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.
Very well-crafted fantasy novel This is the first book of a new fantasy trilogy. The magic system and social hierarchy are novel and somewhat complex, but explained very well and integral to the story as it unfolds. The story is well-written for adults (some situations would not be appropriate for younger children, so this is for adults and older teens, not younger children) with a fairly brisk pace. There are surprising plot twists that move the story along, with everything from courtroom drama to life-and-death…
Promising start to a new series Great fantasy with well developed characters and exiting storyline. There are plot twists that had me saying “WTF just happened?”…so deliciously surprising. Each chapter is told from a different point of view like A Game of Thrones. Also like game of thrones, there’s a large cast of sometimes flawed characters, but this book is lighter with moments of humor that had me snorting in surprised laughter. The world is richly described without getting bogged down in minutia. The history, customs…
Hidden gem, Well worth your time Once in a while I encounter novels like this. Novels that at first might seem to over ambitious, but have a fascinating world strukture, interesting and well developed characters.Â