It is not every day you get a chance to
review a book before it gets officially released and I’m very pleased to
announce that I got one such chance. So here comes , the first official review
of the book!
Sharikrida , is a book authored by Krishna
Trilok and published by Zuna Publishers. The book is set in the future where
monarchy and kingdoms rule India ( now called Vehya ) again.
Btw don’t worry, this review is Spoiler
Free!
The basic plot is that there are six
kingdoms which rule the vehya subcontinent and the supreme ruler is chosen by a
game of Sharikrida , a live action chess and strategy game. There is also a
running thread about King Bharin Shah of the North fighting for justice against
the evil supreme ruler Kesara Gaderia and his evil Shvagnin / Chessmaster .
As you can see , the book conjures up its
own world effectively. The author has put in great effort constructing this fantastical
realm so comprehensively that you want more stories from this world. Trilok
should make a Trilogy!
Things which impressed me about the book especially
were :-
1) Original
fantasy elements steeped in Indian mythology tapping into our rich culture
2) The
author’s English which is impeccable and beautiful. I love it that he hasn’t
try to dumb down his language.
3) The
way he describes food. I had to constantly reach for snacks when he started
describing lamb delicacies.
All the characters are well etched and the
action set pieces were very thrilling. I felt that the book kept building its
world and moving its story at an amazing pace. However , after it reached it
feverish pitch and ultimate peak I felt that the sudden back story plateaued it
a bit and made us think – which leads you to predict the twists.
That tiny complaint apart , this is an
excellent book. I honestly think that the beginning portions were India’s
answer to Game of Thrones ( a much leaner and focused version ) and the author
has amazing potential to reach greater heights if he is ready to leave the safe
road and start attacking ( like one of his characters said)
The book deals with governance and morality
boldly and King Bharin Shah especially delivers a lot of noteworthy quotes. The
implied Gender Equality in the book was beautiful to read too.
All in all , a wonderful book which you
must read if you like fantasy or action or politics or thrill or just a
different story. I also must say , I love the godfatheresque turn the book took
and its ultimate ending. It was like there was always something up the book’s
sleeve.
Loved the book!
Verdict : Read it. 4/5
You can pre order from December 22nd!
Very well reviewed Samyuktha! The book obviously catered for many tastes. It should do well!
ReplyDeleteHank
Thank you hank :)
DeleteHello Samyuktha, I'd definitely be picking up the book for reading. Also, the post about FB and its impersonalisation has been a long point with me. That said, would you be amenable to reading and reviewing a collection of short stories? Author Sharat Kumar has a collection of short stories coming out this time in January. In each of the 13 stories, uncovers the New Age woman and the chemistry between men and women in contemporary India. Whether spinning a yarn about an Army romance, or the affection between two divorcees; Kumar holds a mirror to how sparks fly.
ReplyDeleteIf you're interested, I'd love to provide a PDF of the upcoming book to be reviewed in your particular fun, free and fearless way. Just ping me back at the email address hritvick.dv(@)gmail dot com.
Cheers, and keep blogging.
Hritvick
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ReplyDelete