The Penitent by A. Keith Carreiro tells the moving tale of Evangel, a young girl endowed with divine supernatural powers and destined for great things. As an infant, Evangel was saved by a hermit, Matthew Greatworth, from an unknown fate. Years ago, he first discovered baby Evangel a few yards away from the bodies of her brutally slain parents. Matthew's instincts guided him to shelter the baby in his secluded forest home, The Refuge, in the Western Isles. There, he cared for Evangel like a granddaughter. As she grew older, her supernatural abilities began to manifest themselves. Aside from her gifts, Evangel naturally exuded love, warmth, and spiritual maturity. Unfortunately, not everyone she encounters had her well-being at heart. An evil force outwardly seeks to harm her. Amidst this fierce battle between good and evil, she receives a vision about her future. Evangel promises to do everything in her power to protect the person in her vision--a man who bears the key to her life and love.

The Penitent is the second novel in the riveting Christian fantasy series, The Immortality Wars. A. Keith Carreiro has crafted an intriguing setting depicted in the Western Isles. This world is refreshingly similar to the medieval period described in European history. Religious motifs, like Evangel's visions of a humble carpenter (Jesus) who died to deliver humanity from their sins, add an element of realism and sanctity to the storyline. I adore the sense of mystery that seems to permeate Evangel's emotional journey, along with her unwavering goodness in a complicated world bent on destroying her inner light and morality. Evangel's character growth has some graphic, brutal, and tragic moments added to it. Nevertheless, I believe those aspects, along with the theme of suffering, are crucial elements that shape her worldview, the person she presents herself as currently, and the individual she will ultimately grow to become. Overall, this engaging novel will appeal to readers who enjoy epic, religious-themed fantasy stories filled with rich world-building and fascinating characters.

A. Keith Carreiro's The Penitent revolves around Evangel, a resilient teen raised in a harsh medieval world. Evangel's upbringing, though humble, has a heartrending beginning. While Evangel is a mere toddler, her parents are murdered by ruthless killers. An empathetic hermit, Matthew, discovers her in a ditch and fosters her in a forested wilderness. Evangel thrives under Matthew's guidance and protection and gradually displays unusual spiritual gifts. As Evangel matures, her peaceful existence is shattered once again. Misunderstood because of her unique abilities, she experiences unfathomable hardships. Evil and danger stalk her incessantly. Her harrowing quest brings her into contact with new companions and people who desperately need her help and guidance. Join Evangel on a spellbinding journey of self-discovery.

The Penitent is a gripping Christian fantasy filled with celestial wonder and profound moral truths. Reminiscent of Andrew Peterson's The Wingfeather Saga, this story follows the journey of an unlikely heroine grappling with her destiny and the wicked forces continually evolving around her. A. Keith Carreiro's descriptive prose gives me a visceral feel in every scene, and Evangel and Matthew's unbreakable grandfather-granddaughter bond adds tremendous depth and momentum to Evangel's coming-of-age experiences. This thrilling narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat. The spiritual values and intriguing adventures depicted in each chapter single-handedly make this novel an engaging and thought-provoking read. I love how Carreiro skillfully incorporates themes of love, compassion, good and evil, personal growth, and forgiveness throughout Evangel's unforgettable, life-changing journey. Fans of Christian fantasy novels will be delighted to read this magnificent tale.