Title: Retribution Clause
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #5.6
In: Small Magics (Ilona Andrews) & Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal fantasy, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Now!
Saiman’s cousin, Adam—a frost giant and also an insurance adjuster—and his enigmatic partner, Siroun, set out on an impossible mission to enforce a client’s Retribution Clause; that is, to kill the person who killed her. But is their target even guilty? Magic and mayhem and a little personal chemistry will reveal the truth!
This was a little bit of a departure from the Kate Daniels books – it was set in the same world, but a different city and partnership. I thoroughly enjoyed this change from the usual plot line, although there is great potential to expand on these characters’ stories and lives later in the series.
Retribution Clause really highlighted the lawlessness and wild west setting of Andrews’ world. The creation of a retribution clause in the event of death, and corporations willing to carry this act out was a fascinating one and a stark reminder of the way in which the collapse of civilisation as we know it could affect the people who are left. I like the world that Andrews has created in the Kate Daniels series, it is a constant reminder of the laws’ place in our world, our reliance on technology and our inability to truly take care of ourselves anymore.
Being in a loveless and uncaring marriage seems like one of the most painful and horrific situations in which one could find herself (or himself). At least for someone like me who believes in true love. The ramifications of this are highlighted by the clients’ actions and her creation of the clause within her will. Magic and mayhem aside, it is the primary driver that moves this story forward. Love and lust are wonderful ways in which to create a multilayered and constantly surprising short story.
Earth and Skye 
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