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The Castes and the OutCastes #2
A Warrior's Knowledge
The riveting epic fantasy that readers are comparing to Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive and Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time continues with A Warrior's Knowledge.
Rukh Shektan has lost everything: his home, his standing, and his future. He must journey with Jessira to reach her mountain home, the OutCaste city of Stronghold, before winter's icy snow and winds bar all passages. Their travels test Rukh's will and hope as Chimeras hound their footsteps, but the most difficult test proves to be Stronghold itself. The city is not as Jessira described.
Rector Bryce and Mira Terrell form a reluctant alliance. A secret from his family's past threatens Rector, forcing him to do the bidding of Dar'El Shektan, the ruling 'El whom Rector had betrayed. Rector and Mira must seek the means to bring down House Shektan's most bitter rival, Hal'El Wrestiva, the man responsible for Rukh's banishment.
Meanwhile, Bree and Jaresh continue their search for the Sil Lor Kum. Their hunt brings them closer to the truth. Danger lurks, and the Withering Knife murders continue. And unbeknownst to them, Hal'El Wrestiva, the SuDin of the Sil Lor Kum, furthers his own intentions.
Above the clouds, watching the world is Suwraith. Her clouded mind is clear for the first time in millennia, and She makes Her own plans. The Sorrow Bringer has learned of Stronghold's existence.
Rukh Shektan has lost everything: his home, his standing, and his future. He must journey with Jessira to reach her mountain home, the OutCaste city of Stronghold, before winter's icy snow and winds bar all passages. Their travels test Rukh's will and hope as Chimeras hound their footsteps, but the most difficult test proves to be Stronghold itself. The city is not as Jessira described.
Rector Bryce and Mira Terrell form a reluctant alliance. A secret from his family's past threatens Rector, forcing him to do the bidding of Dar'El Shektan, the ruling 'El whom Rector had betrayed. Rector and Mira must seek the means to bring down House Shektan's most bitter rival, Hal'El Wrestiva, the man responsible for Rukh's banishment.
Meanwhile, Bree and Jaresh continue their search for the Sil Lor Kum. Their hunt brings them closer to the truth. Danger lurks, and the Withering Knife murders continue. And unbeknownst to them, Hal'El Wrestiva, the SuDin of the Sil Lor Kum, furthers his own intentions.
Above the clouds, watching the world is Suwraith. Her clouded mind is clear for the first time in millennia, and She makes Her own plans. The Sorrow Bringer has learned of Stronghold's existence.
600 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2015
499 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
About the author
Davis Ashura
22 books518 followersDavis Ashura is an author of such sublime depth and beauty that his works have been known to cause a tear to fall from the eyes of even the hardest of hearts.
Just kidding.
But he does write.
This humble writer, who refers to himself in the third person, resides in North Carolina, sharing a house with his magnificent wife who somehow overlooked Davis’ eccentricities and married him anyway. As proper recompense for her sacrifice, Davis then unwittingly turned his magnificent wife into a nerd-girl. To her sad and utter humiliation, she knows exactly what is meant by ‘Kronos’. Living with them are their two rambunctious boys, both of whom have at various times helped turn Davis’ once lustrous, raven-black hair prematurely white (it sure sounds prettier than the dirty gray it actually is). And of course, there is the obligatory strange, adopted cats (all authors have cats-it's in the by-laws). One eats everything placed before him and the other has the world's stinkiest breath.
When not working – nay laboring – in the creation of works of fiction so grand that hardly anyone has read a single word of them, Davis practices medicine, but only when the insurance companies tell him he can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 14, 2018
3⭐️ An Adventurous High Fantasy Read
I really enjoyed the sequel of this series, but the plot seemed to spin around in the same circle as the first book and became heavily romance-based for a large chunk of the middle. I still really enjoyed the characters and thought the world-building was strong. I would have liked to see more development of the story itself as I got kind of bored reading certain repetitive scenes. The ending, however, was too quick and just seemed to fall off like the end of an tv episode verse a book. As I still enjoy this wild world and care for its future as the Sorrow Bringer nears, I’ll have to be back for book three.
I really enjoyed the sequel of this series, but the plot seemed to spin around in the same circle as the first book and became heavily romance-based for a large chunk of the middle. I still really enjoyed the characters and thought the world-building was strong. I would have liked to see more development of the story itself as I got kind of bored reading certain repetitive scenes. The ending, however, was too quick and just seemed to fall off like the end of an tv episode verse a book. As I still enjoy this wild world and care for its future as the Sorrow Bringer nears, I’ll have to be back for book three.
May 18, 2021
Rating 4.5 stars
Not as good as the first book, but still very good and the ending had me riveted. This story starts right where the last one left off. Rukh has been banished from his home. He and Jessira are now headed to her home. One thing I loved is that the first few pages gave a synopsis of the first book. I didn't need it because I had just read the first book, but sometimes there are months/years between 1 book and the next. I wish other authors would do that, especially with epic fantasy with complex plots. Rukh and Jessira have a hard path to travel to Stronghold. Once there Rukh has to go through what Jessira did when she was in Ashoka.
While that is happening the rest of the Shekton family is trying to find a way to bring Rukh home and learn about person committing the murders with the withering knife.
Overall this is turning into an excellent series and I can't wait to start the next one.
Not as good as the first book, but still very good and the ending had me riveted. This story starts right where the last one left off. Rukh has been banished from his home. He and Jessira are now headed to her home. One thing I loved is that the first few pages gave a synopsis of the first book. I didn't need it because I had just read the first book, but sometimes there are months/years between 1 book and the next. I wish other authors would do that, especially with epic fantasy with complex plots. Rukh and Jessira have a hard path to travel to Stronghold. Once there Rukh has to go through what Jessira did when she was in Ashoka.
While that is happening the rest of the Shekton family is trying to find a way to bring Rukh home and learn about person committing the murders with the withering knife.
Overall this is turning into an excellent series and I can't wait to start the next one.
February 22, 2016
This book is something else. So glad I found it (thanks r/fantasy). Usually with so many POV's I tend to skim over some of them but each POV here was engaging. I could feel some of Rukhs emotions jump out of the page (specially during the tournament).
10/10 Can't wait for the next book.
10/10 Can't wait for the next book.
October 23, 2019
Wonderful story, even more richer that the last one, I am loving how much the author has invested in creating this whole culture, but seriously I could have done with less drama, I mean I am a grown man I shouldn't be crying by the corner with such a powerful scene like either so, great book kudos to the author.
July 6, 2016
A Warrior's Path was good. A Warrior's Knowledge was great. Even in the slow parts, the way Ashura wrote his characters and world had me interested. I feel a connection with them, especially Rukh and Jessira. I also enjoy the way Ashura examines themes of prejudice in these novels. With prejudice, it's very easy to show one group being completely right and the other completely wrong. In this series, it's much more nuanced, showing that there is good and bad on both sides.
And then there was the last ten percent of the book. It had me frantically flipping through (electronic) pages. It's always a good sign when a book does that for me.
I can't wait to see where this is going.
Rating: 9/10
And then there was the last ten percent of the book. It had me frantically flipping through (electronic) pages. It's always a good sign when a book does that for me.
I can't wait to see where this is going.
Rating: 9/10
March 5, 2015
The growth of each individual character, as well as peoples as a whole!! Absolutely phenomenal!! If I could, I would give this entire series 1000×1000 stars!! Very well done with this amazing debut series!!!All I have to say about this series so far is all my God!!! My only problem with the series is that I now have to wait for the third book to come out!!! Absolutely amazing!!!realism, the racism, the ignorance, the prejudice, the knowledge, the compassion, the overcoming of diverse city,!! Absolutely amazing just amazing that's all I have to say is just
March 29, 2016
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The second novel in Davis Ashura's fantasy epic trilogy, The Castes and the Outcastes, continues to fill gaps within the world he's created. Although it's a slower start than the first novel, the wait pays off quite handsomely. All this said, it's a novel that's nearly as aggravating as it is good.
Any second novel in a trilogy takes a dip in storytelling prowess, attempting to reel in the events of the first book, while saving the series true revelations for the next book. A Warrior's Knowledge appears to have taken that very dip. That's not to say the story doesn't move. It does. If the first novel took the tale from points A to B, and then again to C, than this novel simply took it from C to D.
All the characters, from our heroes to those most vile, have a believable character arc. Everyone grows in some small way, and most times it's a big way. But this book doesn't balance its large cast like the first had. No, I'd say the characters back in Ashoka get far too little to say this time around. Which is a shame. While Rukh and Jessira go from one crazy adventure to the next, having a more grounded mystery type tale - like the one unfolding in Ashoka - keeps the story feeling relevant and connected to the greater world. But this one seemed to relegate it's secondary plots as, well, just that. The only way this balance would have worked in the book's favor was if these sub-characters in Ashoka closed out the novel with a dramatic cliffhanger, but sadly the cliffhanger we're left with on their end arrives far too early.
The series being the eastern epic it is, it works on several levels, but I think most poignant is the notion that there need not be a Caste system in place for the world to live on happily. The OutCastes get along just fine. Well. Maybe not. But much of the novel is spent overthrowing ideologies and beliefs that hinder the characters from accepting the changing world.
Much happens in this novel that hasn't seen a resolution yet, or will have greater consequence as the story unfolds. As this is a trilogy, these things I cannot judge for better or worse until I see the final outcome in book 3, which happily arrives sometime in April. Just know that this is not a series you want to miss.
The second novel in Davis Ashura's fantasy epic trilogy, The Castes and the Outcastes, continues to fill gaps within the world he's created. Although it's a slower start than the first novel, the wait pays off quite handsomely. All this said, it's a novel that's nearly as aggravating as it is good.
Any second novel in a trilogy takes a dip in storytelling prowess, attempting to reel in the events of the first book, while saving the series true revelations for the next book. A Warrior's Knowledge appears to have taken that very dip. That's not to say the story doesn't move. It does. If the first novel took the tale from points A to B, and then again to C, than this novel simply took it from C to D.
All the characters, from our heroes to those most vile, have a believable character arc. Everyone grows in some small way, and most times it's a big way. But this book doesn't balance its large cast like the first had. No, I'd say the characters back in Ashoka get far too little to say this time around. Which is a shame. While Rukh and Jessira go from one crazy adventure to the next, having a more grounded mystery type tale - like the one unfolding in Ashoka - keeps the story feeling relevant and connected to the greater world. But this one seemed to relegate it's secondary plots as, well, just that. The only way this balance would have worked in the book's favor was if these sub-characters in Ashoka closed out the novel with a dramatic cliffhanger, but sadly the cliffhanger we're left with on their end arrives far too early.
The series being the eastern epic it is, it works on several levels, but I think most poignant is the notion that there need not be a Caste system in place for the world to live on happily. The OutCastes get along just fine. Well. Maybe not. But much of the novel is spent overthrowing ideologies and beliefs that hinder the characters from accepting the changing world.
Much happens in this novel that hasn't seen a resolution yet, or will have greater consequence as the story unfolds. As this is a trilogy, these things I cannot judge for better or worse until I see the final outcome in book 3, which happily arrives sometime in April. Just know that this is not a series you want to miss.
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June 2, 2015
Oh man....this book pulled me in and I drank deep from the well not wanting to stop. Then the last sentence said..The End. I was saddened. It was an extremely good book. Better than the first of the series and I really, really liked the first. I am so glad that the first book was introduced to me on bookbub. Thanks Mr. Ashura for giving me the opportunity to read this one quicker than I anticipated!
I love how the story has an eastern flair to it. Completely different from a lot of fantasy novels out there today. The characters seem so real to you as you read. The author has a way to make you feel the emotions they are going through. I can't wait to read the final book. Anxiously waiting for it to appear..wanting to know what is going to happen. Will they all pull together, look past their predjudices and work together to overcome all the tragedy and devestation that is occuring.
So, if you haven't read it yet. Do.
I love how the story has an eastern flair to it. Completely different from a lot of fantasy novels out there today. The characters seem so real to you as you read. The author has a way to make you feel the emotions they are going through. I can't wait to read the final book. Anxiously waiting for it to appear..wanting to know what is going to happen. Will they all pull together, look past their predjudices and work together to overcome all the tragedy and devestation that is occuring.
So, if you haven't read it yet. Do.
April 7, 2015
This is another page turner by an author I'll be following in the future. The snapshots we get into the minds of the various characters, on both sides of the story, elicit compassion even for (some of) the antagonists. This is a fun read, just like Ashura's first book, and like that one, I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy.
February 20, 2019
4/5
Taking place directly after the first book, this book continues the adventures of Rukh Shektan and his family to survive Suwraith, the Sorrow Bringer. If in the book 1 we get to see the culture and daily lives of Purebloods in Ashoka, this book shows us the stark and pragmatic culture of OutCastes in Stronghold. As per first book, Ashura excellently explores the xenophobic hypocrisy and prejudice when it comes to the 'other.' It turns out that for all the diversity and inclusiveness that Stronghold seems to promote and take pride of, they exactly mirror the Pureblood counterparts in Ashoka. It's quite rewarding when all of these frictions culminate in mid-book climax.
On the flipside, it doesn't sit well with me that in the end of the day, Purebloods are depicted as seemingly superior people with more will and open mind to change.
Ashura matures his prose crafting even further in this book. Oddly, while reduced the repetitive 'broke x's reverie,' he replaced it with 'mentally x-ed.' And like Wheel of Time and Stormlight Archive, this quirk can get annoying sometimes.
The pacing in this book can be weird. The first half is a total slow burner which I didn't really mind. The last third or last quarter of the book is a non-stop rush of events. However, unlike Brandon Sanderson's Avalanche (or Sanderstorm as referred by some people) where events fall into place neatly based on logical build up and rigid plotting, Ashura's turn of events often feels too convenient to my taste. We're often told why these events happen and how, yet there is not enough build up and foreshadowing shown. This actually reminds me to early Brandon Sanderson with his debut book Elantris.
Ashura also tends to show the POV of villains in depth. While this is good in fleshing out their motivation and thoughts, the early reveal of their plan to the readers dampens the effect severely. This book also features a number of secret societies. While I find the idea of these societies interesting, they don't contribute much to the plot in reality. As a result, I found the final confrontations and climaxes to be lukewarm.
Conclusion
A Warrior's Knowledge is a solid, but flawed continuation of A Warrior's Path. Weird pacing and contrived conveniences dampen what originally is an engaging tale about hypocrisy and prejudice of societies.
Taking place directly after the first book, this book continues the adventures of Rukh Shektan and his family to survive Suwraith, the Sorrow Bringer. If in the book 1 we get to see the culture and daily lives of Purebloods in Ashoka, this book shows us the stark and pragmatic culture of OutCastes in Stronghold. As per first book, Ashura excellently explores the xenophobic hypocrisy and prejudice when it comes to the 'other.' It turns out that for all the diversity and inclusiveness that Stronghold seems to promote and take pride of, they exactly mirror the Pureblood counterparts in Ashoka. It's quite rewarding when all of these frictions culminate in mid-book climax.
On the flipside, it doesn't sit well with me that in the end of the day, Purebloods are depicted as seemingly superior people with more will and open mind to change.
Ashura matures his prose crafting even further in this book. Oddly, while reduced the repetitive 'broke x's reverie,' he replaced it with 'mentally x-ed.' And like Wheel of Time and Stormlight Archive, this quirk can get annoying sometimes.
The pacing in this book can be weird. The first half is a total slow burner which I didn't really mind. The last third or last quarter of the book is a non-stop rush of events. However, unlike Brandon Sanderson's Avalanche (or Sanderstorm as referred by some people) where events fall into place neatly based on logical build up and rigid plotting, Ashura's turn of events often feels too convenient to my taste. We're often told why these events happen and how, yet there is not enough build up and foreshadowing shown. This actually reminds me to early Brandon Sanderson with his debut book Elantris.
Ashura also tends to show the POV of villains in depth. While this is good in fleshing out their motivation and thoughts, the early reveal of their plan to the readers dampens the effect severely. This book also features a number of secret societies. While I find the idea of these societies interesting, they don't contribute much to the plot in reality. As a result, I found the final confrontations and climaxes to be lukewarm.
Conclusion
A Warrior's Knowledge is a solid, but flawed continuation of A Warrior's Path. Weird pacing and contrived conveniences dampen what originally is an engaging tale about hypocrisy and prejudice of societies.
December 8, 2018
Another excellent book in this series
This book again brings us into an interesting world with characters who have depth, with some even growing in their understanding over time, as well as challenges both physical and philosophical in nature.
One section was truly heartbreaking, to me. Even so, out of the devastation a chance for greater understanding and compassion resulted, as disparate peoples start to work more together in an effort to thwart the main enemy.
I wonder if we will ever find out what set Lienne on her path; we know now why she is insane. I can only hope she can be healed and stop her wanton destruction or, if that is not possible, that she be defeated. On to book three! :)
This book again brings us into an interesting world with characters who have depth, with some even growing in their understanding over time, as well as challenges both physical and philosophical in nature.
One section was truly heartbreaking, to me. Even so, out of the devastation a chance for greater understanding and compassion resulted, as disparate peoples start to work more together in an effort to thwart the main enemy.
I wonder if we will ever find out what set Lienne on her path; we know now why she is insane. I can only hope she can be healed and stop her wanton destruction or, if that is not possible, that she be defeated. On to book three! :)
June 14, 2017
Another solid edition to this series. I enjoyed some parts more so than others though I feel it got a little bogged when they were travelling to Stronghold. The time spent in Stronghold on the other hand was great. Experiencing a new culture and people as well as challenging their beliefs for how they feel towards the other castes was refreshing. There are also some very strong scenes in the arena, when they meet up with some of the Bales and also the Schylos were great.
Apart from the underlying storyline, which wasn't overly tackled here, with a few tweaks, this could almost hold its own as a stand alone.
Great writing, descriptions, fight scenes and dialogue.
Apart from the underlying storyline, which wasn't overly tackled here, with a few tweaks, this could almost hold its own as a stand alone.
Great writing, descriptions, fight scenes and dialogue.
June 12, 2018
Good story, likable characters
I have enjoyed this book and its predecessor and will look forward to reading more. I like the main characters and the story is unique and interesting. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
I do wish the series would get some better editing though - there are lots of typographical errors and/or grammatical mistakes and wording awkwardnesses. It takes away from the immersion.
I have enjoyed this book and its predecessor and will look forward to reading more. I like the main characters and the story is unique and interesting. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
I do wish the series would get some better editing though - there are lots of typographical errors and/or grammatical mistakes and wording awkwardnesses. It takes away from the immersion.
January 21, 2025
This is a great read. My problem was with the unbending strictness of the culture in the world the author built. It sounded similar to the Caste system in India which I have issues with. Consequently, I don't live there. That said, the story is a bit farfetched but plausible within the parameters of the world. But the unconditional adherence to perfection really bugged me.
I would recommend this to fantasy lovers. It is a good book.
I would recommend this to fantasy lovers. It is a good book.
June 14, 2017
Action-packed!
Rukh's story continues with heart stopping drama, action and a bit of romance. The evil goddess, The Bringer of Sorrows, becomes a more treacherous adversary and the valiant friends must come together to survive. An epic story that covers a wide spectrum of emotional ups and downs. Fascinating!
Rukh's story continues with heart stopping drama, action and a bit of romance. The evil goddess, The Bringer of Sorrows, becomes a more treacherous adversary and the valiant friends must come together to survive. An epic story that covers a wide spectrum of emotional ups and downs. Fascinating!
December 30, 2017
A Wild Ride!
Where book 1 seemed slow before bursting into suspense book 2 is a wild ride from page one to the last page. If you haven't read Davis Ashura but you enjoy fantasy fiction I think you'll find his approach to the genre quite good. On to book 3
Of The Castes and the Outcastes. I expect it to be as riveting as the first two.
Where book 1 seemed slow before bursting into suspense book 2 is a wild ride from page one to the last page. If you haven't read Davis Ashura but you enjoy fantasy fiction I think you'll find his approach to the genre quite good. On to book 3
Of The Castes and the Outcastes. I expect it to be as riveting as the first two.
May 29, 2018
A Warrior's Knowledge
The story gets really interesting as we delve deeper into the characters life's and histories. Old habits die hard as the Outcasts give Ruke a hard time. More people did and more chims are learning what it is to be a brother. My favorite character is Aia. I wish I had a car like her of my own. A really great read.
The story gets really interesting as we delve deeper into the characters life's and histories. Old habits die hard as the Outcasts give Ruke a hard time. More people did and more chims are learning what it is to be a brother. My favorite character is Aia. I wish I had a car like her of my own. A really great read.
September 16, 2020
Although I've only given this a three there is so much that is 5* here. The journey continues and the battle build up and action scenes, in fact the sheer scope of the work is fantastic. My only reason for the lesser score is that it is repetitive in places and the romance, whilst of great interest to younger readers, really drags on for too long.
June 10, 2018
The story continues
The currently middle book in this series makes for a thrilling ride. Though I would prefer Ruhk to not gain any more talents, he remains an interesting hero. Jessira makes a good foil for his Uber-bravery. I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
The currently middle book in this series makes for a thrilling ride. Though I would prefer Ruhk to not gain any more talents, he remains an interesting hero. Jessira makes a good foil for his Uber-bravery. I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
July 18, 2019
A good 2nd book in this series.
A really good series. This one slows at times with almost too much explanation, almost like "in other words" at times. But outside of that, a good compliment to the 1st book.
A really good series. This one slows at times with almost too much explanation, almost like "in other words" at times. But outside of that, a good compliment to the 1st book.
February 28, 2020
A Soap Opera!!
I don't like the writing of this series Too much jumping around from one different scenes to another you get lost quick until you learn how to follow the plots of drama then it gets interesting?
I don't like the writing of this series Too much jumping around from one different scenes to another you get lost quick until you learn how to follow the plots of drama then it gets interesting?
October 25, 2020
Exciting from Start to End
The problem I had with the first book is that there parr’s that went on too long. This book avoids that and is exciting from start to end. The characters are well developed and the plot is engaging.
The problem I had with the first book is that there parr’s that went on too long. This book avoids that and is exciting from start to end. The characters are well developed and the plot is engaging.
June 14, 2021
I will have to admit that Ashura has in fact surprised me with this 2nd book in the series. He shows the trials and tribulations of what folks go through of different cultures and upbringings as well as for the biases of other groups and how they manage to overcome them.
June 28, 2021
Dark and Sad
This story of a world fighting against a mad goddess that wants to destroy humanity was a very interesting scary read. I know the bad guys need to win some, but a whole city dying sucked.
This story of a world fighting against a mad goddess that wants to destroy humanity was a very interesting scary read. I know the bad guys need to win some, but a whole city dying sucked.
May 13, 2022
Good story
Rich in details, description of the society, it's on going change and the natural resistance to change, explanation of relationships and skills, even the sights and smells of the community.
Rich in details, description of the society, it's on going change and the natural resistance to change, explanation of relationships and skills, even the sights and smells of the community.
June 20, 2022
Just a Drama
No epic fantasy here. Pure Drama. Written for females.
Very boring and aggravating. The guys are all pathetic, exactly how girls want them to be, and the girls are all perfect and super smart and proud and strong!
Typical wussy brain washed male authors
No epic fantasy here. Pure Drama. Written for females.
Very boring and aggravating. The guys are all pathetic, exactly how girls want them to be, and the girls are all perfect and super smart and proud and strong!
Typical wussy brain washed male authors
November 12, 2023
Great series!
This is a story to get your blood pumping! The action scenes are intense, and I know many of you hate this, but people you have grown to love will die. That's true to life.
This is a story to get your blood pumping! The action scenes are intense, and I know many of you hate this, but people you have grown to love will die. That's true to life.
February 26, 2024
Book one review: I will not be reading the rest. But I decided to give book two a try, because I want to complete the series. Book Two: The first part of the book was soooooo boring. The last hour (I did an audio book) was the best.
July 5, 2024
Listened to this on Audible and enjoyed it. It is very long but the world and characters are complex and you find yourself immersed in the saga unfolding. Narration is excellent. Worth the listen. I will of course listen to book 3 because I have to know.
July 29, 2025
Enjoyed the development of Jessira’s and Ruhk’s relationship, especially the initial travel together. Got bored of the side character plot arcs and the Sanctuary plot arc. As with the first book didn’t really gel with the writing style and I don’t have enough curiosity for the story to continue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews