The Reprisal

Last Battle For Earth #3

by Kelly St. Clare

Earth is nothing like Romy expected. A disappointing fact made clear far too many times.

Over the last year and a half, her world has shattered again and again, along with her sanity, and now Knot 27 is split in two with no sign of reconciliation.

There is no end in sight.

When the leader of their rebel movement steps down, the man Romy loves takes over the role of commander-general.

They are outnumbered. They are outgunned.

Not only are the Mandate Members as deprived of humanity as ever, another lethal player has taken the field.

All it takes is a click of a button, and everyone she loves will die.

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Aliens, Space

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 13, 2018

About the author

When USA Today bestselling author, Kelly St Clare is not reading or writing, she is lost in her latest reverie.

Books have always been magical and mysterious to her. One day she decided to start unravelling this mystery and began writing.

The Tainted Accords was her debut series. The After Trilogy is now available.

A New Zealander in origin and in heart, Kelly currently resides in Australia with her soon-to-be husband, a great group of friends, and some huntsman spiders who love to come inside when it rains. Their love is not returned.

Find out more at her website, and claim a free paranormal dystopian short story, coloring book, and free bonus chapters from The Tainted Accords.

http://www.kellystclare.com/free-gift

Reviews

[Celestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The twist for this book is the evolving villain. Did I see it coming in book one? No way. Page turner once again.

[❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Love this series and this author! This is now my 4th series I have read from Kelly, and I've loved them all for very different reasons, but I can always count on the story being amazing no matter what it is about or what genre it is. I wasn't super excited to start this one because it is more sci-fi, but I'm glad I did because I actually really enjoyed it, and would definitely recommend.

This series is pretty different than any books Kelly has written. Mainly the setting and how it's not technically PNR or Fantasy which is what she usually writes, but I loved it all the same. The romance only got better and better through the books, and even though I was iffy about it at first, I actually really like the direction it took in this one. There were also no useless sub plots or side characters, and it even got emotional at times. I loved the heroine, especially her development, from almost naive to sweet, to sticking up for herself and being Bad A, but staying true to herself. I even really started to like Tina, and she turned into one of my favorite characters which I didn't think would happen because I hated her in the first book. Even Houston became a favorite, so it's sad to see what his mental illness did to him. I also like how the plot never dragged out, and it happened pretty quick, so I was never bored. My only problem was I wish we had more of an epilogue, but that is something I say about most of Kelly's books. They always end a little too quick for my liking.

Overall, this was a fantastic series with great development. 4 series down, 1 more to go!

[the_queen_of_books24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I voluntarily received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review **

Ok, so I have no words to describe how much I love this book. You guys have no idea. But I’ll try, because I want you guys to read it *cries*

First, this is a non-spoiler review so don’t worry, but I will probably do a spoiler one at some point on here cause I want to gush so bad about all my favourite things 😩👏🏻💖😍 So this is the third book in the Retreat trilogy, (therefore I can’t tell you what it’s about, I don’t want to spoil any of the goodness!!!) but PLEASE do yourself a favour and go back and read The Retreat first.

Ok. So. This book is AMAZING. After the cliffhanger on book 2 (WHICH HAD ME SHOOK!!) I was desperate for book 3, and it delivered on things I needed and things I didn’t even know I needed. I loved it. Character development was ON POINT with Romy and her knot (ok everyone), relationships were built on between side characters and main ones, and the main relationship *cough Atlas* was SO GOOD I CAN HARDLY SPEAK 😍😍😍😍😍 AHHHH I WANT MY OWN LOVING AND CARING GUY!

Anyway, enough of my gushing. Just stop reading this review and GO READ THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK!!!

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books like this make me so relieved St Clare transitioned to adult romance and having actual sex scenes in her books. Because even though the characters here are in their mid-20s, the steam level is lower than some YA novels I've read.

This was a good conclusion - there was a longer epilogue than St Clare usually has, and it was very sweet and fairly satisfying.

[Blog]

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy form the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I've been really enjoying this series and I was excited to see how Kelly St Clare would wrap it up. The Reprisal is such a great ending to this series. It has war, death and a bunch of difficult situations, but also a lot of laughter and love.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, at the end of book 2 there is this big twist and I just couldn't imagine what would happen next. I really liked how the author resolved that situation it all felt realistic and genuine how things progressed. There was also a nice twist in this book that made sense, but also was quite unexpected.

I loved reading about Knot 27, they are such a tight group of people and how they act together is a joy to read about. And Romy is an amazing main character I like how she has such an unique personality, she can be very kind and nice, but also has a bit of a temper. She will do anything for the people she cares about and can be extremely selfless. I also liked how she was a bit naive and didn't know some things because of how she grew up as a space soldier. It was so funny when she totally revealed what she didn't want to say as she didn't realize what her words would give away.

And I felt so bad for her how she struggled with what happened at the end of book 2, but I liked seeing how she dealt with it and I felt like it stayed very true to her character. I also liked seeing more of her romance with Atlas, they are so perfect together and I liked seeing them together.

We get to know some characters better in this book, see another side of some characters and also meet a few new characters. There's also a character death at the end that is just so sad. I guessed who would die at that part and was just hoping it wouldn't be true, but knowing it was as it made sense. And if her last series is anything to go by then each series ender has at least one death like this that is too sad. But at the same time it was so in character and it did make sense. I just wish it hadn't happened this way.

And the evil guy in this book is pretty evil, but Kelly did write his character in a way that his actions make sense. And while I hated him for what he did, there was also part of me that felt bad for him as he is in a difficult situation. This just wasn't the right way to handle it.

One the one hand I had thought this book would be more epic, but I actually really appreciated how this book continues with the same feel as the previous books. And at the same time each book is so very different as well. It's awesome. Each book has a very different focus and tone and Romy is so different and still the same in each book. I like who she becomes in this book. There is a big show down at the end of the book when everything is happening at once and you can't wait to see how everything plays out. And the whole book is in a sense building up toward it. I felt like it was a great way to end the series and wrapped things up well.

One minor niggle I had is that I would've liked to learn more about the aliens, what was their motivation for doing this. And what more is out there in space. And at the same time it doesn't really matter to this story, but I still would've liked to know a bit more about the aliens.

The ending was great. Something I like about finishing series is seeing how everything falls on it's place at the end. And where the characters end up once the dust settles. There was a great part from a year later and I loved seeing how everyone was doing. I loved seeing how everyone was doing and it gives a good feel for how their lives will be now that all of this is over.

To summarize: This was a great ending to this trilogy. There are some big things that happened at the end of book 2 and I enjoyed seeing how that all played out. I liked spending more time with Romy, Knot 27, Atlas and the other side characters. Romy is a great main character with how kind she is, but she also has a temper and can be a bit naive at times. I was happy we got to see more Atlas and Romy together in this book, they are a great couple. And ofcourse more Knot 27, I love reading about them. I was happy how this book wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion and also some difficult and sad parts before we get to the ending. If you love a good dystopia series that gives an unique spin on the genre, while still being exactly what a good dystopia series should be, I would totally recommend this series to you.

[Kayla Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeeeee the finale is heeeeeeeeere!

This was a great ending to an amazing series.

Thinking back to the very beginning of the series where Romy first started learning about life on Earth and all the lies she'd been told. Everything finally comes to a head and makes sense in this last instalment.

The book had clearer direction unlike the last one where I was all wtf is going on? The scifi talk was lessened which *I* liked. Questions left after Houston's betrayal in the last book are answered, and I loved, loved, LOVED where everyone ended up--but no spoilers here about where that is.

Great series over all.

[Aletia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying trilogy

I thought this trilogy was pretty good, overall. I felt like some of the loose ends were tied together somewhat hastily-but other than that, no complaints. I thought it was a good mix of romance, sci-fi, fantasy and post apocalyptic. Also, clean enough for YA, while being mature enough for older adults as well. So often fantasy books are written more for teens, so I enjoyed that these characters are all in their mid to late 20s.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can’t really write a review for the end of a series without spoilers, so I won’t.

But it’s a fun series. If sci-fi and ya are your thing and you’re looking for a funny book, you’ll enjoy this series.

[Booksnbrains · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rtc

[Book Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost good trilogy, except for poor character development and cheap tricks

*spoiler alert*

The first book was great, aside from a graphic sexual abuse episode, some anachronistic sexist culture shaming, and a plot hole about why memory cards were left in at first.

Second book was horrible, as Romy loses her original personality instead of growing. A computer chip replaces her sincerity and healthy adult sexual development with coarse language and callous insults as a way to distance Romy from accepting emotional vulnerability in her relationships and stopping her from acknowledging or processing grief, ostensibly making her a stronger person. Unfortunately, a refusal to be sincere or emotionally vulnerable while friendly insulting people she cares about distances her from her social support network instead of healing it, making her a weaker person. Being nasty to your friends doesn’t show a strong relationship that can take it, but rather displays a relationship too weak to bear the burden of sincere and close attachment. Being callous and using obscene language broadcasts her inability to deal with her situation and displays her powerlessness instead of giving her coping skills to recover. Constantly showcasing and verbally displaying her lack of power over her relationships and situation instead of learning to insist on faithful behavior and setting boundaries for self protection is eventually going to lead to mental health problems, not a recovery and a happily ever after. Additionally, refusing to process her grief would also not actually make her a stronger person as this is the way grief accumulates and eventually turns into depression. Then, Romy seeks the approval of the abuser Tina, whose professional skills the reader is told about in passing, but never shown. Tina’s self-deluded, overweening, pretension shows up in many poorly adjusted self-defense mechanisms as she emotionally and physically abuses others in a bid to control them. Romy accepts Tina’s gaslighting and narcissistic control attempts without challenging her obvious lies or demanding that Tina be accountable to behave in a respectful manner to retain access to a relationship with Romy. Human value is not based on performance as Tina insists, as she continually moves the goalposts for Romy beyond what any other human must achieve to have a less abusive relationship, and Tina is still emotionally abusive to Romy within the grudging acceptance she reluctantly allows her after Romys’ superhuman feats. This is not an emotionally healthy relationship. Of course the amnesia brainwash and regressive anger management problems if Romy’s new full maladjusted personality overlay is permanent, not because of her personality development or growth, but because of a technology glitch. The author cheats the readers out of the protagonists’ success by dropping in a complete personality change without doing the research or work on writing the character to make it believable. Romy exists, but she lost the self control and power of integrity that makes her herself and becomes someone else instead of rescuing herself. Rape is less of an issue in the second book, while cursing is more evident.

In the third book, the one thing the author got right was removing Tina as a living role model in one display of selflessness, one of two examples of decent behavior in the trilogy, which are directed toward someone besides Romy. For this Romy is devastated, supposedly feels a debt to Tina for saving lives that Tina made emotionally miserable and psychologically stunted by her behavior, and the non-abusive new world order is named after Tina, who continues to appear as an ongoing grief theme that the reader is supposed to sympathize with because she was professionally competent in a way that is never illustrated in the story, what appears to be a form of cognitive dissonance, and Romy’s Stockholm syndrome. So physical and mental abuse is denied and the perpetrator rewarded while clear mental illness of the villain is stigmatized and displayed as an object of ridicule. Actual mental illness is rationalized as an appropriate reason to recreate a parental death/fear response created due to a lack of father blessing and proper treatment, which takes revenge a little too far.

Most of these are mistakes that could be overlooked as the world building is decent. Cursing and taking the Lord’s name in vain are not coping skills or character development. The author doesn’t take her responsibility to the reader seriously by resorting to cheap tricks to change Romy’s whole personality, besides curiosity, instead of saving it or helping her to grow. Then, the commander says something huge occurred to the knot and after stringing the reader along the author drops another cheap trick into the ending, with no back story or supporting details, eviscerating the believability of the character development that occurred over the entire narrative. I will not read another book by this author as I don’t trust her to create a satisfactory story arc or ending.

[Sara Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel the need to write a detailed review since when I was snooping through reviews I discovered only 46 for this series. I feel like that is a slight injustice.

Actual rating 3.5/5

If you are looking for a dystopian future sci fi novel, this is a new one for you to read.
it is YA.

The book starts off with Atlas and Romy sharing a room, and she is finally convinced to go all in with him. Phobos has taken off to save Dei, without telling anyone, Romy is desperate to protect him. Elara is spazzing out because he left. and she's pregnant It is so funny to watch Romy accidentally let it slip to everyone because she is not subtle at all. Fairly quickly, Phobos comes home with Dei. But Romy isn't ready to talk to him at all. Who can blame her? The dude literally tried to help kidnap her. Houstan is basically crazy, so I can only imagine what he would have done with her in book 2 if he actually managed to kidnap her. Romy finally makes up with Dei after half. the book, and her whole knot thought she was pregnant because she was reading books for Elara which left the rest of the knot finally finding out Her and Atlas finally did the deed, but it's YA so no spice, and fade to black. A little disappointed that we didn't get more romantic scenes for them.

Charlee is still a homie-G and is doing everything to protect Romy. All the space soldiers refer to Romy as mother hen and it is kind of funny. Houstan is willing to give more space soldiers in return for Romy's blood. She thinks it's no big deal because it is just her blood.

But she gets kidnapped during the exchange with Elara and Tina. Houstan at this point is bat shit crazy and literally stole Romy's eggs which is fucked in the head.... Tina never made it out alive RIP to Tina, she was one mean bitch but crazy Romy loved her so we love her

Anyways.....
I'm out
feel free to check out my favorite series of Kelly: Vampire towers and Shifter wars

[Jemimah Decker-Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this is the hardest part about reading, coming to the end of a series you've enjoyed, where you've connected with the characters and felt a part of their world. I have loved The After Trilogy, loved it. I didn't think I would at first and when I read the blurb for the first book I was a bit "meh, it's Sci-fi". However because I loved the authors The Tainted Accords series I thought I'd give the first book a try on Kindle Unlimited, that way if I didn't like it I could easily return it. Oh my! How wrong was I? I floved it and devoured it all in one day and then impatiently awaited book two. As soon as book two was released (which is still my favourite book of the series btw) I immediately purchased it and again devoured it in one sitting.

Then came the wait for book three, this book, which I knew would be the last in the series and so that wait was half impatient and half not wanting the book to arrive because then it would be over. And so, alas, that day is here and reading this book was bittersweet. I've laughed my socks off and I have cried ugly tears over this book but I enjoyed it. I loved and enjoyed every single second of reading this book. I was taut with nerves over many parts in this book, worried about what was going to happen. But, I was happy with the way the story went and how it ended, because really when we read a book we want the ending we feel is right to be satisfied.

I have to say that yet again the author, Kelly St Clare has written another tremendous series full of ups and downs with a cast of characters that you can't help but fall in love with. They're characters that stay in your mind for a long time afterwards and I find myself carrying on their stories in my mind. I'm really sad to say goodbye to Romy, Atlas and the rest, but I know for sure that this is a series I will be re reading over and over again.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some very exciting moments in this last book of the After trilogy. What I really appreciated, however, was that there were also plenty of calmer moments which allowed me to spend time with characters I have become fond of.

Romy has always seemed a lot younger than her years to me, a little closer to 16 than 26, but she has grown a lot over the course of the series. She doesn't always make the smartest choice, but she always makes the one that seems right to her. Watching her interact with her knot is endearing, and sometimes infuriating - they really do come across like a family. And Atlas remains one of my all time favorite male characters.

The world building was great, as always. I don't know if I'm imagining it, but it seemed there was more cursing in this one. Not a huge deal, but I did start to notice after awhile. Also, I wish there had been a little more follow up on what happened after the war was resolved. Minor details. There was a sense of closure and the ending was satisfying. I'm glad I was along for the ride on Romy's adventure.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Rocco · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bitterly disappointed.
The Tainted Accords is one of my all time favourite series (I've read it three times) so I was sure I was onto a winner based on the author alone. Had I not been reading this series with friends as part of a reading group frankly I don't think I'd have made it past half way through book two.
I kept waiting for the big reveal, the plot twists and the excitement. For me the magic just wasn't there. The love stories felt too convenient. The alien bad guys just left me with a tingle of annoyance and zero terror. There were some "reveals" (sceptical face) that felt pointless to the plot, and some aspects to the story that felt like the author was building to something great but then just... Nothing. I'm gutted there wasn't more to this series because I've been looking forward to reading it for so long. The two girls I read with felt exactly the same.
I'm writing this review two weeks after reading the series and I am struggling to recall the characters names.... I think that says it all.

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 3 out of 5]

bonds

This wasn’t my favorite, but Clare is one of my favorite authors because of it. I appreciate authors venturing into different genres from what I read when first introduced to them, it’s like watching comedians act in horror films. You can kinda see what makes them different. I enjoyed the emphasis the author put on bonds between people and knowing yourself. I said it last time and I say it again: I really appreciate seeing Romy struggle to understand what’s real to her and what was “programmed”.

Her family group or “knot” were fun and entertaining. Their drama was sad sometimes and I loved how funny they were. Loved their protectiveness. It was a real tear-jerker with one of them.

Her thing with Atlas was nice and growing. Kinda wish there was more heat but I guess the one I got matched the rest of the tone.

Funny, sweet, kinda sad, entertaining. Loved the savagery. The diverse characters.

[Carlottawoolcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellence

There are so many things about this series that resonate with today’s world. The romance aside (although I really can’t imagine how Romy could wait so long with Atlas) the dangers of a rampantly insane self-aggrandizing “leader” are well reflected here. As are the privileges held by the ignorant city dwellers at the expense of the non-city dwellers. And, the insanity brought into the troops enslaved by wars for profit. Maybe the author meant to tell those things, or maybe she just wanted to put her heros in the midst of it, as shingling examples of how to win against entrenched corruption and public lies. I don’t know, but I hope others reading this series will also see why the story inspires.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid conclusion to a great series

Romy survived being put through the ringer and now is in full control of herself. She now gets to determine who she is and what she wants to do, well besides that whole war thing going on....

I was happy with how Knot 27 evolved and felt their evolution was fitting. The humor that was there in the earlier books was still very much present and on point. Tina is still one of my favorites and Atlas is still Atlas better even more.

Everything you could wish for to be wrapped up was and you are given enough insight of what their future lives will be like that you can be content that this was the end.

[Katelyn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My eyes are burning from trying not to cry. That’s how emotional and amazing the last book in this trilogy is.
I’m going to miss these quirky characters and the clueless space soldiers trying to learn sarcasm. I’m going to miss knot 27 and all of the mischief they get up to. And I’m going to miss Romy and Atlas.
This was the first sci-fi/dystopian series based on Earth I had actually ever read and I fell in love in an instant. The characters are realistic, funny and relatable, the humour in these books is top notch, and the world building is spectacular. Kelly has done a wonderful job creating this trilogy and has tied everything off beautifully... even if she broke my heart.

[Patrick Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great ending to another great series by St. Clare. I won't go into the plot, as others have done that to great length, but I am glad that it all made sense and it kept to the pattern of the first two books. I expected a slightly more "epic" ending, but was not disappointed with what I did get.

The cast of characters was brilliantly realized, each with their own personalities, and though I will miss the members of Knot 27, I think I would recommend The Tainted Accords series over this one. I found it to be more exciting, dramatic, and better for re-reading.

I can only wonder what exciting new world Ms. St. Clare is going to take us next!

[Alyssa Severson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed

I am obsessed with Kelly St. Clare. In the last week I've polished off two of her series.

Her world building is incredible. Her character development is amazing. If you've gotten to this book.. you already know.

I love smut. The more smut the better. I usually don't like when something put out as a romance doesn't have it.

Spoiler.. Ro and Atlas finally do the deed in this book. And we don't see it. And I don't care. Her books hold up without it.

Last Battle wraps up everything perfectly. There is loss, there is gain, I cried, I laughed.

Just.. its a great book and a perfect finish to a great series. I wish I had better words.

[Pam Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe that this series is over....I’m so sad because the characters are wonderful and the story is fantastic. This final instalment is just as epic and fast paced as the first two books and I loved every single page!!! Romy is one of those characters who stay with you long after you finish the story, she’s very funny with an innocence that’s believable and endearing....as well as a kick ass crazy side lol!!! Kelly St Clare is a super talented author and I’m looking forward to seeing what she brings fans in the future....five stars 😁

[Katy Haye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy has been such fun from start to finish, I've loved every moment. Romy is a fabulous character and the relationships between the knot mates grew more complex in a pleasing manner. Romy was a joy to spend time with, and Atlas was, hmm, gorgeous as ever.

The plotting was excellent with lots of tense moments when I wasn't sure who was going to get- and keep- the upper hand. The resolution was clever as well as heart-breaking and I'm genuinely sorry I'm not going to get any more time to spend in these characters' company.

[Alejandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Rush!

I read. I read a lot, and I have to say this Trilogy has jumped to the head of the line of my favorites
Great storyline, deep character development, specially Rom.
Have read one book after the other in 3 nights.
It is now 4 am and dad to have closed the last page (well a metaphorical closing) of this interesting work.
Are there things, plot lines, characters, etc that could have been better developed? Yes, but I feel pretty satisfied and have a grin on my face.
Do yourself a favour and jump into the story, you won't regret it.
Happy readings

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read more!

It's not often that I find a sci-fy book with characters that live long past the last page. Who's story I am already looking forward to going back to read. Who's story I will feel comfortable handing to my own young adults \older teens to enjoy with me. This series does this! Totally bookshelf and re-read worthy. Tempted to purchase the audio as well for listening entertainment.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refusal

I love this series!!! So sad if Reprisal is the end, but I am glad it ended the way it did. The people final have peace (or do they...?).
I had many favorite parts throughout the book, but I really enjoyed the laugh when Atlas pranked Demios and Phobos with the dead Critamal. Hilarious!

[Peter Carlstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great conclusion!

This book had it all - brutal fights, war, intrigue, betrayals, hot love and sexy time. I loved it all except for everyone falling in love so there are no hurt feelings or broken hearts. That’s not how life works and some folks should nurse their broken hearts and recover stronger not seamlessly fall in love immediately after.

[Krysta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this one harder to get into than the others and some parts made me uncomfortable. I understand they were necessary but... ew.
Overall a well rounded ending though I felt this whole series never really explored the romance between Atlas and Romy in depth. After book 1 their interactions were limited and it wasnt quite clear what he liked about her....

[Sarah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a hidden wonder!

I can’t believe I am only now just reading this series. I read most everything from Ms St. Clair but somehow this made it past me. I can honestly say that I am so happy to have stumbled into this. It’s really a great kind of Space-opera. And before you go to judging, seriously… just read it. I bet you dollars to donuts you won’t be disappointed.

[Rina's Crazy World of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last and best book in the "Last Battle for Earth" trilogy, even though I have to say the end felt a bit sudden and I do think, if written well, there would have been enough story left to write a fourth book, but in general I really enjoyed the story and I loved the characters and the dynamic between them

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grand last book in the trilogy with all the chaos and heartbreak of war but still lots of time for romance and happiness, fun and friendship with characters you can't but bond with and an ending that is truly perfect. I can't wait to read more from this author!