Finding Forgiveness

by Megan Russ

Disgraced Holy Knight, Delvin has been exiled from the Kingdom of Nomadi. Failing in his duty to guard and protect, he must find a new way in this world of magic and heroes. He has more burdens than just the ghosts of his past. Can he allow himself to live again?

Sallie is a wanderer with a secret, and she needs a brave knight at her side if she is going to make it to her goal. Keeping both her magic and her truth hidden, even from her traveling companion. Can she escape her destiny?

Together, will they find what they seek or fall into despair?

This Dark Fantasy will give you a glimpse into a world full of magic and heroes. Romance and Adventure. Friendship and Loss. Betrayal and Action. Can this unlikely pair survive the perils of a dark world?

Will they Find Forgiveness?
.
.
.
Light Romance
No Spice
Some Blood
Action
Death
Struggle with grief

69 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2024

About the author

Megan has been writing since she was a child. Her dream of being a published author has never faded despite the struggles of life. After taking a few years away from the keyboard she is back. Megan now works as a LMT, with three kids and a houseful of pets. She could not do anything without her amazing support system, mainly her best friend and partner in crime.
Megan enjoys writing Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, with little limitation on the Sub-genres she will stretch into. Writing as a passion hobby is now what she does to fill the time between work, family, and hiking the Nevada desert. She finds inspiration in everyday life, art, and most of all her crazy vivid dreams.
Find more of Megan's work in Writers United Anthologies, and Butchered Writers Terror Monthly.
Her own collections can be found on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and Paperback.

Short Story Collections:
Shadows of the Great Basin
Night Creature's Lair
Lore

Novellas:
Waves of Green
Finding Forgiveness

Reviews

[D.L. Garvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Forgiveness

Haunted by the demons of their past two travelers in search of redemption meet by chance. And what started as a simple business transaction turns into a deep friendship bond that sets them both on a new path to finding forgiveness.

D.L.Garvin

[Chele Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like a bowl of that hearty tavern stew!

I enjoyed this quest for redemption, forgiveness, and Holy Knight Devlin finding himself after love, loss, disappointment, and the guilt of failed responsibility. Author Megan Russ' writing is clear, precise, and spins just the right smattering of details and description so that it doesn't lose the reader. Instead, I was pulled in with the winds of romance, the picturesque towns, curious creatures, the appetizing tavern stew, and the wrestling emotion that paints sympathy for the tragic hero.

My favorite character was halfling Sallie. She's a crude little woman and her shocking wisecracks made me laugh. Devlin doesn't know quite how to take her either, so he does--on a journey! He signs on as her guardian with surprising results. I recommend this short story to fantasy fans!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Finding Forgiveness" is an emotional rollercoaster, with characters so well-developed they feel like old friends. The intensity of emotion throughout the story is what stuck with me most—every triumph and heartbreak felt personal, thanks to the incredible depth Megan Russ gives her characters.

I loved the ending. While there’s a small cliffhanger that teases what’s next, the main threads are wrapped up neatly, providing a sense of closure while also leaving a hint of excitement for what’s to come.

The emotional tone ranges from playful and lighthearted moments to deeply dark and emotional scenes, creating a balance that keeps you engaged. The pacing is spot on, with a perfect build-up that leads to gripping, edge-of-your-seat scenes by the end.

The world-building is phenomenal—Russ doesn’t just describe a setting, she immerses you in it. From the vivid sights and sounds to the smells and tastes, it all feels real. The quirky cast of secondary characters adds even more charm to an already compelling story.

I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and romance, especially those who enjoy themes of redemption, strong female leads, and worlds brimming with magic and intrigue. Whether you’re in it for the richly crafted world or the emotional depth, Finding Forgiveness is hard to put down and impossible to forget. It’s one of those books that sticks with you and gives you something think about in your moments of quiet.

[Nancie Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to have the chance to be an ARC reader for this novella. I love the way Megan is able to tell a complete story with such a mix of unique characters and personalities so you feel like you know them personally, but yet does it all in a short story. So happy Devlin found the peace he was looking for.

[AnnaKat_Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don’t get me wrong, this short story was good, really good! The details in it were great despite its shortness, and the characters were easy to follow. The only reason I gave it three stars instead of more is because I feel like it has the potential to be a full novel. I know in short books the endings need to be swift, but I feel like it was rushed. Maybe I just didn’t want it to end? I’d really like to see more about these characters.

[Graceli Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventures and Redemption

Gotta love D&Desque stories, plus the redemption arc found here? Loved it and can't wait to read more stories from this author.

[Julissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book. I am a big thriller reader so my expectations were neutral before reading. But as always Megan's writings did not disappoint. I have become a big fan of her writing and own most of her books. I look forward to see what's next.

[Kim Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story of overcoming grief and finding purpose again. After "failing" to protect his first princess, Delvin runs into an unlikely companion who helps him overcome his grief and find favor with his gods once again!

[Honey-Marie Lashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this novella. Mrs. Russ never disappoints. The storyline and characters are very well described and easy to follow. Can't wait to read her next work of art.

[Jess.loves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great short read! Most of the time in short reads I find that the character and world development is lacking but this is definitely NOT the case in Finding Forgiveness. The way Megan writes you are captured into this story from the very beginning! Definitely can’t wait to see more of this world. Absolutely loved this book💙

[Ashley Bundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an excellent read. It was very impressive how immersed the author made me in the characters in such a short amount of time. There was so much depth to their development, and sucked me into the story quickly. I'd love to see more in this universe.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again

I’ll say it again and again, I need a full novel from Megan. She always, always leaves me wanting more. Bravo

[T.R. Sharrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read! Love the twist 🖤

[M.K. McCollom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness

The perfect mix of adventure, and action. Megan will pull you in from the first page and leave you turning the pages until the end.

The perfect short read left me wanting more and can't wait to see where she goes with this story I'm hoping for more. I want to see where Knight Delvin and Sallie story goes.

[John Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tale of Delvin's journey to finding redemption struck a cord in me and despite it being on the shorter side, it feels like a world I've been in or to before. I enjoyed the POV and Megan's writing is clear and straightforward, which coming from someone who has frequently avoided the fantasy genre (no hate to fantasy lovers, just never been my cup of tea), is something I find very refreshing.

I don't want to give too much away, like I said, it is on the shorter side, but the experience leaves you wanting more.

When are we getting more Megan?

[Daniel Georgiev · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to knights, we all love a fallen hero and Delvin doesn't fail to deliver. As a brooding character weighed down by guilt, he embarks on a journey to find meaning after his past has stripped him of purpose and hope.

Through Sallie, Megan Russ introduces a delightful contrast that elevates the story. The dynamic between Delvin's somber, guilt-ridden demeanor and Sallie's bright, playful resilience creates a captivating duo. Sallie is more than a companion! She becomes a test, a guide, and the path Delvin must walk to confront his past and finally claim the redemption he so desperately seeks.

Finding Forgiveness is a gripping, heartfelt read that leaves you wanting more. All of Megan Russ's worlds beg for expansion... I’d love to see a full-length novel or even a series from her in the NEAR future.

[Bennett Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Forgiveness is a dark fantasy that focuses more on character growth than constant action. Delvin’s guilt over his failure as a Holy Knight is central to the story, and his struggle to move forward feels genuine. Sallie brings her own hidden motives and magic, and the tension between them builds naturally. Their journey is more about trust, loss, and redemption than typical fantasy tropes. It’s a slow burn, but it works if you’re looking for something more introspective than action-packed.

[Michele James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delvin's magic is both his strength and his curse. Haunted by his inability to save the woman he loved and exiled for the bloodlust he unleashed after, he wanders the world in grief and shame until he meets Sallie, a saucy, mysterious dwarf who hires him to escort her along the dangerous road to a city at the edge of the known world.
Finding Forgiveness is an easy, intriguing read that leaves you hoping for more of these characters and the world they live in.

[Evelyn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful and emotionally layered story. Finding Forgiveness beautifully explores the weight of guilt, redemption, and second chances in a dark, magical world. Delvin and Sallie’s journey felt so huma, even with all the fantasy elements, their pain and hope were deeply real. The balance of action, heart, and moral struggle shows how skilled Megan Russ is at writing characters that stay with you long after the last page. Truly an unforgettable read.

[John Gabriella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Forgiveness is a touching and heartfelt story about healing, love, and second chances. The author does a beautiful job of showing that forgiveness isn’t always easy, but it’s a journey worth taking. The characters felt real and relatable, and their struggles made me reflect on my own life. A meaningful and uplifting read that stays with you after the last page.

Highly Recommended!!!