A Warrior's Path

The Castes and the OutCastes Book 1

By: Davis Ashura

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Winner 2015 Beverly Hills Book Awards for Fantasy! Bronze Medal for General Fantasy in the 2015 Reader's Favorite Awards! Finalist 2015 International Book Awards for Fantasy! Finalist 2015 Indie Excellence Book Awards for Fantasy!

Sweeping from the majestic city of Ashoka to the perilous Wildness beyond her borders, enter a world where Caste determines mystical Talents, the purity of Jivatma expresses worth, and dharma may be based on a lie.

Rukh Shektan has always understood duty. As a member of Caste Kumma, the warrior Caste, nothing else is acceptable. He is expected to take part in the deadly Trials, to journey the Wildness and protect the caravans linking Humanity's far-flung cities. Though the mission is dangerous, Rukh's hope and optimism are undaunted. Karma, however, is a fickle fiend. His caravan is destroyed by the monstrous Chimeras; twisted servants of their fearful goddess, Suwraith. While Rukh survives the attack, events force him along an uncertain path. Morality becomes a morass - especially when he encounters a mysterious warrior, Jessira Grey, a woman whose existence ought to be impossible. The holy texts warn against her kind: ghrinas, children of two Castes, abominations. They are to be executed whenever discovered, but for the first time in his life, Rukh defies duty. Jessira may be the key to his city's survival.

Meanwhile, a secret society seeks Ashoka's demise; foul murders cloak a deadlier purpose; and behind it all looms Suwraith. But it is the Baels, the leaders of Her Chimeras, who may hide the greatest deception of all.

Book 2, A Warrior's Knowledge, is also available.

©2013 Davis Ashura (P)2015 Davis Ashura

Critic reviews

"The characters, dialogue and action are mature enough to satisfy readers at the older end of the YA range, and the author weaves them all into an attention-sustaining tale...the milieu is markedly original...first rate world-building". ( Kirkus Reviews)

Ok story, Great narration

Any additional comments?

This story had a good concept and was well presented. I had a hard time listening to it at times because the author tended to go on and on about irrelevant details. I found that at times I ended up hitting the fast forward button and did not miss anything relevant to the story. Also, the author would stop at a crucial point in a battle to examine the details of a character’s emotions and motivations, which, if you had been paying attention you would already understand. Other than these tedious details I enjoyed the story. The narration was well done and that made it easier to get through these ramblings

Awesome

Nick Podehl was fantastic! Well worth the credit. I enjoyed the magic system as well.

Wow Great story

highly recommended. a terrific performance and story. looking forward to the next title. keep writing!

great book for those Sci fi junkies like me

love it couldn't put it down.....ready to move on to book two to follow the story on.

Not to be Outclassed!

It is odd to find me writing a review about any book let alone a book with such a prominent plot device as a caste system. Just the thought of a rigid systems of oppression based upon nothing more significant than birth irks me considerably. Hence, I tend to avoid such books.
A Warrior's Path, to my surprise and delight, does not use the system of castes as a blunt instrument to pummel an obvious agenda into your awareness. The issues of caste unfairness are central to the story yet are delt with as subtly and smoothly as the rest of the book's plot.
I very much enjoyed this book, A Warrior's Path; Castes and Outcastes, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys well written Fantasy!