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Aushij, Lord of Maya, was tricked into a prison of dreams many millennia ago by his siblings for causing chaos in the cosmos. But his power is so great that he still causes tremors in the world with his deceptions, and needs to be crushed. Arihant is the answer. A young warrior with divine powers, he is visualized by the universe as both Taarak – Saviour and Vinaashak–Destroyer.
Jaal is Arihant’s journey across lands and mindscapes– from innocence to experience, as he harnesses his faculties to perceive enemies both temporal and illusory. Dealing with Gods and Serpents, politics and obstacles, he must come to terms with the dizzying unfolding of his purpose and potential. Armed with merely a dagger and a staff, he confronts dangers with dexterity. Ultimately, he is looking for answers to the web of self and identity.
Jaal is Arihant’s journey across lands and mindscapes– from innocence to experience, as he harnesses his faculties to perceive enemies both temporal and illusory. Dealing with Gods and Serpents, politics and obstacles, he must come to terms with the dizzying unfolding of his purpose and potential. Armed with merely a dagger and a staff, he confronts dangers with dexterity. Ultimately, he is looking for answers to the web of self and identity.
468 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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July 4, 2012
Legend has it that the Adi Shakti (Primal Energy) and the Adi Deva (Spirit of the Universe), in the Dance of Creation, bore the celestial quartet called The Chaturaanan. Each was entrusted with a divine task and they worked in relative harmony for many eons.
But one day, at the beginning of the fourth Sandhyakaal of the current Manvantar ; the third sibling, the devious Maya (also going by the name, Aushij, the God of delusion, went rogue. In the true tradition of ego-maniacal deviants, he believed that Maya alone was needed for moulding the universe.
His understandably ticked-off kin, at the behest of their mother, tried to bring their errant brother under control. What ensued was a battle that almost destroyed the universe. But truth prevailed (at least momentarily) and Aushij was vanquished. Mocking his core power, the good guys imprisoned him in a prison of dreams, amidst endless delusions, hallucinations and nightmares.
But the three vanquishers knew that their infinitely brilliant brother would not stay in his formless prison forever. One day, he would rise, in all his fulminating glory.
And so they planted an antidote...a seed of an idea....a super-being who would come into existence for the singular purpose of battling Maya.
Centuries of trial and error passed and finally The Devnaampriya (Beloved of the Gods) came into existence. He took the form of a humble, austere-faced young man with grey eyes called Arihant.
Jaal (The Kaal Trilogy #1) is the story of how a young lad comes to terms with his terrifying purpose in life. It is the tale of Arihant’s growth : mental, physical, spiritual and transcendental. It is the first peek into the life of a teenager who morphs into a potentially deadly weapon of destruction
------------------------------------------------------------------
Kudos to perseverance. My perseverance, that is. If, after the first twenty-odd pages, I would have thrown my hands up in the time-honoured gesture of exasperation (and believe me, you would be tempted too)....I would have missed out on an engaging story.
Q: Why did I have the gnawing need to abandon this book as soon as I had started it?
A: Adjectives. A whole Mothership of adjectives littering each and every page. If I had to wade through one more paragraph of limpid streams and soot-grey wings and sandal scented baths and obsidian like torsos and venomous green lights...I would have gnashed my teeth and relegated the book to the back of my ‘abandoned-halfway-in-sheer-frustration’ shelf.
But ah, perseverance....I salute thee. Thanks to your insistent nudge, I carried on.
And shining in a mire of adjectives was an almost perfect tale.
Who doesn’t like a “Chosen One”?
Who doesn’t rub their hands with glee at the prospect of a tempestuous villain hovering malevolently in the background?
Who doesn’t root for a stellar cast, especially when it includes an exiled warrior queen, a crown prince plunged into an unexpected adventure, a quick witted posse of sidekicks, a bantering mentor, an ancient being with a bruised past and the quintessential good sibling gone bad?
I, for one, am a sucker for such stories. And yes, the Potter plotline shimmers along the edges.
Arihant, the Chosen One, the Devnaampriya is a beautifully etched character (sometimes painfully so). A slender youth who has had a domesticated upbringing, wonders how he can suddenly fight mystical creatures with all the goriness of a hell-fiend. He is terrified of the evil subconscious voice that eggs him on and scares him in equal measures. And then, when his true ‘education’ begins, he is truly radiant.
Arihant is humble, a tad cocky and blessed with infinitely bad-a**, matrix inspired fight moves. He’s a hero to watch out for.
The sub-plots tend be a tad confusing but are rife with political drama and deceit. When you get your mental faculties around the smatterings of flowery language and the unfamiliar names and the Tolkeinesque inspired worlds, you are sufficiently enthralled.
The book has some shining moments in it’s originality. Case in Point, the tale of ‘The Vakrini’ and her mind-created, suspended-among- dimensions city : Surangini. That particular section of the book was a superior bit of story-telling by the author and wall-papers over the foible of unnecessary prose that had you climbing up the walls.
Alternative realities....finely shaded characters....beautiful melded weapons....prophecies and their purveyors.......danger at every crossroad....a more than healthy splashing of the spiritual...flutterings of future romances.....a nemesis who sounds deliciously scary....awe-inspiring fight sequences....and a worthy champion at it’s helm. Jaal (The Kaal Trilogy #1) is a beautiful tale.
As I started the book I was wary of it’s promise. As I ended the book, I am replete. And momentarily suspended in that other-worldly atmosphere which only a well-orchestrated book brings about. And also proud, that an Indian author has taken a well-researched leap into the world of relatable fantasy.
By all accounts, a book worth picking up.
But one day, at the beginning of the fourth Sandhyakaal of the current Manvantar ; the third sibling, the devious Maya (also going by the name, Aushij, the God of delusion, went rogue. In the true tradition of ego-maniacal deviants, he believed that Maya alone was needed for moulding the universe.
His understandably ticked-off kin, at the behest of their mother, tried to bring their errant brother under control. What ensued was a battle that almost destroyed the universe. But truth prevailed (at least momentarily) and Aushij was vanquished. Mocking his core power, the good guys imprisoned him in a prison of dreams, amidst endless delusions, hallucinations and nightmares.
But the three vanquishers knew that their infinitely brilliant brother would not stay in his formless prison forever. One day, he would rise, in all his fulminating glory.
And so they planted an antidote...a seed of an idea....a super-being who would come into existence for the singular purpose of battling Maya.
Centuries of trial and error passed and finally The Devnaampriya (Beloved of the Gods) came into existence. He took the form of a humble, austere-faced young man with grey eyes called Arihant.
Jaal (The Kaal Trilogy #1) is the story of how a young lad comes to terms with his terrifying purpose in life. It is the tale of Arihant’s growth : mental, physical, spiritual and transcendental. It is the first peek into the life of a teenager who morphs into a potentially deadly weapon of destruction
------------------------------------------------------------------
Kudos to perseverance. My perseverance, that is. If, after the first twenty-odd pages, I would have thrown my hands up in the time-honoured gesture of exasperation (and believe me, you would be tempted too)....I would have missed out on an engaging story.
Q: Why did I have the gnawing need to abandon this book as soon as I had started it?
A: Adjectives. A whole Mothership of adjectives littering each and every page. If I had to wade through one more paragraph of limpid streams and soot-grey wings and sandal scented baths and obsidian like torsos and venomous green lights...I would have gnashed my teeth and relegated the book to the back of my ‘abandoned-halfway-in-sheer-frustration’ shelf.
But ah, perseverance....I salute thee. Thanks to your insistent nudge, I carried on.
And shining in a mire of adjectives was an almost perfect tale.
Who doesn’t like a “Chosen One”?
Who doesn’t rub their hands with glee at the prospect of a tempestuous villain hovering malevolently in the background?
Who doesn’t root for a stellar cast, especially when it includes an exiled warrior queen, a crown prince plunged into an unexpected adventure, a quick witted posse of sidekicks, a bantering mentor, an ancient being with a bruised past and the quintessential good sibling gone bad?
I, for one, am a sucker for such stories. And yes, the Potter plotline shimmers along the edges.
Arihant, the Chosen One, the Devnaampriya is a beautifully etched character (sometimes painfully so). A slender youth who has had a domesticated upbringing, wonders how he can suddenly fight mystical creatures with all the goriness of a hell-fiend. He is terrified of the evil subconscious voice that eggs him on and scares him in equal measures. And then, when his true ‘education’ begins, he is truly radiant.
Arihant is humble, a tad cocky and blessed with infinitely bad-a**, matrix inspired fight moves. He’s a hero to watch out for.
The sub-plots tend be a tad confusing but are rife with political drama and deceit. When you get your mental faculties around the smatterings of flowery language and the unfamiliar names and the Tolkeinesque inspired worlds, you are sufficiently enthralled.
The book has some shining moments in it’s originality. Case in Point, the tale of ‘The Vakrini’ and her mind-created, suspended-among- dimensions city : Surangini. That particular section of the book was a superior bit of story-telling by the author and wall-papers over the foible of unnecessary prose that had you climbing up the walls.
Alternative realities....finely shaded characters....beautiful melded weapons....prophecies and their purveyors.......danger at every crossroad....a more than healthy splashing of the spiritual...flutterings of future romances.....a nemesis who sounds deliciously scary....awe-inspiring fight sequences....and a worthy champion at it’s helm. Jaal (The Kaal Trilogy #1) is a beautiful tale.
As I started the book I was wary of it’s promise. As I ended the book, I am replete. And momentarily suspended in that other-worldly atmosphere which only a well-orchestrated book brings about. And also proud, that an Indian author has taken a well-researched leap into the world of relatable fantasy.
By all accounts, a book worth picking up.
January 18, 2015
Being a fan of fantasy and reading all the western fantasy books this book was pleasant surprise for me .
I happened to see this book at the airport book store and picked it up on hunch.
The book was brilliant.
The pace of the story never slackened, the characters were true and defined nicely.
The elements of fantasy were beautiful. the concept of a city hung in between times.
the concepts of karma and Indian mythology was nice.
waiting for the next installment of this book.
5/5 for this one.
I happened to see this book at the airport book store and picked it up on hunch.
The book was brilliant.
The pace of the story never slackened, the characters were true and defined nicely.
The elements of fantasy were beautiful. the concept of a city hung in between times.
the concepts of karma and Indian mythology was nice.
waiting for the next installment of this book.
5/5 for this one.
June 21, 2012
By Sangeeta Bahadur. Book I of the Kaal Trilogy; Grade: B
[quote type="center"]Leave a comment on this review, and any other review of any other book on the website, and you may just win a copy of Jaal. Competition ends 30th June.
[/quote]
Sangeeta Bahadur is an Indian Foreign Service officer and is posted in London. She was born in Calcutta in a family of civil servants and was educated in various schools all over India. She completed her post-graduation from Bombay University, Mumbai, India. Jaal is the first book of the Kaal Trilogy and she is working on the second book. Kaal presents a new wave in Indian writing as it is set in the post Vedic era and has a web of multi-layered narrative. Though it might not be easy for a novice reader to follow the flow of the book throughout, for someone who’s used to complicated narratives, it will keep you on the edge of your chair.
Thrilling and fast-paced, Jaal, Book I in the Kaal Trilogy, sets the stage for action of epic proportions.
Aushij, Lord of Maya, was tricked into a prison of dreams many millennia ago by his siblings for causing chaos in the cosmos. But his power is so great that he still causes tremors in the world with his deceptions, and needs to be crushed. Arihant is the answer. A young warrior with divine powers, he is visualized by the universe as both Taarak – Saviour and Vinaashak–Destroyer.
Jaal is Arihant’s journey across lands and mindscapes– from innocence to experience, as he harnesses his faculties to perceive enemies both temporal and illusory. Dealing with Gods and Serpents, politics and obstacles, he must come to terms with the dizzying unfolding of his purpose and potential. Armed with merely a dagger and a staff, he confronts dangers with dexterity. Ultimately, he is looking for answers to the web of self and identity.
The book deals with the protagonist, Arihant, as he undergoes a great journey with many difficult tasks to be completed. A part of it is to destroy Aushij, the Lord of Maya, tricked into a Prison of Dreams by his siblings many millennia ago. Arihant has to battle many enemies and he has to face himself and the choices he makes and their consequences. There is also a test of his potential, which later becomes an exploration of his self and may lead the reader on a quest for finding his own.
The trilogy is this exploration and the story of Arihant on a mission to kill Aushji (the lord of Maya) is perhaps a metaphorical quest for finding oneself.
The book starts off with the flashback where Aushij was tricked by Arihant’s siblings into a prison of dreams in order to save the world.Despite being in the prison, he manages to wreck havoc on the real world and thus Arihant takes up the challenge to destroy him. The story from here is his journey on how he reaches the Lord of Maya and destroys him. The book has the potential to teleport you into another world.
Sangeeta Bahadur in an interview gave her reasons for choosing an epic like story:
“The story of Jaal has been bubbling within me for as long as I can remember; the characters, their world, their inter-linkages and conflicts were waiting to be unveiled. As a child, I travelled a lot around the world and was enchanted by fascinating tales of adventure, choices and destinies that my father shared with me, but my growing-up years were riddled by the orgy of India-bashing that passed, then, for creative expression. It distressed me; India, for me, has always been a place of wonders, a treasure-trove of stories and sheer fecundity of imagination. Strangely, nobody seemed to be tapping into that creative wealth. I decided that when (not if!) I wrote my first book, I would source it from this bottomless well of philosophy, mythology and ethos. However, my first and basic intention was to write a great story that would grip the reader by the throat; all else was a means to this end.”
Also in her blog, Sangeeta highlighted her belief that “Arihant has the universal appeal of the super hero who, even as he grows to fit the prophesy of his incredible destiny, never outgrows the emotional vulnerability of his humanity, his sense of perspective, and his sense of humour. Arihant appeals to the invincible spirit in all of us, for he shares with us his strength and gives us the gift of hope and dignity to face the vicissitudes of life….The reader is taken on a fascinating journey along with Arihant, who is confronted, as the Book progresses, not only with enemies both temporal and Mayavi; he must also struggle and come to terms with the dizzying, often shocking, unfolding of his own selfhood, purpose and potential. As he goes through his transformation and growth, he learns to conquer the foes that lie in wait for him both within and without. Until he faces the penultimate challenge that the Lord of Illusions has created for him – a battle with his own dark alter-ego, in which he must defeat himself and kill what is dearest to him. Only in his own death can he find the ultimate transformation necessary to take on the Great Asura Aushji.”
Although the book is a rich experience, it starts at a slow pace. It takes time to gain momentum and for someone who might be new to the reading bug, the constant shifts between the real world and the world of dreams can leave him lost or confused. What is great about it is the Chinua Achebe technique of sprinkling the book with native or local words. There are Hindi, Sanskrit and many mythological words throughout the book. These add to the overall flavour of the book and to the post Vedic feel of the story. The book also is very visual in its description of the story and if it becomes a huge success it can capture the animation market or become a brand in itself. But that’s a long way to go. The concept is unique though.
Originally reviewed at : www.the-vault.co.cc
[quote type="center"]Leave a comment on this review, and any other review of any other book on the website, and you may just win a copy of Jaal. Competition ends 30th June.
[/quote]
Sangeeta Bahadur is an Indian Foreign Service officer and is posted in London. She was born in Calcutta in a family of civil servants and was educated in various schools all over India. She completed her post-graduation from Bombay University, Mumbai, India. Jaal is the first book of the Kaal Trilogy and she is working on the second book. Kaal presents a new wave in Indian writing as it is set in the post Vedic era and has a web of multi-layered narrative. Though it might not be easy for a novice reader to follow the flow of the book throughout, for someone who’s used to complicated narratives, it will keep you on the edge of your chair.
Thrilling and fast-paced, Jaal, Book I in the Kaal Trilogy, sets the stage for action of epic proportions.
Aushij, Lord of Maya, was tricked into a prison of dreams many millennia ago by his siblings for causing chaos in the cosmos. But his power is so great that he still causes tremors in the world with his deceptions, and needs to be crushed. Arihant is the answer. A young warrior with divine powers, he is visualized by the universe as both Taarak – Saviour and Vinaashak–Destroyer.
Jaal is Arihant’s journey across lands and mindscapes– from innocence to experience, as he harnesses his faculties to perceive enemies both temporal and illusory. Dealing with Gods and Serpents, politics and obstacles, he must come to terms with the dizzying unfolding of his purpose and potential. Armed with merely a dagger and a staff, he confronts dangers with dexterity. Ultimately, he is looking for answers to the web of self and identity.
The book deals with the protagonist, Arihant, as he undergoes a great journey with many difficult tasks to be completed. A part of it is to destroy Aushij, the Lord of Maya, tricked into a Prison of Dreams by his siblings many millennia ago. Arihant has to battle many enemies and he has to face himself and the choices he makes and their consequences. There is also a test of his potential, which later becomes an exploration of his self and may lead the reader on a quest for finding his own.
The trilogy is this exploration and the story of Arihant on a mission to kill Aushji (the lord of Maya) is perhaps a metaphorical quest for finding oneself.
The book starts off with the flashback where Aushij was tricked by Arihant’s siblings into a prison of dreams in order to save the world.Despite being in the prison, he manages to wreck havoc on the real world and thus Arihant takes up the challenge to destroy him. The story from here is his journey on how he reaches the Lord of Maya and destroys him. The book has the potential to teleport you into another world.
Sangeeta Bahadur in an interview gave her reasons for choosing an epic like story:
“The story of Jaal has been bubbling within me for as long as I can remember; the characters, their world, their inter-linkages and conflicts were waiting to be unveiled. As a child, I travelled a lot around the world and was enchanted by fascinating tales of adventure, choices and destinies that my father shared with me, but my growing-up years were riddled by the orgy of India-bashing that passed, then, for creative expression. It distressed me; India, for me, has always been a place of wonders, a treasure-trove of stories and sheer fecundity of imagination. Strangely, nobody seemed to be tapping into that creative wealth. I decided that when (not if!) I wrote my first book, I would source it from this bottomless well of philosophy, mythology and ethos. However, my first and basic intention was to write a great story that would grip the reader by the throat; all else was a means to this end.”
Also in her blog, Sangeeta highlighted her belief that “Arihant has the universal appeal of the super hero who, even as he grows to fit the prophesy of his incredible destiny, never outgrows the emotional vulnerability of his humanity, his sense of perspective, and his sense of humour. Arihant appeals to the invincible spirit in all of us, for he shares with us his strength and gives us the gift of hope and dignity to face the vicissitudes of life….The reader is taken on a fascinating journey along with Arihant, who is confronted, as the Book progresses, not only with enemies both temporal and Mayavi; he must also struggle and come to terms with the dizzying, often shocking, unfolding of his own selfhood, purpose and potential. As he goes through his transformation and growth, he learns to conquer the foes that lie in wait for him both within and without. Until he faces the penultimate challenge that the Lord of Illusions has created for him – a battle with his own dark alter-ego, in which he must defeat himself and kill what is dearest to him. Only in his own death can he find the ultimate transformation necessary to take on the Great Asura Aushji.”
Although the book is a rich experience, it starts at a slow pace. It takes time to gain momentum and for someone who might be new to the reading bug, the constant shifts between the real world and the world of dreams can leave him lost or confused. What is great about it is the Chinua Achebe technique of sprinkling the book with native or local words. There are Hindi, Sanskrit and many mythological words throughout the book. These add to the overall flavour of the book and to the post Vedic feel of the story. The book also is very visual in its description of the story and if it becomes a huge success it can capture the animation market or become a brand in itself. But that’s a long way to go. The concept is unique though.
Originally reviewed at : www.the-vault.co.cc
August 14, 2012
By Sangeeta Bahadur. Book I of the Kaal Trilogy; Grade: B
Leave a comment on this review, and any other review of any other book on the website, and you may just win a copy of Jaal. Competition ends 30th June.
Sangeeta Bahadur is an Indian Foreign Service officer and is posted in London. She was born in Calcutta in a family of civil servants and was educated in various schools all over India. She completed her post-graduation from Bombay University, Mumbai, India. Jaal is the first book of the Kaal Trilogy and she is working on the second book. Kaal presents a new wave in Indian writing as it is set in the post Vedic era and has a web of multi-layered narrative. Though it might not be easy for a novice reader to follow the flow of the book throughout, for someone who’s used to complicated narratives, it will keep you on the edge of your chair.
Thrilling and fast-paced, Jaal, Book I in the Kaal Trilogy, sets the stage for action of epic proportions.
Aushij, Lord of Maya, was tricked into a prison of dreams many millennia ago by his siblings for causing chaos in the cosmos. But his power is so great that he still causes tremors in the world with his deceptions, and needs to be crushed. Arihant is the answer. A young warrior with divine powers, he is visualized by the universe as both Taarak – Saviour and Vinaashak–Destroyer.
Jaal is Arihant’s journey across lands and mindscapes– from innocence to experience, as he harnesses his faculties to perceive enemies both temporal and illusory. Dealing with Gods and Serpents, politics and obstacles, he must come to terms with the dizzying unfolding of his purpose and potential. Armed with merely a dagger and a staff, he confronts dangers with dexterity. Ultimately, he is looking for answers to the web of self and identity.
The book deals with the protagonist, Arihant, as he undergoes a great journey with many difficult tasks to be completed. A part of it is to destroy Aushij, the Lord of Maya, tricked into a Prison of Dreams by his siblings many millennia ago. Arihant has to battle many enemies and he has to face himself and the choices he makes and their consequences. There is also a test of his potential, which later becomes an exploration of his self and may lead the reader on a quest for finding his own.
The trilogy is this exploration and the story of Arihant on a mission to kill Aushji (the lord of Maya) is perhaps a metaphorical quest for finding oneself.
The book starts off with the flashback where Aushij was tricked by Arihant’s siblings into a prison of dreams in order to save the world.Despite being in the prison, he manages to wreck havoc on the real world and thus Arihant takes up the challenge to destroy him. The story from here is his journey on how he reaches the Lord of Maya and destroys him. The book has the potential to teleport you into another world.
Sangeeta Bahadur in an interview gave her reasons for choosing an epic like story:
“The story of Jaal has been bubbling within me for as long as I can remember; the characters, their world, their inter-linkages and conflicts were waiting to be unveiled. As a child, I travelled a lot around the world and was enchanted by fascinating tales of adventure, choices and destinies that my father shared with me, but my growing-up years were riddled by the orgy of India-bashing that passed, then, for creative expression. It distressed me; India, for me, has always been a place of wonders, a treasure-trove of stories and sheer fecundity of imagination. Strangely, nobody seemed to be tapping into that creative wealth. I decided that when (not if!) I wrote my first book, I would source it from this bottomless well of philosophy, mythology and ethos. However, my first and basic intention was to write a great story that would grip the reader by the throat; all else was a means to this end.”
Also in her blog, Sangeeta highlighted her belief that “Arihant has the universal appeal of the super hero who, even as he grows to fit the prophesy of his incredible destiny, never outgrows the emotional vulnerability of his humanity, his sense of perspective, and his sense of humour. Arihant appeals to the invincible spirit in all of us, for he shares with us his strength and gives us the gift of hope and dignity to face the vicissitudes of life….The reader is taken on a fascinating journey along with Arihant, who is confronted, as the Book progresses, not only with enemies both temporal and Mayavi; he must also struggle and come to terms with the dizzying, often shocking, unfolding of his own selfhood, purpose and potential. As he goes through his transformation and growth, he learns to conquer the foes that lie in wait for him both within and without. Until he faces the penultimate challenge that the Lord of Illusions has created for him – a battle with his own dark alter-ego, in which he must defeat himself and kill what is dearest to him. Only in his own death can he find the ultimate transformation necessary to take on the Great Asura Aushji.”
Although the book is a rich experience, it starts at a slow pace. It takes time to gain momentum and for someone who might be new to the reading bug, the constant shifts between the real world and the world of dreams can leave him lost or confused. What is great about it is the Chinua Achebe technique of sprinkling the book with native or local words. There are Hindi, Sanskrit and many mythological words throughout the book. These add to the overall flavour of the book and to the post Vedic feel of the story. The book also is very visual in its description of the story and if it becomes a huge success it can capture the animation market or become a brand in itself. But that’s a long way to go. The concept is unique though.
Originally reviewed at : www.the-vault.co.cc
Leave a comment on this review, and any other review of any other book on the website, and you may just win a copy of Jaal. Competition ends 30th June.
Sangeeta Bahadur is an Indian Foreign Service officer and is posted in London. She was born in Calcutta in a family of civil servants and was educated in various schools all over India. She completed her post-graduation from Bombay University, Mumbai, India. Jaal is the first book of the Kaal Trilogy and she is working on the second book. Kaal presents a new wave in Indian writing as it is set in the post Vedic era and has a web of multi-layered narrative. Though it might not be easy for a novice reader to follow the flow of the book throughout, for someone who’s used to complicated narratives, it will keep you on the edge of your chair.
Thrilling and fast-paced, Jaal, Book I in the Kaal Trilogy, sets the stage for action of epic proportions.
Aushij, Lord of Maya, was tricked into a prison of dreams many millennia ago by his siblings for causing chaos in the cosmos. But his power is so great that he still causes tremors in the world with his deceptions, and needs to be crushed. Arihant is the answer. A young warrior with divine powers, he is visualized by the universe as both Taarak – Saviour and Vinaashak–Destroyer.
Jaal is Arihant’s journey across lands and mindscapes– from innocence to experience, as he harnesses his faculties to perceive enemies both temporal and illusory. Dealing with Gods and Serpents, politics and obstacles, he must come to terms with the dizzying unfolding of his purpose and potential. Armed with merely a dagger and a staff, he confronts dangers with dexterity. Ultimately, he is looking for answers to the web of self and identity.
The book deals with the protagonist, Arihant, as he undergoes a great journey with many difficult tasks to be completed. A part of it is to destroy Aushij, the Lord of Maya, tricked into a Prison of Dreams by his siblings many millennia ago. Arihant has to battle many enemies and he has to face himself and the choices he makes and their consequences. There is also a test of his potential, which later becomes an exploration of his self and may lead the reader on a quest for finding his own.
The trilogy is this exploration and the story of Arihant on a mission to kill Aushji (the lord of Maya) is perhaps a metaphorical quest for finding oneself.
The book starts off with the flashback where Aushij was tricked by Arihant’s siblings into a prison of dreams in order to save the world.Despite being in the prison, he manages to wreck havoc on the real world and thus Arihant takes up the challenge to destroy him. The story from here is his journey on how he reaches the Lord of Maya and destroys him. The book has the potential to teleport you into another world.
Sangeeta Bahadur in an interview gave her reasons for choosing an epic like story:
“The story of Jaal has been bubbling within me for as long as I can remember; the characters, their world, their inter-linkages and conflicts were waiting to be unveiled. As a child, I travelled a lot around the world and was enchanted by fascinating tales of adventure, choices and destinies that my father shared with me, but my growing-up years were riddled by the orgy of India-bashing that passed, then, for creative expression. It distressed me; India, for me, has always been a place of wonders, a treasure-trove of stories and sheer fecundity of imagination. Strangely, nobody seemed to be tapping into that creative wealth. I decided that when (not if!) I wrote my first book, I would source it from this bottomless well of philosophy, mythology and ethos. However, my first and basic intention was to write a great story that would grip the reader by the throat; all else was a means to this end.”
Also in her blog, Sangeeta highlighted her belief that “Arihant has the universal appeal of the super hero who, even as he grows to fit the prophesy of his incredible destiny, never outgrows the emotional vulnerability of his humanity, his sense of perspective, and his sense of humour. Arihant appeals to the invincible spirit in all of us, for he shares with us his strength and gives us the gift of hope and dignity to face the vicissitudes of life….The reader is taken on a fascinating journey along with Arihant, who is confronted, as the Book progresses, not only with enemies both temporal and Mayavi; he must also struggle and come to terms with the dizzying, often shocking, unfolding of his own selfhood, purpose and potential. As he goes through his transformation and growth, he learns to conquer the foes that lie in wait for him both within and without. Until he faces the penultimate challenge that the Lord of Illusions has created for him – a battle with his own dark alter-ego, in which he must defeat himself and kill what is dearest to him. Only in his own death can he find the ultimate transformation necessary to take on the Great Asura Aushji.”
Although the book is a rich experience, it starts at a slow pace. It takes time to gain momentum and for someone who might be new to the reading bug, the constant shifts between the real world and the world of dreams can leave him lost or confused. What is great about it is the Chinua Achebe technique of sprinkling the book with native or local words. There are Hindi, Sanskrit and many mythological words throughout the book. These add to the overall flavour of the book and to the post Vedic feel of the story. The book also is very visual in its description of the story and if it becomes a huge success it can capture the animation market or become a brand in itself. But that’s a long way to go. The concept is unique though.
Originally reviewed at : www.the-vault.co.cc
July 23, 2013
Waiting for the next two....!!
April 17, 2018
Stars: 4 / 5
Recommendation: A rather long and winding plot involving gods, demi-gods and humans at a time when there is magic and power working alongside the eternal war that would follow.
Jaal is the first book in The Kaal Trilogy by Sangeeta Bahadur published for the first time in 2012. The book outlines the journey of Arihant across lands all the while gaining experience in how to eventually fight Lord Aushij - the Lord of Maya.
A friend of mine, Kristi, had bought this book when she was traveling in India. However, when she started reading it she said she couldn’t proceed further because she could not relate to many terms or characters. So she gave me the book to see if I could finish it for her. Well, I never say no to any book. And thus the review of the same.
After reading a few chapters I totally get why Kristi couldn’t proceed further. The entire plot is set in fictional land divided into kingdoms, surrounded by water on three sides and mountains on one side (north) - very much similar to modern day India. The characters have unusual names for an American to follow, legends and myths involving Gods and Demi-Gods would be new and also the language is quiet very ancient and old. The grammar, syntax and usage of words all tells us that author Sangeeta has spun a tale set in ancient India, perhaps, which she calls as the Continent of Hastipeeth. There were a few things I myself had to google for. No wonder poor my friend felt lost in the plot.
Anyways now back to the book. As mentioned, it is a plot involving Gods, demi-Gods and humans. Lord Aushij had been trapped in a prison of dreams by his own siblings for causing chaos on Earth, which occurred a millennia ago. However his torments doesn’t stop. And now Lord Aushij is slowly rising up in his power. Only hope for the entire mankind lies on this young warrior Arihant, who has no knowledge of his destination but strives to learn everything he can along the path. In the first book, Sangeeta takes the reader along-side Arihant in his travels and experiences while he learns some much needed answers.
It seems such a simple plot, but nothing is simple as it seems as we traverse along. Sangeeta has a myriad of characters that she introduces in the first four chapters that spins your head none the less. However, I must commend on her bravery to do so in the very first book, for it would be really hard to keep the reader hooked when so many characters are floating by. Her saving grace perhaps was that she had these characters split into prominent sub-plots floating by underneath the main plot, that way it would be easier for the reader to keep track of them.
How interesting that Democracy was the in-thing for the Janpad of Shringaali to elect their Clan Chiefs or their Leader of the Sarvakhap while Aristocracy still razed on the remaining Kingdoms. Sangeeta portrayed both types of governments in her plot all through stressing the positives and negatives of both sides subtly, almost hidden.
Right before the book starts, Sangeeta has a map of the Continent of Hastipeeth printed for the benefit of the readers so they understand the kingdoms location as well as the surroundings. However I have to say though it is so dark in color that some of the fine print of the names of different regions are barely legible. I would have liked the map to be a little brighter or the text in white so the reader could see it more clearly.
Sangeeta also divides the plot into different sections, giving it a flow - Praarambha, the Beginning; Seeds; Curtains; Premonitions; Unfurlings and Sundown. Although the title of each section hardly reveals anything, but make a lot of sense as the pages move along.
While having Arihant and his companions converse with the Vakrini, Sangeeta uses a sort of rhyming / poem style. It took a little time before I could get a hang of this unique musical way of talking. Although not uncomfortable it will still a bit of effort to read. Not sure if every reader would like to have to put an effort to read a fiction like a normal textbook. However, it reminded me of a Telugu movie where a set of characters converse in musical language. Here is one such song from this 1988 Indian Telugu musical-drama film titled Rudraveena ( = Strings of Rage) where the characters converse musically.
https://youtu.be/LlbRxxnmzII
Samraat Rituparna, the Emperor of Avrohan, muses that there may be a day when horses are no longer required to pull chariots. If he was a real person he wouldn’t be too far off in his musings. I would wonder what he would say if he comes out of the book and sees at the modern world. Or maybe he might consider us to be ancient…who knows. However, Sangeeta does highlight one aspect in his musings though - the curbing of women power and dividing people into castes. These two aspects cannot be hidden or ignored no matter what race or religion or region any fiction is set. However author Sangeeta mentions about aliens in an offside conversation which makes me wonder if the term "alien" was even in existence at the time period this book was set in.
Although a well-made plot with giving enough sub-plots to keep the reader interesting, I did find the read a rather taxing at times. Specially those chapters that involved elaborate descriptions of the evolution of Arihant or the places he traveled. Some of the context was totally new for me so imagining it was a bit hard.
A long and winding story that takes up the first book in the trilogy. Irrespective of what I felt about the little humps I am still excited to read the next book in the series.
Spoiler Alerts:
1) Plot Reveals:
a. The different sub-plots that Sangeeta weaves in the tale of Arihant are:
i. The first sub-plot involves Maharshi Pratishravas who is bestowed upon by the deva, Marut Meghavarna, on a task of rescuing a child and keeping it safe; training the child as needed to be prepared for its destination.
ii. The second sub-plot involves Daaruk, royal armourer to Emperor Ilavarta - murdered Emperor of Empire Avrohan - and Ilavarta's son Prince Ritaayu, whom Daaruk would have to train for an ulterior purpose.
iii. The third sub-plot involves Vaagdatta, exiled ex-empress of Kozirupam Empire who had escaped Warlord Trishiras's wrath after he had killed her husband Emperor Paanimaan; and her daughter Princess Agneyi whom she is honing her and protecting her at the same time from Trishiras.
iv. The fourth sub-plot involving the kin of Arihant themselves - Athirath, head of the clans of Janpad of Shringaali and Arihant's father; Ekdant, his older brother; Udhav, Athirath's brother; Jayant, Udhav's son;
v. The fifth sub-plot involving Princess Raudraa who is considered the Parashu - vessel - of Lord Aushij. She is the daughter of Warlord turned Emperor Trishira of Kozirupam Empire.
b. The world had thought there would be one person who would fight off Lord Aushij, the Lord of Maya. But instead two are born identical in every way except gender and raised in totally different way. One being Arihant, raised as a younger son of a clansman and sent on a journey to learn all he can. Other, named Princess Raudraa, being taken by Warlord Trishira to hone into a vessel for Lord Aushij. One has to see how will their fates be in the coming books.
2) Grammatical / Geographical / Location / Character / Historical Errors:
a. On Pg. 57, line 26, it should be "given to you…"
b. On Pg. 207, line 27, in the beginning it should be "uncomfortable"
c. On Pg. 225, line 23, it should be "mercy of people…"
Recommendation: A rather long and winding plot involving gods, demi-gods and humans at a time when there is magic and power working alongside the eternal war that would follow.
Jaal is the first book in The Kaal Trilogy by Sangeeta Bahadur published for the first time in 2012. The book outlines the journey of Arihant across lands all the while gaining experience in how to eventually fight Lord Aushij - the Lord of Maya.
