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Redemption Ground
An awakening nation. A deadly appointment. A race against time.As rumblings increase throughout Newland, Carys, Amy and Jacob find themselves prisoners of the regime in different ways. Midwinter Festival is fast approaching, and with it a deadline nobody wants to think about. From the darkness of a prison cell to forgotten underground tunnels to unexpected visits to places they thought they’d left behind forever, the fugitives must fight to survive where they are and find a way out of impossible situations that threaten to break them.
Meanwhile, scattered Resistance and Outsider groups are coming together to seek justice after decades of oppression. In a frenzied countdown, the Resistance and the young people are caught up in an increasingly dangerous series of events. Can they really challenge the all-powerful New Day Party to bring justice and healing to a broken nation? And can they keep their own integrity in the process?
In the fast-paced final part of the Newland Trilogy, dive back into a world where equality and justice have been laid aside for power and greed, and journey with tenacious characters who are not afraid to stand up and fight — even in their darkest days.
What people are saying about the Newland
"Stark, memorable, beautifully written - Repression Ground captures the fears and hopes of those growing up in a dystopian world created by a previous generation, and how a sense of purpose and friendship can lead to a better future. A rare and thrilling dystopian novel, E.M. Carter creates a believable world of courage, friendship and the inherent value within ourselves." C.F. Dunn, author of The Tarnished Crown series
"Repression Ground took me straight into a dystopian world which has more questions than answers, more danger than safety, more prejudice than acceptance. I was gripped by the narrative and kept racing through the pages to find out what was really going on!" Ruth Leigh, author of the Isabella M Smugge series
"A triumph in dystopian young adult fiction, Repression Ground helps you recognise love, friendship and bravery in a sometimes cruel world." L.G. Jenkins, Author of the Merit-Hunters series
"Immerse yourselves in a Britain where love doesn't count, your real name is illegal and teachers set out to deliberately destroy you.Repression Ground is a high-octane story of courageous teenagers battling to get free and save others on the way - a book you would want your kids to read." Trevor Stubbs, author of The White Gates series
'Repression Ground is a breathtaking, exciting and important read, a glimpse into an all-too-possible future in which productivity is prized above everything. It made me turn the pages, reconsider my view of the world, and long for the sequel. Highly recommended!' Amy Scott Robinson, author of the Gladstone Trilogy
Meanwhile, scattered Resistance and Outsider groups are coming together to seek justice after decades of oppression. In a frenzied countdown, the Resistance and the young people are caught up in an increasingly dangerous series of events. Can they really challenge the all-powerful New Day Party to bring justice and healing to a broken nation? And can they keep their own integrity in the process?
In the fast-paced final part of the Newland Trilogy, dive back into a world where equality and justice have been laid aside for power and greed, and journey with tenacious characters who are not afraid to stand up and fight — even in their darkest days.
What people are saying about the Newland
"Stark, memorable, beautifully written - Repression Ground captures the fears and hopes of those growing up in a dystopian world created by a previous generation, and how a sense of purpose and friendship can lead to a better future. A rare and thrilling dystopian novel, E.M. Carter creates a believable world of courage, friendship and the inherent value within ourselves." C.F. Dunn, author of The Tarnished Crown series
"Repression Ground took me straight into a dystopian world which has more questions than answers, more danger than safety, more prejudice than acceptance. I was gripped by the narrative and kept racing through the pages to find out what was really going on!" Ruth Leigh, author of the Isabella M Smugge series
"A triumph in dystopian young adult fiction, Repression Ground helps you recognise love, friendship and bravery in a sometimes cruel world." L.G. Jenkins, Author of the Merit-Hunters series
"Immerse yourselves in a Britain where love doesn't count, your real name is illegal and teachers set out to deliberately destroy you.Repression Ground is a high-octane story of courageous teenagers battling to get free and save others on the way - a book you would want your kids to read." Trevor Stubbs, author of The White Gates series
'Repression Ground is a breathtaking, exciting and important read, a glimpse into an all-too-possible future in which productivity is prized above everything. It made me turn the pages, reconsider my view of the world, and long for the sequel. Highly recommended!' Amy Scott Robinson, author of the Gladstone Trilogy
- GenresDystopiaYoung Adult
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
31 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Carter
4 books8 followersE.M. Carter (Liz) is an award-winning author, poet and editor who loves writing in all genres as she can’t get enough of words. She is the author of the dystopian Newland Trilogy: Repression Ground, Rebellion Ground and Redemption Ground.
Liz was the poet in residence for Wellington in Shropshire for 2022/23. For other writers, she offers a freelance service proofreading, formatting and designing book covers and interiors for paperbacks and e-books, edits videos, designs and maintains websites, offers commercial copywriting and produces designs for social media.
Liz likes to spend her days clad in vintage turquoise dresses trying not to eat chocolate, and is proud to be a grammar pedant.
She has also written three non-fiction books for the Christian/spirituality market as Liz Carter: “Catching Contentment”, “Treasure in Dark Places” and “Valuable”.
Liz was the poet in residence for Wellington in Shropshire for 2022/23. For other writers, she offers a freelance service proofreading, formatting and designing book covers and interiors for paperbacks and e-books, edits videos, designs and maintains websites, offers commercial copywriting and produces designs for social media.
Liz likes to spend her days clad in vintage turquoise dresses trying not to eat chocolate, and is proud to be a grammar pedant.
She has also written three non-fiction books for the Christian/spirituality market as Liz Carter: “Catching Contentment”, “Treasure in Dark Places” and “Valuable”.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 12, 2024
What an amazing end to the Newland trilogy! Redemption Ground had me on a knife-edge from cover to cover, with each challenge increasing my fears for the characters I’ve come to know and love.
It is rare for fiction to move me to tears, but one part of this story did. It was graphic and excruciatingly painful, but so well-written. I was right there with the protagonists, and it sent a chill down my spine.
I like the way the author tied everything up. All the characters in her previous books were mentioned. This challenged my brain, but I was grateful to have questions answered and lose ends tidied away.
There were definitely some surprises, and although the ending is satisfactory, it certainly doesn’t suggest perfection. There will still be hurdles to overcome and evil still lurks in the shadows.
This series was my first taste of dystopian fiction, and I felt it was brilliantly handled. I am looking forward to finding out what E.M. Carter tackles next.
It is rare for fiction to move me to tears, but one part of this story did. It was graphic and excruciatingly painful, but so well-written. I was right there with the protagonists, and it sent a chill down my spine.
I like the way the author tied everything up. All the characters in her previous books were mentioned. This challenged my brain, but I was grateful to have questions answered and lose ends tidied away.
There were definitely some surprises, and although the ending is satisfactory, it certainly doesn’t suggest perfection. There will still be hurdles to overcome and evil still lurks in the shadows.
This series was my first taste of dystopian fiction, and I felt it was brilliantly handled. I am looking forward to finding out what E.M. Carter tackles next.
December 3, 2024
This is a very tense and thrilling conclusion to the Newland Trilogy in which the three main protagonists, Amy, Jacob and Carys are challenged by multiple dangers as they resist the tyrannical New Day Party members and the horrific regime they have created. E.M. Carter certainly hits her characters hard with the worse things that can happen to them, on very level.
I enjoyed reading about the way these three draw on their own inner resources to combat their adversaries, as they fight the multiple threats of a cunning and ruthless dictatorship in the nightmare state of Newland. There are so many twists and turns of the plot in this story that the reader has to maintain full concentration and sharpness to keep up with them, especially in the reappearance of various characters referred to in the previous two books. The emotional stakes are high throughout this narrative, along with the constant physical threats, and E.M. Carter keeps the pace at a high level.
Of the three heroes, Jacob is my favourite, and I was behind him every step of the way, admiring his cunning and skill, and identifying with his feelings and his way of overcoming the adversity thrown at him. A particularly intriguing and moving part of the narrative was in the portrayal of characters who ultimately reveal themselves to be very different to how they first appear; this ultimately gave rise to one of the most profound and emotionally stirring scenes in the novel: as well as the most perilous.
In the outcome of this trilogy, I feel the author handles the theme of resistance against tyranny with great wisdom and awareness of human psychology and history. I highly recommend the Newland Trilogy to every fan of YA dystopian fiction.
I enjoyed reading about the way these three draw on their own inner resources to combat their adversaries, as they fight the multiple threats of a cunning and ruthless dictatorship in the nightmare state of Newland. There are so many twists and turns of the plot in this story that the reader has to maintain full concentration and sharpness to keep up with them, especially in the reappearance of various characters referred to in the previous two books. The emotional stakes are high throughout this narrative, along with the constant physical threats, and E.M. Carter keeps the pace at a high level.
Of the three heroes, Jacob is my favourite, and I was behind him every step of the way, admiring his cunning and skill, and identifying with his feelings and his way of overcoming the adversity thrown at him. A particularly intriguing and moving part of the narrative was in the portrayal of characters who ultimately reveal themselves to be very different to how they first appear; this ultimately gave rise to one of the most profound and emotionally stirring scenes in the novel: as well as the most perilous.
In the outcome of this trilogy, I feel the author handles the theme of resistance against tyranny with great wisdom and awareness of human psychology and history. I highly recommend the Newland Trilogy to every fan of YA dystopian fiction.
December 3, 2024
Redemption Ground is the best book in the Newland trilogy. It kept me on tenterhooks until the end. It made me smile, it made me cry, it gave me hope that there is light to find in the darkest situation. It’s a book that you won’t be able to put down. It's an incredibly well written book, I can really imagine the characters and the world they live in. I want to know what happens next! It's the type of book that I'd love to see turned into a film. It's such a powerful story of hope, love, fighting injustice and the power of friendship that our world needs right now.
Some quotes that stood out/resonated with me:
“It’s hope on her face, and it grabs hold of him, too, wraps him up tight, warms him even with the cool of the evening breathing through windowless windows.”
‘They are your friends, and they won’t abandon you,’ [she] says, so softly the words are nearly erased by her breath. I sit silently. ‘Perhaps if you stop holding this feeling so tight – hate, abandonment, whatever – perhaps then you’ll find some peace.’
“She bats away her tears, angry at them, at herself, but feeling the lightness of joy somewhere within them too, its sparkles swallowing up some of the darkness.”
I would recommend it to teenagers and adults who like escaping to dystopian worlds.
Some quotes that stood out/resonated with me:
“It’s hope on her face, and it grabs hold of him, too, wraps him up tight, warms him even with the cool of the evening breathing through windowless windows.”
‘They are your friends, and they won’t abandon you,’ [she] says, so softly the words are nearly erased by her breath. I sit silently. ‘Perhaps if you stop holding this feeling so tight – hate, abandonment, whatever – perhaps then you’ll find some peace.’
“She bats away her tears, angry at them, at herself, but feeling the lightness of joy somewhere within them too, its sparkles swallowing up some of the darkness.”
I would recommend it to teenagers and adults who like escaping to dystopian worlds.
November 20, 2024
A stunning conclusion to a gripping trilogy.
Once again, I was totally absorbed in this book, staying up far too late last night to try and finish it.
It doesn't fail to deliver, with unexpected twists and turns, that I didn't see coming, but which were delightful surprises.
Liz Carter skillfully brings the various threads of the story together in an ending that is not only fitting, but also, satisfying and joyful. There are no frustrating loose ends which leave you wondering what would happen and irritated because you'll never find out.
There is deep wisdom woven into the story line, that we can learn from and take into our lives.
If you love a good read, then this book and the preceding two, are for you.
Once again, I was totally absorbed in this book, staying up far too late last night to try and finish it.
It doesn't fail to deliver, with unexpected twists and turns, that I didn't see coming, but which were delightful surprises.
Liz Carter skillfully brings the various threads of the story together in an ending that is not only fitting, but also, satisfying and joyful. There are no frustrating loose ends which leave you wondering what would happen and irritated because you'll never find out.
There is deep wisdom woven into the story line, that we can learn from and take into our lives.
If you love a good read, then this book and the preceding two, are for you.
December 3, 2024
In this final book of the Newland Trilogy we find Carys held prisoner in Centre Think aware of a planned deadly event at the upcoming Midwinter Festival, can she escape in time? Amy & Jacob are prisoners within The Compound and are conforming to the system, have they betrayed Carys and all they’ve held true? Elsewhere Outsider and Resistance Groups are rising up against the years of oppression and have the Midwinter Festival in their sights. Can they overcome the New Day Party and bring truth and justice back to their land? This is a wonderful end to the trilogy with so many twists and turns, I was absolutely gripped and was turning the pages wanting to find out what would happen to our brave trio of friends. I guarantee you will be too!
September 18, 2025
Please get kids reading these asap! I can see them as movies as well they’re so good. It resonates with everything going on in the UK today and some of it actually reminds me of what everyone is being put through. There’s lines of Orwell “all animals are equal”, and the control used in 1984. Cleverly used “NForce” which NF is the accentuated letters. As an “unproductive” in this world I’m made to feel like the unproductives in the books on a regular basis, I think that’s why it hits home so much.
The ending fitted perfectly and I felt thoroughly satisfied with everything. I just wish there was more to read now ….
The ending fitted perfectly and I felt thoroughly satisfied with everything. I just wish there was more to read now ….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2024
Redemption Ground is an excellent conclusion to the Newland trilogy, with the tension perfectly built to a powerful and satisfying conclusion. Well constructed, with some memorable characters: Raza is my favourite, I think, and her final self-sacrifice is a brilliantly constructed and well timed scene. Overall it seemed to me that it was perfectly targeted for its intended audience with a nice balance of fast moving plot and consideration of some of the deeper implications. Very much ‘A Handmaid’s Tale’ for a YA readership, but also a rewarding read for all ages.
June 18, 2025
Welp, I finished the trilogy finally. It definitely got worse as it went on. And on. The whole sordid story could’ve been better reduced to a single book, I think. It wasn’t all bad, and maybe I’m a little jaded as I don’t normally read YA, but I just felt there was too much unnecessary filler and not enough focus on the character development of the main players. I guess I liked the ending? It was fitting.
January 1, 2026
Deeply, surprisingly fulfilling
Deeply fulfilling because of all the crushingly painful wronging of people, of setbacks and disappointments that need to be righted - and are. Surprisingly fulfilling because the characters of the unlikely heroes which E M Carter has crafted grow through the trauma of their experiences into people who plausibly dare to counter the most callous of evils with hopeful justice. This is storytelling at its best, from a great author.
Deeply fulfilling because of all the crushingly painful wronging of people, of setbacks and disappointments that need to be righted - and are. Surprisingly fulfilling because the characters of the unlikely heroes which E M Carter has crafted grow through the trauma of their experiences into people who plausibly dare to counter the most callous of evils with hopeful justice. This is storytelling at its best, from a great author.
May 24, 2025
Have finished the whole trilogy. The characters were good, very likeable, but I felt the story needed a bit more depth. I wanted to know more about the transition from the Before to now, the resolution felt a bit rushed. Overall the story was a bit repetitive from the beginning - be captured/punished, escape, run, hide, get captured again and repeat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2026
This was great. I love this series and I definitely won't be the last time I read it. Does it have its flaws? Sure. But what book doesn't. An actual realistic end to a dystopian novel (I won't spoil anything) and just a great wrap on a good series. If E. M. Carter is reading this - you did a great job!
January 23, 2025
This is an amazing ending to a well thought out trilogy.
It has been fabulous to see each character develop throughout the series and have their own part to play in the adventure. Each of them is valuable just the way they are.
It has been fabulous to see each character develop throughout the series and have their own part to play in the adventure. Each of them is valuable just the way they are.
September 14, 2025
Good read, is predictable but good.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews