Retribution Required

by C.R. Daems

Zenaida's father was murdered and her snow leopard's cubs stolen, leaving her alone in the outback of the civilized systems-called the Rim. There smuggling, bribes, and a wild-west live-free-or-die attitude prevails and an eye-for-an-eye is the preferred method of retribution. 2019 Eric Hoffer finalist For Zenaida, a child of the Rim, the death of her father requires retribution. But she must first learn how to survive while trying to track down her snow leopard's stolen litter and her father's killers. But unknown to her, her father's killers spared her for a reason—a secret that could mean her death if she discovers it.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2018

About the author

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and joined the military right out of high school. I served twenty-two years in the United States Air Force as a certified internal auditor. While in the military service, I lived in seven states and two foreign countries, and obtained two degrees: a BS in mathematics and an MS in computer science.

After I retired from the Air Force, I secured a position with Digital Equipment Corporation, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, as a software course developer and instructor. I worked twenty-two years at DEC and held positions as a course developer, course development manager, software engineer, and software engineering manager.

Today, I’m retired and live in Tucson, Arizona, with my wife of fifty-three years. My daughter and two grandchildren live in Maryland. I began writing several years after I retired, when I was seventy. My first two attempts remain in my desk drawer—good ideas, but poorly written. Subsequently, I co-authored, with Jeanne Tomlin, three fantasy novels: Talon of the Raptor Clan, Scales of Justice, and All My Friends Have Wings (young adults). Talon of the Raptor Clan was sold to ePress-online Books and came out in July 2009. Since then I have written two additional novels: The Laughing Hounds (urban fantasy) and The Riss Gamble (science fiction).

My hobbies for the past forty years have been kung fu and tai chi.

Reviews

[Velma Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading this book, a commercial from a "Save the Wildlife" came on around 16 different times. It showed Snow Leopards, and how the species is on the brink of extinction. They even had an audio of the leopard's cry. So, what I'm trying to say is that it seemed to be on purpose somehow. (Yeah, I'm the Crazy person who makes things out of recycled plastics.) The correlation is a nice background to the story. I cried when she had to kill the male panther, and laughed at the fools who thought they could get a jump on Zen. I love this author! Will there be a second book, or is this a stand-alone? Perhaps something about Richard? You can't go wrong reading anything by C.R. Daems.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young woman and her leopard taking on a whole galaxy of bad guys, what’s not to like? I really enjoyed the start of this book and was delighted with Zen and her no nonsense way of dealing with the bad guys.

However, as the story progressed I thought it was beginning to get a bit unrealistic. In the end this didn’t really bother me, as I just went with the flow and enjoyed a ‘kickass’ heroine beating hell out of the villans.

I wasn’t sure about the ending, I can only assume the author has decided there is going to be a sequel.

[Preston Dannelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retribution is a bitch...

Excellent story and a great study of morals and ethics. What is driving each character is clearly revealed and plainly laid out. Lots of action and bloodletting without getting too gory. I think most folks that enjoy semi-military sci-fi will like this book

[lesley serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

wowed

Well written well paced and is written like a very expensive action movie. No wasted motion, Zenaida’s motivation is well defined even if it is more in the gray areas. I have reread it 3 times already and

[JO SNAITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly honest

Down to earth and heartwarming. I very much enjoyed morals and ethics appropriate to a wild West type of society. Would love a follow up with Zen and shadi
I love C. R. Seems books especially Tasmanian Devils!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

One book. A wonder.

I do like a series. I expected one for this character. It may come. I was happy that the story began where it did and ended where it did.

[Ian Denner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring

My honest assessment... A little boring from the start with almost no action in the first few chapters to grab my attention and hold it like the author's other books.

[Keith Heater · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really good book

A really good book, but would have a lot better without the use of the f*** word. I refuse to give more than three stars to any book that uses it.

[Denise Tranberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, needs editing.

I love this author normally, but this book needs some serious editing, especially the quotation marks.
Love the cat, want more.