Revenge & Retribution is Anna Belfrage’s sixth book in a historical fiction series that features Alexandra Lind as a traveler through time. Alex is married to a seventeenth century husband, Matthew Graham. While living in Maryland in 1684, accusations are thrown around that Alex is a witch. Even more disturbing, the accusations come from Matthew’s brother-in-law. But Alex and Matthew’s love is strong. It is strong enough to see them through all of the dangers and evils about to descend upon them. This story shows some of the darkest things imaginable to humankind, and includes sexual assault, murder, kidnapping, betrayal, and a host of senseless violence. Every time Alex thinks she is strong enough to overcome the terror in her life, something worse happens. As the violence escalates, Alex relies more and more on her husband. But even with their powerful love, they will suffer immeasurable loss.

Revenge & Retribution is a historical story that doesn’t sugarcoat the hardships of life in the 1600s. It is dark and violent and will test you as a reader, but if you can stomach it, there is a lesson to be learned here. It is a story about love and growth and silver linings, and Anna Belfrage is masterful at sharing this lesson through the darkness that her characters descend into. The characters are all strong and very well-written. The story line is tight and weaves seamlessly through a historical era as if it were part of history itself. There is much to be learned from Anna Belfrage’s courageous writing.

Anna Belfrage’s sixth book in The Graham Saga is Revenge & Retribution. It is a historical fiction series. Twenty-six years have passed since Alex Lind traveled 300 years through time to land in Scotland. She’s had to make many changes in her life to accommodate to her new living arrangements. Religion is one area where she has changed her views. In her life in the 21st century, she wasn't sure if she believed in God. But now, in the 17th century, she is more likely to pray daily or shake an angry fist at the heavens. Her husband, Matthew, was devoutly religious, but he has become more apt to ask questions about his faith since living with Alex. And in this saga of their lives, their faith is tested by all of the violence, darkness, and bloodshed that surrounds them. They can only rely on each other to get through these dark times, and even then they might not make it without a few scars apiece.

Revenge & Retribution is aptly titled because Anna Belfrage’s tale is dark. It tackles the tough subjects of the bloodshed that surrounds both revenge and retribution. Where does it stop? When is enough, enough? Those are questions posed because in this story the violence just keeps escalating and escalating. And yet Anna Belfrage is able to write an interesting story through all of the darkness. Her characters are deep and have complex thoughts and questions about life, love, and religion. Anna Belfrage writes those scenes with a very sensitive touch and that made for a very interesting and provocative read.