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The Seven Virtues #5
A Sellsword's Will: Book Five of the Seven Virtues
To battle the creatures of darkness, one must first leave the light behind.
Aaron and his companions return from Baresh with the truth of what the alliance faces, yet such knowledge is little comfort. Throughout the city, men and women whisper of demons, of monsters. But though they might disagree on the nature of Kevlane's twisted creations, there is one thing they have in common. Fear.
For the creatures they face are not men--not any longer. They are death given form and function. They are, it seems in the darkest hours--and there are many such now--Telrear's doom.
Crippled by indecision, the alliance leaders argue; they argue, they bicker, and they hesitate. A hesitation which, Aaron could tell them--if only they would listen--will kill them swifter than any blade or bow.
For shadows move in the night. Shadows which feel no pain or mercy, that have long since forgotten the meaning of compassion. But there are other threats in the darkness, other mysteries, and in poorly-lit taverns, men and women huddle together and whisper. If one listens closely enough, he will hear a name, one spoken in hushed, fearful tones. He will hear Akalians.
Little is known about the followers of the Shadow God, only that where the Akalians walk, death follows.
Meanwhile, confident of victory, Kevlane bends his dark desire to creating even more terrible horrors. Yet there is one thing he has not accounted for, one which the coming days and weeks will teach him--the strength of a sellsword's will.
Aaron and his companions return from Baresh with the truth of what the alliance faces, yet such knowledge is little comfort. Throughout the city, men and women whisper of demons, of monsters. But though they might disagree on the nature of Kevlane's twisted creations, there is one thing they have in common. Fear.
For the creatures they face are not men--not any longer. They are death given form and function. They are, it seems in the darkest hours--and there are many such now--Telrear's doom.
Crippled by indecision, the alliance leaders argue; they argue, they bicker, and they hesitate. A hesitation which, Aaron could tell them--if only they would listen--will kill them swifter than any blade or bow.
For shadows move in the night. Shadows which feel no pain or mercy, that have long since forgotten the meaning of compassion. But there are other threats in the darkness, other mysteries, and in poorly-lit taverns, men and women huddle together and whisper. If one listens closely enough, he will hear a name, one spoken in hushed, fearful tones. He will hear Akalians.
Little is known about the followers of the Shadow God, only that where the Akalians walk, death follows.
Meanwhile, confident of victory, Kevlane bends his dark desire to creating even more terrible horrors. Yet there is one thing he has not accounted for, one which the coming days and weeks will teach him--the strength of a sellsword's will.
342 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2021
727 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 5, 2019
Mostly filler
I've been excited about the characters and series until now. I even thought the adina character would start to get fleshed out a little better. But it's difficult to stay invested in a story when the characters start to do hollow, nonsensical things that don't match their personalities. Also frustrating to make it through such a long book and have essentially nothing happen to advance the plot. Spoiler alert, they're still in perennia. Still three stars and still like the author. But this part of the story was simply frustrating.
I've been excited about the characters and series until now. I even thought the adina character would start to get fleshed out a little better. But it's difficult to stay invested in a story when the characters start to do hollow, nonsensical things that don't match their personalities. Also frustrating to make it through such a long book and have essentially nothing happen to advance the plot. Spoiler alert, they're still in perennia. Still three stars and still like the author. But this part of the story was simply frustrating.
June 2, 2023
This whole book was like a filler episode. There was little to no progress from the last book to this one. And I'm really annoyed with this never ending cycle that Aaron goes through every book. Either finally learn to control yourself and the beast within you, or just embrace that you're a mindless beast. But either threatening or actually hulking out at every tiny inconvenience or fight, then berserker transformation, then regret and self loathing is very tiresome. Let's move on to the next chapter in the next book please.
July 21, 2022
A Sellsword's Will does fall into some of the pitfalls that caused me to struggle with A Sellsword's Valour, namely the lack of progression throughout the vast majority of the novel. Other than the last chapter or so, we finish the book in almost exactly the same position as we started it. Oh, there's a lot of political manoeuvring, a handful of action scenes and some assassination attempts. Some new concepts and groups are introduced, but in a shadowy, rumours and whispers kind of way. And there's a giant cliffhanger. So there is action, but it doesn't really take us anywhere.
That said, I enjoyed this far more than the previous instalment and despite knowing it's at least partially a filler novel, I was sucked in by the characters and the dramas and political manoeuvring. It was interesting and I'm invested enough in these characters that I enjoyed spending time with them. I just wish there was more of an advancement in the actual overall narrative as currently we seem to be stuck at almost the exact same place that we left off in book three. The ending of this caught me out though and promises interesting things afoot for book six.
I'll admit, the cliffhanger did annoy me slightly. We'd finally actually started moving and there was a hope that the story might advance and then boom, end, done. Without reading the sixth book I can't say for certain, but I suspect it might have been better to knock the two books into one and edit it down.
Either way, despite some issues, I did enjoy this one and far more than the previous novel as well. As per usual the characters and the world-building are excellent and there are some wonderfully tense moments here to keep you on your toes. The ending caught me off guard and I found myself actively tensing in fear of just how badly things could go wrong. But I guess I won't find that out until the next novel!
That said, I enjoyed this far more than the previous instalment and despite knowing it's at least partially a filler novel, I was sucked in by the characters and the dramas and political manoeuvring. It was interesting and I'm invested enough in these characters that I enjoyed spending time with them. I just wish there was more of an advancement in the actual overall narrative as currently we seem to be stuck at almost the exact same place that we left off in book three. The ending of this caught me out though and promises interesting things afoot for book six.
I'll admit, the cliffhanger did annoy me slightly. We'd finally actually started moving and there was a hope that the story might advance and then boom, end, done. Without reading the sixth book I can't say for certain, but I suspect it might have been better to knock the two books into one and edit it down.
Either way, despite some issues, I did enjoy this one and far more than the previous novel as well. As per usual the characters and the world-building are excellent and there are some wonderfully tense moments here to keep you on your toes. The ending caught me off guard and I found myself actively tensing in fear of just how badly things could go wrong. But I guess I won't find that out until the next novel!
December 31, 2018
Seriously, Get This Book!
Book 5 in the epic fantasy series is as great as the others. You will enjoy it by its self but it's best read in order.
Kevlane has been at it again. His newest creatures used to be men, not any more. These monsters feel no emotion, no pain, and are near mindless. How do you kill something that doesn't even notice is arm's been cut off? But there's something else scaring everyone as well. Who are the Akalians? Silent death follows them. Are they helping our heroes' cause or are they another of Kevlane's evil? No one seems to know what to do about Kevlane, but Aaron Envelar is too stubborn to give up on his world.
Book 5 in the epic fantasy series is as great as the others. You will enjoy it by its self but it's best read in order.
Kevlane has been at it again. His newest creatures used to be men, not any more. These monsters feel no emotion, no pain, and are near mindless. How do you kill something that doesn't even notice is arm's been cut off? But there's something else scaring everyone as well. Who are the Akalians? Silent death follows them. Are they helping our heroes' cause or are they another of Kevlane's evil? No one seems to know what to do about Kevlane, but Aaron Envelar is too stubborn to give up on his world.
March 28, 2019
While Aaron fights his internal demons he knows he can not stand still and allow Kevlane to destroy his friends. Action must be taken before Kevlane is prepared to destroy them all.
It is very hard to convince the Queen and the others on her council that they must make the first surprise strike on Kevlane, catching him unaware. Once they learn that Kevlane is creating monsters of all the people he can, turning them into killing machines, they choose to prepare for the preemptive strike. However, there is still one holdout and he becomes a traitor and begins to work with Kevlane behind the scenes.
Once again I was on the edge of my seat for a good portion of this storyline.
It is very hard to convince the Queen and the others on her council that they must make the first surprise strike on Kevlane, catching him unaware. Once they learn that Kevlane is creating monsters of all the people he can, turning them into killing machines, they choose to prepare for the preemptive strike. However, there is still one holdout and he becomes a traitor and begins to work with Kevlane behind the scenes.
Once again I was on the edge of my seat for a good portion of this storyline.
October 5, 2024
Now that they know the truth about Kelvane’s plan: his horrific experiments on humans to build an invincible army, Aaron and his allies have to come up with a plan that gives them some chance of success in defeating him.
I skimmed through a lot of extraneous talking over and over about how bad things were, but we’ll somehow get through it. We get it. Move on to the story already.
Fave scenes: Caleb illuminating General Yalleck at the council meeting, Seline meeting Davin, Caleb running from the guard and Otis, the giant’s revenge.
I skimmed through a lot of extraneous talking over and over about how bad things were, but we’ll somehow get through it. We get it. Move on to the story already.
Fave scenes: Caleb illuminating General Yalleck at the council meeting, Seline meeting Davin, Caleb running from the guard and Otis, the giant’s revenge.
January 7, 2019
Wow!
Ending got me.. Wow! Outstanding, gripping, such a good story! I can't wait for rest of the books to definitely rereading them all.
Have to say it is good but it feels like there's no happy ending, even when good things happen it still feels sad, everyone has a heart breaking story and everywhere you look bad shit happens.. Characters are written so well, story just pulls you in. Worth reading!
Ending got me.. Wow! Outstanding, gripping, such a good story! I can't wait for rest of the books to definitely rereading them all.
Have to say it is good but it feels like there's no happy ending, even when good things happen it still feels sad, everyone has a heart breaking story and everywhere you look bad shit happens.. Characters are written so well, story just pulls you in. Worth reading!
September 2, 2022
The first couple of books in this series were great. Unfortunately, as I finish book 5 and move in to 6, I feel like the author decided from the outset that he was going to write 7 books, but only had enough plot for 4. The last couple have hardly moved the main narrative along at all; I’ll finish reading the series, as I’m invested enough that I want to know how it ends, but the last few installments have been a bit of a slog. Hoping for a strong finish.
January 6, 2019
Another awesome story with Aaron and Adina. This sellsword series is a truly amazing series of stories that you should be reading. Always there is a very engaging cast of characters with non stop action from beginning to end. But the twists and turns in each story that always leaves you wNting more. A truly epic fantasy story of death and magic.
February 24, 2019
Curve balls galor
This fills like yet another place holder in what has been a suspense filled series. JP is dragging out the series and it’s almost unbearable. I find that I had to skip pages of ‘drivel’ whose sole purpose seems to be to add numbers/increase volume. I wonder what happens next...!
This fills like yet another place holder in what has been a suspense filled series. JP is dragging out the series and it’s almost unbearable. I find that I had to skip pages of ‘drivel’ whose sole purpose seems to be to add numbers/increase volume. I wonder what happens next...!
December 23, 2024
Fantastic
This series of books is a fantastic journey into the thoughts of good and evil men and women and what drives them both. It's insightful into the thoughts of what these men and women project, to gain what they believe to be their desires. It also shows the selfishness of evil and the sacrifices of those that do good.
This series of books is a fantastic journey into the thoughts of good and evil men and women and what drives them both. It's insightful into the thoughts of what these men and women project, to gain what they believe to be their desires. It also shows the selfishness of evil and the sacrifices of those that do good.
December 30, 2018
More must have more
This book like the others before it has the hallmarks of every great book. The kind that leave you feeling like a drug addict reaching for that next page. Mr. Peppers you wrote a lovely series and I love and hate you for this feeling you have left in me.
This book like the others before it has the hallmarks of every great book. The kind that leave you feeling like a drug addict reaching for that next page. Mr. Peppers you wrote a lovely series and I love and hate you for this feeling you have left in me.
January 1, 2019
The story was great,just as good as the four that preceded it,with even more suspense and intrigue! This series has become easily one of my favorites with fine characters,action and a original plot to boot...Good,recommended reading!
January 2, 2019
Book 5 of the series is good as the other books if not better. Once I picked up the books it was hard to put it down before finishing it. Aron and friends continue their fight against Kevalane. There will be betrayal and pssibly new allies.
February 20, 2019
After discovering Kevlane's activities and creatures, Aaron and the gang need to determine how best to fight the enemy moving forward. Full of assassinations and betrayals, this installment was a fun read and left me wanting the 6th book immediately.
April 15, 2019
Great continuation
This series continues to intrigue. The story is interesting and I look forward to reading the next one. This was the slowest book so far but it sets the series up for great things. Onward!
This series continues to intrigue. The story is interesting and I look forward to reading the next one. This was the slowest book so far but it sets the series up for great things. Onward!
May 10, 2019
4.5
Infuriating end. Editor's decision? Author's decision? Might as well just make this and the next book one volume.
Leomin's womanizing seems to have grown or changed him from his early introduction as a sea captain. The bond?
On to the next ...
Infuriating end. Editor's decision? Author's decision? Might as well just make this and the next book one volume.
Leomin's womanizing seems to have grown or changed him from his early introduction as a sea captain. The bond?
On to the next ...
September 26, 2019
evils ambushes
the monsters have arrived in Isabelle's lovely kingdom, sent to slay anyone who would be in Kevlane's way. like Adina, Aaron, Beth, any of those who lead the battle against him. and yet, they have not all died. but, they are missing.
the monsters have arrived in Isabelle's lovely kingdom, sent to slay anyone who would be in Kevlane's way. like Adina, Aaron, Beth, any of those who lead the battle against him. and yet, they have not all died. but, they are missing.
October 21, 2020
These characters continue to grow on me, as well as my curiosity about the magic of the Virtues. The cliff-hangar ending is a bit annoying, but probably mostly because I like to change up what I am reading rather than plowing through a series. Still, a solid novel, and my favorite since the first.
September 9, 2021
Jacob Pepper does an excellent job of raising the level of intrigue in this work. The reader needs to be patient as the story line appears to wobble a bit. But the confluence of events come into sharp focus and the ending is breathtaking.
February 10, 2022
I didn't expect the ending, I loved it!
The Queen needs to grow a brain though.
And I can't wait for one of our villains to get what's coming for him! Usually the more you think you're winning, the harder you lose, so I'm patiently waiting for that moment.
The Queen needs to grow a brain though.
And I can't wait for one of our villains to get what's coming for him! Usually the more you think you're winning, the harder you lose, so I'm patiently waiting for that moment.
December 8, 2022
Betrayals and just deserts.
How long can you hold a grudge and how far will you go to get revenge.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
How long can you hold a grudge and how far will you go to get revenge.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
January 26, 2019
Awesome
Best of the series. Each book better than the previous. Waiting for The next book. Loved how the book ended.
Best of the series. Each book better than the previous. Waiting for The next book. Loved how the book ended.
May 25, 2019
Treachery!
So many twists and turns, was a thrilling and captivating read. Always on edge waiting to see what happens next. I give this 5 stars *****
So many twists and turns, was a thrilling and captivating read. Always on edge waiting to see what happens next. I give this 5 stars *****
Read
October 13, 2019An unexpected ending. Excellent.
For all that we are told there is always more to know. I enjoyed the telling and was intrigued what the next book might bring.
For all that we are told there is always more to know. I enjoyed the telling and was intrigued what the next book might bring.
January 17, 2020
What a shift
WOW! I did not see this shift coming; where do we go from here? Nice job, Jacob Peppers! Well, on to book 6...
WOW! I did not see this shift coming; where do we go from here? Nice job, Jacob Peppers! Well, on to book 6...
January 22, 2020
A series that keeps on giving. Getting better book by book towards what I anticipate to be a fantastic conclusion.
July 18, 2020
Powerful read
Great action. Fantastic story line. Hard to put down. Will be purchasing other books by Mr Pepper. Can hardly wait to read book six.
Great action. Fantastic story line. Hard to put down. Will be purchasing other books by Mr Pepper. Can hardly wait to read book six.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews