A Warrior's Path: The Castes and the OutCastes, Book 1

⭐The #1 audiobook bestseller-Over 3000 Five-Star ratings! ⭐
⭐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.

The Castes and the OutCastes:
Book 1: A Warrior's Path
Book 2: A Warrior's Knowledge
Book 3: A Warrior's Penance

Also available in an omnibus edition.

Davis Ashura gives us a story that’s fundamentally an Eastern epic, which is as refreshing as it is exciting . . . it totally reminded me of Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive (which I hold in the highest regard, so that’s a serious compliment).

Geekritique

 

Although the set bears enough resemblance to J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe and World of Warcraft so readers won’t feel utterly lost, the milieu is markedly original . . . Good fantasy fiction with first-rate worldbuilding.

Kirkus Reviews

 

. . . the main theme of this novel is one of realization and awakening . . . there are a number of engrossing subplots that run through the novel also on this theme.

 . . . Ashura does not write in a way that paints the social situation in A Warrior’s Path as black and white, there is a clear critical commentary on the problems of seeing people firstly as their Caste and secondly as themselves . . . an engrossing and original read.

F.D. Lee, author of The Pathways Tree

 

This is an excellent start to a series that is looking to be amazing.

Michael Blaker, www.gamindustry.com

 

Davis Ashura’s A Warrior's Path series is quite the hidden gem in the fantasy genre, introducing its vast world and multi-dimensional characters through Book One: The Castes and the OutCastes.

The world-building is excellent and the plot is strong. The characters are engaging and well-fleshed out. Actions scenes are written in great detail without superfluous aspects.

 

Lit Amri, A Reader’s Favorite