When the storm comes, when he’s assailed by his doubts and fears, his body and mind wracked by pain, when whatever strength he has—legendary or not—has left him, a man must focus not on putting one foot in front of the other but finding a reason to.
Cutter knows this, for he has been here before, in this place of doubt and darkness, just as he knows his reason. A promise, one he made long ago to protect Matt, his son. But not just a promise, for promises might be broken, forgotten.
An oath, though, that is a different thing. An oath becomes part of a man, his sword and his shield.
His reason. So, wounded, hunted by the Black Wood’s creatures, Cutter does the only thing he can do…he keeps going.
But while Cutter and his brother face the dangers of the Black Wood, their companions in New Daltenia fare little better.
Maeve contends with plotting tribunes in the Assassin’s Guild while Chall, Ned, and Priest risk their lives seeking to unravel the mystery of the Crimson Wolves’ reappearance.
Matt, meanwhile, struggles with a force he comes to think of as the Green, a force that is building in him, one that he must master before it masters him.
Darkness descends on the people of the Known Lands, and the light of hope flickers weakly, threatening to go out.
Should they live to see the morning, it will not be because of their strength or courage but because of an oath made.
Deep in the Black Wood the Fey close in on their prey. Within the Assassins Guild a deadly conspiracy begins. Elsewhere a famed illusionist lies dying as a puppet king slides into madness.
Another great instalment full of action and heart. You really feel the love Peppers has for these characters and this story. The series always remains fun and contains light hearted humour despite the dark epic stakes.
I'm knocking this book down only because of a prevailing... "feeling" this book, and the series [upon reflection] conjures in me. That feeling being due to events that transpire, and not some arbitrary reason. That feeling is anxiety. Anxiety based in irritation, annoyance, aggravation, etc. What I mean is that events are happening, and as the reader [we/I] can piece together clues that let us know what is, or going to happen. However, we have to read through the characters in the book coming to these realizations SO slowly. Slow enough that it gives me anxiety to just get it over with already, but I know that would be foolish, and probably make the book feel messy & disjointed. Not everyone can put all the pieces together as fast as others.
With that out of the way let's talk about the book itself. It's great. The series continues its trend of leaving me ravenous for the next installment. I was lucky enough to join this series with 5 books out already, but if I had known it was incomplete I would have waited, and started one of Peppers' other series. I would have waited, so I could binge read the entire series. That means a lot considering how much I read. Be that as it may I still love this series, and am glad I am along for the ride.
Our brothers continue their trek through the Blackwood, and encounter some interesting Fey magic. Considering this series is very low-magic [IMO] it's good to see some more fantastical elements come into play. Maeve continues to deal with the challenges of leading the Assassins Guild; with some... disastrous results by books end. Chall, and Ned are dragged deeper into the threat created by the Crimson Wolves despite their dire straits at the end of the last book. Lastly Valden's journey of re-self-discovery post abandoning his faith finds some unexpected support as he tries to unearth clues to the "big bads" of the Wolves.
All told I'm upset that I have to wait for book 7 [author promises the wait won't be as long as between book 5 & 6], but with the way this book ends I'm curious what new element Peppers will introduce. If you thought things had been bad in the Known Lands before, this books ratchets up the stakes.
Author Jacob Peppers in this sixth book on the Saga of the Known Lands had my pulse racing already in the preface to A Warrior's Oath. The group of warriors are in trouble. Deadly trouble. Chall and Ned got knocked out, tied up and are facing certain death. Cutter and his brother Feledias are facing hundreds up to thousands of very weird creatures in the Blackwood hunting them. Death seems inevitable. Maeve is facing down the Assassin's Guild and even she seems to be in the spotlight, enemies aiming at accomplishing her death. Priest is also facing problems of another kind what with the Crimson Wolves suddenly making a re-appearance. Even King Mat is being looked at askance as an emerald necklace seems to affect him in some rather weird ways. The Known Lands has indeed turned into a gigantic death trap for these group of friends. Talk of experiencing heart palpitations! And for the rest of the book A Warrior's Oath indeed keeps up the pressure, even with some rather weird and dangerous surprises popping up. Enjoy.
A gripping instalment in the Known Lands Saga, and very hard to put down
This is the sixth book in the Saga of the Known lands, and once again Jacob Peppers brings in some entirely new ideas and characters into the long-running story making sure that it is not just more of the same.
I managed to read the book cover to cover in just three days, despite a hectic work schedule, and genuinely didn't want to put it down.
King Matthias is worried that he is going mad because he has started hearing other people's thoughts, Chall has been injured, and a small and ineffectual old man has become a mass murdering maniac impervious to weapons. Add in some very scary wolf like creatures that will not stop unless you kill the entire pack, and creatures that can guide people through the past and present, and that is just a small part of what is new here.
The book is a gripping read, and I believe honestly deserves the five star rating I have given it.
As Cutter and Feledias press on through the ominous depths of the Black Wood, young King Matt finds himself fighting a very different battle—one within his own heart, and another against the heavy weight of the crown. Struggling to lead a kingdom in turmoil, Matt’s inner doubts threaten to consume him just as real dangers begin to close in.
Meanwhile, Valden—once known only as Priest—is on a determined search for answers, digging into the strange and unsettling events unraveling across the realm. With dark forces gathering and tensions rising, Cutter’s loyal companions do what they can to aid the kingdom, even as new creatures emerge from the shadows to test their strength and resolve.
The stakes are higher, the threats more dangerous, and the bonds between heroes tighter than ever. This latest installment draws you in deeper with every page—full of heart, mystery, and epic battles. A truly captivating continuation of a series that refuses to let go.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book; it presents a captivating narrative that ensnared my attention from the very first page. However, I noticed that certain sections tended to become repetitive, especially as I ventured into the fourth installment. As I progressed through the story, I found myself skimming over parts of the internal monologue, indicating that some passages could have benefited from judicious editing. Despite this, the overarching story remains engaging and full of intrigue. A more concise approach to the writing would greatly enhance the reading experience by stripping away the redundancy and allowing the more powerful elements of the narrative to shine through.
Catham has captured Chall and Ned and is torturing them for information; Cutter and Feledias are still in the Dark Wood, running the soldiers' gauntlet. Valden, aka Priest, makes a horrible discovery at Nadia’s, and Matt is still having his nightmare visions about a green man.
Fave scenes: Emile’s arrival home, the Door’s rescue, Maeve handling the tribunes & guards, and the carriage runover.
Fantastic book, the adventure continues and it delivers what I love most from books, Battle,laughter,suspense,despair, and my favorite beautiful sarcasm!! ...(Chall). I would like to say thank you to the author for he has delivered so many great books. I will be forever greatful for the amazing work he has done!
When I started this series, it immediately hooked me. It is never stopped. I can’t wait for the next book to come out. This is such a beautiful story and a wonderful world. The kind that gives you comfort, interest you all along the way as you can’t wait to see what the characters are going to do next. Thank you to the author.
Ok, so I think this might be the weakest in the series so far but still a good read this feels a bit like a pause before the proper action starts again in the next book
Solid epic fantasy series. I recommend if you need a quick read that is also a long series (oxymoronic).Helps with reading challenge though. Looking forward to the next installment .