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.

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 =)

Great new series!

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

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!

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.

Thoroughly enjoyable new series

Mask of the Fallen is an enjoyable read. It tells the beginning of a revenge journey, set in a Japanese/eastern fantasy world. Although Amazon is saying this is a progression fantasy, it doesn't read as one, with the evolution of the character coming through training rather than some growing magic power.
I had already read the Pilgrim series by the same author, so I knew what to expect. I think in this one the main character is more charismatic and also the plot is more straightforward, while the world is a touch less colorful.
I enjoyed the dynamic between the protagonist and his companion, and the other side characters are interesting as well.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

Great Warrior Fantasy!

I really enjoyed Harmon Cooper's Mask of the Fallen. I thought the protagonist's wound transfer ability was a unique and innovative plot device--one I'd never before encountered. The character development is good -- painting an interesting and rich tapestry. Travis Baldree's voice talents are impressive and formidable. I'm looking forward to enjoying the Warrior Priest series!

Awesome

Liked the character development. Interesting chi system. Awesome I definitely recommend. Can't wait for book 2

Another great story

This is my 4th series I started listening to by Harmon. Enjoyable story good characters and the narrator does a good job also.

An interesting take on the cultivation genre

I ended up messing up my old review after reading and listening to book 2.  Harmon Cooper's first seires  Pilgrim is look all the more interesting after coming back to this series.  He was able to get one of my favorite narrator's Traivs Baldree to perform.  He has vioce a number of different stories and genres but cultivation and progression is were I was introduced to him with The Cradle series.  As it is Cooper creates as  story that is appropiate for young adults and above. There is actions, humor, and intruge with a soild book that while obvilously setting up a series can stand some what on its own.  

  The starts off strong and hard throwing the reader into the action.  It  does at times gives away a bit as to the characters fate particualarly in book two with lines of the charater think back on a moment in future.  Its a bit of gnat to complaina bout.  

  Overall for those that like genre it is a soild KU book and something you might want to add permently to you Kindle  libaray and Audible collection.