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Right of Retribution #1
Right of Retribution
Warner spent his days like almost anyone else. He got up, went to work, answered phone calls in a call center, went home, spent time with his daughter, and went to sleep. Only to repeat the pattern over and over and over. Life was as mundane as anyone could ever fear it to be. Today was the day that all that would change. On this day, his daughter Maya would be nearly fatally injured, plunging Warner into a world of paranormal creatures, monsters, and magic he’d never known existed. The only consolation is that he discovers he’s not quite human, either. Nor is he very happy with the way of the world or how it spun. Built on corruption, lies, and injustice for all. An unlikely answer comes to him that fits his wounded heart. Justice handed out by him personally. Vengeance and retribution in equal measure to all that deserve it. Using his newfound powers and unbending determination, Warner is going to carve a path through the world that’ll send the darkest corners of existence fleeing before him. Even as he crushes them beneath his furious strikes. The very world will tremble with his actions and fear his coming. Warning and minor This novel contains graphic violence, undefined relationships/harem, unconventional opinions/beliefs, and a hero who is as tactful as a dog at a cat show. Read at your own risk.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2020
630 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 20, 2020
I keep giving Arand a chance. And from time to time, I get a nice surprise.
Let's be honest: this is a carbon-copy of Super Sales on Super Heroes by... (oh shock!) the same author! We have the same dynamics. The anti-hero, the powerful "first-wife" that takes over managing the MC's life and relationships, leaving him free to carelessly pursue his fancies.
We even have the same problems: plot inconsistencies, cliché bestiary (while do so many authors feel compelled to throw every single fantastic creature in the pot every time?), little to no progress for the MC - it's the "wives" that evolve in his stead. Etc.
In spite of all that I had a good listen, just like I enjoyed the first volume of the series this is a copy of. Andrea Parsneau, the narrator, may be a good part of the reason why. I do believe the story to also be entertaining, if in a bizarre way.
However, for the same reasons I dnf'ed Super Sale on Super Heroes at the second volume, I'm not going to look for the next one in this series. I know where this is going, and Arand should pay attention to formulaic novel-spouting.
Let's be honest: this is a carbon-copy of Super Sales on Super Heroes by... (oh shock!) the same author! We have the same dynamics. The anti-hero, the powerful "first-wife" that takes over managing the MC's life and relationships, leaving him free to carelessly pursue his fancies.
We even have the same problems: plot inconsistencies, cliché bestiary (while do so many authors feel compelled to throw every single fantastic creature in the pot every time?), little to no progress for the MC - it's the "wives" that evolve in his stead. Etc.
In spite of all that I had a good listen, just like I enjoyed the first volume of the series this is a copy of. Andrea Parsneau, the narrator, may be a good part of the reason why. I do believe the story to also be entertaining, if in a bizarre way.
However, for the same reasons I dnf'ed Super Sale on Super Heroes at the second volume, I'm not going to look for the next one in this series. I know where this is going, and Arand should pay attention to formulaic novel-spouting.
March 27, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
This is a good book. It takes place in the same timeline and during the same time period as the other series by this author, Swing Shift. Sometimes with this author's stories, things just sort of happen and I am not sure where the story is taking me or why things happen. This is probably the most straightforward story I have read from this author. It was easy to figure out what was happening and why things were happening. The main character is Warner and the story starts right after his daughter is in a hit and run accident. The person that hit her is an off duty cop and the DA doesn't press charges. From that moment on, things change with Warner. He starts feeling different. Whenever he is around anyone who has committed crimes, he can feel the injustice coming off of them and he is compelled to do something about it. He ends up with powerful abilities that he doesn't really understand that also come with a cost. Along the way he builds himself a little harem with women he has helped or who need redemption. Daria is probably my favorite of them all. There is always at least one female character like her in Arand's stories. Daria seems like the most ...... realistic? Practical? Believable?
Overall a good addition to this author's works.
This is a good book. It takes place in the same timeline and during the same time period as the other series by this author, Swing Shift. Sometimes with this author's stories, things just sort of happen and I am not sure where the story is taking me or why things happen. This is probably the most straightforward story I have read from this author. It was easy to figure out what was happening and why things were happening. The main character is Warner and the story starts right after his daughter is in a hit and run accident. The person that hit her is an off duty cop and the DA doesn't press charges. From that moment on, things change with Warner. He starts feeling different. Whenever he is around anyone who has committed crimes, he can feel the injustice coming off of them and he is compelled to do something about it. He ends up with powerful abilities that he doesn't really understand that also come with a cost. Along the way he builds himself a little harem with women he has helped or who need redemption. Daria is probably my favorite of them all. There is always at least one female character like her in Arand's stories. Daria seems like the most ...... realistic? Practical? Believable?
Overall a good addition to this author's works.
January 28, 2025
Title:(Right of Retribution, #1)
Author: William D. Arand
Genre: Urban Fantasy / LitRPG
William D. Arand’s Right of Retribution is the first book in a series that promises action, complex characters, and a dark journey of revenge. It falls within the growing subgenre of LitRPG, where elements of gaming systems are combined with fantasy world-building. The novel captures the essence of both, but what makes it stand out is how Arand combines brutal realism with RPG mechanics.
Plot Overview
The book follows Axton, a man marked by tragedy and injustice. After the murder of his family and the loss of everything he holds dear, Axton embarks on a quest for retribution. In this world, there is a justice system called the "Right of Retribution," which grants the victim—or someone chosen by the victim—the opportunity to exact punishment on the guilty. However, this system comes at a great personal cost. The story unfolds in a dark fantasy setting with layers of RPG-like progression mechanics.
World-Building: Arand does an exceptional job of creating a gritty and unforgiving world. The concept of the "Right of Retribution" is intriguing and gives the book its unique flavor. The world is harsh, and Arand never sugarcoats it. The legal system in this world is as brutal as it is fascinating.
Character Development: Axton is a broken man, driven by his thirst for revenge. Arand takes readers on a journey through Axton’s trauma and transformation, painting a complex, multi-faceted character. His growth throughout the novel is realistic, but there’s no shortage of moral ambiguity in his actions.
What Stands Out
The book's strength lies in its portrayal of revenge as something that is both empowering and corrosive. Axton's quest is all-consuming, but Arand gives readers enough to understand that revenge comes at a personal cost. The novel’s RPG elements are well-integrated. Characters can "level up" and gain skills, which adds an interesting dimension to both the combat and the story's pacing.
Example: "When Axton unlocked the next skill in his progression tree, the rush of power was as intoxicating as it was terrifying."
Writing Style
Arand’s writing is direct and brutal, much like the world he’s created.
He balances detailed action sequences with slower moments of introspection, allowing readers to connect deeply with the protagonist.
One thing to note is that the novel contains a lot of violence, and the darker themes may not be for everyone. Arand does not shy away from the more brutal realities of revenge and its psychological toll on Axton.
Criticisms
At times, the story leans heavily on its RPG mechanics, which could feel repetitive for readers unfamiliar with the genre.
The pacing, while mostly strong, has a few moments where it lags due to Axton’s internal struggles or over-explanation of game mechanics.
Final Thoughts
Right of Retribution is a compelling dark fantasy with RPG elements that will appeal to fans of LitRPG, revenge stories, and morally complex protagonists. Arand’s world-building is excellent, and Axton’s journey, though grim, is addictive to follow.
Rating: 2/5
March 8, 2020
Amazing start to a new trilogy
The story, charachters and everything inbetween are getting better with every book. If you are a fan of the RunnerVerse (as I prefer to call it) the number of hints and revelations makes your head spin, if it is among your first by William D Arand then I hope you enjoy it just as much as I have.
The story, charachters and everything inbetween are getting better with every book. If you are a fan of the RunnerVerse (as I prefer to call it) the number of hints and revelations makes your head spin, if it is among your first by William D Arand then I hope you enjoy it just as much as I have.
February 16, 2022
Seriously I could have enjoyed it more, if it wasn't for MC hypocrisy, it started well, and got more interesting as soon as MC began to tap into his power, then he robbed a woman, and his character suffered from them on, seriously for a guy going out there to balance scales his scales measure sure is convenient when measuring himself, the fact that the story tries to force feed us his justification for it makes it worse. Outside of that this story is actually well done, good pacing, interesting characters, and decent plot even enjoyable action scenes. But the most important part of it, the theme that it represents is as crooked as the police officer that run over his kid.
March 17, 2020
Did Not Finish.
Maybe I wasn't in the right headspace for this book, maybe it's just not the book for me. I struggled through four chapters of it until I realised that I really wasn't enjoying anything about it and given the size of my 'to-read' pile, I was better off giving up and moving on to another book I would enjoy more.
Maybe I wasn't in the right headspace for this book, maybe it's just not the book for me. I struggled through four chapters of it until I realised that I really wasn't enjoying anything about it and given the size of my 'to-read' pile, I was better off giving up and moving on to another book I would enjoy more.
May 7, 2022
Loving this world
Another great new book(series?) in a world that Arrand has been focusing on a lot recently. I can’t wait to see how this new series ties in to the existing ones and where it goes from there.
Another great new book(series?) in a world that Arrand has been focusing on a lot recently. I can’t wait to see how this new series ties in to the existing ones and where it goes from there.
October 27, 2020
3.5 stars, it was pretty good, not a 4 stars but okay. I do like these type of books and the other series by this author I loved.
March 15, 2020
The best
I really like the way the author ties his stories together. I won’t give anything away but it really gives me a sense of satisfaction. Also, as a Dad, I could really relate to the way Warner acts with his daughter Maya. Good stuff. Can’t wait for the next!
I really like the way the author ties his stories together. I won’t give anything away but it really gives me a sense of satisfaction. Also, as a Dad, I could really relate to the way Warner acts with his daughter Maya. Good stuff. Can’t wait for the next!
March 16, 2020
Easily one of the best books by this author. I loved the premise right from the start and the book only got better from there.
Warner’s relationship with his daughter helped flesh his character out in a way some other protagonists have been missing with this author. It made it much more enjoyable to read and set a driving goal that carries you through the story.
There are some of the more familiar story elements that this author does well in this book as well, so if you like other books written by him then you should like this.
Warner’s relationship with his daughter helped flesh his character out in a way some other protagonists have been missing with this author. It made it much more enjoyable to read and set a driving goal that carries you through the story.
There are some of the more familiar story elements that this author does well in this book as well, so if you like other books written by him then you should like this.
March 10, 2020
I like it, but I don’t
It’s a bit too MartyStu in some ways, but it is still somehow written well. The harem stuff is getting to be ridiculous, but there really isn’t a lot of sex ‘on-screen’.
Interesting to be back in this universe from a completely different and unrelated perspective.
I will probably read a sequel.
It’s a bit too MartyStu in some ways, but it is still somehow written well. The harem stuff is getting to be ridiculous, but there really isn’t a lot of sex ‘on-screen’.
Interesting to be back in this universe from a completely different and unrelated perspective.
I will probably read a sequel.
February 23, 2021
Not up to par
This book I feel like doesn't match the quality of the authors other work. All characters including the main character feel very superficial and not fleshed out. Having a character that sees the future has potential, but I don't think it was executed cleanly. Lots of times I felt like the logic for injustice/predictions made no sense and just didn't think thought through. I'm hopeful for the next one because the author is taking extra time on it to work on some things and I think that's because this book didn't lay the best foundation to build upon.
This book I feel like doesn't match the quality of the authors other work. All characters including the main character feel very superficial and not fleshed out. Having a character that sees the future has potential, but I don't think it was executed cleanly. Lots of times I felt like the logic for injustice/predictions made no sense and just didn't think thought through. I'm hopeful for the next one because the author is taking extra time on it to work on some things and I think that's because this book didn't lay the best foundation to build upon.
March 13, 2020
The book started off very strong but by about 50% of the way through it lost its momentum (much like Remnant) and suddenly became a chore to get through with the characters felt flat and a bit lifeless. The world building isn't as strong as Arand's prior books and heavily relies on the readers knowledge of Swing Shift. Will I read the next one? probably, in the hope the story finds its momentum again.
August 10, 2020
The main character's 'hobbie' is creepy but superb supporting characters.
First number of chapters I kept kept asking myself why I was sticking with the book. But this turned around with the introduction of the psychic girlfriend and the skull, both are absolutely brilliant and the other girlfriends are strong. Why these books keep having multiple wife's / girlfriends w/ benefits is beyond me. Ended up being a fun read despite the creepy factor.
First number of chapters I kept kept asking myself why I was sticking with the book. But this turned around with the introduction of the psychic girlfriend and the skull, both are absolutely brilliant and the other girlfriends are strong. Why these books keep having multiple wife's / girlfriends w/ benefits is beyond me. Ended up being a fun read despite the creepy factor.
December 10, 2021
Right of Retribution is an entertaining urban vigilante story. The story follows a father who needs to see Justice done after his daughter is hurt in an accident. Right of Retribution is set in the same shared universe as the authors other works Swing Shift and Incubus Inc.
March 8, 2020
Is it fun? Absolutely. Is it a fun take on the anti-hero concept? Most definitely. Is it just a good read all around? A hard yes from me. Now, that’s not to say that there are parts of the book that need a little work. I think the romantic relationships parts need a little fine-tuning and can sometimes be a little confusing. I feel like this book has several characters that could have been summed up by the actions of a single character, but at the same time I am curious to see the outcomes in the feats of these additional characters. All in all I like the main character, I thought the background story in his rise to his ending position as well thought out, entertaining, and engaging. I absolutely love the tip of the hat this writer gives to his other works which are obviously all in the same universe. If you read his other work you will most certainly notice them and smile at the references. In the end I definitely will be picking up the continuation of this story to see where it goes.
December 27, 2020
The last new series by this author didn't work out so well with me, so I hope this is an improvement.
It seems the author has three books taking place simultaneously in the same city. The previous two I read, characters from both books interacted. I wonder if all three will interact in this one.
This was like a fantasy version of Judge Dredd, only that he is lenient, and has a harem of women chasing him.
I found this book better than some of the author's recent novel. The cringe worthy pet names weren't vulgarly thrown around like before, and he is making an effort to try an separate his two authorial personas. I'm looking forward to the next.
Our protagonist just glanced another protagonist from another book, but they didn't interact. I want to see how that plays out.
3/5 Stars
It seems the author has three books taking place simultaneously in the same city. The previous two I read, characters from both books interacted. I wonder if all three will interact in this one.
This was like a fantasy version of Judge Dredd, only that he is lenient, and has a harem of women chasing him.
I found this book better than some of the author's recent novel. The cringe worthy pet names weren't vulgarly thrown around like before, and he is making an effort to try an separate his two authorial personas. I'm looking forward to the next.
Our protagonist just glanced another protagonist from another book, but they didn't interact. I want to see how that plays out.
3/5 Stars
March 17, 2020
The cure for COVID-19 !!!!!!
Well home isolation anyway. This is an author you can read, and re-read, and re-read again. In a world of books written anyone this is the best author in the kindle unlimited program. I wish I was just now disconnecting him so I could start from the beginning all over again. (Which I've done before, and wool again after the trilogies for Incubus Inc, and
disconnecting him so I could start from the beginning all over again. (Which I've done before, and wool again after the trilogies for Incubus Inc, and Swing Shift are released). And a final tip. I recommend purchasing the trilogies when they are released. These are books you will likely read again.
Well home isolation anyway. This is an author you can read, and re-read, and re-read again. In a world of books written anyone this is the best author in the kindle unlimited program. I wish I was just now disconnecting him so I could start from the beginning all over again. (Which I've done before, and wool again after the trilogies for Incubus Inc, and
disconnecting him so I could start from the beginning all over again. (Which I've done before, and wool again after the trilogies for Incubus Inc, and Swing Shift are released). And a final tip. I recommend purchasing the trilogies when they are released. These are books you will likely read again.
April 19, 2021
A gritty urban fantasy
This story is very dark it has a lot of elements of criminals as well as retribution towards bad things happening to good people. The main character is kind of a cross between old school pi and a vigilante who is not quite human. His heart is in the right spot but he often finds himself on the crossroads walking a fine line. It is interesting how the characters interact with each other and their personalities become more richer in sophistication. It has somewhat realistic romance with a little bit of bedroom scenes that are quite small compared to the plot driven story. It also had a little bit of tongue and cheek humor all in all it was an interesting story and would love to read the next one.
This story is very dark it has a lot of elements of criminals as well as retribution towards bad things happening to good people. The main character is kind of a cross between old school pi and a vigilante who is not quite human. His heart is in the right spot but he often finds himself on the crossroads walking a fine line. It is interesting how the characters interact with each other and their personalities become more richer in sophistication. It has somewhat realistic romance with a little bit of bedroom scenes that are quite small compared to the plot driven story. It also had a little bit of tongue and cheek humor all in all it was an interesting story and would love to read the next one.
May 17, 2020
Another great one by Arand !
I really enjoy this author, my favorite Indy ! I really like the way his different novels are bringing all the characters together in his world. The action is always good and the humour has people giving me strange looks as I start laughing out loud while I'm reading. I had never heard of " harem " novels before finding this author and I have been reading sci-fi and fantasy for over 40 years. This book does not have any graffic sex in it, which I thought made the story flow much better than some of his other books. I love his characters and the way he is building his world !
I really enjoy this author, my favorite Indy ! I really like the way his different novels are bringing all the characters together in his world. The action is always good and the humour has people giving me strange looks as I start laughing out loud while I'm reading. I had never heard of " harem " novels before finding this author and I have been reading sci-fi and fantasy for over 40 years. This book does not have any graffic sex in it, which I thought made the story flow much better than some of his other books. I love his characters and the way he is building his world !
May 19, 2020
Outstanding
Some MC’s are OP, some are whiny, some are clueless. This one starts as clueless to the wider world, but finds ways to learn and adapt. Maybe a little too accepting of the things going on around him, but overall good. Other characters are amusing, psychotic, quirky, and filled with life. One of the slightly amusing parts is one part of the story has this giant buildup, only to be a bit part. What makes it interesting is if you’ve read swing shift, it is far more interesting because of the backstory that you know makes it all tie in together and explains what happened that you couldn’t see in that story arc. Highly recommend.
Some MC’s are OP, some are whiny, some are clueless. This one starts as clueless to the wider world, but finds ways to learn and adapt. Maybe a little too accepting of the things going on around him, but overall good. Other characters are amusing, psychotic, quirky, and filled with life. One of the slightly amusing parts is one part of the story has this giant buildup, only to be a bit part. What makes it interesting is if you’ve read swing shift, it is far more interesting because of the backstory that you know makes it all tie in together and explains what happened that you couldn’t see in that story arc. Highly recommend.
March 17, 2020
Great Story, Excellent Writing
I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes to read imaginative stories with lots of action, great characters, humorous dialogue, and tasteful adult situations. A story about an average guy going through divorce withdrawal with a young daughter. The daughter has just suffered a near death tragic hit and run accident and the driver was going free. This story tells how he made it all right through the use of unexplained super powers. Very enjoyable easy reading.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes to read imaginative stories with lots of action, great characters, humorous dialogue, and tasteful adult situations. A story about an average guy going through divorce withdrawal with a young daughter. The daughter has just suffered a near death tragic hit and run accident and the driver was going free. This story tells how he made it all right through the use of unexplained super powers. Very enjoyable easy reading.
July 26, 2020
Loved the story and mystery of Warner
Loved how you set up Warner’s back story in that beginning scene I wished that more of his angelic previous life was brought to more light and why his body is being harmed that his powers are now coming into play and while it made sense Althea couldn’t be with him, at least maybe for now it would be nice how that relationship works out in the sequel since it ties into your swing shift series which is another favorite and honestly hope a little scene with Gus and his party interact with theirs other than seeing each other in passing.
Loved how you set up Warner’s back story in that beginning scene I wished that more of his angelic previous life was brought to more light and why his body is being harmed that his powers are now coming into play and while it made sense Althea couldn’t be with him, at least maybe for now it would be nice how that relationship works out in the sequel since it ties into your swing shift series which is another favorite and honestly hope a little scene with Gus and his party interact with theirs other than seeing each other in passing.
January 13, 2022
seems to mesh with his other books
Not sure how the author keeps it all straight in his head as he weaves story after story in the same timeline and universe as his other books with a couple of characters making cameo appearances in each book. This one featured a vigilante with some sort of powers and the eclectic women who appear in his life after his daughter is in an accident. It was an enjoyable read even as the MC is not your standard do-good character and neither are many of the others that appear in this book. Will continue to read this series.
Not sure how the author keeps it all straight in his head as he weaves story after story in the same timeline and universe as his other books with a couple of characters making cameo appearances in each book. This one featured a vigilante with some sort of powers and the eclectic women who appear in his life after his daughter is in an accident. It was an enjoyable read even as the MC is not your standard do-good character and neither are many of the others that appear in this book. Will continue to read this series.
June 10, 2022
Interesting Book
After his daughter is critically injured Warner is plunged into a world that is nothing like he's known before, where the battle of good vs evil is playing out on the streets of his city. Somehow he's become the Angel of Retribution, but using the power does with a physical toll. After saving a crazy psychic woman dating a police officer and being involved with a beautiful gun runner, all while caring for his daughter and dealing out justice! This is a very enjoyable fast paced tale wth action, adventure and other thing. I'm looking forward to book 2!
After his daughter is critically injured Warner is plunged into a world that is nothing like he's known before, where the battle of good vs evil is playing out on the streets of his city. Somehow he's become the Angel of Retribution, but using the power does with a physical toll. After saving a crazy psychic woman dating a police officer and being involved with a beautiful gun runner, all while caring for his daughter and dealing out justice! This is a very enjoyable fast paced tale wth action, adventure and other thing. I'm looking forward to book 2!
November 16, 2024
Not normally a fan of Christany in my fiction, but I feel it was assimilated into the plot enough that you can ignore it. It’s what made me put mask of the template on hold...I really should finish that at some point. Anyway, it’s an op mc story with a decent amount of chemistry between characters. It’s above average for the urban fantasy sub genre in haremlit. It’s a little samey feeling to the authors other works, may swing both ways for some as there’s comfort in knowing what to expect. It gets a bit dry in places, probably best as an audio so you can muti task.
March 24, 2020
A righteous high octane action story! An avenging father serving heavenly justice.
I really really loved this book! A great action filled book. Great characters, especially the main characters Warner & Daria. Also, great character development. And, really fun supporting characters, including a Troll!
Keep up the great work William! I’m also really looking forward to book 2 in this series.
I really really loved this book! A great action filled book. Great characters, especially the main characters Warner & Daria. Also, great character development. And, really fun supporting characters, including a Troll!
Keep up the great work William! I’m also really looking forward to book 2 in this series.
March 10, 2020
Arand finally breaks the template!
I was so frustrated reading the same story over and over again by Arand/Darren. However, this time was a welcome surprise! The novel avoided the "Hero cut off from his base of power" trope, finally giving a hero the chance to stand on his own two feet without a calamitous event happening.
I was so frustrated reading the same story over and over again by Arand/Darren. However, this time was a welcome surprise! The novel avoided the "Hero cut off from his base of power" trope, finally giving a hero the chance to stand on his own two feet without a calamitous event happening.
March 10, 2020
Another hit
Ok so it takes a good writer to make a good book. But it takes a master story teller to be able to create many different tales and somehow weave them all together seamlessly. Somehow this author does exactly that. Each book can be read alone. But together they create a tapestry and delve into a greater whole.
Ok so it takes a good writer to make a good book. But it takes a master story teller to be able to create many different tales and somehow weave them all together seamlessly. Somehow this author does exactly that. Each book can be read alone. But together they create a tapestry and delve into a greater whole.
March 11, 2020
Another excellent novel!
I have read all of this author's books and this is another excellent one. I like the fact that he gives glimpses of other books as a part of this one. The source of the hero's power is fairly unique as is the method of payment for its use. I can see several more books in this story line and am looking forward to them.
I have read all of this author's books and this is another excellent one. I like the fact that he gives glimpses of other books as a part of this one. The source of the hero's power is fairly unique as is the method of payment for its use. I can see several more books in this story line and am looking forward to them.
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