Title: The Penitent Part III
Author: A. Keith Carreiro
Publisher: Stillwater River Publications
ISBN: 978-1950339129
Genre: Fiction / Adventure
Pages: 266
Reviewed by: Barbara Bamberger Scott

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A young warrior takes on a daunting task and fulfills his role in an epic struggle between good and evil in The Penitent Part III, the latest volume of The Immortality Wars by A. Keith Carreiro.

Pall Warren is dogged by suppressed memories that will gradually sink in and guide him as he faces enemies far more powerful than any he has seen in his brief career on the battlefield. Accompanying a happy family on their travels, he and they are attacked by a horrific bestial force known as Ünger that has a hunger for human flesh and gobbles up a mother and child before suddenly disappearing under the influence of a magical tree. This effectively sets the tone of events that escalate as Pall, possessor of a rare and probably supernatural sword, bonds with an old battle mate, Merek, and an erstwhile foe known as Savage, to track the treacherous Commander Gregor Mordant. Mordant, Pall has learned, is playing both sides against one another as his king strives for control and reform of the realm. In the mix is the occultist priest Kosem Mungadai, who has his own dreams of dominion, using Mordant and others to make them come true. The ensuing conflict will take place in a mysterious seacoast city, in total darkness, and will involve the invocation of yet more unnatural forces. At its climax, Pall will achieve his true destiny, spurred on by the etheric vision of the beautiful Evangel Blessingvale.

Carreiro has created a deeply mystical confrontation: evil monstrosities like the Üngers controlled by selfish, manipulative men seeking conquest over innocent, indeed naïve, people who, without determined men like Pall, Savage and Merek, might fall forever into blood and dust. There are glimmers here of the pure fantasy worlds of Tolkien, Bradbury and Le Guin, along with vibrant, very human dialog that can encompass both the joshing camaraderie of youthful soldiers and the tenderness of a newly widowed father for his one remaining little girl. In this creation, the last of three parts but not of the complete Immortality series, Pall’s feelings for Evangel are sealed in a single look, presaging further meetings and possibly more revelations about Evangel’s spiritual guide – the mystical Risen One.

The Penitent Part III delivers heroism, betrayal, blood, and magic. There is even a hint of something called radiation, evoked by Pall’s powers, illuminating the sky over a place that might be America. Carreiro effectively concludes his trilogy by leaving his readers wishing for the next installment.