“Vengeance Is Sacred” falls into the genres of historical fiction, suspense/thriller, and paranormal romance. It is a tale told through the eyes of an Italian immigrant in the early 1900’s and blends history, love, and the complexities of revenge . . . with the mysteries of the paranormal.
From the mountain farms of Italy to the distant shores of L'America young Paolo forges an unforgettable journey of fortitude, intrigue, and love as he eludes the retribution of the Camorra crime syndicate. But much more is at stake than just Paolo’s humble life . . . for he has been bestowed with a mysterious family legacy that is now in danger to end forever.
Fleeing to the New World in 1909, Paolo struggles on his own until he meets the beautiful Maria, a bold, fiery, labor activist. The dauntless couple become involved in the dangerous garment workers' strike in New York City, but it is the ensuing fire at the Triangle Waist Company that proves to be the ultimate challenge of Paolo's paranormal ways . . . and a true test of his courage as a man!
However, through it all, a perilous debt still remains from Paolo's troubled past and those who lie in wait seek to honor their sacred code of vengeance.
Can Paolo overcome the blind forces of reprisal and is revenge an inherent component of everyone's life . . . which cannot be avoided?
Excerpt
After experiencing a premonition, Paolo races to the scene of the infamous Triangle Waist Company fire to try to save a young friend from the disaster...
Paolo frantically raced to the river and saw that a ferry was just departing. He poured on the speed, reached the wooden dock, and streaked to the edge. The wood planking gave him a bounce to his step and Paolo took a flying leap with every ounce of muscle he had in his legs. He sailed through the air, cleared the water, and landed with a crash against the back side of the boat. His hands grabbed desperately onto the railing as his body thumped against the wet wall of the vessel. A foamy turbulence was created by his dangling legs as they buffeted in the frigid Hudson. The icy water felt like piercing knives as it washed up and over him. The rail was wet and cold and he struggled to hang on. Finally, with a hefty effort, he managed to pull himself on board, soaked from the neck down.
Lying on deck, he fought to catch his breath as his dripping clothes shaped puddles around him. He wrangled to stand, then felt the river wind blow into his face and chill his wet body. Paolo already knew that his freezing torso would later be considered a blessing compared to the searing heat he would soon face.
Professional Reviews
HardyMeagan
Vengeance is Sacred by Peter Healy is one of those books that could fall into a few different genres because of how differently people see stories such as this one. This was historical fiction, thriller and romance all combined into one extremely cohesive story. The book was action packed and kept me reading even when I had things that needed to be done. I'm not normally big on historical fiction, mostly because there are so many historical fiction books that are just hard to get into the story but Vengeance is Sacred grabbed me from the beginning and it was hard to put down. I loved Paolo's character and found myself constantly wanting to know more and more about him! As far as I could tell, the book was historically accurate (although, I'm not a history buff by any means). I thought Healy's writing style was easy to read for the most part and I would definitely read more from him!
Ginagina24
A spectacular, exciting story that will have you rooting for Paolo, the main character, in no time. I loved all of the suspense that kept me reading even when I knew I had other things to do- the fire at the Triangle is one of the best parts of the book! A murder/mystery/romance/thriller all wrapped up in one easy to read book. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Ksir127
This was a terrific story from beginning to end. Excellent characters, interesting circumstances throughout and, at times, both funny and sad. A good blend of fact and fiction. Totally enjoyable read !
Encountering danger, romance, heartache and tragedy, Catherine Merit strives to fit into a world filled with prejudice, hatred and violence where she is forced to kill a man in order to save herself. Third book of the Indignities Series.
