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Earthfall #2
Retribution
It’s been several months since the events of Earthfall, yet Sam’s attempts to rouse the enslaved people of London from their trance-like state have frustratingly failed. Worse still, the enormous Voidborn drilling device which Sam and his friends disabled in London was one of hundreds scattered across the planet, all nearing the final stages of construction.
Joining up with another resistance group, they plot to disable a drilling machine in Tokyo and in the process implant viral commands that will cause a catastrophic failure of the entire network. Just as that mission appears to have been successful, Sam and the others are double-crossed by the resistance leader.
Earthfall: Retribution will take the series on to a global stage, as the true scale of the conflict being played out on Earth is revealed...
Joining up with another resistance group, they plot to disable a drilling machine in Tokyo and in the process implant viral commands that will cause a catastrophic failure of the entire network. Just as that mission appears to have been successful, Sam and the others are double-crossed by the resistance leader.
Earthfall: Retribution will take the series on to a global stage, as the true scale of the conflict being played out on Earth is revealed...
345 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2014
36 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Mark Walden
65 books689 followersI am the world’s laziest man.
No…really. Not just a bit slack, really, truly, breathtakingly lazy.
Which is why it’s taken me so long to get off my big, lazy rear end and get myself properly on-line.
I’m the author of the HIVE series of books which I hope that some of the people who stumble across this might have read and enjoyed. Or read and hated…
I am fortunate enough to live with the two most beautiful women on earth. And yes of course I’m hoping they’ll read that and forgive me for any one of the incredibly stupid things I’ll do this month.
I have yet to hold down anything even vaguely approximating a proper job.
I did help make video games a while ago but that was not the best environment for someone as lazy as me.
No…really. Not just a bit slack, really, truly, breathtakingly lazy.
Which is why it’s taken me so long to get off my big, lazy rear end and get myself properly on-line.
I’m the author of the HIVE series of books which I hope that some of the people who stumble across this might have read and enjoyed. Or read and hated…
I am fortunate enough to live with the two most beautiful women on earth. And yes of course I’m hoping they’ll read that and forgive me for any one of the incredibly stupid things I’ll do this month.
I have yet to hold down anything even vaguely approximating a proper job.
I did help make video games a while ago but that was not the best environment for someone as lazy as me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 27, 2014
Cliche concept. But brilliantly written.
This book can be summarised just like that.
If you plan on reading it, you probably read the first one which was awesome. You cannot compare this and H.I.V.E though. H.I.V.E is on its own league. This series focus mainly on plot twists and actions, which is nice. But protagonist is slightly overpowered, which kinds of spoils half the fun. This book explains a lot of stuff and lays plot for the sequel. Looking forward for that one. Keep up the good work Walden.
This book can be summarised just like that.
If you plan on reading it, you probably read the first one which was awesome. You cannot compare this and H.I.V.E though. H.I.V.E is on its own league. This series focus mainly on plot twists and actions, which is nice. But protagonist is slightly overpowered, which kinds of spoils half the fun. This book explains a lot of stuff and lays plot for the sequel. Looking forward for that one. Keep up the good work Walden.
July 28, 2017
I got relatively bored with this series. I guess I should have realised this after reading the first book and finding it too convenient that things were happening to save them all the time.
I hadn't anticipated it, but a lot of people died in this one. Maybe to compensate for the fortuitous events that happened throughout the novel.
There wasn't a layer of grit that I was hoping from the characters, like I felt I grew out of this style.
The Vore kind of interested me, they were quite a threatening element, but it was only a side thing.
I give it two because I wasn't engaged in it unfortunately, but I would recommend to a younger audience of 12-15s, and if I was that age it wOuld have probably been. 3-4/5 stars.
I hadn't anticipated it, but a lot of people died in this one. Maybe to compensate for the fortuitous events that happened throughout the novel.
There wasn't a layer of grit that I was hoping from the characters, like I felt I grew out of this style.
The Vore kind of interested me, they were quite a threatening element, but it was only a side thing.
I give it two because I wasn't engaged in it unfortunately, but I would recommend to a younger audience of 12-15s, and if I was that age it wOuld have probably been. 3-4/5 stars.
February 19, 2017
Just as fast-paced with non-stop action as the first book.
February 25, 2016
Review to come
August 8, 2017
This was a good sequel to Earthfall but I didn't enjoy it as much. Like its predecessor it suffered from the same pitfalls. Sam was saved in the most unlikely ways and the introduction of the Vore was a bit of a head spinner. The accounts of the Illuminati and the Voidborn were interesting but made the main cast of characters seem very small indeed and a bit useless. Destroying Talon at the end might not have been there best move but hey ho we need a third book right?
This sequel was great at tying up all the plot holes whilst also setting up another book. We still need to sort out the Primach and the Vore. I enjoyed getting to know Mag but it would be nice to know how she is how she is. There is no real explanation as to why she is different. Sometimes I think she was only introduced because Sam needed to be saved. Sadly in this book we lost Sam's original saviour Rachael which was super sad. I was actually quite sad she was gone. But we still have Mag so maybe she will live as long as Sam doesn't find a new female protector xD.
I look forward to seeing how this story wraps up but at the moment I still feel like the heroes are only winning by pure chance and luck and its getting a bit too Hollywood for my taste. No one can survive that many death defying moments surely? Unless he's an action hero.
Some great moments and some interesting developments but I feel like this book got rid of some of its best (interesting) characters.
This sequel was great at tying up all the plot holes whilst also setting up another book. We still need to sort out the Primach and the Vore. I enjoyed getting to know Mag but it would be nice to know how she is how she is. There is no real explanation as to why she is different. Sometimes I think she was only introduced because Sam needed to be saved. Sadly in this book we lost Sam's original saviour Rachael which was super sad. I was actually quite sad she was gone. But we still have Mag so maybe she will live as long as Sam doesn't find a new female protector xD.
I look forward to seeing how this story wraps up but at the moment I still feel like the heroes are only winning by pure chance and luck and its getting a bit too Hollywood for my taste. No one can survive that many death defying moments surely? Unless he's an action hero.
Some great moments and some interesting developments but I feel like this book got rid of some of its best (interesting) characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
I was handed the first book in this series by one of my students, who loved it. I can see why - it's fast paced, has genuine tension and risk, and is fast-paced and gripping. Not original, nor particularly deep - but a quick read and a good distraction when you're too busy to read more complex books. The book equivalent of a well-made, by-the-numbers action film. But, because it's for kids, mercifully no romance.
May 8, 2017
A Goodreads Win
EARTH FALL Retribution by Mark Walden
This is the second book in the EARTH FALL series.
I enjoyed reading this as much as the first book EARTH FALL. I found it easy to get into, It is packed with non-stop action, some of the plot & story line was predictable but there were plenty of surprises & unexpected events. The story has again been finished with a cliff-hanger.
EARTH FALL Retribution by Mark Walden
This is the second book in the EARTH FALL series.
I enjoyed reading this as much as the first book EARTH FALL. I found it easy to get into, It is packed with non-stop action, some of the plot & story line was predictable but there were plenty of surprises & unexpected events. The story has again been finished with a cliff-hanger.
July 8, 2018
An excellent story. I read the first two books in one sitting , just couldn't book them down. Starting the last book of the trilogy as soon as I finish this.
I'm sure that the last one will be just as good. If you like action science fiction you'll love this trilogy. Great read!
I'm sure that the last one will be just as good. If you like action science fiction you'll love this trilogy. Great read!
August 12, 2021
I think I enjoyed the second book in the series more than the first (which was still enjoyable).
Still fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Didn’t expect the plot to develop the way that it did, but t’was quite good plot development. Can’t wait to see what direction the third book takes.
Still fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Didn’t expect the plot to develop the way that it did, but t’was quite good plot development. Can’t wait to see what direction the third book takes.
May 22, 2017
Asher (11yo) read. "Two words: Super. Awesome. Would really like to be in one of the Grendels and have a battle with my brother. (I would win.)"
April 16, 2019
Reseña: https://liaasiniulia.blogspot.com/201...
I loved it! Much better than the first one!
I loved it! Much better than the first one!
March 27, 2021
A strong sequel. Filled with heroic action. Pretty much a sci-fi thriller mixed with a superhero overtone. Great reading.
April 4, 2021
Great premise. Not a fan of the delivery -- like with the first book in the trilogy.
May 1, 2022
Good stuff, looking forward to the conclusion.
June 23, 2025
I originally picked up this series because I enjoyed HIVE so much. While Earthfall didn't have the same sticking power as HIVE, it was still a fun read and I liked the series.
March 28, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as book one. It was okay but it started to get a bit strange for me.
At first I didn’t think I was reading the same book as the description as it was nothing like it. The bulk of the book is still set in the UK going from London to Edinburgh and then back again. It is not until at least 250 pages in that Japan is even mentioned.
I knocked a star off because the Vore (which were essentially zombies!) and I didn’t like that part and also because I had trouble figuring out what was going on as there was a lot of techno babble with things like nanites etc I like sci-fi but I’m not overly into the techno stuff and this and the zombies put me off. I decided to see it through to end as I still wanted to know how it ended but I dropped it to 3 stars otherwise.
At first I didn’t think I was reading the same book as the description as it was nothing like it. The bulk of the book is still set in the UK going from London to Edinburgh and then back again. It is not until at least 250 pages in that Japan is even mentioned.
I knocked a star off because the Vore (which were essentially zombies!) and I didn’t like that part and also because I had trouble figuring out what was going on as there was a lot of techno babble with things like nanites etc I like sci-fi but I’m not overly into the techno stuff and this and the zombies put me off. I decided to see it through to end as I still wanted to know how it ended but I dropped it to 3 stars otherwise.
December 8, 2022
i can't stop sodding
Read
November 23, 2015The book retribution is one that will make you want to read more and more. In almost every chapter Walden adds a suspenseful scene. Each chapter in the book will leave you hanging, and you have to read to find out what happens next.
The main character are Sam, Rachel, Jay, and Dr. Sterling. Sam is a strong independent young leader, and he has control of an alien “Mothership”. Rachel is a specialist in weaponry and she is very close to Sam. Jay is a fearless and reckless boy who is always getting in trouble, and he never backs down from a challenge. Dr. Sterling is a smart man who was involved in making contact with the alien life form. I think that the characters are very credible. They all are very trustworthy, and work very well as a group. None of them ever keep a lie from each other. I only have one favorite character and that is Sam. He is a very strong leader and is very good at making quick decisions in tough situation. He always the one to keep the action going. The entire story is about of group of kids fighting against an alien life form. The entire world had been enslaved by the aliens, except for these kids. The kids are trying to defeat the aliens and free all enslaved people. Along the way they run into problems, such as the “vore” and the last of the “illuminati”. It all builds up one last major battle where all forces collide, the “vore”, the “illuminati”, the kids, and the aliens. The kids end up taking some alien equipment and fight off both the illuminati and the vore. They had come close to defeating the aliens but the aliens had retreated in time.
The plot is coherent. The author does a great job of building up to the final battle.The plot is very unrealistic. It is very unlikely that any of these things will ever exist. (Knock on wood) What I would like to know more about is how this all had started, how it even came to some group of kids fighting off a force much larger than themselves. My favorite part of the book was when the final battle came. My least favorite part was when one of the main character, Rachel, had died. I think the theme of the book is that there is always hope. One of the big issues in the book was Rachel and Sam’s relationship. They were both very good friends but never had the chance to tell each other how they really feel. When Rachel dies Sam kneels down next to Rachel. The author reveals what I believe to be the theme when in the end it seems that all hope is lost, but Sam is able to connect to one of the Motherships and retrieves the aliens weapons. When Sam connects he gives the report. That was what had given them hope and turned the battle around. I would describe the author's writing style as very suspenseful. Every time something bad is about to happen he ends the chapter. It’s a cliffhanger book, it makes you want to read more and more. This book would be classified as fiction. The writing style of this author's book reminds me of a series called H.I.V.E. When I read the H.I.V.E. series I could not stop reading. Each book was really fun and action packed.
The author of the book is Mark Walden. The book Retribution is part of a trilogy called the “Earthfall Trilogy”. Walden also wrote the H.I.V.E. book series. The book “Retribution” has not received any rewards. I would definitely recommend this book. It is really fun, action packed, and it makes you want to read more and more. I would suggest this book to someone with a thirst for action, and fantasies, and all different kinds of suspenseful situations.
The main character are Sam, Rachel, Jay, and Dr. Sterling. Sam is a strong independent young leader, and he has control of an alien “Mothership”. Rachel is a specialist in weaponry and she is very close to Sam. Jay is a fearless and reckless boy who is always getting in trouble, and he never backs down from a challenge. Dr. Sterling is a smart man who was involved in making contact with the alien life form. I think that the characters are very credible. They all are very trustworthy, and work very well as a group. None of them ever keep a lie from each other. I only have one favorite character and that is Sam. He is a very strong leader and is very good at making quick decisions in tough situation. He always the one to keep the action going. The entire story is about of group of kids fighting against an alien life form. The entire world had been enslaved by the aliens, except for these kids. The kids are trying to defeat the aliens and free all enslaved people. Along the way they run into problems, such as the “vore” and the last of the “illuminati”. It all builds up one last major battle where all forces collide, the “vore”, the “illuminati”, the kids, and the aliens. The kids end up taking some alien equipment and fight off both the illuminati and the vore. They had come close to defeating the aliens but the aliens had retreated in time.
The plot is coherent. The author does a great job of building up to the final battle.The plot is very unrealistic. It is very unlikely that any of these things will ever exist. (Knock on wood) What I would like to know more about is how this all had started, how it even came to some group of kids fighting off a force much larger than themselves. My favorite part of the book was when the final battle came. My least favorite part was when one of the main character, Rachel, had died. I think the theme of the book is that there is always hope. One of the big issues in the book was Rachel and Sam’s relationship. They were both very good friends but never had the chance to tell each other how they really feel. When Rachel dies Sam kneels down next to Rachel. The author reveals what I believe to be the theme when in the end it seems that all hope is lost, but Sam is able to connect to one of the Motherships and retrieves the aliens weapons. When Sam connects he gives the report. That was what had given them hope and turned the battle around. I would describe the author's writing style as very suspenseful. Every time something bad is about to happen he ends the chapter. It’s a cliffhanger book, it makes you want to read more and more. This book would be classified as fiction. The writing style of this author's book reminds me of a series called H.I.V.E. When I read the H.I.V.E. series I could not stop reading. Each book was really fun and action packed.
The author of the book is Mark Walden. The book Retribution is part of a trilogy called the “Earthfall Trilogy”. Walden also wrote the H.I.V.E. book series. The book “Retribution” has not received any rewards. I would definitely recommend this book. It is really fun, action packed, and it makes you want to read more and more. I would suggest this book to someone with a thirst for action, and fantasies, and all different kinds of suspenseful situations.
July 6, 2016
Well, that was intense. And very unexpected. And I thought that we were thrown into the deep end with the first book. Honestly, things seemed to kick off instantly in this book. There was so much action and drama in this book, it was brilliant. I really love it when books are straight into the action/nitty gritty stuff. I hate books that you get like halfway through before anything actually happens. I just get so bored. I think that this is why I love this series so much; you are never bored while reading it.
This book had so many twists and turns. At times it was almost hard to keep up. You had shape shifting aliens, deaths, deaths that weren’t deaths, mutations and so much more. Honestly, I did not believe it was possible to have so many twists in one book lol. Honestly it was brilliant. I loved it.
And as for the characters, oh my god. They still feel so real. Considering this is such a complex situation, you can relate to the characters. They are just so….human and normal. Although, I have to admit, I am staggered by some of the character development in this book. Sam has grown so much since we first met him. He has gone from being this weak, unsure, teenager who lacked any confidence in himself to being this strong, brave, leader who takes charge. It is incredible.
I absolutely adored this book. I cannot wait until the third book in the series is released next year. If you want a nice, easy to read, sci-fi novel, I would really recommend this series. I adore it.
This book had so many twists and turns. At times it was almost hard to keep up. You had shape shifting aliens, deaths, deaths that weren’t deaths, mutations and so much more. Honestly, I did not believe it was possible to have so many twists in one book lol. Honestly it was brilliant. I loved it.
And as for the characters, oh my god. They still feel so real. Considering this is such a complex situation, you can relate to the characters. They are just so….human and normal. Although, I have to admit, I am staggered by some of the character development in this book. Sam has grown so much since we first met him. He has gone from being this weak, unsure, teenager who lacked any confidence in himself to being this strong, brave, leader who takes charge. It is incredible.
I absolutely adored this book. I cannot wait until the third book in the series is released next year. If you want a nice, easy to read, sci-fi novel, I would really recommend this series. I adore it.
December 31, 2019
Really really enjoyed this. Not normally what I would read but really did enjoy this
November 20, 2016
Walden, Mark Retribution 260 pages, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2015. $17.99 Language: PG(8 swears;0”f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.
Sam and the teens who are immune to the voidborn are back to answer a distress call in Scotland. Upon their arrival something is wrong. A new threat appears. There is an army of immune people who plan on unleashing horrible creatures into London. Can Sam and his friends stop this new found enemy, or will London perish under his hand?
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a perfect mixture of science-fiction and real life. Mature content is PG because of the affectionate talking and well described alien deaths. Violence is PG because there is a war that makes up the gist of the book.
MS-ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: JM (7th grade)
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Sam and the teens who are immune to the voidborn are back to answer a distress call in Scotland. Upon their arrival something is wrong. A new threat appears. There is an army of immune people who plan on unleashing horrible creatures into London. Can Sam and his friends stop this new found enemy, or will London perish under his hand?
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a perfect mixture of science-fiction and real life. Mature content is PG because of the affectionate talking and well described alien deaths. Violence is PG because there is a war that makes up the gist of the book.
MS-ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: JM (7th grade)
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
August 4, 2017
I kind of got tired of the crooked smiles.
Seriously.
About five different people, all smiling crookedly every time they crack a joke. You start to wonder if anyone in this world smiles symmetrically any more, or if the apocalypse just sapped their energy to the point where it's too much effort.
That's not the reason this gets two stars, though. The main reason is that and it ruined everything for me.
The other reason is the writing. Could've been better, that's all I'm saying. And the plot wasn't particularly interesting.
Seriously.
About five different people, all smiling crookedly every time they crack a joke. You start to wonder if anyone in this world smiles symmetrically any more, or if the apocalypse just sapped their energy to the point where it's too much effort.
That's not the reason this gets two stars, though. The main reason is that and it ruined everything for me.
The other reason is the writing. Could've been better, that's all I'm saying. And the plot wasn't particularly interesting.
May 27, 2017
After winning this book and Earthfall in a Goodreads giveaway, I was pleasantly surprised by the first in the series...I was disappointed with this sequel.
For those who enjoy the sci-fi genre then they will probably enjoy this book. One of the reasons I liked Earthfall however, was that it was more adventure with a bit of sci-fi thrown in. This sequel is fully sci-fi with monsters, hybrids and shape-shifters plus the original alien beings from the first book. I'm afraid I was struggling to keep things straight about exactly who was who and why they were doing what they were doing. A shame when I enjoyed Earthfall as I did.
For those who enjoy the sci-fi genre then they will probably enjoy this book. One of the reasons I liked Earthfall however, was that it was more adventure with a bit of sci-fi thrown in. This sequel is fully sci-fi with monsters, hybrids and shape-shifters plus the original alien beings from the first book. I'm afraid I was struggling to keep things straight about exactly who was who and why they were doing what they were doing. A shame when I enjoyed Earthfall as I did.
May 21, 2016
I absolutely loved this book and managed to finish it in under a day because I couldn't put it down!
If you liked the first book you'll love this one. We learn a lot more about "the threat" and it's origins. It seems like every chapter added another twist and more suspense. The end of the book has left us with plenty to explore though especially around the main character's abilities so I'm looking forward to the next book.
This series may have a lot of familiar concepts and is your typical post apocalypse adventure but it has been very well done!
If you liked the first book you'll love this one. We learn a lot more about "the threat" and it's origins. It seems like every chapter added another twist and more suspense. The end of the book has left us with plenty to explore though especially around the main character's abilities so I'm looking forward to the next book.
This series may have a lot of familiar concepts and is your typical post apocalypse adventure but it has been very well done!
September 29, 2014
loved the first book, this one's even better! loads of action great characters look forward to the third!
May 13, 2015
Not as good as the first book I thought, good twists though a bit predictable. Looking forward tot he next one....
July 24, 2017
to-read
July 23, 2016
Didn't have the same amount of suspense as the first book, yet continues to surprise me in different ways. Will keep reading the series :)
Read
August 31, 2016Not as good as I expected, the storyline was clear but the book lacked spark and suspense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews