Ashwatthama's Redemption: The Rise of Dandak | Book Review

Ashwatthama’s Redemption: The Rise of Dandak

Author: Gunjan Porwal

Pages: 264

Publisher: Om Books International

‘Ashwatthama’s Redemption’ by Gunjan Porwal is a mythological fiction set over a hundred years after the Mahabharata War when all was going well and people were leading a peaceful life when all of a sudden there were signs (sudden deaths and suspicious things) that were leading to a suspicion in the minds of the rulers of the neighbouring kingdoms. To know the matter in detail the rulers decide to meet the knowledgeable sages of the neighbouring kingdoms to clear their doubts which finally leads them to the conclusion that there is definitely some unknown power that is waiting to rise but on further investigation and with the guidance of the sage it becomes clear that it is none other than the Dandak, an ancient power that is rising. So to stop the resurrection of the powerful demon king Dandak and his army King Vikram approaches Ashwatthama to tell him the facts and sets out with Ashwatthama to see Guru Apasmitra and consult on the resurrection of Dandak which leads them to the Lord Rama’s long lost bow ‘Kodanda’. Soon the trio (King Vikram, Prince Rana and Ashwatthama) set out on a perilous journey to obtains Lord Rama’s bow which is the only way to stop the demon king Dandak. But it is not an easy journey and they yet have to face many supernatural powers and demons on their way which makes their journey all the more dangerous and impossible. Will the trio be successful in getting the long lost bow of Lord Rama and will they be able to get of all the difficulties that lie ahead. To know more read ‘Ashwatthama’s Redmeption: The Rise of Dandak’.

My Views:

‘Ashwatthama’s Redemption’ is a story that will set the readers on an adventure with the characters. Loved the writing style of the author, the writing speed is perfect it is neither too fast nor too slow. The author has done an excellent job of preserving the details of the Kurukshetra war along with the essence of its original characters. The historical accuracy is maintained throughout the plot and there is a plot twist at every page which would keep the reader’s at edge throughout the book. The descriptive writing style of the author would make the whole story run in front of the readers as if a movie is being played. The action sequences or the adventurous journey that the characters are set on or even the old tales of the past the author has done an excellent job of describing them and at the same time creates an eagerness about what’s happening next.

The characters are well developed. Our protagonist Ashwatthama is on the path of recovery and with most of his curse diluted he is still struggling to regain his warrior status, the guilt that he still carries for the actions of his past, his battle warfare  with the supernatural are shown perfectly. The readers would get to read a love story between Urmila and Prince Rana. The demons Raktavija and Vidyut are also described well and their loyalty towards their master Dandak is also shown excellently.

The author has also added the original Shlokas from the Mahabharata which gives it is a more epic feeling. To describe the overall experience while reading the novel I like to add that it is truly a gripping novel and the readers will not be disappointed to pick this one up. Eagerly waiting for the sequel.  Overall, Ashwatthama’s Redemption is a true masterpiece which the readers will surely enjoy.

My Rating: 5/5

Disclaimer: This book was sent to be by the author in return for my honest views.