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The Seven Virtues #4
A Sellsword's Valor
The Battle is won. But the war is just beginning.
Belgarin’s forces have retreated, but in the city of Perennia there is no rejoicing. The air is filled with the mourning cries of survivors, and the wind that blows through the city carries the smell of freshly dug graves and death.
As the city grieves, Aaron and his companions attempt to hold together an alliance that threatens to crumble around them. While the alliance’s leaders bicker and argue, Boyce Kevlane, an ancient wizard bent on revenge, has taken Belgarin’s place as king and uses his twisted powers to create an army out of nightmare.
To stand a chance of keeping the coalition together, Aaron is forced to venture into Baresh, a city gripped by madness and terror, in search of proof of the coming danger.
But evil is a thing of shadows and darkness, and it will not go easily into the light.
To survive, Aaron will be forced to call on his friends and the growing power of his bond with a creature of myth. Yet even this may not be enough. For there are other powers in the world, darker ones, and there is no telling what secrets the shadows hold.
Belgarin’s forces have retreated, but in the city of Perennia there is no rejoicing. The air is filled with the mourning cries of survivors, and the wind that blows through the city carries the smell of freshly dug graves and death.
As the city grieves, Aaron and his companions attempt to hold together an alliance that threatens to crumble around them. While the alliance’s leaders bicker and argue, Boyce Kevlane, an ancient wizard bent on revenge, has taken Belgarin’s place as king and uses his twisted powers to create an army out of nightmare.
To stand a chance of keeping the coalition together, Aaron is forced to venture into Baresh, a city gripped by madness and terror, in search of proof of the coming danger.
But evil is a thing of shadows and darkness, and it will not go easily into the light.
To survive, Aaron will be forced to call on his friends and the growing power of his bond with a creature of myth. Yet even this may not be enough. For there are other powers in the world, darker ones, and there is no telling what secrets the shadows hold.
- GenresFantasyHigh FantasyMagic
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2018
901 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 3, 2023
My least favorite thus far
The last half of the book brings us further down the path by uniting 5 of the Virtues and exposing more of the diabolical evil's plans. Good to see Adina make some personal progress as well. Aaron is Aaron and does not disappoint. Lots of set-up talking in the first half had me nodding off or skimming.
The last half of the book brings us further down the path by uniting 5 of the Virtues and exposing more of the diabolical evil's plans. Good to see Adina make some personal progress as well. Aaron is Aaron and does not disappoint. Lots of set-up talking in the first half had me nodding off or skimming.
November 10, 2018
When can I start the next book in the series
When can I start the next book in the series? This was another enjoyable and fast read. I recommend this book and series to any fan of the fantasy genre. Be sure to start from the beginning. This series is filled with interesting characters, lots of action and magic.
When can I start the next book in the series? This was another enjoyable and fast read. I recommend this book and series to any fan of the fantasy genre. Be sure to start from the beginning. This series is filled with interesting characters, lots of action and magic.
February 28, 2019
Belgarin's troops have been defeated and now Belgarin no longer exists as he is known. The wannabe king has been taken over by Wizard Boyce Kevlane who could not be more evil if he tried. While Kevlane, as Belgarin controls the city of Baresh he is also doing experiments on people in an attempt to make the most evil and monstrous army possible. The people in Baresh are in great fear for their lives.
Knowing that something is not right Aaron and his friends go to Baresh to bring back proof that Kelvane it the monster they need to defeat to save Adina's kingdom. Death seems to await them around every corner when Kelvane inadvertently discovers their presence in the city.
Meanwhile, Adina and a group of friends go to Galia to take back the throne from a group of usurpers.
Aaron and Adina have much to tell each other when they meet again in Perennia.
While I did enjoy this book the first two chapters confused me because none of the usual characters were in them. I went back a couple of times to make sure I was reading the right book. However, it does all come together to create a fast paced story with a satisfying ending even though we know the story isn't over.
Knowing that something is not right Aaron and his friends go to Baresh to bring back proof that Kelvane it the monster they need to defeat to save Adina's kingdom. Death seems to await them around every corner when Kelvane inadvertently discovers their presence in the city.
Meanwhile, Adina and a group of friends go to Galia to take back the throne from a group of usurpers.
Aaron and Adina have much to tell each other when they meet again in Perennia.
While I did enjoy this book the first two chapters confused me because none of the usual characters were in them. I went back a couple of times to make sure I was reading the right book. However, it does all come together to create a fast paced story with a satisfying ending even though we know the story isn't over.
May 8, 2020
Four Books In And Still As Good As The First
With everything going on this installment took me longer than I expected to get through but it was worth it. Peppers continues to show a rather deep understanding of the human condition and through it he has been able to craft characters and build a world that continues to be interesting. The world that's crafted in this series doesn't fall on the trap of having the characters grow in power to match the evil that they face. If anything they end up more bruised and battered on every level and their struggles are harder because of it. Make no mistake, this is a dark series and it's filled with characters that don't follow a black and white moral code but it's the very human aspects of these characters that have kept me coming back. That and a desire to see Kevlane defeated so Peppers has succeeded in creating a villain that's horrible enough that I'm emotionally invested in his demise. Usually I just want to watch the protagonists succeed but in this series I actually want to see the bad guy get his due.
With everything going on this installment took me longer than I expected to get through but it was worth it. Peppers continues to show a rather deep understanding of the human condition and through it he has been able to craft characters and build a world that continues to be interesting. The world that's crafted in this series doesn't fall on the trap of having the characters grow in power to match the evil that they face. If anything they end up more bruised and battered on every level and their struggles are harder because of it. Make no mistake, this is a dark series and it's filled with characters that don't follow a black and white moral code but it's the very human aspects of these characters that have kept me coming back. That and a desire to see Kevlane defeated so Peppers has succeeded in creating a villain that's horrible enough that I'm emotionally invested in his demise. Usually I just want to watch the protagonists succeed but in this series I actually want to see the bad guy get his due.
October 5, 2024
This one gets a little creepy and gory. The bad guy(s) are inhumane.
In Baresh, a young girl named Allia is rescued from a street gang by a strange man and his creature only to be taken into a worse fate. Ex-warrior Blacksmith Odea has reluctantly taken on a large commission for the High Clerk Evane in the name of the king. Now Evane has a new job for him, that he can’t refuse.
It’s been six months since Belgarin’s army attacked Perennia, then retreated and the work to repair the damage is still ongoing. Now their waiting to see if he will return and their allies are getting impatient. So Aaron decides to go on a scouting mission. Then Adina leaves on a mission of her own.
What happened to their horses when Aaron’s group entered Baresh?
Footnote: 1) I wish the author would have included a map of where these areas are. It would have enhanced the story greatly.
Fave scenes: Wendell following Adina & Darrell, Aaron entering the gate, Leomin getting them into the room and Gryle’s bench.
In Baresh, a young girl named Allia is rescued from a street gang by a strange man and his creature only to be taken into a worse fate. Ex-warrior Blacksmith Odea has reluctantly taken on a large commission for the High Clerk Evane in the name of the king. Now Evane has a new job for him, that he can’t refuse.
It’s been six months since Belgarin’s army attacked Perennia, then retreated and the work to repair the damage is still ongoing. Now their waiting to see if he will return and their allies are getting impatient. So Aaron decides to go on a scouting mission. Then Adina leaves on a mission of her own.
What happened to their horses when Aaron’s group entered Baresh?
Footnote: 1) I wish the author would have included a map of where these areas are. It would have enhanced the story greatly.
Fave scenes: Wendell following Adina & Darrell, Aaron entering the gate, Leomin getting them into the room and Gryle’s bench.
August 2, 2021
This book felt maybe a bit slower than the rest because the characters split up: Aaron goes back to Baresh to find proofs that Belgarin will attack again while Adina stays behind. Of course Adina being Adina she doesn't stay put like a good girl but she goes to reclaim her kingdom so she can add her army to that of her sister.
Some of the chapters reminded me of Stephen King's style, that way he has to create a character, make him real, give him a background, dreams, goals... And then it's "well, now he's dead". I groaned out loud more than once!
The experiments freaked me out and there was a moment where I was afraid one of my favorite characters was going to die. Pheeeww.
The new owner of Intelligence is adorable and I hope he'll be around a lot!
On the other hand I hate the owner of Perception, she's a fanatic and she's dangerous. Can we pleeease do to her what she wanted to do to Aaron? Pretty please?
I'll keep hoping!
Some of the chapters reminded me of Stephen King's style, that way he has to create a character, make him real, give him a background, dreams, goals... And then it's "well, now he's dead". I groaned out loud more than once!
The experiments freaked me out and there was a moment where I was afraid one of my favorite characters was going to die. Pheeeww.
The new owner of Intelligence is adorable and I hope he'll be around a lot!
On the other hand I hate the owner of Perception, she's a fanatic and she's dangerous. Can we pleeease do to her what she wanted to do to Aaron? Pretty please?
I'll keep hoping!
February 3, 2019
Gripping tale
This latest addition to the story of our humble sell sword involves the reader more and more deeply into feeling a true part of the tale, our feelings towards each character grow and develop, we feel for them in the way we think ahead, the series rolls on towards it's conclusion dragging us with it, I find myself hungry for more, an intriguing style of writing adds to the pleasure, a good book for anyone from 14 to those of us nearer the long rest than our beginning.
This latest addition to the story of our humble sell sword involves the reader more and more deeply into feeling a true part of the tale, our feelings towards each character grow and develop, we feel for them in the way we think ahead, the series rolls on towards it's conclusion dragging us with it, I find myself hungry for more, an intriguing style of writing adds to the pleasure, a good book for anyone from 14 to those of us nearer the long rest than our beginning.
February 17, 2019
I have fallen in to this world that you created. From the first book to this I have had one hell of a ride. I must say that the Seven Virtues is a must read. It has everything you want in a fantasy story an you even get to have some laughs. Mr. Peppers you have brought this world together with the dark an the light with the good an the bad an characters you want to fight by their side an in the end their is seven balls of light. Thank you for a great read an amazing writing. You sir have out did yourself in this series.
February 21, 2019
Place holder
Ok, I get it, the more books you write the more money you make but at the expense of a good story? Unfair trade!!! This series was shaping out to be epic and then JP got greedy and threw in an irrelevant episode! Was it nice read? Yup, but it detracted from the overall story, making established characters go against their behaviour 3 books in is not a good way to tell a consistent story!
Ok, I get it, the more books you write the more money you make but at the expense of a good story? Unfair trade!!! This series was shaping out to be epic and then JP got greedy and threw in an irrelevant episode! Was it nice read? Yup, but it detracted from the overall story, making established characters go against their behaviour 3 books in is not a good way to tell a consistent story!
February 20, 2019
I have nothing bad to say about this series and A Sellsword's Valor is no exception. Things are going bump in the night in the city and people are on edge. After Belgarin's defeat, Aaron and company are trying to determine their next moves with the collective army and by the end of the book learn more about nightmares than I believe they wished they had.
September 25, 2019
which king is it?
Aaron has decided to return to Telrear's capital to check on Belgarin. he's been having dreams and those are never good. and of course, no one will let him go alone. so a small band slips back into the capital. and somehow wishes they hadn't. and they aren't the only ones sneaking around...
Aaron has decided to return to Telrear's capital to check on Belgarin. he's been having dreams and those are never good. and of course, no one will let him go alone. so a small band slips back into the capital. and somehow wishes they hadn't. and they aren't the only ones sneaking around...
September 8, 2021
Boyce Kevlane, an immortal shape shifting god, has launched hideous and alarming new elements in his bid to kill Aaron and all of mankind. In doing so, the mankind's future has become far more tenuous. At this point, it is quite doubtful that Aaron and their forces will have the resources to overcome the next attack.
October 6, 2018
What a great story in a great series! I couldn't put it down,I felt like I was in it, with all the action and emotional stress that went with it. Jacob has done a bang up job with this one, taking you away for hours of enjoyable reading. I will anxiously wait for the next story in this series.
October 9, 2018
The alliance is breaking up, but the threat still remains. So Aaron decides to get some proof that the threat is real.
Introducing some new characters and new baddies.
I received a free copy of this book.
Introducing some new characters and new baddies.
I received a free copy of this book.
December 12, 2018
Endless
I hate authors who just can't get to the end. Particularly since the filler results in endless repetition . And the core of the story, magic and the seven virtues goes nowhere.
I hate authors who just can't get to the end. Particularly since the filler results in endless repetition . And the core of the story, magic and the seven virtues goes nowhere.
February 23, 2019
Would be a 4.5
Could round it up, of course. And many probably have. Not wrong to do so.
I certainly am looking forward to reading the next in the series, and at least some of Mr Pepper’s other work. Glad I found him.
Could round it up, of course. And many probably have. Not wrong to do so.
I certainly am looking forward to reading the next in the series, and at least some of Mr Pepper’s other work. Glad I found him.
May 5, 2019
The author finally hits his stride with this one.
Some memorable minor characters: May, Beth, Wendell, and Caleb. And, of course, the best major character: Gryle.
This book justifies reading the first 3.
Some memorable minor characters: May, Beth, Wendell, and Caleb. And, of course, the best major character: Gryle.
This book justifies reading the first 3.
January 17, 2020
Suspense is building
I just read the notes from the author at the end of the book and it sounds like he is going to kill some main characters in the next book...i hate that part!
On to book 5 to find out how the battle plays out...
I just read the notes from the author at the end of the book and it sounds like he is going to kill some main characters in the next book...i hate that part!
On to book 5 to find out how the battle plays out...
October 11, 2018
Jacob outdid himself with the fourth book of the series. I had a blast reading it. It was nice to see Adina take more action, and succed. Waiting for the next book.
October 14, 2018
Read this
Great series! Looking forward to the next installment. I think the author does a great job both in plot pacing and character development.
Great series! Looking forward to the next installment. I think the author does a great job both in plot pacing and character development.
October 14, 2018
Awesome
ThAts whT this book is. It delivers in the action. The mad wizard keeps getting madder and overall this is a fantastic series
ThAts whT this book is. It delivers in the action. The mad wizard keeps getting madder and overall this is a fantastic series
October 25, 2018
Worthwhile read
Good fourth continuation. Does flow well and the storyline interesting.the characters are maturing well and looking forward to reading the next in the series
Good fourth continuation. Does flow well and the storyline interesting.the characters are maturing well and looking forward to reading the next in the series
October 29, 2018
Bravo, Mr Peppers!
The story keeps getting better and better, the characters more defined. I can't wait to see where the story goes next. I highly recommend this series.
The story keeps getting better and better, the characters more defined. I can't wait to see where the story goes next. I highly recommend this series.
January 7, 2019
Another 5* story
Very smooth enjoyable read. Great story, great characters, very well written, wish it was bit longer! looking forward to the next book
Very smooth enjoyable read. Great story, great characters, very well written, wish it was bit longer! looking forward to the next book
December 3, 2019
It was a great book, very hard to put down. I find myself really caring about the characters in the story and wanting them to be okay in the end. I will finish this series.
January 13, 2020
Fantastic
Fantastic what a series keep them coming
Yes please the more the merrier
I cannot put them down
Utterly brilliant
Fantastic what a series keep them coming
Yes please the more the merrier
I cannot put them down
Utterly brilliant
February 3, 2020
Addicting!
If you're reading my humble opinion of the fourth book in this series, I assume you've already read one, two and three so I'll just say that it did not disappoint.
On to book 5!
If you're reading my humble opinion of the fourth book in this series, I assume you've already read one, two and three so I'll just say that it did not disappoint.
On to book 5!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews