Mask of the Fallen

War Priest, Book 1

By: Harmon Cooper

Narrated by: Travis Baldree

From Harmon Cooper, author of the instant bestseller Pilgrim, comes a Japanese mythology-inspired story that merges Eastern cultivation and progression fantasy, where infinite possibilities can be realized if one can master their understanding of chi.

The last of his kind, Arik must do what it takes to survive.

His academy razed to the ground, Arik barely survives a deathly fall out of a cliffside window and a vicious attack by winged wolves.

Imprisoned by slave traders, battered and bruised, Arik decides to fight back or die trying. He escapes and joins forces with an irritable water spirit, one who can guide him through new lands. Together, they head to the realm of the enemy in search of answers and revenge.

But Arik will need more than a powerful companion to stop the advance of the nefarious Crimson Realm.

A chance encounter with a master illusionist brings Arik a new understanding of chi. Through a collection of unorthodox lessons, this mysterious teacher augments his awareness of this magical power, giving Arik a fighting chance and the tools necessary to survive.

The fate of the continent of Taomoni rests in the heart and mind of an unlikely hero, one bold enough to step up to the difficult challenges that await...

©2021 Harmon Cooper (P)2021 Podium Audio

highly recommend

I've come across this author in the past and have enjoyed his work. when it comes to the first book of a new series I tend to take it easy because they have a habit of being shaky, but I don't really need to do that here it was pretty good at the gate. the narrator did a fantastic job. we're basically following this story of a young disciple who sees everyone he knows and loves killed. he is for all intensive purposes the equivalent to a doctor complete with the Hippocratic Oath and must now find his way having been removed from his rather sheltered life in this new harsher world. The World At Large seems to be cruel complete with thieves and Liars aplenty. our main hero does find some Aid along the way and there is a significant surprise towards the ending of the book. I don't want to risk spoiling anything so I'm going to stop there. I will say that for me personally I tend to switch back and forth between the audiobook and the ebook assuming that the ebook is available through the Kindle unlimited program which for this story it was. I bring this up because there is an extended scene for book one that is only available for the audio. there is also the first chapter from one of the authors other works called sacred Cat Island. lastly I will simply say Well done to everybody who had a hand in bringing this story to us, the audible listeners.

Great new series!

Such a great series and so well written. Travis Baldree is amazing as always. Can't wait for the next one!

Not Harmon's best, but I'll still pick up the next

While I don't feel like this is Harmon's best work, I'm still looking forward to giving the next entry a chance to see where the story goes. There are certainly some interesting characters, but the pacing didn't feel quite right and the path to being a bad-ass seemed to skip a good deal of progression. Also, for the love of all that is holy, never, EVER use the phrase "to some degree" again =)

Really enjoyed this!

The book was fantastic and kept you guessing the whole way (the twist towards the ending was good as well). One thing I wish was a little bit better was the relationship between Miosa and Arik they call it a symbiotic relationship, but they are at odds most of the book, and they really do work well together. The book really does show that everyone has secrets and motivations that are beneficial to themselves regardless of the situations we find ourselves in, so be careful in who you put your trust.

Get the book! I guarantee you won't be sorry.

This book was instant ❤! It was written by Harmon Cooper, narrated by Travis Baldree, and about Eastern Mysticism specifically Japanese mysticism!
This is the beginning of the trials and tribulations of a young man whose trying to gain power through cultivation in order to get revenge for his family and school. Along the way he gains an irascible water spirit, a master illusionist, and he even enlists the help of a Tanuki.
So yeah grab the book because you won't be sorry. I guarantee it! And besides everyone needs more audobooks narrated by Travis Baldree in their library!