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War Priest #1
Mask of the Fallen
From the ashes of fate, a legend rises.
Arik Dacre never thought he’d become the reincarnation of the War Priest, nor did he think he’d befriend an irritable water spirit or a mysterious master illusionist.
But destiny can be funny like that.
Does Arik have what it takes to survive?
From Harmon Cooper, author of the instant bestseller Pilgrim, as well as the LitRPG series Cowboy Necromancer and The Feedback Loop, comes a Japanese mythology inspired cultivation epic for fans of Cradle, Demon Slayer, and Ghost of Tsushima. Using recently translated ninja and samurai texts to build its combat and chi system, War Priest is a unique work in the fantasy space, a story about a chi healer forced to use learn to use his power in new and frightening ways.
Arik Dacre never thought he’d become the reincarnation of the War Priest, nor did he think he’d befriend an irritable water spirit or a mysterious master illusionist.
But destiny can be funny like that.
Does Arik have what it takes to survive?
From Harmon Cooper, author of the instant bestseller Pilgrim, as well as the LitRPG series Cowboy Necromancer and The Feedback Loop, comes a Japanese mythology inspired cultivation epic for fans of Cradle, Demon Slayer, and Ghost of Tsushima. Using recently translated ninja and samurai texts to build its combat and chi system, War Priest is a unique work in the fantasy space, a story about a chi healer forced to use learn to use his power in new and frightening ways.
504 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2021
413 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Harmon Cooper
144 books364 followersHarmon Cooper is the author of over sixty fantasy works. His bestselling series include Pilgrim, War Priest, Cowboy Necromancer, and Tokens and Towers.
His series, The Feedback Loop, is one of the earlier GameLit works first published in 2015. An earphone award winner for the series Death's Mantle, Harmon won the LitRPG/GameLit Audiobook of the Year award for Sacred Cat Island, narrated by Legends and Lattes author Travis Baldree.
Harmon write progression fantasy, cultivation fantasy, and LitRPG/GameLit.
His series, The Feedback Loop, is one of the earlier GameLit works first published in 2015. An earphone award winner for the series Death's Mantle, Harmon won the LitRPG/GameLit Audiobook of the Year award for Sacred Cat Island, narrated by Legends and Lattes author Travis Baldree.
Harmon write progression fantasy, cultivation fantasy, and LitRPG/GameLit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 25, 2023
This is a fun and interesting story. There are a lot of elements that I liked in this novel. The healer to greatest warrior is done well and the magic of the chi healing and how it is used consistently through the novel was great and fun to read. The characters were also a lot of fun, and really brought to life with the voice of Travis Baldree. It definitely reads as if it is just an episode to a long series that has a lot of promise. I look forward to seeing where this will go.
November 17, 2021
Started off well, but this YA book quickly went down hill into this long training montage with a very naïve MC. Don't get me started on the plot that ALL the healers happen to be in one location and wiped out, the world is flushed out to maybe 50 square miles and a few towns that the MC can travel to within a couple days.
August 10, 2021
An excellent new series from the pen of Harmon Cooper. 'War Priest' is not only a wonderful storyline and plot with fully-developed characters, it's also really interesting because it's based on factual information (as is a lot of Mr Cooper's work) and, as a result, feels real. You can tell that the author enjoyed writing this, as he passes his enthusiasm via the words to the reader, who then turns the pages with abandon.
I don't want to say anything that will spoil any reader's enjoyment of this. I loved this book! You never know whether to truly trust our main character, Arik Dacre's partners on his mission, or not, which makes it all the more intriguing. The momentum of the story alternates between the action-packed pages and where the reader learns more about Arik's life and the areas and culture around him. The actual task to get a hold of the 'Mask of the Fallen' itself is genius.
An absolutely twisty and turny, beautiful, emotional book, with bloody, bloody, fight scenes (yes, I did mean two uses of 'bloody'!). Roll on book two!
I don't want to say anything that will spoil any reader's enjoyment of this. I loved this book! You never know whether to truly trust our main character, Arik Dacre's partners on his mission, or not, which makes it all the more intriguing. The momentum of the story alternates between the action-packed pages and where the reader learns more about Arik's life and the areas and culture around him. The actual task to get a hold of the 'Mask of the Fallen' itself is genius.
An absolutely twisty and turny, beautiful, emotional book, with bloody, bloody, fight scenes (yes, I did mean two uses of 'bloody'!). Roll on book two!
September 14, 2021
KU Review
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
August 10, 2021
Long live the war priest.
This book has a lot of good action and good world building. The author has left a lot of room for development of the characters.
This book has a lot of good action and good world building. The author has left a lot of room for development of the characters.
August 9, 2021
Throughly enjoyable new series
A wonderfully created world of characters to become invested in as Cooper increases his Cultivation repotoire with a story of a young man thrown into chaos and uncertainty as his way of life is destroyed putting him on a path against everything he has been brought up to believe in.
Some great tension between the paths he is forced to follow and a destiny beckoning as he tries to come to terms with what he may have to do ,and how others can help him.
I liked how these divergent paths and characters are brought in to change and expand his way of life whilst also having their own purposes giving a great level of trust/mistrust relationship throughout the book.
A bit more younger destiny feel compared to his redemption path in Pilgrim but a great level of detail catches and holds your interest from start to finish.
A wonderfully created world of characters to become invested in as Cooper increases his Cultivation repotoire with a story of a young man thrown into chaos and uncertainty as his way of life is destroyed putting him on a path against everything he has been brought up to believe in.
Some great tension between the paths he is forced to follow and a destiny beckoning as he tries to come to terms with what he may have to do ,and how others can help him.
I liked how these divergent paths and characters are brought in to change and expand his way of life whilst also having their own purposes giving a great level of trust/mistrust relationship throughout the book.
A bit more younger destiny feel compared to his redemption path in Pilgrim but a great level of detail catches and holds your interest from start to finish.
December 9, 2022
So if I'm being honest I'm not the biggest fan of Harmon Cooper. But I enjoyed some of his other series as well so I gave this a shot. I was not disappointed, however I feel like he is using Yokai in all of his latest series and it is starting to get a bit meh. I like the characters and so on in this series but like with his other series the books are all pretty short and the plot isn't really all that unique.
July 29, 2022
Entertaining book 2 that expands the series.
I’ve enjoyed the second book of this series enough that I am considering reading Harmon Cooper’s first series Pilgrim. He was abel to snag Traivs Baldree to do the audible , it seems his voice is perfect for the genre and he really does bring Cooper’s story to life. The story does have action, some humor, and a few twists that are impactful. It is appropriate for young adults and above.
The worldbuilding while not massive is there, as well as solid characters, and a decent plot for the individual book that carries the overall plot quiet well. With some of the revelations in this book I think there's a bit too much coincidence in terms of the certain characters running into each other multiple times and begin connected to other characters. No spoilers though.
I think Harmon Cooper’s take on the cultivation genre is interesting as the magic system has its own rules that each have their own quarks as we the reader and listener sees more of them.
I do think some of the main protagonist's actions or better said reactions feel a bit off for the sake of creating drama but for the most part he grew as a character. The balance between his upbringing as a healer and his current life as a warrior is fun and I hope to see more of the healing in the next book as it has taken more of a back step here.
We are reintroduced to mainly of the same side characters in book 1. As something of a journey/travel story it was cool to seem them pop back up and be rounded out abit more. However I do think that it would have been better to see a few more new characters show up outside of enemies and two new allies.
At that said, I am not complaining. For those who enjoy cultivation action series this is certainly a soild KU read or something good to add to your kindle library or audible collection (Particularly with Traivs Baldree voicing it.)
I’ve enjoyed the second book of this series enough that I am considering reading Harmon Cooper’s first series Pilgrim. He was abel to snag Traivs Baldree to do the audible , it seems his voice is perfect for the genre and he really does bring Cooper’s story to life. The story does have action, some humor, and a few twists that are impactful. It is appropriate for young adults and above.
The worldbuilding while not massive is there, as well as solid characters, and a decent plot for the individual book that carries the overall plot quiet well. With some of the revelations in this book I think there's a bit too much coincidence in terms of the certain characters running into each other multiple times and begin connected to other characters. No spoilers though.
I think Harmon Cooper’s take on the cultivation genre is interesting as the magic system has its own rules that each have their own quarks as we the reader and listener sees more of them.
I do think some of the main protagonist's actions or better said reactions feel a bit off for the sake of creating drama but for the most part he grew as a character. The balance between his upbringing as a healer and his current life as a warrior is fun and I hope to see more of the healing in the next book as it has taken more of a back step here.
We are reintroduced to mainly of the same side characters in book 1. As something of a journey/travel story it was cool to seem them pop back up and be rounded out abit more. However I do think that it would have been better to see a few more new characters show up outside of enemies and two new allies.
At that said, I am not complaining. For those who enjoy cultivation action series this is certainly a soild KU read or something good to add to your kindle library or audible collection (Particularly with Traivs Baldree voicing it.)
August 30, 2021
Mask of the Fallen is an enjoyable read. It tells the beginning of a revenge journey, set in a Japanese/eastern fantasy world. Although Goodreads 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.
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.
May 3, 2022
Author Harmon Cooper launches another epic into his fantasy universe. In this world, magic is controlled through chi, which may be used for healing, illusions, or warfare.
The main character Arik Dacre begins as a highly-skilled healer who is thrown into a violent battle between realms. His family and all other healers are killed, leaving only him. He begins to learn combat skills, and then illusion skills as well, seeking to avenge their deaths.
Along the way, he meets many colorful characters, not the least a magical water being who befriends him.
He soon finds he may be the destined War Priest.
The main character Arik Dacre begins as a highly-skilled healer who is thrown into a violent battle between realms. His family and all other healers are killed, leaving only him. He begins to learn combat skills, and then illusion skills as well, seeking to avenge their deaths.
Along the way, he meets many colorful characters, not the least a magical water being who befriends him.
He soon finds he may be the destined War Priest.
August 10, 2021
Cooper has written an epic first novel in the War Priest series. The hero, Arik is a talented and driven young healer who is not world smart. His lessons in how his world really works are painful and sad. The people he meets along the way reveal all the wonderful and awful traits one finds in humans today.
I loved the world building, the attention to detail of the fighting styles, and insights into Eastern techniques. It made the book so much more enthralling. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I loved the world building, the attention to detail of the fighting styles, and insights into Eastern techniques. It made the book so much more enthralling. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 10, 2021
Tis quite a good book!
This new series by Harmon Cooper is definitely going to be on my reading list. There is no cursing or other stuff, which is a breath of fresh air from other books. The characters have depth and the combat is based on actual sword and fighting techniques. Personally, I think that Meosa should be able to make a water whip with his yokaura, or whatever it is. Plus, that mask is AWESOME. All in all, well worth the five stars. Thank you for reading this review!
This new series by Harmon Cooper is definitely going to be on my reading list. There is no cursing or other stuff, which is a breath of fresh air from other books. The characters have depth and the combat is based on actual sword and fighting techniques. Personally, I think that Meosa should be able to make a water whip with his yokaura, or whatever it is. Plus, that mask is AWESOME. All in all, well worth the five stars. Thank you for reading this review!
October 29, 2021
Not like Cradle and Iron Prince
I read this book because I really enjoyed both The Cradle series and Iron Prince. Also, the cultivation style novels are my favorite currently, and I have had the pleasure of reading many very enjoyable cultivation novels. This book did not come close to measuring up to Cradle or The Iron Prince, and, in my opinion, did not fulfill the premise of cultivation novels. It was a reasonably good read, but comparing it to Cradle and Iron Prince is wrong.
I read this book because I really enjoyed both The Cradle series and Iron Prince. Also, the cultivation style novels are my favorite currently, and I have had the pleasure of reading many very enjoyable cultivation novels. This book did not come close to measuring up to Cradle or The Iron Prince, and, in my opinion, did not fulfill the premise of cultivation novels. It was a reasonably good read, but comparing it to Cradle and Iron Prince is wrong.
August 31, 2021
War Priest, nothing more needs to be said…
Incredible cover on this book enticed me to read, and I was pleasantly surprised. Harmon Cooper does an excellent job on setting the premise of this book one…the long game. In that HC is writing a keenly layered epic story quietly, subtly developing an epic series as well as in depth character development. The title says it all, Harmon Cooper delivers powerful book one of a promising strong series. Well done.
Incredible cover on this book enticed me to read, and I was pleasantly surprised. Harmon Cooper does an excellent job on setting the premise of this book one…the long game. In that HC is writing a keenly layered epic story quietly, subtly developing an epic series as well as in depth character development. The title says it all, Harmon Cooper delivers powerful book one of a promising strong series. Well done.
December 29, 2022
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!
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!
December 19, 2022
So.....
I think this is Cooper's best series. The characters are a little more solid. The structure is a bit less meandering.
The magical sidekick has almost the exact same voice/personality as one of the magical sidekicks from Pilgrim which I found hard to ignore.
It appears to be a finite 4 book series. Yay!
I think this is Cooper's best series. The characters are a little more solid. The structure is a bit less meandering.
The magical sidekick has almost the exact same voice/personality as one of the magical sidekicks from Pilgrim which I found hard to ignore.
It appears to be a finite 4 book series. Yay!
December 22, 2022
Witness the beginning of the transformation
This is a tale of murder, intrigue and loss.
The layers of this story are many and intertwined with hate, love and despair!
Follow Arvik as he starts his transformation from a healer towards ....?
The world is richly described making you sense it.
Disclaimer - received via a book giveaway.
This is a tale of murder, intrigue and loss.
The layers of this story are many and intertwined with hate, love and despair!
Follow Arvik as he starts his transformation from a healer towards ....?
The world is richly described making you sense it.
Disclaimer - received via a book giveaway.
August 9, 2021
It was worth the risk
Really enjoyed this book as I do most books by Mr. Cooper! If you are looking for a quality adventure to take you out of your day to day I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
Really enjoyed this book as I do most books by Mr. Cooper! If you are looking for a quality adventure to take you out of your day to day I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
August 11, 2021
A fantastic start to a new series
Mr Cooper continues to grow and show his chops as an author. I went in with anticipation after the pilgrim books and was pleasantly blown away by the quality of the story here. Congrats sir, you have written a fantastic book
Mr Cooper continues to grow and show his chops as an author. I went in with anticipation after the pilgrim books and was pleasantly blown away by the quality of the story here. Congrats sir, you have written a fantastic book
August 11, 2021
Thought-provoking and Highly Exciting
Great new characters and story. I love Pilgrim and tho different it is just as intriguing. Love the somewhat irritating yokai. Now I can look forward to both next books. Brilliant!
Great new characters and story. I love Pilgrim and tho different it is just as intriguing. Love the somewhat irritating yokai. Now I can look forward to both next books. Brilliant!
August 14, 2021
Solid new series by Harmon Cooper
I am a fan of much of HCs work, although there have a been a few I haven’t continued with, this one I will definitely follow through with reading. Solid story, historical Japanese elements with a twist on magic elements. Solid editing as usual.
I am a fan of much of HCs work, although there have a been a few I haven’t continued with, this one I will definitely follow through with reading. Solid story, historical Japanese elements with a twist on magic elements. Solid editing as usual.
August 15, 2021
Great Story
This isn't normally the kind of book I am drawn to. Given that, this was an exceptional story. It hooked me early and held on throughout, bringing concepts and a culture that is very foreign to me personally, making them easily graspable and enjoyable to read.
This isn't normally the kind of book I am drawn to. Given that, this was an exceptional story. It hooked me early and held on throughout, bringing concepts and a culture that is very foreign to me personally, making them easily graspable and enjoyable to read.
August 21, 2021
Epic Journey!
Wow, I didn't see where this story was going from beginning to end! I love how Arik grows and adapts to his changing circumstances! Can't wait to see where book two takes him!
Wow, I didn't see where this story was going from beginning to end! I love how Arik grows and adapts to his changing circumstances! Can't wait to see where book two takes him!
September 2, 2021
Amazing!
Mr Cooper has outdone himself. I absolutely loved the premise of this story. The characters are well thought out and developed expertly as the story progresses. Very excited for the next book.
Mr Cooper has outdone himself. I absolutely loved the premise of this story. The characters are well thought out and developed expertly as the story progresses. Very excited for the next book.
January 2, 2022
A bit slow but enjoyable
Found this book a bit difficult to really get into. The story was good but until the last quarter, I felt like I was pushing myself to continue. However, the end was solid and convinced me to download the second book.
Found this book a bit difficult to really get into. The story was good but until the last quarter, I felt like I was pushing myself to continue. However, the end was solid and convinced me to download the second book.
May 5, 2022
Arik Dacre just graduated as a priest of healing from the magical academy devoted to healing. He'd trained his whole life in Revivaura, the magic of healing.
Then everyone he loves is killed. The magic academy is slaughtered and killed. All he wants is revenge. All he knows is healing.
How can he learn war when he's sworn to heal? How can he defeat magical warriors who've devoted their lives to warfare?
You'll discover all in War Priest.
Then everyone he loves is killed. The magic academy is slaughtered and killed. All he wants is revenge. All he knows is healing.
How can he learn war when he's sworn to heal? How can he defeat magical warriors who've devoted their lives to warfare?
You'll discover all in War Priest.
February 17, 2023
there are definitely some things that could be better like how every time we hear about things or names it is introduced again as if we don't already know about it (though i did appreciate it when it came to the different paints Arik used) but other than that this book is really good
August 22, 2021
Good read
Really good start to a series. I do feel it dragged a bit in the middle but powered through to the end.
Really good start to a series. I do feel it dragged a bit in the middle but powered through to the end.
August 23, 2021
Good read
Took awhile to ramp up but really leaves you waiting for book 2
Poo poo pa choo choo a doo
Took awhile to ramp up but really leaves you waiting for book 2
Poo poo pa choo choo a doo
August 27, 2021
Entertaining
Was different from other titles and thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to book two and will be continuing this story as soon as possible.
Was different from other titles and thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to book two and will be continuing this story as soon as possible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews