Penitent

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Michael didn't want to die. He didn't deserve to die. After a lost battle with cancer that started only a year after he retired, he'd lived what many people would call a full life, but it wasn't enough. He wanted more time. Time with his wife. Time with his kids. Time with his grandkids. When he found himself drawn toward the light, he fought his way away from it. Unfortunately, that didn't take him back to the life he wanted to live. Reincarnated in another world, Michael is forced to be a Penitent, a soldier in the country he was reborn into in order to pay a debt to society he owes for taking the life of the child whose body he inhabits. It's not the life he wants, but it's the only one he has. An Isekai with light litrpg elements MC will gain powers similar to those of a paladin Book 1 spends a lot of time in a military academy. MC does not stay a child for very long. Story will be a slower pace than my others. MC may not be to everyone's taste. He feels guilt for his actions that may seem unreasonable and is very human. He will grow, but it will take time. Updates Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: Seersucker

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.7/ 5.0
Followers: 8,333
Views: 3,832,435

What readers say about Penitent

“An excellent fantasy novel. The concept of it being an old man who reincarnates feels fresh in a genre of youth who lack life experience feels novel and intriguing . The writing so far was been good and the pacing has been done really well. It takes a more…”
Fantasy readerguy1981Royal Road5.0 / 5
“Honestly I don't have much to say, the plot is unique , the power system is easily understandable and the MC is likeable , complexity is backed into the premise. The only complaint is that it might be hard to make the MC truly powerful which isn't really a…”
GoblinMerchantRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

Fantasy readerguy1981Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
An excellent fantasy novel. The concept of it being an old man who reincarnates feels fresh in a genre of youth who lack life experience feels novel and intriguing . The writing so far was been good and the pacing has been done really well. It takes a more honest look at the cost and damage reincarnating could have/do. The morality of the MC is refreshing in a genre full of calculating or morally grey MCs without feeling goody-two-shoes. I am really excited to read more as it comes out!
GoblinMerchantRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Honestly I don't have much to say, the plot is unique , the power system is easily understandable and the MC is likeable , complexity is backed into the premise.
The only complaint is that it might be hard to make the MC truly powerful which isn't really a complaint at all.
AdrienG25Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
An absolutely amazing story! Had me hooked from chapter one and sure there may be some ppl that don't like the mcs mentality or the slave stuff but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I even had to sub to the pateron cause I couldn't wait after getting caught up with the available chapters and the suspense!!
It was only after subbing that I realized I absolutely LOVED the deadman walking series as well!
I love your work and look forward to more and I appreciate your world building and dedication to your craft!
D.A.GrRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I’ve always enjoyed the author’s work, and this did not disappoint either. If you have read his other works you can definitely see the growth. I particularly enjoy the very lite-litrpg aspect, and I find the MC more relatable than your average edge lord sociopath. I don’t think you would be disappointed giving it a try. An amazing spin on the transmigration/reincarnation trope and I’ve fallen in love with the world and the way the author has been building it. Just finished Chapter 65 on Patreon, and this dude has yet to miss. The plot is delicious. The characters are well done, and I’m still on the edge of my seat waiting for a new chapter!
DadNamedBradRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Great book with a lot of extra to read on Patreon. Could not bring myself to self to stop till I read them all. Would recommend this anyone who like reincarnation or a less OP focus on magic and levels and a more skill focused approach. Thanks for the chapters.
CallMeStarGuyRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This story is fantastic. Idk why people are griefing reviews after reading less than 20 chapters, but if you read the title and expected something different, then the disappointment is on you. A "Penitent" is someone who feels sorrow and grief for wrongdoings committed and seek salvation for their sins. It's a mature story and subject matter not meant for everyone. The world is unfair, and I understand why some people feel instant dislike and frustration towards the first part of the story. It's meant to stir up those feelings. However, if you can open your mind and look past the situation the Mc finds himself in, you'll see a fantastic setup and setting for an inspiring paladin tale.
DrakonaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Penitent is a captivating story that shows the consequences that most Isekai stories ignore. Instead of pretending to be a genius kid with loving parents, our main character is labeled as a murder and forced into the nation of Stent's military.
This story explores the consequences that inherently come from Isekai that most never think about as viewers, what happens to the child whose body our MC now inherits? How would the parents react if they found out their child isn't actually their child?
I've never been good at writing reviews so I'll just end it here and say that Penitent is an amazing story and I can't recommend it enough if your looking for a unique and engaging tale.
CasualMaximusRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I discovered this author with downtown druid, and absolutely loved it ! I was really curious when I saw a new story, but (despite reading a lot of others) I was put off by the "LitRPG" elements mentioned after having read such an amazing story without such a system. But honestly, when i finally went to read it, I found an amazing character, so very different from the last protagonist, with his religious/moralistic values, a great cast of supporting characters, an interesting world with Isekai being accepted as a fact, in such a way that it is despised, ... Honestly amazing. And the Lit RPG elements are relatively minor, and interestingly integrated, with each of the penitents having a slightly different title linked to their rebirth, and the effects it has.Only sad their isn't more of it !
FM NorwoodRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Very well written and the MC is relatable and not an edgelord. I find myself returning to this again and again appreciating the way the story is paced and not just thrown together but well thought out. Some of the side characters aren’t as distinct but the ones that are carry a lot of the story along as well. All in all a good read.
H4RDCORE P4RKOURRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I have really enjoyed this story. The main character feels rounded out, isn't the best at everything and genuinely cares about other people. I love the twist on the isekai trope. Writing is solid, if a touch simple.
Sometimes less is more, RR. Maybe I don't want to write 50 words. I'm a reader, not a writer.