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To Retribution
Suze, an idealistic young journalist, is used to hiding as her cell tries to keep their online news channel open. They publish the truth about the repatriations, the re-education camps, the corruption, the deceipt.
New Dawn, the feared security force, is closing in, yet again.
Suze runs, yet again.
This time, however, she is pursued with a relentlessness; a brutality which seems far too extreme for her 'crimes'. This is more. This is personal. When her death is finally confirmed, he is celebrating it. Big mistake. Retribution will be hers!
New Dawn, the feared security force, is closing in, yet again.
Suze runs, yet again.
This time, however, she is pursued with a relentlessness; a brutality which seems far too extreme for her 'crimes'. This is more. This is personal. When her death is finally confirmed, he is celebrating it. Big mistake. Retribution will be hers!
347 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
517 people want to read
About the author
F.J. Curlew
4 books19 followersWinner of the Federation of Writers (Scotland) short story competition, 2023.
Fiona is a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, she turned to the Open University where she studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. She has since written five books and finds it difficult to be content without a work in progress.
She is now writing in her given name of Fiona Curnow.
Fiona is a Scottish writer who spent fifteen years teaching in international schools, before becoming ill and having to return home. Not one to remain idle, she turned to the Open University where she studied creative writing, completing both courses with distinction, and discovering a new passion. She has since written five books and finds it difficult to be content without a work in progress.
She is now writing in her given name of Fiona Curnow.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 13, 2016
I was excited to read To Retribution as I’m partial to a political thriller. Based in a Britain that is governed by the far right, in which liberty has been infringed and the media is censored, Suze, Jake and Brian, three journalists, find themselves on the run from the security force, New Dawn.
The book starts with a bang, with action and danger present from the outset. I was hooked immediately, wondering what would become of our three heroes. It doesn’t let up with Curlew really turning it up a gear in Part Two.
With the rise of the far right across Europe in real life, To Retribution, gives a glimpse into what Britain could be like if the fear that is peddled to us by certain political groups really took hold. We are taken on a journey in which brainwashing is the norm and mistrust and ignorance have divided a country.
Thinking I had it all worked out, the story took a route I was not expecting. What seems to be a fairly straight-forward tale turns out to be something completely different.
Sending you into the ‘who can I trust’ mind set, I spent a lot of time being suspicious of characters met along the way. This fits with the tone of the book as the society we are immersed in plays on mistrust. I really liked the main character, Suze, she is strong-minded and resilient. Concentrating on the action aspect, I did feel I had missed out a little on how some of her experiences made her feel, as this is not gone into in depth. This did not stop me from feeling affection for her, however, and I do like the characters Curlew has created.
My only criticism of the book is that I would have liked to have read more about how the political regime worked and it’s everyday impact on the public. I would also have liked to know more about Nigel, the political leader, and his motivations, but then this is probably a personal taste as I always love to get beneath the skin of the bad guy, however, my enjoyment of the book was not affected.
A riveting, fast-paced thriller with a serious political undertone, To Retribution is one of those books that you are compelled to keep reading to find out what will happen. It is made all the more thrilling by the fact that the situation is one that could potentially happen!
Thank you to F.J. Curlew for the copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The book starts with a bang, with action and danger present from the outset. I was hooked immediately, wondering what would become of our three heroes. It doesn’t let up with Curlew really turning it up a gear in Part Two.
With the rise of the far right across Europe in real life, To Retribution, gives a glimpse into what Britain could be like if the fear that is peddled to us by certain political groups really took hold. We are taken on a journey in which brainwashing is the norm and mistrust and ignorance have divided a country.
Thinking I had it all worked out, the story took a route I was not expecting. What seems to be a fairly straight-forward tale turns out to be something completely different.
Sending you into the ‘who can I trust’ mind set, I spent a lot of time being suspicious of characters met along the way. This fits with the tone of the book as the society we are immersed in plays on mistrust. I really liked the main character, Suze, she is strong-minded and resilient. Concentrating on the action aspect, I did feel I had missed out a little on how some of her experiences made her feel, as this is not gone into in depth. This did not stop me from feeling affection for her, however, and I do like the characters Curlew has created.
My only criticism of the book is that I would have liked to have read more about how the political regime worked and it’s everyday impact on the public. I would also have liked to know more about Nigel, the political leader, and his motivations, but then this is probably a personal taste as I always love to get beneath the skin of the bad guy, however, my enjoyment of the book was not affected.
A riveting, fast-paced thriller with a serious political undertone, To Retribution is one of those books that you are compelled to keep reading to find out what will happen. It is made all the more thrilling by the fact that the situation is one that could potentially happen!
Thank you to F.J. Curlew for the copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
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October 13, 2016This novel, a convoluted thriller with nods to Brave New World and Orwell’s 1984, gives a Nostradamus-like prediction of the rise of the Right in the Britain of the not-too-distant future.
After a coup, life in Britain has changed beyond recognition. Fear and intimidation reigns. The only law is meted out by the New Dawn security force. The only citizens that prosper are the lickspittle followers of the facist regime. Corruption is widespread, especially amongst the new political elite.
Two young journalists, Suze and Jake, bent on reporting political corruption on their pirate website find themselves attacked by New Dawn security force. Barely escaping death in a raid on their secret headquarters they set out to discover exactly why they have been so murderously targeted. Their journey of discovery is a long and winding trail along which they not only meet horrors they couldn’t imagine, but allies that share their hatred of the new regime.
Gripping from the outset, To Retribution, is a fast paced narrative which leads its youthful protagonists into the very heart of a truly evil conspiracy.
A definite page turner!
After a coup, life in Britain has changed beyond recognition. Fear and intimidation reigns. The only law is meted out by the New Dawn security force. The only citizens that prosper are the lickspittle followers of the facist regime. Corruption is widespread, especially amongst the new political elite.
Two young journalists, Suze and Jake, bent on reporting political corruption on their pirate website find themselves attacked by New Dawn security force. Barely escaping death in a raid on their secret headquarters they set out to discover exactly why they have been so murderously targeted. Their journey of discovery is a long and winding trail along which they not only meet horrors they couldn’t imagine, but allies that share their hatred of the new regime.
Gripping from the outset, To Retribution, is a fast paced narrative which leads its youthful protagonists into the very heart of a truly evil conspiracy.
A definite page turner!
May 16, 2016
First off all I am going to be honest and say that I stepped out of my comfort zone when I chose to read this book. However I do like to read widely and in different genres, and I am glad that I gave this book a chance.
Set in Britain in a indeterminate time in the not too distant future, this book is an examination of what it would be like if the military were to take over. It also shows the consequences of this and the imagined world that this change of leadership would represent.
Now you might be forgiven that this slightly dystopian future that is presented in this story would be impossible, but the story took on a certain plausibility and I could certainly buy into many aspects of the plot.
I am the person who hasn't made it past Chapter 8 of 1984 by George Orwell as I was too scared by the prediction of it all. So I am surprised I managed to read all of this without running away.
The story tackles a number of political and social issues some of which are commonplace even in the current times. The author has created a solid set of characters and created a landscape that is well imagined. I found the story to be thrilling and found myself turning the pages faster and faster to reach the conclusion.
My favourite character is Ranulf although it is in question as to whether this is his real name. Ranulf played an instrumental part in the story and he basically lives a nomadic and self sufficient lifestyle. He fends for and depends on himself, he is strong and independent and he has a good heart. I admired his qualities, he was a refreshing change against the brutal landscape and gave others characters reason to hope and reasons to survive.
I would recommend this book if you like political thrillers but also if you want to have your thoughts provoked by current issues and issues that could occur in the future. An original, well written book with an intriguing plot.
Set in Britain in a indeterminate time in the not too distant future, this book is an examination of what it would be like if the military were to take over. It also shows the consequences of this and the imagined world that this change of leadership would represent.
Now you might be forgiven that this slightly dystopian future that is presented in this story would be impossible, but the story took on a certain plausibility and I could certainly buy into many aspects of the plot.
I am the person who hasn't made it past Chapter 8 of 1984 by George Orwell as I was too scared by the prediction of it all. So I am surprised I managed to read all of this without running away.
The story tackles a number of political and social issues some of which are commonplace even in the current times. The author has created a solid set of characters and created a landscape that is well imagined. I found the story to be thrilling and found myself turning the pages faster and faster to reach the conclusion.
My favourite character is Ranulf although it is in question as to whether this is his real name. Ranulf played an instrumental part in the story and he basically lives a nomadic and self sufficient lifestyle. He fends for and depends on himself, he is strong and independent and he has a good heart. I admired his qualities, he was a refreshing change against the brutal landscape and gave others characters reason to hope and reasons to survive.
I would recommend this book if you like political thrillers but also if you want to have your thoughts provoked by current issues and issues that could occur in the future. An original, well written book with an intriguing plot.
January 28, 2016
Having spent most of my adult life living in places where freedom was limited for many years, I found it remarkably easy to become immersed in the scenario. This time, however, the action takes place in the future and the novel is set in Britain, which led to a certain uneasiness as the story unfolded. I quickly warmed to the characters and became absorbed by the story. I could not wait to keep reading to find out what would happen. Fast-paced and very relevant to our world of corruption and political intrigue, this story is a fantastic debut covering social and ethical issues in such a way that compels you to keep reading.
August 2, 2016
There was so much to enjoy in this book. I loved the strong female lead. The dystopian setting, which is sadly all too real, too possible. This political thriller is action packed, well-paced and gripping from the first. Yet there are still times for poetry in the language - 'branches twisted together over their heads like grasping fingers of desperate lovers. Jealous threads of sunlight forced their way between them.' Evocative passages that add depth to the narrative, force the reader to slow down, to ponder. A highly enjoyable read.
June 21, 2016
A brilliant book that really got me thinking about what could potentially happen at some point in the future, and that is a scary thought indeed, and given the uncertainty at the moment all the more worrying and real.
I read this at every available opportunity and truly enjoyed it, as it has the right mixture of what is needed for a good read and is written it such a way that I was immersed in the world created by the author.
Highly recommended.
I read this at every available opportunity and truly enjoyed it, as it has the right mixture of what is needed for a good read and is written it such a way that I was immersed in the world created by the author.
Highly recommended.
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July 21, 2016Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews