The Other Castle
Ule lives as an ex-convict among her people, a race of trans-dimensional worldbuilders known as the Xiinisi. Tired of feeling like an outsider, she withdraws into a world of her own making, unaware that she’s embarking on a journey of self-discovery and profound transformations of body, mind, and spirit that will see her evolve from an unlikable, impetuous young being into someone—and something—far beyond what anyone could have ever imagined…
A Xiinisi Trilogy: Book Two
In the sequel to The Forgotten Gemstone…
Having regained her memories, Ule embraces her Xiinisi-assigned role: watching over the world of Elish and its demons. Living covertly as an Elishian at Sondshor Castle, she’s happily married and recently promoted to Adept Scribe. Then on the eve of a historic election promising to usher in a new era, she’s poisoned.
Her life shattered, Ule deathmorphs into an unfamiliar form—a male Elishian—and is forced to start anew as Ulmain. Grieving, Ulmain investigates his own murder, unraveling the castle’s secrets, from political intrigue to a fabled treasure. But the deeper he delves, the more he learns that true nature, no matter how well hidden, eventually reveals itself.
True nature is impossible to hide.
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Reader Reviews
Like the first one, I found this book very enjoyable. Daven’s writing has matured, and the weird science-fantasy premise of her world continues to bear tasty fruit. The Conclusion had one of those ‘You figure it out about 10 pages before it’s revealed in the text’ sort of moments that I think are the most satisfying for a Mystery and as the second book in what is now a Trilogy it did it’s most important Job, leaving me wanting more of these characters and this world. I’ll be intrigued to see what happens next.
—Wise Owl, Goodreads Review
This one made it difficult to believe it was only Daven’s second book. The plot was a little hard to keep track of at first, and then fell into place masterfully. The characters were interesting and captivating, the magic system was convoluted yet logical, and the book built carefully upon the mythos of the first installment. World building is a tough gig for a fantasy writer, and a series about world builders across multiple worlds must be exponentially tougher, but Daven appears to navigate the issue with ease.
—Cameron S. Currie, author of Shiv and My Name’s Not Girl
The Other Castle caught me completely by surprise with the unexpected turn of events that were executed exquisitely! Lots of mystery and intrigue along with some of the most intense scenes that kept me riveted. Superb ending that left me wanting more, can’t wait for the last book in the trilogy The Starry Rise to be completed. Awesome book!!!
—Cheryl Lewis, Amazon Review
This followup to The Forgotten Gemstone is just as original and challenging as the first Xiinisi book. This series defies comparison to other books. (Like Walter Jon Williams meets Jack Vance?) Highly recommended and I’m looking forward to The Starry Rise!
—Gary Russell, Amazon Review