What do you think?
Rate this book
Piker's Retribution
Retribution is coming.
Even in the Outback, magic doesn’t guarantee safety. The threat of the Republic’s Army is always an existent one, especially to those who have family working as spies on the other side of the fence.
Tyra Nygard has hated non-magic wielders ever since the Republic’s Army killed her adoptive father eight years ago. Consumed by grief and terrified of disrespecting her father’s memory, Tyra tries to avoid or lashes out at anyone with a connection to the Republic, even Bitzers. But one Bitzer in particular isn’t dissuaded by her anger and offers to help her find closure. When a Republic threat encroaches on a Dingo settlement, Tyra must what acceptance and justice really mean.
Tejal has never known anything other than slavery. Born into a slave camp, she’s fought to survive, never known kindness, and never had time to worry about her fellow slaves’ safety. But, when she and a new slave are bought by a group of Dingo allies, everything changes. Now Tejal feels compelled to try and protect her companion, while struggling to understand her new master. Can she really trust this man when every other master has sought to harm her?
Even in the Outback, magic doesn’t guarantee safety. The threat of the Republic’s Army is always an existent one, especially to those who have family working as spies on the other side of the fence.
Tyra Nygard has hated non-magic wielders ever since the Republic’s Army killed her adoptive father eight years ago. Consumed by grief and terrified of disrespecting her father’s memory, Tyra tries to avoid or lashes out at anyone with a connection to the Republic, even Bitzers. But one Bitzer in particular isn’t dissuaded by her anger and offers to help her find closure. When a Republic threat encroaches on a Dingo settlement, Tyra must what acceptance and justice really mean.
Tejal has never known anything other than slavery. Born into a slave camp, she’s fought to survive, never known kindness, and never had time to worry about her fellow slaves’ safety. But, when she and a new slave are bought by a group of Dingo allies, everything changes. Now Tejal feels compelled to try and protect her companion, while struggling to understand her new master. Can she really trust this man when every other master has sought to harm her?
541 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2021
4 people want to read
About the author
Amanda N. Newman
14 books37 followersAmanda N. Newman is an author of Young Adult and New Adult fantasy novels (sometimes with aspects of other genres blended in). Her books feature strong found family elements and perfectly imperfect characters. Take a journey through other worlds and find yourself surrounded by diverse casts of characters that you can't help but grow to love.
She has been writing since she was a child. As a quiet person who didn't make friends easily, while also battling social and general anxiety and depression, she found refuge in writing. She first started handwriting alternate universe style crossover fanfiction featuring her favorite characters from various video games, anime/manga, television shows, and other books, though she never shared any of these stories on any public forums. As her stories became longer and more intricate, she branched away from and adapted her stories from fanfiction and into different subgenres of fantasy fiction. In her final year of high school, she wrote her first original novel Hybrid Empire, a YA fantasy about an international student trying to fit in at a fictitious boarding school in Alaska.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmandaNewmanAuthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Amanda.N.Newman
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Om...
Ko-Fi:
https://ko-fi.com/amandanewmanauthor
Wattpad: www.wattpad.com/Amanda_N_Newman
She has been writing since she was a child. As a quiet person who didn't make friends easily, while also battling social and general anxiety and depression, she found refuge in writing. She first started handwriting alternate universe style crossover fanfiction featuring her favorite characters from various video games, anime/manga, television shows, and other books, though she never shared any of these stories on any public forums. As her stories became longer and more intricate, she branched away from and adapted her stories from fanfiction and into different subgenres of fantasy fiction. In her final year of high school, she wrote her first original novel Hybrid Empire, a YA fantasy about an international student trying to fit in at a fictitious boarding school in Alaska.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmandaNewmanAuthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Amanda.N.Newman
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Om...
Ko-Fi:
https://ko-fi.com/amandanewmanauthor
Wattpad: www.wattpad.com/Amanda_N_Newman
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 13, 2022
excellent
This is an amazing dystopian fantasy that Amanda has executed brilliantly . I have not read “ children from the outback “ , infact this is my first read of this author’s work and it’s truly unique and I highly recommend . Will def read more !!! Well done !
This is an amazing dystopian fantasy that Amanda has executed brilliantly . I have not read “ children from the outback “ , infact this is my first read of this author’s work and it’s truly unique and I highly recommend . Will def read more !!! Well done !
November 24, 2021
What the future holds?
Brilliant dystopian tale of magic, action and a subtle thread of loss that is addressed to perfection. The main protagonists growth within the world that the author has created is realistic, and the characters are crafted well. A little graphic at times, although not offputting. The story is fairly long, although once you get drawn in, you don't notice as the pages fly by. A great series; look forward to the next one.
Brilliant dystopian tale of magic, action and a subtle thread of loss that is addressed to perfection. The main protagonists growth within the world that the author has created is realistic, and the characters are crafted well. A little graphic at times, although not offputting. The story is fairly long, although once you get drawn in, you don't notice as the pages fly by. A great series; look forward to the next one.
January 18, 2022
This did take me time to read! I have read from this author before, and I loved this author! I was not disappointed at all. Tyra went through so much in the book. Losing the one person she trusted with anything. Now having to think about what to do next. So much sadness happened in her life but she has always found a way through. I am not going to spoil it. I will say one thing....it was a very long book. But I kept on with it. Now I cannot wait to read more from this author. Well done.
July 25, 2021
Allies of the Outback
The Pikers are allies of the Dingos. A Poker girl named Tyra and a Bitser boy named Nyte are trying to get revenge against the Republic. This book has a few unexpected twists. There's some mystery involved and a bit of action. Reading this book was an adventure I loved!
The Pikers are allies of the Dingos. A Poker girl named Tyra and a Bitser boy named Nyte are trying to get revenge against the Republic. This book has a few unexpected twists. There's some mystery involved and a bit of action. Reading this book was an adventure I loved!
August 30, 2021
Amazing!!!
I absolutely loved this story!!! I loved the author's unique writing style and her fantasy world building capabilities. This was a long read, however, I was not able to put this book down. This was my first read by the author and it will not be my last. Although a fantasy, this book was relatable on many levels; death, grief, family, and acceptance. I loved the characters Tyra and Nyte's relationship. I'm curious to know what happens next. I can't wait until the next installment is available.
I absolutely loved this story!!! I loved the author's unique writing style and her fantasy world building capabilities. This was a long read, however, I was not able to put this book down. This was my first read by the author and it will not be my last. Although a fantasy, this book was relatable on many levels; death, grief, family, and acceptance. I loved the characters Tyra and Nyte's relationship. I'm curious to know what happens next. I can't wait until the next installment is available.
December 15, 2021
Piker’s Retribution by Amanda N. Newman is a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed the book’s action packed story! I can’t wait to read more from this author. If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction then you might want to check out this series!
December 9, 2021
Liked this story, one of family, loss and trying to learn to move on, all this with magic mixed in. Loved the wolfman Gren. really enjoyable fantasy story.
October 27, 2021
Although this story has lots of action and magic, for me it was mainly about two things. The first is dealing with the loss of a loved one. Working through the anger and beginning to heal. The other is all about what family really means.
The setting, while vividly conveyed, and the worldbuilding, which was also excellent, merely accentuated the story of this young woman's growth.
It was skillfully done and a great read.
This is an impressive book!
The setting, while vividly conveyed, and the worldbuilding, which was also excellent, merely accentuated the story of this young woman's growth.
It was skillfully done and a great read.
This is an impressive book!
November 3, 2021
Wonderfully written!
I was able to relate well with Tyra's fascinating character. It took me a while to finish, even though I had to stay up all night, but It was worth the read. I love the author's way with words. I have never read an adventure book filled with magic before and now that I have, I am impressed. Like I said, wonderfully written! Well done!
I was able to relate well with Tyra's fascinating character. It took me a while to finish, even though I had to stay up all night, but It was worth the read. I love the author's way with words. I have never read an adventure book filled with magic before and now that I have, I am impressed. Like I said, wonderfully written! Well done!
December 19, 2021
Great writing... Awesome plot
Tyra has lost the only man she knew she can trust. Being a Piker she has survived to her best, but surviving is it enough. Man who killed her father is out there and her soul is restless. But revenge may not be the answer.
The stories involves several characters and is full of action, magic and several twist and turns.
Newman has penned an entertaining and fantastic book that must be read.
Tyra has lost the only man she knew she can trust. Being a Piker she has survived to her best, but surviving is it enough. Man who killed her father is out there and her soul is restless. But revenge may not be the answer.
The stories involves several characters and is full of action, magic and several twist and turns.
Newman has penned an entertaining and fantastic book that must be read.
October 14, 2021
A new world of thrills
This is a gripping dystopian book. You will follow Tyra who was exiled as a child for being magical, tragedy strikes as her family is ripped apart by her stepfather's murder, resulting in her wanting revenge. With Teial the slave decides to fight back making this book incredibly tense, graphic and in a world that is full of imagination. A little long for my liking but nevertheless very enjoyable. I would like to read book one now so I would understand more.
This is a gripping dystopian book. You will follow Tyra who was exiled as a child for being magical, tragedy strikes as her family is ripped apart by her stepfather's murder, resulting in her wanting revenge. With Teial the slave decides to fight back making this book incredibly tense, graphic and in a world that is full of imagination. A little long for my liking but nevertheless very enjoyable. I would like to read book one now so I would understand more.
January 8, 2022
a dystopian world where you can taste the dust while reading it
Pikers Retribution is a great read. A dystopian world built by Amanda N Newman, is tangible. You can feel the dust of the outback on the back of your throat while reading it. Think Mad Max or Water World. I think it is aimed at young adults . But can be enjoyed by most readers who search for escapism. I won’t spoil the end but it left me wanting to know more.
Pikers Retribution is a great read. A dystopian world built by Amanda N Newman, is tangible. You can feel the dust of the outback on the back of your throat while reading it. Think Mad Max or Water World. I think it is aimed at young adults . But can be enjoyed by most readers who search for escapism. I won’t spoil the end but it left me wanting to know more.
September 27, 2021
A Clever and Entertaining Dystopian Fantasy
I am amazed by the world that the author created. - so original and complex, but all the pieces fit together. I got sucked into the storylines of several characters and the backstories were woven in so cleverly. The romances were sweet and genuine and made me so hope that all would work out well for these characters I grew to love. I admire how Newman was able to portray the horrors of sexual slavery and the emotional torture to the victims without taking away their personal dignity or making the writing too graphic. The battle/mission scenes and aftermath, the interactions within the community, and the differing ethnicities were well-thoughtout. I loved the inner strength and personal growth of the main characters. This book was so well written and well-edited. I am so impressed!
I am amazed by the world that the author created. - so original and complex, but all the pieces fit together. I got sucked into the storylines of several characters and the backstories were woven in so cleverly. The romances were sweet and genuine and made me so hope that all would work out well for these characters I grew to love. I admire how Newman was able to portray the horrors of sexual slavery and the emotional torture to the victims without taking away their personal dignity or making the writing too graphic. The battle/mission scenes and aftermath, the interactions within the community, and the differing ethnicities were well-thoughtout. I loved the inner strength and personal growth of the main characters. This book was so well written and well-edited. I am so impressed!
Read
June 10, 2022Tyra is a Piker. That makes her a supporter of the Dingoes. Her adoptive father was also a Piker before he was killed by a Republic Solider. Even eight years later, she can’t get over the pain of his loss. She refuses to accept anything related to the Republic no matter what. But, one day her leader decides to buy some slaves, and slaves are captured from the Republic…
Piker’s Retribution is an interesting sequel for Amanda Newman’s first novel Children of the Outback. Instead of continuing forward with the characters that we came to know in the first book, she has taken us to another group. We get to see more about the Piker group who helped the Dingos during the conflict with the Republic at the end of the first book. In fact, other than the details concerning the setting and magic system, any reader who picked up this book would be able to follow the plot line with only minimal difficulties. I actually really like that about this book. It is a refreshing change to have a series that expands outwards instead of moving forward down a liner path. Newman did a good job eventually connecting it back to the events of the first novel in an unexpected way.
I also really like how she continues to expand the world building from what we experienced before. Our understanding of the types of people, creatures, and magic that exist in this version of Australia, grows and develops as she adds new elements and characters. While reading the previous novel, I liked the unique world Newman created, and now, I think it is her strongest draw for this series. It could easily incise a reader to want to read more with a third novel.
Unfortunately, there were several aspects of the novel that didn’t work so well for me. The most prevalent aspect was how unrealistic the slave characters were. I understand the personalities that Newman was trying to give both them (Tejal and Holly); however, ninety percent of their actions didn’t make any sense to me. There are countless times that one or both of them say something to their owners, or in front of their owners, that wouldn’t really happen. Both of them ask very forward questions of their owners after thinking about how they are too scared to ask questions. Or, they discuss how terrible their owners have to be right in front of said owner. I find that to be completely unrealistic even though their Piker masters are nice guys. There is just no way that scared slave girls would do that. It became very frustrating for me to continue to read these interactions.
Once I was getting close to the end of the novel, I started to think that the interactions between Holly, Tejal and their owners really highlighted how Newman’s storytelling is still needing to develop and improve. It felt, to me, like she was using these dialogues between owner and slave, or slave and slave, in order to tell the reader something, and didn’t know how else to present it. This includes things like a development of the character, world building, or an explanation of an event. I noticed this happened some in Children of the Outback, but this novel really felt like it could use a bit more sophistication to the storytelling and the interactions between characters.
Lastly, I would like to touch on Tyra, who is one of our main characters for this novel. I really admire what Newman was going for with this character, but Tyra didn’t make much sense to me. Her entire motivation throughout this entire novel revolves around her hate for all things Republic. In the start, I understood this motivation considering it came from the death of her father, which is established right away. However, I felt like Newman made Tyra’s hate too strong for her morals. By that, I mean that Tyra’s hate is all consuming to the point that she barely tolerates interacting with people who are in contact with slaves or people who might be from the Republic. However, she doesn’t feel like slavery is a good thing. She doesn’t want to hurt or kill anyone from the Republic, and she doesn’t want to be near any slaves. For how strong Tyra’s hate is, I would think that she would want revenge on anyone or anything Republic, including owning slaves or enjoying treating them poorly. I understand that Newman is trying to show that despite her hate, Tyra is a good person, but I felt like the motivations and the actions didn’t really work well in this story. There were several times were I was questioning her actions and motivations.
Overall, I was a little disappointed by this book. I enjoyed the first one, but this sequel had too many inconsistencies for me to enjoy it as much as I was hoping. I would recommend giving it a shot to anyone who really enjoyed the first book. It is entirely possible that the things that bothered me might not bother you, but I wouldn’t recommend it otherwise. If you think this book might be of interest, I suggest starting with the first one and see if you like it enough to want to continue.
To check out more of my reviews, head to https://fantasyfictionfanatics.net
Piker’s Retribution is an interesting sequel for Amanda Newman’s first novel Children of the Outback. Instead of continuing forward with the characters that we came to know in the first book, she has taken us to another group. We get to see more about the Piker group who helped the Dingos during the conflict with the Republic at the end of the first book. In fact, other than the details concerning the setting and magic system, any reader who picked up this book would be able to follow the plot line with only minimal difficulties. I actually really like that about this book. It is a refreshing change to have a series that expands outwards instead of moving forward down a liner path. Newman did a good job eventually connecting it back to the events of the first novel in an unexpected way.
I also really like how she continues to expand the world building from what we experienced before. Our understanding of the types of people, creatures, and magic that exist in this version of Australia, grows and develops as she adds new elements and characters. While reading the previous novel, I liked the unique world Newman created, and now, I think it is her strongest draw for this series. It could easily incise a reader to want to read more with a third novel.
Unfortunately, there were several aspects of the novel that didn’t work so well for me. The most prevalent aspect was how unrealistic the slave characters were. I understand the personalities that Newman was trying to give both them (Tejal and Holly); however, ninety percent of their actions didn’t make any sense to me. There are countless times that one or both of them say something to their owners, or in front of their owners, that wouldn’t really happen. Both of them ask very forward questions of their owners after thinking about how they are too scared to ask questions. Or, they discuss how terrible their owners have to be right in front of said owner. I find that to be completely unrealistic even though their Piker masters are nice guys. There is just no way that scared slave girls would do that. It became very frustrating for me to continue to read these interactions.
Once I was getting close to the end of the novel, I started to think that the interactions between Holly, Tejal and their owners really highlighted how Newman’s storytelling is still needing to develop and improve. It felt, to me, like she was using these dialogues between owner and slave, or slave and slave, in order to tell the reader something, and didn’t know how else to present it. This includes things like a development of the character, world building, or an explanation of an event. I noticed this happened some in Children of the Outback, but this novel really felt like it could use a bit more sophistication to the storytelling and the interactions between characters.
Lastly, I would like to touch on Tyra, who is one of our main characters for this novel. I really admire what Newman was going for with this character, but Tyra didn’t make much sense to me. Her entire motivation throughout this entire novel revolves around her hate for all things Republic. In the start, I understood this motivation considering it came from the death of her father, which is established right away. However, I felt like Newman made Tyra’s hate too strong for her morals. By that, I mean that Tyra’s hate is all consuming to the point that she barely tolerates interacting with people who are in contact with slaves or people who might be from the Republic. However, she doesn’t feel like slavery is a good thing. She doesn’t want to hurt or kill anyone from the Republic, and she doesn’t want to be near any slaves. For how strong Tyra’s hate is, I would think that she would want revenge on anyone or anything Republic, including owning slaves or enjoying treating them poorly. I understand that Newman is trying to show that despite her hate, Tyra is a good person, but I felt like the motivations and the actions didn’t really work well in this story. There were several times were I was questioning her actions and motivations.
Overall, I was a little disappointed by this book. I enjoyed the first one, but this sequel had too many inconsistencies for me to enjoy it as much as I was hoping. I would recommend giving it a shot to anyone who really enjoyed the first book. It is entirely possible that the things that bothered me might not bother you, but I wouldn’t recommend it otherwise. If you think this book might be of interest, I suggest starting with the first one and see if you like it enough to want to continue.
To check out more of my reviews, head to https://fantasyfictionfanatics.net
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews