What do you think?
Rate this book
Saga of the Known Lands #4
A Warrior's Penance
The path to peace is paved in blood.
Or so Cutter tells himself during the long nights as he travels deeper into the Black Wood, wrestling with his inner demons and battling those creatures which emerge from the shadows seeking his life.
Meanwhile, in New Daltenia a violent organization thought long-extinct reappears and assassins roam the castle.
Matt, Chall, and Priest search for the truth about the Crimson Wolves, a search that will lead them to unimaginable peril.
Meanwhile, hoping to stop the attempts on their lives, Maeve is forced to return to the Assassin’s Guild, where any wrong move might mean her death and the death of those she’s come to love.
In the Black Wood, the Fey stir.
In the Known Lands, the shadows lengthen, stretching across the world.
And one man, known as the Crimson Prince, carries his axe, and the world’s hope, as he walks the bloody path before him.
He can do nothing else…
For such is a warrior’s penance.
A Warrior's Penance is the fourth entry in the character-driven dark fantasy, Saga of the Known Lands. An action-packed epic about monsters and warriors, mages and assassins, and one man's quest to atone for a lifetime of blood and violence.
Read less
Or so Cutter tells himself during the long nights as he travels deeper into the Black Wood, wrestling with his inner demons and battling those creatures which emerge from the shadows seeking his life.
Meanwhile, in New Daltenia a violent organization thought long-extinct reappears and assassins roam the castle.
Matt, Chall, and Priest search for the truth about the Crimson Wolves, a search that will lead them to unimaginable peril.
Meanwhile, hoping to stop the attempts on their lives, Maeve is forced to return to the Assassin’s Guild, where any wrong move might mean her death and the death of those she’s come to love.
In the Black Wood, the Fey stir.
In the Known Lands, the shadows lengthen, stretching across the world.
And one man, known as the Crimson Prince, carries his axe, and the world’s hope, as he walks the bloody path before him.
He can do nothing else…
For such is a warrior’s penance.
A Warrior's Penance is the fourth entry in the character-driven dark fantasy, Saga of the Known Lands. An action-packed epic about monsters and warriors, mages and assassins, and one man's quest to atone for a lifetime of blood and violence.
Read less
- GenresFantasy
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2022
357 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 8, 2023
The terror of the Black Wood seeps into the pours of men. Its horrors chilling even the most bold. The great betrayer & destroyer is no ordinary visitor. The Fey have begun their most anticipated hunt.
This epic popcorn series has been everything I needed!🍿
This epic popcorn series has been everything I needed!🍿
May 17, 2024
Ok this book picked up the pace from the previous; whereas the 3rd book felt like a drag with the cast figuring out that Matt wasn't himself. It wasn't "BAD" just annoying at times. We call that dramatic irony where the reader/viewer knows more than the cast if I'm not mistaken.
Matt is finally ok, and now we're deep into unraveling of the threat to the kingdom of the known lands. Our new young king is on a mission to find out the source of the corruption, and although not as vicious as when under the control of Emma; Matt now knows that sometimes a heavy hand is needed to get results. He's now a long way from when we first met him in the 1st book, and it's great to see him stop whining like he was back then. Granted he's still a teenager, and not 100% confident in himself, or his actions; he's become more decisive in taking action than he was before.
Chal, and Priest get some more time together as they investigate a [what would appear to be] returning vigilante-like group of "assassins/thieves" known as the Crimson Wolves. The Crimson Wolves having become a long distant memory within the kingdom as they haven't been around for almost 20 years, and are now implicated in some attempted assassinations in the castle. It's a great line of storytelling that fleshes out not just the world of the Known Lands itself, but of another threat to the kingdom besides the ever present Fey. We thought the threats from within had been dealt with only to encounter another. Not to mention one of the least likely characters you might imagine having ties to the Crimson Wolves. It's also a great time to see Chal try to work alongside Priest whom after the events of the 3rd book seems to be coming apart at the seams. Yes the same Chal whom had been outwardly vocal at Priest's "lecturing," and general overly positive outlook on life now has to try, and manage a Priest who has lost his faith.
Maeve's storyline of seeking out the Assassin's guild for answers regarding the aforementioned assassination attempts is great as well since we get to see a new dynamic within the Guild itself. Her investigation will not come without it's own cost. Her motivation stemming from the fact that her newfound love for Chal, and the possibility of losing that if he were to die is heartwarming. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't think at the outset of the series that I would appreciate a romance subplot, but with Chal & Maeve it just works. They've been through hellish times in the past, and in the recent events of the series itself that I'm rooting for them to have a good ending after it's all said & done.
We get more interaction between Cutter, and Feledias as they traverse the Blackwood. I mentioned in my review of the 3rd book that I really like the way we were getting more development of their relationship, and their journey in this book is all the better. It feels like their part in the story is put in a bit of the background as the other two storylines take a more central narrative. That's not to say nothing happens with the brothers, as we get more insight into Feledias' own troubles, and sense of guilt over past actions in this book, as well as Cutter finding common ground with his once estranged younger brother. However the meat 'n potatoes of this book would seem to be the Crimson Wolves, and Maeve's dealings with the Assassin's Guild which is good, but I'm hoping the brothers' journey gets more attention in the last book. Given where their story leaves off at this books ending I would "bet the farm" they're going to be a huge focus.
I'm almost apprehensive to go to the next book, because I want to continue these characters' stories, but with the world of the Known Lands being such a grim place I can only imagine we won't get a happy ending for everyone involved. We'll just have to read on, and find out.
Matt is finally ok, and now we're deep into unraveling of the threat to the kingdom of the known lands. Our new young king is on a mission to find out the source of the corruption, and although not as vicious as when under the control of Emma; Matt now knows that sometimes a heavy hand is needed to get results. He's now a long way from when we first met him in the 1st book, and it's great to see him stop whining like he was back then. Granted he's still a teenager, and not 100% confident in himself, or his actions; he's become more decisive in taking action than he was before.
Chal, and Priest get some more time together as they investigate a [what would appear to be] returning vigilante-like group of "assassins/thieves" known as the Crimson Wolves. The Crimson Wolves having become a long distant memory within the kingdom as they haven't been around for almost 20 years, and are now implicated in some attempted assassinations in the castle. It's a great line of storytelling that fleshes out not just the world of the Known Lands itself, but of another threat to the kingdom besides the ever present Fey. We thought the threats from within had been dealt with only to encounter another. Not to mention one of the least likely characters you might imagine having ties to the Crimson Wolves. It's also a great time to see Chal try to work alongside Priest whom after the events of the 3rd book seems to be coming apart at the seams. Yes the same Chal whom had been outwardly vocal at Priest's "lecturing," and general overly positive outlook on life now has to try, and manage a Priest who has lost his faith.
Maeve's storyline of seeking out the Assassin's guild for answers regarding the aforementioned assassination attempts is great as well since we get to see a new dynamic within the Guild itself. Her investigation will not come without it's own cost. Her motivation stemming from the fact that her newfound love for Chal, and the possibility of losing that if he were to die is heartwarming. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't think at the outset of the series that I would appreciate a romance subplot, but with Chal & Maeve it just works. They've been through hellish times in the past, and in the recent events of the series itself that I'm rooting for them to have a good ending after it's all said & done.
We get more interaction between Cutter, and Feledias as they traverse the Blackwood. I mentioned in my review of the 3rd book that I really like the way we were getting more development of their relationship, and their journey in this book is all the better. It feels like their part in the story is put in a bit of the background as the other two storylines take a more central narrative. That's not to say nothing happens with the brothers, as we get more insight into Feledias' own troubles, and sense of guilt over past actions in this book, as well as Cutter finding common ground with his once estranged younger brother. However the meat 'n potatoes of this book would seem to be the Crimson Wolves, and Maeve's dealings with the Assassin's Guild which is good, but I'm hoping the brothers' journey gets more attention in the last book. Given where their story leaves off at this books ending I would "bet the farm" they're going to be a huge focus.
I'm almost apprehensive to go to the next book, because I want to continue these characters' stories, but with the world of the Known Lands being such a grim place I can only imagine we won't get a happy ending for everyone involved. We'll just have to read on, and find out.
October 7, 2022
Cutter and Feledias are in the Black Wood on a mission. Maeve, Chall and Priest are trying to help Matt while dodging assassins at the same time. This story follows the exploits of both groups, which of course includes intrigue, mayhem, murder ! Another masterpiece from Jacob with an awesome cast, non stop action and an extremely well written story line.
September 14, 2023
Nooo, this is NOT the end of the series! Or well, I'm really happy this is the case, but uh, I should have known and not start reading.
I hate it when this happens: I check, make sure that the whole series is out before I start reading, and then I get to the final book and see that it's not the last one. Ugh!
Alas, this is on me, no one else's fault.
The story continues and I'm so happy to say: this series still manages to surprise me. I love the new plotline and I really can't wait to see what happens.
The fact that it's never just black and white, there are always nuances of gray, the fact that you see the characters evolving and growing, this is what gives this series a 'real' feel. It's so much like real life, there's never a clear path to the right choice. Bad people can be good, good people can be bad.
How I love this!
I hate it when this happens: I check, make sure that the whole series is out before I start reading, and then I get to the final book and see that it's not the last one. Ugh!
Alas, this is on me, no one else's fault.
The story continues and I'm so happy to say: this series still manages to surprise me. I love the new plotline and I really can't wait to see what happens.
The fact that it's never just black and white, there are always nuances of gray, the fact that you see the characters evolving and growing, this is what gives this series a 'real' feel. It's so much like real life, there's never a clear path to the right choice. Bad people can be good, good people can be bad.
How I love this!
January 6, 2024
The path of this band of unlikely heros...
I have to admit that a quarter of the way through I was thinking, "sorry Jacob this one would be lucky to get three stars"...but then the story caught me by surprise with some twists I certainly was not expecting! It then kept me riveted on through to the end. To those reading my review, I truly hope you enjoy this journey as much as I have.
I have to admit that a quarter of the way through I was thinking, "sorry Jacob this one would be lucky to get three stars"...but then the story caught me by surprise with some twists I certainly was not expecting! It then kept me riveted on through to the end. To those reading my review, I truly hope you enjoy this journey as much as I have.
April 12, 2025
Can't wait
I cannot believe the book ended like that! Like running full tilt straight off a cliff's edge only to be suspended, floating in place 5 feet out midair.
This was, once again, a superb book. I really enjoy Jacob Pepper's storytelling. The characters are well thought out and make just as many stupid mistakes as real people do. I very much recommend this series to anyone who likes an antihero tale.
I cannot believe the book ended like that! Like running full tilt straight off a cliff's edge only to be suspended, floating in place 5 feet out midair.
This was, once again, a superb book. I really enjoy Jacob Pepper's storytelling. The characters are well thought out and make just as many stupid mistakes as real people do. I very much recommend this series to anyone who likes an antihero tale.
May 12, 2023
Really enjoyed the series.
My thanks to the author for a wonderful story. I’ve enjoyed the series from the beginning and I can’t wait for the next book to come out. There’s something so human about all the characters and he tells a really good story. It has been a joy to read, and I recommend it to any and all.
My thanks to the author for a wonderful story. I’ve enjoyed the series from the beginning and I can’t wait for the next book to come out. There’s something so human about all the characters and he tells a really good story. It has been a joy to read, and I recommend it to any and all.
December 24, 2025
Cutter and Feledias are fighting their way through the Dark Wood searching for the Green Man to try for peace. Maeve, Priest, and Chall have rescued Matt from fey possession and are now ferreting out all the traitors while trying to stay alive.
Fave scenes: speaking to the Gray Man, Chall’s fish, the cave, and Chall’s illusion.
Fave scenes: speaking to the Gray Man, Chall’s fish, the cave, and Chall’s illusion.
October 10, 2022
Intriguing and action packed with good character growth.
A great saga with well developed characters.
Always enjoy Jacob Peppers fiction.
Good storyline book to book. Continuity makes this a good tale and not just a read for action alone.
A great saga with well developed characters.
Always enjoy Jacob Peppers fiction.
Good storyline book to book. Continuity makes this a good tale and not just a read for action alone.
October 16, 2022
Better than the previous
There was a sense of improvement as the story unfolded. Although, there were many story lines they may lead back to Rome. I'm read the next one and will hope to finally have some revaluations that are much needed.
There was a sense of improvement as the story unfolded. Although, there were many story lines they may lead back to Rome. I'm read the next one and will hope to finally have some revaluations that are much needed.
December 14, 2022
A journey to the heart of the dark woods.
Who do you trust when anyone can be a traitor?
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
Who do you trust when anyone can be a traitor?
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
January 16, 2023
Hated the ending.
The series wasn't bad, but the ending sucked. No closure. Wth happened to everyone? The ending left it hanging. I also don't like that they want 20 words to submit you review.
The series wasn't bad, but the ending sucked. No closure. Wth happened to everyone? The ending left it hanging. I also don't like that they want 20 words to submit you review.
April 15, 2023
Rats!
I have enjoyed all the books but I thought this was the end of the journey. I have felt tired and dad for our heroes but kept thinking something would turn things around. I can't believe I'm hanging in the wind, again.
I have enjoyed all the books but I thought this was the end of the journey. I have felt tired and dad for our heroes but kept thinking something would turn things around. I can't believe I'm hanging in the wind, again.
November 18, 2023
Bernard and crew
Another intriguing episode of the warrior saga.
As the plot thickens I see various ways it could evolve but if I was to speculate that would decry this fine author
I look forward to the next issue
Thanks
Another intriguing episode of the warrior saga.
As the plot thickens I see various ways it could evolve but if I was to speculate that would decry this fine author
I look forward to the next issue
Thanks
February 12, 2025
I read the final 150 pages in a day, I was so excited to read what happened.
It was fast moving, full of action and loads happening.
I really loved this book and couldn't put it down.
A joy to read and can't wait to start book 5.
It was fast moving, full of action and loads happening.
I really loved this book and couldn't put it down.
A joy to read and can't wait to start book 5.
January 23, 2026
Excellent fantasy novel
This series is well written, with interesting and engaging characters. Older heroes who have to find some of their old selves and do the best they can against insurmountable odds. Great action, surprises and humour. Highly recommended.
This series is well written, with interesting and engaging characters. Older heroes who have to find some of their old selves and do the best they can against insurmountable odds. Great action, surprises and humour. Highly recommended.
September 25, 2022
Great story
I have read all 4 books now & am dying for the 5th one to come out. It is well written and each chapter leaves you intrigued so that you must keep reading into the next.
I have read all 4 books now & am dying for the 5th one to come out. It is well written and each chapter leaves you intrigued so that you must keep reading into the next.
October 9, 2022
Murder, mayhem and definitely intrigue. Well written with characters that will take on their journey From the first page to the last page, you won’t want to stop reading. Don’t miss out.
November 9, 2022
Nice book
Best one of the series so far, I enjoyed the character development of all the main people and it showed nice development of minor heroes as well.
Best one of the series so far, I enjoyed the character development of all the main people and it showed nice development of minor heroes as well.
Read
June 13, 2023Solid read, moving characters.
I was pleasantly surprised by these books. The protagonist was mysterious and compelling. The supporting cast ware really where this book shines.
I was pleasantly surprised by these books. The protagonist was mysterious and compelling. The supporting cast ware really where this book shines.
Read
October 8, 2023Slower than previous
I'm not sure if this one has run its course or not. I did find myself skipping through a lot of it.
I'm not sure if this one has run its course or not. I did find myself skipping through a lot of it.
August 19, 2024
Another part story in the guise of a book.
I suppose they are free, so it doesn't really matter much to me. I would have been desperately disappointed if I had paid for this.
I suppose they are free, so it doesn't really matter much to me. I would have been desperately disappointed if I had paid for this.
March 3, 2025
This got better than book 3.
Cutter and Feledias are in the Black Wood on a mission.
Maeve, Chall and Priest are trying to help Matt
Cutter and Feledias are in the Black Wood on a mission.
Maeve, Chall and Priest are trying to help Matt
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews