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The Seven Virtues #3
A Sellsword's Resolve
War isn't coming. It's here.
Aaron and his companions prevented the assassination of a queen but in doing so they angered an ancient evil. Angered it, wounded it, but did not kill it, for such evil never truly dies.
An army greater than any the world has ever known marches bringing steel and death with it and somewhere a thousand-year-old evil lurks in the darkness, plotting and bending its will toward revenge.
Aaron and his companions have gathered allies to help them in the coming battle and each day his bond with the Virtue of Compassion grows stronger, gifting him greater and greater power.
But if life on the street taught Aaron anything, it’s that no one is better able to stab you in the back as those standing behind you. And as his power with the legendary creature grows, so too does an uncontrollable rage that threatens to consume him.
His enemies are many, his friends few, but no matter what happens, they will all learn the truth of a sellsword’s strength.
He will show them a sellsword’s resolve.
A Sellsword's Resolve is the third book in the epic fantasy series the Seven Virtues by Jacob Peppers. It is an action-packed dark fantasy tale of sword fighting, magic, and legends come to life.
Aaron and his companions prevented the assassination of a queen but in doing so they angered an ancient evil. Angered it, wounded it, but did not kill it, for such evil never truly dies.
An army greater than any the world has ever known marches bringing steel and death with it and somewhere a thousand-year-old evil lurks in the darkness, plotting and bending its will toward revenge.
Aaron and his companions have gathered allies to help them in the coming battle and each day his bond with the Virtue of Compassion grows stronger, gifting him greater and greater power.
But if life on the street taught Aaron anything, it’s that no one is better able to stab you in the back as those standing behind you. And as his power with the legendary creature grows, so too does an uncontrollable rage that threatens to consume him.
His enemies are many, his friends few, but no matter what happens, they will all learn the truth of a sellsword’s strength.
He will show them a sellsword’s resolve.
A Sellsword's Resolve is the third book in the epic fantasy series the Seven Virtues by Jacob Peppers. It is an action-packed dark fantasy tale of sword fighting, magic, and legends come to life.
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Published January 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 8, 2019
This book would have been much better was the hero not continuing his development into a petulant whiny man child with severe anger issues who refuses to listen to anyone.
September 11, 2022
Great build!
What started with a bit more telling than normal turned progressively into quite the thrilling ride! Lots of intrigue, lots of blood, lots of diabolics, lots of sacrifice. Great and grand heroics that pull me along for the ride!
What started with a bit more telling than normal turned progressively into quite the thrilling ride! Lots of intrigue, lots of blood, lots of diabolics, lots of sacrifice. Great and grand heroics that pull me along for the ride!
July 13, 2022
Great series
I am so glad I have had the chance to read this series. The characters are magnificent, the plits are superb and the settings are unique.
I am so glad I have had the chance to read this series. The characters are magnificent, the plits are superb and the settings are unique.
May 1, 2023
3.5
December 23, 2020
This series is such a disappoinment. I've read the first two books, I liked them but felt the story a was bit empty, thinking to myself I'd only need about one page to summarise the story up to then, while for a usual book I'd need double that's. The events in book 1 and 2, and this book as well, seem to be of little consequence for the plot, no depth, just filler.
I had hopes things would get better, nicely completed fantasy series that catch my interests are rare these days, and the idea behind the story seemed interesting and promising. Unfortunately, things didn't improve, the plot stays paper thin, and the characters haven't evolved at all, and if anything the main character only devolved (way beyond what would be resonable given his unique situation), which is why I gave up on this series midway this book when the main character acts high and mighty berating and threatening allies, seeing them as enemies, that have been fighting the same cause as him for forever while he's a newcomer. It was too much artifical drama (and stupidity) added to the plot or to character building or whatever the author wanted to achieve that for me it completely ruined the book and series.
I had hopes things would get better, nicely completed fantasy series that catch my interests are rare these days, and the idea behind the story seemed interesting and promising. Unfortunately, things didn't improve, the plot stays paper thin, and the characters haven't evolved at all, and if anything the main character only devolved (way beyond what would be resonable given his unique situation), which is why I gave up on this series midway this book when the main character acts high and mighty berating and threatening allies, seeing them as enemies, that have been fighting the same cause as him for forever while he's a newcomer. It was too much artifical drama (and stupidity) added to the plot or to character building or whatever the author wanted to achieve that for me it completely ruined the book and series.
March 12, 2021
A break ... but I prefer more realism and grimdark, even to my fantasy. I like my heroes more flawed and my villains more complicated. Wouldn't hurt to have a heroine that isn't perfectly beautiful as well. Fat and ugly, gorgeous and good ... really, gets old.
July 4, 2022
Ok, I take back everything negative I said about A Sellsword's Wrath. This is so damn good that I'm tempted to give extra stars retrospectively, just because this deserves more than the five stars I can give it. I have devoured this book in the space of hours, not willing to put it down and desperate to see how it concludes.
We finished the last book with an impossible to kill God, an assassination plan foiled at the last moment, an increasingly enraged Aaron and a hopelessly outnumbered war on the horizon. This hardly bodes well for Aaron, a sellsword come protector now trying to rally the forces for a war they cannot win. Yet it makes for a damn good story. And Jacob Peppers tells it flawlessly. This is heart in your mouth, the world is about to end story telling here.
And my complaints about Wrath? Lack of character building and world building? That really isn't a problem here at all. Aaron can be a little bit hit and miss, but there's a decent explanation for that. But where this truly excels is in all of the smaller characters surrounding him. Gryle, the 'cowardly' servant with a heart of gold. Ellemont, the Coward Prince with a yellow suit of armour, who is perhaps finally finding his spine. Lyla, his cold, perhaps heartless wife...until you look a little closer. The soldiers Aaron stands with. The gentle giant and the turncoat. Every character here has a story. Every single one of them, no matter how large or small.
And the world building. The world building does not disappoint in the slightest. Whereas most of the last book was spent journeying, a lot of this book is spent in the heart of power and so you get a birds eye view of the world from the upper echelons. It builds on what we've seen before of the lower ends of societies scale and balances things out exceptionally well. On top of that, you see at least some of the more personal stories of those in power.
All in all, this was fantastic. I'm moving into the fourth book with huge interest.
We finished the last book with an impossible to kill God, an assassination plan foiled at the last moment, an increasingly enraged Aaron and a hopelessly outnumbered war on the horizon. This hardly bodes well for Aaron, a sellsword come protector now trying to rally the forces for a war they cannot win. Yet it makes for a damn good story. And Jacob Peppers tells it flawlessly. This is heart in your mouth, the world is about to end story telling here.
And my complaints about Wrath? Lack of character building and world building? That really isn't a problem here at all. Aaron can be a little bit hit and miss, but there's a decent explanation for that. But where this truly excels is in all of the smaller characters surrounding him. Gryle, the 'cowardly' servant with a heart of gold. Ellemont, the Coward Prince with a yellow suit of armour, who is perhaps finally finding his spine. Lyla, his cold, perhaps heartless wife...until you look a little closer. The soldiers Aaron stands with. The gentle giant and the turncoat. Every character here has a story. Every single one of them, no matter how large or small.
And the world building. The world building does not disappoint in the slightest. Whereas most of the last book was spent journeying, a lot of this book is spent in the heart of power and so you get a birds eye view of the world from the upper echelons. It builds on what we've seen before of the lower ends of societies scale and balances things out exceptionally well. On top of that, you see at least some of the more personal stories of those in power.
All in all, this was fantastic. I'm moving into the fourth book with huge interest.
July 28, 2021
Aaron and his friends make ready for Belgarin's army, in Queen Isabelle's town. There isn't much hope for victory, but nobody wants to give up.
This book was full of bittersweet moments, from Belgarin, to Gryle, to Aaron himself and Ellemont, Adina's brother. I especially loved his character, he behaved very differently from the way he was portrayed at the beginning.
I loved Aaron's reaction at certain revelations, it was perfectly justified and in character. It's the dark side of fighting for a cause, there are always sacrifices to make. The thing is, as readers we mostly witness those who make those sacrifices... And not the rest of the people. This was an interesting side to the story.
Gryle. Oh sweet Gryle. It's incredible how such a man can call himself a coward and believe it. Since the beginning of the series I thought he was one of the bravest characters: he has no skills, he can't fight, but does he run? Does he abandon Adina? No, he doesn't. And it takes a special kind of hero to do that.
Wendell makes me laugh. He's absolutely the comic relief and I love him! He needs to learn to shut up though ahaha
That ending 😱
It made me feel sorry for Belgarin. I'm pretty sure he's insane on top of being misled... it was such a sad situation 🙁
On to the next!
This book was full of bittersweet moments, from Belgarin, to Gryle, to Aaron himself and Ellemont, Adina's brother. I especially loved his character, he behaved very differently from the way he was portrayed at the beginning.
I loved Aaron's reaction at certain revelations, it was perfectly justified and in character. It's the dark side of fighting for a cause, there are always sacrifices to make. The thing is, as readers we mostly witness those who make those sacrifices... And not the rest of the people. This was an interesting side to the story.
Gryle. Oh sweet Gryle. It's incredible how such a man can call himself a coward and believe it. Since the beginning of the series I thought he was one of the bravest characters: he has no skills, he can't fight, but does he run? Does he abandon Adina? No, he doesn't. And it takes a special kind of hero to do that.
Wendell makes me laugh. He's absolutely the comic relief and I love him! He needs to learn to shut up though ahaha
That ending 😱
It made me feel sorry for Belgarin. I'm pretty sure he's insane on top of being misled... it was such a sad situation 🙁
On to the next!
January 28, 2020
Fantastic read!
I discovered these books after reading the Fatemarked series and grudgingly decided to give them a shot feeling sure that I was setting myself up for disappointment. I could not have been more wrong. Jacob Peppers grabbed me by the collar and dragged me into this amazing world within the first chapter. His characters are vivid and real and, frequently, hilarious! The plot is imaginative with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing without seeming like something he's making up as he goes.
And if you're like me and download the audio version so you can continue your book while you're driving (and working and showering etc) you're in for a real treat since these books are narrated by Steven Brand. His smokey voice and atypical cadence bring this story to life perfectly.
I can't say enough good things about these books (mostly because I'm anxious to download book 4 )
I discovered these books after reading the Fatemarked series and grudgingly decided to give them a shot feeling sure that I was setting myself up for disappointment. I could not have been more wrong. Jacob Peppers grabbed me by the collar and dragged me into this amazing world within the first chapter. His characters are vivid and real and, frequently, hilarious! The plot is imaginative with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing without seeming like something he's making up as he goes.
And if you're like me and download the audio version so you can continue your book while you're driving (and working and showering etc) you're in for a real treat since these books are narrated by Steven Brand. His smokey voice and atypical cadence bring this story to life perfectly.
I can't say enough good things about these books (mostly because I'm anxious to download book 4 )
October 3, 2024
Aaron is helping train Queen Isabelle’s army prepare for the arrival of King Belgarin’s army. Hopefully her brother King Ellemont of the White Mountains will join them with forces, giving them a better chance to win. Also May is working to get the people of Avarest organized to join them. This is the beginning of the big battle.
How is Lilliana traveling from The White Mountain to Belgarin’s headquarters and back so fast?
Footnote: 1) Sometimes people have secrets that are not theirs to tell or have sworn to keep. It’s not that they don’t trust you, but that don’t have the right to tell you. For example: Military Special Services go on secret missions that they can’t tell anyone about, even their family. Sometimes it’s better you don’t know.
Fave scenes: Leomin’s childhood story, Gryle’s brave act, the fire ambush and Ellemont’s trick
How is Lilliana traveling from The White Mountain to Belgarin’s headquarters and back so fast?
Footnote: 1) Sometimes people have secrets that are not theirs to tell or have sworn to keep. It’s not that they don’t trust you, but that don’t have the right to tell you. For example: Military Special Services go on secret missions that they can’t tell anyone about, even their family. Sometimes it’s better you don’t know.
Fave scenes: Leomin’s childhood story, Gryle’s brave act, the fire ambush and Ellemont’s trick
October 26, 2018
As Aaron tries to prepare his countrymen for a battle that is all too likely to be lost, he is also doing internal battle with the strength that his ever present Virtue has instilled in him. Co has brought anger to Aaron like he has never known before. An anger that is often uncontrollable but nevertheless very useful.
Belgarin, Adina's older brother who feels he should be king of all the land is setting out to kill anyone in his way, even his siblings. What he does not know is that there is a very angry and devious creature out to usurp the power he, Belgarin, wants. This creature will also destroy anyone or anything that gets in his way.
Lots of action and great characters.
Belgarin, Adina's older brother who feels he should be king of all the land is setting out to kill anyone in his way, even his siblings. What he does not know is that there is a very angry and devious creature out to usurp the power he, Belgarin, wants. This creature will also destroy anyone or anything that gets in his way.
Lots of action and great characters.
January 13, 2021
The first 2 books were excellent. This book on the other hand was only good up until the last few chapters. Im not sure why the author doesnt understand human beings and how this would have actually gone down but everyone I know who read this book was surprised Caldwell was allowed to live at the end. This series was pretty much ruined by this since it took me out of the moment and made everything feel stupid and contrived. Think I might try and get a refund on the rest of the books I bought on audible. The first 2 books were so promising that this was such a shock that they made some of the smarter characters so damn stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series!
One of the things that I adore in Jacob Peppers' work is the friend-characters. The MC always needs help (whether they know it or not), so they manage to find friends and people willing to (sometimes reluctantly) help them.
I really like most of the Virtues and how they come into the story. True, the MC is a bit annoying at times, but I can understand in the context and it's still really fun to read.
The plot goes on and it's keeping me engaged and curious, so it's a series (and author) worth reading.
One of the things that I adore in Jacob Peppers' work is the friend-characters. The MC always needs help (whether they know it or not), so they manage to find friends and people willing to (sometimes reluctantly) help them.
I really like most of the Virtues and how they come into the story. True, the MC is a bit annoying at times, but I can understand in the context and it's still really fun to read.
The plot goes on and it's keeping me engaged and curious, so it's a series (and author) worth reading.
September 22, 2019
serving many masters
war is a brutal master, teaching those who play games they will not forget. Aaron, Adina, and friends have settled into Isella's castle to plan the war no one want. training soldiers in the art of forest fighting, sending soldiers to play courtiers; it is all brutal. and hidden under it all is the menace that directs the evil.the
loved the action in this one. nice drive for all of the characters to move forward in a sudden leap.
war is a brutal master, teaching those who play games they will not forget. Aaron, Adina, and friends have settled into Isella's castle to plan the war no one want. training soldiers in the art of forest fighting, sending soldiers to play courtiers; it is all brutal. and hidden under it all is the menace that directs the evil.the
loved the action in this one. nice drive for all of the characters to move forward in a sudden leap.
August 8, 2018
Continued Good Story
The author continues his story well. This third book keeps the reader wanting more. While some aspects are predictable (the Cowards actions, the traitors fate, etc.) the book provides hours of entertainment.
Still wish the author could write a story without the unneeded foul language.
The author continues his story well. This third book keeps the reader wanting more. While some aspects are predictable (the Cowards actions, the traitors fate, etc.) the book provides hours of entertainment.
Still wish the author could write a story without the unneeded foul language.
February 20, 2019
Book three did not disappoint. An immortal enemy, the Yellow King, and Belgarin's progression as a character all made a story that had me laughing and so upset at times it was rough. Aaron's progression with Co and the deeper understanding of the bond is great to see while also highlighting that Aaron still has weaknesses he needs to address moving forward.
May 22, 2019
Another great follow up
The third in an ongoing saga. This one held my attention, started slow but definitely geared up from the middle to an incredible end. More revelations about all the Virtues and their relevant powers as well as consequences. Also, more back story about the protagonist and the antagonist. Looking forward to the next book!
The third in an ongoing saga. This one held my attention, started slow but definitely geared up from the middle to an incredible end. More revelations about all the Virtues and their relevant powers as well as consequences. Also, more back story about the protagonist and the antagonist. Looking forward to the next book!
January 13, 2020
What a fighter!
So, now Im seeing that Wrath is starting to take control of Aaron...he barely keeps the virtue in check. I will find out in the next book how he handles that....and I cant wait for him to kill the bad guy! And Caldwell too, for what he did to Belgarin...he made his whole life a lie, so he needs to die terribly for that.
So, now Im seeing that Wrath is starting to take control of Aaron...he barely keeps the virtue in check. I will find out in the next book how he handles that....and I cant wait for him to kill the bad guy! And Caldwell too, for what he did to Belgarin...he made his whole life a lie, so he needs to die terribly for that.
January 16, 2023
DNF 63% I’m 950 or so pages into this seven book series and I’m not even halfway. Frankly I’m bored. It’s the same thing over and over and over again. Aaron fights, Aaron rails against the futility of it all, Aaron does some more fighting. Occasionally other characters get to have a go. Some characters get powers. Aaron rails against the futility of it all, Aaron does some more fighting.
August 8, 2018
Lots of action with surprising humour intermingled
This was my first book in the series but despite this the story was very clear. The characters showed both their weakness and how in many cases they overcame them to raise their actions and achieve unexpected positive results
This was my first book in the series but despite this the story was very clear. The characters showed both their weakness and how in many cases they overcame them to raise their actions and achieve unexpected positive results
August 19, 2018
100% Movie Material; Fun Read!
This book is written to be made into a movie. I laughed out loud several times and the characters are painted in a way that there shouldn’t be a problem casting them. They will screw it up though; Tom Cruise will be the sellsword.
This book is written to be made into a movie. I laughed out loud several times and the characters are painted in a way that there shouldn’t be a problem casting them. They will screw it up though; Tom Cruise will be the sellsword.
September 14, 2018
WOW an WOW. Find urself with non to read or needing more with. Sowrds blood an little balls of light jump from one person to the next. With a man that had non in his life but himself. Pick up Jacob Peppers books the Seven Virtues an hang on for a great ride. Too 10 auther in my reads.
December 21, 2018
Frolicking fun! ...through fields of war.
Interesting characters, an immortal antagonist, law-breaking protagonists and a princess... or several. It is a fun read, and an easy story to enjoy.
Interesting characters, an immortal antagonist, law-breaking protagonists and a princess... or several. It is a fun read, and an easy story to enjoy.
February 12, 2019
On the nature of power
Interesting insights into the positive and negative aspects of the same power - source - and vessel. Throw in that said vessel is sometimes human, and that complicates things a little, maybe. But, at center, power is power, and there is always a price.
Interesting insights into the positive and negative aspects of the same power - source - and vessel. Throw in that said vessel is sometimes human, and that complicates things a little, maybe. But, at center, power is power, and there is always a price.
June 26, 2019
Good story interesting characters
I enjoyed the twists and turns but it’s hard to see healthy main protagonist virtue of compassion turned into bloodthirsty destruction on the battlefield. In any case I will continue to read the series
I enjoyed the twists and turns but it’s hard to see healthy main protagonist virtue of compassion turned into bloodthirsty destruction on the battlefield. In any case I will continue to read the series
September 14, 2019
Another good addition.
Still enjoying this series adhering right on into the next one. I enjoyed the slight humor interspersed throughout. I enjoyed the balance of light and dark, good and evil, and how it plays roles in many facets. Very nice job Jacob. Look forward to the next one. Downloading now.
Still enjoying this series adhering right on into the next one. I enjoyed the slight humor interspersed throughout. I enjoyed the balance of light and dark, good and evil, and how it plays roles in many facets. Very nice job Jacob. Look forward to the next one. Downloading now.
September 7, 2021
A very satisfying read. Dark forces, Virtues, an eternal god who hates mankind and men and women caught up in the dark chaos struggling for survival. The outcome is clearly uncertain regardless of the courage and resolve of all involved.
November 30, 2022
What's the opposite of compassion?
Rage and hate , with rivers of blood.
The enemy is a demi God who just won't die.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
Rage and hate , with rivers of blood.
The enemy is a demi God who just won't die.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
April 11, 2024
Awesome Book 3 in the series
I loved this book! Aaron steps fully into his heroic self, there’s plenty of action and suspense, and the villains and the supporting cast are great, too. Moving on to Book 4.
I loved this book! Aaron steps fully into his heroic self, there’s plenty of action and suspense, and the villains and the supporting cast are great, too. Moving on to Book 4.
July 29, 2018
Cracking good series. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews