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Beyond These Walls #3
Retribution
Man plans, God laughs.
Spike doesn’t know how, but he still has a shot at being the next protectors’ apprentice.
Which means he still has a chance of spending the rest of his life with the girl he loves.
But everything must go according to plan.
Spike must win the trials. He has to avoid Ranger, who he’ll be sharing a room with for the next five months. And finally, he has to put his faith in a system rife with corruption.
What he’s yet to find out is his plan doesn’t even scratch the surface of what’s to come, and his greatest challenges will be from the people he least expects …
Retribution is the third gripping book in the Beyond These Walls post-apocalyptic series. If you like breathtaking action, high-stakes, and characters who risk it all for freedom, then you'll love Michael Robertson's thrilling novel.
Buy Retribution to beat the odds today!
Spike doesn’t know how, but he still has a shot at being the next protectors’ apprentice.
Which means he still has a chance of spending the rest of his life with the girl he loves.
But everything must go according to plan.
Spike must win the trials. He has to avoid Ranger, who he’ll be sharing a room with for the next five months. And finally, he has to put his faith in a system rife with corruption.
What he’s yet to find out is his plan doesn’t even scratch the surface of what’s to come, and his greatest challenges will be from the people he least expects …
Retribution is the third gripping book in the Beyond These Walls post-apocalyptic series. If you like breathtaking action, high-stakes, and characters who risk it all for freedom, then you'll love Michael Robertson's thrilling novel.
Buy Retribution to beat the odds today!
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2019
67 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robertson
98 books206 followersMichael Robertson is an author and blogger. He has had several short stories published, including one with HarperCollins. He is the author of Crash - http://michaelrobertson.co.uk/crash--...
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 30, 2018
Spine tingling! The desperation, the futility, the sense of hopelessness.. the emotions run so deep it’s heartbreaking and tearful. The strength and resilience of the protagonists is overwhelming, worthy of admiration. Once again, Robertson has put me in a trance & hi-jacked my mind, will and emotions! Another hyper-speed read. A series worth reading and highly recommended! Can’t wait for book 4! I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
December 30, 2018
This post-apocalyptic survival thriller gets more exciting as we read on and in book 3 action is really not lacking. We also get a bit of revenge on the bastards from previous books, which went down so well and were so satisfying. Spike, Matilda and Hugh have finally finished their term of National Service which is compulsory in Edin, and serves to keep the people subdued and in fear of the state, which divides its people from one another by the jobs they do and the sectors they live in. They also live within the walls which pen them in like animals, and because all live in fear many also suffer abuse at the hands of the frustrated family members who are more powerful, which means that it is usually the women and children who suffer the worst and a blind eye is turned towards this! This happens in Matilda's own home with grave repercussions in this book and Spike feels so hopeless and unable to help, he starts to question the validity of the justice system of Edin but cannot really afford to do this as he is going to take part in the trials to be chosen as the next protector. He knows that this is the only option he has if he is ever to live freely with Matilda, the love of his life and for whom he would do anything. In the trials he once again faces his adversary Ranger, who is evil to the core, wants to emulate his father, and has no conscience at all so never plays fair! This was a book which kept me reading right through till I finished it and kept me on the edge of my seat for most of it, routing for Spike, Matilda and Hugh whose character has evolved and changed so much from the first time we met this character but then grief hardens all of us I guess and he had seen his fair share of this when he lost his own love of his life and in such a cruel way!! Brilliant, cannot wait for the next book in this series!
November 18, 2020
Yet another hard hitter from Michael Robertson!
After National Service the trials begin, only one can become a new protector.
“I’m going to watch you for the rest of your life. If you ever fall in love with someone, I’ll kill them. You understand me?”
Reading/watching the character development in this one book alone was incredible. It really shows how national service affects different people.
I absolutely love Hugh in this book! His story has been incredible.
"Spike’s mum’s shrill scream snapped his shoulders into his neck. A plate smashed from where she dropped it, adding a tighter twist to his already tense frame. He braced when she charged at him, her arms flung wide. After the six months he’d had—diseased bearing down on him on a daily basis—he had to fight against his initial defensive reaction to swing for her, planting his feet as she crashed into him."
This part when Spike returned had me laughing way too much 😬 but again Spike and Matilda's story all unfolding is amazing.
Each new chapter takes the story down a path I was not expecting!
"As he watched everything unfold, it ran down the sides of his face, locked a tight grip around his throat, and then dragged its fingers down his spine. First, a pallid hand with long fingernails reach"
It looks like everything is about to change and I cannot wait to see where it goes!
Fantastic 5*
After National Service the trials begin, only one can become a new protector.
“I’m going to watch you for the rest of your life. If you ever fall in love with someone, I’ll kill them. You understand me?”
Reading/watching the character development in this one book alone was incredible. It really shows how national service affects different people.
I absolutely love Hugh in this book! His story has been incredible.
"Spike’s mum’s shrill scream snapped his shoulders into his neck. A plate smashed from where she dropped it, adding a tighter twist to his already tense frame. He braced when she charged at him, her arms flung wide. After the six months he’d had—diseased bearing down on him on a daily basis—he had to fight against his initial defensive reaction to swing for her, planting his feet as she crashed into him."
This part when Spike returned had me laughing way too much 😬 but again Spike and Matilda's story all unfolding is amazing.
Each new chapter takes the story down a path I was not expecting!
"As he watched everything unfold, it ran down the sides of his face, locked a tight grip around his throat, and then dragged its fingers down his spine. First, a pallid hand with long fingernails reach"
It looks like everything is about to change and I cannot wait to see where it goes!
Fantastic 5*
December 31, 2018
Title: Retribution
Author: Michael Robertson
Publisher: Michael Robertson
ISBN: B07L8LLSK6
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L8LLSK6?...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Beyond These Walls 3
Man plans, God laughs.
Spike doesn’t know how, but he still has a shot at being the next protectors’ apprentice.
Which means he still has a chance of spending the rest of his life with the girl he loves.
But everything must go according to plan.
Spike must win the trials. He has to avoid Ranger, who he’ll be sharing a room with for the next five months. And finally, he has to put his faith in a system rife with corruption.
What he’s yet to find out is his plan doesn’t even scratch the surface of what’s to come, and his greatest challenges will be from the people he least expects …
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Spike, Matilda, and Hugh have finally made it through their National Service, but not without a terrible cost. Many of their friends like Hugh’s love Elizabeth died along the way. Now Hugh and Spike along with four others were chosen for the trial to become the next protector, but unfortunately so did their nemesis Ranger. Spike has always believed that if he tries hard enough he will succeed, but when Matilda’s father went on the rampage leaving her her parents dead and Artan, her little brother accused of their murder. The trials begin with Ranger acting surprisingly agreeable and Hugh distant leaving Spike worried about his friend. Hugh has his own agenda with protecting his little brother being the first step. There is more going on behind the scenes leaving Spike to wonder what is really going on in Edin?
This is a fast paced story that held me spellbound form the very start. The hidden motives of many of the characters keeps the reader unsure of what is really happening. The only thing I knew was that no one can change their basic character leaving me to imagine that there was more to Ranger’s behavior than he was letting on. The only thing holding Matilda and Spike together was their belief in each other and their love, but will it be enough. Only time will tell. I for one will be waiting impatiently for the next book in the Beyond These Walls series.
Author: Michael Robertson
Publisher: Michael Robertson
ISBN: B07L8LLSK6
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L8LLSK6?...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Beyond These Walls 3
Man plans, God laughs.
Spike doesn’t know how, but he still has a shot at being the next protectors’ apprentice.
Which means he still has a chance of spending the rest of his life with the girl he loves.
But everything must go according to plan.
Spike must win the trials. He has to avoid Ranger, who he’ll be sharing a room with for the next five months. And finally, he has to put his faith in a system rife with corruption.
What he’s yet to find out is his plan doesn’t even scratch the surface of what’s to come, and his greatest challenges will be from the people he least expects …
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Spike, Matilda, and Hugh have finally made it through their National Service, but not without a terrible cost. Many of their friends like Hugh’s love Elizabeth died along the way. Now Hugh and Spike along with four others were chosen for the trial to become the next protector, but unfortunately so did their nemesis Ranger. Spike has always believed that if he tries hard enough he will succeed, but when Matilda’s father went on the rampage leaving her her parents dead and Artan, her little brother accused of their murder. The trials begin with Ranger acting surprisingly agreeable and Hugh distant leaving Spike worried about his friend. Hugh has his own agenda with protecting his little brother being the first step. There is more going on behind the scenes leaving Spike to wonder what is really going on in Edin?
This is a fast paced story that held me spellbound form the very start. The hidden motives of many of the characters keeps the reader unsure of what is really happening. The only thing I knew was that no one can change their basic character leaving me to imagine that there was more to Ranger’s behavior than he was letting on. The only thing holding Matilda and Spike together was their belief in each other and their love, but will it be enough. Only time will tell. I for one will be waiting impatiently for the next book in the Beyond These Walls series.
May 20, 2022
Let the trials begin! With Spike determined to win at the trials so he can spend his life with Matilda, and Hugh the weed from the labs now buff, tough and eager to make Lance and Ranger pay for their treatment of Elizabeth, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen at the protectors’ apprentice trials.
But when Matilda’s younger brother takes on their abusive father with deadly consequences, it’s more important than ever that Spike rises through the ranks to protect his girlfriend and her sibling. But with Hugh’s new fitness and gnashing of teeth, will Spike be able to defeat his best friend? Will Artan be evicted into the disease-filled wasteland? And has Ranger really become a nice chap in the month since National Service, or is it all a charade?
The pace never let up in this story. Everything from wild excitement to bitter disappointment, and the characters are amazing. I’m really enjoying this series.
But when Matilda’s younger brother takes on their abusive father with deadly consequences, it’s more important than ever that Spike rises through the ranks to protect his girlfriend and her sibling. But with Hugh’s new fitness and gnashing of teeth, will Spike be able to defeat his best friend? Will Artan be evicted into the disease-filled wasteland? And has Ranger really become a nice chap in the month since National Service, or is it all a charade?
The pace never let up in this story. Everything from wild excitement to bitter disappointment, and the characters are amazing. I’m really enjoying this series.
August 4, 2021
This one is really where the series fell apart for me.
This is where I began to hate it.
The world building makes less and less sense.
The author all of the sudden brings in other character viewpoints. Probably experimenting with the technique.
It wasn't bad. The arch for Hugh was decent enough. His troubles were interesting. My biggest complaint for him is in a spoiler.
This is a story of trying to actually become a "Protector" Spikes goal from the first page of the first book.
Once again Ranger is both omnipotent and incompetent but no one else seems to see this.
The math of the National Service trials is revealed but no one seems to point it out.
There were SEVEN groups from national service from which to draw the extremely rare opportunity to compete
for the chance to become a Protector.... Except those groups have been culled by "National Service", so combine all the deaths with the people who don't actually want to be a Protector and pretty much anyone who wants to try out for Protector is going to get the chance. Nobody ever says "Hey? That wasn't actually too hard."
The trials and all the combat were once again varied and surprisingly of interest ... but I did start to get bored with them. Of course, I got more bored with how people let obvious odd behavior slide on past without objection. The author just wanted an antagonist and couldn't be bothered with creating a decent one.
This is where I began to hate it.
The world building makes less and less sense.
The author all of the sudden brings in other character viewpoints. Probably experimenting with the technique.
It wasn't bad. The arch for Hugh was decent enough. His troubles were interesting. My biggest complaint for him is in a spoiler.
This is a story of trying to actually become a "Protector" Spikes goal from the first page of the first book.
Once again Ranger is both omnipotent and incompetent but no one else seems to see this.
The math of the National Service trials is revealed but no one seems to point it out.
There were SEVEN groups from national service from which to draw the extremely rare opportunity to compete
for the chance to become a Protector.... Except those groups have been culled by "National Service", so combine all the deaths with the people who don't actually want to be a Protector and pretty much anyone who wants to try out for Protector is going to get the chance. Nobody ever says "Hey? That wasn't actually too hard."
The trials and all the combat were once again varied and surprisingly of interest ... but I did start to get bored with them. Of course, I got more bored with how people let obvious odd behavior slide on past without objection. The author just wanted an antagonist and couldn't be bothered with creating a decent one.
November 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the Beyond These Walls series, so I happily accepted an advance reader copy from the author, which was given without a requirement to post a review. Mr. Robertson is an excellent writer, who has created a dangerous world that was almost completely destroyed, but for reasons that have not been revealed. He leads us through several twists that develop deeper character traits and slowly reveal more background about various forces in play within the city environment.
This third book continues where the last one left off, immediately sweeping the reader into the non-stop action wherein our friends Spike, Matilda and Hugh, and their enemy Ranger are finished with their 6-month service and learn ever so much more about inequities and rampant abuses of the political and gang activities in their divided town. Spike, Hugh and Ranger are selected for the trials that determines the next apprentice Protector. Spike continues to pursue a fair approach; Hugh has been hardened by the service-time death of Elizabeth, his love interest, and has his own hidden agenda; Ranger is even more devious than before, playing to win by any and all means. They quickly learn that playing fair doesn’t guarantee a just reward. They also learn more about the nature of the diseased creatures.
This is a great read, hard to put down, and is promising much more to come in the continuing story. Although I obtained an ARC, I also bought the book, to help support this great author. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This third book continues where the last one left off, immediately sweeping the reader into the non-stop action wherein our friends Spike, Matilda and Hugh, and their enemy Ranger are finished with their 6-month service and learn ever so much more about inequities and rampant abuses of the political and gang activities in their divided town. Spike, Hugh and Ranger are selected for the trials that determines the next apprentice Protector. Spike continues to pursue a fair approach; Hugh has been hardened by the service-time death of Elizabeth, his love interest, and has his own hidden agenda; Ranger is even more devious than before, playing to win by any and all means. They quickly learn that playing fair doesn’t guarantee a just reward. They also learn more about the nature of the diseased creatures.
This is a great read, hard to put down, and is promising much more to come in the continuing story. Although I obtained an ARC, I also bought the book, to help support this great author. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 31, 2018
This third story in the Beyond These Walls series focuses on the six challengers for the Protector Apprenticeship, the romance between Spike and Tilly and Hugh’s challenges dealing with Elizabeth’s death. These three-story lines create a very action filled book that kept this reader fully engaged in following the trials to see who will become the apprentice. Along the journey, Mr. Robertson has engineered several twists that leave the reader wondering why they didn’t see it coming. Hopefully the fourth book in this series will be released very soon, because the expectation set by the end of this book is the fourth will be even more action filled than the previous books. I received an ARC and chose to provide this review.
January 10, 2019
I received a copy of this book to review. This is the third book in the series, and the books in this series just get better. The story of Spike and Hugh continues as they compete in the Apprentice trials. A story of friendships and enemies, of trust and betrayal, of life and death. The story is action packed, fast paced, and a perfect introductory series into the dystopian genre. There are still many questions about the world they are living in, or rather the city they are living in that is surrounded by the constant threat of the diseased. A few more clues are given to understanding the world of the diseased and I am really looking forward to reading how the story develops in the coming books. Highly recommended as a teen and young adult read.
January 2, 2019
This, book 3 of the series, is just as good as the first two which are great. I was so caught up in the story that I read it straight through! I highly recommend the entire series. Please, do yourself a favor and read in set in order. Otherwise, you will miss a tremendous amount of information about the world and characters that is not only important but very entertaining. I am anxiously awaiting book 4 so I can find out what happens next. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given review.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2020
Three books in and im loving it.The characters continue to grow and the world is expanding.Hugh role in this one was very heartbreaking.Gone is the thoughtful solemn boy who would always choose flight before fight.In his own words that version of himself is dead.Enter the Hugh who is out for revenge and will stop at nothing to avenge his lost love.Present is Ranger the spoiled asshole bully who everyone loves to hate and last but not least Matilda and Spike who one way or another will overcome any and every obstacle all in the name of true love.
September 4, 2023
This instalment of the "Beyond These Walls" series provided a much needed peek into the government and the political situation in Edin, which I enjoyed, and was something I had felt was definitely lacking in the first two novels. It also introduced the concept that not all of our hero's enemies lie beyond the walls of the Edin compound, and I appreciated the glimpses of imperfection. enjoyed that Spike wasn't portrayed as perfect, and really enjoyed watching Hugh's character develop further.
All in all, an enjoyable quick read.
All in all, an enjoyable quick read.
January 12, 2019
Really, really enjoyed this one. I am just really enjoying this series. I like zombie apocalypse books in general, but I love how this one is a whole new take on the subject. I feel like the character development in these books are done really well, and I am excited to see what happens in the next one!
October 21, 2020
Book three in this box set is a fantastic installment in the series that sees the finalists battle for the apprenticeship.
Much of the focus is on emotions and the trauma of the past, while the trials force a level of incredible stamina.
Heroes and villains and an unjust system, together with great characters and superb writing, make this a compelling read.
Highly recommended.
Much of the focus is on emotions and the trauma of the past, while the trials force a level of incredible stamina.
Heroes and villains and an unjust system, together with great characters and superb writing, make this a compelling read.
Highly recommended.
January 8, 2019
Spike and Hugh are both in the trials to be the next apprentice protector. This is a tremendous story with amazing action scenes and many twists and turns. Would definitely recommend this installment in what is a well written and enjoyable series. Could not put it down
April 13, 2019
Cannot get enough
This series is so awesome. I love it. The characters draw you in and you can't help but cheer for them, cry with them and be afraid for them. Read these books if you haven't already. You will not be disappointed.
This series is so awesome. I love it. The characters draw you in and you can't help but cheer for them, cry with them and be afraid for them. Read these books if you haven't already. You will not be disappointed.
October 1, 2025
This book was much better than the first two. Ranger is a total asshole and I hate him. He's definitely up there with book villains I can't stand. The writing in this book has improved. Feels more realistic and relatable. Strong character development.
October 24, 2021
Different take on surviving the zombie uprising.
May 29, 2022
Too good
I love the characters in this series and the interaction between them. I feel what they feel. Very wee written. I'm ready to start the next book in the series
I love the characters in this series and the interaction between them. I feel what they feel. Very wee written. I'm ready to start the next book in the series
November 13, 2024
Another good read in this series.
June 7, 2025
Overall series getting better. More action. A bit “Hunger Games” like, but original. Looking forward to the next one
August 19, 2025
Started at vol 3.....
Ok, great characters, great story. Going to read everything else he writes. And its a massive amount. Start at 1 and enjoy this.
Ok, great characters, great story. Going to read everything else he writes. And its a massive amount. Start at 1 and enjoy this.
November 4, 2025
The story line is good, but the writing is repetitive. If I have to hear "the vinegar reek" or "my love" again....
January 10, 2019
Series which get impossibly better with the next book are rare~this is one of those rare series.
This book focuses on the month leading up to & during the trials. There is more about another character as well. I won’t say too much otherwise I may spoil it for future readers. There are so many highs and lows and be prepared for an epic cliff hanger. I cannot wait for book 4 to be released.
This book focuses on the month leading up to & during the trials. There is more about another character as well. I won’t say too much otherwise I may spoil it for future readers. There are so many highs and lows and be prepared for an epic cliff hanger. I cannot wait for book 4 to be released.
August 20, 2023
(Rating 1.5) —- I have to start by mentioning the really weird focus on the treatment of gay people in this world. It felt like a topic was needed to add seriousness to the book and to show how bad the government are so gay rights was chosen. And whilst of course gay rights are important, it felt like it was just used to tick the diversity box.
There is also lots of repetition. They keep saying that they have to trust in the system when the system is so obviously broken and the issues with Hugh’s dad are constantly brought up.
Finally, the dialogue is super cheesy. It feels really contrived and stilted and I felt myself cringing at a lot of things that were said.
I did think the Hugh storyline was good though and that it added another level to the plot.
There is also lots of repetition. They keep saying that they have to trust in the system when the system is so obviously broken and the issues with Hugh’s dad are constantly brought up.
Finally, the dialogue is super cheesy. It feels really contrived and stilted and I felt myself cringing at a lot of things that were said.
I did think the Hugh storyline was good though and that it added another level to the plot.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews