Official Review: Vigilatus by Brenda Heller and Jimmy Adams

[kandscreeley]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Vigilatus" by Brenda Heller and Jimmy Adams.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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After a trip back in time to escape a death by drowning, Theo is stuck in Germany in 1937. He expects his scientist father to get the time machine back up and running to rescue him; in the meantime, though, he must work to escape the Nazi government and keep a precious journal out of the hands of a madman bent on helping Nazi Germany win World War II.

The plan is for him and Gracie to escape with the journal to the United States. Before their flight by dirigible leaves, though, Gracie is determined to rescue her friend Herr Moeller, who has gone missing after saving the two teenagers. Will she be the next one to go missing? Or will Theo and Gracie make their flight and escape safely to America?

Vigilatus is book two in the TimeWorm series and is written by Brenda Heller and Jimmy Adams. The novel has around 350 pages. There is violence as well as dark themes that would make the book inappropriate for those younger than high school age. Nonetheless, this is a historical fiction novel, so it is nothing that didn't actually happen.

I had the joy of reviewing the first book in this series, TimeWorm. Though I enjoyed that book, it moved a bit slowly and lacked some character development. This sequel made up for the deficiencies of the first. There was an abundance of action to keep even the most wandering minds engaged, and the characters really blossomed. Theo is a typical teenager who doesn't quite understand the minds of women. Gracie confuses him, and his reaction to her is extremely realistic for a younger boy. Gracie has spirit and makes for a great female protagonist. Being courageous, her fear never stood in the way of anything, and I admired her for that.

Though this is the second book, the authors do a great job of getting the reader caught up to what's already happened. There is a scene toward the beginning of the book where Theo reminisces about all that's occurred so far. This would be helpful for those that have not read the first book, making this stand alone if necessary. More than that, it's a good reminder if time has elapsed between the reading of the first and second books.

Furthermore, Ms. Heller and Mr. Adams use the German language and dialect to immerse you into Nazi Germany. Yet, never are these words given without clueing in the reader as to their meaning. In addition, they include real events, people, and places from this time period, so you are learning as you are being entertained. They have found the perfect balance between moving the plot along and introducing historical snippets.

All in all, I found absolutely nothing about which to complain. Therefore, I rate Vigilatus 4 out of 4 stars. I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys an action-packed historical fiction with elements of time travel and technology. It would be especially interesting to those that enjoy reading about Nazi Germany. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment of this series.

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Vigilatus
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Like kandscreeley's review? Post a comment saying so!

[CharlizeGwapa]

I did not like the 'turning back of time' theme since I do not find such fantasy wonderful, however, I really liked your review.

[Bianka Walter]

Can you imagine, knowing the atrocities of WWII, being whisked back to that time? How terrifying.
This seems like a really interesting book. I enjoy the idea of learning the historical aspects as the book progresses.
Great review

[kandscreeley]

I did not like the 'turning back of time' theme since I do not find such fantasy wonderful, however, I really liked your review.

I understand. That's why there are so many different books out there - something for everyone. Good luck finding the one for you.

[Nyambura Githui]

Interesting and descriptive review. Made me curious to know more about it even if historical fiction isn't my genre

[kandscreeley]

Interesting and descriptive review. Made me curious to know more about it even if historical fiction isn't my genre

I think it's interesting enough that even those that don't enjoy historical fiction would find this one fun. Thanks for commenting.

[Alice Heritage]

The authors are clearly skilled with language so that the reader knows what's being said when German is used. They must have researched Nazi Germany well to produce this compelling adventure.

[kandscreeley]

The authors are clearly skilled with language so that the reader knows what's being said when German is used. They must have researched Nazi Germany well to produce this compelling adventure.

Absolutely. You can tell it's well-researched. I really enjoyed it and am waiting with baited breath for the next one.

[unamilagra]

The plot of this one sounds right up my alley. I love historical fiction with a touch of fantasy/sci-fi thrown in. You did a great job of highlighting the strengths of this book.

[kandscreeley]

The plot of this one sounds right up my alley. I love historical fiction with a touch of fantasy/sci-fi thrown in. You did a great job of highlighting the strengths of this book.

Thank you. I hope you read and enjoy this one. I did.

[gen_g]

It's really obvious that you enjoyed this book - historical fiction with sci-fi sounds like a good mix! I will have to check out the first title - thanks for the review!

[Dentarthurdent]

This book sounds so captivating! I simply cannot imagine how harrowing the experience must have been for Theo, let alone those who were actually trapped in that reality. There is no shortage of reasons to read this novel, yet I would definitely read it, if only to discover the fate of Herr Moeller. Great review!

[kandscreeley]

It's really obvious that you enjoyed this book - historical fiction with sci-fi sounds like a good mix! I will have to check out the first title - thanks for the review!

I really did. It was fabulous. I am looking forward to the next in the series.

[kandscreeley]

This book sounds so captivating! I simply cannot imagine how harrowing the experience must have been for Theo, let alone those who were actually trapped in that reality. There is no shortage of reasons to read this novel, yet I would definitely read it, if only to discover the fate of Herr Moeller. Great review!

Thank you. This is a great one to pick up. I think you'd enjoy it immensely.

[Kajori Sheryl Paul]

I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys an action-packed historical fiction with elements of time travel and technology. It would be especially interesting to those that enjoy reading about Nazi Germany.

This is me. I would love to read this book and the other books in this series.

Thank you for the lovely review.