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)

A welcome surprise!

What did you love best about A Warrior's Path?

I listen to average of about two or three books a week primarily in the fantasy genre and I was beginning to get frustrated with the books I read recently. This book was a wonderful and welcome surprise. I was unsure about it initially but somewhere around the first quarter of the book I didn't want to stop listening and stayed up way too late because of my investment in the story. I finished the book the following day and I've immediately started the second book. I believe that most fans of fantasy will thoroughly enjoy this series as well. Last but definitely not least is Podehl's performance in the narration. In my opinion he is one of the most talented narrators out there. I hope you enjoy his performance as much as I did.

Great find!!!

This book was a great find. it's caste system was a refreshing new twist to a new world. The narrator is among the best. I've listened to him in other books and he completes the pull this book has to make you keep listening.

Good story

Essentially not as much a story of good vs evil or boy meets girl but a story of change vs stagnation. Well written great imagery and character development. The author is impressive with his creation of a society and culture as well as another world. Worth the read/listen.

absolutely amazing!!!

one of the best novels I've read so far. I look forward to reading the next book.

OUTSTANDING

The book, "A Warrior's Path: The Castes and the OutCastes Book 1" was far better than I expected.
The best aspect of this book are the characters and the character development. Too often in fantasy books characters are drowned out by the story. In this book, none of the characters are stagnant and by the end some of them have drastically changed. I have also listened to book two and it is better than the first one.

Nick Podehl as usual(I have listened to his performance of, "The Kingkiller Chronicles" by P. Rothfuss and, "The Moontide Quartet" by D. Hair) was awesome. He was the initial reason I started this book and he does not disappoint.

If you are looking for a book that is going to be hard to put down or in audiobook terms "turn off", than this is it.

Fans of the Raven's Shadow, Malazan and fantasy

Good book, good story excellent narration. Nick Podel is A Master, and brings it to life. plenty of social commentary, plenty of fighting, plenty of world building. Reminded me of Edward Robertson meets Anthony Ryan in terms of writing style. On to the next!

A good story

This book was a pretty good first entry to a new series I was unfamiliar with prior to purchasing. The narration was also very well done. I particularly liked that the author did not use a lot of vulgar language in his writing which to me is always a plus.

Rating went from 2 to 3 to 4 to 5!

After listening to this book for a few hours I almost gave up. Glad I didn't. It kept getting better and better and will definitely get the next book in the series.

I recommend this book but stick to it.

Fantastic

I loved the narrator. he spoke clearly and pronounced the words with ease. the story itself is fantastic. it's a book I'd recommend to anyone who likes to read

Wonderful.

This book is amazing, and I highly recommend it, unless you don't like binging a whole book in one afternoon.