Outcaste: A Tale of Alterra: Undiscovered Realms

by C.S. Marks

As the desert folk are fond of saying, “The Wheel Turns.” Mindless evil cannot hold sway forever, as five small but determined clans have realized. Different from their forebears, they seek to climb from the pit into which they were cast—to live in peace—and for that they are named “Outcaste.” They run, hide, and move on, pursued relentlessly by their evil brethren. There are not many hiding places left. Only one young Outcaste has summoned the strength to seek aid from his former enemies, for he has nowhere else to turn. But how can he convince them, given what they have suffered? He stands before them a twisted, ugly creature, asking for their help, putting his life—and the lives of all his people—in their hands. To aid the Outcastes, everyone must put their fears aside. Can the Unforgivable be forgiven?

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2015

About the author

C.S. Marks has often been described as a ‘Renaissance woman’. The child of an English professor, Chris has always loved classic literature as well as epic fantasy, and decided to try her hand at writing and illustrating an epic series. The result: The very successful Elfhunter trilogy, which has sold over 40,000 copies both in print and e-book form. This epic trilogy has garnered awards (Reviewer’s Choice Best Fantasy, Best Series) and nearly 200 reviews. She is now hard at work on an exciting new Alterran series, the Undiscovered Realms.

A former field biologist and avid horsewoman, Chris holds a PhD in Biology, and has competed both nationally and internationally in the sport of endurance riding. She is a full professor of equine science at a small liberal arts college in the midwest. She is in demand as a lecturer and presenter at conventions, academic fairs, and publishing workshops.

While Chris has enjoyed an ample measure of success as an independent author, she is now looking forward to a long and productive relationship with Parthian Press, bringing her wonderful Tales of Alterra to an ever-widening group of appreciative readers of all ages.
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Reviews

[M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to begin by stating that I was provided with a free ARC of this book in exchange for a sincere review. I know author and was personally sought out by C.S. Marks because of my (sometimes brutal) honesty as a beta reader.

**Very Minor Spoilers**

Outcaste is the first book in a new series which takes place in Alterra, the World that is. Gaelen, Rogond, Nelwyn, Galador, as well as many others have returned, though they are twenty years older. Some, as you might expect, show the wear of time more than others. Their personalities, thankfully, remained largely unchanged. Despite the time jump, Marks makes it seem as though you are picking up right where you left off.

After the company reunites before a grand council, the company soon learns of a new race of people seeking their aid in finding a home where they can live free of the Necromancer and the distrusting eyes of men, elves, and dwarves alike. This is the premise of the book, and it is a refreshing departure from the sinister dealings of the unforgettable Gorgon Elfhunter. Make no mistake, however, as there is plenty of tension, traitorous acts, and shocking revelations to make up for the lack of a true super villain.

Outcaste is the tale of valor, forgiveness, and acceptance. It is at once both fantastically exciting and thought provoking. Though it is the first book in an unnumbered series, it reads as a very profound prologue which sets up the rest of the story to come. And it is done quite well. Fantasy world-building at its finest. Outcaste is a triumph of storytelling, and C.S. Marks solidifies herself as a master in the genre. Bravo!”

-Matt Verish

[Donna Bruton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outcaste Review

Reunited with beloved characters.
Even though Outcaste can be a stand-alone novel, it's much better if you've gotten to know the characters by reading C. S. Marks' original Elfhunter trilogy.

Outcaste is a superb continuation of the author's Alterra series. It introduces new and intriguing characters that you quickly grow fond of, and takes them on an adventure of awakening and renewal that makes the book hard to put down. You get to live their struggle for enlightenment right along with them.
The novel quickly and adeptly mixes the new characters with beloved characters from the original series.

This novel is for young and old and everyone in between.
It's not to be missed, and I highly recommend it to any lover of fantasy/adventure, and all others who just want to read a good book!

Anxiously anticipating the continuation of this series.

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm doing it! Even though this is the first book in a series and I'm less inclined to give a full five star when it is a set up for a great adventure; this time is the exception.

All her books are great, there's not one bad among them, but this one takes all the good things from the other trilogy and make the pacing more even and fast. It is fun, exiting and emotional in one package, and I loved it.

You need to make sure to read the first trilogy before this one as it continues the adventure with the same characters. You will want to know them first.

[Jennifer O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these characters!

I enjoyed the first book of the Elfhunter Trilogy but became hooked on the characters with the second one. C.S. Marks is a wonderful writer who has improved with each book. I just finished Outcaste and am sad to see there is not yet another. I am hoping there is another one to come. This is a great book for all ages who love fantasy. Make sure you read the Elfhunter Trilogy first and then there's the Alterra Histories.