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Vega Thriller #1
Fava
Best Thrillers "18 Best FBI Thrillers Books" of All-Time The biggest story of Francine Vega's career could end her life...or start World War III. Francine is a rising TV news reporter in New York City. Despite her brains, beauty and a growing following, she is stuck covering local interest stories. That is until her career literally hits the jackpot when the winner of a $450 million dollar lottery tells Francine that he is committed to using his new fortune to avenge his brother's killing at the Pentagon on 9/11. His seemingly crazy plan is backed by more than just money-he is in league with a ruthless and powerful Army Colonel gone rogue, religious extremists and co-conspirators in the highest levels of government. Francine teams with FBI Special Agent Will Allen, one of the few people who believe the threat is real, in a desperate race across three continents to stop the plot before it's too late.
273 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2014
134 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 26, 2016
Suspense, spies, espionage, and military cover ups all feature in this book.
The thing that stood out the most for me was how the main character, Fava, didn't have all the contacts or resources to hand that she needed as she tries to prevent WW3. This makes the plot come across as more plausible and realistic. I'm put off a book if the protagonist overcomes hurdles or solves problems too easily!
Fava as a character was good too. Her personality and working relationship with Will also came across well.
If you enjoy a good paced suspense with plenty of intrigue then I recommend this book.
The thing that stood out the most for me was how the main character, Fava, didn't have all the contacts or resources to hand that she needed as she tries to prevent WW3. This makes the plot come across as more plausible and realistic. I'm put off a book if the protagonist overcomes hurdles or solves problems too easily!
Fava as a character was good too. Her personality and working relationship with Will also came across well.
If you enjoy a good paced suspense with plenty of intrigue then I recommend this book.
January 19, 2021
The social interpretation ,war relations ,treason,espionage is a fictional story about real world human relations in the world at this very moment in the world today. The characters had stereotypical roles,and alot of stupid reactions and probably some racists and bigotry reactions. Yet it was enthralling and adventurous.
The biggest story of Francine Vega's career could end her life...or start World War III. Francine is a rising TV news reporter in New York City. Despite her brains, beauty and a growing following, she is stuck covering local interest stories. That is until her career literally hits the jackpot when the winner of a $450 million dollar lottery tells Francine that he is committed to using his new fortune to avenge his brother's killing at the Pentagon on 9/11. His seemingly crazy plan is backed by more than just money-he is in league with a ruthless and powerful Army Colonel gone rogue, religious extremists and co-conspirators in the highest levels of government. Francine teams with FBI Special Agent Will Allen, one of the few people who believe the threat is real, in a desperate race across three continents to stop the plot before it's too late.
The biggest story of Francine Vega's career could end her life...or start World War III. Francine is a rising TV news reporter in New York City. Despite her brains, beauty and a growing following, she is stuck covering local interest stories. That is until her career literally hits the jackpot when the winner of a $450 million dollar lottery tells Francine that he is committed to using his new fortune to avenge his brother's killing at the Pentagon on 9/11. His seemingly crazy plan is backed by more than just money-he is in league with a ruthless and powerful Army Colonel gone rogue, religious extremists and co-conspirators in the highest levels of government. Francine teams with FBI Special Agent Will Allen, one of the few people who believe the threat is real, in a desperate race across three continents to stop the plot before it's too late.
August 29, 2018
This one will keep you on your toes and holding your breath as Francine Vega tries to stop either the end of the world or WWIII from occurring. Special Agent Will Allen accompanies her-he is one of the few people who believe the threat is real. There are just too many high officials in a couple of different countries all in on this--can they stop it all--will they survive it.
The twists and turns will keep you reading. This can also be read as a stand alone--although I would suggest you start with the first book in the series! Do as I say--not as I do!! But in any case--read it!!
Fava
The twists and turns will keep you reading. This can also be read as a stand alone--although I would suggest you start with the first book in the series! Do as I say--not as I do!! But in any case--read it!!
Fava
December 17, 2016
Exciting great read hard to put down
This was a story that was too close to true in a world that we live in today the action entry the investigating that the reporter had done was phenomenal . The author did a great job of portraying each of the characters in a good light and provides a lot of excitement and intrigue . Definitely a must read book
This was a story that was too close to true in a world that we live in today the action entry the investigating that the reporter had done was phenomenal . The author did a great job of portraying each of the characters in a good light and provides a lot of excitement and intrigue . Definitely a must read book
April 16, 2019
I stopped at halfway. It is a crap book that’s filled with right-wing talk about wiping Muslim religion. Even the dating part is written poorly. It went on super fast speed from one date to the bedroom. Then suddenly christianity fanatics talk...whee where. Then this reporter suddenly on a chase with the assassinations. Sorry but not sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
The TV reporter finds the lottery winner and gets an interview. He's on the down and out, not what she expected. And when he said he was going to get revenge for his brother's death, that raised some alarms which she decided to investgate further. Think hajj, Israelis, 9-11, FBI, TV reporting, WW III, and love. Love?
A fast read and and an interesting story.
A fast read and and an interesting story.
November 23, 2016
Love this book
I recommend this book to everyone. John Hazen has written a book full of intrigue taking you with reporter Francine around the globe to save the world from war. I so enjoyed this I hope it becomes a best seller.
I recommend this book to everyone. John Hazen has written a book full of intrigue taking you with reporter Francine around the globe to save the world from war. I so enjoyed this I hope it becomes a best seller.
July 3, 2017
Fine
The story was fine.
The character development was fine.
The plausibility and path were fine.
The proofreading helped me giggle like reading text msgs from people giggle at.
I'd give it 3.5, but rounded up.
The story was fine.
The character development was fine.
The plausibility and path were fine.
The proofreading helped me giggle like reading text msgs from people giggle at.
I'd give it 3.5, but rounded up.
June 6, 2020
Engaging plot line and a generally good read
The plot line draws you in as our main characters get deeper and deeper into things beyond their control. Not knowing who they can trust, and a twist or two in the story, just makes you want to keep reading.
The plot line draws you in as our main characters get deeper and deeper into things beyond their control. Not knowing who they can trust, and a twist or two in the story, just makes you want to keep reading.
March 23, 2021
Ok
I thought the book was ok. A little corny. The plot was good. The characters were alright. But what they did was a little out there. I will read more from the author and see if it gets any better.
I thought the book was ok. A little corny. The plot was good. The characters were alright. But what they did was a little out there. I will read more from the author and see if it gets any better.
August 21, 2021
Vega thriller book 1
Fast moving thriller, with interesting characters that keep the story moving along, I enjoyed this book from a new writer to me, I am off now to find the next book.
Fast moving thriller, with interesting characters that keep the story moving along, I enjoyed this book from a new writer to me, I am off now to find the next book.
October 31, 2021
A reporter and her camera man
Nicely paced mystery thriller about a nuclear attack. Like many thrillers little like the serials that played at theatres where you get a lot of emergencies.
Nicely paced mystery thriller about a nuclear attack. Like many thrillers little like the serials that played at theatres where you get a lot of emergencies.
June 18, 2024
Fast Paced and Intriguing Story
Francine Vega shines as a news reporter uncovering a plot to foster a world War while being falsely accused as being responsible. Read how she and Wil an FBI special agent foil the plot.
Francine Vega shines as a news reporter uncovering a plot to foster a world War while being falsely accused as being responsible. Read how she and Wil an FBI special agent foil the plot.
November 25, 2016
A nice good-guy-wins story
Very satisfying. Good character development. Plausible storyline. Just weird that a potential WWIII scenario is kept at a low-level agent and reporter level.
Very satisfying. Good character development. Plausible storyline. Just weird that a potential WWIII scenario is kept at a low-level agent and reporter level.
February 14, 2020
Fava
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a tv reporter and an FBI agent trying to stop a crime while being targeted themselves.
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a tv reporter and an FBI agent trying to stop a crime while being targeted themselves.
January 23, 2026
Well written but a scary fictional plot in today’s world instability.
November 28, 2016
Interesting plot. The book was a bit simplistic but I did enjoy it.
March 10, 2018
Fava succeeds as a page-turning thriller with airport book-level geopolitical intrigue. However, there’s not any real suspense beyond whether TV reporter Francine and her beau, FBI agent Will, can save the world from nuclear catastrophe against some amazing odds.
For an unknown reason, author John Hazen applies a curious naming scheme: heroine Francine works for a man named Frank and no one ever comments on their name similarity. Okay. Then a second, unrelated Frank character shows up and still, no one takes notice. Huh?
The ending is corny and romantic and involves a bit of an exposition dump. And while he doesn’t create an overly elaborate plot line, Hazen has to use numerous coincidences to make it work.
For an unknown reason, author John Hazen applies a curious naming scheme: heroine Francine works for a man named Frank and no one ever comments on their name similarity. Okay. Then a second, unrelated Frank character shows up and still, no one takes notice. Huh?
The ending is corny and romantic and involves a bit of an exposition dump. And while he doesn’t create an overly elaborate plot line, Hazen has to use numerous coincidences to make it work.
December 9, 2016
Fava by John Hazen is a high energy, action-packed international conspiracy theory thriller.
The story begins innocently enough with our heroine, Francine Vega, interviewing excited New Yorkers who think they might have a chance at a 700-million-dollar lottery jackpot. Francine is New York’s “hottest” news reporter two years running—hot in appearance, not so much in career achievements. However, being a local reporter at the worst station in New York isn’t going to stop the motivated woman from trying to find the inside scoop.
It seems innocent enough when Francine uses her connections to get an early scoop on the lottery winner, an introverted down-on-his-luck former lawyer, Allan Starbuck Westbrook.
The story quickly takes a turn after Francine interviews Westbrook and discovers that he intends to use his winnings to avenge the tragic death of his twin brother, who was killed at the Pentagon during 9/11.
In an attempt to avoid any spoilers let’s just say his revenge will take Francine and various male companions including her loyal cameraman Jonas, a dependable talented FBI agent, Will, and a sophisticated worldly consultant, Farad, on a frantic mission to try and stop one of those most elaborate, horrifying Islamophobic schemes ever concocted. The more Francine digs the higher up in the ranks of the government and military she finds the hatred lives.
Fava kept me on the edge of my seat the entire read. If you discount the improbability of a mentally unstable man with plans of this magnitude winning a 700-million-dollar lottery, it’s pretty darn scary thinking that this time of terrorism could actually happen. If I had one concern in the novel, it would be with Ms Vega’s fast-paced love life—she finds nearly as much action as there is throughout the mission to stop WWIII.
Overall, Fava is an excellent read and I would highly recommend it.
The story begins innocently enough with our heroine, Francine Vega, interviewing excited New Yorkers who think they might have a chance at a 700-million-dollar lottery jackpot. Francine is New York’s “hottest” news reporter two years running—hot in appearance, not so much in career achievements. However, being a local reporter at the worst station in New York isn’t going to stop the motivated woman from trying to find the inside scoop.
It seems innocent enough when Francine uses her connections to get an early scoop on the lottery winner, an introverted down-on-his-luck former lawyer, Allan Starbuck Westbrook.
The story quickly takes a turn after Francine interviews Westbrook and discovers that he intends to use his winnings to avenge the tragic death of his twin brother, who was killed at the Pentagon during 9/11.
In an attempt to avoid any spoilers let’s just say his revenge will take Francine and various male companions including her loyal cameraman Jonas, a dependable talented FBI agent, Will, and a sophisticated worldly consultant, Farad, on a frantic mission to try and stop one of those most elaborate, horrifying Islamophobic schemes ever concocted. The more Francine digs the higher up in the ranks of the government and military she finds the hatred lives.
Fava kept me on the edge of my seat the entire read. If you discount the improbability of a mentally unstable man with plans of this magnitude winning a 700-million-dollar lottery, it’s pretty darn scary thinking that this time of terrorism could actually happen. If I had one concern in the novel, it would be with Ms Vega’s fast-paced love life—she finds nearly as much action as there is throughout the mission to stop WWIII.
Overall, Fava is an excellent read and I would highly recommend it.
September 11, 2016
Great story and premise. I would certainly call Fava a page turner. A TV news reporter, international intrigue, corrupt government officials, and a plot to blow up Mecca with hundreds of millions of dollars in lottery winnings! I could certainly see this being turned into a movie or series, with our Francine Vega battling crime and corruption through her job as a reporter.
We see women writing in first person as a male character quite a bit. I mean, start with modern day and go back to the Bronte sisters, or countless other classic literary works from past centuries. Anytime a man writes a novel in first person, and the character is a woman, then I'm fascinated. Hazen does an interesting and insightful job with that part of the story. The writing is to the point, and not flowery and drawn out. The story moves.
That said, my only issues were some of the plot pacing. I won't go into plot details, or what leads up to what, but I feel like Francine moves on to FBI Agent Will a bit too quickly after a prior romantic attachment, but she's a modern woman, so who am I to judge? The verb tenses seemed to shift strangely in a couple of instances. I couldn't tell if this was a tone-setter or an oversight.
All in all, a good read, if you enjoy espionage stories and the like. I think there is more to heard from Francine Vega, so I selfishly hope Hazen isn't done with this character! She's a feisty go-getter, and those are the types of characters we often want to escape to in a novel.
We see women writing in first person as a male character quite a bit. I mean, start with modern day and go back to the Bronte sisters, or countless other classic literary works from past centuries. Anytime a man writes a novel in first person, and the character is a woman, then I'm fascinated. Hazen does an interesting and insightful job with that part of the story. The writing is to the point, and not flowery and drawn out. The story moves.
That said, my only issues were some of the plot pacing. I won't go into plot details, or what leads up to what, but I feel like Francine moves on to FBI Agent Will a bit too quickly after a prior romantic attachment, but she's a modern woman, so who am I to judge? The verb tenses seemed to shift strangely in a couple of instances. I couldn't tell if this was a tone-setter or an oversight.
All in all, a good read, if you enjoy espionage stories and the like. I think there is more to heard from Francine Vega, so I selfishly hope Hazen isn't done with this character! She's a feisty go-getter, and those are the types of characters we often want to escape to in a novel.
April 25, 2016
(Review request submitted by author for an honest critique)
As I was reading the first several chapters of Fava, I kept thinking it was coming across as a hate book. Alan Westbrook, Reverend Malcolm McKenzie, Colonel Lawson and their followers set out to eradicate Mecca for their own personal reasons. They were condemning/punishing an entire country/race/religion based off the horrendous actions of the few.
Reverend McKenzie's motto "No Cheeks Left" went viral and his "sheep" began taking matters into their own hands while Alan and Lawson used Alan's lotto earnings to plan their own vengeance. This is where the plot unfolds and the TRUER MESSAGE is unveiled and I realized this WAS NOT a hate book after all. Thank goodness for that!!
I believe the point of Fava is NOT to spread hate but to reinforce the idea of not punishing the whole for the actions of the few.
I think you can agree/hope innocent people SHOULD NOT be sentenced to the same fate as the guilty parties.
Think about this..... If we laid down the hammer on an entire nation/race/religion based off the actions of a group of people then imagine how many people would be left walking the Earth.
Not many, I tell you that.
Ponder that a moment and then read this book.
(See more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
As I was reading the first several chapters of Fava, I kept thinking it was coming across as a hate book. Alan Westbrook, Reverend Malcolm McKenzie, Colonel Lawson and their followers set out to eradicate Mecca for their own personal reasons. They were condemning/punishing an entire country/race/religion based off the horrendous actions of the few.
Reverend McKenzie's motto "No Cheeks Left" went viral and his "sheep" began taking matters into their own hands while Alan and Lawson used Alan's lotto earnings to plan their own vengeance. This is where the plot unfolds and the TRUER MESSAGE is unveiled and I realized this WAS NOT a hate book after all. Thank goodness for that!!
I believe the point of Fava is NOT to spread hate but to reinforce the idea of not punishing the whole for the actions of the few.
I think you can agree/hope innocent people SHOULD NOT be sentenced to the same fate as the guilty parties.
Think about this..... If we laid down the hammer on an entire nation/race/religion based off the actions of a group of people then imagine how many people would be left walking the Earth.
Not many, I tell you that.
Ponder that a moment and then read this book.
(See more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
August 17, 2016
What an excellent story to read, especially in times of islamophobia and racial hatred.
A man, whose brother was killed in 9/11, wins the lottery and swears to avenge the death by using the money for terror against Muslims. A news anchor woman gets involved in preventing this from happening in a fast paced and very well written thriller.
There are may turns and twists in this story, and, as with Hazen's other work, an inherent instinct for justice and humanity.
Setting the record straight on some wrong believes about Islam and Muslims on the way, this is an excellent polit-thriller, an engaging page turner with depth and a solid plot.
Highly recommended.
A man, whose brother was killed in 9/11, wins the lottery and swears to avenge the death by using the money for terror against Muslims. A news anchor woman gets involved in preventing this from happening in a fast paced and very well written thriller.
There are may turns and twists in this story, and, as with Hazen's other work, an inherent instinct for justice and humanity.
Setting the record straight on some wrong believes about Islam and Muslims on the way, this is an excellent polit-thriller, an engaging page turner with depth and a solid plot.
Highly recommended.
March 20, 2015
A thrill ride from start to finish. New York TV reporter Francine Vega gets the scoop on the largest lottery winner, but little does she realize the terror those winnings will unleash. Before she knows it she's knee-deep in an effort to prevent World War III with the help of only a small handful of people. This book is well-written and very clever. I couldn't put it down, wanting to know what was going to happen next. The only complaint I could find would be a number of proof-reading mistakes. But all-in-all a fantastic, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride. I highly recommend it!
April 11, 2015
I loved everything about this book. I loved the main character, the nonstop action, the romance, the traveling and how well the author wraps everything up. This is a book I will be reading again and passing on for others to enjoy.
March 13, 2017
After reading the reviews I was really looking forward to this book but was disappointed. The characters lacked depth and the plot was unbelievable in so many ways. The writing was very simplistic, making it an easy read but not one I would recommend.
November 9, 2016
Unconvincing. Flat characters. No zip to the narrative.
November 17, 2016
Unique story.
Great book fuel of suspense but also personal and romantic. Great characters and creative plot. I would highly recommend this book to a friend.
Great book fuel of suspense but also personal and romantic. Great characters and creative plot. I would highly recommend this book to a friend.
November 21, 2016
Great
Lots of action and all over the world. Interesting plot, not too much detailed sex to interfere with the story and good characters,
Lots of action and all over the world. Interesting plot, not too much detailed sex to interfere with the story and good characters,
December 1, 2016
Typical chick book!
Everything works out nice and clean and no one gets hurt except the bad guys. Never again! What crap! ~
Everything works out nice and clean and no one gets hurt except the bad guys. Never again! What crap! ~
February 2, 2021
Enjoyable
I loved this story for the most part. The last quarter of the book was lost on me although some would be into it.
I loved this story for the most part. The last quarter of the book was lost on me although some would be into it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews