Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 59
September 21, 2017
Scream and other urbane legends by Koshy.A.V- Review
Book Name - Scream and other urbane legendsAuthor - Koshy.A.VPublisher - Lifi PublicationsNumber of Pages -171Publishing Year -2017Edition -PaperbackPrice -225
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Rating : 3.5
My Review
When a poet writes a short story, the sentences will be brimful of poetic musings. The plot will have a music of its own. Scream and other urbane legends is a collection of short stories by a poet, which in turn are poetic.
All the stories have a shade of melancholy. A peep to the classic literature is a perk to the readers. Sandhya, 'Naseema and the bloodstone' and 'Yakshi who lived by the Periyar' were my favorite. The language is literary bliss for the readers.
The stories are mystical. The imagery is the icing on the cake. Being a Malayali myself, it is an endearing experiece to read stories with Kerala and Malayali culture and folk tales in the background. After a point, the deliberate attempt to squeeze in the poetry in prose seems tiresome. Some of the stories were mere fillers and did not fit in.
The book ends with a novella or micro novel to be precise and a brief poem. The novella had a shade of erotica, romance, and contemporary fiction. The poem is perfect and author has kept the best for the last.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
September 20, 2017
Chronux by Sagar Kamath
Book Name - ChronuxAuthor - Sagar KamathPublisher - Become ShakespearNumber of Pages - 462Publishing Year - 2017Edition - PaperbackPrice - 475
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Rating : 3.5
My Review
Mahabharata is an epic that was most interpreted in the fictional arena. There has been a surge of books from the view point of practically every character. Chronux is not a fictional adaptation of Mahabharata but it is an extension of the epic with a deeper insight.
The book cannot be counted as a mere fantasy book. The chronology, sociology, geography and geopolitical stands of the characters are derived from actual facts. For instance, from a few lines in Mahabharata about the solar eclipse, lunar eclipse and constellations, author has derived the time 3067 BC as the period when the stranger arrives, as it is, according to him, the period when Kurukshetra war took place and stranger is related to a major character in the same.
Likewise, the story leaps from decades to centuries. The plot is multidimensional, hence a detailed account of the happenings might end up as a spoiler. There is too much happening in the book that it is like an overloaded bud. Every passenger has to reach the destination but if some had opted for another one, it would have been a risk free trip. But everyone has to reach on time. Time is the protagonist.
This review is in return of a free book from the AUTHOR
About the author
Sagar Kamath teaches History and International Affairs at Symbiosis International University. With a Masters in History and Philosophy and over 9 years of experience in the teaching sector, he has lectured extensively on subjects ranging from global history to modern day geopolitics and specializes in issues of religion and politics. An avid storyteller, he has spent years researching humanity's intricate interplay with the natural world, and believes that events like World War II serve to highlight the best and the worst, we as a species are capable of......something amply reflected in this work. In his free time, he loves to explore 'off-the-beaten-track' locales that have a sense of mystique about them.
The Great Indian Bowel Movement by Piyush Jha
Book Name -The Great Indian Bowel MovementAuthor -Piyush JhaPublisher - Juggernaut BooksNumber of Pages - 33Publishing Year - 2017Edition - e-book
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Rating : 3.0
My Review
An election campaign. The candidates of ruling party and the opposition are competing among each other to provide the best toilet services to the people. There is a major plot for an interesting satire.
Even after the Swach Bharat Movement, the Great Indian Bowel Movement has the most relevance. The author's unbridled criticism of the political pseudo revolutionist shows is not lost on the readers. Author has also given an account of the Geo-political scenario between India and China. Author also takes a dig on the media for unduly blowing out of proportion anything and everything that comes their way.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
How it Began by Diksha Dwivedi- Review
Book Name - How it BeganAuthor -Diksha DwivediPublisher - Juggernaut BooksNumber of Pages -18Publishing Year -2017Edition - e-Book
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Rating : 3.5
My Review
How it began is a short story or rather mini story about how the Kargil war started. The book is the narration of a soldier's daughter. An excerpt from his diary notes tell us how the war started. What were the mistakes from our end and what situations led to the war.
We read in news papers about Kargil war but never had an idea as to how it exactly felt to fight for our country. The dilemma of soldiers in fighting under restraint is portrayed well. While I got involved into the book, the book ended.Never knew when it actually ended.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
About the author
Buy books from Juggernaut
Rating : 3.5
My Review
How it began is a short story or rather mini story about how the Kargil war started. The book is the narration of a soldier's daughter. An excerpt from his diary notes tell us how the war started. What were the mistakes from our end and what situations led to the war.
We read in news papers about Kargil war but never had an idea as to how it exactly felt to fight for our country. The dilemma of soldiers in fighting under restraint is portrayed well. While I got involved into the book, the book ended.Never knew when it actually ended.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
About the author
A Season for Dying by Sharmishta Shenoy
Book Name - A Season for DyingAuthor - Sharmishta ShenoyPublishing Year -2017Edition -PaperbackPrice - 105
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Rating : 4.0
My Review
The key element in a thriller is suspense. The deepest the secret lies the more interesting the story would be. Sharmishta Shenoy through her Vikram Rana mystery series brings forth some interesting tales of suspense, mystery,thrills and action.
Who is the psychopath after the lives of people? What is his motive? Will Vikram and Reddy succeed in finding the killer and prevent further murders.?
Authoress forces the readers to plunge into the world of violence, suspense , mystery ,love,friendship and revenge . The style of narration is engaging. The right amount of suspense is maintained without overdose of drama. What intrigues me is whether a private detective would be allowed to get sensitive evidence and be a part of discussion in the most controversial crime investigation. A few grammatical errors could not be ignored though it did not mellow down the level of suspense.
Overall the book is a great attempt from the authoress's part.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
September 19, 2017
If you never try, you will never know -Book Spotlight
IF YOU NEVER TRY, YOU WILL NEVER KNOWbySahil Mehta
Blurb
Robin, who gets inspired by his mother to become a musician, is forced by his father to pursue the education needed to join their family business. This compels him to leave home at the age of eighteen to follow his dreams. In few months of independent living, his over-ambitious dreams turn into an obsession, which gets even more intense when he falls into a drug addiction, and mysteriously unleashes a new side to his life.
During this journey, he meets Aisha. They talk, play and fall in love. Her exquisite beauty defines the melody of his musical journey as they both fall deep in love with each other. But Robin's obsession with his dream and a struggling career become an obstacle in their relationship. Is their love strong enough to overcome complexities?
During these tumultuous times, Robin's flat mate Jordan begins to motivate him to follow his heart. Jordan becomes his philosopher and guru but not for very long-what makes Robin lose trust in him? Discover how he finds a spiritual path after being disheartened during his struggle to achieve success.
Amidst the ups and downs in his career, love and life, find out what destiny holds for Robin. Will he find success in music industry or will he end up joining his father's business? Experience a thrilling story that will inspire you to believe in your love and dreams.
Grab your copy @Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Notion Press
About the author
Sahil Mehta was born and raised in India, and is currently living in the beautiful city of Seattle. Inspired by the power of words, emotions and various life experiences, he naturally gravitated towards writing. If You Never Try, You Will Never Know is his first book, and its story-line is influenced by his childhood dreams. Currently, he is working on a story, based on the characters and places he came across during his stay in the USA. Apart from writing, Sahil enjoys fitness-related activities and listening to music.
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September 17, 2017
Decoding Luxe by Mahul Brahma- Review
Book Name - Decoding LuxeAuthor - Mahul BrahmaPublisher - Srishti PublicationsNumber of Pages - 144Publishing Year -2017Edition - PaperbackPrice - 175
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Rating : 4.0
My Review
Luxury is a word that attracts attention of everyone irrespective of the caste, creed, class, nationality or any classifications. The term itself is relative. For one owning a two wheeler is luxury, for another, owning a four wheeler is one, for one sedan , for another SUV, for one mercedes for another Roll royce and so on and so forth goes the importance of luxury indulgence. Author Mahul Brahma, in his book Decoding Luxe, lays bare the intricacies of indulgence towards luxury.
Indian community has always been a mass that provide importance to price value. This in itself should be the marketing tactics of the brands, is what the author tells them. Most of the Indians think if they buy a particular item of a particular brand, would it be worth the price spent. Author has reinforced the point by an interesting example of the exclusivity of asking the mileage of cars while assessing its worth.
A major obstacle for the high-end brands is the counterfeit trouble. Counterfeits can be replica, first copy or fake. While most people especially the Great Indian Middle Class (GIMC) think that instead of waiting forever to buy these brands, they would prefer having first copies which are as good as the original. But author states the for an expert it is easily identifiable. Author strongly despises the practice since these counterfeits are a set back to the hard work of each person behind the original.
The book is an asset to the buyers as well as sellers. It tells the buyers about the purpose and also the inside out of the brands. It tells the sellers how to pitch in to the Indian market. If you are someone who keenly follows luxury brands and their designs and also someone who buys these regularly, you must definitely grab a copy.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
About the author
Mahul is an award-winning communicator, columnist and luxury commentator. For over a decade, he has held senior editorial positions with The Economic Times, India partner of New York Times and CNBC TV18. His debut film as a lead actor was screened at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. He is currently heading communications and branding in a Tata Group company.
Algorithm of future by Sandeep Sharma
Book Name - Algorithm of futureAuthor - Sandeep SharmaPublisher - Notion PressNumber of Pages - 200Publishing Year - 2017Edition -PaperbackPrice - 118
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Rating : 3.5
My Review
I would like to start the review with an apology to the author for shelving the book for six months and hats off to his immense patience. This has not influenced my reviews whatsoever. Fantasy is a tricky genre. It either mesmerizes the readers or bores them to death. There is no midway between these two scenarios. Algorithm of future lies in the former category.
The suspense elements are plenty and hence the major highlight of the book. Who is Akash Singh Rathore? What is the persona of Rahul? What is the connection of a flight crash with Rakesh's life? What is the geopolitical relevance of the book?
A lot can be speculated from the blurb and hence the suspense element remains afresh. The plot begins in a promising note, sure to hook the readers to the book. The narration is fast paced and hence never lagging. The incidents happen one after the other so fast that the curiosity compels us to go on and on with the book. Imagination is the key point in a fantasy book but it should be convincing. Author has succeeded in creating a conviction about his theory of fantasizing.
A little more detail could have been added about how Rakesh calculates the algorithm. The novelty of the subject is debatable. While the idea of predicting the future with mathematics sounds unique, the further development of the plot follows the formula of any other fantasy thriller. A round of proof reading was needed but we cannot blame the author for the same.
Overall the book is a fast paced easy read for the light fantasy thriller lovers.
This review is in return of a free book from the author
September 15, 2017
On India by Kshushwant Singh- Review
Book Name - On IndiaAuthor - Kshushwant SinghPublisher - Rupa PublicationsNumber of Pages - 141Publishing Year - 2017Edition - PaperbackPrice - 195
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Rating : 3.5
My Review
To review the book of a renowned, talented and great writer is an adventure in itself for a blogger. Going into the details of his literary prowess might sound absurd.Hence I am not delving much into the literary part. The book is a selection of writings by Kshushwant singh, compiled by his daughter Mala Dayal. There is an ideal that the author holds, that is discernible throughout the book.
After spending a better part of his life in Delhi, author finds seven reasons for his love for Delhi. He has seen the city prosper from the abode of deer, nilgais and wild boar, to the present metropolis, more so because his father Shobha Singh received the contract to build the South block, India Gate and much else. Even-though he could find more that seventy reasons to hate Delhi, he finds the seven reasons more than enough to love this mystic city. After Delhi, author introduces the readers to Bombay, Madras and Calcutta through his eyes. Author's pro- congress ideal starts to divulge from this chapter. Right from his difference in opinion about changing Bombay's name to Mumbai, the political inclinations becomes evident. Author has unambiguously expressed his hatred towards Calcutta(Kolkata)but the reasons have been reserved.
The chapter 'Going Gaga over Yoga' is completely dedicated to criticizing Swami Dhirendra Brahmachari and other yoga masters. In an intention to lay bare the exploitation in the name of yoga author has somewhat crossed the line, but India is a democracy and everyone has the right to opinion. Bara Mah is a novel attempt to translate Guru Nanak's poems. Other it might not be easy for a non-sikh to get hold of the same. The next three chapters Monsoon, Springtime and Festival for everyone are the celebrations of nature and literature.
Further writings compares the Indian and foreign standards in etiquette, cuisines, appearance etc. The chapters that explain how pseudo man gods have blinded the educated and sophisticated lot is an eye opener. Author's notes on juggernaut of Hindu fundamentalism would not go down well with many. He had conveniently avoided the topic of Muslim terrorism there but at another point he has mentioned an instance where he has raised his voice against Jarnail singh when he made hateful utterances about hindus but that was like a needle in the haystack compared to the other side of the coin.
Ms. Mala Dayal has done a good job in editing the book and collecting and categorizing the writings in a systematic and schematic fashion. She has ended the book on a hilarious note by adding a collection of jokes written by Author himself.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
About the author
Born in the village of Hadali in Punjab (now in Pakistan) in 1915, Khushwant Singh over the years had acquired an iconic stature. He is, arguably, India’s best-known and most widely read author, columnist and journalist. He was the founder-editor of Yojana and editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India, National Herald and the Hindustan Times. Over the past six decades, he has published several bestselling non-fiction and fiction titles, including Train to Pakistan, I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale and Delhi; his autobiography, Truth, Love and Little Malice; and the two-volume work, A History of the Sikhs. Khushwant Singh was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1986. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974 which he returned in 1984 to protest the siege of the Golden Temple by the Indian Army. In 2007, he was awarded India’s second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan. Singh passed away on 20 March 2014. He is survived by his son, Rahul Singh, daughter, Mala Dayal, and granddaughter, Naina Dayal. Mala Dayal is the author of Nanak: The Guru, The Story of Hanuman, The Story of Krishna and The Ramayana in Pictures. She is based in Delhi.
Soul Warrior Book Blast
★.•**•.★ Soul Warrior Book Blast ★.•**•.★ 15th to 17th September, 2017
The Age of Kali is a series of mythic fantasy novels by international bestselling novelist Falguni Kothari. The first book of the series, Soul Warrior, introduces readers to a fictional law-governed Cosmos made up of heavenly, demonic and human realms and its protagonist, Lord Karna, the legendary guardian of the Human Realm, who is coerced into training six godlings into demon hunters against a rising demon army. The series arc interlocks into a war of domination between the Light and Dark forces of the Cosmos and the race to control the one soul capable of total cosmic annihilation, demi-god Karna's and Draupadi's secret child.
Get Your Copy from AMAZON
Praise for Soul Warrior:
"A beautiful exploration of fantasy and mythology, Soul Warrior (The Age of Kali) is the latest release from Falguni Kothari and by any stretch of the imagination she’s delivered an awesome story. Rich, enchanting, evocative, she effortlessly blends an ancient Indian epic and South Asian mythology with grace and quiet elegance to create the canvas upon which her miraculous world finds form.... Beautifully written and enviably imaginative, Soul Warrior proves an exemplary example of Fantasy Fiction. Definitely deserving of your attention it is recommended without reservation!"
—Book Viral
"I loved the writing which... hit that nice spot between being evocative and descriptive and still keeping the story moving....It has a huge cast of fascinating characters, a deep and rich world and definitely something I’m interested in following."
—Fangs for Fantasy
"I loved the way Ms. Falguni has shown an eye for the details scattered throughout the novel.... Will I recommend this book? Oh yes, and be assured you will grab the next one too just to know more about the Soul Warrior."
—Global Asian Times
"The plot is intriguing, much in the tradition of a modern thriller.... Precisely sketched and nuanced with quirky detail, the characters enrich the story they inhabit.... The vibrant characters in the multi-hued setting are the stuff superhero animation films are made of. Soul Warrior engrosses and enthralls. A thumping good read, I would say."
—Of Prose and Poetry blog
Read an Excerpt:
SHUNYA: NOTHING AND EVERYTHING
Kuru Kshetra Battlefield.
Day 17 of the Great Kuru War, seven thousand five hundred years ago.
Death is hot.
That surprises me. I’d imagined death as cold and brutal. Merciless. But in truth, death is hot as blood, and constant like a heartbeat.
Thrum. Thrum. Thrum. My lifeblood ebbs to the rhythm. My head ripped from its torso by Anjalika, the arrow of death that burns even now with the energy of the sun. Struck from behind like some novice. Felled in battle by that lily-livered usurper the Heavens smile upon—Prince Arjun. Brother Arjun.
What have I done?
I harness the thought. Cease all reflection and wrench free of my mortal body. I soar up, up into the gloaming, snapping the ties that tether me to life. Dead, I have no use for ties.
“A matter of perspective, Karna, O son of my godsire.” The unearthly words strum through the air, and I quiver like a plucked bowstring, overcome as much by the voice as its blasphemous claim.
“Bonds of devotion nourish the soul, brother.”
There is that word again. Brother. Unpleasant laughter wells up in me. Alive, I am abandoned, denied my birthright—Celestial or royal. Death, it seems, changes everything.
A bright, nebulous light brings forth Lord Yama, the God of Death, atop his divine mount. His elephantine thighs ripple beneath a silken dhoti, ochre and crimson of color, as he guides the mammoth water buffalo to a halt. An iron medallion sways against the God’s powerful cerulean torso, its center stone an ethereal blood orange.
Hypnotic. Pulsing with life. I am drawn to the stone.
“Piteous waste,” Lord Yama mutters, surveying the carnage of war far below us.
I trace the trajectory of his gaze and behold the battered remains of my army drenched in the evidence of its mortality. Is it true? Have we died in vain?
Words form inside me and I will them out. “Shall we go, my lord?”
“Ha! Impatient to be judged, are you? Anxious to have your fate revealed?” asks the Judge of the Hell Realm. His red-black eyes burn with intelligence and compassion in a blue-tinged face that is long and lean and hard. “Rest easy, brother-warrior. You are not bound for the Great Courtroom.”
Not bound for Hell? Where then? Fear has eluded me for so long that I take a moment to recognize it.
A hollow-bellied feeling it is, as annoying as a bone stuck in my throat.
“My lord, I have done bad deeds…terrible deeds in my life. I have waged wars, this horrendous bloodshed, and all because my pride could not—would not abide rejection. I have sinned. I must atone for my actions.”
Lord Yama smiles in a way I do not like. “You have redeemed yourself admirably, Karna. You forfeited your life for the greater good today. The deed far outweighs any misguided ones. Be at peace, brother, and enjoy the fruits of your karma.”
There is but one place to enjoy such fruits—the Higher Worlds.
I’d rather burn in Hell for eternity. I say so. “I won’t live amongst the Celestials.” Coexisting with the very souls who’ve spurned me is unthinkable. Watching her—for she would surely reside in Heaven soon—will be eternal torture.
Yama shakes his head, the horns on his crown slashing to and fro. “I thought you might say that. Relax. Your destiny lies elsewhere.”
“Am I to be reborn then? Am I to begin a new life, and forget the past?” Pain, sharp as a blade, lances through me at the thought. Forget my past? My family? Even her? Was that my punishment? To forget all that made me human?
It must be so. For have I not betrayed them as surely as I’ve betrayed my prince regent?
“Human rebirth is not your destiny, either. You are chosen, brother. Your war skills are needed for a higher purpose.” The God slips off his mount, his garments rustling in agitation. “This unjust war has pushed the Cosmos to the vortex of a cataclysm. Tomorrow, the Kuru War will end. Fearing its outcome, the Celestials rolled the Die of Fate and have unwittingly bestowed on Demon Kali untold powers.” Lord Yama bares his fangs in disgust at the foolish gamble. “Imagine the havoc that asura and his minions will wreak on the weak if left unchecked. The Human Realm must be safeguarded during Kali’s dark reign.”
I can imagine the horror only too well as I have battled with evil all my life. But I am done with wars.
I am done with defeat. I won’t waste another lifetime fighting.
“With due respect, my lord, I am not the man for this task.”
“You are not a man at all,” Yama thunders, fists shaking. “You are the son of Surya, the Sun God. Accept that you are no ordinary soul.”
I say nothing. I think nothing. I feel something but I squash it down.
Lord Yama’s thick black brows draw together. “Demon Kali will try to pervade every particle of good that exists in the Cosmos, beginning with the corruptible Human Realm. Once he obliterates all of humanity, he’ll set his sights on the Celestials. Kali will not stop until he’s destroyed our way of life. But you can stop him. You are light to his darkness. Do you understand now why you had to betray him? Your beloved humans need you, Karna. I need you. Our father believes in you. Claim your rightful place in the Cosmos.”
Impatiently, Lord Yama removes the iron medallion from his neck and holds it out. The vermillion sunstone glows as if its soul is on fire. Nay! It is my soul that is on fire.
Indescribable energy curls through me. I gasp, though not in pain. I shudder and feel myself grow large, grow hot. Was this rebirth?
I am strong, full-bodied and lethal once more. Then I roar as light bursts forth from my very core and I throb with glorious, blinding power. When I come to myself, my world has changed again. Bubbles of color shimmer all around me: cobalt and saffron, azure and rose. By karma! They are souls. Infinite floating souls.
“Behold the spectrum of life: the worthy, the notorious, the righteous and the sinners.” The God of Death’s soul was a worthy sapphire blue with a tinge of silver. “Your duty, should you choose to accept the office of the Soul Warrior, is to hunt down the red-souled asuras and crush them. Whatever you decide, I wish you a long and successful Celestial existence, Karna,” Yama booms out and vanishes into the purpling sky.
The parley has stunned me. The world of color holds me in thrall. I was dead. Yet, now I am not. A new path lies before me. Unwanted, unwelcome, I insist on principle. I close my eyes. Open them to stare at the medallion cupped in my hand—a golden-hued hand at once familiar and not—and know myself for a fool. I do want this. It’s what I am.
Bastard-born. Rebel. Son. Husband. Father. Warlord. And protector. I fist the talisman, buoyed by its concrete warmth. This is who I am.
I am the Soul Warrior.
About the Author:
Falguni Kothari is a New York-based South Asian author and an amateur Latin and Ballroom dance silver medalist with a semi-professional background in Indian Classical dance. She’s published in India in contemporary romance with global e-book availability; Bootie and the Beast (Harlequin Mills and Boon) and It’s Your Move, Wordfreak! (Rupa & Co.), and launches a mythic fantasy series with Soul Warrior (The Age of Kali, #1)
I’m embarrassed to admit how many social media accounts I own :
Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Pinterest
');
The Age of Kali is a series of mythic fantasy novels by international bestselling novelist Falguni Kothari. The first book of the series, Soul Warrior, introduces readers to a fictional law-governed Cosmos made up of heavenly, demonic and human realms and its protagonist, Lord Karna, the legendary guardian of the Human Realm, who is coerced into training six godlings into demon hunters against a rising demon army. The series arc interlocks into a war of domination between the Light and Dark forces of the Cosmos and the race to control the one soul capable of total cosmic annihilation, demi-god Karna's and Draupadi's secret child.
Get Your Copy from AMAZON
Praise for Soul Warrior:
"A beautiful exploration of fantasy and mythology, Soul Warrior (The Age of Kali) is the latest release from Falguni Kothari and by any stretch of the imagination she’s delivered an awesome story. Rich, enchanting, evocative, she effortlessly blends an ancient Indian epic and South Asian mythology with grace and quiet elegance to create the canvas upon which her miraculous world finds form.... Beautifully written and enviably imaginative, Soul Warrior proves an exemplary example of Fantasy Fiction. Definitely deserving of your attention it is recommended without reservation!"
—Book Viral
"I loved the writing which... hit that nice spot between being evocative and descriptive and still keeping the story moving....It has a huge cast of fascinating characters, a deep and rich world and definitely something I’m interested in following."
—Fangs for Fantasy
"I loved the way Ms. Falguni has shown an eye for the details scattered throughout the novel.... Will I recommend this book? Oh yes, and be assured you will grab the next one too just to know more about the Soul Warrior."
—Global Asian Times
"The plot is intriguing, much in the tradition of a modern thriller.... Precisely sketched and nuanced with quirky detail, the characters enrich the story they inhabit.... The vibrant characters in the multi-hued setting are the stuff superhero animation films are made of. Soul Warrior engrosses and enthralls. A thumping good read, I would say."
—Of Prose and Poetry blog
Read an Excerpt:
SHUNYA: NOTHING AND EVERYTHING
Kuru Kshetra Battlefield.
Day 17 of the Great Kuru War, seven thousand five hundred years ago.
Death is hot.
That surprises me. I’d imagined death as cold and brutal. Merciless. But in truth, death is hot as blood, and constant like a heartbeat.
Thrum. Thrum. Thrum. My lifeblood ebbs to the rhythm. My head ripped from its torso by Anjalika, the arrow of death that burns even now with the energy of the sun. Struck from behind like some novice. Felled in battle by that lily-livered usurper the Heavens smile upon—Prince Arjun. Brother Arjun.
What have I done?
I harness the thought. Cease all reflection and wrench free of my mortal body. I soar up, up into the gloaming, snapping the ties that tether me to life. Dead, I have no use for ties.
“A matter of perspective, Karna, O son of my godsire.” The unearthly words strum through the air, and I quiver like a plucked bowstring, overcome as much by the voice as its blasphemous claim.
“Bonds of devotion nourish the soul, brother.”
There is that word again. Brother. Unpleasant laughter wells up in me. Alive, I am abandoned, denied my birthright—Celestial or royal. Death, it seems, changes everything.
A bright, nebulous light brings forth Lord Yama, the God of Death, atop his divine mount. His elephantine thighs ripple beneath a silken dhoti, ochre and crimson of color, as he guides the mammoth water buffalo to a halt. An iron medallion sways against the God’s powerful cerulean torso, its center stone an ethereal blood orange.
Hypnotic. Pulsing with life. I am drawn to the stone.
“Piteous waste,” Lord Yama mutters, surveying the carnage of war far below us.
I trace the trajectory of his gaze and behold the battered remains of my army drenched in the evidence of its mortality. Is it true? Have we died in vain?
Words form inside me and I will them out. “Shall we go, my lord?”
“Ha! Impatient to be judged, are you? Anxious to have your fate revealed?” asks the Judge of the Hell Realm. His red-black eyes burn with intelligence and compassion in a blue-tinged face that is long and lean and hard. “Rest easy, brother-warrior. You are not bound for the Great Courtroom.”
Not bound for Hell? Where then? Fear has eluded me for so long that I take a moment to recognize it.
A hollow-bellied feeling it is, as annoying as a bone stuck in my throat.
“My lord, I have done bad deeds…terrible deeds in my life. I have waged wars, this horrendous bloodshed, and all because my pride could not—would not abide rejection. I have sinned. I must atone for my actions.”
Lord Yama smiles in a way I do not like. “You have redeemed yourself admirably, Karna. You forfeited your life for the greater good today. The deed far outweighs any misguided ones. Be at peace, brother, and enjoy the fruits of your karma.”
There is but one place to enjoy such fruits—the Higher Worlds.
I’d rather burn in Hell for eternity. I say so. “I won’t live amongst the Celestials.” Coexisting with the very souls who’ve spurned me is unthinkable. Watching her—for she would surely reside in Heaven soon—will be eternal torture.
Yama shakes his head, the horns on his crown slashing to and fro. “I thought you might say that. Relax. Your destiny lies elsewhere.”
“Am I to be reborn then? Am I to begin a new life, and forget the past?” Pain, sharp as a blade, lances through me at the thought. Forget my past? My family? Even her? Was that my punishment? To forget all that made me human?
It must be so. For have I not betrayed them as surely as I’ve betrayed my prince regent?
“Human rebirth is not your destiny, either. You are chosen, brother. Your war skills are needed for a higher purpose.” The God slips off his mount, his garments rustling in agitation. “This unjust war has pushed the Cosmos to the vortex of a cataclysm. Tomorrow, the Kuru War will end. Fearing its outcome, the Celestials rolled the Die of Fate and have unwittingly bestowed on Demon Kali untold powers.” Lord Yama bares his fangs in disgust at the foolish gamble. “Imagine the havoc that asura and his minions will wreak on the weak if left unchecked. The Human Realm must be safeguarded during Kali’s dark reign.”
I can imagine the horror only too well as I have battled with evil all my life. But I am done with wars.
I am done with defeat. I won’t waste another lifetime fighting.
“With due respect, my lord, I am not the man for this task.”
“You are not a man at all,” Yama thunders, fists shaking. “You are the son of Surya, the Sun God. Accept that you are no ordinary soul.”
I say nothing. I think nothing. I feel something but I squash it down.
Lord Yama’s thick black brows draw together. “Demon Kali will try to pervade every particle of good that exists in the Cosmos, beginning with the corruptible Human Realm. Once he obliterates all of humanity, he’ll set his sights on the Celestials. Kali will not stop until he’s destroyed our way of life. But you can stop him. You are light to his darkness. Do you understand now why you had to betray him? Your beloved humans need you, Karna. I need you. Our father believes in you. Claim your rightful place in the Cosmos.”
Impatiently, Lord Yama removes the iron medallion from his neck and holds it out. The vermillion sunstone glows as if its soul is on fire. Nay! It is my soul that is on fire.
Indescribable energy curls through me. I gasp, though not in pain. I shudder and feel myself grow large, grow hot. Was this rebirth?
I am strong, full-bodied and lethal once more. Then I roar as light bursts forth from my very core and I throb with glorious, blinding power. When I come to myself, my world has changed again. Bubbles of color shimmer all around me: cobalt and saffron, azure and rose. By karma! They are souls. Infinite floating souls.
“Behold the spectrum of life: the worthy, the notorious, the righteous and the sinners.” The God of Death’s soul was a worthy sapphire blue with a tinge of silver. “Your duty, should you choose to accept the office of the Soul Warrior, is to hunt down the red-souled asuras and crush them. Whatever you decide, I wish you a long and successful Celestial existence, Karna,” Yama booms out and vanishes into the purpling sky.
The parley has stunned me. The world of color holds me in thrall. I was dead. Yet, now I am not. A new path lies before me. Unwanted, unwelcome, I insist on principle. I close my eyes. Open them to stare at the medallion cupped in my hand—a golden-hued hand at once familiar and not—and know myself for a fool. I do want this. It’s what I am.
Bastard-born. Rebel. Son. Husband. Father. Warlord. And protector. I fist the talisman, buoyed by its concrete warmth. This is who I am.
I am the Soul Warrior.
About the Author:
Falguni Kothari is a New York-based South Asian author and an amateur Latin and Ballroom dance silver medalist with a semi-professional background in Indian Classical dance. She’s published in India in contemporary romance with global e-book availability; Bootie and the Beast (Harlequin Mills and Boon) and It’s Your Move, Wordfreak! (Rupa & Co.), and launches a mythic fantasy series with Soul Warrior (The Age of Kali, #1)
I’m embarrassed to admit how many social media accounts I own :
Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Pinterest
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