Book Review: Shakuni – Master of the Game by Ashutosh Nadkar

Title: Shakuni – Master of the Game

Author: Ashutosh Nadkar

Publisher: Juggernaut

Ashutosh Nadkar’s ‘Shakuni – Master of the Game’ is a retelling of the Mahabharata from the perspective of one of the important antagonists, Shakuni. The novel explores the circumstances that made him one of the greatest villains in Indian mythology.

It is always exciting to know the backstory of an otherwise neglected character in an established myth. In this case it is Shakuni. The crown prince of Gandhara, Shakuni is often credited as the mastermind behind the Great War of Kurukshetra. He was considered the greatest illusionist of that era, second only to Lord Krishna. But is he really the bad guy? Or is he a man who has been wronged and only tries to punish the wrong-doer? In this book, Nadkar gives voice to a hitherto misunderstood, and supposedly vile, character

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Personally, I never thought about this side of the narration that Nadkar has put forth. I’ve always thought of Shakuni as evil and I’m sure so have many others. This book shows otherwise. We mustn’t forget that every coin has two sides. So does every incident. Upon reading the book, I found that Shakuni has a lot of redeeming qualities. It not only diminished the negativity associated with him but also evoked in me sympathy for him.

That Nadkar knows the Mahabharata well is obvious in his treatment of his characters, both important and inconspicuous. He keeps true to the original story and only changes the point of view of the telling.

For Nadkar, Shakuni is tragic rather than evil. He lets the latter raise certain questions in the novel— why all his schemes are seen as treachery even today while Kaurava adviser Vidura’s are considered ethical strategies and Pandava tactician Krishna’s are regarded divine play. Shakuni asks himself and the reader: “Was I the vilest of villains in that epic story?”

However, the book reads like a lengthy explanation by Shakuni. True, he has been wronged. But in this retelling the writer doesn’t let him shoulder any responsibility of his actions. Shakuni is shown to be doing the bidding of fate. In doing justice to this misunderstood character, Nadkar overlooks the fact that Shakuni did exact his revenge using his cunning. But he also lets Shakuni acknowledge the biggest mistake of his life: that he did not condemn Duryodhana’s behaviour with Draupadi after the game of dice. Nadkar lets Shakuni end his life on a philosophical note.

A passionate re-telling of the timeless Mahabharata and the literary characters it produced.

Ashutosh Nadkar is originally from Madhya Pradesh. He has been active in print, television and web journalism for the past two decades. He is currently working with the Network18 group as an associate editor.

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I'd like to thank the publisher for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading!

* I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in, Twitter

Book Review: A Broken Sun by Aditya Iyengar

Title: A Broken Sun

Author: Aditya Iyengar

Publisher: Rupa

Aditya Iyengar’s ‘Á Broken Sun’ takes up the thread of the story where he had left it off — two years ago — in the prequel to this book, ‘The Thirteenth Day.’ This new book is the second installment of a proposed trilogy.

In Iyengar’s version of the great epic, the characters are no demigods and there’s nothing fantastical about the story. He has successfully humanized these superheroes of yore and dragged them down from their pedestals. With this, grief; regret; and loneliness form the backdrop of the greatest Indian family’s internal rivalry as thousands are slayed at the battle field and still thousands await their execution.

The story opens with Arjuna lamenting the death of his young son and steeling his nerves for what is to come. As the story progresses, Yudhishthira can be seen trying to keep his family from falling apart. On the other hand, Guru Drona and Radheya are desperately trying to bring the war to an end. Bhisma, no longer wishing to be called thus, realizes that all he is worth now is giving out blessings.

Iyengar writes beautifully and one can see the way his writing has blossomed over the years. He has successfully written an evocative novel that captures the uncertain, unmoored feelings of people fighting for their rights. The way Arjuna tries to come to terms with the death of his son, with the help of the latter’s ethereal presence, this story is also about seeking hope and finding beauty even in one’s darkest hours.

Poignant and intense, Iyengar’s version of the Great War is powerful and thought provoking just as the original. I’m certainly looking forward to reading the last installment from him. 

Aditya Iyengar writes novels, screenplays, poetry and advertising copy. His previous books include The Thirteenth Day and Palace of Assassins. He enjoys writing mythological and historical fiction, and epic fantasy novels.

He divides his time between Delhi and Mumbai.

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I'd like to thank the publisher for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 

* I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in, Rupa

Cover Reveal: The Vengeance of Indra by Shatrujeet Nath

~ Cover Reveal ~

The Vengeance of Indra 

(VikramadityaVeergatha #3)

by Shatrujeet Nath

VENGEANCE IS A CAGE

FORGIVENESS IS FREEDOM

In their greed to possess the deadly Halahala, the devas and the asuras have employed every dirty trick against Vikramaditya and his Council of Nine. But the humans are still standing, bloodied but unbowed.

When the wily Shukracharya discovers the secret to breaking the Council’s strength and unity, he forges an unlikely alliance with his arch-enemy, Indra, to set a deceitful plan in motion.

As cracks emerge between the councilors and their king, ghosts from the past threaten to ruin Vikramaditya and Kalidasa’s friendship, signaling the beginning of an eclipse that will cast a long shadow over all that Vikramaditya holds dear. And into this shadow steps Indra, bearing an old grudge — and a devastating new weapon.

How much longer before the Guardians of the Halahala finally fall apart?

Other Books in the Series:

 

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About the Author:

Shatrujeet Nath is the creator of the runaway national bestseller series VikramadityaVeergatha, a four-book mytho-fantasy arc which includes The Guardians of the Halahala, The Conspiracy at Meru and The Vengeance of Indra. Described as “a new face to Indian mythology” by DNA, Shatrujeet writes for movies and web shows as well. He is also the author of The Karachi Deception, an Indo-Pak spy thriller.

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Book Review: Tree Bears Witness by Sharath Komarraju

Title: Tree Bears Witness

Author: Sharath Komarraju

Publisher: Westland

Sharath Komarraju’s ‘Tree Bears Witness’ is the second book in the Birbal Mystery series. However, this novel easily stands alone without the first-time reader of the series having to worry about missing out on the first book.

Set in the golden age of the Mughals, the novel revolves around the royal court of Agra. There’s political intrigue, personal enmities, and hidden rivalries and everyone is a suspect until proven otherwise in the court of Akbar the Great.

The plot is set with the royal marriage having taken place and Akbar returning to his palace with his newly wedded wife and princess of the Rajput Empire, Jodha. She has brought with her a royal retinue. The days should have followed in celebrations but sadly Sujjamal, Jodha’s brother, is found murdered in the palace gardens. The murder has taken place at a spot between two mango trees in a garden and the two guards, who are eyewitnesses, have conflicting versions of what could have happened. With his honour and reputation at stake, Akbar asks his trusted advisor Birbal to solve the mystery.

Nicely edged characters, perfectly choreographed events, and clipped narration make this otherwise linear plot a good read, interesting even. This whodunit never becomes boring and the reader would definitely follow Birbal’s investigation with bated breath until he draws the curtain on the probe at the end of the novel. There are times when it becomes evident who the culprit may be. But at the end it doesn’t matter much because the execution of the investigation itself is interesting to follow.

Komarraju has managed a perfect novel for lovers of classic mysteries who’d like to watch a clever and introspective detective solve a tricky puzzle.

Sharath Komarraju is an author of fiction and nonfiction based in Bengaluru, India. His best known work (to date) is the Hastinapur series, in which he speaks into the silences of the Mahabharata story through the voices of the epic’s many women characters. His first novel, Murder in Amaravati, was longlisted for the Commonwealth Book Prize, 2013.

Once a software engineer, he now tells stories full-time. When he is not writing or reading, he can be found watching cricket on television, talking to his wife, or munching on the nearest chocolate bar.

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I'd like to thank the publisher for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading!

* I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in

Release Day Blitz: Avishi by Saiswaroopa Iyer

~ Release Day Blitz ~

Avishi by Saiswaroopa Iyer

12th August, 2017

Long before the times of Draupadi and Sita

Immortalised in the hymns of the Rig Veda

But largely forgotten to the memory of India

Is the Warrior Queen with an iron leg, Vishpala

Brought up in the pristine forest school of Naimisha, Avishi reaches the republic of Ashtagani in search of her destiny. When Khela, the oppressive King of the neighbouringVrishabhavati begins to overwhelm and invade Ashtagani, Avishi rises to protect her settlement. But peril pursues her everywhere.

Separated from her love, her settlement broken, with a brutal injury needing amputation of her leg, can Avishi overcome Khela?

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Read an Excerpt

“I am the Queen! This will be my throne!” The seven-year-old chirped leaping from the middle of the porch towards the broken mortar which served as a mock throne. “You will be my guard!”

“Guard?” the man pondered scratching his unkempt beard. 

“No.” He shook his head and smiled seeing her indignant eyes. “I will be the Queen’s elephant.” He beamed.

Sukratu stepped out of the house to see his daughter in action, perching herself on the tramp Loha’s back, pretending in all earnestness that he was her elephant. He smiled and was about to set out for his duty as the night guard of the King. A sudden lightning appeared in the eastern skies. Sukratu had barely walked a few paces when a deafening thunder made him instinctively turn towards home. He heaved a sigh, finding Loha shielding the girl as if he would, his own child. 

“Father, don’t go.” The girl pleaded. 

Sukratu smiled and shifted his gaze towards the sky. He saw dark clouds loom over the city. The monsoon winds had started to make their presence felt. He had to reach the palace soon. “Isn’t my little Queen brave?” He called out. 

The girl nodded. He saw the fear fade. From her eyes. From her heart. She knew she was the queen! Pride filled his heart. His mind ached to stay home but duty beckoned. Tearing his gaze away from the one he treasured the most in his life, braving the drizzle that would soon turn into a storm, he unwillingly walked towards the King’s residence. Sukratu’s house was in the third ring of the concentric structure of Vrishabhavati. In the centre, was the structure, that served as the residence of the king and as the centre of all trade activity of the city. Here no wealth or goods could change hands without the king’s knowledge and approval. The residences of the noblemen formed the two rings around it. The guards and soldiers forming the outermost circle with the citizens living around them. 

As per the protocol, Sukratu approached General Ugra’s residence quite ahead of his reporting time— an hour before the moonrise. He walked into the empty courtyard. But the rain made it impossible for him to stand there any longer. He knocked at the giant wooden door fervently. The doors creaked as a strange woman clad in a dark indigo garment opened them and glared at him with a frown on her forehead. 

General Ugra, Sukratu knew was never faithful to one woman. His superior’s romantic exploits were not his concern either. But something about the woman at the door disconcerted him. “Please let General Ugra know that…”

“He has already left for the palace!” The woman frowned before attempting to shut the door. 

“What? How ca…” Sukratu’s words hung in air as the door slammed on his face and the woman disappeared from his line of vision all of a sudden. Something did not feel right. He knocked at the door again. Firmly this time, as though seeking answers. Any change in the reporting time would have been announced the day before and he remembered that nothing of the sort had happened. His knocks went unanswered. Frowning and muttering under his breath, Sukratu hurried towards an empty cowshed three houses away from Ugra’s place hoping to catch his companions who he knew would be equally surprised. 

The first to arrive was Khela, the eighteen-year-old guard, holding a metal shield above his head. The newest addition to the King’s guard, Khela was related to General Ugra and Sukratu felt that his position in the King’s guard was largely a result of undue favours that Ugra showered upon an otherwise impudent boy. 

“Sukratu! By the great Varuna, I should have come to you earlier!” Khela hurried towards him. Pausing for breath, he added. “Our platoon has been given a relief tonight! It was a sudden decision and I personally informed all the others.”

“Relief for tonight? That happens only when…”

“Our guarding hours change from night to day!” Khela completed in a hurry. “Now, come with me.” He turned towards the western direction and the javelin he held started to sway dangerously and came close to grazing Sukratu’sarm. 

The older guard’s instincts made him dodge the cut. “Where?” Sukratu hissed, visibly annoyed, first with the fact that he was kept in dark about the change in guarding hours and then about Khela’s irreverent behaviour. “And watch who your weapon hurts, boy.”

Khela shrugged and changed the position of his weapon. “We are now going to the place.” He winked, stretching his hand in the direction. “Follow me, this is the only night we get to have some fun.”

Sukratu did not move. The place he knew implied the tavern where wine was served. “We cannot drink tonight, Khela. When do we have to report tomorrow? By sunrise?”

“You ask too many questions. The rest of us are there too!”

“That does not answer my question.” 

“Well, I don’t know, and I don’t care to. The palace is paying for the wine. Are you coming or not?” 

The last sentence sounded more like a threat than an invite. Sukratu had all the mind to give the youth a piece of his mind and storm back home. His daughter would be overjoyed to see him before she went to sleep. It gnawed at Sukratu’s heart every day to leave her under the care of Loha— the tramp who had begged him for shelter about six months ago and then became a part of his life. The girl liked him instantly and had begged Sukratu to let Loha live with them and he, despite his misgivings about the tramp’s origins and his unkempt appearance, could not refuse his only daughter. Over time, Sukratu felt grateful for Loha’s company. Now his daughter did not have to be all by herself every night. The guard’s home would have been unguarded if not for that stranger. Sukratu brushed aside these thoughts and had almost decided to go home when the thought of meeting other senior guards and clarifying the confusion struck him. He followed Khela’s lead, making no attempt to hide his displeasure. 

When they reached the tavern, Sukratu to his dismay, found many of his brothers in arms deeply drunk. “When did they reach here and when did they…”

“Quite some time before. I just forgot to tell you in advance!”

Sukratu’s eyes scrutinized the men and women of the tavern who were serving wine to the guards. There were no other citizens or travellers in the tavern. 

“Just for us, the whole night!” Khela said as if reading his thoughts, bringing him an earthen goblet. 

The older guard accepted the goblet taking his first sip with a sense of foreboding. 

“Where were you all the time, old friend?” The voice belonged to Tunga one of the senior guards in the platoon. 

The grin on his friend’s face brought a smile to Sukratu’s lips. “Tunga, what is this about the sudden change in our guarding hours?” 

“The King… that imbecile, has finally remembered that we are human too!” Tunga guffawed, emptying his goblet, waving vigorously at a woman of the tavern who obliged with a seductive wink. 

She approached them, skilfully distributing her attention between both the men, winking at Tunga and pouting her lips at Sukratu. Her brows rose at Sukratu’s filled cup. “Don’t keep the Sura nor this Sundari waiting, my love...” Serving Tunga his wine, she placed her fingers upon Sukratu’s shoulders, digging her nails into his skin for a moment locking her gaze with his and turned around swiftly, letting her light upper garment rest on his face for a fleeting moment. 

It was a wilful invitation and Sukratu knew it. His attention though was caught by the colour of the garment. The Indigo hued garment! All the women of the tavern wore clothes of the same colour. So did the woman he saw in General Ugra’s house! Was Ugra at home while the woman lied that he was at the palace? If the General and the whole platoon of the night guard were lying down drunk, who was minding the security of the King? Sukratu looked at the rest of the guards. No one seemed sober enough to talk. The only sober man Khela had disappeared!

“By the great Varuna!” Sukratu exclaimed aloud and rushed out, pushing the woman who tried to stop him away. 

He raced to the King’s residence, as fast as his legs could carry him. The huge wooden gates of the structure were closed and secured from inside. The rain lashed drowning his cries. Misgivings regarding the King’s welfare made him shudder. He had to meet General Ugra. Something told him that the General had his own reasons to send the whole platoon of guards to enjoy a drunk night. He was a guard who had sworn to protect the King with his life. The general owed him an answer. Sukratu rushed to General Ugra’s house determined to confront him. 

That, Sukratu realized was the biggest mistake of his life. 

At the gates of the general’s residence he saw a familiar figure hurrying out of his house, a heavy bundle on his shoulders. “General Ugra!” he called out, feeling relieved. 

The figure started, and the bundle fell to the ground. Sukratu came to a sudden halt as he realized it wasn’t a bundle after all, but a blood-drenched corpse. A stroke of lightning from the sky revealed the face and the very familiar greying curls. Sukratu froze for a long moment before he could speak.

 “K... King...”

Something hit him on the head even before he could utter the name. Sukratu staggered, reeling at the impact, clutching at his long sword in a vain attempt to defend the next move. 

“Finish him!” The General shout behind him. 

Before he turned around, Sukratu felt the cold metal tear into his back. Lightning struck revealing the contours of the person. Khela! The javelin stabbed him again. Thunder drowned his screams. Falling to the ground with the weapon still stuck to his back, Sukratu lifted his sword and managed to slash Khela’s palm though the latter, unlike him was vigilant and alert. Crawling away from the menacing duo, knowing very well that he could not last more than a few moments, Sukratu’s thoughts, went to his innocent daughter. She would now languish as an orphan remaining in dark about the monsters who killed her father. Or would they kill her too?

Sukratu would never know. 

About the Author:

Saiswaroopa is an IITian and a former investment analyst turned author. Her keen interest in ancient Indian history, literature and culture made her take to writing. Her debut novel Abhaya, set in the times of Mahabharata was published in 2015. Avishi, her second novel set in Vedic India explores the legend of India’s first mentioned female warrior queen Vishpala.

She holds a certificate in Puranas from Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. She is also trained in Carnatic Classical music and has won a state level gold medal from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. 

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Book Blast: Vishwamitra by Dr Vineet Aggarwal

Vishwamitra by Dr. Vineet Aggarwal

Indian Mythological Fiction

~ Book Blitz ~

11^th August, 2017

When Satyavati, wife of Rishi Ruchik, exchanges with her mother the magic potion for bearing a child, they change not just their children’s destiny, but also the history of mankind. Born of this mix up is Vishwamitra, the son of a Kshatriya, who strives to become a Brahmarishi—the ultimate and most powerful of all Gurus.

Vishwamitra is the powerful story of a brave but stubborn, haughty yet compassionate, visionary king of Aryavarta who not only acquires material wealth through military conquests but also becomes one of the most well-known sages of all times.

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5 lesser known facts about Vishwamitra

Almost everyone would have heard the name of Vishwamitra and some may even know of his dalliance with Menaka, or the role he played in the Ramayan but even those who are familiar with his name, may not know these five things about him:

1. Vishwamitra was born a Kshatriya prince and he reached the status of Brahmarishi, the highest possible rank for a Brahmin only through his tremendous effort!
2. He is the discoverer of the Gayatri Mantra that is spoken by millions of Hindus even today all over the globe! 
3. He is associated with two major Avatars of Lord Vishnu - Parshuram, the 6th incarnation was his grand-nephew while he himself became the Guru of Shri Raam, the 7th incarnation.
4. Vishwamitra’s daughter Shakuntala gave birth to Bharat, the King who gave India its official name – Bhaarat.
5. He is credited with the remarkable feat of creating actual star systems purely on the basis of his mystical powers & the stars he created can still be seen in the southern hemisphere as the Crux. 

About the Author

Dr. Vineet Aggarwal is described by many as a doctor by qualification, manager by profession and artist by temperament. Born in a family of doctors, he successfully completed an initial stint with the family occupation before deciding to venture into pharmaceutical management and currently pursues writing and photography as a passion.

He is the author of popular online blogs ‘Decode Hindu Mythology’ and ‘Fraternity Against Terrorism and Extremism’ and the author of books ‘Vishwamitra – The Man who dared to challenge the Gods’ and ‘The Legend of Parshu-Raam’

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Book Review: The Matsya Curse by Shweta Taneja

Title: The Matsya Curse

Author: Shweta Taneja

Publisher: HarperCollins

Review

The Matsya Curse is the second novel in Shweta Taneja’s ‘Anantya Tantrist Mystery’ series. Anantya, the sassy detective, is back with her personal brand of swagger and ruthlessness. As is her norm, she solves supernatural crimes at night, sleeps during the day, and roams through a world filled with tantric concepts and beings from Indian mythology and folklore. While hurling colourful expletives and having casual sex — with not just humans — Anantya fights like a hurricane and she’s a force to reckon with.

The book opens with Anantya waking up in her bed in her forlorn haveli with a vinaat, a supernatural being. How she got there unfolds in breakneck flashbacks told in the cadences and vocabulary of the tantrist herself. Within the next few pages we find her in a five-star hotel where she is summoned to oversee a case. Unfortunately, the case in question is way beyond her expertise. She finds herself helpless and before her very eyes a nishada melts to death. On the same night an ancient demonologist is murdered.

Anantya follows a non-existent trail on to the streets of Delhi and Banaras with her friends Inspector Madhu and Shukra. Armed with septifocals, yugma locket, blade and a plethora of mantras, she takes it upon herself to rescue the Nishadas who have been downgraded to the category of pashus (read unintelligent pets) by the Tantrik Association. She also has to bring Neel, her ex boyfriend, to his senses who is back from the dead and wants to kill her.

Shweta has crafted a world of some damaged yet lively characters whose idiosyncrasies lead them to collide and ricochet as the story progresses. Savage tantriks, corrupt officials, a medley of assorted supernatural beings, a few hapless civilians and some spineless gods mix it up in New Delhi. However, her supernatural world has started to uncannily resemble the world of the famous Men In Black series with sups being given human identities and permission to live in the city. This wasn’t there in the first installment and hence Shweta’s supernatural Delhi had come across as a fresh idea. I think, it would have added to the novelty of this series if she had kept it the way it was initially and I would have admired her ingenuity even more. Other than this, I liked the way the story progressed.

Substantial, three-dimensional characterization is Shweta’s strongest suit. Be it the protagonists  or the minor characters, everyone is crafted with utmost care so much so that even after the stories end, the characters live on with the readers for a long time. One such character is Shukra who happens to be my favourite. He reminds me of Hank Mccoy (Beast) from the X-men series and Bruce Banner (Hulk). There’s an unspoken sexual tension between him and Anantya which draws out potently the vulnerable side of Shukra. They perfectly contrast each other and through their characters, and those of the others, Shweta questions societal notions of gender constructs, class, and class.

By turns grim and giddy, this is a good read and I’m as usual looking forward to reading the next novel from the author’s kitty. 

Buy Link

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About the Author

Shweta Taneja is a bestselling author based in Bangalore. She’s been a Charles Wallace India Writing Fellow, a roadie for an amateur band, a volunteer for a tree festival and a cashier at a play. Her ambition is to writes stories that challenge preconceived notions and prejudices. To attain it, she regularly drinks Makaibari tea, hogs on popular occult books and shows and asks all sorts of unseemly questions to ghosts, half-dead plants and recently, drongos. 

The Matsya Curse is the second of the Anantya Tantrist mysteries. The first one, Cult of Chaos (2014), has found a cult following owing to its name. Her other novels include How to Steal a Ghost @Manipal (2016) and The Ghost Hunters of Kurseong (2013). She has also written two graphic novels: The Skull Rosary (2013) which was shortlisted for Best Writer Award at Comic Con India and Krishna: Defender of Dharma (2012) which is part of CBSE’s must-read list for a reason she can’t fathom.

I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 

* I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in 

Cover Reveal: Avishi by Saiswaroopa Iyer

~ Cover Reveal ~

Avishi by Saiswaroopa Iyer

12th July, 2017

Long before the times of Draupadi and Sita

Immortalised in the hymns of the Rig Veda

But largely forgotten to the memory of India

Is the Warrior Queen with an iron leg, Vishpala

Brought up in the pristine forest school of Naimisha, Avishi reaches the republic of Ashtagani in search of her destiny. When Khela, the oppressive King of the neighbouring Vrishabhavati begins to overwhelm and invade Ashtagani, Avishi rises to protect her settlement. But peril pursues her everywhere.

Separated from her love, her settlement broken, with a brutal injury needing amputation of her leg, can Avishi overcome Khela?

About the Author:

Saiswaroopa is an IITian and a former investment analyst turned author. Her keen interest in ancient Indian history, literature and culture made her take to writing. Her debut novel Abhaya, set in the times of Mahabharata was published in 2015. Avishi, her second novel set in Vedic India explores the legend of India’s first mentioned female warrior queen Vishpala.

She holds a certificate in Puranas from Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. She is also trained in Carnatic Classical music and has won a state level gold medal from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. 

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Book Review: 7 Secrets Of Shiva by Devdutt Pattanaik

Title: 7 Secrets Of Shiva

Author: Devdutt Pattanaik

Publisher: Westland

Review:

As the title suggests, ‘7 Secrets of Shiva’ by Devdutt Pattanaik deals with the myths and legends related to the god of gods, Shiva. The book includes some oft-told tales retold with verve and outfitted with resplendent images plus a healthy dose of some lesser known facts as well. Divided into seven chapters, this book is easy to comprehend minus religious overtures. This book seeks to bridge the gap between the popular believes stemming from the Western understanding of Hinduism and the actual reasons that form the basis of our religion.

The first chapter examines the meaning of ‘linga’ and the real reason why it came to be worshiped in the first place thus setting a conversational and informative tone for the chapters to follow. The succeeding pages focus on the lord’s violent disdain, his compassion, his connection with the world through his sons. The book culminates with the lord taking up the position of the wise teacher. Each chapter has something new to offer with abundant and well researched information. The book goes on to explain the different anomalies and conflicts in beliefs, as well as the symbolism, rituals and reasons behind Hindu worship. Over 100 striking photographs and drawings illustrate the well-organized and comprehensive text.

Beautifully printed and assembled, informative and accurate, but not at all difficult to read, this is an outstanding reference for those interested in mythology.

Buy Link:

Amazon

About the Author:

Dr Devdutt Pattanaik is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology and also management. He is former chief belief officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers. He writes a column for the newspaper Mid-Day.

I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading!

* I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in

Book Review: The Conspiracy At Meru by Shatrujeet Nath

Title: The Conspiracy At Meru

Author: Shatrujeet Nath

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Review:

Not every book in a series is awaited with bated breath by readers. Especially not those that don’t live up to the promise of the initial installment(s). While writing a series, the mistake that most writers make is that for the furtherance of their story, they either tone down the first installment while planning mostly for the next ones. If not, after having written the first book, they flounder. Obviously, the second book falls way back in its deliverance — particularly if the series was an afterthought. Fortunately for us, Shatrujeet Nath made no such mistake. The pro that he is, Nath has given his readers only the very best from his caddy.

This latest installment in the Vikramaditya Veergatha series picks up the story so far told     seamlessly. There’s no hiccup and it’s more like turning the next chapter albeit a year and a half later. (Not for me though. I read both the books back to back. Lucky me!)

The deadly Halahala weapon — created from the same poison that Lord Shiva had swallowed during the churning of the Ocean of Milk — still lies with its guardian Vikramaditya, a mortal chosen by the Lord himself. The battle between humans, Devas and Asuras has left Vikramaditya’s kingdom weakened and vulnerable. Moreover, both Indra and Shukracharya are not yet done in their quest for the deadly weapon. Amidst all this chaos the kingdoms of Magadha and Heheya present another set of complication for the protagonist. Not one to step down, Vikramadithya and his council of nine go around helping with damage control. They try to gather support, heal the wounded, and train the samsaptakas. 

But not all is grim and bloody. There’s a chance for a sweet love story to blossom amidst the bloodshed. It almost comes as a relief between the ongoing tensions. The best thing is that this relationship between Vikramaditya and his lady doesn’t seem fabricated. It’s not the writer’s desperate attempt at holding the reader’s interest. Love can, and does, bloom at the most unexpected of circumstances.

Nath keeps Vikramaditya busy falling in love with Vishakha, battling the evil Asuras, keeping the Devas at bay, and still finding the courage to counter Shoorasena and Satyaveda’s agenda in this romp that rivals masters of the genre for inventive, magical storytelling. The story zips along with thrilling and action packed scenes, culminating in the perfect stage for the next adventure in a brand new book.

Newcomers to the series will race back to the first volume and eagerly await a third installment.  

Buy Link:

Amazon

About the Author:

Door-to-door salesman, copywriter, business journalist and assistant editor at the Economic Times, Shatrujeet Nath was all this before he took to writing fiction full-time. He debuted with the Karachi Deception in 2013, followed by the Guardians of the Halahala and the Conspiracy at Meru, the first two books in the Vikramaditya series. At present, he is writing volume three of the series. Shatrujeet lives in Mumbai, but spends much of his time in the fantasy worlds of his stories. He can also be found at facebook.com/Shatrujeet Nath.

I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 

* I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in

Book Review: The Guardians Of The Halahala by Shatrujeet Nath

Title: The Guardians Of The Halahala

Author: Shatrujeet Nath

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Review:

In the first installment of a proposed trilogy, Shatrujeet Nath weaves a fabulous tapestry of myth and legend by bringing together two of the oft told stories relating to Lord Shiva and king Vikramaditya. The two stories that I’m referring to include the legend of how Lord Shiva came to be the Neelkanth and king Vikramaditya’s association with the pichasa, Vetaal. As children we all got to hear these two stories.

So what makes Nath’s story stand out? How does he connect two very different stories to make one? ‘The Guardians of the Halahala’ links two legends wherein Lord Shiva hands over a dagger containing a minute portion of the deadly poison Halahala to Vikramaditya for safekeeping. Halahala, as we already know, was churned out of the White Ocean by devas and asuras in the wake of finding the immortal elixir of life, Amrita. It was a potent poison with the capacity to annihilate even gods and demons. To save the universe from a pathetic end, Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat. Thus far the story is almost known to us. What we don’t know and which Nath fabricates for furthering his plot is that a minute portion of the poison remains in the custody of humans. Here is when Vikramaditya comes into the equation.  

These storylines are not as separate as I am making them sound—in fact, one of the most distinctive things about Nath’s yarn is how it fuses these independent stories as though they are feeding into and from each other. Then there are a few subplots. Of Hunas and Shakas invading the Indian soil. Of internal strife between kings and vassals. A lot happens within the pages of this book. It is a page-turner indeed.

It has everything going for it—prose that beautifully encapsulates both the fantastic and the historic; deft storytelling that folds and combines myth, and legend into one; and a strong focus on relationships between devas, asuras and humans. In addition: a thrilling plot that holds the promise of delivering a wonderful series.

I can only imagine how far high Shatrujeet Nath will inevitably fly within the mythology field in the coming years and I will most definitely be there to follow it.

Buy Link:

Amazon

Flipkart

About the Author:

Door-to-door salesman, copywriter, business journalist and assistant editor at the Economic Times, Shatrujeet Nath was all this before he took to writing fiction full-time. He debuted with the Karachi Deception in 2013, followed by the Guardians of the Halahala and the Conspiracy at Meru, the first two books in the Vikramaditya series. At present, he is writing volume three of the series. Shatrujeet lives in Mumbai, but spends much of his time in the fantasy worlds of his stories. He can also be found at facebook.com/Shatrujeet Nath.

I'd like to thank the author for letting me review his book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading!

* I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in