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Mason Dixon #1
Mason Dixon: Monster Hunter (Mason Dixon, #1)
They are the first line of defense against the things that go bump in the night.
They are the keepers of a centuries-old legacy of The Church defending the world against the forces of darkness.
They are a bunch of highly armed rednecks, internet video celebrities, soccer moms, and assorted broken nutjobs.
They are the new Templars, and things are about to get weird.
From the pages of Bubba the Monster Hunter comes a new series featuring the Hunters from around the United States hunting down monsters, fighting off supernatural baddies, and making life really, really bad for the things that hunt people.
He's Mason Dixon, and he's a bona fide internet celebrity. He has his own video series, a pistol that deserves its own area code, and a high definition video camera, and he's not afraid to use any of them.
In this introductory urban fantasy novella, we meet Mason, his right hand Emma, his "handler" Noah, his anime-styled hacker friend Himari, and more monsters than you can shake a stick at. Unless it's a really big stick.
With Mason, it's always a big stick. This first novella in the series follows Mason through the wilds of Missouri as he hunts down monsters that hunt men, monsters that eat chewing tobacco, and monsters that make pancakes. And there's moonshine.
And then Bubba the Monster Hunter shows up.
The New Templars novella series is a new series of short novels, similar to BookShots. Mason Dixon - Monster Hunter is the first in the series by popular urban fantasy and steampunk author Eric R. Asher.
They are the keepers of a centuries-old legacy of The Church defending the world against the forces of darkness.
They are a bunch of highly armed rednecks, internet video celebrities, soccer moms, and assorted broken nutjobs.
They are the new Templars, and things are about to get weird.
From the pages of Bubba the Monster Hunter comes a new series featuring the Hunters from around the United States hunting down monsters, fighting off supernatural baddies, and making life really, really bad for the things that hunt people.
He's Mason Dixon, and he's a bona fide internet celebrity. He has his own video series, a pistol that deserves its own area code, and a high definition video camera, and he's not afraid to use any of them.
In this introductory urban fantasy novella, we meet Mason, his right hand Emma, his "handler" Noah, his anime-styled hacker friend Himari, and more monsters than you can shake a stick at. Unless it's a really big stick.
With Mason, it's always a big stick. This first novella in the series follows Mason through the wilds of Missouri as he hunts down monsters that hunt men, monsters that eat chewing tobacco, and monsters that make pancakes. And there's moonshine.
And then Bubba the Monster Hunter shows up.
The New Templars novella series is a new series of short novels, similar to BookShots. Mason Dixon - Monster Hunter is the first in the series by popular urban fantasy and steampunk author Eric R. Asher.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2017
57 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Eric R. Asher
58 books668 followersEric R. Asher is the author of over 30 titles, including the Vesik urban fantasy series and the YA steampunk series, Steamborn. Look for his upcoming cozy fantasy, The Theme Park at the End of the World, in 2024. He is currently living in St. Louis, Missouri, where the local folklore often finds its way into his Mason Dixon: Monster Hunter rural fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 7, 2019
Dis was da bomb!
SO much fun to read about a Cryptid Hunter, his video show and some of the creatures he's managed to find. Of course it wouldn't be complete without the government or the church staking their claim as well. Also features a humorous crossover with Bubba The Monster Hunter making an appearance.
SO much fun to read about a Cryptid Hunter, his video show and some of the creatures he's managed to find. Of course it wouldn't be complete without the government or the church staking their claim as well. Also features a humorous crossover with Bubba The Monster Hunter making an appearance.
December 15, 2022
Monster Hunter (Mason Dixon, Monster Hunter #1; The New Templars)
By Eric R. Asher
I had read this before and loved it then I found it practically free on Chirp and grabbed it! I live in Missouri which is where all the fun monster hunting happens and that makes it even better! I know the places he refers to. Even on the author's bio it shows he even lives in Missouri.
The fun and crazy monsters, zany situations, laugh out loud moments, and appealing characters sets this book apart from other books! It's the kind of book to listen to when you need a bit of humor or fun in your life!
Mason is a monster hunter and youtuber, that chases man killing monsters. He has a protective streak about creatures too. He will do just about anything to help the endangered one. In this one, he saves two orphaned eggs. That goes well until they hatch and he and his partner need to find a place for them. Great fun!
By Eric R. Asher
I had read this before and loved it then I found it practically free on Chirp and grabbed it! I live in Missouri which is where all the fun monster hunting happens and that makes it even better! I know the places he refers to. Even on the author's bio it shows he even lives in Missouri.
The fun and crazy monsters, zany situations, laugh out loud moments, and appealing characters sets this book apart from other books! It's the kind of book to listen to when you need a bit of humor or fun in your life!
Mason is a monster hunter and youtuber, that chases man killing monsters. He has a protective streak about creatures too. He will do just about anything to help the endangered one. In this one, he saves two orphaned eggs. That goes well until they hatch and he and his partner need to find a place for them. Great fun!
February 1, 2020
Monster Hunter by Eric Asher
First in the Mason Dixon, Monster Hunter series, The New Templars. Urban fantasy.
Mason is a Cryptid Hunter with a YouTube show. He investigates the unusual.
Lots of fun with different monsters, characters and situations.
I noticed a few similarities between this and the authors Vesik series. Yes, lots of “monsters” (many here are more friendly) but also car, friend packs, and eating. It doesn’t take away from the story but may make you comfortable with the author’s style.
Subtle and blatant humor makes this entertaining and I look forward to more of this series.
First in the Mason Dixon, Monster Hunter series, The New Templars. Urban fantasy.
Mason is a Cryptid Hunter with a YouTube show. He investigates the unusual.
Lots of fun with different monsters, characters and situations.
I noticed a few similarities between this and the authors Vesik series. Yes, lots of “monsters” (many here are more friendly) but also car, friend packs, and eating. It doesn’t take away from the story but may make you comfortable with the author’s style.
Subtle and blatant humor makes this entertaining and I look forward to more of this series.
December 28, 2022
It took me a bit of time to get into the book but I did enjoy it. It’s hard not to like a book when the main character is names Mason Dixon. ?
I really enjoyed the narrator. The story does leave you with a little tease. If you don’t have the next book ready to go, you may not want to read the last paragraph.
I really enjoyed the narrator. The story does leave you with a little tease. If you don’t have the next book ready to go, you may not want to read the last paragraph.
April 25, 2017
I was originally given a copy of this book by the author but liked it and decided to buy it. I have read Mr Asher's other books and this one is definitely different. I love the Vesik series that he writes and I think Mason Dixon is one that I will enjoy just as much if the first book is anything to go on.
Mason has a tragedy in his "monster hunting" job and is haunted by it still many years later. He gets hired by what most people would call "kooky" people that believe in things like Big Foot and aliens. There is some truth to some of these stories and Mason is contracted to figure out what is going bump in the night and deal with it. Mason is quite a character; he's sarcastic, funny, seems to be a hard worker, a little bit crazy, and very loyal, possibly to a fault. He has questions about who he is working for and what their motivations are with respect to the monsters and things they have him hunt. He's conflicted with wanting to do his job and wanting to protect the beings that he finds.
This is a well written story, fast paced with lots of rich, vivid, adrenaline inducing action scenes. I would love to see a graphic comic because I would love to see some renderings of the creatures he hunts. I can't wait for the next installment because there are LOTS of questions that need answering and I have a feeling it's going to take a while to get all the answers.
Mason has a tragedy in his "monster hunting" job and is haunted by it still many years later. He gets hired by what most people would call "kooky" people that believe in things like Big Foot and aliens. There is some truth to some of these stories and Mason is contracted to figure out what is going bump in the night and deal with it. Mason is quite a character; he's sarcastic, funny, seems to be a hard worker, a little bit crazy, and very loyal, possibly to a fault. He has questions about who he is working for and what their motivations are with respect to the monsters and things they have him hunt. He's conflicted with wanting to do his job and wanting to protect the beings that he finds.
This is a well written story, fast paced with lots of rich, vivid, adrenaline inducing action scenes. I would love to see a graphic comic because I would love to see some renderings of the creatures he hunts. I can't wait for the next installment because there are LOTS of questions that need answering and I have a feeling it's going to take a while to get all the answers.
September 29, 2019
This book is so fun! I loved the main character and his colorful friends. I loved the concept and how the author pinpointed that line between serious and camp, giving the story a true, "Monster Hunter via YouTube" vibe. There were action/adventure/horror elements but it's not gory horror. There were dynamic platonic relationships throughout the book, but it's not a romance. I loved how fluid the story was. As a novella, I expected the story to be less involved than it actually ended up being. I hope we get a little more of his background as the series progresses, but overall, the story was pretty much perfection for me.
April 14, 2020
Mason Dixon is the host of a YouTube monster hunting show, and five years ago his buddy Dylan was killed by an unknown creature while filming. Present day, Mason is still at it with friend Emma. However, they are also hired by a priest, Noah, to take care of dangerous cryptids, putting down man-eaters and serious threats to humans. While on their current case, they stumble across two eggs of a nearly extinct species and decide to go against the rules to try and protect them.
Monster Hunter, the first in the series of novella-ish length stories, sets the stage, creating an interesting world much like our own - except those mythological creatures are real and most people don't know it. Mason is a good guy with a bit of southern charm. He loves what he does, and puts on a show for his audience. But he cares about the creatures, wanting to understand and protect those he can. He also wants to discover what happened to Dylan all those years ago. The story moves along at a good speed, giving readers bits and pieces of the world as the story progresses. I enjoyed the humor and fun, along with the seriousness Mason gives to the cryptids.
Narration: the story is shared from Mason’s first person POV. The narrator performs with a solid southern/Missourian accent that is fitting for Mason's age and gender. His performance for the primary female, Emma, is slightly higher and lighter making it sound more feminine. Mr. Froomkin provides a few different accents and alters his voice to suit the age of the speaker.
Overall, Monster Hunter is a fun and entertaining story.
My Ratings:
Story: B
Narration: B
I won this audiobook from the narrator at a convention.
Monster Hunter, the first in the series of novella-ish length stories, sets the stage, creating an interesting world much like our own - except those mythological creatures are real and most people don't know it. Mason is a good guy with a bit of southern charm. He loves what he does, and puts on a show for his audience. But he cares about the creatures, wanting to understand and protect those he can. He also wants to discover what happened to Dylan all those years ago. The story moves along at a good speed, giving readers bits and pieces of the world as the story progresses. I enjoyed the humor and fun, along with the seriousness Mason gives to the cryptids.
Narration: the story is shared from Mason’s first person POV. The narrator performs with a solid southern/Missourian accent that is fitting for Mason's age and gender. His performance for the primary female, Emma, is slightly higher and lighter making it sound more feminine. Mr. Froomkin provides a few different accents and alters his voice to suit the age of the speaker.
Overall, Monster Hunter is a fun and entertaining story.
My Ratings:
Story: B
Narration: B
I won this audiobook from the narrator at a convention.
May 2, 2017
The story begins with an edge of your seat introduction to the world of cryptid hunting, as Mason Dixon (yes, that is his name!) goes in search of footage for his YouTube show Cryptid Hunter. When Mason and his friend and cameraman Dylan look for Momo, the Missouri Monster, it turns out to be the one time that Mason wishes the sighting was just a hoax. (I have to admit that I had to look up the word cryptid to see if the author made it up, but it is a term used for all of those creatures that may or may not exist, like sasquatch, the yeti, the Jersey Devil, etc.) Things are less intense as the story picks up with Mason five years later, still filming a show that he is sure that very few people watch, now partnered with the very funny Emma. The amazing part of reading this is that after awhile I started believing these cryptids could exist. Mason and Emma travel so far off the beaten path, following leads, saving cryptids when possible, killing ones that have crossed the line and have gone after humans. The story has a great blend of humor and suspense and a lot of fast-paced action. This is the only book I have ever read about this topic, and it doesn't ask you to believe in the supernatural or space or future worlds - just in creatures that might exist in our own world. And its kinda fun! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
April 25, 2017
Another great addition to the urban fantasy genre by Eric R. Asher. Mason Dixon really pulls you into his world of fantastic creatures and wild rides. It is not (yet) as magic heavy as the Vesik Series but brings things in perspective from a normal human viewpoint which in some ways makes Mason more of a hero by going after these creatures without magic as a fall back. My only complaint was the book was not long enough as I am wanting more of this series already. If you are not familiar with Eric R. Asher then I suggest you get to ready as this author can only get better.
July 30, 2021
What a fun book. Mason Dixon is the star of a YouTube monster hunter series who is also employed by the church as a hunter. Although the creatures he hunts are real, he intentionally makes his show campy and hard to believe to protect viewers' sanity. The characters in the book are fantastic. I am especially partial to Stanley. Although the book is about monsters, it is filled with humor.
April 24, 2017
3.5 stars. This can be read as a standalone but has a soft cliffhanger to lead into the next Episode. There is some graphic violence and gore so don't read if you are sensitive to that. The storyline's main characters are filming cryptid (monster) hunting in Missouri for a YouTube show. But not everything or everyone is as they appear. Will I continue to read future books in the series? Of course I will. I want to see what other cryptids Mason and Emma find next.
November 19, 2018
Loved it! Great book! Highly recommended!
February 12, 2022
This book has been sitting on my TBR pile for what seems like forever. I'm so glad I finally picked it up, and wish I would have sooner. It was so much fun! Everything from the characters and the creatures to the exciting storyline had me wishing it went on forever. So much happened, but it all flowed together seamlessly. Wonderful writing!
August 27, 2022
This book isn't something I would normally read. But I am so glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mason Dixon (Yeah, that's really his name.) and his good friend and camerawoman Emma hunt monsters for his highly viewed (They once had 50 views for one episode.) Vlog on YouTube.
This story was fast-paced, with great worldbuilding, and fascinating characters. The narrator did a wonderful job which only enhanced the story.
I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more in this series.
Mason Dixon (Yeah, that's really his name.) and his good friend and camerawoman Emma hunt monsters for his highly viewed (They once had 50 views for one episode.) Vlog on YouTube.
This story was fast-paced, with great worldbuilding, and fascinating characters. The narrator did a wonderful job which only enhanced the story.
I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more in this series.
November 28, 2022
Love Mason and his side kick Emma. I would also love to hang out with Larry. Mason is a monster hunter with a heart and a sense of humor. We will only kill a monster if it is proven to be a man killer. In this story they do have to kill a monster since it was proven to be a man hunter. They find the monster’s eggs afterwards. What could possibly go wrong with traveling with eggs of a monster that are about to hatch. Great story!
April 21, 2017
Eric Asher Thrills Us Again!
The MASON DIXON – MONSTER HUNTER series has started off with a Bang!
You’ll find yourself joining the adventure from page one. It’s thrilling, funny, as well as suspenseful. The characters are well developed and entertaining. The name of the scaly soccer balls (both their original and final monikers) had me laughing each time I read them and was my favorite little brain twist of the story. Five Stars! I look forward to the next installment of the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
The MASON DIXON – MONSTER HUNTER series has started off with a Bang!
You’ll find yourself joining the adventure from page one. It’s thrilling, funny, as well as suspenseful. The characters are well developed and entertaining. The name of the scaly soccer balls (both their original and final monikers) had me laughing each time I read them and was my favorite little brain twist of the story. Five Stars! I look forward to the next installment of the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
April 22, 2017
Spectacular new characters in a fun new novella series by the author of The Vesik Series and The Steamborn Trilogy!
This is a new twist on cryptozoology, with brave characters, lots of humor and sarcasm, and, you guessed it, "Monsters"...
Oh, and lookout for the "Shine".... hehehe
My only disappointment is the length of the story.. Can't wait for the next Mason Dixon installment!!
This is a new twist on cryptozoology, with brave characters, lots of humor and sarcasm, and, you guessed it, "Monsters"...
Oh, and lookout for the "Shine".... hehehe
My only disappointment is the length of the story.. Can't wait for the next Mason Dixon installment!!
Read
December 18, 2020this was suprisingly wholesome. I mean the beginning was a little dark, but that was not the over all tone of this book. The ending was pretty ominous, hinting that this might be the only lighthearted book in the series. But when the whole purpose is rescuing and cuddling 2 endangered cryptid babies, you can't help but be enchanted with this story.
April 26, 2017
Eric Asher is amazing! From the first sentence, I couldn't put the book down! Great characters, great story! Can't wait for the next installment!
February 11, 2023
Fun and quirky start to a series that is sure to be wild ride. I enjoyed the main characters that make up the monster Hunter gang. I also enjoyed the monsters! A great book for those who like adventure immersed in humor.
December 3, 2021
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 4
Another book that’s not my usual genre to read but I’m glad I did!
I’ve only read one other book by Eric R. Asher and it was a Steampunk story that I had trouble getting into (the narrator, however, made the listening experience very worthwhile). I’ll be seeing Eric at Coastal Magic Convention in Daytona Beach in February so I wanted to try another book by him. Joel Froomkin (aka Joel Leslie) performed this audiobook and he is a favorite of mine which is why I choose this book/series.
This was a fun story to listen to. There many different types of monsters and I really enjoyed the various voices Joel did for each character. I’m pretty sure this is the first book where I’ve heard him do a southern twang and he did a great job (as usual).
I got the first 4 novellas in this series for only one Audible credit so that was a great value and I look forward to listening to the other books.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 4
Another book that’s not my usual genre to read but I’m glad I did!
I’ve only read one other book by Eric R. Asher and it was a Steampunk story that I had trouble getting into (the narrator, however, made the listening experience very worthwhile). I’ll be seeing Eric at Coastal Magic Convention in Daytona Beach in February so I wanted to try another book by him. Joel Froomkin (aka Joel Leslie) performed this audiobook and he is a favorite of mine which is why I choose this book/series.
This was a fun story to listen to. There many different types of monsters and I really enjoyed the various voices Joel did for each character. I’m pretty sure this is the first book where I’ve heard him do a southern twang and he did a great job (as usual).
I got the first 4 novellas in this series for only one Audible credit so that was a great value and I look forward to listening to the other books.
August 1, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable read! The scenes were they had to transport the new monsters from the hotel room had me laughing out loud. Especially as someone who has worked with reptiles like myself would know. While enjoying the humorous aspects, the plot line I also enjoyed as it was easy to follow and intriguing. I can not wait to read the next one, especially becasue it does leave on a cliffhanger!
December 28, 2019
Eric is a new author to me and wow, this won't be my last read. Mason Dixon had me giggling with the first chapter and throughout the entire book. I loved the humor, the characters, Emma, Himari, and Larry were a hoot!, the word play and gowrows! What is not to love about them. For a short novel, i was totally invested in this story and dived right into book 2.
September 30, 2019
I love this author's writing style. This was a fun book. The team of characters was the perfect package. I loved going on adventures with them and learning about the monsters. And boy did the author throw in a lot of monsters!! I did find that I wanted a little more backstory on how all the "monster hunting" got started - what lead the main character to pursue this particular career. However, I am looking forward to book 2 in this series to see if any of my questions are answered. Monster Hunters - right. LOL Hang on to your seats and enjoy the read.
September 19, 2017
Juvenile. Good enough for the 5th grade reader.
I was hoping for more. Properly identified youth fiction is often a pleasurable read for me, and I follow several children's writers. When I have higher expectations the let down may unduly color my judgment.
I was hoping for more. Properly identified youth fiction is often a pleasurable read for me, and I follow several children's writers. When I have higher expectations the let down may unduly color my judgment.
September 22, 2017
When I saw this had cryptids in it I was sold (a big fav of mine). When I saw it was written by Vesik's creator I was intrigued. When I read it I was laughing and loving every minute of it. This novella moves fast and is full of action and humor. Not only are the lead characters interesting, but the secondary characters are great too. Mason is a one of those "guy who knows a guy" types and this means we will surely get to meet more kooky (but oddly loveable) characters as well as outlandish creatures. There's tons of backstory that we get just a tiny taste of and I look forward to it being revealed in future installments. Mason's job for a shadowy organization intrigues me and I want to know more. It's hard to describe how quirky, weird, and fun this book is. I got it on one of those email book promotions, read it, and immediately bought the second one. This is a wonderful read for unwinding and sheer escape. I am looking forward to the second book and hope that this will be a long-lived series.
April 2, 2024
Mason Dixon, Monster Hunter - My second audiobook in a row by this author and I must admit I like his writing style. The narrator Joel Froomkin ended up doing a good job making this a good listening experience. I liked another narrator but Mr. Froomkin held his own and I ended up appreciating his work, too. Funny. A good variety of characters with loyalty, ethics and morals abound.. Good story lines. Good action. Realistic actions and dialog, grab a book you'll understand. Source: Chirp ARC. 5*
Days Gone Bad, Audiobook - My first book by this author. I enjoyed immensely both the story and the narrator William Dufris. There was just as much humor as there was action. The gamut of characters made for an interesting story with the ability of Mr. Dufris to give each their individual voice that fit their personality. I like the variety of emotions that he expressed throughout the story. I used the Chirp app. Time: 8 Hours, 51 Minutes Source: Forgotten. 5*
Days Gone Bad, Audiobook - My first book by this author. I enjoyed immensely both the story and the narrator William Dufris. There was just as much humor as there was action. The gamut of characters made for an interesting story with the ability of Mr. Dufris to give each their individual voice that fit their personality. I like the variety of emotions that he expressed throughout the story. I used the Chirp app. Time: 8 Hours, 51 Minutes Source: Forgotten. 5*
March 6, 2018
Mason Dixon is the perfect addition to the Bubba world.
Don't get me wrong, I love me some Bubba the Monster Hunter by John Hartness. But I'm more of a subtle humor kind-of gal instead of Bubba's overt funny, and Eric Asher's take on the Bubba sandbox with a crypo-hunter creating a faux youtube show about real hunts he goes on is LOL funny to me.
The new Monster Hunter series by Falstaff is still comedic, and monsters, and rural-sassiness. But subtler, smoother. Like finely aged apple shine. One left in the barn the entire winter before drinking.
The first part of the book introduces us to Mason Dixon and the second part of the book, after the major action is done, ties the series into the larger Bubba world.
Don't get me wrong, I love me some Bubba the Monster Hunter by John Hartness. But I'm more of a subtle humor kind-of gal instead of Bubba's overt funny, and Eric Asher's take on the Bubba sandbox with a crypo-hunter creating a faux youtube show about real hunts he goes on is LOL funny to me.
The new Monster Hunter series by Falstaff is still comedic, and monsters, and rural-sassiness. But subtler, smoother. Like finely aged apple shine. One left in the barn the entire winter before drinking.
The first part of the book introduces us to Mason Dixon and the second part of the book, after the major action is done, ties the series into the larger Bubba world.
December 1, 2019
Another great read
I have yet to be let down by any book I have read by Eric R. Asher. My only disappointment comes from the fact that I read through his books so quickly & they make most other authors books pale in comparison!
Mason Dixon was not what I expected. Honestly, I was expecting a little more Monster Hunters International & a little less redneck (I am a redneck, it is ok if I use it) with a heart. It makes the story even better.
Do yourself a favor & go buy every book Mr. Asher has written.
I have yet to be let down by any book I have read by Eric R. Asher. My only disappointment comes from the fact that I read through his books so quickly & they make most other authors books pale in comparison!
Mason Dixon was not what I expected. Honestly, I was expecting a little more Monster Hunters International & a little less redneck (I am a redneck, it is ok if I use it) with a heart. It makes the story even better.
Do yourself a favor & go buy every book Mr. Asher has written.
November 21, 2024
Awesome Novella! Mason Dixon is the host of “Cryptid Hunters”, an internet monster hunter show with a small following. As he and his partner, Emma, explore parts of Missouri on a secret mission, they come across quite a few interesting characters of the supernatural variety. With loads of action and humor interlaced throughout, this novella was a joy to read. I am very much looking forward to reading more in this series and would highly recommend this novella to anyone who likes humorous science fiction stories. Also, if you are a fan of audiobooks, the narrator was fantastic!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews