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Saga of the Known Lands #2
A Warrior's Redemption
When a man goes out seeking blood, he will find it.
Always he will find it.
It was a truth Cutter had learned long ago, for he had been that man. For countless years, on countless battlefields, he had sought violence and blood…and the gods help him, he had found it. Found more than his share.
But there was another truth, one he was only now beginning to understand.
The truth that, once a man wed himself to violence, to war, he could not easily put it aside, for carnage was a jealous bride who, upon discovering that its groom had forgotten it, set out to make him remember.
She did that reminding not with soft words but with battle cries and the screams of the wounded.
And death, of course. That most of all.
And so Cutter finds himself taking shelter in the woods with the remaining survivors of a bloody massacre. Now, he and his companions journey to New Daltenia, the capital of the Known Lands and the seat of his brother’s power. For only there can they prove Matt’s royal blood and keep him safe.
But Feledias is not the only threat they face.
The Fey were defeated once, but while the kingdom of the Known Lands has nearly ripped itself apart during the feud of its royal princes, the denizens of the Black Wood have worked within the shadows.
In the darkness of the Black Wood, they have plotted their revenge.
They do not know it yet, but the people of the Known Lands are at war. A war taking place not on distant battlefields but in the quiet alleyways of their own cities, within the walls of their own homes.
The Fey aren’t coming—they’re already here.
So it is that in order to save the kingdom he failed so long ago, Cutter must stand against his enemies and those he once called friends.
Should he fail, should he fall, then the Known Lands will fall with him.
And if by some thin chance he succeeds, then perhaps he might find what he has sought for fifteen years—redemption.
Always he will find it.
It was a truth Cutter had learned long ago, for he had been that man. For countless years, on countless battlefields, he had sought violence and blood…and the gods help him, he had found it. Found more than his share.
But there was another truth, one he was only now beginning to understand.
The truth that, once a man wed himself to violence, to war, he could not easily put it aside, for carnage was a jealous bride who, upon discovering that its groom had forgotten it, set out to make him remember.
She did that reminding not with soft words but with battle cries and the screams of the wounded.
And death, of course. That most of all.
And so Cutter finds himself taking shelter in the woods with the remaining survivors of a bloody massacre. Now, he and his companions journey to New Daltenia, the capital of the Known Lands and the seat of his brother’s power. For only there can they prove Matt’s royal blood and keep him safe.
But Feledias is not the only threat they face.
The Fey were defeated once, but while the kingdom of the Known Lands has nearly ripped itself apart during the feud of its royal princes, the denizens of the Black Wood have worked within the shadows.
In the darkness of the Black Wood, they have plotted their revenge.
They do not know it yet, but the people of the Known Lands are at war. A war taking place not on distant battlefields but in the quiet alleyways of their own cities, within the walls of their own homes.
The Fey aren’t coming—they’re already here.
So it is that in order to save the kingdom he failed so long ago, Cutter must stand against his enemies and those he once called friends.
Should he fail, should he fall, then the Known Lands will fall with him.
And if by some thin chance he succeeds, then perhaps he might find what he has sought for fifteen years—redemption.
- GenresFantasy
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2021
433 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 28, 2022
“A man made of ice and fire both, they say, one as cold as the mountains and as hot as the sun itself.”
“But it’s too late. The time for running, for hiding, is past.”
Another 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ instalment in series! It gets better and better. The evolution of the main character is worth reading and his encounters with his enemies and his own demons, which ones worse, are trials he goes through in his difficult journey to defend himself, from himself and from his enemies, be them humans of the horrible creatures that live in obscure forests. A series worth reading from a fabulous writer and favourite author, Jacob Peppers.
“But it’s too late. The time for running, for hiding, is past.”
Another 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ instalment in series! It gets better and better. The evolution of the main character is worth reading and his encounters with his enemies and his own demons, which ones worse, are trials he goes through in his difficult journey to defend himself, from himself and from his enemies, be them humans of the horrible creatures that live in obscure forests. A series worth reading from a fabulous writer and favourite author, Jacob Peppers.
February 24, 2023
Absolutely fantastically fun!
They are fugitives from their own kingdom. Carrying vital information that could save it. A death sentence for all. Even if they survive the hunt of the Fey.
Cannot say enough about this series! An absolute blast. Great cast of characters & such a fun ride.
They are fugitives from their own kingdom. Carrying vital information that could save it. A death sentence for all. Even if they survive the hunt of the Fey.
Cannot say enough about this series! An absolute blast. Great cast of characters & such a fun ride.
October 19, 2021
Jacob Peppers delivers high intrigue, intense action in an epic saga.
Jacob Peppers breaks out with is epic trilogy. Intense characters, glorious fight scenes, high drama and endless action. My only concern is the series into the repeated thoughts and of concerns of the lead characters...it is distracting and frustrating to me. Again, no mistake, I am a huge fan of Peppers work, love to see his progression as epic author, just a bit more polishing needed. I will absolutely continue to be a fan and cannot wait to read the conclusion.
Jacob Peppers breaks out with is epic trilogy. Intense characters, glorious fight scenes, high drama and endless action. My only concern is the series into the repeated thoughts and of concerns of the lead characters...it is distracting and frustrating to me. Again, no mistake, I am a huge fan of Peppers work, love to see his progression as epic author, just a bit more polishing needed. I will absolutely continue to be a fan and cannot wait to read the conclusion.
March 5, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Another enthralling, thought provoking, nerve wracking instalment! I highly recommend this epic dark grim fantasy!
April 15, 2024
I am all in.
This book is so much more enthralling than the 1st installment. Additionally, my criticism of the author using too many commas, and hyphens to elongate sentences has disappeared. Not that I got used to it, rather it's not the case with this book. Also, the whiny/idiotic nature of the boy Matt from the 1st book has disappeared as well. In a short span of time he's developed into a more fleshed out character that isn't a chore to read about. Rather his experiences from the 1st book are finally giving him the lessons he needed.
Without giving too much away; the book picks up hours after the end of the 1st book with our crew in the woods. They decide it's time to restock on supplies, and end up in a town called Two Rivers. Right away you can tell something isn't right with the townsfolk. The first half of this book is dedicated to the strange alien nature of the town, and it is captivating experiencing everything unfold. [No spoilers]
The second half revolves around the crew heading back to the capital to warn the kingdom of what they discovered in Two Rivers. Things are not okay in the Known Lands, and the set up for the story moving forward has been laid here.
Character wise our "main" character Cutter has finally grown passed the whole grunty response to every question, or silence, and by the end of this book finally feels human again. Maeve, Chall and Valden have all grown on me as you can see they really have a camaraderie from years past that they've fallen back into. I will be devastated if one of them dies too soon.
I will 100% be continuing this series, as it has it's hooks in me. Not to mention the cover artwork is absolutely stunning.
This book is so much more enthralling than the 1st installment. Additionally, my criticism of the author using too many commas, and hyphens to elongate sentences has disappeared. Not that I got used to it, rather it's not the case with this book. Also, the whiny/idiotic nature of the boy Matt from the 1st book has disappeared as well. In a short span of time he's developed into a more fleshed out character that isn't a chore to read about. Rather his experiences from the 1st book are finally giving him the lessons he needed.
Without giving too much away; the book picks up hours after the end of the 1st book with our crew in the woods. They decide it's time to restock on supplies, and end up in a town called Two Rivers. Right away you can tell something isn't right with the townsfolk. The first half of this book is dedicated to the strange alien nature of the town, and it is captivating experiencing everything unfold. [No spoilers]
The second half revolves around the crew heading back to the capital to warn the kingdom of what they discovered in Two Rivers. Things are not okay in the Known Lands, and the set up for the story moving forward has been laid here.
Character wise our "main" character Cutter has finally grown passed the whole grunty response to every question, or silence, and by the end of this book finally feels human again. Maeve, Chall and Valden have all grown on me as you can see they really have a camaraderie from years past that they've fallen back into. I will be devastated if one of them dies too soon.
I will 100% be continuing this series, as it has it's hooks in me. Not to mention the cover artwork is absolutely stunning.
May 5, 2024
Jacob Peppers delivers a worthy sequel with “A Warrior’s Redemption,” a grimdark fantasy tale continuing the “Saga of the Known Lands.” Focused on Cutter, a complex antihero seeking redemption, the narrative delves more into his dark past and the looming threat of the vengeful Fey. Joined by the same cast of likable characters featured in book one, Cutter’s journey takes an unexpected turn in a mysterious town, where he senses something sinister hiding behind the scenes. In addition to Cutter, another character might also achieve redemption in the tale, while a third character goes down a very dark path, setting the stage for the series’ next installment. Overall, it’s the characters, more than the plot, that carry this tale. I’ve already picked up the third book, “A Warrior’s Curse,” to learn what happens next!
October 21, 2024
A Horror
As a long time fantasy and sci-fi reader, I’ve mostly steered away from the horror genre. Seems that, even if it’s well done, it’s a bit of an invasive, twisting act when you’re suddenly subjected to horror’s claw. The lead into, and the ending of this book, in this case.
Keeping fantasy separate, identifiable, from reality is a vital skill. And a reality is that, as a culture, we have abandoned many of the skills and beliefs that have served as shields to mental illnesses in days gone by. Painfully, we haven’t really found much in the way of effective replacements. Even for the most logical among us, there’s an awful lot of “garbage in, garbage out”.
The 1st step is to identify illness. Next comes blocking, destroying, its causes, or work arounds to get beyond its effects. Rebuilding is often painful, but that beats giving up.
As a long time fantasy and sci-fi reader, I’ve mostly steered away from the horror genre. Seems that, even if it’s well done, it’s a bit of an invasive, twisting act when you’re suddenly subjected to horror’s claw. The lead into, and the ending of this book, in this case.
Keeping fantasy separate, identifiable, from reality is a vital skill. And a reality is that, as a culture, we have abandoned many of the skills and beliefs that have served as shields to mental illnesses in days gone by. Painfully, we haven’t really found much in the way of effective replacements. Even for the most logical among us, there’s an awful lot of “garbage in, garbage out”.
The 1st step is to identify illness. Next comes blocking, destroying, its causes, or work arounds to get beyond its effects. Rebuilding is often painful, but that beats giving up.
October 10, 2023
I thought that book one was a bit slow moving for my taste, and there wasn't much action. HOWEVER, book 2 totally made up for that! I love how Jacob Peppers continued to build upon the characters with lots of action and no flowery descriptions, which, for me, added depth. The story really picked up the pace to where I found that I had a hard time putting it down. I am hoping that the rest of the series keeps this same kind of pace and depth. I'm not a fast reader and tend to lose interest in a book if it doesn't keep my attention. Those are the books in which the author spends way too much time with the characters' background, and the only action is in the last few chapters. Those wind up in my abandoned category.
October 9, 2021
Good read. Fun action but just enough character depth
I was a bit surprised on starting this that I enjoyed it as much as I did. Although some of the “inner dialogue” by the main character got a bit drawn out and repetitive, the story line was fun, unique in its own way, and the pages turned quickly. I do wish the author had been able to build out some complexity to the other main character (Matt) but he remains somewhat shallow and never advances beyond a sniveling wide-eyes teen. Oh well. I was simply looking for an easy read in this genre, and found myself drawn into the story enough to go straight to this second book upon finishing the first.
I was a bit surprised on starting this that I enjoyed it as much as I did. Although some of the “inner dialogue” by the main character got a bit drawn out and repetitive, the story line was fun, unique in its own way, and the pages turned quickly. I do wish the author had been able to build out some complexity to the other main character (Matt) but he remains somewhat shallow and never advances beyond a sniveling wide-eyes teen. Oh well. I was simply looking for an easy read in this genre, and found myself drawn into the story enough to go straight to this second book upon finishing the first.
December 17, 2025
Cutter, Matt, and their friends have temporarily escaped from Feledias’s revenge at the cost of nearly the whole town. But they’re still in danger, and not sure what to do next.
Footnote: 1) They must have magic horses. Again. They disappeared and found one scene to the next. When the group looked down on the city from horseback, they were still on horseback; a short time later, as they entered the city, they were on foot. And if they’d been walking them, then they disappeared when the group walked into the tavern.
Fave scenes: Matt’s stick, Chall & the stableman, Matt getting them to listen, and the carriage at the gate.
Footnote: 1) They must have magic horses. Again. They disappeared and found one scene to the next. When the group looked down on the city from horseback, they were still on horseback; a short time later, as they entered the city, they were on foot. And if they’d been walking them, then they disappeared when the group walked into the tavern.
Fave scenes: Matt’s stick, Chall & the stableman, Matt getting them to listen, and the carriage at the gate.
December 12, 2021
After barely getting away with their lives, Cutter and his band are trying to make their way to the capitol. A bad dream with a Fey monster makes Cutter a changed man. They soon find themselves in a small village where they soon realize that things aren’t want they seem. Once again their lives are on the line but they find a way to get out and save the village. Once arriving in the capitol Cutter must face his brother alone. An extremely well written story line combined with non stop action and an awesome cast of characters will leave you wanting more !
March 3, 2025
I liked Cutter, but whining Matt started getting a bit tiresome.
Then the bit with the Fey as a girl, um. And he keeps it quiet.
Moving on
That disappointed me, it was a rather silly and annoying idea and now they have even more ridiculous.
Then the bit with the Fey as a girl, um. And he keeps it quiet.
Moving on
That disappointed me, it was a rather silly and annoying idea and now they have even more ridiculous.
December 7, 2021
Conflicting storylines
Portions of the book are well written, making it seem to be a compelling read. There is a bit too much self loathing by the main protagonist. The secondary storyline which evolved around Matt being taken over by one of the Feyling, caused me to skip large sections of the book. The last few lines of the book took away my hope that the secondary storyline will fade and instead will become an even stronger component in the series.
Portions of the book are well written, making it seem to be a compelling read. There is a bit too much self loathing by the main protagonist. The secondary storyline which evolved around Matt being taken over by one of the Feyling, caused me to skip large sections of the book. The last few lines of the book took away my hope that the secondary storyline will fade and instead will become an even stronger component in the series.
April 10, 2022
Cutter, Maeve, Chall, Priest and Matthew have escaped the clutches of the fey but not without consequences that are yet to be known. Then they sneak into their former castle to confront Feledias who learns a great deal about his brother, Bernard. Some of which shows that he is not as bad as everyone thinks he is.
I mistakenly read this book out of order but enjoyed it anyway as it filled in some gaps for me.
I mistakenly read this book out of order but enjoyed it anyway as it filled in some gaps for me.
October 11, 2022
First off this is overall a five star book. The pacing writing and plot are excellent and exactly what you would expect from Peppers. I docked him a star because of the town in the stories name. The Two Rivers. I don’t know if he is a fan or if this was a nod to Robert Jordan. I just struggled with that because when I think of Two Rivers I think of the dragon reborn and I struggled with differentiation while reading. Otherwise it was awesome.
September 13, 2023
Oh, I absolutely love this series!
It feels like it's been ages since I've read such an amazing Fantasy series.
I love everything about it, can't find a single fault. Amazing plot, great world builder, incredible characters.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who's looking for a series they'll love, a series with depth, written superbly.
It feels like it's been ages since I've read such an amazing Fantasy series.
I love everything about it, can't find a single fault. Amazing plot, great world builder, incredible characters.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who's looking for a series they'll love, a series with depth, written superbly.
May 10, 2024
Matt Sucks Story Extraordinary Wordy
I tried but couldn't finish, I got 70% through it. I liked Cutter, but the spoiled brat, immature, stupid, weak minded, and constantly whining Matt was too much. When Matt ended up being possessed by the Fey, I decided that was too much. I was already frustrated with the amount of the overuse of words that detracted from the story plot. I wanted this to be a great series, but was disappointed.
I tried but couldn't finish, I got 70% through it. I liked Cutter, but the spoiled brat, immature, stupid, weak minded, and constantly whining Matt was too much. When Matt ended up being possessed by the Fey, I decided that was too much. I was already frustrated with the amount of the overuse of words that detracted from the story plot. I wanted this to be a great series, but was disappointed.
March 13, 2025
Ahhhhh
Ahhhh...... and some more AHHHHH!!! Such an awesome book! Loved the 1st one too. This one has one of those endings tho.... you know the ones... where you finish the last page, and then there's nothing. No more. Just the "thanks for reading this" message from the author. Just makes a person scream in their head! I am frantically writing this because I must now get the next book.
Ahhhh...... and some more AHHHHH!!! Such an awesome book! Loved the 1st one too. This one has one of those endings tho.... you know the ones... where you finish the last page, and then there's nothing. No more. Just the "thanks for reading this" message from the author. Just makes a person scream in their head! I am frantically writing this because I must now get the next book.
September 15, 2021
The story continues with the second installment of the series. Here we see Cutter trying to become a better man, while Matt is struggling with his morals. In this book we learn a few things behind some of Cutter's choices, and some truths behind them. As always, Jacob's books are a pleasure to read. Highly recommend it.
September 17, 2021
Another Great Story
Jacob Peppers has transformed Cutter, a blood thirsty killer, into a real human being.. He has transformed Matt from a frightened little boy into a king. I can’t wait to see what book 3 brings !
Jacob Peppers has transformed Cutter, a blood thirsty killer, into a real human being.. He has transformed Matt from a frightened little boy into a king. I can’t wait to see what book 3 brings !
October 9, 2021
Another cracker of a book
A cracker of a book from Jacob Peters. The known lands saga continues to develop and capture the imagination. The characters continue to flesh out as the story continues. Enough twist to keep you reading. Can hardly wait for the next part of the saga.
A cracker of a book from Jacob Peters. The known lands saga continues to develop and capture the imagination. The characters continue to flesh out as the story continues. Enough twist to keep you reading. Can hardly wait for the next part of the saga.
November 1, 2021
A must read!
Peppers gets better with each saga of the Known Lands. The character development, fighting scenes, and plot are solidly crafted. Cutter evolves with maturity and subtlety that only a gifted author could provide. This is a story line not to be missed!
Peppers gets better with each saga of the Known Lands. The character development, fighting scenes, and plot are solidly crafted. Cutter evolves with maturity and subtlety that only a gifted author could provide. This is a story line not to be missed!
January 29, 2022
Done Did It Again
Loved it. I thought the plot was going to be too slow but this
book is written with such a distinct voice I found myself reading page after page. Fantasy tale that was witty and funny at times. All the while dark. Think Abercrombie and Gemmel.
Loved it. I thought the plot was going to be too slow but this
book is written with such a distinct voice I found myself reading page after page. Fantasy tale that was witty and funny at times. All the while dark. Think Abercrombie and Gemmel.
March 2, 2022
Good series
Love the book, like how cutter is changing. He is my favorite character, chall hmm he needs to quit with all the bad jokes. Preist love him. Sad that he is questioning his faith though
Love the book, like how cutter is changing. He is my favorite character, chall hmm he needs to quit with all the bad jokes. Preist love him. Sad that he is questioning his faith though
August 20, 2022
Cutter's old gang is back together. Some are only older. Some are only kinder. Some can't seem to change. Never one to run from a fight, Cutter heads toward the capital where he's a wanted man. He's got a plan, sort of. But this is Cutter we're talking about. A man who can't catch a break.
September 26, 2022
Becoming a man & King
Very intriguing take of alien type creatures inhabiting areas of the world battling mankind for existence. Good character building and story line, good visual effects on the creative writing!! Looking forward to the next book!!!
Very intriguing take of alien type creatures inhabiting areas of the world battling mankind for existence. Good character building and story line, good visual effects on the creative writing!! Looking forward to the next book!!!
January 15, 2025
Enjoyable and action packed
There is a deepness to Peppers writing as he searches deep inside his characters to reveal their fears, hopes and motivations. This was a well written and enjoyable novel.
There is a deepness to Peppers writing as he searches deep inside his characters to reveal their fears, hopes and motivations. This was a well written and enjoyable novel.
January 19, 2025
I am loving this series. I can't believe how late I am to the Jacob Peppers party.
This book is just amazing. It's do much fun and a pure joy to read.
More world building, more great story telling and loads of mouth dropping moment.
This book is just amazing. It's do much fun and a pure joy to read.
More world building, more great story telling and loads of mouth dropping moment.
August 8, 2025
Good book
This was a good read. However, nothing close to the first book. Also, it was odd because in book one, Cutter barely spoke and seemed to be almost without emotion, while, in this book, he is suddenly a total chatterbox who is in touch with his feelings.
This was a good read. However, nothing close to the first book. Also, it was odd because in book one, Cutter barely spoke and seemed to be almost without emotion, while, in this book, he is suddenly a total chatterbox who is in touch with his feelings.
September 20, 2021
Love this series. This book was once again well written and held my attention the whole way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews