Reprisal (Recompense Series Vol. 5)
Michelle Isenhoff, Author
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, Fiction, Sep. 4, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 14 (Young Adult Fiction)
Themes: Fugitive, Trapped in a foreign world, Anti-slavery movement, Dystopian
Synopsis:
The revolution is over. Andromeda Macron is dead, and Capernica is free. But at the sweet moment of triumph, a premature explosion leaves Ethan stranded in a foreign world, pursued by the entire Bruelim army and wishing vainly for his partner Jaclyn. But she made it home safely. His one hope is that the explosion didn’t destroy all the doors between worlds. If even one portal survived, he intends to find it.
In the meantime, the loss of nearly its entire slave labor force has thrown Brunay into chaos. Fuel shortages and an economic downturn exacerbate tensions between the country’s tribal groups, and government efforts to replace the lost workers threaten to send the nation into civil war. But it’s the remaining Capernican slaves who bear the brunt of the new policies.
Ethan burns to lead the anti-slavery movement, but he’s a fugitive, a soldier stripped of all command. He feels useless and ineffective, flung here by a cruel twist of fate. But then–abandoned, discouraged, and with a price on his head–Ethan discovers a reason to stay in Brunay, even if a portal should open up right in front of him. He just had to travel across the universe to find her.
But what does the future hold in a world where slavery is his only legal option? Where the law stands between himself and the woman he loves? Reprisal is the final book in the Recompense Series.
Why I liked this book:
Wow! Reprisal (Volume 5) is an energetic and thrilling conclusion to Michelle Isenhoff’s Recompense Series. The final novel about Ethan’s entrapment in Brunay brings the story full circle, with a very satisfying ending for Ethan in a brave new world. Readers will not be disappointed with the many plot twists. With the Bruelim Army and the Black Guard in hot pursuit, Ethan manages to find Ahava and Jaspar, the Brunay brother and sister team who helped him free the enslaved Capernicans in “Operation Exodus,” in Retribution.
This is Ethan’s journey about learning to be comfortable with himself, opening his mind to new customs and ways of life, looking for the humanity in the enemy, trusting himself and his friends Ahava and Jaspar, finding ways to contribute the best of himself without compromising his values, and serving a cause greater than himself. And romance? There are many authentic characters breathing life into this story. They are flawed, powerful, vulnerable and will draw you deeply into this high-stakes novel.
The storytelling is gripping and complex, the prose is filled with vivid imagery, and the world building is beyond believable. Readers will enjoy immersing themselves into the beautifully constructed details of life in Brunay. It’s brutal and foreign, but if you look closely enough you will see some of its heart. Each chapter ends with a cliff-hangar which keeps you reading because you want to know the outcome.
The Recompense Series is an ambitious undertaking for Isenhoff, with all five novels, Recompense, Betrayal and Retribution, Abduction and Reprisal, published since January 2018. Readers can binge read and pick up the next volume when they finish each novel! Each chapter ends with a cliff-hangar which keeps you reading because you want to know the outcome.
Michelle Isenhoff is a former teacher and longtime homeschooler. She has written extensively in the children’s genre, most notably her work in historical fiction: The Ella Wood series and the Divided Decade collection. She has been lauded by the education community for the literary quality of her work. These days, she writes full-time in the adult historical fiction and speculative fiction genres. Visit Michelle’s fabulous website.
Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
*Purchased copy.
You don’t see many dystopian novels anymore. This one has an interesting premise and sounds like a real page turner. Glad you liked it so much.
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The entire series captivated me. Reprisal brings the series to a resounding conclusion.
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This series sounds great! It’s good to know that it doesn’t fall apart at the end (and that the whole series is out). Thanks so much for the review!
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Michelle is a master at storytelling and her books are exceptional. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed.
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Pat, enthusiasm and encouragement like yours are lifeblood to an author. I’m so glad you enjoyed this series. They were an absolute pleasure to write. Thank you for the time, energy, and thought you put into these reviews!
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You are welcome. You are quite the storyteller, so it is always a pleasure to read your novels and share them with others! I look forward to reading your newest book, Tears of the Mountain!
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Michelle Isenhoff’s books are all excellent reads and this one sounds no different. A great review.
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Thank you! I have followed Michelle’s historical fiction novels for years! But, the Recompense Series, to me is her best work yet. It’s clean. The characters are fully developed and memorable. And boy can she spin a fascinating story with thrilling plots. Would love to be a fly on the wall as she writes.
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I read mostly contemporary or historical stories but this book and series have peaked my interest. The cover on this one is a real stunner. Thanks for the review.
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Greg, I hope you read the first book Recompense, just to get a feel for the story. I think you know her eloquent writing style. I have loved her historical fiction novels, but feel that this series really shines and shows what she is capable of as an author. You can get her first book Recompense free on Amazon, if you have a Prime membership.
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This book sounds super cool! I’m so glad that it has satisfying plot twists, those are hard to find. I love reading about characters becoming more open minded too! It’s super inspiring. I haven’t read this series before, but it seems like I have been missing out!
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Sue, I really think you’d enjoy this series a lot. You’d like the action, the plot, the world-building and the writing. I was so hooked on this series and it is YA. And, the books are on kindle at a low price. If you have Amazon Prime, they are free. And, you can binge the entire series. I stayed up late at night because I couldn’t put them down. I purchased the paperback. Michelle is a seasoned author and all her work is excellent!
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I saw you released a review yesterday in my e-mail, but it didn’t show up in my browser?? Can only find your Jan. 7 review.
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Not really my cup of tea, but I have a couple grandkids who might like it. Thanks for your review.
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Thanks for your comment. I understand. I don’t always like certain books, like graphic novels.
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Oh, terrific, Michelle has released another one in this great series.
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This fantasy series is among the best I’ve read. I was addicted from the start. Michelle is a superb writer. So much to learn from her when you read her work. You can get this series free on Amazon Prime Kindel. It’s worth reading Vol. 1 to see if you like it.
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How have I not heard of this series? It sounds like I have some catching up to do. Thanks for the review!
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I absolutely loved the series. Now that it is out (free if you have Amazon Prime) you can binge read the entire series. Michelle is a superb author and storyteller.
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