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The Forsaken Wilderness
Ranibaug—a treacherous peak situated at the bridge between the lesser and greater Himalayas that has never been scaled by a mountaineering party; comparable in mystery to K2, Nanga Parbat, and Mount Kailash. Only the bare feet of sadhus and ascetics are said to have trod upon its rocks. A topographical survey team had embarked on a journey in the spring of 1971, never to return.
Now, a civil engineer decides against his better judgement to accompany Professor Chaturvedi, a mountaineer of some repute, and Shera, a Garhwali ex-guide, on this daunting trek that has been prescribed to them by a local astrologer as an act of pilgrimage to atone for their ongoing spiritual deterioration. They intend also to mark a rock at the summit where a temple is to be built. The engineer’s own reasons for journeying up the mountain however are only partly religious.
It is the prospect of venturing towards uncharted territory that propels him on this harrowing climb up non-navigable pathways, through impenetrable forests, past sights, sensations and phenomena that are entirely inexplicable, and that confound their onward ascent; their descent into madness slowly precipitated by the increase in altitude.
Forging ahead through abominable weather and starvation, they arrive at the discovery that a temple of immeasurable antiquity has already been built upon the mountaintop…or at least what appears to be a temple, it is closer in form though to an inexplicable archaeological ruin that does not appear to have been constructed by anything remotely resembling the hand of human civilization… possessing an architectural ingenuity far surpassing human intelligence.
Now, a civil engineer decides against his better judgement to accompany Professor Chaturvedi, a mountaineer of some repute, and Shera, a Garhwali ex-guide, on this daunting trek that has been prescribed to them by a local astrologer as an act of pilgrimage to atone for their ongoing spiritual deterioration. They intend also to mark a rock at the summit where a temple is to be built. The engineer’s own reasons for journeying up the mountain however are only partly religious.
It is the prospect of venturing towards uncharted territory that propels him on this harrowing climb up non-navigable pathways, through impenetrable forests, past sights, sensations and phenomena that are entirely inexplicable, and that confound their onward ascent; their descent into madness slowly precipitated by the increase in altitude.
Forging ahead through abominable weather and starvation, they arrive at the discovery that a temple of immeasurable antiquity has already been built upon the mountaintop…or at least what appears to be a temple, it is closer in form though to an inexplicable archaeological ruin that does not appear to have been constructed by anything remotely resembling the hand of human civilization… possessing an architectural ingenuity far surpassing human intelligence.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2023
5 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 1, 2023
"The Forsaken Wilderness" by Vivaan Shah is a thrilling adventure novel that takes the reader on a perilous journey up the treacherous peak of Ranibaug in the Himalayas. The story revolves around a civil engineer who accompanies Professor Chaturvedi, a mountaineer, and Shera, an ex-guide, on a pilgrimage to atone for their spiritual deterioration. Their mission is to build a temple on the mountaintop, but they soon discover that something far more mysterious and inexplicable awaits them.
The author's vivid descriptions of the landscape and environment surrounding Ranibaug are breathtaking and immersive. The reader is transported to the heart of the Himalayas, experiencing the harsh realities of the treacherous terrain, and the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The imagery is stunning and creates a vivid and immersive atmosphere, allowing the reader to fully engage with the story.
The characters in the novel are well-developed, and their motivations and desires are clearly established. The engineer's own reasons for undertaking the perilous climb up Ranibaug are complicated, adding depth and nuance to his character who bring their own unique perspectives and skills to the journey. The relationships between these characters are complex and nuanced, adding depth and richness to the story.
The plot of the book is well-crafted and full of surprises. The author does an excellent job of building suspense and keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The themes of spirituality, adventure, and the unknown are woven throughout the story, adding depth and meaning to the narrative.
Final Verdict:
This is a must-read for fans of adventure and mystery novels. The immersive setting, well-developed characters, and engaging plot make for a truly captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and thought-provoking read.
The author's vivid descriptions of the landscape and environment surrounding Ranibaug are breathtaking and immersive. The reader is transported to the heart of the Himalayas, experiencing the harsh realities of the treacherous terrain, and the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The imagery is stunning and creates a vivid and immersive atmosphere, allowing the reader to fully engage with the story.
The characters in the novel are well-developed, and their motivations and desires are clearly established. The engineer's own reasons for undertaking the perilous climb up Ranibaug are complicated, adding depth and nuance to his character who bring their own unique perspectives and skills to the journey. The relationships between these characters are complex and nuanced, adding depth and richness to the story.
The plot of the book is well-crafted and full of surprises. The author does an excellent job of building suspense and keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The themes of spirituality, adventure, and the unknown are woven throughout the story, adding depth and meaning to the narrative.
Final Verdict:
This is a must-read for fans of adventure and mystery novels. The immersive setting, well-developed characters, and engaging plot make for a truly captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and thought-provoking read.
May 7, 2023
“One man’s magic is another age’s science!”
What happens when the sermon of an astrologer propels a civil engineer, a professor, and a Garhwali ex-guide to embark on a journey towards the unknown lands of the mountains, a peak never set foot on before and tried to be explored by a team that made no return?
Certain books in the literary world are so powerful in their ability to initiate a substantial shift in the spiritual dynamics of your mind that they often leave you confused and disoriented in their wake. “The Forsaken Wilderness” is one such book that comes under that category for me.
Honestly, it took me a while and a lot of concentrated reading at the initial stages to get into the book as the author has a very unique and creative way of writing. There is a subtle classic touch to his writing style that proved to be both intriguing and a tad bit arduous at times. I enjoyed the descriptions of the journey and the trek. However, as the story started to take a turn towards the mystical aspects of belief and spiritualism, I found myself sucked into a vortex of overwhelming wonder and doubt, wonder because of the possibilities and doubt because of the more practical and logical part of my mind.
The possibility of what has been proposed in this book had me pondering a lot even after I turned the last page. Even though I could vividly imagine a greater part of the descriptive beauty in the book, I think I would have to go back to the book again to perceive some of the finer details in its actuality.
I would not really recommend this book to beginners because I feel like this would prove to be a bit difficult for them. However, if you are in any way interested in traveling and spiritualism, you can give this one a go.
What happens when the sermon of an astrologer propels a civil engineer, a professor, and a Garhwali ex-guide to embark on a journey towards the unknown lands of the mountains, a peak never set foot on before and tried to be explored by a team that made no return?
Certain books in the literary world are so powerful in their ability to initiate a substantial shift in the spiritual dynamics of your mind that they often leave you confused and disoriented in their wake. “The Forsaken Wilderness” is one such book that comes under that category for me.
Honestly, it took me a while and a lot of concentrated reading at the initial stages to get into the book as the author has a very unique and creative way of writing. There is a subtle classic touch to his writing style that proved to be both intriguing and a tad bit arduous at times. I enjoyed the descriptions of the journey and the trek. However, as the story started to take a turn towards the mystical aspects of belief and spiritualism, I found myself sucked into a vortex of overwhelming wonder and doubt, wonder because of the possibilities and doubt because of the more practical and logical part of my mind.
The possibility of what has been proposed in this book had me pondering a lot even after I turned the last page. Even though I could vividly imagine a greater part of the descriptive beauty in the book, I think I would have to go back to the book again to perceive some of the finer details in its actuality.
I would not really recommend this book to beginners because I feel like this would prove to be a bit difficult for them. However, if you are in any way interested in traveling and spiritualism, you can give this one a go.
March 14, 2023
The Forsaken Wilderness" by Vivaan Shah is a captivating story about a group of mountaineers who embark on a treacherous trek up Ranibaug, a peak in the Himalayas that has never been scaled by a mountaineering party. The story takes place in 1971 and follows the journey of a civil engineer, Professor Chaturvedi, and Shera, a Garhwali ex-guide, as they attempt to climb the peak to mark a rock at the summit where a temple is to be built.
The engineer's reasons for joining the expedition are not purely religious, but rather a desire to explore uncharted territory. The journey is fraught with danger and difficulty as they face non-navigable pathways, impenetrable forests, and abominable weather. As they ascend the mountain, they begin to experience inexplicable sights and sensations that slowly precipitate their descent into madness.
Despite their struggles, the group eventually reaches the summit, only to discover that a temple of immeasurable antiquity has already been built there. However, this temple is unlike anything they have ever seen before and appears to have been constructed by an intelligence far surpassing human capability.
"The Forsaken Wilderness" is a well-crafted and engaging tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author's descriptions of the mountain landscape and the challenges faced by the mountaineers are vivid and immersive. The mystery surrounding the temple adds an intriguing element to the story and keeps readers guessing until the end. Overall, "The Forsaken Wilderness" is a highly recommended read for those who enjoy adventure, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.
The engineer's reasons for joining the expedition are not purely religious, but rather a desire to explore uncharted territory. The journey is fraught with danger and difficulty as they face non-navigable pathways, impenetrable forests, and abominable weather. As they ascend the mountain, they begin to experience inexplicable sights and sensations that slowly precipitate their descent into madness.
Despite their struggles, the group eventually reaches the summit, only to discover that a temple of immeasurable antiquity has already been built there. However, this temple is unlike anything they have ever seen before and appears to have been constructed by an intelligence far surpassing human capability.
"The Forsaken Wilderness" is a well-crafted and engaging tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author's descriptions of the mountain landscape and the challenges faced by the mountaineers are vivid and immersive. The mystery surrounding the temple adds an intriguing element to the story and keeps readers guessing until the end. Overall, "The Forsaken Wilderness" is a highly recommended read for those who enjoy adventure, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.
April 8, 2023
The Forsaken Wilderness is a mysterious adventure expedition to Ranibaug mountain, a peak in the Himalayas, by a Civil Engineer, Professor Chaturvedi, and a Garhwali ex-guide to atone for their spiritual deterioration. They want to build a temple at the mountain summit but soon find out that something very enigmatic is awaiting them.
The author has skilfully weaved in spirituality, mythology, and the unknown in this amazingly written adventure story. The descriptions of the surroundings are very detailed and it makes the reader feel they are experiencing it all themselves. The details highlight the enormous research put into the book by the author. The reader is taken on a ride of the beauty and grandiosity of the mountain and the realities of the dangerous regions. The journey involved going through starvation, awful weather, and encounters with strange things. The writing is simply magical and haunting at the same time capturing the Himalayan terrain in its beauty as well as terror. A book that will surely keep you on the edge of your seats as the story ventures deeper into the mystical and unknown.
Overall, an engrossing and intriguing read. A must read for readers of mystery and adventure.
The author has skilfully weaved in spirituality, mythology, and the unknown in this amazingly written adventure story. The descriptions of the surroundings are very detailed and it makes the reader feel they are experiencing it all themselves. The details highlight the enormous research put into the book by the author. The reader is taken on a ride of the beauty and grandiosity of the mountain and the realities of the dangerous regions. The journey involved going through starvation, awful weather, and encounters with strange things. The writing is simply magical and haunting at the same time capturing the Himalayan terrain in its beauty as well as terror. A book that will surely keep you on the edge of your seats as the story ventures deeper into the mystical and unknown.
Overall, an engrossing and intriguing read. A must read for readers of mystery and adventure.
March 12, 2023
Professor Chaturvedi who runs a mountaineering institute in Uttarkashi is financially broken and is on the verge of closing down his mountaineering institute.
An astrologer tells him his problems will be solved if he can scale the mountain " Ranibhaug" which none had succeeded in scaling.
Whoever had attempted to scale that mountain, none of them returned. So he sets out on the journey along with a civil engineer and Shera who is an ex army personnel. The story is told from the perspective of the civil engineer who takes up this journey just to support the professor to come out of his financial woes.
However what awaits him are surprises at each turn where his beliefs about Professor are challenged. The whole journey becomes mysterious and its real motive becomes questionable. The narrative is made interesting with the description of the path towards the summit of Ranibhaug and the challenges the trio faces in dealing with them.
So if you love adventure books with a splash of thrill and spirituality you will enjoy this book.
An astrologer tells him his problems will be solved if he can scale the mountain " Ranibhaug" which none had succeeded in scaling.
Whoever had attempted to scale that mountain, none of them returned. So he sets out on the journey along with a civil engineer and Shera who is an ex army personnel. The story is told from the perspective of the civil engineer who takes up this journey just to support the professor to come out of his financial woes.
However what awaits him are surprises at each turn where his beliefs about Professor are challenged. The whole journey becomes mysterious and its real motive becomes questionable. The narrative is made interesting with the description of the path towards the summit of Ranibhaug and the challenges the trio faces in dealing with them.
So if you love adventure books with a splash of thrill and spirituality you will enjoy this book.
March 14, 2023
The suspenseful adventure book "The Forgotten Wilderness" by Vivaan Shah transports the reader on a risky expedition up the perilous peak of Ranibaug in the Himalayas. The protagonist of the narrative is a civil engineer who goes on a pilgrimage with Professor Chaturvedi, a climber, and Shera, a former guide, in order to atone for their spiritual decline. Their goal is to construct a temple on top of the mountain, but they quickly learn that something far more enigmatic and puzzling is in store for them.
The author paints a beautiful and engrossing picture of the surroundings of Ranibaug through his creative descriptions. The reader is taken to the heart of the Himalayas, where they encounter both the awe-inspiring grandeur of nature and the brutal realities of the dangerous terrain.
The book's plot is cleverly designed and entertaining. The author excels at creating tension and keeping the reader wondering right up to the very end. The storyline is given depth and meaning by the interwoven themes of spirituality, adventure, and the unknown.
The author paints a beautiful and engrossing picture of the surroundings of Ranibaug through his creative descriptions. The reader is taken to the heart of the Himalayas, where they encounter both the awe-inspiring grandeur of nature and the brutal realities of the dangerous terrain.
The book's plot is cleverly designed and entertaining. The author excels at creating tension and keeping the reader wondering right up to the very end. The storyline is given depth and meaning by the interwoven themes of spirituality, adventure, and the unknown.
March 16, 2023
The Forsaken Wilderness by Vivaan Shah is an extremely well written book. The book is an adventurous thrilling read.
The story spins around the journey of a civil engineer with Professor Chaturvedi and few more people who wanted to scale Ranibaug, the treacherous peak of Himalayas and aspired to mark a place at summit in order to build a temple there.
Will this be an easy journey?
Will they be able to reach the summit? Read this intriguing account to discover.
This is the first time I have read something on mountains and hills and I found it truly engrossing. The book is a quest beyond Himalayas. The author had depicted the journey in a very natural manner. The journey is not about walking in the clouds rather it depicts every moment of surprise, shock and despair in detail. The author balances the physical aspects of journey with the spiritual effortlessly.
On the whole, a page-turner which plunges into unknown and tries to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
The story spins around the journey of a civil engineer with Professor Chaturvedi and few more people who wanted to scale Ranibaug, the treacherous peak of Himalayas and aspired to mark a place at summit in order to build a temple there.
Will this be an easy journey?
Will they be able to reach the summit? Read this intriguing account to discover.
This is the first time I have read something on mountains and hills and I found it truly engrossing. The book is a quest beyond Himalayas. The author had depicted the journey in a very natural manner. The journey is not about walking in the clouds rather it depicts every moment of surprise, shock and despair in detail. The author balances the physical aspects of journey with the spiritual effortlessly.
On the whole, a page-turner which plunges into unknown and tries to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
March 18, 2023
At first I had to get used to the writing style. It’s nothing like I have read before. It’s certainly not a light read and demanded my full concentration with as little background disturbances as possible. That I have traveled in India for half a year helped enormously to understand the cultural aspects of the story. It’s bizarreness kept me reading on. Since I like philosophy, science, nature and adventure and these things are mixed into the story, I was captivated. What I don’t get is how the descend into the mountain, which is clearly the peak of the story, is brushed aside and not the focus point towards the end of the story. Instead we go back to the tree that ends up haunting the main character. I would expect more focus at the end on that experience of ‘flying through the universe?’ or whatever that was…Anyway, an unusual story. It will probably keep me thinking of it for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2023
Kept me hooked till the end.....
This novel will definitely hold you tight.. It has all the essence that can attract the readers. It has adventure, thrill and a dareing experience. Professor chaturvedi, a civil engineer along with shera. Plan to explore on a journey together towards the mountains that has difficult path and advised by an astrologer too,to Professor that if he scales the mountain Ranibaugh,that is not succeeded by any then his life's low points will decrease.
Layed down by amazing experiences through authors lenses, who take the readers into a wondrous trip.The cover of the book is perfect. The style of writing is crisp and active till the end. I appreciate authors way of narration. It can be read again.
This novel will definitely hold you tight.. It has all the essence that can attract the readers. It has adventure, thrill and a dareing experience. Professor chaturvedi, a civil engineer along with shera. Plan to explore on a journey together towards the mountains that has difficult path and advised by an astrologer too,to Professor that if he scales the mountain Ranibaugh,that is not succeeded by any then his life's low points will decrease.
Layed down by amazing experiences through authors lenses, who take the readers into a wondrous trip.The cover of the book is perfect. The style of writing is crisp and active till the end. I appreciate authors way of narration. It can be read again.
March 12, 2023
The Forsaken Wilderness,turned out to be my recent read I grabbed on.
A story which has immense adventure to be enjoyed by the reader. A picturesque narrative to give you a mind blowing reading experience.
Flawless style of narration and alluring expression made it a captivating read.
Three different people coming from totally different backgrounds join hands to explore the magnificent mountains of Ranibaug. What lays in the journey is worth experiencing by the reader in this narrative.
The plot and the characters make the bool an adventurous and mysterious one. Loved the style of narrative and use of words to make the content precise.
A story which has immense adventure to be enjoyed by the reader. A picturesque narrative to give you a mind blowing reading experience.
Flawless style of narration and alluring expression made it a captivating read.
Three different people coming from totally different backgrounds join hands to explore the magnificent mountains of Ranibaug. What lays in the journey is worth experiencing by the reader in this narrative.
The plot and the characters make the bool an adventurous and mysterious one. Loved the style of narrative and use of words to make the content precise.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews