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Nightfall Wars #1
The Son of the Morning
Fifty years ago, the nightwalkers appeared, creatures of shadow and darkness, thirsting for blood and death. Thousands died and the kingdom of Entarna was brought to its knees. Then the Chosen came, six men and women endowed with powers by Amedan, the God of Fire and Light. The Chosen joined with the kingdom’s armies and together they managed to defeat the night’s creatures. At least for a time.
Alesh, servant to Chosen Olliman, the greatest of Amedan’s priests, knows well what the darkness holds. He saw it, as a child, when his father and mother were killed, and he was left with a blackened, festering scar that refuses to heal.
The day wanes and the night comes again, but when those chosen to protect the kingdom are unable or unwilling to help, when the fellowships of the past have crumbled, it is left to an orphaned servant—a man many believe to be cursed—to stand against the rising darkness.
Alesh, servant to Chosen Olliman, the greatest of Amedan’s priests, knows well what the darkness holds. He saw it, as a child, when his father and mother were killed, and he was left with a blackened, festering scar that refuses to heal.
The day wanes and the night comes again, but when those chosen to protect the kingdom are unable or unwilling to help, when the fellowships of the past have crumbled, it is left to an orphaned servant—a man many believe to be cursed—to stand against the rising darkness.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2017
1067 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 17, 2019
“I see you, Son of the Morning.”
“With a blade or a mace, a man can slay another, but with words, with ideas, he can slay a nation.”
An imaginative world-building, mind blowing series! The world within is facing horridly dark times, which couldn't have been conveyed more clearly than through the perspective of anyone but Jacob Peppers. A heart wrenching novel, it pierced through my soul by watching the atrocities committed, blames put to darkness, the nightlings, but the shadows are within us, inside each and every one of us, the thirst for power, to gloat over the less able, to relish in the delights of torture..it has provoked all finds of emotions in me, of hopelessness, despair, outrage, frustration, but also a determination, resilience and hope, faith in the gods. But, “in a world where the gods battled against each other, what hope did mortals have?” If you love a good story that entertains while also enlightening, this is the one, with heart-racing moments, scents of fear, themes of supernatural forces,tragedy... they all are interwoven nicely into this slyly heavy weight dark fantasy drama. Exceptional, original and unlike anything I have read before. It has a thrilling plot that kept me turning the pages, wanting to know more. With plenty of twists and turns, and action to satisfy any reader. Peppers weaves a tight tale with great pacing, packed with action and intrigue. Keeps you guessing till the end. I love the writing style and the detailed imagery. Looking very forward to reading Truth of Shadows #2!
“With a blade or a mace, a man can slay another, but with words, with ideas, he can slay a nation.”
An imaginative world-building, mind blowing series! The world within is facing horridly dark times, which couldn't have been conveyed more clearly than through the perspective of anyone but Jacob Peppers. A heart wrenching novel, it pierced through my soul by watching the atrocities committed, blames put to darkness, the nightlings, but the shadows are within us, inside each and every one of us, the thirst for power, to gloat over the less able, to relish in the delights of torture..it has provoked all finds of emotions in me, of hopelessness, despair, outrage, frustration, but also a determination, resilience and hope, faith in the gods. But, “in a world where the gods battled against each other, what hope did mortals have?” If you love a good story that entertains while also enlightening, this is the one, with heart-racing moments, scents of fear, themes of supernatural forces,tragedy... they all are interwoven nicely into this slyly heavy weight dark fantasy drama. Exceptional, original and unlike anything I have read before. It has a thrilling plot that kept me turning the pages, wanting to know more. With plenty of twists and turns, and action to satisfy any reader. Peppers weaves a tight tale with great pacing, packed with action and intrigue. Keeps you guessing till the end. I love the writing style and the detailed imagery. Looking very forward to reading Truth of Shadows #2!
May 24, 2019
A great book, well worth the read.
It feels like the realm of enjoyable, popcorn munching fantasy novels is on a decline for me. For the last dozens of books I've read few have held my attention longer than the first few chapters. What happened to the limited POV fantasy novels? Seems to me that all anyone wants to write about are grim fantasies of epic scope, with a hundred random characters that I couldn't care less about.
Glad to say that if you share my view, The Son of the Morning is a great reprieve from that whole landscape.
Characters
The POV is limited to 3 central characters, with a large majority (85% or so) dedicated to one of them: Alesh. What's interesting about this book is how willing the author is to subject his main character through torment - and I mean torment. Not only does Alesh suffer from internal doubt and sorrow but is also beaten and bruised for much of the novel. Making even the smallest of victories a saving grace from his painful existence.
It ain't meaningless violence either. Each of Alesh's trials pushes the plot forward and makes us, the reader, sympathise completely with his own dark thoughts. I'm glad to say that Alesh is a character I will remember and not simply forget as a Joe Hero.
The other two POV's are also quite interesting and I didn't find myself slogging through them. They had their own trials (though fewer), aspirations and a somewhat defined personality (given the pages allocated).
Plot
Not much to say here without simply rehashing the summary. The story is well paced, there are little to no information dumps and questions are answered enticingly slow.
World
An interesting world, but one that is eerily similar to ideas I've heard before. Think, "For the night is dark and full of terrors" taken to the nth degree, where light is the only thing that stands between you and a gruesome fate. The repercussion for having such a world is explored in various ways from religious fervency to guilds and professions. Overall the world is handled well, though I wouldn't say it was revolutionary in any way.
This is probably closer to a 3 or perhaps even a 4 but there have been so few books that I've actually enjoyed that I can't help but give it a full 5. Have a read, be entertained for a day or two.
It feels like the realm of enjoyable, popcorn munching fantasy novels is on a decline for me. For the last dozens of books I've read few have held my attention longer than the first few chapters. What happened to the limited POV fantasy novels? Seems to me that all anyone wants to write about are grim fantasies of epic scope, with a hundred random characters that I couldn't care less about.
Glad to say that if you share my view, The Son of the Morning is a great reprieve from that whole landscape.
Characters
The POV is limited to 3 central characters, with a large majority (85% or so) dedicated to one of them: Alesh. What's interesting about this book is how willing the author is to subject his main character through torment - and I mean torment. Not only does Alesh suffer from internal doubt and sorrow but is also beaten and bruised for much of the novel. Making even the smallest of victories a saving grace from his painful existence.
It ain't meaningless violence either. Each of Alesh's trials pushes the plot forward and makes us, the reader, sympathise completely with his own dark thoughts. I'm glad to say that Alesh is a character I will remember and not simply forget as a Joe Hero.
The other two POV's are also quite interesting and I didn't find myself slogging through them. They had their own trials (though fewer), aspirations and a somewhat defined personality (given the pages allocated).
Plot
Not much to say here without simply rehashing the summary. The story is well paced, there are little to no information dumps and questions are answered enticingly slow.
World
An interesting world, but one that is eerily similar to ideas I've heard before. Think, "For the night is dark and full of terrors" taken to the nth degree, where light is the only thing that stands between you and a gruesome fate. The repercussion for having such a world is explored in various ways from religious fervency to guilds and professions. Overall the world is handled well, though I wouldn't say it was revolutionary in any way.
This is probably closer to a 3 or perhaps even a 4 but there have been so few books that I've actually enjoyed that I can't help but give it a full 5. Have a read, be entertained for a day or two.
January 2, 2024
A quick, fun read. Not sure yet if it's a one I will continue the series or not.
January 18, 2021
This book is worth the read. The Son of the Morning is a good enough fantasy to hold my interest but leaves me to question if I want to continue with the series. Jacob Peppers does a good job building the world and the cultural connections to the gods. The idea that the gods choose men to become leaders and protectors, thus sharing an amount of power to make them super-human, is an exciting idea that I enjoyed.
The story starts with Alesh investigating a murder. It establishes him as an acute and reasonable character. There are moments when Alesh shows an extraordinary sense of physical prowess. We learn that memories of the nightwalkers haunt him. The nightwalkers killed his parents and left a scar on him when he was a young child. Because the gods did not protect his parents, Alesh dispises and sometimes doubts that the gods are real.
We learn that the gods are at odds with each other, and like classical Greek Mythology, the gods use human beings to fight their battles. It seems that the greatest god Amedan is at war with his wife. In this conflict, Amedan's most incredible chosen human, Olliman, is murdered, and the conspiracy of his betrail and the subsequent blame on his faithful servant, Alesh, ensures.
The storyline does not take many twists. At some moments, it leaves the reader baffled that Alesh doesn't see what is happening before his eyes. It is in Alesh's character that the story's flaws are exposed. I have an issue with the whimpering and the mental weakness that Alesh shows in many parts of the story. The unresolved question is why Alesh, in the end, becomes one of the chosen. The answer may lay in the next book; however, when I see a man who takes high risks become the chosen for the god of chance and a street singer chosen by the goddess of music, it makes sense. Why Amedan chooses Alesh - who despises the god through the book - is a mystery.
The story starts with Alesh investigating a murder. It establishes him as an acute and reasonable character. There are moments when Alesh shows an extraordinary sense of physical prowess. We learn that memories of the nightwalkers haunt him. The nightwalkers killed his parents and left a scar on him when he was a young child. Because the gods did not protect his parents, Alesh dispises and sometimes doubts that the gods are real.
We learn that the gods are at odds with each other, and like classical Greek Mythology, the gods use human beings to fight their battles. It seems that the greatest god Amedan is at war with his wife. In this conflict, Amedan's most incredible chosen human, Olliman, is murdered, and the conspiracy of his betrail and the subsequent blame on his faithful servant, Alesh, ensures.
The storyline does not take many twists. At some moments, it leaves the reader baffled that Alesh doesn't see what is happening before his eyes. It is in Alesh's character that the story's flaws are exposed. I have an issue with the whimpering and the mental weakness that Alesh shows in many parts of the story. The unresolved question is why Alesh, in the end, becomes one of the chosen. The answer may lay in the next book; however, when I see a man who takes high risks become the chosen for the god of chance and a street singer chosen by the goddess of music, it makes sense. Why Amedan chooses Alesh - who despises the god through the book - is a mystery.
August 28, 2018
This story had so much potential but was ruined by lack of activity by the characters and how stupid the main characters are. Very slow pace and self-pity by Alesh. I skipped and cringed many times during the story.
April 27, 2018
Need more
I hate waiting, I truly truly hate waiting and this author is making me wish I had discovered him later as I want the next book now! Please hurry up
I hate waiting, I truly truly hate waiting and this author is making me wish I had discovered him later as I want the next book now! Please hurry up
March 30, 2020
Sensitive Reader Alert: While I enjoyed the plot and characters, I did not appreciate the frequent use of profanity, particularly the F-word. The story is not laden with swear words, but the F-word is used regularly enough to make sensitive readers uncomfortable. In fact, had I not wanted to see how Alesh’s faith journey played out, I would not have continued reading it. Profanity aside, I'm giving this story 4 stars for plot and characters.
Review:
They're back! The nightwalkers. After 50 years of peace, they are back to wreak havoc on the kingdom of Entarna.
As a boy, Alesh watched these creatures slaughter his parents, receiving a nasty scar in the process. Rescued by the high priest of Amedan after his parents’ death, Alesh is raised as a palace servant, and while he feels intense loyalty to Chosen Olliman, his rescuer, he doubts the existence of the gods.
When Chosen Olliman is brutally murdered, Alesh finds his life turned upside down once more as he sets off on a quest to save Ilrika, the city under the protection of the late Chosen Olliman.
My favorite aspect of The Son of the Morning: Book One of the Nightfall Wars by Jacob Peppers was Alesh’s struggle with faith. Circumstances in Alesh’s life led him to question the existence and value of the gods, and I am curious as to how that will play out in future books.
While I enjoyed the plot and characters, I did not appreciate the frequent use of profanity, particularly the F-word. The story is not laden with swear words, but the F-word is used regularly enough to make sensitive readers uncomfortable. In fact, had I not wanted to see how Alesh’s faith journey played out, I would not have continued reading it.
Due to the frequent use of the F-word, this book is not getting added to my “favorites” list, nor is it one I will be recommending.
Check out my blog to see what other books I've read and enjoyed: reading4fun.blog
Review:
They're back! The nightwalkers. After 50 years of peace, they are back to wreak havoc on the kingdom of Entarna.
As a boy, Alesh watched these creatures slaughter his parents, receiving a nasty scar in the process. Rescued by the high priest of Amedan after his parents’ death, Alesh is raised as a palace servant, and while he feels intense loyalty to Chosen Olliman, his rescuer, he doubts the existence of the gods.
When Chosen Olliman is brutally murdered, Alesh finds his life turned upside down once more as he sets off on a quest to save Ilrika, the city under the protection of the late Chosen Olliman.
My favorite aspect of The Son of the Morning: Book One of the Nightfall Wars by Jacob Peppers was Alesh’s struggle with faith. Circumstances in Alesh’s life led him to question the existence and value of the gods, and I am curious as to how that will play out in future books.
