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The Last Eternal #5

City of Steel and Shadow

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Death has a voice.

The wanderer knew that, for he had heard that voice often enough.

And as he walked through the village of Alhs, past the corpses of those who had chosen to stay, he heard it again.

He heard it in the rasp of the wind along the eaves of the abandoned homes he passed, heard it in the slow, methodical banging of window shutters with no one to secure them.

Death has eyes.

Eyes that looked out from the corpses of those the wanderer had not been able to talk into coming with him and the others, that watched him walk down the empty street, searching in vain for any he might help, any he might save.
And with each body passed, each tragedy witnessed, the wanderer made himself a promise.

There would be a reckoning.

He would see to it.

For while death has a voice and eyes, that is not all it has.

Death has a name.

And so the wanderer sets out to Celes in order to find the ones to whom that name belongs, to find the enemy and, when he does, to find his vengeance.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2023

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About the author

Jacob Peppers

110 books376 followers

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5 stars
416 (48%)
4 stars
315 (36%)
3 stars
103 (12%)
2 stars
18 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for James’ RocBottomReviews &#x1f426;‍⬛.
626 reviews70 followers
July 30, 2023
so great!

He has been hunted. His presence has meant the death of so many. Today he walks toward those who have caused so much misery. The terrors within the city of Celes await.

Another fantastic entry in this haunted, bleak end of days series. While dark, its characters banter has had me howling throughout.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
787 reviews56 followers
April 2, 2025
There were some new characters introduced here that were interesting. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover as noted by the bandit, Jessup. But although there were some good scenes and new people, the story didn’t really go anywhere. Even the fight at the end just left us hanging as to its purpose. The only thing was now Ungr must run like the wind to save a beloved friend.
744 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2023
It is almost strange to find Ungr, Dekker and Clint walking the streets of Alhs again. This time though it is lifeless. Literally. Every single person is dead.
As it turns out, the same is true for a small town near the big city of Celes.
And Celes? There things are turning dark as well. Even more so in Celes with famine a sudden reality.
And it is clear that Ungr's enemy is behind everything.
Or is it?
Especially with some very, very strange creatures (?) also making an appearance along the way and in Celes.
Author Jacob Peppers certainly knows how to take up cold chills running down your spine as you read The City of Steel and Shadow. This certainly is a book rather aptly titled too.
Enjoy
Profile Image for Lara R..
458 reviews13 followers
January 11, 2024
Another excellent book in this series.

I really liked this series so far, but this time, the author outdid himself. The last battle is simply amazing and then it ends in a cliffhanger🤯

The friendship between the Wanderer and his friends deepens even more, the characters keep growing and you find out more about them and especially Clint's past.
The creatures and the world gets darker by the page and I love the author for it.

Gritty and dark with a side of banter.
If you haven't read it yet, go ahead and get this book!
Profile Image for Theresa.
4,261 reviews15 followers
March 16, 2024
The impostor Ranger is dead. The ex-villagers of Alhs are safe in another of the Wizard’s remote sanctuaries. Now Ungr, Ekker’s family, Clint and the remaining Perishables return to the civilized lands to try and defeat the remaining impostor Eternals.

When they were looking for accommodations, I was wondering why some of them (i.e. the females) didn’t stay with the horse to keep an eye on him.

Fave scenes: saying goodbye to the cat, fighting the shadow, the stable and Dekker’s diversion at the tavern.
Profile Image for Alex Berger.
4 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2024
It's a fun world, good characters, and compelling story with some creative unique twists that were really enjoyable. What I find challenging is the author tends to be excessively repetitive in restating backstory or context to the point where a good 10%+? of the books in the series feel like they're dedicated to the repetition. Unnecessary, breaks the flow, and feels like it's being used as page filler.
Profile Image for Julia.
50 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2025
uhm... I wanted to love this book, but man. Some of the dialog is a little cringe. I get what the author is going for, but it just feels out of place sometimes and forced. There were also way more clichés that I could have done without. Also, this one was so short! It felt so unfinished, and that was with the author repeating things a bunch of times. I love the idea but just fell flat for me. But, with all that said, I'm probably still going to finish the series and just hope for the best.
Profile Image for Sandro Mancuso.
Author 2 books289 followers
December 28, 2025
Slower than the others

This book felt slower than the others. The thing about “small” fantasy books is that we expect them to move fast. I know that this is “book 5” of a long series, and eventually the story becomes slower, mainly when there is some world or character building. But that was not the case here. It was just slow.

