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Pilgrim #5
Pilgrim 5
A former assassin. A past marred by violence. The chance for redemption.
Danzen Ravja’s life has never been easy, not when he was an orphan at the Diyu Brotherhood, not since he retired from the blood trade, and certainly not since he began cultivating his echo, which has unlocked an entirely new level of enemies.
Nomtoi, Danzen’s demon half-brother, has unleashed the Seven Evils, the most vile hellspawns that Diyu has to offer. While Danzen and his companions have been able to stop some of them already, Uchi and Kitazawa prove to be challenges that they may not be able to overcome.
A new conflict arises in the way Danzen plans to rebuild heaven itself, one that will require cooperation with a wide range of players who may not see eye to eye. And there are always assassins to contend with, cultists, even a yokai dragon known as a tatsu that has been terrorizing the northern passage.
For once, Danzen Ravja may have his work cut out for him.
Danzen Ravja’s life has never been easy, not when he was an orphan at the Diyu Brotherhood, not since he retired from the blood trade, and certainly not since he began cultivating his echo, which has unlocked an entirely new level of enemies.
Nomtoi, Danzen’s demon half-brother, has unleashed the Seven Evils, the most vile hellspawns that Diyu has to offer. While Danzen and his companions have been able to stop some of them already, Uchi and Kitazawa prove to be challenges that they may not be able to overcome.
A new conflict arises in the way Danzen plans to rebuild heaven itself, one that will require cooperation with a wide range of players who may not see eye to eye. And there are always assassins to contend with, cultists, even a yokai dragon known as a tatsu that has been terrorizing the northern passage.
For once, Danzen Ravja may have his work cut out for him.
- GenresFantasy
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2022
50 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Harmon Cooper
146 books372 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 16, 2022
Fabulous book, incredible series. I'll be honest and say that I slowly savour every word of this series. In my humble opinion, the writing is just phenomenal.
Danzen Ravja, our Pilgrim, wants to rebuild Heaven. It wouldn't be much of a story if everything went to plan though, would it? Danzen and his friends are now so completely a part of my being that I can never wait to find out what happens to them. Bit of a problem when you read slowly!
As always, there's twists and turns, happiness and heartache. I enjoy Danzen's thoughts on characters, yokai, human, or otherwise. There are appearances of old and new friends, and old and new enemies including the Seven Evils from Diyu, sent by Danzen's half-brother. I am not forgetting the Yokai of course, I love learning of new ones. But are they friend or foe? You'll have to wait and see.
Easy reading, and the excellent storyline and engrossing world building will keep you completely riveted to the pages. Love, love, love this!
Danzen Ravja, our Pilgrim, wants to rebuild Heaven. It wouldn't be much of a story if everything went to plan though, would it? Danzen and his friends are now so completely a part of my being that I can never wait to find out what happens to them. Bit of a problem when you read slowly!
As always, there's twists and turns, happiness and heartache. I enjoy Danzen's thoughts on characters, yokai, human, or otherwise. There are appearances of old and new friends, and old and new enemies including the Seven Evils from Diyu, sent by Danzen's half-brother. I am not forgetting the Yokai of course, I love learning of new ones. But are they friend or foe? You'll have to wait and see.
Easy reading, and the excellent storyline and engrossing world building will keep you completely riveted to the pages. Love, love, love this!
February 16, 2022
Very good book full of Japanese lore.
This series continues to keep me engaged and entertained with the story as the world building and the Japanese monster lore is awesome. You finally get to read about yokai in something besides a manga. Overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I was given a advanced copy of the story for my honest opinion.
This series continues to keep me engaged and entertained with the story as the world building and the Japanese monster lore is awesome. You finally get to read about yokai in something besides a manga. Overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I was given a advanced copy of the story for my honest opinion.
February 26, 2022
This might be the end for me.
When I read the first book, I loved the way the author set the story with this badass retired assassin living in a little village at the end of the world, how he helped the villagers with things here and there, all the while there were yokai around, making the world truly interesting. However, every subsequent book departed further and further from this setting, eventually degenerating into a full on "save the world" story. I have stuck with it because of my previous investment in it.
This one, though, might be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Between the anticlimactic boss fights, the sudden romance setup and the unnecessarily tragic ending, I probably won't read the next one.
The boss fights, against the members of the Seven Evils were really disappointing. The first one especially, where the demon just suddenly died, and that was it. When you compare with the difficult and tense fights of the previous book it is even more evident.
The author has been hinting at a romance between Danzen and Kudzu for most of the series, but in this book it feels like he decided to speed it up. I don't know how to describe it, but it feels a bit forced, given the trajectory of these characters up until now. It really stands out. I don't feel like it adds anything to the series, but would be fine either way if the execution was decent.
Finally, the ending is really disappointing. Throughout the book we see Danzen thinking he has to leave the Genshin Valley for a number of reasons, obviously laying the groundwork for some final decision at the end. But instead of leaving at that, of being satisfied with the path he had paved for that moment, the author decides to write a tragic scenario that basically forces that decision. There was no need for that. To me, it just shows complete lack of subtlety, and coincidentally it was what cemented my opinion on this being the worst book of the series and my decision to stop here.
I wish the series stayed close to what book 1 was: a small stakes story set in a quaint village with a mysterious protagonist in a world full of magical yokai.
When I read the first book, I loved the way the author set the story with this badass retired assassin living in a little village at the end of the world, how he helped the villagers with things here and there, all the while there were yokai around, making the world truly interesting. However, every subsequent book departed further and further from this setting, eventually degenerating into a full on "save the world" story. I have stuck with it because of my previous investment in it.
This one, though, might be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Between the anticlimactic boss fights, the sudden romance setup and the unnecessarily tragic ending, I probably won't read the next one.
The boss fights, against the members of the Seven Evils were really disappointing. The first one especially, where the demon just suddenly died, and that was it. When you compare with the difficult and tense fights of the previous book it is even more evident.
The author has been hinting at a romance between Danzen and Kudzu for most of the series, but in this book it feels like he decided to speed it up. I don't know how to describe it, but it feels a bit forced, given the trajectory of these characters up until now. It really stands out. I don't feel like it adds anything to the series, but would be fine either way if the execution was decent.
Finally, the ending is really disappointing. Throughout the book we see Danzen thinking he has to leave the Genshin Valley for a number of reasons, obviously laying the groundwork for some final decision at the end. But instead of leaving at that, of being satisfied with the path he had paved for that moment, the author decides to write a tragic scenario that basically forces that decision. There was no need for that. To me, it just shows complete lack of subtlety, and coincidentally it was what cemented my opinion on this being the worst book of the series and my decision to stop here.
I wish the series stayed close to what book 1 was: a small stakes story set in a quaint village with a mysterious protagonist in a world full of magical yokai.
February 21, 2022
I have been grooving on Harmon Cooper stories for quite some time. I was asked to voluntarily review an Advance Reader Copy of Pilgrim book 5 and was quite happy too. What I didn't realize is that I know nothing about Japanese mythology. Japanese fae are varied and quite different from the European fae I am most familiar with. Because of this, I was bogged down in trying to remember which creature was which, that had what powers and their names. I am sure I would have enjoyed the story much more if I was familiar with far eastern mythology OR if had started on book 1 in the series. Still, if you want a fresh storyline with new and exciting creatures or are an Anime Fan, definitely come get some. (start with book 1).
January 20, 2023
This is a fabulous book, and part of an incredible series. the writing, in my opinion, is phenomenal.
Danzen Ravja, our Pilgrim, wants to rebuild Heaven. But it wouldn't be much of a story if everything went to plan.
As always, there's twists, turns, happiness and heartache. I enjoy Danzen's thoughts on characters, yokai, human, or otherwise. There are appearances of old and new friends, and old and new enemies including the Seven Evils from Diyu, sent by Danzen's half-brother. I am not forgetting the Yokai of course, I love learning of new ones. But are they friend or foe? You'll have to wait and see.
Easy reading or listening, and the excellent storyline and engrossing world building will keep you completely riveted.
Danzen Ravja, our Pilgrim, wants to rebuild Heaven. But it wouldn't be much of a story if everything went to plan.
As always, there's twists, turns, happiness and heartache. I enjoy Danzen's thoughts on characters, yokai, human, or otherwise. There are appearances of old and new friends, and old and new enemies including the Seven Evils from Diyu, sent by Danzen's half-brother. I am not forgetting the Yokai of course, I love learning of new ones. But are they friend or foe? You'll have to wait and see.
Easy reading or listening, and the excellent storyline and engrossing world building will keep you completely riveted.
February 16, 2022
The story just keeps getting better. If you are just finding these books, you can start here since the author does a recap at the start of each. It would be better to read them all in order to get the whole story. Danzen is well on his way to finishing his goal, but the stakes are getting higher. I love the interaction between the characters and the way they have become family. There is humor and exciting fighting which makes the book move at a quick pace and keeps me reading. Cooper is a fabulous story teller. Loved it!
March 3, 2022
Great!
Don’t be a pile of yamachichi dung and miss out on this book! Pilgrim 5 keeps the story rolling, and if you love Bakanekos, detailed scenery/action, or a truly interesting “powers” system look no further. Pilgrim and friends once again find their quest to rebuild Sunyata a little more complicated than anticipated, and Danzen is often stuck between his instincts and his heart. Get ready to meet some cool new Yokai and a couple of real jerks. This book/series has it all, and it don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Don’t be a pile of yamachichi dung and miss out on this book! Pilgrim 5 keeps the story rolling, and if you love Bakanekos, detailed scenery/action, or a truly interesting “powers” system look no further. Pilgrim and friends once again find their quest to rebuild Sunyata a little more complicated than anticipated, and Danzen is often stuck between his instincts and his heart. Get ready to meet some cool new Yokai and a couple of real jerks. This book/series has it all, and it don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
March 22, 2022
The best one best one yet
Harmon Cooper's Pilgrim series just keeps getting better. I was lucky enough to get to read the first Pilgrim book the day it came out, and while I'm not usually a big "lit RPG" fan, something about the writing style, and the characters got to me, and I simply devoured the story. Unlike a lot of series that tend to hook you at the start, just to fall flat on the middle, the Pilgrim books only get better as you go. I would recommend this series to any fantasy reader, and to anyone who's looking for a well crafted story, no matter the genre.
Harmon Cooper's Pilgrim series just keeps getting better. I was lucky enough to get to read the first Pilgrim book the day it came out, and while I'm not usually a big "lit RPG" fan, something about the writing style, and the characters got to me, and I simply devoured the story. Unlike a lot of series that tend to hook you at the start, just to fall flat on the middle, the Pilgrim books only get better as you go. I would recommend this series to any fantasy reader, and to anyone who's looking for a well crafted story, no matter the genre.
February 15, 2022
Great buildup and action twists
This series goes from strength to strength as we learn more of the Yokai world and the dangers from the demon realm. As the group goes stronger the foes and "without spoilers" surprises we learn about extend the strange legendary creatures and action into a well constructed and engrossing read each chapter we face.
After 5 books Pilgrim still has some facets to explore and Im enjoying the final build up to the endgame immensely.
This series goes from strength to strength as we learn more of the Yokai world and the dangers from the demon realm. As the group goes stronger the foes and "without spoilers" surprises we learn about extend the strange legendary creatures and action into a well constructed and engrossing read each chapter we face.
After 5 books Pilgrim still has some facets to explore and Im enjoying the final build up to the endgame immensely.
July 6, 2022
just when you are ready for rebuilding…
Pilgrim and gang planning to collect remnants run into more issues cleaning the north passage has enabled trouble to a number of people and creatures as usual the group finds things that must be done peoples to help and also more information some good some very troubling as well as conformation that his mother had definitely wanted him dead
Pilgrim and gang planning to collect remnants run into more issues cleaning the north passage has enabled trouble to a number of people and creatures as usual the group finds things that must be done peoples to help and also more information some good some very troubling as well as conformation that his mother had definitely wanted him dead
February 24, 2022
A little boring and slow
I loved the previous instalments of Pilgrim but this latest one felt like a slog. I enjoyed maybe just the last few chapters, but the first part of the book was just way too slow with very little being accomplished both in terms of storyline progression and character development.
I loved the previous instalments of Pilgrim but this latest one felt like a slog. I enjoyed maybe just the last few chapters, but the first part of the book was just way too slow with very little being accomplished both in terms of storyline progression and character development.
April 19, 2022
Harmon Cooper continues his saga of Pilgrim, an ex-assassin who wants to be left alone. But the king of hell is his father, who wants him to take over. His mother wants him to rebuild heaven. And his brother wants to kill him.
That's only the main conflict. He also has assassins trying to kill him for leaving the assassins guild. Then there are his newfound friends who need them to save them from various magical creatures.
Oh, did I mention his brother released the seven worst Evils of hell to kill him?
So, Pilgrim won't be left alone. It's not even clear if he'll survive. Or go to hell.
That's only the main conflict. He also has assassins trying to kill him for leaving the assassins guild. Then there are his newfound friends who need them to save them from various magical creatures.
Oh, did I mention his brother released the seven worst Evils of hell to kill him?
So, Pilgrim won't be left alone. It's not even clear if he'll survive. Or go to hell.
May 22, 2022
A good episode
I'd say this arc is darker, with a lot of emotional turmoil abound. It's sad that Danzen is written with such slow character growth, he's still so hard headed, naive & full of pride that is getting him nowhere. Some doors close, others open. The motley crew has new comrades and some not so new. Plenty of interesting yokai pop in and more allies, and enemies.
I'd say this arc is darker, with a lot of emotional turmoil abound. It's sad that Danzen is written with such slow character growth, he's still so hard headed, naive & full of pride that is getting him nowhere. Some doors close, others open. The motley crew has new comrades and some not so new. Plenty of interesting yokai pop in and more allies, and enemies.
June 30, 2022
Good read!
Impressive, just like the four before this one. Can't wait to read the next book. I thunk Cooper could have went into more depth with a few of the Evils and othe yokai that he suddenly introduced or killed off.
Impressive, just like the four before this one. Can't wait to read the next book. I thunk Cooper could have went into more depth with a few of the Evils and othe yokai that he suddenly introduced or killed off.
January 16, 2023
Great read
I like the world and the characters. This book was great. I did like all the different yoki in this book. I would like to see a bit more of the fight scenes with some of the potential of echo powers. Overall good read.
I like the world and the characters. This book was great. I did like all the different yoki in this book. I would like to see a bit more of the fight scenes with some of the potential of echo powers. Overall good read.
February 20, 2022
Wow!! So much action!
I love the character development and the way each continues to grow their bond with the group! I can't wait to see what happens next!
I love the character development and the way each continues to grow their bond with the group! I can't wait to see what happens next!
February 21, 2022
This series is amazing!
I love this series! The characters are so well developed as is the storyline. This series has been good since book 1. I can't wait for book 6!
I love this series! The characters are so well developed as is the storyline. This series has been good since book 1. I can't wait for book 6!
August 8, 2022
The saga continues
Once again Danzen almost wins against Nomtoi, but isn't strong enough yet. I keep thinking I'm done with this series but get dragged back in.
Once again Danzen almost wins against Nomtoi, but isn't strong enough yet. I keep thinking I'm done with this series but get dragged back in.
February 21, 2023
I'm still thoroughly on board. 👍🏽👍🏽
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews