Shiva trilogy by Amish Tripathi

SPOILER ALERT !!!

The first impression that I had was that this trilogy might comprise of a story of an individual having some divine powers. How, by using such magical powers, he might have done wonders. He might have already known what's going to happen just because he was almighty. But I was wrong. 

This is a story of a man who knows no such magic. The only thing he knows is bravery and courage. He has feelings. He loves his tribe and can do anything and everything for them. The countless wars he has fought for them have made him intelligent enough to design a major battle formation. In fact, the war between Meluha and Swadweep (in the first part) was delight to read. It is his character, valor  ideology and realization that makes Shiva a living God.

The Immortals of Meluha: (Review written in mid September 2013)

The story so far is pretty straight. There are no parallel plots running. The entire plot just revolves around Shiva. Story gradually unfolds mysteries and histories. Although this is the first "series" novel that I m reading, yet I found the end pretty abrupt, I mean it ended amidst a scene! It was not like Harry Potter where a single novel has one complete start, mid and an end (information based on movie series). It is rather one straight story divided in three parts.

Some characters are strong. For instance, you can sometimes predict what Paravteshwar might say during a conversation. And Bingo! if author mentions the same later !

Besides all this, how author related somethings scientifically is commendable. Amish quite brilliantly explained the effect of Somras on the oxidants being produced by the reaction of Oxygen with the food we eat. He covinced me on how our ancestors might have lived longer. During the discussion of "green leaf" between Shiva and Vasudeva, he made an amalgum of Science and philosophy quite good !

The Secret of Nagas: (Review written in September 2013 end)

Here I am, done with the second book. And hallelujah ! Amish seems to have achieved another level in his narration style. Parallel plots are in! Although not as captivating and nail biting as that in Dan Brown's, yet a level much farther from his previous one.

It is brilliance of Amish's work that he managed to reveal many secrets producing some more to be unvieled. At least the size of his next book promises the same !

One thing that I found a bit difficult was to get in hold with the characters. There are far too many now. There were also some parts in the story which I found difficult to digest. As in, one of the reason of Shiva's visit to Branga was to curb the pendamic disease it's citizens were suffering from. Having Ayurvati by his side he could have gotten to the roots of this disease. Launching a full fledged attack on a bandit, who happened to know how medicine was made, could have come next.

One thing I love about the Amish's novels is the description Amish gives about ancient India. It feels as if I am travelling with Shiva's voyage through Kashi and even Sundarbans. It's also really thrilling to know that cities like Kashi are actually 4000 years old ! Whatever it is now but my country for sure has a rich history and culture.

The Oath of Vayuputras: (Review written in October starting)

Finally completed all three books. The last one carry forwarded the legacy quite good. All wars fought and secrets revealed. 

One thing I have become fond of Amish's writing is that he quite brilliantly explains practical possibilities of some Hindu myths. It was quite practical explanation of why people think Ganga generates from Shiva's locks. The looks of Ganesh and Kali were convincing too.

I didn't like how the story took a u-turn after Sati's death. Everyone turned out to be good and happily accepted their fate. Even Bhrigu, who was earlier eager enough to go against Lord Rudra's rule and used Daivi Astras to save Somras, changed on single violation of Lord Rama's rule.

Nevertheless, overall story was strong. Looking forward to unadulterated version of Mahabharata which he has promised to write.

One fact that I learnt from all the three novels was regarding good and evil. Overuse of good might make it next great evil. Take overpopulation as an example. Sometimes thinking about this I wonder if religion, in current circumstances, also has come into evil's scope?

* * * * *