Reviewed by Christine Kinori
J.R. Lightfoot returns with the second installment of the Chronicles of the Reaper, and it definitely breaks the mold even further. In the second book, Retribution, co-authored by Bernard Lightfoot, we reunite with Jaml as he tries to save a wayward prince. If you love a morally gray character rushing to save humanity from itself, this is the book for you. Purchase Here.
The second book doesn’t waste time and picks up right after that messy tragedy that left Colley shaken to its core. Unfortunately, Jaml is going through it and struggling with the horrors he witnessed. His mental state is fractured, and he is a bit broken.
The authors do a good job of capturing the evolution of his trauma and the paradox of his existence. This was the right decision, as the character stands out from the same old cookie-cutter dark fantasy protagonist we are used to, especially in this genre.
As Jaml, our battle-weary holy soldier, tries to piece his sanity together through strict discipline and prayers, he is summoned to track down a missing prince. But what should have been a routine mission turns into a bone-crunching, gritty adventure that leaves you invested in what happens next.
What makes this fantasy book stand out is how the villains are written. Ideally, you expect demons and other evil creatures of the underworld to be easy to spot. You know a horn here, a tail there! However, Retribution takes a bold twist by making them take a human form.
This adds tension to the story, as Jaml realizes that the humans he swore to protect have become malicious beings driven by their dark desires. The brutal psychological warfare he endures sets the stage for the book’s overarching themes of impossible choices vs. morality, tested faith, and pre-ordained destiny.
The book also excels at making Jaml an easy protagonist to root for, even though he is not perfect. Is anyone perfect, though? His journey makes for an impactful reading that forces readers to reflect on their own moral beliefs. His relatable struggle with faith is something most people can relate to.
The high-stakes fantasy also adds another attractive element that elevates this book. The combat scenes are well written, balancing visceral action with narrative stakes while conveying the story’s emotional weight. As a reader, you will quickly come to appreciate the realism of the cool divine weapons as described in the book.
Unfortunately, the characters lose a tad of momentum as they dive into long, intensive philosophical debates. However, this is just a minor speed bump in an otherwise awesome cinematic piece.
The authors generally do a remarkable job of maintaining the narrative momentum. To be fair, striking that balance isn’t easy, but Retribution hits that sweet spot. In the end, the book is not bogged down by its own lore.
Overall, Retribution is a worthwhile follow-up to Reaper. It heightens the stakes, expands the Reaper universe, and avoids the second book slump. The deepening of the main character’s arc is also extremely satisfying. It delivers meaningful character development that feels natural, and Jaml’s growth feels earned. The ending also leaves the door wide open for another sequel, and yes, we are here for it!
If you love gritty, atmospheric fantasy like The Witcher but want a story with a bit more soul and intellectual bite, you should absolutely go pick this one up.