Review of The Penitent - Part I

[Judith Donald]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Penitent - Part I" by A. Keith Carreiro.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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A. Keith Carreiro's The Penitent - Part I is the first book in the Immortality War series. Its first scene opens on a battlefield, wherein the stench of death and decimation hangs heavily in the air. Pall Warren, the main protagonist in this book, awakes on this battlefield in somewhat of a trance. He is unable to pinpoint when or why the war occurred. Pall leaves the fields in search of water and maybe other life. Here he meets the giant of a man, John Savage, who takes a liking to him.

In the hopes of finding shelter against the raging storm, Savage and Pall head to a farmhouse. There they encounter a Valravn, a possessed bird of sorts, who delivers a cryptic prophecy to the duo. At night, their abode is overrun by a band of marauders. They capture Pall and take over the farm. Unknown to them, an ancient evil resides in this farmhouse; a shape-shifting demon whose sole purpose is to absorb the essence of every living thing it comes across, leaving a trail of corruption behind. It attacks the crew. Savage sees this as an opportunity to rescue his companion. Will he succeed? Or will the Unger get them? What do Pall's visions signify? Read on to find out.

It is rare to encounter books that keep a reader's interest from start to finish. This is one such book. It kept me spellbound, and I was interested in knowing what the next page would bring. The writer's style of writing is commendable. His narrative prowess is felt throughout the story, which is told in the third-person perspective. He uses flashbacks to portray a number of events in the story. From the circumstances surrounding Pall's birth, some of his time growing up, to how he became part of the Aeonian unit of the king's guards. The story felt so realistic that I even felt a sense of dread whenever the Unger almost caught up with them. This book deserves to be remade into a movie. It is that good.

On a scale of preference, I felt the cast member descriptions placed at the back of the book should have come in the beginning. It could have helped build anticipation on the part of the audience in preparation for reading the book. Also, the numerous flashbacks in the story confused me at one point. I think they should have been separated, put in different paragraphs, or written in italics. There were also some underdeveloped plots and characters. For instance, what happened to Merek was not discussed. I only came across two errors while reading this book. All in all, it was a good read.

This book receives three out of four stars from me. It was a professionally edited work. I'd recommend it to those interested in adventure, horror, and fantasy tales.

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The Penitent - Part I
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[Oluwapelumi Rachael]

I must say that your review has evoked interest in me. I am intrigued by the mystery and action the book promises. This is a book I'll be willing to spend time on. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Judith Donald]

I must say that your review has evoked interest in me. I am intrigued by the mystery and action the book promises. This is a book I'll be willing to spend time on. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

I'm sure you would enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you for your comment.

[Mildred Echesa]

I wouldn't say I like books that involve war and blood, but I might give an exception to this book because of it's interesting storyline. Great review

[Judith Donald]

I wouldn't say I like books that involve war and blood, but I might give an exception to this book because of it's interesting storyline. Great review

Thank you for stopping by Sarah. I'm certain you would enjoy reading it.

[Judy46]

Wow...A spectacular review. I enjoyed reading your review. It clearly depicted the story you described. I look forward to reading this book.

[Abdulrahman Alidriga]

I love the writer's style of writing his story.Eventhough am not a fan.Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Nyam Bura]

This sounds like a thrilling story. But then it is about evil and demons, so I will pass. Thanks for a good summary.

[Kavita Shah]

I feel a dark mist rising from the cover page. It's an intriguing book review, I must say. Thank you for this great review!

[Francis Omotayo Aderogbin]

The summary of the book drew me closer than I thought. This book pricks my interest immediately. I will read this book soon.

[Chimereucheya Okoroafo]

A delightful review for a much appraised book. This book is certainly going into my wishlist.

[Francis Aderogbin]

Your review is quite interesting. I love the way you keep the readers informed about what this book entails without giving a spoiler.

[Judith Donald]

Wow...A spectacular review. I enjoyed reading your review. It clearly depicted the story you described. I look forward to reading this book.

Thank you for your comments.

[Judith Donald]

I feel a dark mist rising from the cover page. It's an intriguing book review, I must say. Thank you for this great review!

I agree that the cover creates an aura of mystery for the book. Thank you for stopping by .

[Judith Donald]

The summary of the book drew me closer than I thought. This book pricks my interest immediately. I will read this book soon.

It is certainly worth the read. Thank you for stopping by