In the wake of the devastation at Colley, Jaml seeks solace in prayer and relentless training. As part of his journey to heal, he reluctantly joins a fellow Reaper on a mission to track down a wayward prince. But what begins as a pursuit quickly spirals into a harrowing battle against emerging forces of kingdoms falling under the shadowy manipulation, vengeful kings, and a fallen angel bent on igniting a war of unimaginable proportions.
Caught in the chaos, Jaml faces a horrifying revelation- a new kind of monster has risen, and it is one he has sworn to mankind itself. As morality blurs, he must grapple with an impossible to protect humanity at all costs or to follow his divine directives and eliminate evil. Every step brings him closer to his greatest fear and most lethal foe- the Dark Reaper.
Set in the infancy of Christianity, this gripping saga unfolds as Lucifer's minions wage war on mankind, with the Reapers- God's superhuman warriors, protectors, and avengers- at the forefront of the battle between good and evil, while demons and lycans thrive on fear and flesh, and humans begin their climb in the cosmic conflict between heavenly brothers on different sides of the divine spectrum.
Follow Jaml, the killer of the fallen and wielder of the Sword of Darkness, as he forges his destiny and leaves an indelible mark on history in this epic tale of faith, war, and redemption.
In Retribution, J.R. Lightfoot catapults us into a fierce and soul-stirring continuation of Jaml's journey. After the ruin of Colley, we see a broken but determined Reaper trying to mend himself through prayer and punishing discipline. When he embarks on a mission to find a rogue prince, what unfolds is a brutal descent into war, betrayal, and dark revelations. The world-building is gritty and vast—kingdoms crumbling, vengeful rulers plotting, and Lucifer's shadows creeping closer with every turn of the page.
The most chilling part? Jaml comes face to face with a terrifying truth: the evil he must fight may not be demons, but mankind itself. This inner battle—between duty and compassion, divine law and personal morality—forms the emotional heart of the story. With every sword clash and every whisper of temptation, the line between hero and monster gets blurrier.The appearance of the Dark Reaper brings everything to a boiling point, pushing Jaml toward a fate he dreads but must face.
Set during the earliest rise of Christianity, Retribution is more than a fantasy war—it’s a saga of faith, sacrifice, and the weight of destiny. The demons, lycans, and cosmic stakes add an epic thrill, but it’s Jaml’s internal turmoil. A must-read for dark fantasy lovers who crave action with soul
Demons. Lycans. Fallen angels. Moral chaos. This book is pure fire 🔥⚔️
Retribution by J.R. Lightfoot is the kind of fantasy you dive into and don’t come back from the same. It’s intense, gripping, and packed with spiritual warfare, epic battles, and soul-deep choices.
We follow Jaml, a Reaper battling darkness inside and out. He’s not just fighting enemies — he’s confronting his own beliefs, pain, and the terrifying truth that humans might be the monsters now. 😮💀
And then there’s the Dark Reaper… y’all, this enemy is chilling.
The writing is cinematic, the stakes are divine, and the worldbuilding? Immaculate. Picture ancient kingdoms falling under demonic influence, a fallen angel pulling the strings, and God’s chosen warriors trying to hold the line.
If you’re into high fantasy with heavenly lore, moral dilemmas, and battles that shake the heavens (literally), this book will give you everything — action, depth, and a hero worth following.
Jaml’s journey is brutal, emotional, and unforgettable. Get ready for war. Get ready for redemption.
Review: Retribution (Chronicles of Reaper Book II) by J.R. Lightfoot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such an intense and unexpected read. It drops you straight into a world where Reapers fight literal demons and Fallen Angels, but it’s not just action for the sake of action. There’s a lot of heart, faith, and meaning behind it. The opening scene completely hooked me …I wasn’t expecting it to be that dark and gripping right away.
The villains are really well done. Greed and Lust aren’t just names ..they’re twisted, dangerous, and feel genuinely threatening. And the Reapers? I loved Jaml and Shay. Their friendship felt real and brought a lot of warmth to an otherwise dark story. You can feel how much they rely on each other, and it made me care more about what happened to them.
If you like fantasy with spiritual depth and characters who actually have something to fight for, give this one a try. It’s fast-paced, bold, and leaves you thinking about way more than just the battle scenes.
Fast-paced and packed with action, Retribution is everything I wanted in a sequel. Jaml is such a complex protagonist torn between divine duty and his humanity. The concept of Reapers vs. fallen angels in early Christian history is so cool and original. I knocked off one star just because I wanted more scenes with the Dark Reaper chilling character!. Can’t wait for the next book!
Retribution: Chronicles of Reaper Book II, by award-winning J.R. Lightfoot, is the intense, emotional, and satisfying dark fantasy follow-up to Reaper, a powerful fantasy novel of good versus evil and spiritual warfare between God’s warriors and Lucifer’s demons.
In Retribution, protagonist Jaml is deep in punishing training and prayer, his only refuge; his sole focus on recovering. Jaml teams with another Reaper to find a prince who’s gone astray, unaware of the growing malevolence that lies ahead and that they will have to fight. Rulers out for revenge, and a dark angel stand to light the fuse for a war none of them can fathom. Jaml is left trying to defend mankind, which has become a different kind of monster. It comes down to him having to make an impossible decision, which is to obey divinity and conquer evil, or protect humanity to the best of his abilities. All of this leads to his biggest threat and worthy enemy, The Dark Reaper.
The author has cleverly put a twist on the fantasy genre by incorporating biblical Christian concepts and imagery. Lucifer’s army seems undefeatable, which leaves readers wondering if God’s soldiers, even with superhuman abilities, will lose. The lycans and demons in this richly detailed novel hunger after flesh and terror, but are they any match for Jaml’s Sword of Darkness?
Readers shouldn’t underestimate this good-versus-evil novel. It’s full of war, yes, but also faith and themes of redemption and purpose. The monk characters are intriguing and embody powers of their own, and it’s refreshing that Lightfoot creates fresh, original characters to tell this story. I love that Jaml is a character you can relate to. He has weaknesses and wrestles with what he should do, which decision is right, and if he can make existence better for everyone. That’s a lot for a character to carry, and there are no easy answers. That’s another thing I appreciate about the novel. Everything isn’t tidied up with a nice ribbon. We are left wrestling with the questions and answers, the same as Jaml.
We’re brought into the story right away, thanks to the author’s personable style and impressive world-building. The story has complex ideas, but Lightfoot dramatizes them so that we can understand them at their core. It’s bad against good, and who wins in the end?
Even if you may not be familiar with the first book, you will quickly catch up with this second one. Jaml is a complicated character with layers as multi-dimensional as the world he’s been created to play out this epic tragedy of biblical proportions in. You will be entertained as well as intrigued as the worlds of past and present collide. There are horror elements, but I wouldn’t classify this as strictly horror. At its essence, it’s a dark fantasy with an appealing hero who steps into darkness in order to fight for the light. But does he even know what the light is anymore? Don’t let the battles fool you. Some are gray instead of black and white.
The plot is compelling, the pace feels pitch-perfect, and there is a good balance of exposition and dialogue. This excerpt is a good example of the vivid imagery you’ll find:
Two Reapers crest the next hill of many on their way to Burls when they spot smoke in the distance. They pay no mind at first as their conversation is more interesting than some fire. They continue on their way, casually leading their horses down the path. Jaml is the first to smell it.
“Death.” His one word is more than enough to spark attention.
Prepare yourself for a tough, emotional journey in the darkly inspiring fantasy novel, Retribution: Chronicles of Reaper Book II, by J.R. Lightfoot.
Retribution kicks off in a richly imagined world where God's warriors, the Reapers, battle the forces of Lucifer and his fallen angels. The story follows Burt, a seasoned Reaper, as he tracks the demon Midos into a mysterious cave, only to find himself facing something far more powerful: a Fallen Angel. From there, the narrative spirals into a tense, emotional saga blending brutal combat, fierce loyalty, and unwavering faith. Alongside a vivid cast of characters like Jaml and Shay, the story expands into political intrigue and a dangerous mission to save a kidnapped prince, all while the threat of an unholy alliance grows ever stronger.
Reading this book was a ride I wasn't expecting. The writing style is refreshingly straightforward—no stuffy prose, no pretentious rambling. It’s punchy and raw. I found the fight scenes especially gripping. They’re fast, messy, and unflinchingly brutal, just the way real combat should feel. Sometimes the dialogue felt a little heavy-handed—people don’t always speak in sermons—but honestly, the heart behind it made up for any stiffness. I could tell the author genuinely cared about these characters and the world they were defending.
The ideas in this story resonated more than I thought they would. It's not just about swinging swords and crushing demons (though there’s a lot of that, and it’s awesome); it's about faith, sacrifice, and sticking to your values even when the odds are stacked sky-high against you. The portrayal of evil isn't cartoonish either. The Fallen Angels aren’t just “bad guys”—they’re chillingly charismatic, smart, and seductive. I actually felt the fear and the temptation, and that made the battles feel so much more real. At times, the story wrestles with huge questions about loyalty, destiny, and human weakness, and it never talks down to the reader while doing it.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that a little more show, and a little less tell, would've punched the tension even higher. But when the action did kick in, it roared to life. The world-building was another bright spot for me. Temples, golden dragons, ancient swords—the setting was vivid without being overwhelming. It never felt like the story was buried under its own lore, which is a rare in fantasy.
Retribution is a book for readers who love their fantasy gritty, their battles high-stakes, and their heroes bloodied but unbroken. I’d especially recommend it to fans of The Witcher or Demon Slayer—anyone who likes their good-vs-evil stories a little darker and a lot more real. This isn’t some pretty fairytale. It’s a bloody prayer carved into stone—and it’s worth the journey.
An Epic Masterpiece of Faith, War, and Inner Conflict
“Retribution: Chronicles of Reaper Book II” is a breathtaking continuation that transcends the boundaries of dark fantasy and spiritual drama. From the very first page, the story grips you with its emotional depth and unrelenting intensity. At its heart is Jaml, a tormented soul caught between divine duty and human compassion, a warrior haunted by loss and driven by an unwavering resolve to protect.
The novel picks up in the aftermath of the destruction at Colley, where Jaml seeks healing through prayer and ruthless discipline. But his path to redemption becomes anything but peaceful. When he joins another Reaper on a mission to find a runaway prince, he is quickly thrust into a larger and far more terrifying conflict—one that involves shadowy manipulations, vengeful kings, corrupted kingdoms, and a fallen angel seeking to ignite a war of apocalyptic proportions.
What makes this book so powerful is not just the action or the richly imagined world, but the moral gravity that weighs on every choice Jaml makes. With each step, he is torn between preserving humanity and fulfilling divine commands. This emotional and philosophical struggle gives the book a profound resonance rarely seen in fantasy.
The worldbuilding is phenomenal—steeped in early Christian mythos but woven with imaginative flair. Demons and lycans stalk the night, while angelic warriors, known as Reapers, stand as God's champions in a war that feels both cosmic and deeply personal. The backdrop of a young Christianity adds historical texture, grounding the fantasy in a time of religious uncertainty and emerging faith.
And then there’s the Dark Reaper—Jaml’s ultimate adversary. More than just a physical threat, he represents Jaml's darkest fears and most agonizing doubts. Their inevitable clash is not just a battle of blades, but of wills, beliefs, and destiny itself.
“Retribution: Chronicles of Reaper Book II” doesn’t just match the momentum of its predecessor—it surpasses it in scale, depth, and emotional weight. It’s a bold, unflinching story about redemption, sacrifice, and the eternal war between light and darkness.
If you're a fan of stories that challenge the soul as much as they entertain, this book is a must-read. With cinematic battles, rich lore, and unforgettable characters, this is more than a sequel—it’s a divine reckoning written in fire and shadow.
Retribution: Chronicles of Reaper, Book II by J.R. Lightfoot is a dark fantasy that does not merely tell a story—it wrestles with the soul. From its opening pages, the novel pulls the reader into a world still smoldering from catastrophe, where faith is strained, grief is heavy, and redemption feels painfully out of reach. Lightfoot’s prose carries a quiet gravity, balancing epic scope with intimate emotion, making the aftermath of Colley feel as devastating as the battles themselves.
At the heart of the novel is Jaml, a Reaper forged for war yet aching for peace. His struggle is not simply against demons or fallen angels, but against his own fractured beliefs. As he seeks healing through prayer and relentless discipline, the reader witnesses a warrior trying to rebuild himself piece by piece. Jaml’s pain feels earned, his doubts deeply human, and his resilience inspiring. This internal conflict elevates the story beyond action-driven fantasy into something far more profound.
The worldbuilding is vast and uncompromising. Kingdoms crumble under subtle manipulation, rulers are twisted by vengeance, and unseen forces pull the strings of war. Lightfoot masterfully weaves theological lore with brutal realism, creating a setting where the rise of early Christianity collides with ancient, cosmic warfare. Demons, lycans, and fallen angels are terrifying, but never gratuitous—they serve the larger theme of corruption spreading through both heaven and earth.
Perhaps the most unsettling and compelling element of Retribution is its moral dilemma. The novel dares to ask an uncomfortable question: what happens when humanity itself becomes the monster? As Jaml confronts this truth, the lines between good and evil blur, forcing both hero and reader to reconsider justice, obedience, and mercy. The introduction of the Dark Reaper intensifies this tension, acting as both a physical threat and a symbolic mirror to Jaml’s deepest fears.
In the end, Retribution is a story of faith tested by fire. It is brutal, emotional, and unflinching, yet threaded with hope and purpose. J.R. Lightfoot delivers a sequel that expands the universe while deepening its heart, offering readers not just epic battles, but meaningful reflection. For fans of dark fantasy that combines divine mythology, moral complexity, and unforgettable characters, Retribution is a powerful and haunting journey—one that lingers long after the final page.
Retribution: Chronicles of Reaper – Book II By J.R. Lightfoot
Rating:5/5
Review:
🥰📚 Retribution is a powerful, soul-shaking journey through light and darkness, duty and destiny. J.R. Lightfoot delivers a dark fantasy masterpiece filled with epic battles, spiritual trials, and an unforgettable hero who walks the line between salvation and destruction.
We follow Jaml, a divine warrior known as a Reaper, still reeling from the catastrophic fall of Colley. Grieving, haunted, and full of guilt, he turns to prayer and relentless training, trying to find peace in the chaos. But there’s no time for healing — he’s thrust into a new mission that spirals into something far more dangerous.
🤩 The world around Jaml is crumbling. Kingdoms fall under dark magic and political corruption. A fallen angel manipulates kings and mortals alike, stirring up a war that could shake heaven itself. And at the heart of this conflict stands Jaml — torn between his sacred oath and the terrifying truth that the real enemy might be mankind itself.
🥺 As evil grows, so does Jaml’s inner battle. The humans he swore to protect are giving in to darkness, and the Reaper must make an impossible choice: follow his divine command or protect the very souls who are slipping into corruption. The emotional depth of his struggle makes this story not just epic, but deeply human.
Then comes The Dark Reaper — an enemy so chilling, so symbolic, that Jaml is forced to confront the very shadow of his own soul. The confrontation is intense, gripping, and unforgettable.
✨ The writing is poetic and immersive, the world-building rich with biblical tones, supernatural lore, and ancient power. Every chapter pulses with tension, beauty, and heartache. There’s action, yes — thrilling, cinematic battles — but what makes this book shine is its emotional truth and moral complexity.
📚 Retribution isn’t just a fantasy novel — it’s a spiritual journey through pain, purpose, and redemption. It explores what it means to serve a higher power, what it costs to fight for humanity, and how hard it is to choose love and mercy over rage and vengeance.
Okay, if you love action, big moral dilemmas, and a hero who’s kinda falling apart, Retribution is gonna be your thing. We’ve got Jaml, a Reaper who’s trying to heal but ends up right in the middle of a fight way bigger than he expected. And guess what? The real monster this time might just be us. Yep, humans.
The story is packed with epic battles, fallen angels, creepy demons, and kingdoms literally falling apart. But what makes it hit is how Jaml isn’t some perfect hero. He’s struggling with his faith, his mission, and honestly, just life. He’s trying to figure out what’s right, but everything around him is messy.
The coolest part? It’s not your basic “good vs evil” setup. The lines are totally blurred. Sometimes saving people means breaking the rules, and Jaml’s stuck right in the middle of all that. Plus, there’s lycans, demons, and dark forces just stirring the pot, so yeah, it’s pretty wild.
And here’s the twist that shook me, the real threat? Mankind itself. When the people you’re supposed to protect become the danger, what do you even do? Jaml’s battle is not just on the outside, it’s totally inside him too. He has to choose between following orders or following his heart.
If you’re looking for an intense, fast-paced fantasy with some real heart and impossible choices, Retribution won’t disappoint. It’s action, faith, and chaos all rolled into one.
eviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite Retribution by J.R. Lightfoot continues the epic Chronicles of Reaper saga, plunging readers into a world where faith and war collide. In the aftermath of destruction, Jaml, a Reaper sworn to protect humanity, grapples with his purpose as he embarks on a perilous mission to find a lost prince. What starts as a straightforward task soon turns into a battle against unseen forces that threaten to engulf the world in chaos. With demonic legions, fallen angels, and vengeful rulers plotting war, Jaml must face the impossible: protecting humanity while staying true to his divine purpose. As the line between good and evil blurs, his decisions carry weighty consequences. Rooted in early Christian mythology, Retribution blends historical fantasy with supernatural warfare, delivering a high-stakes narrative of redemption, duty, and faith. Author J.R. Lightfoot knows how to layer concept and content into this story, offering readers a thrilling blend of Christian mythology and fantasy that’s absolutely packed with action and interesting moral dilemmas. There’s so much detail to enjoy, but it’s also always relevantly placed to enhance a scene and never detracting from it. Lightfoot crafts an intricate world where faith and battle are fully linked in ways that make sense in the attitudes and motivations of the characters. Second novels are no mean feat to achieve with this level of momentum, and this gripping story raises the stakes and deepens the lore of the Chronicles of Reaper series with confident, naturalistic storytelling. Overall, I recommend Retribution to fans of the series so far, and the series to readers seeking epic battles and supernatural warfare who want an author that delivers on every front.
A relentless and cinematic tale, this story thrives on its high stakes and apocalyptic scope. Kingdoms fall, angels descend, and monsters evolve into something far more terrifying than brute evil. The author excels at world-building, weaving demons, lycans, fallen angels, and early human ambition into a single cosmic struggle that feels ancient and dangerous. Jaml’s journey from grief to resolve anchors the chaos, making the battles feel personal rather than abstract. The result is a gripping narrative that reads like scripture rewritten through fire and steel.
This book stands out for its willingness to ask uncomfortable questions about obedience, morality, and sacrifice. Jaml’s oath to humanity directly clashes with his divine commands, creating a tension that drives the story forward with real urgency. The mythological elements are bold and unapologetic, portraying heaven and hell not as distant realms but as active forces shaping human history. Dark, violent, and emotionally charged, this is a powerful entry in epic fantasy that will appeal to readers who enjoy faith-tested heroes and wars that reshape the fate of the world.
What I loved most is how the story balances epic fantasy with deeply personal conflict. Jaml isn’t just fighting demons and fallen angels he’s fighting doubt, grief, and the terrifying possibility that he might become the very monster he’s sworn to destroy. The moral dilemmas he faces hit hard, especially with the emergence of the Dark Reaper. It made me question right and wrong right alongside him.
Retribution raises the stakes in the Chronicles of Reaper series with a darker, more emotionally driven narrative. Jaml’s internal struggle—between divine duty and human compassion—adds real weight to the action-heavy plot. The blend of early Christian history, celestial warfare, and moral ambiguity makes this more than just a fantasy sequel. The introduction of the Dark Reaper is chilling, and the philosophical tension around obedience versus conscience lingers long after the final page. A compelling read for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy with spiritual and ethical depth.
This installment deepens the mythology introduced in Book I, offering a rich tapestry of celestial politics, rising monsters, and fractured kingdoms. The mission to retrieve the wayward prince quickly becomes something much larger and more dangerous, keeping the pacing tight and the tension high. Fans of religious fantasy and cosmic warfare will appreciate how the story balances large-scale conflict with personal stakes.
The setting early Christianity, with warring kingdoms, angelic warriors, and lycanthropic horrors feels original and vivid. Lightfoot’s prose is sharp and cinematic; I could picture every battle and feel every emotional beat.
Lightfoot masterfully expands the world he created in Book I. The political tension between kingdoms, the spiritual warfare, and the looming presence of Lucifer’s forces make Retribution feel epic in scope while remaining deeply personal to Jaml’s struggle.
A gripping sequel that plunges readers into a dark, high-stakes world of angels, demons, and relentless warriors. J.R. Lightfoot masterfully weaves faith, war, and redemption into an unforgettable saga.
If you're into stories about faith, destiny, and supernatural warfare with a serious edge, this series is a must. I’m already counting down the days for Book III.
A darker, more intense sequel that expands the world and deepens the moral conflict. Jaml’s struggle between duty and humanity is compelling, and the stakes feel higher throughout.
Fast-paced, atmospheric, and thought-provoking. Retribution blends celestial warfare with real emotional weight and delivers a strong continuation of the series.
Jaml’s struggle between duty, morality, and faith makes him a compelling protagonist. Lightfoot explores the complexity of heroism in a world teetering between light and darkness.
Non-stop action and intense battles define this sequel. Jaml’s journey to face evil keeps readers on edge from start to finish. A must-read for fans of dark fantasy.
A richly imagined story blending early Christian lore with supernatural warfare. The cosmic battle between good and evil feels both epic and intimately human.
Shadowy kingdoms, fallen angels, and rising monsters create a haunting backdrop. This book immerses readers in a brutal, morally complex world of supernatural conflict.
Amidst war and darkness, Jaml’s journey challenges ideas of duty, morality, and faith. A thrilling tale that questions what it truly means to protect humanity.