I like Jacob Peppers, I have read most of his books, but I’m struggling to keep going with this series.
75 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2023
Eternals be damned!

We’re now mid fight, and experiencing the extant of staying and fighting . Teamwork is the key, and the last eternal has the help needed to finally reach the end of his struggle. I can’t wait to see how this comes about, and the next book won’t dissapoint!
129 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2026
Can't get enough of these books

Another action packed story as Ungr and company return from the Untamed Lands. Some new characters as well as some new villains and monsters to battle. Well written, with good humour, small acts of kindness and some moments of sorrow, all of which adds to the realism of the story as the heroes battle a truly savage wickedness.
13 reviews
August 3, 2023
Nothing

This story goes on and on without any action until the very end. There are endless descriptions of disaster and death pages of boring talk without advancement of the story. It’s a sad book and w as difficult to complete.
12.8k reviews192 followers
August 17, 2023
An amazing story that will have you intrigued. The Wanderer is out to get revenge for all the deaths. Action, fast paced, strong characters to take you on his journey. Will he succeed in his important mission. I definitely can’t wait for more by this talented author.
547 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2023
A good book in the series

This was a good book in the series. The main character and his companions return to the city that started their travels. The problems he sees there have occurred before, and he works to fix them.
Profile Image for lisa doherty.
9 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2023
I'm really enjoying this series

Despite the editing mistakes it's definitely a gripping story. A little hard to believe at times but that's fantasy for your. You just have to put aside your disbelief.
1 review1 follower
September 16, 2023
This whole series has keep me glued to the finish of each book and can't for the next book to find out what is going to happen next. Loved the series The Echoes Saga, & The Ranger Archives. They kept me wanting the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Emily Kakolewski.
178 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2023
A really enjoyable series

This is not a standalone book. You need to read all of the others prior to it to enjoy the full force of it. It is an excellent series, and I thank the author. I can’t wait until the next book.
Profile Image for Treasure Box Of Books.
194 reviews11 followers
December 23, 2023
Ugh! That ending! Yessss!

Was kind of a snore until the ending though. So much so, that after forcing myself to read for weeks, I finally put it down for a few months at 50%. Came back to it today and finished the second 50% in 1 day.

Great ending. Impatiently waiting on the next book!
Profile Image for Robert.
24 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2024
I gave this book a 3 not because the story is bad, the story is great like the others. However, it felt incomplete to me, like maybe book 5 and 6 could have been 1 book. Either way, love the books, love the characters, it’s been a fun ride.
Profile Image for Russ Jones.
20 reviews
April 25, 2024
Disapointed

Here I was enjoying a story, but it seems to me you are lost for ideas.
Of all the ways you could have left it, this was by far latest.
Let see if your gusto returns for the sequel
26 reviews
January 13, 2025
just a lot slower than the rest

Filling-space book. Could have just fast forwarded to Celes, killed the bad guy at the beginning, and set the stage for another climax lasted in book. But as always, thanks for writing and I’ll be starting the next/last book here shortly. Thx
5 reviews
May 19, 2025
Nice read

This was a good continuation of Youngest adventures. Would have enjoyed a little more action. The new characters were a nice addition. Curious to see how Pearl plays out.
Profile Image for Martin Pingree.
1,034 reviews17 followers
July 31, 2023
Ungr, The Wanderer, continues his quest to prevent darkness and death from taking over the world.
Profile Image for Gail Mclaughlin.
14 reviews
August 3, 2023
Awesome!

Fast paced, will keep you guessing. There is love, courage, honor, and evil. Well written, kept me on my toes.
Profile Image for KC.
120 reviews
August 16, 2023
It has ended too soon and a cliffhanger at that.. when’s the next book Mr. Peppers? Wanna know what happended to Veikr..
55 reviews
December 18, 2025
Change

The wanderer is slowly changing in his attitude and character. He is realizing the hope and caring are becoming more important to his soul!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews