The Testimony of a Villain

By: Aaron G. Harrell

Narrated by: Marvin Slay

Length: 14 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

A violent past. An uncertain future. The blood on his hands may never rinse clean....

Outsiders call Manuel a villain. After spending his youth entangled in inner-city gang warfare, he’s lied, robbed, and murdered his way to the top. His path was set long ago, when two killers massacred his family in front of him....

While Manuel was able to take down one of the murderers, his bloodlust has grown for the killer who got away. When he gets the chance to complete his vengeance, the city cowers beneath his thirst for retribution. As he retraces his old scars, Manuel has one chance for vindication. To succeed, he’ll need to take a hard look at the life he’s built upon the ashes of his childhood....

The Testimony of a Villain is a dark crime novel set on the unforgiving streets of the inner city. If you like graphic realism, complex characters, and an unapologetic look at reality, then you’ll love Aaron G. Harrell’s poignant tale.

Listen to the audiobook today to see a frightening villain in a whole new light….

©2008 Aaron G. Harrell (P)2017 Aaron G. Harrell

Whoa!!

What a Great Book! Kept me on edge. A must read!!!!Emanuele went through a lot

Great Book. Great Narrator

I actually likes this book alot. the narration brought the story to life. Very good read in my opinion. A little scary too

Testimony of The Testimony - Testiception

This book was a wild ride from start to finish. Manuel lives the life of drugs and crime after he witnesses the brutal murder of his family. The whole story is around how he is hell bent on revenge, and when the opportunities to catch up with his family’s killers are in front of him you know he is going to take them. Revenge also ties in with gang violence and the struggles of growing up in low income housing that is flooded with drugs, crime, and gang activity.

Be warned; this book is graphic in every sense of the word. Sexual situations, violence, language, you name it. And it takes that approach from the start; the harrowing details in the murder of Manuel’s family is not for those with a weak stomach. But if you’re not one who is squeamish you will appreciate the detail as it paints a very clear picture of how this story will progress.

I found it eye-opening; we’re all aware by now of the dangers and perils of this world associated with projects dominated by gang wars and racial divides that push those most vulnerable further into poverty and violence. But never have I been able to get such a clear picture and from so many different angles.

If you think you can handle the graphic nature of this book then I highly suggest you give it a read or a listen. In my case it was the latter; and the smooth voice Marvin Slay is sure to take you more into Manuel’s hardened life of crime and violence. Though on that note, I felt changing between male and female voices wasn’t that distinguishable, as it was hard to tell characters such as Aunt May and the various women the boys would have relations with apart from the males in the book. It made for some really awkward sex scenes. Other than that Slay does a tremendous job.

Enjoyed

I enjoyed it for the most part. The story made me wonder if that's what it's really like for kids getting into the game and trying to make a name for themselves. The only parts that were hard for me to listen to, were the teens making out. The narrator was a little over the top on those parts. Overall I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

Awesome

This book was excellent from the beginning to the end. I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters were awesome. The ending was good but I wish Manuel outcome would have been a little different. This book is worth every penny. I do recommend this book and I would purchase another book by the author and narrator. Keep the books coming.😊😀😁

This book had me on the edge of my seat u usecally

I really loved and enjoyed this book the person who read this book did a real good job

Raw, Real, Revealing! Couldn't stop listening

Would you consider the audio edition of The Testimony of a Villain to be better than the print version?

Yes

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Testimony of a Villain?

The ending, I was very suprised.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Life has all kinds of twist and turns

Any additional comments?

Couldn't stop listening.

Everything

This was a great read from beginning to end. The story is brilliant and the narrator took you there.

love the beginning

i love the base of the story but upset at the ending but nice story

Excellent Story

If you could sum up The Testimony of a Villain in three words, what would they be?

Chilling, Dark, Real

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Manuel because we got to see him at his best, his worse and everything in between. I think his character really changed throughout the book and it was interesting to witness.

What about Marvin Slay’s performance did you like?

He spoke clearly and I also appreciated how he used different tones of voice, depending on the which character was speaking instead of just reading in one voice.

If you could take any character from The Testimony of a Villain out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would probably take Tracy to dinner to try and be a good friend and support system for her.

Any additional comments?

Be aware that this book does contain descriptive murder and rape scenes and swearing throughout. This audio book was narrated by Marvin Slay.
The Testimony of a Villain is about Manuel, who at a young age witnessed his family’s murder. As the audience, we listen in on how such a horrifying experience turned Manuel’s life upside down, and how he goes from having it all, to having nothing. The story mostly follows Manuel, and how he spirals into a life full of hate, gangs, drugs and murder. Aaron G. Harrell , the author does an excellent job in being descriptive and detailed. The story also follows other characters, which gives it many dimensions and perspectives. I understand that some readers may feel uncomfortable with the violence and rape scenes, but I appreciate that Harrell was real about how hard life was for the characters and that he didn’t sugarcoat it. Also, I personally enjoyed the narration. I think Marvin Slay did a good job overall and he helped bring the story alive.
Overall, I would recommend this audio book as it sucks you right in and makes you think. But again, the author covers serious issues in detail, so be warned.