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Saga of the Known Lands #1
A Warrior's Burden
Where he walks, death follows.
He was once known as Prince Bernard, ruler of his people and the man who led them in the Fey War against creatures out of myth and legend, beings out of nightmare. A man renowned for his strength, a man feared by his own people as much as his enemies. But there are other names for him, too. Kingslayer. Oathbreaker. Traitor. The Crimson Prince.
And they are all true.
Now, he is simply Cutter, a man who arrived at the village of Brighton, a small place on the outskirts of the Known Lands, where men and women brave the harsh temperatures and freezing winds to survive. A man who brought with him a past full of regrets and an infant child, one he swore to protect.
For fifteen years, he watched over the child, hidden away in the desolate wilderness. But a man cannot run from his past—not forever. Sooner or later, it catches him. Always, it catches him.
Death comes to Brighton, led by a brother he betrayed and the troops of a kingdom he betrayed. Death comes to Brighton—and it is he who brought it.
With an entire kingdom against him, with the Fey stirring restlessly in the Black wood, eager for revenge, a lone warrior, once a prince, will be forced to take up his axe once more to protect the youth. To keep his promise.
It is heavy that axe, that promise, but he carries it, as he must. It is the price of his sins.
It is a warrior’s burden.
A Warrior's Burden is the first book in Saga of the Known Lands, a new series by bestselling author Jacob Peppers. It is a grimdark epic fantasy tale of creatures out of myth and legend, magic, battles, and warriors pitted against each other in a deadly struggle to survive. Are you looking for an action-filled character-driven fantasy? Then come and take your first steps into the Known Lands...
He was once known as Prince Bernard, ruler of his people and the man who led them in the Fey War against creatures out of myth and legend, beings out of nightmare. A man renowned for his strength, a man feared by his own people as much as his enemies. But there are other names for him, too. Kingslayer. Oathbreaker. Traitor. The Crimson Prince.
And they are all true.
Now, he is simply Cutter, a man who arrived at the village of Brighton, a small place on the outskirts of the Known Lands, where men and women brave the harsh temperatures and freezing winds to survive. A man who brought with him a past full of regrets and an infant child, one he swore to protect.
For fifteen years, he watched over the child, hidden away in the desolate wilderness. But a man cannot run from his past—not forever. Sooner or later, it catches him. Always, it catches him.
Death comes to Brighton, led by a brother he betrayed and the troops of a kingdom he betrayed. Death comes to Brighton—and it is he who brought it.
With an entire kingdom against him, with the Fey stirring restlessly in the Black wood, eager for revenge, a lone warrior, once a prince, will be forced to take up his axe once more to protect the youth. To keep his promise.
It is heavy that axe, that promise, but he carries it, as he must. It is the price of his sins.
It is a warrior’s burden.
A Warrior's Burden is the first book in Saga of the Known Lands, a new series by bestselling author Jacob Peppers. It is a grimdark epic fantasy tale of creatures out of myth and legend, magic, battles, and warriors pitted against each other in a deadly struggle to survive. Are you looking for an action-filled character-driven fantasy? Then come and take your first steps into the Known Lands...
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2021
1286 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 22, 2023
The great betrayer of both his kingdom & the Fey of Black Wood. His brutality & violence legendary. Oath bound he & his wanted companions now resurface. For some he may be survivals best chance.
This was great! A grimdark blast. Corrupt kingdoms, fearsome Fey and bad ass anti heroes? Sign me up.
This was great! A grimdark blast. Corrupt kingdoms, fearsome Fey and bad ass anti heroes? Sign me up.
December 6, 2021
Well, that was disappointing considering how great most of the reviews are. I can’t stand Matt. He’s 15-16… not 5 🙄 act like it. I do t know how so many people gave this 5 stars but I can’t. That kid drove me nuts. That’s it.
August 8, 2021
5* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!
Review to come soon! Love this new series! In fact, I love everything Jacob Peppers writes!
This is another epic series of his I highly recommend to read!
Review to come soon! Love this new series! In fact, I love everything Jacob Peppers writes!
This is another epic series of his I highly recommend to read!
October 25, 2021
Early on in the book there's a section that goes something like, (I'm paraphrasing here),
'He saw his bowl. It hadn't been cleaned. And now it would never be cleaned. For if he stayed to clean it, it would mean his death. He seriously thought about staying, cleaning the bowl, tidying the house and waiting for the death that he deserved. It wasn't that he wanted to live but he'd made a promise. He left'.
It was at that point I decided that this was actually a parody.
(It's an enjoyable enough story but somewhat melodramatic).
'He saw his bowl. It hadn't been cleaned. And now it would never be cleaned. For if he stayed to clean it, it would mean his death. He seriously thought about staying, cleaning the bowl, tidying the house and waiting for the death that he deserved. It wasn't that he wanted to live but he'd made a promise. He left'.
It was at that point I decided that this was actually a parody.
(It's an enjoyable enough story but somewhat melodramatic).
September 10, 2021
To many words to tell a story.
Its a good story wants you find out what Cutter is all about an you get a look into his past. Also when you get past all the words which there are alot of.
The story is about a evil man that is try to cheeks like while protecting an hour that thinks his a man." Not yet fella you have a bit to go before you think that ". Cutters old friends one to help when he needs it the most, from a brother with murder on his mind.
Its a good story wants you find out what Cutter is all about an you get a look into his past. Also when you get past all the words which there are alot of.
The story is about a evil man that is try to cheeks like while protecting an hour that thinks his a man." Not yet fella you have a bit to go before you think that ". Cutters old friends one to help when he needs it the most, from a brother with murder on his mind.
July 20, 2025
No spoilers, but one character alone dropped a couple stars for me. If you read it, you’ll know and you’ll be annoyed too.
February 5, 2023
A Warrior's Burden
Cutter is the name the big man goes by. Cutter carries a two sided great axe, both the half moon are blood thirsty and have many to feast on. This is a quest to protect a fifteen year old named Matt. Take the time to enjoy the tale as there is much to appreciate. The battles include fighting the Fey, and a Dark Prince seeking to kill him.
Cutter is the name the big man goes by. Cutter carries a two sided great axe, both the half moon are blood thirsty and have many to feast on. This is a quest to protect a fifteen year old named Matt. Take the time to enjoy the tale as there is much to appreciate. The battles include fighting the Fey, and a Dark Prince seeking to kill him.
August 24, 2021
FUCCANT
Why would one go to the trouble, no, not that, but waste both the writer and readers time to write something for all time and not research certain words they are using. I hope the author does not write like he talks, or talks like he writes. The word "fuck" ,was first used in literature in the year 1475. It was spelled fuccant. Not until 1965 was it written in published piece. If you take out all the redundancy you still would not have an extra star . you should never use the word fuck. No...you..you don't write like you talk.
Why would one go to the trouble, no, not that, but waste both the writer and readers time to write something for all time and not research certain words they are using. I hope the author does not write like he talks, or talks like he writes. The word "fuck" ,was first used in literature in the year 1475. It was spelled fuccant. Not until 1965 was it written in published piece. If you take out all the redundancy you still would not have an extra star . you should never use the word fuck. No...you..you don't write like you talk.
August 20, 2021
Made it 14 chapters
Really enjoyed the cover it was awesome.
Only managed to read through the first 14 chapters. There was so much introspection that I never was sure where we were going with the story.
Really needs to be cut back on the words.
Really enjoyed the cover it was awesome.
Only managed to read through the first 14 chapters. There was so much introspection that I never was sure where we were going with the story.
Really needs to be cut back on the words.
July 20, 2021
Intriguing and dangerous all the way to the end. Cutter is in a difficult situation running from his brother. Will he be saved, impossible to not wish you could help. Perfect for everyone.
August 30, 2022
Amazing!
September 24, 2021
Rambling drivel
I only read 14% of this book as could not take any more! It could have possibly been ok if you could condense the story. This author likes to ramble on using twenty words instead of one. If he speaks like he writes then must be the most boring person ever.
I only read 14% of this book as could not take any more! It could have possibly been ok if you could condense the story. This author likes to ramble on using twenty words instead of one. If he speaks like he writes then must be the most boring person ever.
May 30, 2025
Things I liked:
- actually female characters in this one by him
- Cutter (the main character), most of the time
- setting and world building were alright
Things I disliked:
- Maeve's (side character) whole personality is just GUILT. Like... okay. Also, she starts lecturing one of the other side characters at the end literally during the climax of the book. It reminds me of that one line Mark Hamill begged George Lucas to take out of the movie because who on earth talks like that.
- speaking of talking, the dialogue is not it. The characters either speak only in dramatic philosophical lines or the most modern way of speaking. The contrast between them is spooky
- the narration. I'm big on dialogue, and in the last 30% of the book I will admit I was skipping paragraphs. I just don't care. It added nothing to the book, and I know that, because I enjoyed it more when I actually skipped it. It seemed like it was supposed to be character growth or exploring the characters more, but at the 70% mark, that's not really what I wanna read.
- the pace. Omg why was it so slow. Like reading a fight scene felt exactly like reading a scene where the characters are just walking through the woods. There should be some distinction.
- foreshadowing. It was there, but for the future books. Like if you're going to mention a plan the characters have that involves a character we haven't met, and the characters actually don't use the plan at all, at least bring the plan back up at the end as foreshadowing for the next book. I don't wanna hear something that actually interests me just to have to read 4 more sequels just to get to that. Please don't just name-drop random characters once 60% through with no context and then don't mention them ever again. There needs to be some sort of foreshadowing beforehand and if you don't use it in the book, IT SHOULDNT HAVE BEEN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
- physical descriptions. You would think that after describing the main character a few times in a way that clearly communicates how big/tall/ripped he is, that would be enough. And you would think that we need to be reminded every. single. time. about how large this other character is, that we would get the picture. But no. How dare we go ten sentences without mentioning how freakishly tall and muscular this one guy is, and how dare we go another ten sentences without mentioning how fat another guy is. Like please. I'm done.
Overall I liked this book, even though I can't name all the things I liked about it. The things I disliked just came up so frequently that it bothered me.
- actually female characters in this one by him
- Cutter (the main character), most of the time
- setting and world building were alright
Things I disliked:
- Maeve's (side character) whole personality is just GUILT. Like... okay. Also, she starts lecturing one of the other side characters at the end literally during the climax of the book. It reminds me of that one line Mark Hamill begged George Lucas to take out of the movie because who on earth talks like that.
- speaking of talking, the dialogue is not it. The characters either speak only in dramatic philosophical lines or the most modern way of speaking. The contrast between them is spooky
- the narration. I'm big on dialogue, and in the last 30% of the book I will admit I was skipping paragraphs. I just don't care. It added nothing to the book, and I know that, because I enjoyed it more when I actually skipped it. It seemed like it was supposed to be character growth or exploring the characters more, but at the 70% mark, that's not really what I wanna read.
- the pace. Omg why was it so slow. Like reading a fight scene felt exactly like reading a scene where the characters are just walking through the woods. There should be some distinction.
- foreshadowing. It was there, but for the future books. Like if you're going to mention a plan the characters have that involves a character we haven't met, and the characters actually don't use the plan at all, at least bring the plan back up at the end as foreshadowing for the next book. I don't wanna hear something that actually interests me just to have to read 4 more sequels just to get to that. Please don't just name-drop random characters once 60% through with no context and then don't mention them ever again. There needs to be some sort of foreshadowing beforehand and if you don't use it in the book, IT SHOULDNT HAVE BEEN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
- physical descriptions. You would think that after describing the main character a few times in a way that clearly communicates how big/tall/ripped he is, that would be enough. And you would think that we need to be reminded every. single. time. about how large this other character is, that we would get the picture. But no. How dare we go ten sentences without mentioning how freakishly tall and muscular this one guy is, and how dare we go another ten sentences without mentioning how fat another guy is. Like please. I'm done.
Overall I liked this book, even though I can't name all the things I liked about it. The things I disliked just came up so frequently that it bothered me.
June 29, 2025
The frozen village of Brighton doesn't typically see the Kingdom's soldiers and many wonder what the occasion for their arrival may be, but for those who understand, it seems death has come for them. The man simply known as Cutter seeks to flee and keep his promise to protect a young man. Cutter's past is a complicated one that has seen him lauded as a hero and reviled as a monster. Unfortunately for Brighton, Cutter's past has come calling and it would burn the whole world to make him suffer.
A Warrior's Burden is a deceptive name for the book. To call Cutter, the man who is rightfully the Prince Bernard, a warrior is a misnomer. Prince Bernard would best be described as a berserker monster. When he decides to kill or destroy, nothing at all seems to be capable of standing in his way. He labels himself evil in his own thoughts, yet people still seek to help him. He has wronged man and monster alike, but he fully intends to fulfill his vow to protect young Matt.
This book is 318 pages, but it felt so much longer. I often criticize books for not taking enough time to get to know the characters, that can't be said about this book at all. We get to see inside the heads of all the major characters. We see their perspectives and get to relive their sadness over their past failures in more depth than I may have ever encountered for more than two or three characters in a single book. Cutter, Maeve, Chall, Matt, and Feledias are all filled with such pain and we get to witness it from their point of view. It is suffocatingly sad at times.
The plot is slowly unveiled throughout the book. In a lot of ways the reader is in the dark of the events that are happening as the poor youth Matt. We do see a bit more as we meet additional characters and see from their point of view, but the overall scope of the world and the conflict isn't cemented until the very last chapter. I do feel as though there are some massive aspects missing from the story at this point. I can't understand why Prince Bernard would have fled as the heir to the throne. Nothing outside of treason against the King himself should have been able to force Bernard into hiding. Perhaps it was self imposed exile, but that feels like a major point that doesn't make sense thus far.
A Warrior's Burden is a pain soaked tale of regret and loyalty. I'm somewhat curious about where things go from here, but I'm in no rush to continue the series right now.
2.5 out of 5 stars
A Warrior's Burden is a deceptive name for the book. To call Cutter, the man who is rightfully the Prince Bernard, a warrior is a misnomer. Prince Bernard would best be described as a berserker monster. When he decides to kill or destroy, nothing at all seems to be capable of standing in his way. He labels himself evil in his own thoughts, yet people still seek to help him. He has wronged man and monster alike, but he fully intends to fulfill his vow to protect young Matt.
This book is 318 pages, but it felt so much longer. I often criticize books for not taking enough time to get to know the characters, that can't be said about this book at all. We get to see inside the heads of all the major characters. We see their perspectives and get to relive their sadness over their past failures in more depth than I may have ever encountered for more than two or three characters in a single book. Cutter, Maeve, Chall, Matt, and Feledias are all filled with such pain and we get to witness it from their point of view. It is suffocatingly sad at times.
The plot is slowly unveiled throughout the book. In a lot of ways the reader is in the dark of the events that are happening as the poor youth Matt. We do see a bit more as we meet additional characters and see from their point of view, but the overall scope of the world and the conflict isn't cemented until the very last chapter. I do feel as though there are some massive aspects missing from the story at this point. I can't understand why Prince Bernard would have fled as the heir to the throne. Nothing outside of treason against the King himself should have been able to force Bernard into hiding. Perhaps it was self imposed exile, but that feels like a major point that doesn't make sense thus far.
A Warrior's Burden is a pain soaked tale of regret and loyalty. I'm somewhat curious about where things go from here, but I'm in no rush to continue the series right now.
2.5 out of 5 stars
November 21, 2021
Actual Rating: 3.5 🌟
CW/TW at end of review
1. I enjoyed this book, actually.
2. The bad decisions that were happening at the tail end of this book were kind of annoying (I'm looking at you, you know who you are, trying to play hero with no training at all).
3. It's a fun read and it's easy, no dramatic and bombastic words and I like that.
4. The drama is straight forward and doesn't try to be clever. The plot is very obvious but not in a boring way because the story itself is good.
5. Some ideas got a little repetitive but again, it didn't make it bad or boring, I still enjoyed it.
6. I am simping so damn hard for Cutter and would climb a man like a tree!
CW/TW: graphic violence, fire, death, mention of parental death, genocide, domestic violence, spousal abuse, GBV, graphic gore, threats of imprisonment, PTSD, anxiety/anxiety disorder, starvation, physical abuse, vomiting, fatmisia, suicide ideation, suicide threats, mention of spousal death, mention of child death, depression, strangulation, suffocation, knives/knife violence, blood, torture, mention of imprisonment, abuse
CW/TW at end of review
1. I enjoyed this book, actually.
2. The bad decisions that were happening at the tail end of this book were kind of annoying (I'm looking at you, you know who you are, trying to play hero with no training at all).
3. It's a fun read and it's easy, no dramatic and bombastic words and I like that.
4. The drama is straight forward and doesn't try to be clever. The plot is very obvious but not in a boring way because the story itself is good.
5. Some ideas got a little repetitive but again, it didn't make it bad or boring, I still enjoyed it.
6. I am simping so damn hard for Cutter and would climb a man like a tree!
CW/TW: graphic violence, fire, death, mention of parental death, genocide, domestic violence, spousal abuse, GBV, graphic gore, threats of imprisonment, PTSD, anxiety/anxiety disorder, starvation, physical abuse, vomiting, fatmisia, suicide ideation, suicide threats, mention of spousal death, mention of child death, depression, strangulation, suffocation, knives/knife violence, blood, torture, mention of imprisonment, abuse
June 20, 2021
Cutter, once known as Prince Bernard, is on the run now that his hiding place has been discovered. Along with him is 15 year old Matt. Both are being sought by Bernard's brother Feledias. Revenge is what Feledias seeks, against both Cutter and Matt who has no idea that he has an important birthright.
As Cutter, is chased into the black forest of the Fey he knows that he could be killed at any moment by the Fey because he betrayed them also in the Fey Wars. He has a lot of blood on his hands but he must keep the boy safe at all costs even though it will cost his own life.
It took a while for me to get into this story but once I did it was hard to put down. I am dying now to know how Cutter, Matt and Cutter's few friends will survive.
As Cutter, is chased into the black forest of the Fey he knows that he could be killed at any moment by the Fey because he betrayed them also in the Fey Wars. He has a lot of blood on his hands but he must keep the boy safe at all costs even though it will cost his own life.
It took a while for me to get into this story but once I did it was hard to put down. I am dying now to know how Cutter, Matt and Cutter's few friends will survive.
May 22, 2021
Great beginning to new story. Waiting, hopefully very little, for the next one.
Loved the MC who tries, and mostly fails to leave his cold past behind. Cutter is one of my favorite characters so far. Our protagonist is a someone with a troubled past, who only seeks to live his remaining days in silence and protect the one person he loves. He is well aware of his many flaws and thinks is to late to mend them. I liked how the story develops and can't wait to find out more of Cutter's past.
I highy recommend this book. Jacob's writing talent has only increased as he writes more books. To see his development as an author is pleasure.
Loved the MC who tries, and mostly fails to leave his cold past behind. Cutter is one of my favorite characters so far. Our protagonist is a someone with a troubled past, who only seeks to live his remaining days in silence and protect the one person he loves. He is well aware of his many flaws and thinks is to late to mend them. I liked how the story develops and can't wait to find out more of Cutter's past.
I highy recommend this book. Jacob's writing talent has only increased as he writes more books. To see his development as an author is pleasure.
October 28, 2022
The start of the book is pretty grim; all about Cutter, the boy he is protecting, the fey creatures, the cold, how tough Cutter is, the cold, etc. The first 5 chapters are very slow in setting up the world and there's a lot of repetition and verbose descriptions. Yes, he has a heavy burden. Yes, there's been a lot of blood and death. Yes, it's cold. We get it. Can we move along with the story now?
However just when I was losing interest other characters are introduced into the story. Fun characters. Interesting characters. Characters that are multi-dimensional (unlike one-note Cutter and the dopey boy he is protecting). Overall the book ends in a rushed way.
However just when I was losing interest other characters are introduced into the story. Fun characters. Interesting characters. Characters that are multi-dimensional (unlike one-note Cutter and the dopey boy he is protecting). Overall the book ends in a rushed way.
October 6, 2021
I'm having a hard time bringing my thoughts out for this book. A grumpy man who was known as a battlefield butcher whom everyone feared somehow has friends who band together against his desires to save him (and a boy) from an even crazier hunter.
Characters are way too flat and genre is full of similar tales.
Characters are way too flat and genre is full of similar tales.
September 18, 2023
It's an okay book but not one that I loved and the blurb sounded great so I'm disappointed that I didn't like it more. I know there are people that love this series but I won't be continuing with it but I do know book buddies that will like or even love it and so will recommend it to them.
February 9, 2026
DR
After a war between fay and medieval kingdom of sword and sorcery ended in signing peace agreement. Younger prince ascends the throne while older is declared wanted criminal and hunted. Follow a protagonist with dark past for whom redemption is a journey as he tried to be better.
A royal rivalry with corrupt aristocracy, explicit medieval stench and dirt. All the while a boy on cusp of adulthood with a complex relationship to a man in search for meaning is taken under his guardianship.'A Warrior's Burden' is about loyalty and duty. Liegemen's duty to their liege. Loyalty between friends. Duty to the deceased and one's own past. A promise made long ago.
Conclusion: 3/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue. Narrated by: Ben Farrow.
Unfortunate how the 'A Warrior's Burden' offers 3h preview of prequel that's unavailable on Audible. After reading comments on GoodReads from 2 and 3 stars, as those usually offer critique and less groupthink, formed an impression that one character's brash actions and protagonist's internal meditative monologue were a turnoff for many. While true, characters' actions are in line with characters' motives and characters are not one dimensional and influenced by the joys and scars of the past. Terrible value for the length of the book - 1.70 $/hour ( 24.09 $ / 14 hrs 11 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
Stars:
1 - Not worth the resources to reproduce/preserve this title.
2 -Bad
3 -Good
4 - Personally, love it
5 - Recommended to everyone
After a war between fay and medieval kingdom of sword and sorcery ended in signing peace agreement. Younger prince ascends the throne while older is declared wanted criminal and hunted. Follow a protagonist with dark past for whom redemption is a journey as he tried to be better.
A royal rivalry with corrupt aristocracy, explicit medieval stench and dirt. All the while a boy on cusp of adulthood with a complex relationship to a man in search for meaning is taken under his guardianship.'A Warrior's Burden' is about loyalty and duty. Liegemen's duty to their liege. Loyalty between friends. Duty to the deceased and one's own past. A promise made long ago.
Conclusion: 3/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue. Narrated by: Ben Farrow.
Unfortunate how the 'A Warrior's Burden' offers 3h preview of prequel that's unavailable on Audible. After reading comments on GoodReads from 2 and 3 stars, as those usually offer critique and less groupthink, formed an impression that one character's brash actions and protagonist's internal meditative monologue were a turnoff for many. While true, characters' actions are in line with characters' motives and characters are not one dimensional and influenced by the joys and scars of the past. Terrible value for the length of the book - 1.70 $/hour ( 24.09 $ / 14 hrs 11 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
Stars:
1 - Not worth the resources to reproduce/preserve this title.
2 -Bad
3 -Good
4 - Personally, love it
5 - Recommended to everyone
May 27, 2025
Jacob Peppers' novel, A Warrior’s Burden, masterfully captivates its audience from the very first page. With vivid descriptions and well-rounded characters, Peppers' tale of heroism and sacrifice stands out as a compelling addition to the fantasy genre. The protagonist's journey is one of both physical and emotional turmoil, making readers empathize deeply with his struggles and triumphs. Peppers excels at creating multi-dimensional characters, whose motivations and development are both realistic and engaging. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each contributing meaningfully to the plot and enhancing the richness of the narrative. Peppers' world is meticulously crafted, from the sprawling landscapes to the intricate societal structures. The attention to detail immerses readers in a universe that is both fantastical and believable. This world-building serves as a solid foundation for the story, enriching the plot with depth and complexity. The plot of A Warrior’s Burden is expertly paced, balancing action, suspense, and moments of introspection. Peppers' ability to intertwine various storylines keeps the reader invested and eager to discover what happens next. The twists and turns are both surprising and satisfying, ensuring that the story remains fresh and exciting throughout.
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
June 26, 2025
Are you looking for a good anti-hero? Someone you have trouble finding reasons to love? Someone who, on the whole, seems pretty unredeemable? But then works hard to redeem themselves, well doesn’t work very hard at it. In fact, for most of the book you don’t see very much progress in that vein at all? Then this, this is what you’ve been looking for. Cutter is your man.
It’s true, Cutter’s a jerk but that doesn’t mean he’s not a likable character. Right away there was something about Cutter that I could relate to. (Maybe that says something about me that only a therapist could dig their teeth into) I liked the way that this story spent the first ¼ really focussing on Cutter and not giving us a character to like that was likable. Peppers didn’t make it easy to slide into loving a character but Cutter is nuanced, genuine and somehow, likeable. You’ve formed a relationship with him by the time you meet the other much more likable characters.
This is a dark, violent story but an enjoyable one. It shows promise of being an interesting and good series. The writing and action is believable. The magic is subtle and useful rather than bombastic. I enjoyed it and will return for the next in series.
It’s true, Cutter’s a jerk but that doesn’t mean he’s not a likable character. Right away there was something about Cutter that I could relate to. (Maybe that says something about me that only a therapist could dig their teeth into) I liked the way that this story spent the first ¼ really focussing on Cutter and not giving us a character to like that was likable. Peppers didn’t make it easy to slide into loving a character but Cutter is nuanced, genuine and somehow, likeable. You’ve formed a relationship with him by the time you meet the other much more likable characters.
This is a dark, violent story but an enjoyable one. It shows promise of being an interesting and good series. The writing and action is believable. The magic is subtle and useful rather than bombastic. I enjoyed it and will return for the next in series.
December 13, 2025
Years ago, Cutter brought a baby boy to the remote village of Brighton to be raised by a childless couple. Fifteen years later, Cutter’s enemies have found him, so he takes the boy, Matt, and runs to the Elven home in the Black Forest.
I think maybe I’ve read this series before, since it seems familiar. But I have no record of it, and it’s detailed enough to warrant a rereading—actually a little too detailed. It shouldn't take 2-4 paragraphs to describe how everyone's thinking about every little thing. And there’s too much derogatory joking banter between them that it gets annoying, especially during the dangerous action parts. It slows down the rhythm. So I ended up skipping much of it.
Footnote: 1) Maeve, Chall, and the Priest were riding horses when they went to meet up with Cutter, but they were gone later. What happened to them?
2): Did they have 2 or 3 rooms at the inn? The innkeeper says they can have 2. But then Chall and the priest went to one; Maeve took the boy to the 2d, and I thought she would stay with him, but then she left for her room (3?).
Fave scenes: burning his cabin, Cutter’s Boon, Valden & the boys, and Matt’s boots.
I think maybe I’ve read this series before, since it seems familiar. But I have no record of it, and it’s detailed enough to warrant a rereading—actually a little too detailed. It shouldn't take 2-4 paragraphs to describe how everyone's thinking about every little thing. And there’s too much derogatory joking banter between them that it gets annoying, especially during the dangerous action parts. It slows down the rhythm. So I ended up skipping much of it.
Footnote: 1) Maeve, Chall, and the Priest were riding horses when they went to meet up with Cutter, but they were gone later. What happened to them?
2): Did they have 2 or 3 rooms at the inn? The innkeeper says they can have 2. But then Chall and the priest went to one; Maeve took the boy to the 2d, and I thought she would stay with him, but then she left for her room (3?).
Fave scenes: burning his cabin, Cutter’s Boon, Valden & the boys, and Matt’s boots.
June 17, 2023
Of all the fantasy novels I read at the end of last year, “A Warrior’s Burden” by Jacob Peppers may have been my favorite. The story centers around Cutter, a giant of a man and an intriguing antihero burdened by a dark past. He and a teenage boy, Matt, flee from an impending army into the dangerous, Fey-inhabited Black Wood. Initially, Cutter’s true identity is a mystery that slowly unfolds throughout the story. We’re told of Cutter’s past monikers – Kingslayer, Oathbreaker, and Traitor – and the slow reveal of his backstory is executed masterfully, maintaining a persistent intrigue throughout. The narrative also includes compelling secondary characters, like the warrior Maeve, illusionist Challadius, and archer Priest, all former companions of Cutter who a racing to his aid. Overall, “A Warrior’s Burden” offers a thrilling expedition through a grimdark fantasy world with a compelling protagonist, leaving readers yearning for more.
September 9, 2022
If you didn’t know, Cutter is good at killing.
Look the boom is well written, the story well edited, the prose appropriate for the mood, the world is interesting, but the characters are paper cutouts for the most part. Cutter is good at killing and that’s all he’s good at killing. This theme is repeated over and over ad nauseam, people are hunting him because he is good at killing, he kills the people who are hunting him because he is good at killing, his companions hang around him because he is good at killing. I get that the book is “Grimdark” that violence and darkness are part of the world that was created. Maybe the next few books add some variety to the characters but I’m not going to read them because honestly I am tired of the author and every single character major/minor telling me that Cutter is so good at killing.
Look the boom is well written, the story well edited, the prose appropriate for the mood, the world is interesting, but the characters are paper cutouts for the most part. Cutter is good at killing and that’s all he’s good at killing. This theme is repeated over and over ad nauseam, people are hunting him because he is good at killing, he kills the people who are hunting him because he is good at killing, his companions hang around him because he is good at killing. I get that the book is “Grimdark” that violence and darkness are part of the world that was created. Maybe the next few books add some variety to the characters but I’m not going to read them because honestly I am tired of the author and every single character major/minor telling me that Cutter is so good at killing.
