A Summer's Snow

War Priest, Book 3

By: Harmon Cooper

Narrated by: Travis Baldree

Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Arik has the legendary weapons he needs, but will they be enough?

Even with the Whispering Sword and the Mask of the Fallen, Arik still isn't strong enough to take on the southern warlord threatening the entire continent. To reach his goal, Arik will need to master the art of using two weapons. But progression is never easy, especially with newfound enemies and the erratic behavior of his illusionist companion.

Heading west, Arik hopes to reconvene with a former teacher through spiritual means. If it's possible, he will have a fighting chance. If not, Arik will need to find another way to grow his skill. While the legend of the War Priest continues to guide his journey, the esoteric nature of the legend has left him at a dead end. Arik may need to change course.

Deepening his study of chi, Arik discovers aspects of his power that are brand new to him. How far can he push the power? And if he reaches a new level, will they be detrimental for him in the end?

A showdown is coming, one that Arik can't avoid. He may be an unlikely hero, but he is the best chance the continent has of avoiding war.

Leap into an epic journey that merges Eastern cultivation and progression fantasy, where infinite possibilities can be realized if one can master their understanding of chi. From Harmon Cooper, author of the instant bestseller Pilgrim, comes a Japanese mythology-inspired story for fans of Inuyasha, Demon Slayer, and Ghost of Tsushima. What starts as a harrowing coming-of-age story morphs into a journey of growth through multiclassing and mastering various combat techniques as Arik rises from the ashes to seize his destiny.

©2022 Harmon Cooper (P)2022 Podium Audio

Awesome

Another great addition to the collection. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. The character and world building are phenomenal. And as always, Travis Baldree brings these characters to life like no other.

Now I hafta wait for the next book...

I really tried to hold back and not read this. My plan was to give myself a bit of a breather between books 1&2 which I loved so much that I read 'em back-to-back. A breather because I knew that Summer Snow had just been released and I wanted to give Harmon Cooper time to recoup and start book 4... But who am I kidding? I'm Miss self-indulgent incarnate! I got no power of resistance. So damn look at poor me! I finished Summer Snow! And it was excellent btw. But now I hafta wait for Harmon Cooper and Travis Baldree to get me the next book. Tears.

Good

I like it but not all the storyline makes sense. I’m an easy to please reader so doesn’t bother me too much.

Melt into this Epic Journey in part 3

this makes sense of the saga's bigger storyline. it goes by too darn fast

By the entry point in this book you're already head -first in the MC's Objectives in Cultivating his gifts and hone his abilities into becoming the War Priest. At this point he's unlocked or discovered his two Legendary Weapons, The Mask of The Fallen & The Whispering Sword. He Trains with the Beloved Assassin from the Jade realm and uncovers his destiny.

YOU will fall in love with this inspired tale by Harmon Cooper.

Another excellent continuation of the series

Harmon Cooper continues to develop Arik in an evenly paced manner while also broadening his skills. He and Tayaura (Master Hojo's daughter) and Meosa (a kami) team-up on a journey to avenge Master Hogo's death and to free his sister being held captive by the betrayers. There is ample amounts of deceit, betrayals, revelations and even a budding relationship forming between Arik and Tayaura.

I must add, I really enjoy this fantasy series focus on Asian culture and the combined efforts of Harmon Cooper's writing and Travis Baldree's narrating performance make for a compelling story and an enjoyable listening experience.

Note: While I really like Tayaura as a strong-willed, skilled character, I was somewhat disappointed in Arik's submission to her domineering personality. They are both about the same age but she insists on referring to him as "disciple" even though he is not nor is she a "master". Hopefully, Arik will grow some backbone in the next book and even out this relationship dynamics.

Keep it coming!

Yet again, I find myself wanting more. the final chapter in these last 2 books have been (chef's kiss) the character development has been phenomenal nice and even not exceedingly high or fast, nothing that will make you get too hyped for but like a blade from a smith who has honed his craft nice and perfectly balanced. There was a quote that 100% sold this book to me from Hojo (was already invested, but if you need help here, you go) "I miss being with people I care for, it is a true blessing one that is overlooked " that line will stick with me for a long time. Travis Baldree sure knows how to make a book come to life.

Great Continuation of a Great Series!

Fun story with enjoyable action and characters. Good progression and growth of both plot and characters! Highly recommend this series!!!

Not sure I’m going to finish this book

Some spoilers ahead especially if you haven’t read the last 2 books.

So to start off this isn’t a bad book but there are things that frustrate me conceptually. First off the main character is a weeny. No other way to say it he’s more of a punching bag than anything else and I find myself more frustrated with him as time goes on. The main problem for me is the fact that this book is called war priest. While the series starts off by leading you to believe that the main character is going to go against his nature of being a man dedicated to healing, hell bent on revenge for the slaughter of his family and his school. Not to mention the kidnapping of his sister he does none of this. Even with a “bloodthirsty” mask and a sword that rivals all swords he’s a novice in all things but healing. This bothers the shit out of me because in his quest to rectify his weaknesses he instead decides that becoming a ninja is what’s best. And then proceeds to go on fetch quests all the while discovering the plot to have his sister married to the big bads son. Why is that even a thing? He nor she is of any important blood as far as the story goes. She’s not a noble or even a healer from the school so his plan to unite the realms seems like it could have been accomplished with any old street urchin. So we have a “war” priest who wants to be a ninja all the while accomplishing fetch quests. A big bad who has lowly ambitions and the annoying AF slow paced fetch quests that consume most of the books. It’s really annoying. Why couldn’t the mask also have taught our main character how to fight and fueled his need for blood thirsty vengeance. Would have cut out 80% of this series that’s why. At the end of the day this just leads to a boring ass listen and a waste of a credit. This also seems to be a trend with this author as another series of his I listened to had similar conceptual flaws.