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At just 19-years-old, Estevan Vega may still be a teenager, but he's also a gifted wordsmith and published author two times over. Vega was still 18 when his second novel, "The Sacred Sin," was published, but readers would never guess the author's fledgling age from the book's multifaceted plot, which carries a deep understanding of human nature and creatively infused supernatural elements.
The Sacred Sin
Estevan Vega
PublishAmerica (2007)
ISBN 9781424183067
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (2/08)
By the age of 18 Estevan Vega accomplished something most people dream about their entire life. He published a book. Actually, by the time he was 18, he already published two books. This is quite amazing by itself, but even more amazing is the depth and maturity of Mr. Vega’s writing. If the back cover of “The Sacred Sin” would not have disclosed his age, I would have never guessed that he is still a teenager.
“The Sacred Sin” is a story of a Los Angeles homicide detective, Jude Foster, who is dealing with severe mental issues following a betrayal by his former partner and friend, Morgan Cross, who nearly killed him and actually left him for dead. In order to be reinstated he has to visit a shrink, one that he has a very low opinion of, and also prove himself time and again through his work. He is given a new partner, who happens to be female and who annoys him greatly. He is also dealing with family issues. His brother tends to be on the wrong side of the law and leads a dangerous life.
When a new series of victims starts to appear, Jude is put in charge of the homicides. He soon realizes that they are dealing with an unusual criminal, one that leaves behind bodies marked in strange ways and killed by abnormal means. Jude and Rachel only have a week to stop the villain, and the chase might very well lead them to some unusually dark places.
Mr. Vega deals with the “darkness that lies within all men” with unusual maturity, showing the reader how it is not only vice but also complacency that is evil and utterly malevolent in its nature. The main character, Jude Foster, oozes hatred toward any- and everybody, including himself; and as such is not a difficult prey for the vile supernatural forces. The rest of the characters are less well developed and slightly clichéd, but I am certain that Mr. Vega will be able to overcome this challenge in his future works. His story moves well in general and provides enough surprises to keep it interesting and flowing smoothly.
My main criticism mostly pertains to the obvious lack of editing and proofreading. If Mr. Vega would be willing to hire a professional editor, he could have avoided several typos, excessive backstory and occasionally confusing metaphors. All of that would have polished his already well-written book and made it even more readable.
Overall I enjoyed reading “The Sacred Sin.” The story was captivating and challenging enough to keep my interest throughout. I am sure it will be greatly enjoyed by readers who like mysteries, especially those with some supernatural elements.
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