Redemptor

Valducan, Book 4

By: Seth Skorkowsky

Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

An all-new adventure in the Audie Award-nominated series!

Three years have passed since Valducan knight Matt Hollis defeated Tiamat's cult, but her demonic children are still a threat.

Now, a mysterious enemy is stealing holy weapons across South America, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. The Valducans fear that Tiamat's followers have returned. But not all is as it seems and a new player has joined the hunt: the paladins of the Catholic Church. To stop an evil that none of them could ever imagine, the Order must set aside centuries of animosity and join forces with its long-standing enemy.

In the war against demons, there are weapons on both sides. Monsters aren't born, they're forged.

©2018 Seth Skorkowsky (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Another great addition to the Valducan saga

We are now on the 4th book of the Valducan saga and it is still going strong. We return to Matt Hollis from the first book as ‘central protagonist’ (in quotes because we get plenty of new characters as well). It is easy to slip into Matt’s POV again and he feels like an old familiar friend. At the same time, however, it has been three years since book one and the character appropriately has grown and changed since then. So familiar and yet still refreshing. On top of that a host of new characters and ideas is introduced. If you liked the previous stories you will love this one. Get it!!

Evil Fighting Vatican Knights

Redemptor is the fourth book in the Valducan Series, the knights who are connected to their angel infused weapons. A new and extremely dangerous villain is introduced, one with immense powers and possible immortality. Originally human, he now believes the angels inhabiting the Valducan weapons are the enemy of God and vows to usurp their powers or destroy them.

The chase for the villain moves across South America in a race for the Valducan’s very survival. The Vatican has its own branch of weapon-wielding knights who have long been bitter rivals of the Valducan knights. For once, their goals are aligned and both must decide whether to drop past mistrust for the greater good, indeed their very survival depends on it.

Many new characters and weapons are introduced, each with their own unique abilities. Gravity shifting, hell yeah! Once again there are many references to past books and characters, but more as supporting roles. The book stands alone, though having read/listened to the previous books, you will have a greater understanding of the many past references. Once again, the inventiveness and imagination of the author shines through the story.

There is plenty of demon killing action. While some hand-wringing is observed over the loss of innocent lives, the listener doesn’t really feel all that bad for them. Maybe it’s just me (yikes, my soul). Redemptor is a fight for humanity after all, not just the Valducans. This one is a winner take all, and the listener is pretty sure who will win, but you never know and you certainly can’t imagine how. Demons, angels, magical weapons, flawed heroes and a whole lot of luck make this a fun listen.

R. C. Bray continues to perform the series with his unique voice and deep talent. He is clearly one of the best performers working today and meshes beautifully with the mood of the story. His character voices and accents are admirable. A true pleasure to listen too.

If you’ve listened to the any of the first three books in the Valducan series, you’ll definitely want to continue on. Why would you start at book four after all? Regardless, more magical weapon excitement in a completely new plot with new characters. Keep going and enjoy the ride. Perhaps, the best so far, you decide. Recommended.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author/narrator/publisher.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog.

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Globetrotting monster hunting at its finest

Would you consider the audio edition of Redemptor to be better than the print version?

No print edition is available yet, but this book made for an OUTSTANDING audio edition.

What other book might you compare Redemptor to and why?

Larry Correia's "Monster Hunter International" series --- but with more flair for international adventure in exotic locations. It's Mission: Impossible Goes Demon Hunting.

Which character – as performed by R. C. Bray – was your favorite?

The Valducan Knight Mei and the Vatican Paladin Felisa are my favorites. This book has a large multi-national cast and R.C. Bray does an outstanding job presenting them.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's machine-gun paced and 9 hours long. I listened to it in 2 or 3 sittings.

Any additional comments?

REDEMPTOR rides a wave of mayhem and bloodshed at a machine-gun pace through the arcs of vivid characters and lavishly realized exotic locales — all set against the backdrop of the darkest corner of the Valducan Mythology and the testimony of the madman who created it. It's my favorite book of the series, hands-down.

This Is how you make a strong yet not OP Villain

First thing first this is a great example of a antagonist that is well rounded, threatening, and yet does not have plot armor.

I'm so sick of antagonist that have every move planned out and yet somehow they drop the ball at the end. It's become a troupe and I love that Mr Skorkowsky avoided that.

I've been waiting for this book for two years now and I can say it was worth the wait.

Excellent addition to the series!

What made the experience of listening to Redemptor the most enjoyable?

As with previous books in the series, we learn about new weapons, knights, and now paladins. A new evil is introduced and the heroes have to find new ways to fight while at a huge disadvantage. The locations and battles are so descriptive, in keeping with Skorkowsky's style.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved getting to see old heroes again, but even better was new knights coming into their own and using their weapons powers in new ways. Battles with them are so unique.

Which character – as performed by R. C. Bray – was your favorite?

Malcolm. Malcolm will always be my favorite!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but work got in my way of finishing it in one day!

another awesome book in the series

This book was great. I finished it in one day of listening. I can't wait for the next one.

Awesome edition to the series

Loved this series since the first books release. RC Bray is the best narrator in the business and when you combine that with an amazing story, nothing can beat it.

This series just keep getting better and better!

Once again, Seth Skorkowsky has woven a tale of intrigue that surprises at every turn. His ability to write a fight scene is unparalleled, fast paced and impossible to predict. Equally, his ability to develop characters is seasoned beyond his years and you just can't help but have deep feelings for each one, whether good or bad. Seriously, who doesn't love Gabby?? And I admit I actually shed tears for a beloved character who exited the series. I have enjoyed each book on its own merits and Redemptor is no exception. What a unique story in a very unique series! And RC Bray IS the voice of the Valducans, without a doubt. Can't wait for another installment!

Always a Treat

Completely love this series. Cannot wait for the next book. Thank you Seth! Looking forward for more Valducan adventures.

Excellent!

Seth once again you’ve nailed it mate. That’s all that needs to be said I think.

Fab conclusion

Without giving away too much - a bit of an avengers style mashup of all the previous characters.

Nice twist on the protagonist.

If you have come this far - don’t stop now!

Weakest so far

When the book finished my initial reaction was ‘meh’
It’s still an amazing series. But, defiantly the weakest of the lot. Yet still enjoyable.

Another fun adventure with the valducan knights

Book 4 in a great series. I hope there is a book five can’t wait to see where the valducan knights head to next with the Paladins of the church. As usual Rc Bray was excellent.