July 13, 2023
4.5 YES!
This is an amazing start to an absolutely wonderful HF series.
I adore the characters and their stories. I mean, I always love series where you have a bunch of people working together towards the same goal (especially if these said people are not your typical hero, and most of the time they seem to be more the antihero than the other way around).
This author was amazing. Really good writing, and he has a great way of having the world-builder inside the plot, not that typical description you would expect.
It's a really fast-paced story, and at the same time, you get immersed in the new world and fall in love, little by little, with the people in it.
Hats off to the authors who have this superpower of turning a normally hated character, an antihero, into someone that you end up adoring (or at least, getting there).
I've missed these types of series!
This is an amazing start to an absolutely wonderful HF series.
I adore the characters and their stories. I mean, I always love series where you have a bunch of people working together towards the same goal (especially if these said people are not your typical hero, and most of the time they seem to be more the antihero than the other way around).
This author was amazing. Really good writing, and he has a great way of having the world-builder inside the plot, not that typical description you would expect.
It's a really fast-paced story, and at the same time, you get immersed in the new world and fall in love, little by little, with the people in it.
Hats off to the authors who have this superpower of turning a normally hated character, an antihero, into someone that you end up adoring (or at least, getting there).
I've missed these types of series!
March 19, 2024
Strange writing style takes some getting used to.
First things first I've never read anything by Jacob Peppers until this book. Therefore I don't know if he always writes like this, but he is very generous with commas, and hyphens that make for very long sentences. However, once you get used to it there is a very good story here.
For a majority of the book we are kept in the dark in regards to the mc's past. We only know he is marked as a traitor & kingslayer, and that everyone in the kingdom [Human & Fey alike] knows what he did. There's a lot of introspective thinking by all of the characters. What I mean is that they tend to always have the same line of thinking of being regretful, and almost angsty. It's not terrible, but it can be a little repetitive.
Oh, and the kid that is being protected/traveling with the MC is a brat. He's only 15 so he gets some leeway, but at what point does he just listen to the adults, and follow direction?
Aside from that it's a great read, and a good start to a series I will likely continue.
First things first I've never read anything by Jacob Peppers until this book. Therefore I don't know if he always writes like this, but he is very generous with commas, and hyphens that make for very long sentences. However, once you get used to it there is a very good story here.
For a majority of the book we are kept in the dark in regards to the mc's past. We only know he is marked as a traitor & kingslayer, and that everyone in the kingdom [Human & Fey alike] knows what he did. There's a lot of introspective thinking by all of the characters. What I mean is that they tend to always have the same line of thinking of being regretful, and almost angsty. It's not terrible, but it can be a little repetitive.
Oh, and the kid that is being protected/traveling with the MC is a brat. He's only 15 so he gets some leeway, but at what point does he just listen to the adults, and follow direction?
Aside from that it's a great read, and a good start to a series I will likely continue.
September 3, 2022
I'll be honest, I struggled with this one at the beginning, it's very dark. It was slow and it didn't seem to be going anywhere I wanted a character or story to go. However, I'm no quitter and really glad I continued. I am an avid fan of Jacob Pepper so knew he wouldn't let me down. As the story unfolded the characters became more interesting and likeable/dislikeable and I am hooked. The unfolding plot is tricky and complex and things that you thought you knew, you don't. By the time I finished the book I was wanting more and more. A thoroughly good read, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good plot, plenty of action and characters to thoroughly love or hate.
September 18, 2022
Great story with some timing issues
Great story with tons of potential, but the narration can drag sometimes. Certain phrases and ideas are repeated at nauseum. The first 10 times you are told that Cutter is okay with dieing are fine. The, what seems like, twenty more times is too much. I found myself jumping paragraphs to skip the repeated themes. I enjoyed the back stories of the various characters, but the timing of when they were told seemed to impede the current pace of events. I again found myself rushing or even skipping parts to get back to the brewing action.
Great creative story with a few missteps.
Great story with tons of potential, but the narration can drag sometimes. Certain phrases and ideas are repeated at nauseum. The first 10 times you are told that Cutter is okay with dieing are fine. The, what seems like, twenty more times is too much. I found myself jumping paragraphs to skip the repeated themes. I enjoyed the back stories of the various characters, but the timing of when they were told seemed to impede the current pace of events. I again found myself rushing or even skipping parts to get back to the brewing action.
Great creative story with a few missteps.
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