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The Seven Virtues #6
A Sellsword's Mercy: Book Six of the Seven Virtues
When darkness comes, there is no knowing who will carry the light and stand against it.
Aaron and his companions have been saved from Kevlane's creatures only to find themselves in the power of the Akalians, a shadowy group of warriors many believe aren't men at all, but creatures of nightmare bent on blood and death.
But not all the shadows' secrets are evil ones, and allies are often found in the unlikeliest of places.
In Baresh, the tournament has begun, and the ancient mage, Kevlane, adds more twisted creatures to his army, fashioning a force the likes of which the world has never seen.
Meanwhile, Grinners sows seeds of distrust in Perennia, turning the city against its would-be saviors, against itself. As suspicion spreads, neighbor turns against neighbor, friend against friend. Blades are drawn in dark alleyways and well-lit taverns alike, and the world's last bastion of hope totters on the brink of destruction, a knife held at its own throat.
If Perennia is to be saved from the approaching threat, then its salvation will come not from great kings or queens, but at the hands of ordinary men and women, many whose hands are long-stained with the blood of innocents.
Aaron and his companions have been saved from Kevlane's creatures only to find themselves in the power of the Akalians, a shadowy group of warriors many believe aren't men at all, but creatures of nightmare bent on blood and death.
But not all the shadows' secrets are evil ones, and allies are often found in the unlikeliest of places.
In Baresh, the tournament has begun, and the ancient mage, Kevlane, adds more twisted creatures to his army, fashioning a force the likes of which the world has never seen.
Meanwhile, Grinners sows seeds of distrust in Perennia, turning the city against its would-be saviors, against itself. As suspicion spreads, neighbor turns against neighbor, friend against friend. Blades are drawn in dark alleyways and well-lit taverns alike, and the world's last bastion of hope totters on the brink of destruction, a knife held at its own throat.
If Perennia is to be saved from the approaching threat, then its salvation will come not from great kings or queens, but at the hands of ordinary men and women, many whose hands are long-stained with the blood of innocents.
347 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 25, 2022
Ok, cards on the table; we still finish A Sellsword's Mercy at almost exactly the same point as we finished in book three as far as the overriding narrative goes. But the individual character arcs displayed here are stunning. This is one of those books that put me through so much stress, worry and concern for the characters to get there that I honestly cannot fault it. Or if I can, I can't fault it much. I was quite literally tense and on the edge of my seat for much of this novel, desperate to discover whether the machinations of treachery would win out.
Much of this novel focusses in on two of the side characters from previous novels. And there is a very real sense of threat and danger as Grinner's machinations put everything Aaron has worked so hard for at risk and the lives of May and Hale at risk. Aaron and Adina get minimal page time, although there is further explanation of the shadowy Akalians and their purpose. But I found myself completely invested in the desperate fate of the club owner and crime boss, to the point where I didn't really mind the lack of forward momentum.
However, I really do hope that book seven does start moving the central conflict forward. If the individual character arcs hadn't been so fraught with tension, this would have been a very different review as we are now on the third book in a row that really doesn't take us anywhere. I can't help but reflect that these three books probably should have been two, or even a single novel and a novella. So it's becoming rather drawn out for no real reason now.
Much of this novel focusses in on two of the side characters from previous novels. And there is a very real sense of threat and danger as Grinner's machinations put everything Aaron has worked so hard for at risk and the lives of May and Hale at risk. Aaron and Adina get minimal page time, although there is further explanation of the shadowy Akalians and their purpose. But I found myself completely invested in the desperate fate of the club owner and crime boss, to the point where I didn't really mind the lack of forward momentum.
However, I really do hope that book seven does start moving the central conflict forward. If the individual character arcs hadn't been so fraught with tension, this would have been a very different review as we are now on the third book in a row that really doesn't take us anywhere. I can't help but reflect that these three books probably should have been two, or even a single novel and a novella. So it's becoming rather drawn out for no real reason now.
April 13, 2019
Never had I read a fantasy story before that made ever emotion I have come out. I laughed till I cried. I got anger an wanted to pick up a sword. I cried till tears fell from my face. I wanted to help those in need an hide them away from all the hurt an pain they have suffered. I wanted to slap someone for being stupid. I wanted to stand by there side an fight the fight. Never had I read a fantasy series that pulled me in an be in a world where the story line is impressive and outstanding. Where the journey takes hold an I don't want to leave. The characters know what they have to do an how they have to it. How they all learned How to fight the evil that's coming not just for them but for the city that they are protecting. How they will stand together for the love they have for one another. For the family they have become, not by blood but for the love they have for each other. That is a Family.
Jacob Peppers brings you along in to his world were the characters come to life. The Seven Virtues is a amazing fantasy story an book #6 is the best so far. Everyone knows what is coming an all will pull together an make a stand no one will stand alone. Some will make it some won't. But in the end its a fight for their lives.
The Sellsword is they best series I have had the privilege to step into. If you haven't read the series it's your loss. But I highly recommend that you do. You will not be disappointed. The characters are one of a kind. The Seven Virtues is a amazing quality of works.
Jacob Peppers brings you along in to his world were the characters come to life. The Seven Virtues is a amazing fantasy story an book #6 is the best so far. Everyone knows what is coming an all will pull together an make a stand no one will stand alone. Some will make it some won't. But in the end its a fight for their lives.
The Sellsword is they best series I have had the privilege to step into. If you haven't read the series it's your loss. But I highly recommend that you do. You will not be disappointed. The characters are one of a kind. The Seven Virtues is a amazing quality of works.
July 24, 2019
OMGoodness...............where do I begin...............
After leaving Perennia Aaron and Adina find their small group attacked by some of Kevlane's creatures surviving only because a mysterious group called the Akalians came to their rescue. The Akalians are feared by many as there is little known about them . Aaron and Adina learn much about this group of Shadow Men as they and their companions recuperate from their injuries.
Meanwhile, Perennia is being "governed" by Grinner, a crime boss who has taken up with Kevlane. Queen Isabelle is a willing follower as she believes that Kevlane saved her life.
Before Aaron can go back to Perennia he must first save the life of someone who has tried to kill him several times and he must do this in the world of madness that she now lives in. The question is, will he survive this battle of dreams while Adina returns to Perennia to save the lives of Hale and May who are expected to be executed by Grinner for crimes they did not commit.
Pretty much a page turner with wonderful descriptive prose. The edge of my chair has dents in it!
After leaving Perennia Aaron and Adina find their small group attacked by some of Kevlane's creatures surviving only because a mysterious group called the Akalians came to their rescue. The Akalians are feared by many as there is little known about them . Aaron and Adina learn much about this group of Shadow Men as they and their companions recuperate from their injuries.
Meanwhile, Perennia is being "governed" by Grinner, a crime boss who has taken up with Kevlane. Queen Isabelle is a willing follower as she believes that Kevlane saved her life.
Before Aaron can go back to Perennia he must first save the life of someone who has tried to kill him several times and he must do this in the world of madness that she now lives in. The question is, will he survive this battle of dreams while Adina returns to Perennia to save the lives of Hale and May who are expected to be executed by Grinner for crimes they did not commit.
Pretty much a page turner with wonderful descriptive prose. The edge of my chair has dents in it!
Read
September 26, 2026War sweeps the land as the sons and daughters of the late King Marcus battle over who will claim their father’s throne and able-bodied men and women flock to one cause or the other in the hopes of a better tomorrow. At least, most of them. If life has taught the jaded sellsword, Aaron Envelar, anything, it’s that hope is for fools and causes are a sure remedy for breathing. But when his latest job leads him to the corpse of a prince and a conspiracy that threatens to destroy the entire realm, Aaron is forced to choose sides in a war he doesn’t want, between forces he doesn’t understand. Thrust into a world of mythical assassins, a madman with superhuman strength, and a nagging ball of light with a superiority complex who claims to be the embodiment of compassion, Aaron takes on his hardest job yetâ€"staying alive. The debut novel from Jacob Peppers, A Sellsword's Compassion, is a new entry in the great Epic Fantasy tradition of Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, and Robert Jordan.
October 6, 2024
Aaron, Adina, Leomin, Wendell, Caleb and Seline wake up to find themselves inside the Akalian’s hidden barracks. Grinner has usurped the Queen’s trust, casting doubt on the loyalty of Aaron and his friends among the citizens and soldiers of Perennia. May and Hale are in prison threatened with execution for treason.
Footnote: 1) The basic story is interesting and has potential, though some of the characters are tedious. But I did more skimming of overlong descriptions, boring inner recriminations and extraneous talking. We don’t need 3 pages telling us why the head guard prefers wearing his uniform instead of dressing up. Get to the story!! If this wasn’t close to the end of the series and I didn’t already have time invested, I might have just quit and moved on.
If Gryle has the Virtue of Strength why is he out of breath when he runs?
Fave scenes: Aaron telling off Seline, Seline’s tree, Aaron calling his horse and Captain Gant getting angry.
Footnote: 1) The basic story is interesting and has potential, though some of the characters are tedious. But I did more skimming of overlong descriptions, boring inner recriminations and extraneous talking. We don’t need 3 pages telling us why the head guard prefers wearing his uniform instead of dressing up. Get to the story!! If this wasn’t close to the end of the series and I didn’t already have time invested, I might have just quit and moved on.
If Gryle has the Virtue of Strength why is he out of breath when he runs?
Fave scenes: Aaron telling off Seline, Seline’s tree, Aaron calling his horse and Captain Gant getting angry.
June 15, 2026
This is the sixth of the series of seven. This book is setting up the war between Boyce Kevlane and the kingdom of Perennia and therefore the world. The criminal overlord, Grinner, has betrayed the council of the queen, Isabelle. He made a deal with Kevlane provided that he has some power given to him. Kevlane in the meantime, is conducting a tournament to get the most powerful contestants so he can make them through his dark magic into creatures with increased strength and speed. May and Grinner's competitor, Hale have been imprisoned in the dungeon. Grinner has used his influence to gain the trust of Queen Isabelle while turning the populace against Aaron, Queen Adina, and the others. Aaron and the others meet some of Kevlane's creatures in the forest and are saved by the Akalians, who are found not to be the assassins that many have feared, but allies against Kevlane and his magic. A goodread.
April 7, 2023
Scared to read book 7
I love this series and author so much! However, I love the characters so well don't know if I can read the last book! The thought that he could kill off Aaron, Adina, Wendall,Leomin, Seline, Caleb, Gryle, Thom, May, Balen, The Speaker, or the rest of the Akalians is unthinkable! These characters mean so much to me, and they are so well written, how could he possibly kill them, and I don't know if I can bear to read of their demise! I suppose I'll just have to trust that Mr. Pepper loves them as much as I. Thank you Mr.Pepper for writing such descriptive battles that actually make me feel like I'm in the middle of the mess. What a ride!
I love this series and author so much! However, I love the characters so well don't know if I can read the last book! The thought that he could kill off Aaron, Adina, Wendall,Leomin, Seline, Caleb, Gryle, Thom, May, Balen, The Speaker, or the rest of the Akalians is unthinkable! These characters mean so much to me, and they are so well written, how could he possibly kill them, and I don't know if I can bear to read of their demise! I suppose I'll just have to trust that Mr. Pepper loves them as much as I. Thank you Mr.Pepper for writing such descriptive battles that actually make me feel like I'm in the middle of the mess. What a ride!
April 29, 2019
Loved it!
Thank you for a new world for me to disappear into! I legit loved this series and am anxiously awaiting book 7! I don't understand why this book only has 40 some reviews, it definitely deserves more. Well done and thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this. I don't know if you read your own reviews, but I sincerely hope you see this one. Thanks again for all the hard work, and your imagination.
Thank you for a new world for me to disappear into! I legit loved this series and am anxiously awaiting book 7! I don't understand why this book only has 40 some reviews, it definitely deserves more. Well done and thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this. I don't know if you read your own reviews, but I sincerely hope you see this one. Thanks again for all the hard work, and your imagination.
September 27, 2019
redirections, again
betrayed. kidnapped. injured. Aaron, Adina and their friends have been been pursued by evil, in the night. and when rescued, they are again hidden away. in the mean time Perennia is left to the brigands. can they be saved to save the castle and town?
as the end nears, the tension is ramping up nicely. little bits of information make major changes. lovely touches
betrayed. kidnapped. injured. Aaron, Adina and their friends have been been pursued by evil, in the night. and when rescued, they are again hidden away. in the mean time Perennia is left to the brigands. can they be saved to save the castle and town?
as the end nears, the tension is ramping up nicely. little bits of information make major changes. lovely touches
February 18, 2020
A Sellsword's Mercy was one of those books, where, if it were the first of a series, I doubt I would have finished it.
The pace is the slowest of the series to date, and I often found myself sidetracked rather than engrossed in the story, which is a shame considering how much I've enjoyed the series to date. Perhaps it's a slow build to Kevlane's showdown, but I didn't get the sense any of it was needed. At all.
This story was a sidequest. Get back on track.
The pace is the slowest of the series to date, and I often found myself sidetracked rather than engrossed in the story, which is a shame considering how much I've enjoyed the series to date. Perhaps it's a slow build to Kevlane's showdown, but I didn't get the sense any of it was needed. At all.
This story was a sidequest. Get back on track.
April 27, 2021
Getting fairly predictable
Trying to finish the series but am now wondering why. Don't want to ruin the story but its extremely annoying when characters fall victim to simple ploys and the results of said ploy is expanded to an extreme. Naturally the answer is a just in time caper with the necessary heroics. Granted we suspend our disbelief and we are entertained... However the story is slowly fading IMHO to predictable plot lines and unfathomably gullible people.
Trying to finish the series but am now wondering why. Don't want to ruin the story but its extremely annoying when characters fall victim to simple ploys and the results of said ploy is expanded to an extreme. Naturally the answer is a just in time caper with the necessary heroics. Granted we suspend our disbelief and we are entertained... However the story is slowly fading IMHO to predictable plot lines and unfathomably gullible people.
March 22, 2019
Lots more intrigue and action in this latest book from Jacob Peppers.
With things going from bad to worse in the kingdom, the councilman Grinner basically taking it over and spreading misinformation and untruths, the hero's are still unaware of what is happening.
Really enjoyed this book and almost read it in one go.
I received a free copy of this book.
With things going from bad to worse in the kingdom, the councilman Grinner basically taking it over and spreading misinformation and untruths, the hero's are still unaware of what is happening.
Really enjoyed this book and almost read it in one go.
I received a free copy of this book.
May 6, 2019
Likeable characters. Ample tension and urgency. Even so, unlike the other installments, this story seemed to get easily distracted attempting to provide background for inexplicable reasons. Perhaps the rationale for 'understanding' all this stuff will gain relevance in a later novel, but for this one it caused a bit of skimming. 3 stars.
July 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book
The story moves well and we get to know the characters even better. I like how the author addresses the trait “Will” in this story and how important it is for all characters to be more focused and not let circumstances drive them. Instead it is the character himself that decides how he will behave when found in challenging situations. Good thoughts.
The story moves well and we get to know the characters even better. I like how the author addresses the trait “Will” in this story and how important it is for all characters to be more focused and not let circumstances drive them. Instead it is the character himself that decides how he will behave when found in challenging situations. Good thoughts.
October 27, 2019
Bored out of my mind with this one
Not much happened in the grand scheme of things. We followed mostly side characters through this one and not in any interesting way. You could probably skip this one and read the next and be fine. In the end. The characters are more or less back where they started
Not much happened in the grand scheme of things. We followed mostly side characters through this one and not in any interesting way. You could probably skip this one and read the next and be fine. In the end. The characters are more or less back where they started
March 22, 2019
Enjoyed it much more than the last one, it had more intrigue. (Spoiler) the scene of Grinner's death was my favorite. That bastard had it coming for a long time. All in all it was a good read, I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it.
April 10, 2019
Aaron and Adina finally make it back to Perennia amid more troubles than you can possibly imagine. Death and Magic drive this series of books set in a fantasy realm. Such a cast of characters that make these so much fun to read along with non-stop action only serves to make you want more.
April 28, 2019
This is another great story in the Seven Virtues series! It is full of action and intrigue that will keep you reading well past your bedtime. I cannot wait for the conclusion coming in the next novel. Jacob has done it again!
May 12, 2019
Excellent read
It really exciting to follow Aaron and friends as they get closer to the big battle with Kevlane. There was a lot of necessary character growth in this book. Without it, I don’t think the final book would be worthy as a series ender. I can’t wait to read the finale.
It really exciting to follow Aaron and friends as they get closer to the big battle with Kevlane. There was a lot of necessary character growth in this book. Without it, I don’t think the final book would be worthy as a series ender. I can’t wait to read the finale.
July 4, 2020
Best one yet
I think the writer has grown a lot in these books, the character development has been great. The twist have also been believable and welcome. A very smooth and good read.
I think the writer has grown a lot in these books, the character development has been great. The twist have also been believable and welcome. A very smooth and good read.
February 21, 2022
Oh boy.
Well, this book was mostly solving the issues caused by the previous one and can be considered a filler of sorts... but oh boy. I loved it just the same.
Now everything is ready for the last one! Who will win? Who will live? Who will die?
Well, this book was mostly solving the issues caused by the previous one and can be considered a filler of sorts... but oh boy. I loved it just the same.
Now everything is ready for the last one! Who will win? Who will live? Who will die?
September 1, 2023
great characters, wonderful story, an unexpected journey of discovery.
An adventure worthy of Terry Brooks and Sanderson caliber. Do not miss any of Jacob Pepper’s books, you will not be disappointed!!
An adventure worthy of Terry Brooks and Sanderson caliber. Do not miss any of Jacob Pepper’s books, you will not be disappointed!!
November 13, 2024
great storyline
This series of books has very well developed characters and a great storyline. The author sometimes gets repetitive on details but it usually doesn’t affect the flow of the read.
This series of books has very well developed characters and a great storyline. The author sometimes gets repetitive on details but it usually doesn’t affect the flow of the read.
March 29, 2019
Awesome book
Thle ending as usual, had me on the edge of my seat and wanting more, as usual. With out spoilers....I am very happy with who made the "cut" at the end.
Thle ending as usual, had me on the edge of my seat and wanting more, as usual. With out spoilers....I am very happy with who made the "cut" at the end.
April 16, 2019
Good read
Excellent use of characters in new and interesting ways. Thoroughly entertained. Great read. Looking forward to seeing the next chapter.
Excellent use of characters in new and interesting ways. Thoroughly entertained. Great read. Looking forward to seeing the next chapter.
April 17, 2019
Great read
Another good book in a good series. Looking forward to seeing what happens next in the story. Thank you for telling it.
Another good book in a good series. Looking forward to seeing what happens next in the story. Thank you for telling it.
May 12, 2019
I thought this book would wrap it up (sigh).
Seems that there is one more.
The author spent an inordinate amount of time on the "execution"!
Wendell is still the most entertaining character.
Seems that there is one more.
The author spent an inordinate amount of time on the "execution"!
Wendell is still the most entertaining character.
May 27, 2019
When does this end?
Yo JP, when you planning to put an end to this series? Another place holder, a good one but a place holder all the same....
Yo JP, when you planning to put an end to this series? Another place holder, a good one but a place holder all the same....
June 10, 2019
Great series
I started this series on May 5th and read all six by the 9th of June and cannot wait until the last book comes out
I started this series on May 5th and read all six by the 9th of June and cannot wait until the last book comes out
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October 23, 2019Good Read
I enjoyed the development of will. Could have expanded greatly on the use of power. However, it was a well developed story. JWM
I enjoyed the development of will. Could have expanded greatly on the use of power. However, it was a well developed story. JWM
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews