended! Everything you want in an action book.
Profile Image for Crazy for Books (Stephanie).
1,915 reviews234 followers
January 16, 2012
I really liked this book. Trying not to give too much away, the relationship between Sin and Lee was ever evolving and great. You could read the hard shell slowly sloughing off of both of them layer by layer as their relationship evolves, giving them something to live for.

Each backstory for Lee and Sin, made you understand how they had both chosen a path of killing and how it had almost killed their humanity. Their coming together, even under such horrific circumstances allowed them to trust and care for another human being again. They were the only two who could understand what the other had been through and why they were doing what they were doing and not judge.

The first quarter with the FBI story was a little slow and boring. It was hard to break from the action and get in to the meandering of Owen discovering the little pieces of what what happening, but eventually that section ramped up as well. I loved the dichotomy of doing your job as an FBI agent, but knowing that what the killer was doing was ridding the world of really bad people and asking yourself the question of do you really want to stop him/her/them. Owen's relationship with his wife was a nice part of the story. He was aware enough to know that his job took him from his family and to fear losing them from the neglect. He knew he had to eventually leave the FBI in order to keep his family, though Annika said she would never leave him.

Most stories like this, I find are wrapped up too easily, too completely, but this had all the urgency of people wanting to get their lives back and doing what they needed to do, even to to the point of almost getting caught in order to get out and have a life again. Knowing the only way to do that was to expose the people who could eventually get to them, but not turning themselves in.

I'm a independent producer and could see this as a film.

I highly recommend this book. The only reason it's not getting a full 5 is because the beginning FBI part was slow. I would say it was more of a 4.5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aleisha Allen.
3 reviews
September 9, 2015


The best thing about Vengeance by A.J. Scudiere a heroine, named Cyn and her night Lee. She is no damsel in distress and she can safe herself. She is fully capable of protecting herself and avenging the murder of her family. Yes, she saw her whole family murder in front of her.

Lee has similar motive and seeks out Cry after stumbling upon her at several times. They are both want to murder the same person. Lee discovers her true identity and urges her to help him kill. Together they go out on a killing spree that keeps the reading until the end.

I love how Lee and Cyn try to get even with the murder. You get to see each one of these characters grown stronger in each chapter.
All you can do is cheers for their successes and bit your nails.
Profile Image for Kim.
33 reviews
May 18, 2010
I needed this book to help break me from pattern-serial killer novels, the killers become the heroes in this novel.

First, everyone gets what they deserve. Bad men have very bad things happen to them by a delicate teenage trained killer on a path for vengeance, and later, a life of normalcy. I was so suprised at the details with weaponry and fighting scenes applied to a female heroine. Her partner[another killer hunting bad guys:]and her relationship is fun and intriguing as the plot unfolds.

I liked it, I recommend it. You can order it from Amazon or with a quick Google search find the author's website. The autographed copy was an awesome bonus with my order.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,612 reviews32 followers
October 13, 2021
Vengeance, is the first novel in the Vendetta Trifecta. What an exciting novel. Our author is able to wrap up two serial killers and present them to us as the good guys, and I agreed every step of the way. They have a kill list that they are working off of. They are taking out the worst of the worst, mobsters, rapists, hired guns, drug dealers and even some that are even worse. They take these guys out the same way they hurt their victims, the bad guys don’t die quickly they suffer like their victims or perhaps even worse. I was cheering for our serial killers, they are our good guys, I am beginning to think we need some vigilantes our there today. I was sneering at the FBI, no way they touch our good guys.
Moving at a blistering pace, AJ Scudiere takes you on a wild ride without a single dull moment. Infused with non-stop action, humor, and witty dialogue, the narrative blows past in a whirlwind of acutely planned chaos that keeps you hooked from start to finish. This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. A.J.is one of the most talent authors that I have ever read. I was halfway through the book before I realized what type of guys I was cheering for and then I discovered I didn’t care. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel.
1,146 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2019
Two vigilantes join forces, wreaking justice. Lee and Cyn are both strong, interesting, motivated characters. Their skills are impressive and their motivation pure. Each earns the grudging respect of the other. The development of their relationship is slow, steady but also authentic. While dodging angry criminals they are also evading a persistent if befuddled FBI agent.

this is a terrific read. Fast paced and fun it pits two likeable combatants against each other and the world. told from the perspectives of the two assains and the FBI agent it is an enjoyable romp,.
Profile Image for Sasha.
400 reviews12 followers
November 3, 2021
Solid

I really liked this book, especially the female main character. I didn’t like the male main character as much. He was callous and had no consideration to what the FMC experienced. He made fun of her leather underwear which was to keep her from being raped when she was facing rapists. Totally disregarding she was raped at age 11.

I liked that she had a mission and did not let anyone stop her from completing it.
78 reviews
February 9, 2022
A not entirely new concept of a female avenging angel - however, this one delivers from a unique perspective.

Whilst I enjoyed this book, it left me pondering some questions...

What is the point of it? Does violence bring more violence? Does vengeance deliver? Is it possible to start afresh?

I will def continue reading the Forensic Files, but won't be going back to the Vengeance series.

It seems to have a happy ending and I would like to leave it at that.



Profile Image for Michael.
573 reviews8 followers
April 3, 2018
Intense FBI procedural!

First time with this author. Read the Kindle edition of the book. Character development has been well done. The plot is a roller coaster ride that makes the book difficult to put down. My only comment about the execution is that there were times when the scene transitions could be improved, although they seemed to become self explanatory later on.
636 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2018
Not your typical serial killer story

I liked it. A pair of serial killers team up and do their best to wipe out the bad guys. The two main characters are developed nicely. It’s not often that you can root for the killers but here you can. And I really liked the ending. It’s fit and proper. Recommended.
Profile Image for Martin Pingree.
1,011 reviews15 followers
October 14, 2018
Completely different twist on the vengeance theme. Extremely awesome read with great characters, loads of action and a fantastic story line. Two different people screwed up by the same crime family begin totally separate revenge killings but soon cross paths and that’s when the real fun begins. This is definitely a must read !
19 reviews
May 30, 2019
Very Well Written

Wow. This is an interesting story. These two vigilantes meet up on a couple of kills and decide to join forces. They are both victims of mafia violence in different ways. They’re both super clever and committed to their craft. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
667 reviews26 followers
August 1, 2019
This is a wonderful book. It has great character's that have a great unique goal to avenge their wrongs from the past. I love how they met and interacted with each other. The plot was great. It has many twists and turns that kept me entertained with no down time. I need to read more books from this author. A great book that I will remember.
343 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2019
Wow

Ok so it took a little getting into the book not because the story was bad, but because it is disjointed in the beginning. It jumps from person to person and it's hard to follow. The story is Was keeps you reading trying to figure out what is going on. It smooths out about a third of the way through. Other than a few words used the wrong spelling it's a great book.
860 reviews22 followers
March 17, 2025
Driven by revenge against the Russian Mafia Sin and Lee collide when they both show up to kill the same criminal.

A real kill festival, however fast paced and cleverly written. Their lives entwine as they face down their demons while leaving he FBI clueless.

Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
Profile Image for Linda Kelly.
167 reviews
October 29, 2025
This book irritated me. I enjoyed the first few vengeance occurrences. Then it just kept happening. Over & over. Almost monotonous. I kept reading because I wanted to see how these two were going to get out of it—either caught, killed, or whatever. Trudged through. It’s a long book. I get to the end and it leaves you with a no ending ending. I am not amused.
Profile Image for Wayne Jacobs.
7 reviews
September 4, 2017
Excellent

Good action packed mystery/thriller. Could this happen in real life? I am sure it does. A lot of unsolved cases for police could have happened this way. You assault a woman and this could happen to you.
Profile Image for C.A. Knutsen.
Author 8 books90 followers
March 21, 2018
An exciting, well-written Thriller

An engaging theme in that we all would like to see the ruthless people in organized crime be brought to swift justice. The main characters, what they went through and how they developed were all very believable. I really liked the ending.
Profile Image for Mark.
106 reviews
April 7, 2018
Good Thrill Ride

A good thrill ride, even though knowing the hero’s will survive. (It is a series, LOL).
Well written and thought out. It kept me entertained and wanting to know what was coming next.
11 reviews
July 12, 2018
Retribution

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I found it a little slow at times, but pushed my way through and found I couldn’t put it down. Definitely recommend it, I loved the ending.
Profile Image for Chanda Shae Curry.
274 reviews
November 11, 2019
Kudos for Vengeance

Can’t even be mad at Cyn and Lee. They are taking out the worst of the worse. I rooted for them through the whole book and prayed they never would get caught. Nothing like a good vengeance killer to get you hooked in a book. On too book 2.
120 reviews
December 16, 2023
Ninja and Gunner

A well written story about two vigilantes extacting revenge against the Russian mafia.
Working separately at first and then as a team, Cynthia and Lee bewilder the FBI and earn their respect.
Profile Image for Jamie.
472 reviews7 followers
September 22, 2017
WOW. Twists and turns on every page full of didnt see that coming.. Great book I cant wait to read #2.
145 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2017
A plodder

Prodded my way thru ..but it was well worth it..good read good characters and a great ending ..well worth sticking with
28 reviews
January 5, 2018
I enjoyed the book and will be reading the rest in the series.
4,374 reviews28 followers
July 11, 2018
Good

this book is one that keeps you reading and questing why they this young woman is murdering the people she going after.
Profile Image for Candy.
112 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2019
This book grabbed me from the first chapter and kept me interested LONG after I should have been in bed!! I can't even imagine where book #2 will go!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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