The Fallen King's Penitent Soldier

Tales of the High Court, Book 5

By: Megan Derr

Narrated by: Michael Stellman

The youngest son of a despised king, thrust upon a throne he never wanted, Desmond nevertheless tried to be a good monarch to Benta. Despite his efforts, the rebels were discontent with him, the alliance with the Harken Empire have taken control, and Desmond's private guards are either dead or turned traitor. On the verge of being executed, Desmond gets an unexpected rescue from Harken in the form of the fearsome Penance Gate mercenaries and the beautiful, brutal man who leads them.

Beneath the shining edifice of every empire is a foundation of violence and pain, and Chass has always done his duty to Harken by being the bastard who endures and metes out both. He is used to being hated, and does not deny he deserves it. But in the aftermath of rescuing the enchanting, compelling Desmond, he wishes more than ever that he could be the noble hero just once, instead of the monster good only for spreading terror.

©2022 Megan Derr (P)2023 Megan Derr

A beautiful conclusion to the series

Michael Stellman has done well voicing the stories of the high court. With this book family ties are restored through hard work.

Cw: recovery of the victim of abuse and history of off page abuse.

Cried, laught and loved it!

Yet an other smashing book in this series! love this world and these people. Cant wait for the next one! Thank you Megan Derr for the wonderful story and thank you Michael Stellman for bringing it to life.

At last!

I've read the entire Tales of the High Court series several times, and I've listened to the audio books even more. So I've been waiting anxiously and eagerly for this fifth book. It is wonderful! On the surface, Chaz and Desmond seem an unlikely couple, but they are both truly survivors and have endured roles in life and situations they had no choice in. The story is intense and filled with hardship, but the end brings the hoped-for HEA. I enjoyed Michael Stellman's narration -- I think he does a great job. I was relieved that he narrated this last book. When the narrator changes in the middle of a series, I often find it a little jarring. I highly recommend this series and this book.

Over the moon

Love the story line and the way the characters was able build themselves back up through their faith.
It show so many ways that your chosen family will always be there for you and blood is just that.
Please keep up the great work!

Redemption arc

Writing a genuine redemption arc for a character who has done significant, real harm is extraordinarily difficult. This author manages to do it well.