The Men of the Mountain

by Drew Harrison

Dare to Defy the Mountain
Five years ago, the Men of the Mountain descended from their icy peaks and took Cade’s sister. They called it an honor; Cade calls it an abduction.

Since then, the clanless trapper has lived in the silence of her absence, nursing a quiet hatred for the "benevolent" sorcerers who rule Fort Hope with fear and magic. He has waited for a sign, a mistake, or a chance to strike back.

That chance arrives in a ball of fire.

When a mysterious object plummets from the heavens, the Men of the Mountain scramble to bury it. But Cade gets there first. In a smoking crater, he discovers a woman unlike any he has ever seen—and she carries a truth the mystics would kill to suppress.

If the Men of the Mountain find her, their secrets will remain buried forever. If Cade hides her, he risks bringing their wrath down upon everyone he loves.

Armed only with his wits and a hunter’s bow, Cade must lead a desperate fight across a frozen wasteland. He is being hunted by an enemy that can level cities, but he possesses the one thing they cannot counter: proof his mountain masters are mortal after all.

Genres: Fantasy

647 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2026

About the author

Fort Lauderdale, Chapel Hill, London

Educator, novelist, guerilla poet, and journalist

Reviews

[Morgan Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 actual. I have to knock this one a tad just because it took me until about 30% through the book to figure out what was going on and get hooked. However, I did really enjoy the characters of this book. If you are into dystopian sci-fi I would absolutely recommend giving this book a read, just promise me you will stick through to the end! I can’t wait for the next one!

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Drew Harrison for three years now and have eagerly awaited reading his new book. I went into it not knowing much beyond the title; not even reading the blurb. Drew had earned my trust from his previous works that his stories were worth my time. I heartly recomend the experience into going into this blind so I' hesitant to tell you much about the story or the world we find ourselves in.

I admit, upon starting I was a bit aprehensive at first, fearing a familiar trope was being deployed as a possible entry point to this story but I neeedn't had worried. The payoff was well worth the set up and it kept me speculating and wondering in all the places in between.

The main characters feel fully fleshed out and real with their own strengths and foils with no out of place great at everything character flexing their impossibly strong muscles or minds around to save the day. The jeopardy they face feels real and their actions or inactions have real costs and good or bad, I felt with our heroes all the way through it.

I love the way this story unfolds and our understanding of the wider world, events and stakes at play. I'm looking forward to reading this again when it is out in paperback to maybe see early events in a more enlightened way.

Lastly, the story feels complete. It's epic 644 pages (ebook) has a beginning, middle, and end. That being said, I would be the first to jump at the chance to return to this world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Niko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Harrison’s latest outing. This is his first novel with a singular protagonist providing a perspective throughout the novel. (Well sort of, there are some interstitials that provide nice palette cleansers for the flow of the story). This shift I feel was a strong choice for giving the reader and characters a more aligned view of the events. Now depending on your own perceptiveness, you might come to key revelations before the characters do, but that’s part of the fun of this book. The scope of this story is large but grounded, taking on themes of leadership and the decisions that come with it. How does one decide when the choices are between a rock and a hard place?

Safe to say, this may be my favorite of Harrison’s work yet!


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Spoiler Part of The Review
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Now to get into more of the actual details of the novel.

I thought the premise of the novel was well executed. In a delightful sense the novel makes what’s new, old again. Ideas that are familiar to us are obscured in plain sight like clues in a good mystery. The Viar helm may have alluded the way my mind read it in my head, but by the time its application is shown, it becomes abundantly clear to be a VR Headset. It’s a fun play on Arthur C. Clarke’s Third Law, “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”, and one that I repeatedly enjoyed throughout. The power knowledge has is a great indicator for Cade’s growth throughout the novel. As he becomes more knowledgeable of his world, the fear that would have kept him in line begins to dissipate. No longer are The Men of The Mountains gods, but feeble men in green cloth. They are Oz hiding behind his emerald curtain using parlor tricks to meet their goals.

I also enjoyed the views on leadership, Cade’s growth doesn’t come from a conviction to a particular doctrine. He’s a morally righteous man, but remains pragmatic. Refusing the often binary extremes that are set forth. While there is merit to many of Cade’s adversaries’ viewpoints, their extreme view lacks balance and by believing in a middle path, he grows into his own style of leadership. One that proves to be one that inspires a following as opposed to the status quo Hecton or the Arch-Warden had believed unavoidable.

Cade’s rise in leadership is nicely juxtaposed with the interstitials with Rasa, who we come to learn is a clone of the Arch-Warden being groomed for leadership. It’s a fascinating portrayal of exploring the importance a lived experience can have on one’s growth. How nature can be important, but nurture can create something well beyond one’s initial expectations.

It’s been a pleasure to read and I look forward to the teased sequel Harrison mentioned in his Afterward!

[karla_bookishlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Men of the Mountain is an epic fantasy novel with hints of sci-fi, set in a severe, frozen world where people are subjected to strict rules called the Dicta and led to worship powerful, mysterious rulers known as the Men of the Mountain.The story centres around the male protagonist Cade, who is a a lone trappe, whose faithfulness to these rules is shaken when the Men of the Mountain kidnap and claim his sister as a suposèd honor, leaving Cade full of ire and questioning.
Years later, a a skyfall object lands on earth, something that is forbidden by the laws of the world, and Cade discovers a mysterious woman inside. The Mountain Men do not want her to be revealed, so Cade faces a dangerous choice: Obey the rules and hand her over, Or defy the powerful rulers and protect her. Cade chooses the path of rebellion and as they flee across barren and harsh terrain l, they join forces with unlikely friends while fighting for survival. in the process Cade uncovers shocking truths about the foundations on which society is built. This adventurous read begian slowly, with cahracter and world building before launching into a pacy action filled narrative. Some of the Key themes are questioning authority, truth vs. control, freedom and sacrifice, survival and resilience. It is the first book in an expected fantasy series with rebellion, fight and survival at its core. You will love this is you like series like Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, Game sof Thrones and The Witcher, where strong characters rise up against a comtrolling society to fight for.survival of the underdogs. #themenofthemountain #drewharrison #blogtour #breakevenbooks

[Maria Ashford · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Florida writer Drew Harrison, The Men of the Mountain is a fantasy epic with a writing style that immediately pulls you in. The book has prose that reminded me of The Hunger Games, the kind that makes you forget you’re reading and just keeps you moving through the story. The first-person perspective creates an immersive experience, with thoughts provided throughout in italics. It’s a book that is not for the faint-hearted at almost 180,000 words, but you will likely not notice its length due to the book’s heart-pounding, page-turning pacing (at least I didn’t).

Despite a couple minor quibbles, The Men of the Mountain is ultimately a gripping fight for survival with characters you genuinely care about. It is the kind of book that pulls you in and keeps you turning pages, invested in these characters and their struggle against a system designed to break them. It’s dark fantasy that doesn’t pull its punches. If you’re a fan of gritty fantasy with strong character work and mysteries that keep you guessing, this is well worth your time. Harrison has announced this as the first in a series, and I’m curious to see where he takes the characters next.

If you’re someone who enjoys The Hunger Games, Red Rising, or The Witcher, in other words adventure stories with gritty survival, The Men of the Mountain delivers a compelling dark fantasy with elements of sci-fi. For fans of authors like Joe Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence who like their books intense, mysterious, and don’t mind a long read, this is more than worth checking out.

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book! It’s sci fi and fantasy blended into an amazing story, where two worlds collide together!

The author has a very engaging writing style and outstanding talent to bring a fantasy world alive.

Once you’re a boy further into the book, you won’t want to put the book down! It’s addictive!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noah Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful amalgamation of science fiction and fantasy elements, ranging from Eragon to Horizon: Zero Dawn, with a touch of dystopian tendencies. Drew is careful not to fall into redundant tropes that characterize the bulk of protagonists in this genre, instead creating a boy with many faults that is both frustrating and endearing to the reader. The way two worlds are brought together is both refreshing and fascinating in an unexpected fashion. This is a world that, once invested in, you will be itching for more of!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Read and Reviewed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a genuinely ingenious genre-bender. What begins with many of the familiar tropes of traditional fantasy: wizards, orc-like monsters, feudal settlements, superstition and apparent magic, eventually spins completely on its axis. In the vein of Planet of the Apes, the past becomes the future and the future becomes the past.

The story follows Cade the Clanless, a hunter and rabbit trapper whose sister left with the mysterious Men of the Mountain five years earlier and has not been seen or heard from since. Cade is betrothed to Helga, a strong, independent woman, and despite having no clan of his own, he is being trained to become a Civic, an upholder of the Dicta and its Covenants.

Everything changes when what appears to be a falling star crashes nearby. Cade discovers that the "star" is carrying a wounded woman named Robin, who does not speak Renn. Anyone arriving from the stars is supposed to be handed over to the Men of the Mountain, but Cade hides her and tends to her injuries instead. From there, everything he believes about his society, its history and the world beyond the Renn begins to unravel.

Being an Ancient Aliens fan, I rather liked the central idea behind this world. How would people from a non-technological society perceive those from an advanced one? Robes might become wizard's robes, technological staves become wands, and lights that burn without flame become magic. Science, when its origins and explanations have been lost, can very easily become mythology.

The use of language is clever too. Different languages appear throughout the novel and are not always translated, leaving us, like Cade, to work out meaning through context. Latin is woven into the language of the Men of the Mountain, while other surviving languages have taken on different identities over time. Even the name Tabula Rasa is significant. The Latin phrase means "blank slate", something that becomes increasingly meaningful as that part of the story unfolds. It is one of several clues placed in plain sight long before the reader has enough information to understand its importance.

What I enjoyed even more was the way the author continually plays with familiar tropes. A woman falls from the stars, and you automatically expect her to become the young hero's love interest. The rigid friend obsessed with following the Dicta seems like the annoying rule-follower you expect to be killed off fairly quickly. The hero is betrothed to a woman larger and physically stronger than him, the sort of relationship fantasy often seems determined to undo. The grotesque Krieger initially appear to occupy the traditional role of ignorant and violent monsters. Even the title Men of the Mountain evokes old folklore about mountain men and trappers, people removed from civilisation and made rougher by isolation.

Yet almost everything you expect from those ingredients is turned around. Even the romance refuses to follow the familiar route toward the beautiful stranger, discarded betrothed and inevitable climactic sex scene. At times, it feels as though the author is not simply bending the genre, but dismantling its tropes one by one.

Underneath all of this is a much more interesting story about civilisation, power and choice. There is a strong colonial element running through the novel. Those with the more sophisticated technology naturally see themselves as the advanced civilisation and everyone else as primitive. Once people are placed within that hierarchy, it becomes increasingly easy for the dominant group to stop seeing the individuals beneath them at all. The bitter irony is that every faction here is human, all living on the same world and all ultimately descended from humanity on Earth, yet each group is still ranked above or below another.

It reminded me in some ways of slavery in the United States and other systems of colonial domination, where restricting education, language and access to knowledge helped maintain power. If people can be kept ignorant of their own history, discouraged from questioning authority and taught that the existing hierarchy is simply the natural order of things, they become much easier to dominate, use and ultimately discard.

That also brought to mind the short story Examination Day, in which a government is threatened not by violence but by curiosity. A society built upon unquestioned authority cannot afford too many people asking why the rules exist in the first place.

The Dicta, the Covenants and the superstitions surrounding the Men of the Mountain therefore become more than fantasy world-building. They show how a dominant society can control another not only through superior weapons, but by controlling what people are permitted to know and even what they believe is possible. The novel never really asks which society is the civilised one. It asks who gets to define civilisation in the first place, and shows how quickly those with the greatest knowledge and weapons can begin to believe that power is proof of wisdom.

There is an interesting question here too about survival of the fittest. When those who already hold the power are also deciding who is fit to survive, natural selection becomes something else entirely. It becomes oppression dressed up as necessity.

No society in Men of the Mountain is simple, and there is rarely an obvious right decision. A choice may save you and the people you love while having catastrophic consequences for somebody else. Sacrifice may be heroic when someone freely chooses it, but does it remain heroic when a leader decides that somebody else must make that sacrifice? When every possible decision causes harm, does choosing the so-called greater good make someone a good leader, or simply provide a justification for becoming a monster?

At the same time, the novel does not take the easy route of deciding that leadership itself is the problem. Cade repeatedly discovers that somebody still has to make decisions, and those decisions will inevitably affect people who had no part in making them.

The science-fiction elements, when they begin to emerge, are also surprisingly well thought out. The technology is not simply there to provide a late twist or explain away the apparent magic. There is genuine thought behind how humanity might establish itself on another world, what problems might arise over enormous periods of time, and what people might be willing to justify when the continued survival of humanity itself is at stake.

At times, this gave me shades of the television adaptation of Foundation. The stories are very different, but there is a similar sense of considering humanity across worlds and generations, and of people making morally questionable decisions because they believe they are preserving civilisation. I cannot say much more without giving away some of the novel's best revelations, but the eventual explanation of this world is far more considered than the opening initially suggests.

The novel is something of a slow burn at first. It takes time for the larger story to reveal itself, and readers looking for immediate action may need a little patience with the opening section. In some ways, though, it reminded me structurally of The Lord of the Rings, where we spend considerable time in the Shire before the world truly opens up. Here, that slower beginning establishes the Dicta, the Covenants, the social structure and the superstitions governing Renn life. Because we spend so long seeing the world through Cade's limited understanding, the later revelations have considerably more impact.

Once the story moves beyond that opening section, the pacing becomes much more intense. There is plenty of momentum, escalating danger and rising action, but what kept me most engaged were the questions.

Running alongside Cade's story is the secondary perspective of Tabula Rasa, a mysterious character being subjected to a series of increasingly disturbing tests. For much of the novel, we do not know who he is, why this is being done to him, what those conducting the tests hope to achieve, or how his story connects to Cade's. His chapters add another layer to the mystery and give the reader a second piece of the puzzle without showing where it belongs.

That gradual uncovering of the truth was probably what kept me turning the pages. Each time I thought I finally understood what was happening, an answer opened the door to another question. I wanted to know who the Men of the Mountain really were, what had happened to this world, why its different peoples lived as they did, who Tabula Rasa was, and ultimately what all of it meant. The answers were worth waiting for.

Ultimately, this is a story about choice: who gets to make it, who pays for it, and what happens when people become so convinced of their own righteousness that they stop asking whether the choice was ever theirs to make.

[Eli V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was fantastic. I thought I was throwing myself into an epic fantasy, but it gave me a twist I was not expecting, but it did so in the best way.

Now I know a lot of people hate the good old phrase "she released a breath she didn't know she was holding", but I'll be damned, if this book didn't make me do that in the flesh! I found so many scenes in this book truly suspenseful and edge of your seat.... one scene even had my hands getting clammy!

This does found tribe, friendship and love in such a magnificent way too. The relationships throughout this story are uplifting and beautiful, but also make you want to reach through the page and tear some characters apart.

If you love epic adventure fantasy that twists into something more, then you best be adding this one to your TBR, stat!

[Iackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Received book for free)
This was a fun read. The author of Starfall has done it again.
I really liked the characters. Cade, Helga, Robin, and Forten were fleshed out really well. I liked Fortens continuous struggle until his breaking point where he would even kill Caustus. The torment of meeting Adria was also very good.
And who would’ve thought that you would flip the whole Fantasy realm on its head with a single word: “escape pod.” It was well done.
Thanks Drew for the great read and for reminding me of Arthur C. Clark’s 3rd Law. We really should look around us in awe.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a listener who enjoys well-developed fantasy stories consisting of grand worlds, compelling quests and complex characters, many would say that it is hard to compete with some of the greats like Brandon Sanderson. However, I can say that both Drew Harrison (author) and L. Connor McGeverly (narrator) came very close to pulling it off in their latest release called “The Men of the Mountain”. In just over eighteen hours of audio, the listener is dropped right into a cinematic tale of both fantasy, magic, and revenge including some wonderful elements of science fiction. Quite a nice surprise indeed. When a story’s prologue captures your attention and hooks you all the way until the end, you know it was something special you were listening too. Not only was the story well written, but the narration was skillfully performed as well. This audiobook release was told as if it were four separate books combined into a single tomb. Each of the volumes had its own interlude and, in some way, feeling as well. If you are looking for your next grand fantasy adventure with bits of science fiction, I would recommend “The Men of the Mountain” in audiobook format for its well told story and great narration.

I can say from reviewing Mr. Harrison’s first book, “Early Adopter”, you are in for another treat with his newer release in audio format. The writing is detailed and complex. The characters are multifaceted, in a good way. It is a weighty adventure in the like likes of “The Lord of the Rings” where the story incorporates humor, tension, and even some emotional scenes dealing with both love and loss. We see the tight camaraderie of this band of adventurers who are slowly focusing their divided attention toward a common enemy and goal. All the while, these characters are derailed by the many politics and side quests they must complete prior to facing their ultimate challenge. The fight scenes were well detailed, and the worlds were constructed in a way that felt believable yet imaginative. For me, I was hooked the moment I heard the opening prologue. Right away I wanted to know what was going to happen and how a simple trapper would be able to address the challenge. Does this mean it is a perfectly crafted tale? It is close, yet there were a few fantasy tropes one would expect in the genre along with some language that would not have fit the place or period. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it very much.

How can a simple trapper impact a long-standing understanding held by his people and an invincible government that wants to keep control over them without any oversight? That is all until Cade observes something falling from the sky which changes not only his life, but the lives of everyone. The story unfolds gradually over the eighteen hours of audio, but it never felt like it dragged out or that the author was simply adding fluff to the make the story longer, not at all. I thought the pacing was good and both the characters and world were well developed over that time. Additionally, I found the use of the interlude chapters a breath of fresh air. Here the author leveraged them to tell extra details or more background about why a character acted the way they did, etc. I found these breaks to be a respite and allowed the listener to come up for some fresh air. Much in the way one needs to cleanse their palate with a Saltine cracker before sampling the next item, these interludes helped to move the listener to the next portion of the story. Lastly, I also liked that the characters felt vulnerable. None of them were seen as all powerful or all knowing. They had to rely on the others for knowledge and support along the way. Even Cade struggled to understand, as a trapper, much of the science fiction aspect in the story. In this same aspect, we find this disjointed band of people grow into a tribe with a single purpose and mission. Along the way they bring on even more people groups to align them with their main goal. Ultimately to reach their main agenda of setting the people free from their oppressive tyranny.

About the Audiobook’s narration, Mr. McGeverly did an exceptional job performing this audiobook. There were subtle uses of audio effects based on the context of the story, yet it was not overly used to where it became annoying. I’m aware there are those listeners who do not like adding any type of effects to the audio, but I found it to be more like movie background music where it is not there to overpower the story but simply added color and depth. The pacing was on par with other audiobooks, and for those who like to listen at a faster speed, yes, you can enjoy this audiobook at an increased speed without the narrator sounding like a chipmuck. Each of the characters had their own unique feeling and voice, which remained consistent across the story. I did not note any audio artifacts such as pops, clicks, or background noise during my listening. All the signs of someone who knows how to properly narrate an audiobook. His voice was pleasing and rather easy to listen to. I would gladly listen to other audiobooks narrated by him.

For parents or younger listeners, please know that the story contains some profanity, a sprinkling of mature themes, along with some light romance scenes. Nothing that is over and above what one would be expected from a modern told fantasy story. Even with these potential issues, I would recommend the audiobook be geared toward more mid/older teenagers all the way up to adults.

In summary, even with both the author and narrator being newer to the audiobook space, the story and narration seemed mature and professional. The story felt epic with only a few small blemishes (mostly personal preferences). It had a good flow, and the narration was well done. Unlike with many coming of age stories, this one felt more mature and intentional than others in the genre. I commend both the author and narrator for not being afraid to take on the challenge of writing and narrating such a large book all the while keeping the listener engaged along the way. If you enjoy works of fantasy, I would recommend you give this new story a listen.

[Adam McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read that breaks all genre norms. Each chapter peels back another layer of intrigue, deepening the mystery and pulling you further into its world. The book has great pacing and a narrative that keeps you guessing. This is a true page-turner. Perfect for readers seeking a bold, genre-blending journey that challenges expectations and rewards curiosity

[Kristle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off a little slow but when it picks up, you better buckle in! Great world building and character development. Actually found myself being surprised in the story and I can typically figure out the plot. Overall a very smart, well written story. Would absolutely recommend!

[Caleb Likes Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I was provided a free copy for review; however, I will do my best to provide an honest and unbiased review. Thank you to Drew Harrison for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This book really surprised me. It took some time for me to really get into it, but I ended up really enjoying it. A very solid book!

The biggest points in this book’s favor to me are the plot and the worldbuilding. The book follows Cade, a man living in a somewhat more primitive society led by the Men of the Mountain, who discovers a woman from the stars who crash lands on their world. As the book goes, it becomes clear that Cade’s society and the world that he and his people know have a lot more going on behind the scenes than he knew, and as a result he ends up leading a semi-revolution against the Men of the Mountain. It’s a great premise, and it is followed through wonderfully in this book. I think part of the reason why I think the plot and worldbuilding are so good here is because they’re so completely intertwined—they both rest upon each other. Learning about this world and society is fascinating, and seeing how the story develops and we learn more about what happened to get things to where they are was the highlight of the book for me. This then leads to the book being a surprising blend of genres, starting out more as a low-tier fantasy before transitioning into a sort of dystopian sci-fi. That transition is excellently done and leads to a plot with a significant impact that lasts all the way through to the end. The character work is well done, covering a pretty good-sized cast. Cade is a good protagonist and does a great job of being the viewpoint for the reader as he discovers more and more, and others like Robin (the woman from the stars) and Helga were great as well. The book is written extremely well, with very solid prose, good dialogue, and descriptive writing, making it a pleasant reading experience even aside from the story itself.

I do have a couple of niggles about this book, however. The biggest issue for me was that it just took a while for it to grab me—I think this is partly due to the length and pacing. In my opinion, I do think the book is a little overly long, and while what’s here is good, I think that making the story a touch tighter could’ve gone a long way towards getting me invested earlier. I’d say I wasn’t compelled at all by the book until the 25% mark, subsequently wasn’t that hooked until about 50%, and didn’t quite become truly excited about it until 75%. That said, you could make the argument that the book is a sort of slow burn that works partly because of all the establishment and buildup, and it absolutely got better as it went, but I do think the pace was a bit slow at times and some parts could’ve been trimmed to make it a more engaging read throughout. It’s very much one of those books that you’ll want to stick with to really “get to the good stuff.”

Overall, despite my initial lack of excitement in the early portions of the book, I am left feeling very positively about it. The plot feels cohesive with a lot of aspects working well together by the end, the worldbuilding and backstory that you learn about is fascinating, and the character work is pretty good. Very much a slow burn for me, but one with a lot of good payoff.

Rating: 8.5/10

[G Wort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Drew Harrison, for writing this book.

Going into it The Men of the Mountain, I never expected to be so emotionally affected. Yes, I was invested in the story itself, but more than that, I was invested in the type of story Harrison has written.

It has been years since I experienced anything like this book: straightforward fantasy (and sci-fi) genre-fiction escapism. The Men of the Mountain reminds me of fantasy and science-fantasy books from the 2000s and 2010s, and I mean that in the best way possible. I hadn’t realized that books like this had gone away until I stumbled upon Harrison’s work and realized: “Damn, I’ve missed this.”

It reminds me of the novels that made me fall in love with reading.

It was such a strange feeling.

The best way I can articulate why The Men of the Mountain is so good is by explaining what it is NOT: derivative of streaming series, yet more romantasy, thinly veiled social commentary, smut masquerading as fantasy. None of the above! How refreshing! Further, the world of the Men of the Mountain has edge and severity without ever becoming “gritty” grimdark fair. It has a mythic, almost folkloric flavour without becoming inaccessibly philosophical. It’s well executed, vivid, creative but not pretentious.

Pure, old-fashioned, fantasy entertainment.

Protagonist Cade is a hero from a better age of fiction: traditionally masculine, tough, capable, awkward, faltering, conflicted, charmingly sardonic, pleasantly wry. Brave but not unrealistically fearless.
He has a flavour of stoicism to him without it becoming a character-consuming gimmick. He has some darkness in him, a vengeful impulse, but maintains his morality as best he can.

I know that is not the flavour of the week, so to speak, but I found Cade Clanless (or, rather, Cade Civics) to be compelling. The “want to rescue sister” motivation is often maligned as a manga premise, but I was rooting for him. And later, rooting for his and Robin’s future.

In that one aspect, the book did not unfold as I’d hoped, but the way it transpired was well justified within the story. It says something about how much I liked the characters that I actually had some idealistic hope for how their stories would play out.

Though the fantasy-is-actually-science-fiction trope is fairly common these days, the genre splicing progression maintained the feel of a fantasy book even when the magical interpretation was overruled.

I could list more things that I loved – such as the mysterious and philosophically-engaging “Rasa” interludes (and the awesome way that framing bookended the entire story) – but as this review has already waxed on long enough and successfully highlighted the most important elements while remaining as spoiler free as possible, I’ll end it here with an explicit recommendation:
Read this book!

[Gordon Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this novel is rather like putting together a complicated jigsaw puzzle made from colourful pieces. Similar fragments fit together, and each section grows slowly as new pieces are revealed.

The development of the main character is of course the central block. Cade starts out as a simple rabbit hunter. The author stays true to the first-person point of view, but manages to slip in enough details to give readers the impression that there is more to this character than his own modesty at first reveals. By the end he has matured to become a believable leader of his people.

Another section involves a slow and rather sweet love affair that develops faster than Cade expects, so it slides gently and naturally into the perception of the reader, and we are as surprised as he is when he realizes that he’s in love.

Another element involves the detailed and vibrant setting descriptions that create the atmosphere of the story and at the same time build a picture of the scientific environment as Cade slowly discovers the history of his people. The scientific realities of the people’s lives are revealed in a complex story arc of their own.

And this is all decorated with a rogue’s gallery of fascinating and fantastical characters, good, evil, feral, and just plain human. The wild Kreigers are an especially imaginative creation.

As the story progresses, the focus shifts from the people and their primitive life to the Sci-Fi part of the picture. And in the end, it all fits together in a suspenseful chase through an ancient hi-tech fortress where our picture of the science is blurred by the primitive experience of the first-person main character who portrays it for us.

Any author who writes in present tense is taking a risk. Readers are pretty well hardwired to read in past tense, and they can handle some fairly complex ideas. When you base a story in present tense, we get used to it fairly quickly, but once in a while a more complex string of verb tenses makes us stop to figure out the meaning.

It’s no big deal, but anything that causes readers to pause and become aware of the author’s technique is a distraction from true emotional connection with the characters and the story.

And then there’s the odd time when the author slips up and puts in “was” instead of “is”…well, perhaps something to be polished up between the advanced review copy and the finished product.

A great story, but at 600+ pages, aimed at the reader with a long attention span.

[Matthew Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally could not put this down - spent a GOOD chunk of my day reading this entire fantastically good book in one setting. If you love games/books/movies/tv shows like Horizon Zero Dawn, The Will of the Many/The Strength of the Few, Dune, The Defiance, The Hunger Games, Red Rising, or really just any good sci-fi book/movie/game/tv show, I think you'll love this book. I'll even go so far as to say fans of more fantasy-leaning media would love this too - it's got enough elements of fantasy worked in with the sci-fi and dystopia feel - the location, tech viewed as magic by residents of the world, etc - if you liked things like Eragon, Skyrim, etc and like sci-fi at all, give this a shot. I CANNOT wait for book 2 to come out (wouldn't mind if we even get a couple more books honestly).

The characters are fantastic - freaking love Cade, Helga is fantastic, Robin didn't deserve her fate, at all - she is a fantastic character and I'm sad we didn't get to see more of her -, even Forten grows on you. Honestly the main characters, and even a lot of the secondary ones - Jack, Barr Civics of Fort Hope, the Kreigers are interesting, especially when you learn more about how they came to be and all, the Men of the Mountain and the Dicta, the tragic fate of Adria and the emotional knife-twisting of his encounter with facing that is a wild twist I didn't see coming, but probably should have - had expected either confirmation or Cade to never find out what had become of her; all of the above are fantastically fleshed out and actually have fantastic arcs, development, etc throughout the epic 600+ page book. The book is long enough to actually allow more time with them and the plot and I think that in part is what makes it such a good read.

Literally cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy at some point, and even more to get my hands on book 2 (and any more) whenever it (or they) grace the shelfs - can't wait to see more of Cade, Helga, Forten, Tusk, and whoever else is still around their settlement in the next book, what they do with their new start, how they rebuild civilization, what, if anything from the Dicta and all they knew they keep, what they throw out and replace with something new, how the travellers influence the future of the planet, and sooooo many other things.

10/10, definitely would recommend, 6 stars - if you haven't read this yet, or it's not at least on your TBR, I HIGHLY recommend you find a way to add it to your lists :D

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Indie Fantasy Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story with mystery and intrigue throughout

On my YouTube channel, I exclusively review self-published and indie fantasy books. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook version, and it was quite a treat for me. Although I don't typically resonate with this type of story, it still ended up with an overall score of 8.7/10 on my INDIE ranking scale. My full review can be seen here: https://youtu.be/3lToLT3OdRI

Here's the quick summary:

Immersion (worldbuilding): 9/10 - Fort Hope is the town where Cade Clanless is from. It's a somewhat primitive settlement with high walls to keep out the monstrous beasts (Krieger). Honorifics and titles are used to establish a sense of hierarchy and respect. We're constantly learning more about this world and the origins of the Men of the Mountain (aka greenrobes). The worldbuilding was excellent all around. My only critique is that the world itself is somewhat generic for fantasy, but not a detractor.

Names (characters): 9/10 - Cade is the main character we follow. He wants to learn more about the greenrobes after his sister is taken by them. Those plans are accelerated when a star falls from the sky bearing a strange woman speaking an unrecognizable tongue. Together they unravel the mystery of their harsh overseers. The cast all had unique personalities and motivations that made this a very compelling narrative.

Da Magic (& creatures): 8/10 - The magic was a bit of a disappointment. I can't say too much for the sake of spoilers, but it wasn't what I was expecting or hoping for. But it still works really well for what this story is trying to do. I also thought the Krieger were a very cool addition. They're basically these beasts that have rapid regeneration and reproduce through mitosis.

Infrastructure (plot, pacing, prose, etc.): 9/10 - This is a well structured story, with a great introduction and inciting incident that leads to constant tension and rising stakes. The climax sequence was intense and satisfying, and the resolution was also well done. It just feels like a well-thought out, precisely executed plot.

Enjoyment: 8.5/10 - Due to personal preference when it comes to fantasy stories, I didn't love the premise as we started to learn more about the history of this world. But the reveals are surprising and fun, which made this one an enjoyable read, despite my own inclinations.

If you're looking for a coming of age story with a dystopian feel, I recommend giving this one a read!

[Likely Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Men of the Mountain takes its time, and that patience is one of its greatest strengths. From the opening chapters, the book establishes a lived-in world where belief, labor, and survival are inseparable. Cade’s voice feels grounded immediately, shaped by routine, trade, and quiet loss. The writing lingers on the physical textures of his life — snow, hides, wood, hunger — not as decoration, but as the fabric of his reality. This is a story that understands how much meaning is carried in daily work, and how fragile that meaning becomes when power enters the picture.

What stood out to me most is how carefully the book handles authority. The Men of the Mountain are not introduced as distant myths or abstract forces. They arrive with ceremony, language, and expectation, and the imbalance of power is palpable long before violence ever appears on the page. Cade’s resentment and fear feel earned, not reactionary. His questions are quiet ones at first, rooted in absence, memory, and unanswered loss, and the book allows those questions to deepen slowly rather than rushing him toward rebellion.

The arrival of the fallen star is where the story shifts, but it never abandons its emotional center. What could have become spectacle instead becomes intimate and tense. Cade’s response is not heroic in the traditional sense. It is hesitant, conflicted, and deeply human. His sense of obligation competes with fear, curiosity, and grief, and the book never simplifies that internal struggle. The woman from the sky is not treated as a symbol or a prize, but as a destabilizing presence that forces Cade to confront the limits of the world he’s accepted.

By the end, The Men of the Mountain feels less like a story about overthrowing power and more like a meditation on what it costs to question it at all. The novel is interested in erosion rather than explosion — how belief wears thin, how obedience curdles into complicity, and how courage often looks like stubborn persistence rather than grand defiance. It’s a book that trusts atmosphere, interiority, and moral tension to do the heavy lifting, and that trust pays off.

Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2026/01/13/r...

[Books R&B · Rating 4 out of 5]

*The Men of the Mountain* reads like a story that has been waiting patiently to be told. The kind that doesn’t rush to impress you, because it knows its power lives in atmosphere, rhythm, and restraint.

This is a book about landscape as much as it is about people. The mountain is not a backdrop. It is an inheritance. A witness. A quiet keeper of memory and masculinity and the weight of things left unsaid. You feel the air thin as you read. You feel the isolation sharpen the emotions rather than soften them.

What struck me most is how thoughtfully the men are drawn. They are not heroic in the obvious way. Their strength is practical, learned, often heavy. There is tenderness here, but it is the kind that has been earned through work, silence, and time. The book understands that intimacy does not always arrive through language. Sometimes it shows up through loyalty, shared labor, and staying when leaving would be easier.

There is an old world sensibility to this story that feels grounding rather than nostalgic. Tradition is present, but not romanticized. The mountain gives, but it also takes. Generations live with the consequences of choices made long before them, and the novel is wise enough not to offer easy resolutions.

The writing itself is measured and confident. It allows scenes to breathe. It trusts the reader to sit with discomfort, with longing, with moral ambiguity. This is not a story that explains itself to you. It invites you in and expects you to pay attention.

What I appreciated most is the emotional honesty. The book does not posture. It does not chase trends. It feels rooted in something older and steadier. A reminder that some stories endure not because they shout, but because they know exactly who they are.

*The Men of the Mountain* is for readers who love character driven fiction, who believe setting shapes destiny, and who understand that the most powerful forces in life are often quiet, immovable, and deeply felt.

A grounded, contemplative read that stays with you long after the last page, like a place you once lived and still carry with you.

[Ellie Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure about this book in the first couple of chapters. The prologue was fine, but didn’t bowl me over, then the first chapter or two were mostly establishing the status quo but not in a way where I felt really hooked or intrigued or drawn to a particular character. Meanwhile the speed at which my eBook moved from 1 to 2 % told me this would be a very long book. However, once the plot really got going, I was very impressed by The Men of The Mountain. Previously, I had always wondered why two of the most popular genres - Fantasy and Sci-Fi - were always lumped together, but this book perfectly fits into that bracket (you must read to find out why). The scope was epic and the way the author chose what to reveal and when was masterful, meanwhile the world-building was phenomenal. The plot took me by surprise again and again, in a good way. The themes of the book were right up my street: genetics, evolution, survival of the fittest, fertility, belief systems, learned behaviour, adaptation, and what it really means to be human. The theme of what makes a good leader and imposter syndrome was central to the protagonist’s character and arc. My only complaint was that the characterisation was a bit slow and subtle for my linking. All the main characters could have done with more differentiation – in speech patterns and sayings, in the way they moved, in the voice tone etc. For example, a few well-chosen physical tags would have helped me picture the different characters. Also, I felt that the emotions and internal thoughts were a bit on-the-nose at times and could have left more to subtext. I’m giving this book a 4.5 stars rounded up to 5, because even though I think the emotional arcs and characters could have been stronger, they were still good and grew on me steadily throughout the book, meanwhile the plot, worldbuilding, themes, and scope were all draw-droppingly awesome. Highly recommend to lovers of epic fantasy and sci-fi.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

Immediately what stands out to the reader is how immense and powerful this world the author has created seems to be. The detail and depth the author goes into really highlights the world building the author managed to capture, making the long narrative that was developed feel both necessary and inviting. The detail also helps elevate the setting and the imagery in the author’s writing really brings the visuals of the action and the characters to life on the page.

Aside from the world building, the character growth and dynamics was astonishing, delving into themes of friendship and found family as the story develops and revelations about the world around them come to life. The protagonist is complex, giving readers not a straight and narrow hero who becomes one-dimensional, but instead a multi-dimensional hero whose mistakes and faults blend with his tendencies to do what’s right and defy the laws that hinder the rights of his people. The connection between him and Robin was especially interesting, showcasing the ability to bridge the gap between two worlds as they come from very different places.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, entertaining, and compelling, author Drew Harrison’s “The Men of the Mountain” is a powerful blend of epic fantasy and sci-fi greatness, and is a must-read novel of 2026. The twists and turns as the truth behind the origins of the Men of the Mountain and the origins of the Renn come to life, and the dark and gritty tone the book takes on as the world grows and the characters are forced to come together under extreme circumstances make the story a powerful entry and start to a brand new dark fantasy/sci-fi series and a memorable narrative.

[ET · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I’m an absolute sucker for mysterious settings that let you try to piece together the truth of the world as a story unfolds. This book does an excellent job of slowly revealing backstory, motivations, and the origins of different characters, in a way that consistently left me surprised and eager to keep guessing at the next missing link in my full understanding of the story.

Now, when some books do this, it’s because there’s not much behind the facade of mystery. That is not the case here. I really can’t say too much without getting into spoilers, but the history and nature of the world is genuinely fascinating, and supports the main themes of the story.

Regarding characters and plot…I could talk about character arcs, twists, etc (all of which the book executes on well), but I know I read reviews here to decide whether or not I’ll like a book. So, I’ll focus on what it is vs isn’t. In my opinion.

For characters, expect likable protagonists that are constantly challenged to grow, and fairly dastardly villains whose motivations are logical, but clearly evil. The book has its dark moments, but for the reasons listed and others, I definitely would not classify it as dark or grimdark. It is also a plot-driven book. That isn’t to say there aren’t well-developed characters that change over the course of the book, but a complex plot and the continual discoveries about the world are what drive the story forward.

All said, quite enjoyable and highly recommended!

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Men of the mountain is an epic fantasy tale set on a planet far away from Earth.

Cade is a rabbit hunter. His world is closely overseen by Men of The Mountain, a fearsome green robed people who have magical powers.

While out hunting, Cade witnesses an explosion in the sky, followed by an object falling to the ground. He discovers a badly injured stranger from the stars; his instincts tell him to help but hide this outsider.

Unbeknown to Cade he has rescued an astronaut from a ship sent from Earth. The one survivor is a woman called Robin. She is part of a mission sent to discover what happened to the planet’s colonisation programme which begun several hundred years ago.

This story mixes fantasy and science fiction with human evolution in a believable setting. The world-building was easy to follow with little twists to keep the narrative interesting. There’s a quest with realistic fight scenes and a good balance of heroic episodes. I liked Cade and how he grew as a character, especially in the way he went from lone person to a group leader. There’s several good secondary characters too, with a few surprises towards the end.

This is the first book in a series and I shall look forward to reading more about Cade and his world.

[ABrahosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and watched a veritable plethora of post-apocalyptic or dystopian society stories, going way back to the original "Planet of the Apes," and I can confidently say that "The Men of the Mountain" can proudly stand amongst the top-tier of these tales.

Other than simply telling a gripping adventure event, the author deftly examines how institutions exert control over a population, often in the name of "progress," but does so in a way that is not beating one about the ears with this message. By having a troubled villager rescue a survivor from a wrecked spacecraft and shelter the occupant from the disciples of the dominant mystical religious system, Drew Harrison sets the table for a classic foray into the power of the soul versus the power of science.

I absolutely enjoyed how the plot developed, and was even more engaged by the evolution of the complex characters with which Harrison chose to carry this story forward; they stood out as real individuals, not just as the easy to access tropes that are frequently the stock of novels of this type.

I enjoyed the free advance copy, and wish Drew amazing success for this and future works. I look forward to reading more.

[Ashley Rohr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book but something just didnt connect with me. This is a mixture of dystopian, sci-fi, and fantasy. Cade Clanless is part of the Fort Hope settlement where everyone's name is related to the job they occupy. Fort Hope is a settlement that is overseen by men that live in the mountain. Everyone in Fort Hope is called Renn and are touched by having growths, lesions and sicknesses afflict them.

After a women falls from the sky it sets Cade and his people on a path that forces them to relook at their existence and who they are in relation to their world. It also brings to light secrets and answers from the past.

I really wanted to love this book but the first half of the story was very confusing and felt convoluted. It wasnt the writing but maybe the subject matter and maybe I wasnt totally understanding the point the author was trying to make. Either way this was a good book and story and good for lovers of high sci-fi and fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Drew Harrison and Victory Editing for the ARC Copy in exchange for my honest review.

[M D · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the Dicta, this is a thought-provoking read!

I usually want a novel to reveal all its secrets up front, establishing its entire setting and character motivations right off the bat.

Harrison, however, paces the story with precision, alternating perspectives to withhold just enough information without ever losing intrigue.

Using an immersive show-don’t-tell style, Harrison lets readers stalk and hunt alongside Cade, experiencing the world of Rennia and its inhabitants firsthand. Victories bring revelations, and setbacks often regenerate faster than Cade can hack them apart.

Despite the Mountain Men’s “magic” and Rennia's unnatural threats, Cade discovers a power that can overcome both: the clan.

Combining a Black Mirror-esque sci-fi dystopia with a deep exploration of humanity, what starts as fiction raises some genuine questions about the future. Highly recommended read.


Disclaimer:

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[PenelopeDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin with how good this book is. It drew me in from the very first word and had me hooked until the very last. Nothing at all went how I expected it to, which I find is a measure of an author’s ability that I never knew I craved before.

This book is long, but it didn’t FEEL long. There was not a single moment where I was bored. It doesn’t end on quite the explosive cliffhanger that I feared it might (yet another thing I had wrong) but it does leave you craving the next story.

The depth of character and world building is exquisite. I haven’t read an epic fantasy (science fiction?) like this in….well, probably ever. I could picture every moment (even the gruesome ones, of which there are plenty) and every path through the woods. The character growth of not just the main character, but every character you come into close contact with, is beautiful to watch and I can’t wait to jump into the next book, whenever it is ready to jump into.

Thoroughly impressed and delighted by this story.

[D.R. Driver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of standing against self-perception and the power of choice. The Men of the Mountain is EXTREMELY well-written with lots of thought and research put into the main character’s occupation and culture. The plot is reminiscent of a certain video game, but saying which might be a spoiler but IYKYK.

The action, while very detailed and progressive in describing each step, is exciting and creates tension. The world-building is atmospheric and immersive which IMO is the greatest compliment to any fantasy author. The prose is succinct and tells a great story without repetition. Cade isn’t the most exciting character to follow, and his narration has Darrow issues. He often explains his situations as inescapable, only to mention a solution that was available to him the entire time, but that may be my only issue with this book. Every other character is distinct and enjoyable.

Overall rating: 4.25 stars! This is a great genre-bending book that showcases the strength of indie publishing. Quite possibly the best and most complete indie book I’ve ever read. A must read.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down one of my favourite books I read this year.
The setting is so well done and how slowly layer and layer us peeled to see how the world works and how they got there. How the communication with Robyn works is genious. We, as readers, know whery well what she is talking about and how they are communicating and she is explaining with easy words, impeccable. I enjoyed that so much.
I liked the romance subplot and how they are helping each other.
And the character work. The emotion, the human connection, the guilt, the care for each other, the grief, everything is so well done. Also one of the best depictions of survivors guilt I've ever seen.
The main character is a very down to earth character that cares for the people around him, he has a strong moratity, that feels almost too perfect at points. You are able to feel with him and support his desicions.
The only minor thing I wished for is that the magic of the world was explained and explored a little more.

I recived an ARC copy of the book trough BookSirens and I'm leaving an honest review.