Phillip Tyler - Retribution - REVIEW
Last summer, The Book Network took a look at Catharsis, the first volume of Phillip Tyler's Landscapes of Love trilogy. This novel combined racy passion with daredevil exploits as a female landscape photographer and estate owner found herself swept off her feet by a fearless conservationist with an extra taste for the mercenary lifestyle. So began an adventure which took them across the world as they battled greedy criminals and wicked poachers, whilst also exploring their own intimate and passionate desires.
Now Charlie, Daniel, their loyal associate, Anne Marie, and a cast of other characters are back for a second instalment, and the aptly titled Retribution delivers more excitement and companionship with an extra dose of hearty justice. Once again, the book’s author, Phillip Tyler draws from his real-life experiences as a conservationist, photographer and farmer and marries them to a highly adrenalised fictional setting to create a reading experience that’s as down-to-earth as it is brimming with adventure.
Following a pleasant get-together with family and friends at the Yorkshire Dales, Daniel informs his trusted colleagues of two dangerous missions situated in separate locations across the world. The first is the destruction of a computer hacking facility hidden in the cold reaches of Russia, and the second and rather more personal task is to locate the kidnapped wife of a wealthy Saudi Arabian prince and close friend of Charlie and Daniel. This means that our heroes must draw from all of their knowledge and cunning in order to bring their own brand of retribution to those seeking to make the world a darker place.
From the picturesque landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales to the wealthy, sun-baked high-rise utopia of Saudi Arabia and the snow-covered outskirts of Russia, Phillip Tyler takes readers on an epic journey which splices romance and drama with explosive action and excitement. Audiences can expect all of the best parts from his first volume Catharsis, but now taken to a greater level of intensity, as the stakes are higher, the missions more perilous, and the relationship between Charlie, Daniel and Anne-Maire ever more complex and sexually charged.
Steamy encounters make up an ample section of Retribution as the main characters continue to enact their boundless desires in a wealth of scenarios, as the bond between Daniel and Charlie is fully cemented (a developing story from the first novel, Catharsis). This means that the story is never far from an intimate and decidedly classy sexual moment that brings an affirming level of spice to the events of the book, such is the charismatic nature of the characters occupying this world.
As Phillip Tyler is a writer who clearly likes to put a great deal of variety in his writing, it’s no surprise to learn that not only does this novel have a rich tapestry of plotlines, but each of those segments is described in glorious detail. The locations such as Saudi Arabia, Russia and Africa are portrayed with enough nuance to give the reader a distinct feel for every country and its people, alongside the contrasting differences between each one. On being aware of the background of the author, it’s no surprise also that no location is brought to life with more care and intimacy than the Yorkshire Dales, as this is where a great portion of the story is set and where some of the most romantic and boundlessly enjoyable activities of the book occur. Tyler’s adoration for this setting is clear for readers to unearth, and its description is so vivid that one may long to visit the very place in person, as do many of the characters in this novel.
Also heightened in the aftermath of the first volume of the Landscapes of Love saga are the heart-pumping action segments which are plentiful throughout the course of this particular book. When faced with danger, our characters are quick to unleash the explosive aspects of their personalities and become fighters of the highest calibre, often displaying quick wit and expert marksmanship. Audiences are spared no shortage of ferocity from our otherwise gentle protagonists, all in the name of doing what’s right to protect those in their care. This extra dimension means their conviction and resolve come under no question even in the most lighthearted of moments…
…Speaking of which, there are plenty of these too. When Retribution isn’t living up to its title, it’s a heartwarming tale of love and dedication between friends, colleagues, lovers and family. As the extensive cast of protagonists engage in plenty of lively get-togethers containing food, booze, and hilarity, it’s actually refreshing to immerse oneself in the presence of such an enthusiastic group of fictional people, who endlessly provide support, encouragement, tolerance and compliments to one another. It’s an extremely refreshing attitude towards characterisation which Phillip Tyler takes to an exhilarating level, and one capable of inspiring readers consistently throughout the novel.
To explain much more would give away too much of the story. Suffice it to say this is a reassuringly reliable source of inspiration, positivity and adventure for those looking to liven up a dreary winter. Landscapes of Love is a world where people can act out the best versions of themselves. There is never a dull moment to be found, and Phillip Tyler’s talent for creating a world of boundless happiness shines through ever stronger with each passing volume of this great saga. Roll on, the third volume!
Visit the Landscapes of Love website to order your copy of Retribution and learn more about the Landscapes of Love trilogy and its author.
