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David Gilchrist
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Tapasya (The Redemption of Wist Book 1) Kindle Edition

by David Gilchrist (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 34 ratings
"Difficult to put down." David J Easton

Broken and close to death, Wist staggers into the walled city on Tapasya and collapses at the feet of a statue commemorating his likeness. Incredibly, three and a half centuries have passed since he was last in the city and now he has returned, bereft of everything… even his memory.

Wist is rescued by Aviti, a young woman with her own mysteries to solve. He soon learns that the last time he left Tapasya, the land fractured from north to south. In the wake of his departure, oppression, persecution and civil war became the norm.

Then he begins a journey of discovery and redemption that will take him far across the desert continent of Tapasya. As he struggles to piece together his life from fractured recollections from the past, he is forced to face up to the failures of his life or risk the complete destruction of the land.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Redemption of Wist
  2. Print length
    317 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    25 Nov. 2013
  6. File size
    2.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Product description

About the Author

I am a writer of words, a lover of music and a designer of electronics. The west coast of Scotland is my home. I have loved fantasy since first reading LotR and have been devouring the genre ever since. I enjoy sojourns in the lands of horror, thriller and even (whisper it) non-fiction. But I'll always find my way back to dragons and magic and fantasy.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00GWM9O16
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 25 Nov. 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 317 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Redemption of Wist
  • Customer reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 34 ratings

About the author

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David Gilchrist

David Gilchrist

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Fantasy author David Gilchrist is a writer of words, a lover of music and a designer of electronics, who lives in west coast of Scotland.

He says "I have loved fantasy since first reading LotR and have been devouring the genre ever since. I enjoy sojourns in the lands of horror, thriller and even (whisper it) non-fiction. But I'll always find my way back to dragons and magic and fantasy."

3 full length, epic fantasy novels in the completed Redemption of Wist series (Tapasya, Pyrite and Prasad) are available right now, as well as Redemption of Wist short stories, Nikka and The Lyrat Pair

His boxed set of the 3 novels, which contains the full Redemption of Wist series, is also available now. These combine to tell a soul-searing fantasy tale of loss, grief and suicide.

He is currently working on a new Epic Series, The Tithes of War. Book 1, Coming Soon!

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
34 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story well-executed, with one review describing it as an intriguing journey through a strange land. Moreover, the character development receives positive feedback, with customers appreciating the credible characters and writing style. Additionally, the book's readability is praised, with one customer noting it keeps readers interested throughout.

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9 customers mention ‘Story quality’9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the story quality of the book, with one customer describing it as an intriguing journey through a strange land, while another notes it serves as a solid start to an epic fantasy series.

"There are certain ingredients that any high-fantasy needs. A grand world, an interesting premise, strange creatures and, most of all, characters..." Read more

"...It draws you forward with intrigue and suspense, as there always seems to be some information being brought out, throughout the story...." Read more

"For lovers of epic fantasy this story has a lot to offer...." Read more

"...Tapasya bears all the hallmarks of established Sci-Fi writing, and once started it was difficult to put down...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Character development’7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development and writing style of the book.

"...interesting premise, strange creatures and, most of all, characters that blend together and suck you right into their group so that you accompany..." Read more

"...Great writing style to keep the story moving and created in such a way that a sequel hopefully is not long away...." Read more

"...The great cast of characters vigorously propels the reader along, with a dark religious undertone never far away...." Read more

"...you in and a wonderfully imagined fantasy world of mystery and interesting characters. In some places, would have benefited from a map...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Readability’5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning it keeps them interested throughout.

"...A very good read throughout and worth the time." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book, kept me gripped from start to finish.Cant wait for part two to find out what happens...." Read more

"Tapasya is a good read. Well written characters and a solid story that keeps you interested throughout...." Read more

"This is one of the best books I have read in a long while it keeps your captured to the story can't wait for the seconds part" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Alyson Madden-Brooker
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great imagination and characters
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 May 2017
    Verified Purchase
    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 treck 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 is 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.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • catbreeder
    5.0 out of 5 stars A world with lots to offer
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 January 2014
    Verified Purchase
    "Tapasya" starts somewhere in a story, that winds forward whilst catching up with the past.
    It draws you forward with intrigue and suspense, as there always seems to be some information being brought out, throughout the story.
    It moves onwards without leaving you wondering about the next part, and delivers twists and turns that keep you locked in all the time.
    Somewhat frustratingly, you find yourself immersed in the story and wish the characters could do more to help themselves.
    The world opens up and without a map it sometimes visualisation is lost as the story winds far across the land.
    Great writing style to keep the story moving and created in such a way that a sequel hopefully is not long away.
    Any readers of Dune can relate to the idea of life changes and the style that this follows. All ideas here are not copied and very different, but the reader can relate mentally to how strange hostile lands can bring many risks, problems, issues and fights.
    There are lots of different aspects to this story to appeal to the heart, the mind, and the intellect without lingering on any parts unnecessaruly/
    A very good read throughout and worth the time.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Lorna Currie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Take a journey through the deserts of Wist's life.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 September 2016
    Verified Purchase
    For lovers of epic fantasy this story has a lot to offer. Lost souls, psychic brethren, bloody battles against abominations of nature, the birth of friendships, the death of promises and a journey into the unknown. Not only is the story set in a vast landscape shaped by cataclysmic events, those same events have brought together a band of mismatched individuals and pits them against an evil enemy.
    Tapasya ticks all the genre's boxes but leaves the reader with just enough unanswered questions to make the next installment essential reading. Give it a try.
    One person found this helpful
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  • David J. Easton
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent debut by Gilchrist!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 May 2015
    Verified Purchase
    An intriguing journey through a strange land. The great cast of characters vigorously propels the reader along, with a dark religious undertone never far away. Tapasya bears all the hallmarks of established Sci-Fi writing, and once started it was difficult to put down. I look forward to continuing the journey with the next instalment.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Scott
    4.0 out of 5 stars A very impressive and imaginative first novel.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 February 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A great piece of work as a first novel. An exciting opening that draws you in and a wonderfully imagined fantasy world of mystery and interesting characters. In some places, would have benefited from a map. Everyone loves a good fantasy map. Other than that, I'd recommend this if you like a good fantasy yarn and I look forward to reading the rest of the series
    One person found this helpful
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  • shellymorton
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 February 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book, kept me gripped from start to finish.Cant wait for part two to find out what happens.
    I would highly recommend getting this book , trust me you wont be able to put it down.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A solid start to an epic fantasy series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Tapasya is a good read. Well written characters and a solid story that keeps you interested throughout. Magic, monsters, ancient nemeses and a man without a memory - it has a great deal going for it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Andrew Robinson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Welll written 1st novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 December 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Set in a fictional land about struggles between powerfull forces, the story builds well and flows nicely with credible characters. The book is descriptive and has good use of language; its a 1st book, I would buy the authors next book.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Trudie Collins
    4.0 out of 5 stars a good first book in the series
    Reviewed in the United States on 24 December 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This is a good first book in the series. Although I personally prefer books to be a little faster paced, the flow is steady and consistent, there are no parts that are slow and tedious and it keeps a good momentum. Each character is unique and well thought out. They are well rounded and properly described without it going too far. New characters are introduced in a logical way, which enhances the storyline rather than interrupts it. Their interaction with each other is consistent and believable. The book changes point of view between the characters in a well-structured and easy to read manner.
    The background to the storyline is not thrown at you all at once. It comes out slowly as flashbacks, memories or by the characters telling their history. There is enough mystery to keep you intrigued without it becoming irritating. I particularly like the fact that the main character has lost his memory and slowly gets pieces of it back. The reader becomes more immersed in the story as they are learning things at the same time as Wist does.
    Overall this isn’t a ‘can’t put it down’ book but it is enjoyable to read, is well written and you look forward to finding out what happens next and what is really going on.
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  • Helen
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good fantasy novel
    Reviewed in Italy on 15 October 2017
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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  • susan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great story
    Reviewed in Australia on 27 June 2017
    Verified Purchase
    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!'
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  • Julie Whitley
    4.0 out of 5 stars Magic and revenge
    Reviewed in Canada on 27 June 2017
    Verified Purchase
    An interesting twist on magic as the story follows Wist and the companions he picks up on his journey. He must find himself In order to save his world from a dark, destructive power.
    Some typos and grammatical issues did not distract me long from wanting to find out what happens next.
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  • SlyBoots
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great epic fantasy!
    Reviewed in the United States on 4 May 2017
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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