A(NU) Thought

Book : Shakuni – Master of the game Author : Ashutosh Nadkar Publication: Juggernaut Who defines the righteous? Who decides what is good and what is not? Who determines that one set of perspective is the right way of living while the other isn’t? We have been fed over the centuries that Ram was the virtuous, while Ravana’s path not good enough to be followed; just as we believe that Pandavas won the Mahabharata because God supported them, no wonder Kauravas were destined to lose. We believe what we have been told again and again, over the years. How open would you be to accept the culprit as the victim in any of these epic tales?

Book : The Code Of Manavas (Maha Vishnu Trilogy – Part 1) Author : Arpit Bakshi Publication: Rupa Publications The Code Of Manavas authored by Arpit Bakshi and published by Rupa Publications is a blend of sci-fi and mythology. My tip to the readers (of this book) this that keep aside all your presumption of Lord Krishna as described in mythology, past, present and future and look at this book with a fresh perspective. The plot is set in the era which is 2 million years after 2050 AD, which is the Swarnim yug. As per several mythology texts, this cycle of 4 yugs will repeat itself and the world will begin and be destroyed in every cycle. This story is set in one of such cycles, somewhere into the extreme future but borrowed heavily from the past.

Book : The Peshwa -  War of the Deceivers Author : Ram Sivasankaran Publication: Westland  After the gripping The Peshwa - The Lion and the Stallion , Ram Sivasankaran brings to us another historical blockbuster, The Peshwa - War of the Deceivers. This book builds upon the story of the first book but with erstwhile Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath Bhat's son, Peshwa Bajirao Bhat at the helm. The story has been narrated beautifully with gripping tales of valour, courage and deceit. It is also enveloped by the saga of the simmering ever-continuing rivalry between the Mughals, and Marathas with The Nizam baying for Maratha's blood. 

Book: The Mahabharata Code   Author: Karthik KB Rao Publisher: Notion Press They say do not judge a book by its cover, well it does turn out to be true in case of most books.  Well, if the same fact is applicable for The Mahabharata Code, read on to find out ;) The book, as mentioned, is the first person narration of the story which primarily revolves around author’s fascination of Lord Krishna and the significant role that he has played in Mahabharata. The protagonist Narayan Rao, as NASA scientist is sent to another planet which has shown signs of life. 

Book: The Indus Challenge Author: R. Durgadoss Publisher: Rupa Publications India The first thing that demands attention is the cover of the book. It’s intriguing! Then comes the blurb of the book, which also makes you feel that this is going to be an interesting journey. A journey of a rare blend of mythology, history and present-day fiction. The story is spread over centuries giving you a glimpse of various eras however, the most intriguing part is that of the segment of Alexander and Chandragupta, which contributes the maximum in the story. The story has lot of interesting  elements, such as there's an angle of reincarnation, ancient seal that unearths the long lost mystery . It is the author’s deep-rooted passion for Indian mythology, history and philosophy that has resulted into a well-researched and well-thought series. It can be a good addition to your library, especially if you a lover of mythological and historical fiction.  My rating: ...

The greatest villain of our legends, burnt down every year, reduced to ashes again and again, only to rise anew. His is a cycle of death and rebirth that never ends, a legend that refuses to die. And there is a reason for that. The tale of Rāvan still screams to be told, to break free of the falsehoods that have buried his truth. But in the vastness of our myths, there are bits and pieces of his legend scattered all around, leading us to the truth of what could well be the greatest unsolved mystery of all time.  The truth of Rāvan’s life, and his death by a God in mortal flesh.

Book : The Peshwa:  The Lion and  The Stallion Author : Ram Sivsankaran Publication :  Westland If this is the debut book, I have to admit, it doesn’t read like one. The book is an amazing read. Where was he all these years with this amazing story telling talent?  The book is based on the life of Bajirao Bhat, his learnings, his fights, his experiments, his love and his relationships with his father, wife, his loyal subordinates, et al.  So, here’s what I liked about the book. The cover is extremely fascinating and intriguing. The narration is flawless and so is the characterisation. You can actually picture the person or the scene or the event that is taking place, as it is being described by the author.