Retribution And Tribulation

by Emily Casilli

Cecilla
My mother was a wood spirit. I am part nymph and l attribute my connection with nature to her and this odd gift. Just no nymphs have unicorn horns. And whenever something is different or beautiful it has to be hidden from the world. The world snuffs out anything that glitters.

Benedict
I have been quested with killing a creature that has been deemed to be draining the land. The only problem I have is that it looks like a woman, not like the beast they claim it to be. I am an established knight but I have always been weak for the wildlife. This job may be too much for me. But the king will have her heart or my head.

Genres: Fantasy

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2024

Reviews

[Jacki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to start by saying that this may be one of the most descriptive books I’ve ever read! The way the author paints the characters, animals and landscape is something I truly enjoyed. I felt as though I was there and could see everything happening around me.
The story itself is easy to follow and although it is fantasy, there are relatable undertones.
I recommend this book and I plan to read it again myself.
Being chosen as an ARC reader for this book was an absolute honor!

[Jessica Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Emily, for allowing me to be an ARC Reader for this!

"Retribution and Tribulation" tells the story of a magical girl, Cecilla, who must hide her true self, and of a noble knight, Benedict, who is torn between his heart and his mission.

This book perfectly blends romance and fantasy, romantasy, if you will. Two of my favorite genres combined; what's not to like!

Benedict is sent to slay a beast, only to find the beast is really a beautiful woman, Cecilla. Surprise! She is actually a magical being: half nymph, half unicorn. The world wants to snuff her out, but Benedict is not so sure. His inner conflict, between his heart and wanting to protect her, and his job of getting rid of the creature, compelled me throughout the whole story.

Cecilla, despite having to stay hidden in order to stay safe, never gives up and uses her inner strength to shine and sparkle, even when the world does not want her to. I think that is a beautiful sentiment to take away from the novel. While the world should be more forgiving towards what is different, we should never allow others to hold power over us or our lives.

In addition, I adored the romance between the two, and the details of this story were so great, I felt as though I were really in this magical world! I would love to see more!

Thank you again, Emily. I always enjoy reading your work.

10/10 recommend!!!

[Talita 🔎📚 · Rating 2 out of 5]

#ARCreader

I really enjoyed the well-crafted atmosphere and thoughtfully designed locations, which added to the fantasy-historical charm.
However, I found it hard to read due to its writing style, which felt childish at times and overly complicated at others, as though trying too hard to sound historical. Many details felt unnecessary, like the mention of creatures such as goblins that added nothing to the plot.

The spice was underwhelming, lacking the intensity or emotional depth I expected. Spreading it out over several chapters—some containing only brief POV switches—felt unnecessary and disrupted the flow. Combined with underdeveloped characters I struggled to connect with, the story ultimately failed to leave a lasting impression. It needed tighter pacing, stronger character work, and more impactful moments to fully deliver.

While the foundation was there for an engaging narrative, the inconsistent writing style, unnecessary details, underwhelming character development, and unresolved plot points kept it from reaching its full potential. With more attention to these areas, this could have been a much more satisfying read.

Despite its issues, the ending stood out as the best part of the book. It successfully tied everything together and offered a satisfying conclusion, providing a glimpse of what the story could have been with more consistent development. While the journey had its struggles, the ending left a positive impression, showing the potential for a more polished narrative.

[Tiff · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book.

Retribution and Tribulation by Emily Casilli centres on Cecillia, who is a nymph with a unicorn horn, and Benedict, a knight sent by the King to slay her. It is believed that killing Cecillia will help heal the land that has been rotting away.

I really wanted to love this but it was a struggle to read.
We only get to know the characters on a surface level which made them annoying. Benedict is a gentle soul and I wanted to care for him, but I found I was constantly frustrated.
It seemed not much of a plot existed, as most of the time they were just travelling, and even at the very end there was a brief mention of what caused the rotting of the land and the solution.
The setting was great - we’re in a world full of mythical creatures and I wanted to learn more about them!

Casilli has interesting ideas, there were many moments in the book that caught my attention, however, the book needs thorough editing. There were many minor errors throughout, a lot of telling the reader, and the scenes jump around a lot. Her other novels seem to have solid star reviews, so it could just be that this one needs a little more tweaking.

[Nicole (book_drake on IG) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Just finished Retribution and Tribulation by Emily Casilli, and WOW, what a journey! Imagine if Mother Nature and a knight with an ethical crisis had a story arc together – that’s our girl Cecilla and noble Benedict!

Cecilla is one part nymph, one part unicorn (yes, you heard right), and 100% hiding her magic because apparently, the world is allergic to anything that glitters. But when Sir Benedict rolls in, sword in hand, to ‘slay the beast’ (aka Cecilla, the alleged land-drainer), he’s hit with a plot twist: the “beast” is more beauty than beast.

This story had me hooked with Benedict’s whole “I love nature, but I have a job to do” vibe and Cecilla’s strength to keep sparkling, even when the world wants her hidden. It’s a tale of fighting for what’s good and glittery, all while questioning what’s really monstrous. 🌲🦄

Anyone else love a fantasy that brings out both heart and humor? Because this book gave me all the feels. 💫 #RetributionAndTribulation #EmilyCasilli #FantasyReads #HiddenMagic #KnightInQuestioningArmor

[Valeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romantasy tore me in half. It took me on a electrifying adventure throughout a kingdom. Following the journey of a unique nymph that was hidden away in the forest, but once the king hears of a glimpse, he sends out knights to collect her heart. Getting a second POV from a knight that set out to kill the beast, until he finds that it is a woman.

This was a really good read. The details throughout the book were captivating and I felt like I was right there in the story. Although there was a notable amount of repetition for the same details.

I absolutely loved the characters in this story each one of them has their one unique stories and their descriptions make them feel even more real. I found myself really enjoying this book! It was a quick read for me, but I loved every minute of it.

[Tonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful setting, plot, and ending! I couldn't put this book down! Benedict has no idea what Cecilla exactly is, but he has to protect her. The King sends his knights to search for the Beast who is ruining the land. He wants its heart. Benedict is his most skilled Knight and finds the beast, but she clearly isn't what he expected to find. A majestic, beautiful woman. He doesn't understand what she is at first, but he falls for her.
Cecilla is running from Benedict but finds herself longing for him soon enough.
They will risk their lives for each other.
As expected, this book is full of beauty and original creatures, and I really enjoyed reading it. I feel like every book I read by Emily Casilli becomes my new favorite, and this one definitely is.

[Kaeley Sagers · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author did a really good job at capturing the love story between those who are forced away from being together but can’t help falling in love. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way you feel like you are in a magical world with them.
Although I enjoyed the book I wanted more from their love story and to really get a better feel of what the characters were facing. I loved the aspect of different magical creatures and the found family along the way. I especially loved the play into Cat and the love for him. It was an honor to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book!

[Halee Shull · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honored to be given this book as an ARC and really enjoyed it. This was my first Emily Casilli book, but it definitely won't be my last! She made me feel like I was a part of this fantasy world with the characters in her descriptive writing, especially the settings. I loved how every chapter had a name, the dual POV, the short chapters, and a happy ending. There were a few grammatical errors and spelling errors, but not enough to make me change the way I feel about this book.

[Mary Touchtone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Casilli has done it again. Reading Retribution and Tribulation was amazing and a page turner. I don't usually read fantasy, but Emily seems to pull you in with her writing. Besides all of the mythical creatures that are in it, the love story is so magical.
When Benedict saw Cecilla, he could not imagine the feelings he would have for her. Now, with both of them hunted, will they survive?
Recommended for those who love fantasy and romance.

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Casilli takes you on a journey with details and descriptions of the land so vivid. It brings you into the adventure Cecilia and Benedict are on. Her writing makes you feel like you are right there with them.

Cecillia is a nymph hidden away in the forest with a unicorn horn. Once the king’s get sight of her he’s send Benedict his knight to slay a beast but the beast is really Cecillia.

Can he slay her?

[Brittany T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the way that she described all the scenery and the animals. She almost made me feel like I was there. In the thick overgrowth where her home was. It was a fast read and wonderful as well. If magic and nephliums and fairies are what you like to read picking up this book would be a must! It's lovely

[Stacey Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retribution and Tribulation was an enjoyable read, though it started off slow and was a bit hard to follow at times. The detailed descriptions of the land were immersive but occasionally overshadowed the main storyline. The timeline could have been clearer, but the ending was satisfying, and I appreciated that the main characters found their happily-ever-after.

[Shatana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book might just be the most vivid one I've ever picked up! The author's ability to bring the characters, animals, and scenery to life really captivated me. It felt like I was right in the middle of the action, witnessing everything unfold.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely different from what I typically read. There’s a lot of detail on the journey/traveling, but I would’ve loved more detail on the love interest. I might’ve missed some key info somewhere.. dad just popped up? And what happened to the land?

[Alexis Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good from start to finish. The descriptions of everything made me feel like I was there and seeing everything described. I loved all the themes portrayed and the whole fantasy element in all of it

[berrgiebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cecilia is one with the land as she lives out with the woods with nature.

Benedict is a soldier of a tyrannical king who has sent his men out to kill the strange creature with a single horn he has blamed for the poor harvest causing poverty and starvation in his kingdom. Seemed like a possible task until Benedict finds himself hunting a woman with a single horn, Cecilia.

This story is dynamic in its structure. Emily does a wonderful job of tying in so many aspects of society and a corrupt leadership into this story alongside still giving a beautifully developed romance. Cecilia and Benedict's growth are from opposite sides of an issue that meet in the middle and in turn create their own path as this story develops.