Readers' Reviews
Seven Five Star Reviews of Readers' Favorite
Legacy is a work of fiction in the thriller, suspense, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to mature young adult and adult reading audiences and was penned by author V. Vokken. This gripping story introduces us to protagonist Sam Staten, a popular party girl, who becomes entangled in the dangerous world of the Underground, a notorious gang, after seeking revenge for her parents' murders. She enlists a group of her high school classmates, each with their own connections to the gang, in her plan. The novel explores themes of revenge, friendship, self-discovery, and hope as the characters navigate a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges.
Author V. Vokken's writing creates a balance between heart-pounding action and heartfelt moments, making for a captivating read that is sure to resonate with readers on an emotional level just as much as it keeps them on the edge of their seats. The narrative is a blend of thrilling suspense and emotional depth, with well-developed characters facing their own pasts and internal conflicts, all of which are well-explained and relatable to their backgrounds and circumstances. As the story unfolds, the characters' personal growth and relationships become central to the plot, emphasizing the power of friendship to shape their lives. Vokken delves into the complexity of human connections, the consequences of decisions, and the potential for change even in the darkest of circumstances in a sophisticated turn for a YA book that is deeply impressive. Overall, Legacy captures the essence of perseverance and the transformative power of friendship in the face of adversity, and I would highly recommend it to drama and thriller fans everywhere.
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-K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite
Legacy by V. Vokken is an impressive novel about a rich, spoiled young girl who learns she's much more than her parents' legacy. It follows Sam Staten, who's almost 18 years old, as her life falls apart due to a tragedy that forces her to do the unthinkable. Sam likes to throw big parties and show off her parents' money and luxurious lifestyle. When she learns that her parents were killed, she immediately decides to find out who killed them. Shortly after, Sam learns that her parents were after a gang called the Underground and that the gang was also after her parents' money and power. Now that she knows who killed her parents, she wants to make that person pay. However, in her mission to get justice for her parents, Sam gets caught up in big lies, makes new friends, and learns she's in great danger.
Legacy by V. Vokken is a gripping, twisted psychological thriller of revenge, friendship, lies, murder, and consequences. The plot and characters are intriguing enough to keep you turning the pages until you reach the final one. It shows what happens when you let revenge become your only motivation for living. It also shows the importance of having someone pull you back from the edge of darkness. This skillfully constructed novel is also about facing the consequences of your actions, finding new friends to call family, battling internal conflicts, and risking everything. If you are looking for a great story of self-discovery and redemption with a bit of romance and dark intrigue, this one will be worth your attention.
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-Emma Megan, Readers' Favorite
Legacy by V. Vokken is a young adult thriller novel that follows the story of a headstrong teenager hell-bent on revenge. Sam Staten’s life came to a standstill when her parents were killed by America’s most dangerous gang. Her parents were rich and had everything they could desire, but that didn’t last. Sam was a grieving high school senior who decided to take revenge for their death. To get that revenge, she enlisted the help of her best friend, Danny, and four other students from her class who had a connection with the gang. The mismatched group of friends was already entangled with their own issues and were not ready for it. Things got messier when they came under the radar of the gang. They had to make decisions and stick to them before it was too late.
Young adult fiction never felt this exciting. The novel has a solid plot, a feisty protagonist, mystery, suspense, and a ragtag group of friends who are trying their best. Sam was fantastic. I knew I would love her the moment she was introduced, and she didn’t disappoint me. Sam wasn’t your typical teenager whose heart was filled with angst. Although she followed her heart more than her mind at times, Sam was intelligent and very much aware of what she was doing. The way she made friends with the crew was very satisfying. Alex was a hoot, Cody was adorable, Morgan was the life of the story, and Katie was scary smart. The group complemented each other and created a comfortable environment for Sam to grieve in her own way. The narrative was wonderful, the pace was perfect, the plot was fantastic, and the story was incredible. Kudos to author V. Vokken for writing this masterpiece.
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-Rabia Tanveer, Readers' Favorite
Legacy is a young adult thriller by V. Vokken. Sam Staten, the most popular girl at Lakeview High School, is known for hosting the biggest parties. After her parents leave her home alone again, Sam throws yet another party for her friends, only to wake up the next day to the news that her parents have been murdered. Shaken to the core, Sam learns that the notorious gang called the Underground is behind the killings. With the help of five of her friends -- Danny, Morgan, Cody, Alex, and Katie -- Sam launches a desperate mission to find the Underground gang's boss, unwittingly putting everyone's lives in grave danger. However, the gang kidnaps her, and Sam finds herself on a path from where there is no turning back. Additionally, she uncovers something that will change her life forever.
Action, romance, and intrigue lace the pages of this nail-biting thriller. From the very first page, V. Vokken draws the reader in for a wild rollercoaster of a ride with twists and turns at regular intervals, keeping the plot moving at a brisk pace until the end. The plot is absorbing, but it's the characters who shine the brightest. The group dynamics between Sam and her friends keep you invested in the story. Each character has unique traits and their own agency that drives their actions and motives. Sam is a flawed and headstrong protagonist who makes many mistakes. Yet, as a reader, you can't help but sympathize with her plight. I also enjoyed the burgeoning romance between Alex and Cody, as well as Katie's and Morgan's storylines. All in all, Legacy is a captivating thriller I will heartily recommend to young adult readers.
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-Pikasho Deka, Readers' Favorite
Legacy by V. Vokken is a riveting coming-of-age novel that intertwines elements of mystery, revenge, and the complexities of friendship. The narrative revolves around Sam Staten, a popular and vivacious teenager whose life takes a dramatic turn when she decides to seek revenge for the murder of her parents. The juxtaposition of Sam's flamboyant party lifestyle with her deep-seated desire for retribution provides a fascinating foundation for character development. As Sam enlists a motley crew of high school friends, each with their own connections to the gang responsible for the deaths of her parents, the story delves into their pasts, insecurities, and motivations.
V. Vokken’s storytelling technique, characterized by a blend of humor, drama, and emotional depth, propels the plot forward. The pacing is skillfully managed, oscillating between the boisterous chaos of Sam's parties and the introspective moments of her friends' internal struggles. This dynamic structure maintains reader engagement while allowing for a nuanced exploration of the characters' growth. One of the novel's strengths lies in its thematic exploration of friendship, revenge, and personal growth. Legacy is an enthralling narrative that navigates the highs and lows of adolescence, friendship, and the pursuit of justice. With a strong protagonist, a diverse ensemble cast, and skillful storytelling, the account captivates readers from the outset. By delving into the intricacies of relationships and the profound impact of choices, the book leaves a lasting impression, prompting readers to reflect on their own legacies and the connections that shape their lives. Highly recommended for fans of the thriller and coming-of-age genres.
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-Demetria Head, Readers' Favorite
​Legacy by V. Vokken is a thrilling young adult novel exploring the themes of friendship, revenge, and redemption in tragedy. When Sam Staten's parents are brutally murdered by a gang, she embarks on a dangerous mission to seek justice, enlisting the help of five classmates with their connections to the gang. As the group deals with past grudges, romantic feelings, and internal conflicts, they find themselves on a journey of self-discovery and maturity. Despite facing numerous obstacles and tragedies, Sam and her friends refuse to give up, ultimately finding hope and redemption in each other. Readers will keep hoping against all hope that Sam and her friends succeed in taking down a dangerous gang. Legacy is a suspenseful tale that features excellent writing and plot twists.
Sam’s journey from the height of social success to the depths of danger and despair is marked by grief, guilt, and a fierce determination to uncover the truth. The author deftly shows how tragedy can transform a character and introduces compelling characters like Cody, Alex Slayton, and Morgan, who must deal with the everyday issues of adolescence while building strong bonds of friendship. V. Vokken does an impeccable job of capturing Sam's inner world, a character struggling with conflict and plagued by many questions. Cody's sense of duty and self-awareness are a foil to Sam's impulsive nature, while Alex's mysterious allure challenges societal norms and expectations. Meanwhile, Morgan's reluctant involvement in the dangerous world of drug dealing provides insight into the disturbing realities of life in her community, where survival often means making difficult choices and sacrifices. Through Morgan's and Sam's intersecting narratives, the author explores themes of loyalty and the pursuit of justice. Legacy is a riveting novel of teenage rebellion, social dynamics, and the pursuit of justice in the face of mounting odds.
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-Romuald Dzemo, Readers' Favorite