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The Redemption of Wist #1
Tapasya
When Wist finds himself returned to Tapasya, he is bereft of everything, even his memory. As he struggles to regain his memory, he must face up to the failures of his life, or risk the destruction of the land.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
David Gilchrist
8 books33 followersI am a product of the 80’s. Father of three crazy boys and husband to a slightly less crazy wife. When I'm not writing or playing the guitar, I design electronics to earn a crust.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 30, 2017
There are certain ingredients that any high-fantasy needs. A grand world, an interesting premise, strange creatures and, most of all, characters that blend together and suck you right into their group so that you accompany them on their great quest. This very accomplished story gets it all right.
The Redemption of Wist isn’t all about Wist though: Gilchrist has more than a fistful of interesting personalities that trek across the desert on a quest which grows and develops as they travel. In fact, Wist himself is perhaps not yet the most fully explored and developed of the characters, but then I think he is necessarily an enigma, and I am sure we will find out more of Wist and his secrets in the next instalments!
I will tell you that I just loved the Lyrat pair; the concept of them always working as a closely bonded unit is matched by the way the author uses them to push and pull the story along, helping to keep the different parts of the plot moving without friction or effort. Amongst the others, Nikka the dwarf is beautifully portrayed and the truly scary thug-priest is drawn with loving detail.
The author keeps his plot tight and he knows what’s happening - which is a lot! But some of the set scenes are wonderful and the journey by sand-whale stirs the imagination of the soul and heart.
This is the first in series and I may be being harsh in only giving it four stars because I certainly thought about giving it the full five. At the end of the day though, it isn’t a book that is meant to stand just on its own and so it has too much left hanging for me to be that generous. It’s an excellent story and there is a better way to judge how much I liked it: I’m going to have to read the next part.
The Redemption of Wist isn’t all about Wist though: Gilchrist has more than a fistful of interesting personalities that trek across the desert on a quest which grows and develops as they travel. In fact, Wist himself is perhaps not yet the most fully explored and developed of the characters, but then I think he is necessarily an enigma, and I am sure we will find out more of Wist and his secrets in the next instalments!
I will tell you that I just loved the Lyrat pair; the concept of them always working as a closely bonded unit is matched by the way the author uses them to push and pull the story along, helping to keep the different parts of the plot moving without friction or effort. Amongst the others, Nikka the dwarf is beautifully portrayed and the truly scary thug-priest is drawn with loving detail.
The author keeps his plot tight and he knows what’s happening - which is a lot! But some of the set scenes are wonderful and the journey by sand-whale stirs the imagination of the soul and heart.
This is the first in series and I may be being harsh in only giving it four stars because I certainly thought about giving it the full five. At the end of the day though, it isn’t a book that is meant to stand just on its own and so it has too much left hanging for me to be that generous. It’s an excellent story and there is a better way to judge how much I liked it: I’m going to have to read the next part.
March 12, 2017
David's descriptions brought his world to life for me, though I did keep expecting a giant worm to pop up from the 'Children of the Dune,' alas they didn't, but there was enough of his own creatures to keep me on the edge of my seat. He sucked me right in at the beginning of the book with emotions and pulled on my heart strings. Though I struggled with Wist, because of his character flaw's which came through to me mainly in his own thoughts and wanted to shake him at times, okay more than a few times. This shows that David can write realistic characters because in life even the heroes are not perfect.
February 10, 2017
Tapasya by David Gilchrist was something of a revelation for me. I have been recently dipping my toes more and more into the genre of fantasy and Tapasya really is what is described as an epic fantasy. It is a good, solid length at around 360 Kindle pages. For a first novel (although I have read the short primer Nikka, which introduces one of the characters in this story) in this genre, I would have to say Gilchrist has done an excellent job with his world creation, odd-ball characters, and creatures in Tapasya.
In many ways, the principal protagonist, Wist, didn't actually turn out to be my main (or favourite) character in this story. I was much more drawn to Nikka, as a character, "a dark dwarf", I like that, although he didn't appear until some way through the story.
Gilchrist has created this new world, which he will continue with, in the next two books in this series, Pyrite and the third, yet to be published third volume.
Tapasya is by no means perfect, at times I felt it did meander along a little and there were times where I struggled to understand the backstory and the antagonists Wist and his friends were up against, but for a first epic fantasy novel, it was very well done and Kudos to Mr. Gilchrist for that.
I also liked the way Gilchrist managed to weave some of life's big questions into the story, especially as they applied to the main character, Wist. Excellent stuff all around.
The acid test, for any first novel in a series is the question: Will I buy and read the second story, Pyrite? The answer is yes, I am very keen to see where the story now takes Wist, Nikka, and his other unlikely companions. I am especially keen to see how the love interest does or doesn't develop. I was surprised at how it went in Tapasya and want to see where it leads in Pyrite.
In many ways, the principal protagonist, Wist, didn't actually turn out to be my main (or favourite) character in this story. I was much more drawn to Nikka, as a character, "a dark dwarf", I like that, although he didn't appear until some way through the story.
Gilchrist has created this new world, which he will continue with, in the next two books in this series, Pyrite and the third, yet to be published third volume.
Tapasya is by no means perfect, at times I felt it did meander along a little and there were times where I struggled to understand the backstory and the antagonists Wist and his friends were up against, but for a first epic fantasy novel, it was very well done and Kudos to Mr. Gilchrist for that.
I also liked the way Gilchrist managed to weave some of life's big questions into the story, especially as they applied to the main character, Wist. Excellent stuff all around.
The acid test, for any first novel in a series is the question: Will I buy and read the second story, Pyrite? The answer is yes, I am very keen to see where the story now takes Wist, Nikka, and his other unlikely companions. I am especially keen to see how the love interest does or doesn't develop. I was surprised at how it went in Tapasya and want to see where it leads in Pyrite.
April 1, 2021
I was looking for something new to read after re-reading Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit for the umpteenth time. I wanted something similar, full of fantasy and adventure, something engaging with depth and after asking about a bit, a friend recommended the Redemption of Wist.
Not knowing anything about the Redemption of Wist, the background of the story or any other of the author’s books I jumped straight in and it wasn’t long before I was hooked.
At the start of the book I did feel like there were a lot of descriptive analogies for everything, but once the dialog between characters kicked in it seemed less noticeable and from there I think it was well balance.
There were quite a few words in the book I didn’t know, this is not uncommon for me by any means but I did find myself frequently looking up the Kindle dictionary. This isn’t a complaint or criticism, but thought it’s worth mentioning. Words like ‘mien’ for example, who knew…
As I write this review I’ve only just finished Tapasya, the first book in the trilogy. I very much enjoyed the character development through the book. The author was very good at always leaving me wanting more, eager to keep reading. Each character had that special something that I just wanted to find out what happened as soon as possible. I’m a slow reader, I do enjoy reading but with 3 kids, I don’t always have (or make) time, so to find a story that kept me engaged from start to finish was just amazing.
The world the author has created is a breath of fresh air. Everything is new, the locations, city names, character races, character names e.t.c. they all feel very much authentic helping keep you in that magical bubble. Very quickly you are absorbed into this new world and you believe in it, it doesn’t feel fabricated or made up, instead, it feels like somewhere you’ve never been but want to go.
I was very much aware that this was a trilogy, but the ending of the first book didn’t disappoint and the momentum that the author has built up has carried me straight into the second part of the adventure based in a continent called Pyrite.
Overall, really enjoyed it, had lots for me to like, quite simply a great fantasy novel. Looking forward to the next 2 parts of the trilogy.
Not knowing anything about the Redemption of Wist, the background of the story or any other of the author’s books I jumped straight in and it wasn’t long before I was hooked.
At the start of the book I did feel like there were a lot of descriptive analogies for everything, but once the dialog between characters kicked in it seemed less noticeable and from there I think it was well balance.
There were quite a few words in the book I didn’t know, this is not uncommon for me by any means but I did find myself frequently looking up the Kindle dictionary. This isn’t a complaint or criticism, but thought it’s worth mentioning. Words like ‘mien’ for example, who knew…
As I write this review I’ve only just finished Tapasya, the first book in the trilogy. I very much enjoyed the character development through the book. The author was very good at always leaving me wanting more, eager to keep reading. Each character had that special something that I just wanted to find out what happened as soon as possible. I’m a slow reader, I do enjoy reading but with 3 kids, I don’t always have (or make) time, so to find a story that kept me engaged from start to finish was just amazing.
The world the author has created is a breath of fresh air. Everything is new, the locations, city names, character races, character names e.t.c. they all feel very much authentic helping keep you in that magical bubble. Very quickly you are absorbed into this new world and you believe in it, it doesn’t feel fabricated or made up, instead, it feels like somewhere you’ve never been but want to go.
I was very much aware that this was a trilogy, but the ending of the first book didn’t disappoint and the momentum that the author has built up has carried me straight into the second part of the adventure based in a continent called Pyrite.
Overall, really enjoyed it, had lots for me to like, quite simply a great fantasy novel. Looking forward to the next 2 parts of the trilogy.
June 27, 2017
I knew I would like this story after reading the prequel, 'Nikka'. The world-building is imaginative and well done; the characters have depth and individuality -a real must for me to enjoy a story. I really like the descriptive writing style and the various characters thrown together by the tumultuous times. From the prequel, I had already been introduced to Nikka, the quirky and wise Cerni dwarf, stonemason-turned-mercenary, who joins the multicultural band as their mission gains momentum. From the moment the main character Wist stumbles into a world he cannot understand, paralysed by amnesia and a mysterious sense of purpose, I felt his frustration and anger; through his struggles with inner demons and holes in his memory, all the while feeling this second chance at life is to redeem himself in some way, but the answer eludes him. The pair of warriors who help Wist and Aviti, the girl they rescue, added great interest to the story as things about each of them become known. The physical journey and battles along the way were epic. I love monsters and magic-this story had everything. I did think some of the backstory, though achieving its purpose, was a bit lengthy, but overall this was a very readable and intriguing adventure. The ending was surprising; without spoilers, I would just say 'I must read the next book!'
May 23, 2017
World-building must be the most difficult part of being a fantasy writer. To take a blank page, and through a narrative, paint a picture which allows the reader to “see” the world in which a story takes place is amazing. In Tapasya, David Gilchrist shows mastery at world-building. I found it intriguing and delightful to read this story. The tale opens and each page illuminates more of the fabric of this mysterious place and its people. His descriptions gave me detail which allowed me to immerse myself in this story. I could not ask for more from a book. Independent Authors with a good narrative style are difficult to find. David Gilchrist is certainly a treasure in this regard. If you are looking for a fantasy tale to keep you intrigued, and wondering what comes next, get a copy of Tapasya today. You will not be disappointed!
October 15, 2017
Right from the beginning, the reader is drawn into the intriguing world of Wist, Aviti, the Lyrat, and Nikka the dwarf. When Wist finds himself back in his home town after more than 300 years' absence, he is confused as to who he is and where he has been. Events lead him to on a great quest across the desert to rescue an old friend and to find himself.
There is a great set of characters in this book, each one with his/her separate personality, that the reader can identify with. With hints of Lord of the Rings, the company undergoes harsh trials and tribulations, and the story pulls the reader along to the end. The final scene with Wist's nemesis, Tilden, is full of tension and excellently written.
I look forward to reading the next books to find out more about Wist's past, and where his journey will take him.
There is a great set of characters in this book, each one with his/her separate personality, that the reader can identify with. With hints of Lord of the Rings, the company undergoes harsh trials and tribulations, and the story pulls the reader along to the end. The final scene with Wist's nemesis, Tilden, is full of tension and excellently written.
I look forward to reading the next books to find out more about Wist's past, and where his journey will take him.
April 10, 2017
A world within a world within a world trapped inside the mind of Wist.
Tapasya is a world of deserts, mountains and jungles with one feature in common – heat. The inhabitants are in a constant battle with heat and with the monsters that inhabit their world. And then, there’s the Damned. Since the time of the Rending, people are falling into a half-life where they become like too little butter spread over too much bread. Like zombies, but not.
Wist is on a quest to regain his lost memories and to understand why he is there. He and his companions journey through the treacherous terrain only to have the villain, Tilden, slip from their grasp. So the story continues in through Pyrite and Nikka.
I highly recommend Tapasya; I found it intriguing and entertaining.
Tapasya is a world of deserts, mountains and jungles with one feature in common – heat. The inhabitants are in a constant battle with heat and with the monsters that inhabit their world. And then, there’s the Damned. Since the time of the Rending, people are falling into a half-life where they become like too little butter spread over too much bread. Like zombies, but not.
Wist is on a quest to regain his lost memories and to understand why he is there. He and his companions journey through the treacherous terrain only to have the villain, Tilden, slip from their grasp. So the story continues in through Pyrite and Nikka.
I highly recommend Tapasya; I found it intriguing and entertaining.
May 4, 2017
Great epic fantasy!
Wist is a man who has returned to a desert city hundreds of years after leaving it. He remembers only flashes of his past. He soon realizes that he was famous, much to his chagrin. His first night back, he is saved by a beautiful woman named Aviti. Aviti's father has a vision that leads Wist and Aviti across the Great Desert to see a man Wist knew long ago...a man thought to be dead.
This is a sweeping adventure story, full of warring factions, religious strife, strange races, vibrant cultures, a dwarf--and even zombies. Gilchrist's prose style is mature and accomplished; each word seems chosen with the sure-footedness of a Lyrat's horse.
I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that the unconventional use of single quotes for dialogue instead of double quotes upset me. I'm not marking off for that, however, because it was consistent and seemed to be a style choice. (Albeit an odd one for a modern book.)
This book's details are amazing. I kept wondering if the author had ever ridden across the desert at night or forded a swollen river. I kept thinking he couldn't have just imagined this; he must have experienced it. I recommend this book to anyone who loves epic fantasy.
Wist is a man who has returned to a desert city hundreds of years after leaving it. He remembers only flashes of his past. He soon realizes that he was famous, much to his chagrin. His first night back, he is saved by a beautiful woman named Aviti. Aviti's father has a vision that leads Wist and Aviti across the Great Desert to see a man Wist knew long ago...a man thought to be dead.
This is a sweeping adventure story, full of warring factions, religious strife, strange races, vibrant cultures, a dwarf--and even zombies. Gilchrist's prose style is mature and accomplished; each word seems chosen with the sure-footedness of a Lyrat's horse.
I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that the unconventional use of single quotes for dialogue instead of double quotes upset me. I'm not marking off for that, however, because it was consistent and seemed to be a style choice. (Albeit an odd one for a modern book.)
This book's details are amazing. I kept wondering if the author had ever ridden across the desert at night or forded a swollen river. I kept thinking he couldn't have just imagined this; he must have experienced it. I recommend this book to anyone who loves epic fantasy.
May 29, 2017
A classic fantasy quest, Tapasya follows the first stage of what is no doubt going to be an epic series. The writing is smooth, and mostly well executed, although I felt more attention could have been paid to the proofreading.
For those readers who enjoy visual descriptions, the advent of a dragon towards the end of the book is a fine, fine moment.
For those readers who enjoy visual descriptions, the advent of a dragon towards the end of the book is a fine, fine moment.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews