Retribution: A Supernatural Rebellion Thriller

Chronicles of the Uprising #5

by Katie Salidas, K.A. Salidas

Immortality is never guaranteed... As much as she dreams of a simpler existence, blood and violence are Mira’s way of life. Former gladiator turned freedom fighter; she’s carved a trail from New Haven to Caldera Grove and back, freeing her people, the vampires, from enslavement by the humans. But with victory almost within reach, a new and powerful enemy emerges. One who’ll be satisfied with nothing less than complete subjugation—or destruction—of all supernatural beings. With a secret army of his own, he’s more than prepared for any resistance Mira and her patchy rebel forces can offer, and demands their immediate surrender. Never one to back away from a fight, Mira believes she’s ready for anything. But with the battle lines drawn she will be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice. Kill or be killed.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Dystopia

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 27, 2015

About the author

Katie Salidas is a best-selling author known for her unique genre-blending style.

Host of the Indie Youtube Talkshow, Spilling Ink, nerd, Doctor Who fangirl, Las Vegas Native, and SuperMom to three awesome kids, Katie gives new meaning to the term sleep-deprived.

Since 2010 she’s penned four bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, and the RONE award-winning Chronicles of the Uprising. And as her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.

Want some FREE reads? Join the VIP Reader Group and get three to start with: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Dystopian.
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http://www.katiesalidas.com/p/newslet...

Reviews

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I start? Mira is this amazing focussed individual who constantly ignores advice and puts herself in the firing line. She has with help escaped the gladiator pits, somehow banded together the Otherkin, found a mate and yet there's still a pocket of humans that subjugate and torture vampires. Lone star city is a much larger target than the coalition have faced before but perhaps more scarily is just exactly what lies behind their gates! Mira is not by nature a politician and you just know she will take chances others would run screaming from but hey she would not be the kick ass feisty heroine we love if she turned tail and ran!
I really am reluctant to say too much here. Did I like this instalment ? Well no , but it's not exactly all hearts and flowers. What we get instead is an insight into how those around Mira function , feel and survive another day. I don't agree with the choices made and yet strangely understand why. The atrocities carried out in this world are truly sickening but if survival is the end result well Mira and her supporters clearly are on the right track. Peace is the ultimate goal but sometimes you really have to fight for it. Please read these stories in order and get swept away , you won't regret it.
This voluntary opinion is of an advance reader copy

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I start? Mira is this amazing focussed individual who constantly ignores advice and puts herself in the firing line. She has with help escaped the gladiator pits, somehow banded together the Otherkin, found a mate and yet there's still a pocket of humans that subjugate and torture vampires. Lone star city is a much larger target than the coalition have faced before but perhaps more scarily is just exactly what lies behind their gates! Mira is not by nature a politician and you just know she will take chances others would run screaming from but hey she would not be the kick ass feisty heroine we love if she turned tail and ran!
I really am reluctant to say too much here. Did I like this instalment ? Well no , but it's not exactly all hearts and flowers. What we get instead is an insight into how those around Mira function , feel and survive another day. I don't agree with the choices made and yet strangely understand why. The atrocities carried out in this world are truly sickening but if survival is the end result well Mira and her supporters clearly are on the right track. Peace is the ultimate goal but sometimes you really have to fight for it. Please read these stories in order and get swept away , you won't regret it.
This voluntary opinion is of an advance reader copy

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuing story of Mira's struggle to keep her people safe and at peace drive her into war. Mira finds herself in a dire situation yet again after being spurred on by a fellow vampire and former gladiator. As it turns out, Mira's sword still has use, whether she wants to use it or not. Lucian, the handsome human and Mira's friend, fights his own battles to find his place in the strange world of the supernatural creatures he now lives with.

Retribution is inevitable, peace is uncertain. Entertainment of the reader is assured. Read from the beginning with book one, Dissension.

[J.E. Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being an advanced beta reader for Retribution, and as a fan of the entire series, I was excited to get a sneak peek.

Katie Salidas did not disappoint. Retribution is full of the tension and fast pace I've come to expect from these books along with some gems that made me smile.

She has created a fresh twist to both post-apocalyptic and vampire lore. Seriously, who can really turn down the lure of vampire gladiators?

Retribution rocks it out and I am looking forward to book six!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Retribution" is book 5 of a six-book series, and readers of the previous novels will find more to love and deeper peeks inside their favorite characters.

Read full review in the 2016 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mira makes a lot of horribly stupid decisions in this book, and I was really disappointed in her, and boy does she really pay for her decisions. This whole series is pretty gruesome, and this one is no exception. Mira has won the battle and taken control of New Haven, but there are still other places where vampires are still slaves used for fighting, labor, and as sex slaves, so Mira and her people are trying to do what they can to help those still in captivity, but it's easier said than done. Despite Mira's horrible decisions, this is still an entertaining book, and I still really like Mira. The only other character I really like is Stryker, he is the only one that shows any loyalty in this book, and proves that he is a strong and intelligent character, and as this series has progressed my estimation of him as continue to rise. Stryker is wonderful! All the others are pain in the butts. There's great action and suspense, and there's a lot of intriguing things going on in this story. The whole premise for this series is unique, and the writing is wonderful, and I'm interested to see what happens in the finale.

[Tabi Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn this book had me sitting on the edge of my seat not wanting to put it down, so eager to see what was going to happen next. Of course I wasn't throwing things completely when death happened, but then you never know if the death did happen because the damn book leaves ya hanging. Good thing the next book is ready or I might be screaming..lol

As for the lesson we learn about in this book. Never give up the fight when it is something you believe in. Giving up is always the worse thing that you can do. I am glad Mira didn't give up in what her belief if and I hope more and more people see that peace is always better than fighting.

Until Next Time...Tabi

[Katrina Berry]

Review to come

[Melissa Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the end of this book Mira is who she has always been. I love how she fights yet turns things around for life. Her speech at the end is wonderful! Mira isn't a diplomat but she gives the best speeches from the heart in the heat of the moment.

Now I'm curious as to where we will be and what will come in the next book! I'm just hoping all will be safe...

****FULL REVIEW****
*I requested a copy of this audiobook from the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

Many Iron Gate cities have signed peace treaties for all races. Except, in the south there was thick prejudice among the humans and vampires causing peace to be unwilling there. Mira and her council, the Supernaturally-Aligned Federation Efforts, work to bring a willing balance among all in the world now. When Mira and her council talk finally get to talk to the strong minded Magistrate of Lone Star city, they find someone opposed to peace among races. And that he has the ability to artificially create vampires to defend the city against the 'abominations' and for cheap entertainment.

Kerri has become the voice of Mira and the stories. I do enjoy her narration, and she fits Mira and even Justine, but I didn't feel George's relaxed personality when we hear from in his head. I felt she still had the same personality when reading other characters where the author is writing them differently. During character dialog, she talks with different personality but when narrating their thoughts all sound as Mira does in her thoughts, not like when they talk. Then as the book goes, she embodies the characters more and more in their chapters.

This book is not just from Mira's POV. Which is nice to see the other characters from the inside in this stressful time of tedious peace between all. By doing this we really get to see the divide in how people think. It's going to take time and generations for that divide to disintegrate. But now, with how they've lived, they have a specific reaction way. Vampires are more to react/act with quick results. With being the warriors and fighters they are force to be, they are quick to fight when things turn on them. The humans are more diplomatic, as we see with Lucian and a few others. And the Otherkin like to sit and think out a plan before the quick actions. These extreme differences make it hard for the council to come to a decision.

Mira is struggling with her new position. She's a leader of the unified Otherkin and humans. Those on her council don't see eye to eye, but that's what is needed at the same time. Different views to try to come to a middle ground. But there are cities they have to bring to peace, or fight, not each other.

In the end of this book Mira is who she has always been. I love how she fights yet turns things around for life. Her speech at the end is wonderful! Mira isn't a diplomat but she gives the best speeches from the heart in the heat of the moment.

Now I'm curious as to where we will be and what will come in the next book! I'm just hoping all will be safe...

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

In Retribution we rejoin Mira and her battle for safety and peace. But things are far from peaceful. Even though New Haven and several of the other Iron Gate territories have signed a peace treaty, Lone Star haven't. Mira and the council are trying to establish peace with Lone Star but the Magistrate is very willing.

After a video meeting with Regent Marshal Ballard and Magistrate of Lone Star it seems that war is inevitable. Can war be avoided> Will Mira and her people ever be able to live in peace?

Retribution was a fantastic book. It's full of tension, action, dram and emotion. There are twists and turns that keep you wanting more and more. Retribution easily transported me back alongside Mira. I could picture the events as if i was there with her and her friends.

The POV in Retribution changes with each chapter but Ms. Salidas clearly states who's POV we are reading at the beginning of the chapter. The changing POV I think works really well, as it provides an insight into the other characters and how they feel and think about the events as they unfold.

Ms. Salidas has incorporated so much energy and emotion into Retribution. Her hard work shows with each and every page. I'm so happy to have been able to read Retribution, and I'm really looking forward to the next chapter in Mira's story.

Retribution scores another mega 5* from me!!

If you haven't read this series I would really recommend starting at the very beginning I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Deep In The Heart of Texas" (Audiobook)
Mira and her motley crew of beings are back. A council and several other Iron Gate cities comprised of vampires, humans, shifters, and otherkin would have a plethora of issues without the potential for another fight for freedom and survival. This time they are threatened from the southern city of Lone Star. And sadly Lone Star is full of unbending, bigoted politicians and one of the scariest group of Texas Rangers that I have run across.

K.A. Salidas brings us the fifth and second to the last installment of Chronicles of the Uprising. She continues to entertain us with continued world building, a cast of diverse and intriguing characters, and a story designed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Kerri McCann again gives this vast variety of characters great voices and personalities. You can feel the emotional turmoil. I especially like her rendition of Justine.

What the heck is that hideous smell coming from the regent and his cronies? It certainly is not anything like “the sage in bloom is like perfume, deep in the heart of Texas”.

This audiobook was provided for an unbiased review.

I cannot wait until "Annihilation” the sixth and final part is released on audio.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freedom isn't free. And Mira and the people of New Haven and Caldera Grove are learning that the hard way. When faced with the full military might of the city of Lone Star, Mira resorts to what she knows best: a single fighter responsible for only herself. I'm a little distressed that Mira isn't embracing her position as a leader, but I can completely sympathize with her desire to keep the casualty list to only one. This book is as much about the team around Mira as it is about her actions; we get to see Stryker, Lucian, Curtis, Justine, and George all take the spotlight for a time. I loved watching the council pull together and become a united force.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Danielle Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.A. Salidas' "Retribution" and "Annihilation" are the fifth and sixth (final) tales in the Chronicles of the Uprising series. This series is like a delicious mashup of the best elements from Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" series, Josh Whedon's "Angel" TV series, and many others, but with some amazing new plot elements I've never seen. "Retribution" ends in heartbreaking fashion...it has the feel of the end of "The Hunger Games." "Annihilation" is a truly masterful ending...I feel like anything I say would be a spoiler though. I am going to be in book hangover mode for a while after reading this...this series will stay with me a long time. I would love to see this made into a series of movies. I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Danielle Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.A. Salidas' "Retribution" and "Annihilation" are the fifth and sixth (final) tales in the Chronicles of the Uprising series. This series is like a delicious mashup of the best elements from Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" series, Josh Whedon's "Angel" TV series, and many others, but with some amazing new plot elements I've never seen. "Retribution" ends in heartbreaking fashion...it has the feel of the end of "The Hunger Games." "Annihilation" is a truly masterful ending...I feel like anything I say would be a spoiler though. I am going to be in book hangover mode for a while after reading this...this series will stay with me a long time. I would love to see this made into a series of movies. I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Jennifer Treviño · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just continues to amaze me! We've seen so much happen on this journey thus far. Love these characters & this whole world Salidas has created for us. Her work is jam packed with action, emotion, & suspense.
I recommend reading this series in order (unless you're just feeling extra spunky & like to an extreme game of Clue. Either way the action & suspense would definitely have you wanting more.):
Dissension #1
Initiation # .5 (this novella can be read now or wait & read after all of the others. That's up to you. I had already read books 1-4 when this was released.)
Complication #2
Revolution #3
Transition #4

Enjoy!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

so i had reviewed it here but for some reason not here lol but on amazon usually its there not here go figure lol
SO i got this from Kindle unlimited and am reading it well now read it lol
anyways what happens when you want to free your people but people who thrive on war or bloodshed have kept your people as entertainment . what do you do . and what do you do when your mate and you finally be more and then you leave so there is no more life lost but your own . can they save their people human and otherkin alike or will all be lost if she fails to take the head off before war comes . and stay tuned for the next book coming next month .

[Tabi Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting!!!!

Damon this book had me sitting on the edge of my seat not wanting to put it down, so eager to see what was going to happen next. Of course I wasn't throwing things completely when death happened, but then you never know if the death did happen because the damn book leaves ya hanging. Good thing the next book is ready or I might be screaming..lol

As for the lesson we learn about in this book. Never give up the fight when it is something you believe in. Giving up is always the worse thing that you can do. I am glad Mira didn't give up in what her belief if and I hope more and more people see that peace is always better than fighting.

Until Next Time...Tabi

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retribution

Katie does it again with another great section of the Chronicles of the Uprising series. She keeps in sync with the characters personalities while not losing sight of why they act the way they do. The storytelling keeps your attention the whole way through. I was fast to message Katie at the end of the story to inform her that I was busy yelling no, no, no. What an emotional time I have had following as Mira has fought for survival. I will be sad when this finally comes to an end.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO i got this from Kindle unlimited and am reading it well now read it lol
anyways what happens when you want to free your people but people who thrive on war or bloodshed have kept your people as entertainment . what do you do . and what do you do when your mate and you finally be more and then you leave so there is no more life lost but your own . can they save their people human and otherkin alike or will all be lost if she fails to take the head off before war comes . and stay tuned for the next book coming next month .

[Galina Sulaiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have been an avid fan since book one. Just as in each and every book previously, I was immediately hooked , unable to stop. Mira is one heck of a heroine. Her mate Stryker totally loyal, hot, alpha wolf. Theirs is a tale that goes from New Haven to Caldera Grove and all the places around , inbetween and the terrible cost of freedom. The book takes you to the gritty world of vampires, humans, were's , add to the mix some pretty nasty politicians , you get one heck of a ride! To say I can't wait for the next book is an understatement!

[Jessica Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the best book of the Chronicles of the Uprising, Mira is back and in trouble again. Surrounded by people but feeling alone and helpless, Mira once again acts goes off half cocked to take on the bad guys. Shot down, enslaved, and abused, Mira has to be reminded of the warrior she is to survive the hell she's been thrust back into. With a heart stopping cliff hanger, this book grabs a hold and won't let go. My voluntary review is based upon a review copy.