A Lesson in Violence

by Robert J. Duperre

Emiri thought she'd left the violence behind, more than happy to exist in anonymity, raising sheep on her farm in the frigid northern outskirts of the Forgotten Territories. But then her former employer, a crown-sanctioned murder squad from the southern kingdom of Pirie, finds her. She is assaulted, her horse butchered, and her home burned to the ground. It is then she realizes that her old life cannot be ignored any longer.

Her only option is to ride south, find her old friend Reggie, and together embark on a brutal quest for revenge against the organization in which they were both raised. They will become the brute and the assassin once more, carving a bloody path through the Forgotten Territories. Because sometimes, the only way to truly escape the past is to kill it.

Genres: Fantasy

324 pages, Paperback

Published March 27, 2026

About the author

My name is Robert Duperre, and I live in the middle of Connecticut with my artist wife, who's far too good for me, and a rambunctious mutt of a dog. As a lover of romance, cosmic horror, fantasy, and science fiction, I'm a writer who can't seem to stick in any particular genre. The only true constant is that I write what I'd want to read.

I've published more than a dozen novels and two short story collections. Included in my work is the 4-book post-apocalyptic series The Rift, the 5-book urban fantasy series The Infinity Trials, and the 3-part dark fantasy series The Breaking World (written with David Dalglish), along with the one-shot science fiction novel Silas, among a few others.

Reviews

[Jennifer E Pinizzotto · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I thought it would be. A history, a destination, a hunt and along the way interesting side quests and characters. Would have liked more character development throughout and better connection with the leads. Also, the next to last chapter did a lot of explaining that could have been built throughout in order for there to be less sandwiched in to finish things off. Overall good and entertaining read.

[Roneshua Baltimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, thank you to the author and publishers for gifting me the privilege of the early snag of this on netgalley. ✨
Now to the nitty gritty....this book?
SIX BLOODY STARS 🗣️ this just gave all the itchy scratchy in the best ways. The friendship, the representation, the villains, the retribution, the pacing? All perfect.

That way I near screamed into my pillow when I said the "to be continued" at the end? Because what do you mean? 🙃 This is a TRUE feminine rage and story of vengeance. The pure vindication/validation at each turn is so refreshing and not seen as often in author stories. (I am not ashamed to say I let out a sigh of content after my deranged chuckle when it came to Hugh 👀)

I would highly recommend this book if you were fans of the Poppy War and/or Immortal Dark trilogy.

Emerie is the perfect level of flawed and thoughtful with that cold hard edge to her that doesn't allow her to be lead astray. Reggie adds the unflinching conviction and silent communication we all wish we had with our friends.

I cannot WAIT for the next release, I will slowly be frothing at the mouth, thank you very much.😫

[Reggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable fantasy read full of revenge! Emiri and Reggie make for compelling characters and I’m interested to see where their story goes from here. Glad I checked this out.