The Mascot

Ground Zero in the Cave Sun Series (The War of the Cave Sun, Book 1)

By: Maria Ian

Narrated by: Maria Ian

Prostitution is not glamorous, but why is the undercover soldier so proud to keep up appearances?

Several contenders vie for power in the hidden, forbidden territory in Latin America. Their fighters are organized militaries; only their inner cores know the truth. To the populace, they appear as morally bankrupt criminal gangs.Top candidates must undergo brutal training and conquer the tortuous race to destroy evil for the only livable land, the victorious state code-named Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace. That one is led by an illusive insider. He is priceless, and not only in cash.

When Washington D.C. human rights attorney Craig Malcault’s investigations uncover connections to U.S. military intelligence and the mysterious wife of an international biochemical conglomerate’s founder, the assassins are dispatched. Craig’s job is to extract evidence from the hellish pitfall while the top candidate is en route to face and pass his final test. From the executive branch in Washington D.C. to devastating underground hide-outs, from all force of arms to one man alone, Craig is on the terror-stricken path to discover some of the world’s top intelligence secrets, while justice might be done … if Craig and his career can survive the lies and the hate.

©2023 Maria Ian (P)2024 Maria Ian

A Gripping Start to an Epic Series

This book hooked me from the very first page. The world-building is immersive, and the story is packed with action and intrigue. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself rooting for them as they navigated the challenges of their world. This is a must-read if you love epic tales with rich plots and unforgettable characters! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Power and deception!!!!

This gripping geopolitical thriller follows Washington D.C. human rights attorney Craig Malcault as he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy linking U.S. military intelligence to a powerful biochemical conglomerate. Set against the backdrop of Latin America, the story reveals competing military factions masquerading as criminal gangs, all vying for control of a territory known as Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace). The irony of its name becomes clear as brutal training and violent competition determine who will rule this supposedly peaceful domain.

The Mascot

I wasn’t sure what to expect as this is a new author and genre for me, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I got pulled into the story. The fast-paced plot had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The characters were strong and intense as they navigated the dirty world of undercover operations and power struggles. The author does an excellent job balancing action, suspense, and intrigue, with plenty of twists that kept me constantly guessing what would happen next. Even if this isn't your typical genre, give it a try—you’ll be hooked! I’m excited to see where the series goes from here! I already have my next book downloaded.

Can't wait for the next in the series!

This is a gripping and intense start to the Cave Sun series that really pulls you in. The narrative dives deep into the murky world of undercover operations and the morally gray lines that come with them. The author expertly navigates the complexities of power and corruption, making the characters real and relatable, even in their darkest moments. The blend of action and political intrigue keeps the pages turning, and the writing is sharp and insightful.
This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys layered storytelling with depth and intensity. I’m excited to see where the series goes next!

What a Great Start for this Epic Series!

This isn't my usual genre of book so I didn't know quite what to expect. Much to my surprise I was immediately pulled into an incredible story. The plot is fast-paced, and the characters are intriguing and well develped. I immediately found myself rooting for them as the story progressed. The author does an excellent job at making the story line suspensful, and was constantly on edge, wondering what would happen next. I won't spoil anything, but this book sets the stage for an exciting series, and I can’t wait read the next one. If you’re into action, you'll enjoy this for sure, It has some great suspensful twists.

Epic Start to a Thrilling Adventure

I’m a huge fan of sci-fi and fantasy, and this book hit the spot. From the moment I started reading, I felt drawn into a completely different yet oddly relatable world. The action begins quickly, and the stakes increase as the story unfolds. I was rooting for the characters and getting lost in the battles and mysteries. This book is a must-read if you enjoy gripping storylines with a unique twist. It’s an exciting first step into what looks like an incredible series.

Thoroughly enjoyed listening

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to The Mascot: Ground Zero in The Cave Sun Series on Audible. This gripping introduction to the series is a masterful exploration of moral dilemmas, human vulnerability, and the complexities of uncovering hidden truths. Attorney Craig Malcault’s knack for seeing beyond the surface of his clients’ struggles creates a compelling tension as he battles forces that would rather see him—and the truth—silenced.
The narrator brought this story to life with a steady, nuanced performance that perfectly matched the novel’s tone. The relaxed pacing of the story is deceptive, concealing the lurking dangers and sudden twists, and the narrator captures this subtle undercurrent beautifully. Each character's voice was distinct, and the emotional weight behind their words was delivered with care, drawing me deeper into the world the author has created.
I especially appreciated how the narrator handled the protagonist, Craig Malcault. His voice authentically conveyed Craig’s inner conflict, skepticism, and determination, making the character feel fully dimensional. The shifts in tone—from calm introspection to moments of high tension—were seamless and kept me fully engaged throughout the story.
This audiobook is a fascinating listen, blending detailed local observations with a gripping narrative about the power struggle between perception and reality. The partnership between the author’s vivid storytelling and the narrator’s skillful delivery makes this a must-listen for anyone who enjoys thoughtful, layered mysteries. I can’t wait to see where Craig’s journey takes him next—and to hear more from this talented narrator.

Good story

This audiobook grabbed my attention right away with its interesting settings and realistic characters. I could really connect with what the characters were going through, which made the story even more engaging. The courtroom scenes were so well done that I could almost feel the tension. The main character's fight to protect his clients while going up against the system kept me hooked. This isn't just another legal story; it's a deep look at what people go through, and it really stuck with me. If you like stories with real meaning, you'll love this one.

Great story line

The character development in The Mascot is strong, with the protagonist being particularly compelling. As the reluctant hero, The Mascot navigates their role in the conflict, gradually evolving from a passive figure to someone shaped by the demands of war and fate. The supporting cast is equally complex, with intriguing characters whose motivations remain layered and unpredictable, adding depth and tension to the plot.

I would highly recommend!

A Gripping Start to an Epic Journey

I found this audiobook to be an exciting introduction to a fascinating world. It hooked me right from the start, drawing me into a universe filled with mystery, action, and deep, compelling characters. The story's pacing kept me engaged, and I was fully immersed in the world-building and the stakes presented in this first installment. The narrator's performance added an extra layer of intensity, making the story even more captivating. If you're looking for a fresh, thrilling sci-fi series to dive into, this is the perfect place to start!