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Pilgrim #3
Pilgrim 3
A former assassin. An unspeakable past. His blood unleashed.
No matter which way Danzen Ravja turns, someone wants to kill him or exploit his demonic powers.
When his monastery in Genshin Valley gets too crowded, Danzen once again travels west with his yokai companions, Jelmay and Kudzu, in the hopes of spending some time in the north to bend his echo.
But disappearing isn't going to be as easy as it seems.
With new foes around every corner, Danzen will be forced to his limits unless he learns how to control his demons, and this isn't to mention the sudden appearance of his father, the ruler of Diyu, of hell itself, who has warmed to the idea of Danzen taking his throne.
No matter which way Danzen Ravja turns, someone wants to kill him or exploit his demonic powers.
When his monastery in Genshin Valley gets too crowded, Danzen once again travels west with his yokai companions, Jelmay and Kudzu, in the hopes of spending some time in the north to bend his echo.
But disappearing isn't going to be as easy as it seems.
With new foes around every corner, Danzen will be forced to his limits unless he learns how to control his demons, and this isn't to mention the sudden appearance of his father, the ruler of Diyu, of hell itself, who has warmed to the idea of Danzen taking his throne.
512 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2021
About the author
Harmon Cooper
156 books384 followersHarmon Cooper was once a musician who recorded two hundred songs nobody ever heard.
Then he quit music, quit playing video games, and missed the games so much he accidentally wrote a LitRPG novel before he knew what he was getting himself into. That book was The Feedback Loop — published in 2015 and narrated by Jeff Hays, back when the genre barely existed.
Harmon has been writing bestselling fantasy books ever since: dark progression epics, post-apocalyptic westerns, satirical dungeon crawls, cultivation, LitRPG, and a few cosy books.
Death's Mantle, a dark fantasy LitRPG narrated by Andrea Parsneau, won an AudioFile Earphones Award; Sacred Cat Island, a cozy LitRPG narrated by Travis Baldree, won an Independent Audiobook Award. His bestsellers include Pilgrim, War Priest, Cowboy Necromancer, Reborn Assassin, and the Aetherforged series, co-written with Luke Chmilenko.
He grew up in Austin, Texas, lived in Mongolia on a Fulbright, studied Tibetan in India and Nepal, spent a year in Japan writing in smoky coffee shops, and now lives near the sea with his artist wife and pet seagull named Harold.
Find him on Instagram and TikTok, where he talks writing, publishing, and posts update videos.
And don't forget to follow me on Goodreads!
Then he quit music, quit playing video games, and missed the games so much he accidentally wrote a LitRPG novel before he knew what he was getting himself into. That book was The Feedback Loop — published in 2015 and narrated by Jeff Hays, back when the genre barely existed.
Harmon has been writing bestselling fantasy books ever since: dark progression epics, post-apocalyptic westerns, satirical dungeon crawls, cultivation, LitRPG, and a few cosy books.
Death's Mantle, a dark fantasy LitRPG narrated by Andrea Parsneau, won an AudioFile Earphones Award; Sacred Cat Island, a cozy LitRPG narrated by Travis Baldree, won an Independent Audiobook Award. His bestsellers include Pilgrim, War Priest, Cowboy Necromancer, Reborn Assassin, and the Aetherforged series, co-written with Luke Chmilenko.
He grew up in Austin, Texas, lived in Mongolia on a Fulbright, studied Tibetan in India and Nepal, spent a year in Japan writing in smoky coffee shops, and now lives near the sea with his artist wife and pet seagull named Harold.
Find him on Instagram and TikTok, where he talks writing, publishing, and posts update videos.
And don't forget to follow me on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 7, 2024
Pēc vairāk kā 20 gadu ilgas algotas slepkavas karjeras un aptuveni tikpat ilga apmācības procesa laika Diyu brālībā Danzenam Ravjam beidzot ir gana. Savreiz iecerētais upuris ir gana turīgs, lai pārtrumpotu sākotnējo kontrakta ielicēju pār viņa galvu un viņu pašu padarītu par upuri, vai cita veida līdzīgi gadījumi, ir padarījuši ideju to visu pārtraukt un nodoties krietni mierīgākai un rāmākai dzīvei kāda pasaules nomalē krietni vien pievilcīgāku.
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May 5, 2021
At seven hundred and odd pages, this is a WHOPPER of a book. I can tell you though, that you will fly through this quicker than Superman chasing a speeding bullet. You won't be able to put this down. It's an edge of the seat and a 'squeaky bum' read.
Like the previous two books in this series, I savoured every single word. Pilgrim (Danzen Ravja) is still having difficulties trying to live the rest of his life in peace. Everybody and their aunties seem to want a piece of him at the moment. He helps when he can, but has surprise visits from those is unprepared for. But, again, he does his level best... with a little help from his friends, old and new, and a very surprising ex-friend, too. Whatever happens, Danzen needs to learn to control his own demons first. When he finds out some very personal information, he's unsure who to trust. As the old saying goes, "You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family." Boy, is that right!
The plot is excellent and I still adore the yokai. The writing is expressive and, for me, emotional in parts. I feel everything as if I am experiencing it for the first time. The fight scenes are great and well put-together. The characterisations are very real, and you feel for them.
I love Kudzu's intensity and strength, and Jelmay has grown on me as when he is funny, it's a joy. He can be annoying at times, but I suppose his heart is in the right place. He reminds me a wee bit of Quark from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Quark is constantly looking for profit, and Jelmay needs to gamble. I suppose both have the same result!
Love this series. More, please.
I chose to voluntarily read an eARC copy of this book, then honestly reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
Like the previous two books in this series, I savoured every single word. Pilgrim (Danzen Ravja) is still having difficulties trying to live the rest of his life in peace. Everybody and their aunties seem to want a piece of him at the moment. He helps when he can, but has surprise visits from those is unprepared for. But, again, he does his level best... with a little help from his friends, old and new, and a very surprising ex-friend, too. Whatever happens, Danzen needs to learn to control his own demons first. When he finds out some very personal information, he's unsure who to trust. As the old saying goes, "You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family." Boy, is that right!
The plot is excellent and I still adore the yokai. The writing is expressive and, for me, emotional in parts. I feel everything as if I am experiencing it for the first time. The fight scenes are great and well put-together. The characterisations are very real, and you feel for them.
I love Kudzu's intensity and strength, and Jelmay has grown on me as when he is funny, it's a joy. He can be annoying at times, but I suppose his heart is in the right place. He reminds me a wee bit of Quark from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Quark is constantly looking for profit, and Jelmay needs to gamble. I suppose both have the same result!
Love this series. More, please.
I chose to voluntarily read an eARC copy of this book, then honestly reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
July 4, 2025
Ratings:- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 6, 2021
Finally the family gets together.
The story continues to be very interesting as the author has went out of his way to not use the same old types of yoki as most books do. The MC continues to get more powerful as he works on his powers. I was given a advanced copy of this book for a honest opinion.
The story continues to be very interesting as the author has went out of his way to not use the same old types of yoki as most books do. The MC continues to get more powerful as he works on his powers. I was given a advanced copy of this book for a honest opinion.
May 27, 2021
Rebuilding heaven
Denizen and co. Try to get out of the heat but of course his past is there to meet him he becomes a teacher and realize’s this little group is his family he also finally understands his mother and his father both want something from him but he decided he was going to do things his way - he also comes in contact with his ex “ goul “ friend who took on thanes student as well as the witch poisoner he learns to start to control his demons can’t wait to read next book
Denizen and co. Try to get out of the heat but of course his past is there to meet him he becomes a teacher and realize’s this little group is his family he also finally understands his mother and his father both want something from him but he decided he was going to do things his way - he also comes in contact with his ex “ goul “ friend who took on thanes student as well as the witch poisoner he learns to start to control his demons can’t wait to read next book
August 12, 2021
Another jackpot!
What can I say? I love this series. Its amazingly crafted. The world is so rich, it is of course heavily Japanese based and as I've said before, in your mind it plays out like an anime. Which is really beautiful. I love the yokai, and especially Jelmay who is my favorite character. Danzen being second. Things kick into a higher gear in this book, new characters, old characters, plenty of developments and it sets up nicely for book 4. I am unsure if book 4 is the finale, I hope it isn't. This story is quite engrossing.
What can I say? I love this series. Its amazingly crafted. The world is so rich, it is of course heavily Japanese based and as I've said before, in your mind it plays out like an anime. Which is really beautiful. I love the yokai, and especially Jelmay who is my favorite character. Danzen being second. Things kick into a higher gear in this book, new characters, old characters, plenty of developments and it sets up nicely for book 4. I am unsure if book 4 is the finale, I hope it isn't. This story is quite engrossing.
April 11, 2022
Author Harmon Cooper continues to develop the wild adventures of Pilgrim, a retired assassin who is targeted by other assassins and by the King of Hell himself.
Fortunately, he has his loyal friends Jelmay, a magical cat/human hybrid. Too bad he's an incorrigible trickster addicted to gambling, scamming, eating, and drinking, not necessarily in that order.
His other loyal friend is Kudza, a fox-human hybrid who's far more serious than Jelmay.
Adventures begin in the first chapter and continue throughout. Don't miss it.
Fortunately, he has his loyal friends Jelmay, a magical cat/human hybrid. Too bad he's an incorrigible trickster addicted to gambling, scamming, eating, and drinking, not necessarily in that order.
His other loyal friend is Kudza, a fox-human hybrid who's far more serious than Jelmay.
Adventures begin in the first chapter and continue throughout. Don't miss it.
July 4, 2022
Further we follow the path of Pilgrims' redemption
One will find oneself dipping deeper into the world of Sunyata and Diyu.
There are more revelations to explore in this third novel of Danzens' world - but at a pace resplendent of the world he lives in. It takes time for people to get from one location to another giving opportunities for reflection and growth.
The story is very easy to lose oneself in as the development of both Danzen and his companions is handled very realistically.
Most excellent story telling!
One will find oneself dipping deeper into the world of Sunyata and Diyu.
There are more revelations to explore in this third novel of Danzens' world - but at a pace resplendent of the world he lives in. It takes time for people to get from one location to another giving opportunities for reflection and growth.
The story is very easy to lose oneself in as the development of both Danzen and his companions is handled very realistically.
Most excellent story telling!
July 12, 2022
Introduces another sidekick, this one a novice human assassin which adds a new element of putting Danzen in a spot where he has to act as a mentor. Does a better job of giving all the sections meaning rather than being disconnected short stories. Still feels bloated but less so than previous volumes.
Has at least two different plot points that reduce the distinction between the living and the dead. Like almost always I hate this, because if death is meaningless then death is meaningless.
Has at least two different plot points that reduce the distinction between the living and the dead. Like almost always I hate this, because if death is meaningless then death is meaningless.
May 5, 2021
Excellent Upgrade to the Series
Im hoping that this is just the preliminary upgrade to the action and powers as I feel the increase in Pilgrims travels and his group dynamic give great potential to how the conclusion of bringing life back to how it once was.
Some great chapters where we really feel the tension and angst of decisions and gravitates you into each page you turn. Engrossing reading and can't wait for the next.
Im hoping that this is just the preliminary upgrade to the action and powers as I feel the increase in Pilgrims travels and his group dynamic give great potential to how the conclusion of bringing life back to how it once was.
Some great chapters where we really feel the tension and angst of decisions and gravitates you into each page you turn. Engrossing reading and can't wait for the next.
May 26, 2021
I give it a 3 which means it's worth reading.
The author seems to be chasing his characters.
Is it bad? No it's disjointed.
If he is going to continue in this manner i suggest he samurai champloo it.
If not then go Firefly or Kung Fu.
I would suggest he read Barry Hughart Bridge of Birds and Jessica Amanda Salmulson Thousand Shrine Warrior and then think about his Korean story spine.
Still i will read the next one.
The author seems to be chasing his characters.
Is it bad? No it's disjointed.
If he is going to continue in this manner i suggest he samurai champloo it.
If not then go Firefly or Kung Fu.
I would suggest he read Barry Hughart Bridge of Birds and Jessica Amanda Salmulson Thousand Shrine Warrior and then think about his Korean story spine.
Still i will read the next one.
October 30, 2023
Another wonderful installment of fetch quests and boss fights. I was thankful that there was more space created for character development and growth. I appreciate how the cast of characters continues to grow, but is sustainable. Each character quickly develops into worth remembering quickly. Some of the initial encounters feel like awkward first dates but after a few pages things settle in nicely. Another novel worth both your time and your money.
May 11, 2021
This was a quick but awesome read. Lots of action and the book simply doesn't slow down. I really appreciate Harmon's attention to detail around the various yokai and their mannerisms in folklore, you can tell he puts time and effort into his research. I'm already looking forward to book 4!
May 20, 2021
Wowwww!! Epic Continuation Of Danzen's Saga!
I love the battles that take place in this book, and the direction Danzen's/Pilgrim's journey is headed! I love the witty banter between all the yokai as well!
I love the battles that take place in this book, and the direction Danzen's/Pilgrim's journey is headed! I love the witty banter between all the yokai as well!
May 26, 2021
I really like the Pilgrim books
Although they might take a little getting used to, these books are definitely worth it. Harmon Cooper absolutely understands how to weave a tale that will keep you reading, and coming back for more!
Although they might take a little getting used to, these books are definitely worth it. Harmon Cooper absolutely understands how to weave a tale that will keep you reading, and coming back for more!
May 27, 2021
Nice
This is an excellent book. I love the idea of having a video game I hope that really does work out. There’s some twist interns in this but it feels like it’s slowly getting to the end. Can’t wait to book number four
This is an excellent book. I love the idea of having a video game I hope that really does work out. There’s some twist interns in this but it feels like it’s slowly getting to the end. Can’t wait to book number four
August 7, 2021
Big recovery from my feelings around the second book. Excellent pacing. I cared more about the characters.
October 18, 2021
Love the characters
I’m hooked on Pilgrim. His backstory is tragic but he is doing everything he can to decide his own fate. Everyone wants something from him and he just wants a simple life. I can’t help but root for him.
I’m hooked on Pilgrim. His backstory is tragic but he is doing everything he can to decide his own fate. Everyone wants something from him and he just wants a simple life. I can’t help but root for him.
November 21, 2021
Good read
I gave 4 stars because I liked the story progression but I felt something was missing. If you were to ask me what it was I could not pin point it exactly. Overall good read.
I gave 4 stars because I liked the story progression but I felt something was missing. If you were to ask me what it was I could not pin point it exactly. Overall good read.
June 13, 2024
the best story ever.
I’ve read a lot of books. But this is the best story yet. I applaud your writing and the story line keeps getting better and better. Bravo Zulu to you and keep up The best writing possible
I’ve read a lot of books. But this is the best story yet. I applaud your writing and the story line keeps getting better and better. Bravo Zulu to you and keep up The best writing possible
May 13, 2021
Outstanding Sequel!
This was amazing! I love the new characters and progression of Pilgrim! Looking forward to the next book in the series! Keep up the great work!
This was amazing! I love the new characters and progression of Pilgrim! Looking forward to the next book in the series! Keep up the great work!
Read
May 17, 2021Great book
Stellar work once again from Harmon Cooper! Lots of action and cultivation, duels and demons. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work once again from Harmon Cooper! Lots of action and cultivation, duels and demons. Looking forward to the next one!
June 16, 2021
Woohoo
Good book. As always I look forward to the next title. It's incredibly fun running across an unfamiliar yokai name and having to research it.
Good book. As always I look forward to the next title. It's incredibly fun running across an unfamiliar yokai name and having to research it.
August 23, 2021
This was great
I am enjoying this series, lot happens in few words, though much goes unsaid.
Couple of twists good plays and a few oh snap moments.
I am enjoying this series, lot happens in few words, though much goes unsaid.
Couple of twists good plays and a few oh snap moments.
October 6, 2021
A decent tale, but more of a placeholder to get us to the 4th book.
November 3, 2021
Excellent follow up
What a fantastic ride this episode takes! Yokai abound and danger at every step from Danzen’s evil family. Has a sad moment, won’t spoil it for you.
What a fantastic ride this episode takes! Yokai abound and danger at every step from Danzen’s evil family. Has a sad moment, won’t spoil it for you.
November 16, 2021
Great continuation of the series
Pilgrim is a great series. Fantastic characters and storyline. Harmon Cooper is becoming one of my favorite writers. Well worth giving him a try!
Pilgrim is a great series. Fantastic characters and storyline. Harmon Cooper is becoming one of my favorite writers. Well worth giving him a try!
March 18, 2022
They've done a great job of surrounding the super stoic, straightforward MC with a cast of absolute characters. Looking forward to the rest of the series. 👍🏾👍🏾
March 25, 2022
World's greatest Assassin who can't kill his nemesis and she always gets away.
March 13, 2023
Still really good,book 3 Introduces another character whom Danzen has to mentor and she already has more usefulness than kudzu.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews