Book Review: The Indus Challenge
Book: The
Indus Challenge
Author: R.
Durgadoss
Genre:
Fiction (Mythology/History)
Publisher:
Rupa Publications
Pages: 324
Price: 250
Blurb:
Bharat is in
chaos. While the kingdoms fight each other, Alexander’s forces gather for the
assault, their leader lured by tales of supernatural weapons and the elixir of
immortality. Only one man can save the subcontinent from domination by the
Greeks: the young Chandragupta Maurya, trained under the aegis of the ‘dark
Brahmin’, Chanakya.
When an
ancient seal is found, sharing the secrets of the brahmastra, the redoubtable
weapon of the Mahabharata, it is up to Rudra, young commander of the Mauryan
Nava Yuva Sena and lifelong friend and confidante of Chandragupta, to decode
it. Along with his fellow commandos and with the able guidance of his guru,
Rudra embarks on a quest that takes him from the snowy peaks of the Himalayas
to the seas of Rameshwaram, hunting the clues that will lead him to the
brahmastra. On the way, he meets the Chiranjivis, ancient beings tasked with
divine duties and learns the secrets behind his own birth and his mysterious
powers.
But Rudra
must be careful, for not all enemies were dispersed with the death of the
mighty Alexander. Treachery lurks in the home and when Rudra is framed for the
attempted murder of his sovereign, he must pull every trick at his disposal to
reveal the enemy and save his kingdom from plunging, once more, into bloodshed
and chaos.
A
historical, mythological adventure story, The Indus Challenge is sure to appeal
to readers interested in the storied past of India and the legends woven into
its soil.
REVIEW
The story of "The Indus Challenge" is quite different from other mythology based stories that I came across till now. Personally I found it quite fascinating. The point of view in "The Indus Challenge" is mostly first person. This point of view is limited and reliable, proven by the fact that each of the narrators is only able to access their own thoughts and feelings. We get to hear the story of Chandragupta's coming to power through various point of views. We hear the story of Alexander through the voice of Hellen which was of course mixed with her personal feelings and ideologies. In this manner the author beautifully infused life in the characters.
The story revolves round the protagonist Rudra and narrates the adventures and misadventures of his second life. he was cursed by his guru in his first life and according to the curse he will be taking nine births and in each of them he will meet his end at the age of 30. So this story is about his 2nd birth. He is the commander-in-chief of Chandragupta's Nava Yuva Sena and a man of utmost importance. He saved the emperor's life innumerable times both from outside forces and from treacheries in home. But he could not save himself from his fate and succumb to death at an early age.
Overall the story is quite an engaging read.
Disclaimer:
I received a free e-copy of the book from the author in return of my review. I
have NOT received any monetary compensation for the same.
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