While I enjoyed the plot and characters, I did not appreciate the frequent use of profanity, particularly the F-word. The story is not laden with swear words, but the F-word is used regularly enough to make sensitive readers uncomfortable. In fact, had I not wanted to see how Alesh’s faith journey played out, I would not have continued reading it.
Due to the frequent use of the F-word, this book is not getting added to my “favorites” list, nor is it one I will be recommending.
Check out my blog to see what other books I've read and enjoyed: reading4fun.blog
June 20, 2021
3.25 stars.
This book needs some serious restructuring; nothing really happens for the first 75% of it, between all the POV-switching (and, therefore, resetting of tension). The author also seems to have some trouble with the past perfect verb tense. Add to that some seriously poor decision-making skills on the part of the main characters (the most important of whom is an insufferable Rand al'Thor-style woobie), and you get a reading experience whose greatest virtue is its brevity. Not sure I will continue on with this series, as I've been told that even several books in, it hasn't gone much of anywhere.
This book needs some serious restructuring; nothing really happens for the first 75% of it, between all the POV-switching (and, therefore, resetting of tension). The author also seems to have some trouble with the past perfect verb tense. Add to that some seriously poor decision-making skills on the part of the main characters (the most important of whom is an insufferable Rand al'Thor-style woobie), and you get a reading experience whose greatest virtue is its brevity. Not sure I will continue on with this series, as I've been told that even several books in, it hasn't gone much of anywhere.
March 5, 2018
Hmm
One of the most confusing stories I’ve read. And the main character is a total idiot. Could barely follow what’s going on
One of the most confusing stories I’ve read. And the main character is a total idiot. Could barely follow what’s going on
September 19, 2019
You know, sometimes a story can be long and drawn out. This was one of them.
February 9, 2025
The Son of the Morning by Jacob Peppers.
The idea had a lot of potential, but sadly the story didn't really pull it off for me.
I didn't really like most of the characters, with the main character seeming to be both incredibly stupid, a hero type who feels he needs to rescue everyone and is super fair, but also we are told about this utter rage he feels at times. And that's my main problem, I got told most of this, I didn't organically feel it with the characters.
He is super sad because his parents got killed when he was a kid? If you say so. He's super frustrated for reasons? If you say so. He's filled with rage? If you say so.
They also seem to just get past those feelings I'm told they are feeling in the next paragraph again. So we might need to be told again a little bit later.
Same for other moments, when people seems almost on the brink of break down, but hey! They can turn into deus ex machina mode still after all.
I did like the female main character mostly, but she also just forgets to use her brain at times, and acts totally out of character.
We also have a mute... let's call him warrior type for lack of a better word. I enjoyed him the most, probably because he's mute, so can't prove his stupidity by what he says...
The world was nice to explore, I liked the monsters, the gods and all, I just wish there would have been a bit more plot cohesion as well as a bit more depth to the characters.
Good enough to finish, but I won't read any sequels in the series.
The idea had a lot of potential, but sadly the story didn't really pull it off for me.
I didn't really like most of the characters, with the main character seeming to be both incredibly stupid, a hero type who feels he needs to rescue everyone and is super fair, but also we are told about this utter rage he feels at times. And that's my main problem, I got told most of this, I didn't organically feel it with the characters.
He is super sad because his parents got killed when he was a kid? If you say so. He's super frustrated for reasons? If you say so. He's filled with rage? If you say so.
They also seem to just get past those feelings I'm told they are feeling in the next paragraph again. So we might need to be told again a little bit later.
Same for other moments, when people seems almost on the brink of break down, but hey! They can turn into deus ex machina mode still after all.
I did like the female main character mostly, but she also just forgets to use her brain at times, and acts totally out of character.
We also have a mute... let's call him warrior type for lack of a better word. I enjoyed him the most, probably because he's mute, so can't prove his stupidity by what he says...
The world was nice to explore, I liked the monsters, the gods and all, I just wish there would have been a bit more plot cohesion as well as a bit more depth to the characters.
Good enough to finish, but I won't read any sequels in the series.
February 8, 2021
Alesh is a servant in the home of Chosen Olliman. Olliman took him in when he found him as a young child after his parents had been killed. Olliman treats Alesh with respect and dignity teaching him as much as he can, including how to defend himself. There are six members of the Chosen who helped defeat the nightwalkers in a war 50 years ago. Olliman was the strongest of them all. However things are going crazy in Entarna so Olliman sends Alesh to deliver a message to another Chosen. "It has begun" is Olliman's anguished cry. The Chosen has been killed and Alesh finds himself under arrest and put in the dungeons before he can leave the city but with help he gets out into the dangerous darkness to deliver his message.
Alesh has no idea why he has a black scar on his shoulder that won't heal and that is painful when he gets angry. And, when that anger hits he has the strength of 10 men or more. He has no idea why his parents were killed but not him when he was so young. But, he is about to find out just how important these things are as he works to save himself and his new friends and little Sonya who is the sister he didn't have until he came to Entarna.
The wind-up was a little slow but intriguing nevertheless. The outcome was starkly different and will keep you on the edge of your seat! Can't wait to read the next one.
Alesh has no idea why he has a black scar on his shoulder that won't heal and that is painful when he gets angry. And, when that anger hits he has the strength of 10 men or more. He has no idea why his parents were killed but not him when he was so young. But, he is about to find out just how important these things are as he works to save himself and his new friends and little Sonya who is the sister he didn't have until he came to Entarna.
The wind-up was a little slow but intriguing nevertheless. The outcome was starkly different and will keep you on the edge of your seat! Can't wait to read the next one.
November 21, 2021
An hour into this, I started rolling my eyes.
I really hate stupid characters.
And in this book, it just feels like everyone is plain stupid. You can see the plot line miles ahead of them all, and then when they’re surprised by the turning of events, you just think “stupid”.
Also, nobody has any real personality. The main character is an orphan who’s parents were murdered on the road (heavily inspired by Name of the Wind?), but all his pain is never really felt, only told about. Even the (obviously) stunningly beautiful harp player (hello again Name of the Wind) forgets all about music after it’s established she’s a musician and from then on she’s just plodding through the plot with the rest of the characters. The little girl is just a little girl. The silent warrior is mostly silent. Only the gambler has some sort of personality, but again - his storyline and his way of solving his financial problems are so stupid, that it shatters all sense of character.
Not to mention the perfectly evil villains who are just evil because of evil! Yes.
The whole thing just felt very shallow and half baked.
The audiobook narrator made it passable, but I suspect that without his performance this would have been worse.
I really hate stupid characters.
And in this book, it just feels like everyone is plain stupid. You can see the plot line miles ahead of them all, and then when they’re surprised by the turning of events, you just think “stupid”.
Also, nobody has any real personality. The main character is an orphan who’s parents were murdered on the road (heavily inspired by Name of the Wind?), but all his pain is never really felt, only told about. Even the (obviously) stunningly beautiful harp player (hello again Name of the Wind) forgets all about music after it’s established she’s a musician and from then on she’s just plodding through the plot with the rest of the characters. The little girl is just a little girl. The silent warrior is mostly silent. Only the gambler has some sort of personality, but again - his storyline and his way of solving his financial problems are so stupid, that it shatters all sense of character.
Not to mention the perfectly evil villains who are just evil because of evil! Yes.
The whole thing just felt very shallow and half baked.
The audiobook narrator made it passable, but I suspect that without his performance this would have been worse.
May 27, 2023
Stay the course
So the beginning was a bit much, over explaining, way heavy foreshadowing, too much, so that anyone who reads can easily pick out the primaries and love interest. If we had been left a little bit of mystery and then the greatness of the last half/third of the book this would have been a stellar twist and a can’t wait to read the next one ending. It was a great ending, and I will be reading the next one! Maybe a dragon will show up….sigh
My filters for fantasy books are: new world, soil can’t be called “earth”, new currency, new measurement system (time, length, etc), no fairies, gnomes, trolls, orcs (Tolkien things). Once a fantasy novel had scotch, uhhhh, no. Original work please. Dragons are allowed and encouraged, I love them, encourage every writer to have some! Yay Dragons! Mortals, new “gods”. You feel me, right?
I do force myself to read an entire book, which is a good discipline to have and worked out with this one.
The editor for the later part of the book, I salute you. I also hope you edited the following books.
As a teacher, you certainly earned an A!
So the beginning was a bit much, over explaining, way heavy foreshadowing, too much, so that anyone who reads can easily pick out the primaries and love interest. If we had been left a little bit of mystery and then the greatness of the last half/third of the book this would have been a stellar twist and a can’t wait to read the next one ending. It was a great ending, and I will be reading the next one! Maybe a dragon will show up….sigh
My filters for fantasy books are: new world, soil can’t be called “earth”, new currency, new measurement system (time, length, etc), no fairies, gnomes, trolls, orcs (Tolkien things). Once a fantasy novel had scotch, uhhhh, no. Original work please. Dragons are allowed and encouraged, I love them, encourage every writer to have some! Yay Dragons! Mortals, new “gods”. You feel me, right?
I do force myself to read an entire book, which is a good discipline to have and worked out with this one.
The editor for the later part of the book, I salute you. I also hope you edited the following books.
As a teacher, you certainly earned an A!
November 15, 2021
This one dragged on a TON. I like the idea. Like the story overall, but it was absolutely filled with things that didn't serve well to push the story forward. A lot of the stories around the various characters were just annoying, as they were far more than needed to establish who those characters were. The MC was a spectacularly naive idiot who would've been a lot more likeable had he had less back story and less time being a moron. The main female character was actually good until for some reason she developed a case of almost death by stupidity, that made 0 sense based on who she was supposed to be. Without going into spoilers, her savvy somehow just disappeared at the worst possible time, in a way that made no sense given her background. I honestly had to skip through a lot of it to get to where shit actually got important, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to finish. Given that the end seemed to improve rapidly, I will likely give book 2 a chance to see if it can carry that forward. If not for the overall story, and some likeable characters, I wouldn't have finished.
December 25, 2019
Jacob Peppers has another winner on his hands. While the story got off to a slow start, it developed well. I loved his Sellsword series and I'm looking forward to seeing where he takes these new characters in the world of the Nightfall Wars series.
I docked one star because while I enjoyed the book, I feel it could have used more chapters to flesh it out toward the end. Honestly there wasn't too much story and a lot of eventful things kind of crammed into the end with little explanation. Things were hinted at early on, but it kind of felt like a prequel, or some kind of setup for the actual book he wanted to write. It's good, but ends unsatisfactorily in the sense of resolution of events.
I'm looking forward to the next. And honestly, Peppers seems to write like a machine; he pumps out books with ridiculous speed, so I doubt we'll be waiting long for the series to resolve. If it's anything like the Sellsword series, the stakes will climb and I'll enjoy it as a whole.
I docked one star because while I enjoyed the book, I feel it could have used more chapters to flesh it out toward the end. Honestly there wasn't too much story and a lot of eventful things kind of crammed into the end with little explanation. Things were hinted at early on, but it kind of felt like a prequel, or some kind of setup for the actual book he wanted to write. It's good, but ends unsatisfactorily in the sense of resolution of events.
I'm looking forward to the next. And honestly, Peppers seems to write like a machine; he pumps out books with ridiculous speed, so I doubt we'll be waiting long for the series to resolve. If it's anything like the Sellsword series, the stakes will climb and I'll enjoy it as a whole.
August 19, 2019
A must read
Once again Jacob Peppers did it again. Another great series in the making. The characters are in for a long journey an he has given them style. Katherine, Rion, the Ferinan Darl, Alesh an little Sonya have all been brought together with out knowing why. An each has a part to play against the darkness. Yes it will be a long road for all they will have to trust each other to the end. Sir you have brought your writing imagination way out in front in this series. You had me from the beginning to the end, page after page. There is nothing better to have a book give u a little scare now an then. This is a great fantasy story that must be read. Oh an you might what to leave the lights on while you read. Those growls u hear might not b your dog. Thank you again Mr.Peppers
Once again Jacob Peppers did it again. Another great series in the making. The characters are in for a long journey an he has given them style. Katherine, Rion, the Ferinan Darl, Alesh an little Sonya have all been brought together with out knowing why. An each has a part to play against the darkness. Yes it will be a long road for all they will have to trust each other to the end. Sir you have brought your writing imagination way out in front in this series. You had me from the beginning to the end, page after page. There is nothing better to have a book give u a little scare now an then. This is a great fantasy story that must be read. Oh an you might what to leave the lights on while you read. Those growls u hear might not b your dog. Thank you again Mr.Peppers
September 5, 2021
An excellent story!
I have read several of Jacob Peppers books now for the Summer Challenge, and I must say they have all left me with a very satisfied, and refreshed feeling! I love all the intrigue going on with the characters - the gods and the people - with secret agendas, many of the characters still finding out who they really are and what part they will play. Jacob does a great job of presenting the characters in a First Person point of view, then bringing them together chapter by chapter. There is tons of action, doubt, fear, nightmare creatures, and an ending that is a Beginning! I highly recommend The Son of the Morning and any of Jacob’s other books as well!
I have read several of Jacob Peppers books now for the Summer Challenge, and I must say they have all left me with a very satisfied, and refreshed feeling! I love all the intrigue going on with the characters - the gods and the people - with secret agendas, many of the characters still finding out who they really are and what part they will play. Jacob does a great job of presenting the characters in a First Person point of view, then bringing them together chapter by chapter. There is tons of action, doubt, fear, nightmare creatures, and an ending that is a Beginning! I highly recommend The Son of the Morning and any of Jacob’s other books as well!
January 19, 2018
Great Start to a New Fantasy Series
Peppers is a great writer. I see a lot of potential here. Alesh's trip where he heard Katherine play was very well crafted. In fact, most of the characters were well developed. Peppers descriptive prose also lends itself to solid world building. I gave it 4-stars for auto-spelling errors and a few confusing transitions. The Son of Morning is a great read for fantasy loving tweens, teens, and adults. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Peppers is a great writer. I see a lot of potential here. Alesh's trip where he heard Katherine play was very well crafted. In fact, most of the characters were well developed. Peppers descriptive prose also lends itself to solid world building. I gave it 4-stars for auto-spelling errors and a few confusing transitions. The Son of Morning is a great read for fantasy loving tweens, teens, and adults. I look forward to the next book in the series.
June 27, 2019
Another awesome Book
Another awesome book and authors note from Jacob Peppers! Not only do I rank him among my favorites and greatest fantasy writers because of how and what he writes, but because Jacob takes the time to reach out to his fans and let them in on what's going on in his life. He answer your emails and questions. His personal touch on his work helps bring you into the worlds he created and helps you to escape ours. Like all great fantasy writers do. I recommend not only this book but really ANY book he puts out!
Another awesome book and authors note from Jacob Peppers! Not only do I rank him among my favorites and greatest fantasy writers because of how and what he writes, but because Jacob takes the time to reach out to his fans and let them in on what's going on in his life. He answer your emails and questions. His personal touch on his work helps bring you into the worlds he created and helps you to escape ours. Like all great fantasy writers do. I recommend not only this book but really ANY book he puts out!
September 2, 2020
Read this if you like: standing in the line of a bank, filling government forms and filing your taxes.
I wouldn't be surprised if a bureaucrat wrote this book. There is a story in here somewhere, but it seems like the author takes pleasure in making the reader go through hoops and loops to find it. And when you do, well it wasn't that impressive to begin with. The political plot is so easy to see through that there's no reward once you watch it unfold. And the MC is way too naïve for someone who is an orphan and was raised being shunned.
I wouldn't be surprised if a bureaucrat wrote this book. There is a story in here somewhere, but it seems like the author takes pleasure in making the reader go through hoops and loops to find it. And when you do, well it wasn't that impressive to begin with. The political plot is so easy to see through that there's no reward once you watch it unfold. And the MC is way too naïve for someone who is an orphan and was raised being shunned.
January 14, 2022
Good Old Fashioned Sword & Sorcery
Pepper has the knack to take well known & well worn literary tropes & fashion them into something new, mysterious & fun. His plots are ripe with well managed twists & turns & the world he creates is consistent & believable. The books draw the reader in with interesting characters that skirt the edge of caricature, but never succumb. The Hero(s), male & female, keep your interest & move the story along. A good read & a pleasurable way to spend a few hours.😎
Pepper has the knack to take well known & well worn literary tropes & fashion them into something new, mysterious & fun. His plots are ripe with well managed twists & turns & the world he creates is consistent & believable. The books draw the reader in with interesting characters that skirt the edge of caricature, but never succumb. The Hero(s), male & female, keep your interest & move the story along. A good read & a pleasurable way to spend a few hours.😎
January 15, 2026
Engrossing read buying the series
Common theme, poor underling picked on by most at Mage Academy but chosen both by head Mage and a god to fight against coming evil. Mysterious allies and an unknown destiny, along with enemies hidden and known. Magic and medieval situation with several gods of different powers: luck, faith, strength, etc. I loved the world, the people seemed real, there was nobody overpowered, while reading it the story felt real and I could suspend believe to maintain interest. So, overall, a good book and a success.
Common theme, poor underling picked on by most at Mage Academy but chosen both by head Mage and a god to fight against coming evil. Mysterious allies and an unknown destiny, along with enemies hidden and known. Magic and medieval situation with several gods of different powers: luck, faith, strength, etc. I loved the world, the people seemed real, there was nobody overpowered, while reading it the story felt real and I could suspend believe to maintain interest. So, overall, a good book and a success.
December 14, 2017
Page turning enjoyment
While the title and the blurb didn’t offer much, the story is gripping, and well paced. The first book set the tone and the backstory of the main characters, and while it doesn’t expound on their characters deeply, it did a wonderful job of making them relatable. Will see if the quality of the narrative remains consistent over the following books in the series.
While the title and the blurb didn’t offer much, the story is gripping, and well paced. The first book set the tone and the backstory of the main characters, and while it doesn’t expound on their characters deeply, it did a wonderful job of making them relatable. Will see if the quality of the narrative remains consistent over the following books in the series.
July 6, 2019
So It starts off really slow. However if your willing to get past that, the last 3rd is well worth the read. I especially like how well written the characters POVs are, their thoughts and personalities are greatly showcased, as well as their flaws. Some of the most intriguing I have read in the while (and Iread ALOT of sy-fy, fantasy stuff). Hopefully now that everything is set up, the pacing in the next book will be better, considering thats the only major flaw in this.
September 29, 2019
redemption
Alesh serves the Chosen, ruled of Ilrika. Olliman has been sending him out on errands and he has no idea why. but he is an orphan, a servant, and as such, he obeys. and, he loves Olliman like a father, this kindly man who took him in and has kept him in his household. until... he wasn't there. in fact, Ilrika was burning and Alesh was running for his life towards a promise, a spoken word. and night is falling
Alesh serves the Chosen, ruled of Ilrika. Olliman has been sending him out on errands and he has no idea why. but he is an orphan, a servant, and as such, he obeys. and, he loves Olliman like a father, this kindly man who took him in and has kept him in his household. until... he wasn't there. in fact, Ilrika was burning and Alesh was running for his life towards a promise, a spoken word. and night is falling
December 15, 2019
Book 1
Book 1 was a fun read and had a few errors throughout. The plot was predictable in some parts and in others had a nice twist to it. The characters are well done and developed. The main character complains a lot about his past, which he does not really remember other than in his dreams. This becomes repetitive throughout the book. Overall it was a fun read and I look forward to book 2.
Book 1 was a fun read and had a few errors throughout. The plot was predictable in some parts and in others had a nice twist to it. The characters are well done and developed. The main character complains a lot about his past, which he does not really remember other than in his dreams. This becomes repetitive throughout the book. Overall it was a fun read and I look forward to book 2.
August 31, 2023
I like the mystery aspect but think it could have been built up more. The city and characters barely had time to breathe before most of them became less relevant. Since things happen so fast there isn't real emotional impact or a punch to the gut. Finally not a swordsman as a main character, even though he is. In terms of the world itself, this one is a lot more interesting than a swellsword's compassion, remniscent of The Painted Man.
September 26, 2023
Meh
I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. My biggest issue with this book was the relentless, unnecessary paragraph after paragraph of inconsequential detail and inner dialogue that had no bearing on the storyline. Do authors still get paid by the word?🤔. SHOW don’t TELL!!!Other than that, it was a good story, if not entirely original, and could be really amazing with some professional editing out of the aforementioned detail.
I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. My biggest issue with this book was the relentless, unnecessary paragraph after paragraph of inconsequential detail and inner dialogue that had no bearing on the storyline. Do authors still get paid by the word?🤔. SHOW don’t TELL!!!Other than that, it was a good story, if not entirely original, and could be really amazing with some professional editing out of the aforementioned detail.
June 23, 2024
The main feature of this author, his style's pride, seems to be to rarely let a character to finish a damn sentence, without being interrupted by someone else. It becomes extremely annoying.
There was some story in there, but I couldn't find it. It dragged a lot. I hear it drags during the entire series, which kind of kills it for me right here.
The narrator was very good, made the book tolerable, but I don't plan to read this author again.
There was some story in there, but I couldn't find it. It dragged a lot. I hear it drags during the entire series, which kind of kills it for me right here.
The narrator was very good, made the book tolerable, but I don't plan to read this author again.
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