The Finisher (Vega Jane, Book 1) (1)

This book starts off maybe a little slow, and has some rough points and confusing language. However, it quickly becomes captivating and the dystopian lies leads to you, as the reader, wanting more information just as the character does. I love Vega and Delph. This isn't a teachers dream book but it wasn't meant to be. I think it was cleverly different and creative. I've read the first two. I'm curious to see what happens in the third. It's definitely addictive the way he keeps you in suspense.As for the one star reviews I've seen, I think most people are disappointed it isn't like his other books. It isn't his typical and though you don't like it, maybe you should have read it fully before giving such a bad review. There were some things that needed work (language creation maybe) but if you continue the story, the storyline is unique and captivating. It makes you want to know what will happen next. I am, however, a fan of fantasy and YA novels. Though it has some rough spots, it took five years to write and a lot of research. Give him some credit.

I usually do not enjoy reading fantasy, but I do like Baldacci, so I thought I would try it. Still wasn't sold after the first chapter, but I kept on. The characters were beginning to interest me. I was thinking how my middle schoolers would relate to them. Vega Jane, the teenaged protagonist, throws herself into every situation. At times I thought I would close my eyes and peer between my fingers as though I were watching a movie. I found myself looking forward to reading the next chapter. I noticed an ad for the next book somewhere else on the internet and thought, "Hmm...wonder what Vega Jane does in that?" Realized I was hooked!The book is a thinly disguised parallel of medieval times with a twist of magic. As Baldacci says Wormwood is a small world, but as the book ends, the world appears to be growing. I will be recommending to my students for a good summer time read.

I am a fantasy and SciFi fan so this genre is part of my library. I like David Baldacci a lot. He is one of our favorite authors and we have nearly all of his books in hardcover, as is our want to do for all our favorite authors. I bought this bood to read before giving the series to my grandaughter for her library. Vega Jane is a character who actually resembles my oldest grandaughter both in personality and attitude, as well as physically. She is intelligent, stubborn, recalcitrant and definitely a risk taker. She is also rather obstinate and will argue with a fence post. She is in fairly good shape physically and can take a hit but not go down for the count. I admire the tough mindset and the ability to concentrate on the issue at hand while planning for the next move. The plot is nothing new but the selection of the "challenges" as represented by the odd but deadly animals/monsters and the implacable human foes is well done. Although written for younger minds, I find this series to be enjoyable even at my advanced age. "The Finisher" is a good read.

I can't say I didn't like it - except the ending. It just was such a different read and not what I expected when I started it. The fantasy/moral lessons are just not normally what a like and so out of the ordinary for this author. I was engaged though and found I couldn't put it down as, typical with. Baldacci novel, I had to know what happened next!I give Baldacci an A+ for venturing out and trying a different type of story. I did find the language inconsistent throughout. The protagonist's (Vega Jane) sophistication changes a little too much as she grows wiser and her speech patterns become too sophisticated for her education. The plot was a bit predictable.What disappointed me the most was the ending. It just doesn't have closure. Maybe the author is planning a sequel or series? Regardless, I was disappointed because there are too many unknowns as to what happens next and many unanswered questions.

So I love David Baldacci's mystery suspense novels for adults. This was a young adult novel and I've noticed a few of my students have been reading it. I like to read what they are reading so we can have conversations about books. Oops! I should have known better because I am not a big fan of this type of fantasy. I tried. I just didn't care for it so much. He did a good job writing it, but I really think he should stick to adult mystery suspense novels. I probably won't be reading the second one in this series. Not that curious.

I am a Baldacci addict. I purchased this book confusing it for the 1st Atlee Pine book. When I started to read it, I was mad at myself. However, since it was a Baldacci book, I kept on reading and once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. So book one read, had to get book two and three. I had to wait for book four to come out, but when it did, I purchased it. I would recommend this book to any fantasy lover. It really is a great read. You can't go wrong with a Baldacci story.

Baldacci never fails to entertain this reader....I was surprised by the content of Baldacci's new tome as I always preorder his books whenever I see them. THE FINISHER was a delightful change of pace into a make believe world of the authors mind with a cast of characters that will stay with you forever. The story follows the trials and tribulations of Vega Jane and her circle of compatriots as they attempt to make sense of their world and what might be beyond the world as they know it. There are monsters, magic and mysteries everywhere and some very scary creatures that Hollywood would delight in creating for the big screen. If you liked The Hunger Games you'll like The Finisher and this adult would also buy the next book in this series to follow the saga of Vega Jane, her friend Delphi and her dog, Harry Two, as they discover worlds beyond their own should Baldacci decide to continue their journey beyond the QUAG. Read his book to find out what the QUAG is. Baldacci succeeds once again in finishing a great tale that leaves you wanting more.

I am a great fan of David Baldacci and have read many of his books. When I read the first couple of pages of this book , I thought this cannot be his writing as it was so very different to any books I had read before. I read on and was so pleased I did. I did not think “ Fantasy” books would be my thing but this was absolutely riveting and I found myself really caught up in the characters of Vega Jane and Delph and even her canine. A brilliant ,brilliant read. I will most certainly be reading all of the Vega Jane books.

Although written for a younger market I did enjoy this story. I can't wait for the next stage in their adventure. I can appreciate that some people might find the strange words annoying but as most of the strange words were very like Scottish I found it interesting and understanable. It was as usual for David Baldacci a book that you had to read quickly then feel I want more.

Wow didn't expect to like this book as it is not the usual from the author. I loved it and have passed it on to my granddaughter to read. Cannot wait to recieve the 2nd book.

I'm torn between liking this boo and hating it. Ok it's not aimed at my age range (over 40O but I love Baldacci so wanted to give it a go. It was a frustrating book with sometimes too much detail and sometimes 'jumps' in the story where more would have been nice. The ending was obvious from not long in to the book, but was then still quite frustrating. The story had the feel of a mix between a Harry Potter and a Lord of the Rings, it seemed a bit over-engineered, almost as if it was being written for a film (which it would probably convert well into). There will obviously be a sequel and I will I am sure read it.

What an imaginative story line. Filled with strange creatures in a very strange world. Nice to read about a female that triumphs over adversity. One of those books you just have to keep reading. Have just purchased the next in the series!!