A friend of mine, Kristi, had bought this book when she was traveling in India. However, when she started reading it she said she couldn’t proceed further because she could not relate to many terms or characters. So she gave me the book to see if I could finish it for her. Well, I never say no to any book. And thus the review of the same.
After reading a few chapters I totally get why Kristi couldn’t proceed further. The entire plot is set in fictional land divided into kingdoms, surrounded by water on three sides and mountains on one side (north) - very much similar to modern day India. The characters have unusual names for an American to follow, legends and myths involving Gods and Demi-Gods would be new and also the language is quiet very ancient and old. The grammar, syntax and usage of words all tells us that author Sangeeta has spun a tale set in ancient India, perhaps, which she calls as the Continent of Hastipeeth. There were a few things I myself had to google for. No wonder poor my friend felt lost in the plot.
Anyways now back to the book. As mentioned, it is a plot involving Gods, demi-Gods and humans. Lord Aushij had been trapped in a prison of dreams by his own siblings for causing chaos on Earth, which occurred a millennia ago. However his torments doesn’t stop. And now Lord Aushij is slowly rising up in his power. Only hope for the entire mankind lies on this young warrior Arihant, who has no knowledge of his destination but strives to learn everything he can along the path. In the first book, Sangeeta takes the reader along-side Arihant in his travels and experiences while he learns some much needed answers.
It seems such a simple plot, but nothing is simple as it seems as we traverse along. Sangeeta has a myriad of characters that she introduces in the first four chapters that spins your head none the less. However, I must commend on her bravery to do so in the very first book, for it would be really hard to keep the reader hooked when so many characters are floating by. Her saving grace perhaps was that she had these characters split into prominent sub-plots floating by underneath the main plot, that way it would be easier for the reader to keep track of them.
How interesting that Democracy was the in-thing for the Janpad of Shringaali to elect their Clan Chiefs or their Leader of the Sarvakhap while Aristocracy still razed on the remaining Kingdoms. Sangeeta portrayed both types of governments in her plot all through stressing the positives and negatives of both sides subtly, almost hidden.
Right before the book starts, Sangeeta has a map of the Continent of Hastipeeth printed for the benefit of the readers so they understand the kingdoms location as well as the surroundings. However I have to say though it is so dark in color that some of the fine print of the names of different regions are barely legible. I would have liked the map to be a little brighter or the text in white so the reader could see it more clearly.
Sangeeta also divides the plot into different sections, giving it a flow - Praarambha, the Beginning; Seeds; Curtains; Premonitions; Unfurlings and Sundown. Although the title of each section hardly reveals anything, but make a lot of sense as the pages move along.
While having Arihant and his companions converse with the Vakrini, Sangeeta uses a sort of rhyming / poem style. It took a little time before I could get a hang of this unique musical way of talking. Although not uncomfortable it will still a bit of effort to read. Not sure if every reader would like to have to put an effort to read a fiction like a normal textbook. However, it reminded me of a Telugu movie where a set of characters converse in musical language. Here is one such song from this 1988 Indian Telugu musical-drama film titled Rudraveena ( = Strings of Rage) where the characters converse musically.
https://youtu.be/LlbRxxnmzII
Samraat Rituparna, the Emperor of Avrohan, muses that there may be a day when horses are no longer required to pull chariots. If he was a real person he wouldn’t be too far off in his musings. I would wonder what he would say if he comes out of the book and sees at the modern world. Or maybe he might consider us to be ancient…who knows. However, Sangeeta does highlight one aspect in his musings though - the curbing of women power and dividing people into castes. These two aspects cannot be hidden or ignored no matter what race or religion or region any fiction is set. However author Sangeeta mentions about aliens in an offside conversation which makes me wonder if the term "alien" was even in existence at the time period this book was set in.
Although a well-made plot with giving enough sub-plots to keep the reader interesting, I did find the read a rather taxing at times. Specially those chapters that involved elaborate descriptions of the evolution of Arihant or the places he traveled. Some of the context was totally new for me so imagining it was a bit hard.
A long and winding story that takes up the first book in the trilogy. Irrespective of what I felt about the little humps I am still excited to read the next book in the series.
Spoiler Alerts:
1) Plot Reveals:
a. The different sub-plots that Sangeeta weaves in the tale of Arihant are:
i. The first sub-plot involves Maharshi Pratishravas who is bestowed upon by the deva, Marut Meghavarna, on a task of rescuing a child and keeping it safe; training the child as needed to be prepared for its destination.
ii. The second sub-plot involves Daaruk, royal armourer to Emperor Ilavarta - murdered Emperor of Empire Avrohan - and Ilavarta's son Prince Ritaayu, whom Daaruk would have to train for an ulterior purpose.
iii. The third sub-plot involves Vaagdatta, exiled ex-empress of Kozirupam Empire who had escaped Warlord Trishiras's wrath after he had killed her husband Emperor Paanimaan; and her daughter Princess Agneyi whom she is honing her and protecting her at the same time from Trishiras.
iv. The fourth sub-plot involving the kin of Arihant themselves - Athirath, head of the clans of Janpad of Shringaali and Arihant's father; Ekdant, his older brother; Udhav, Athirath's brother; Jayant, Udhav's son;
v. The fifth sub-plot involving Princess Raudraa who is considered the Parashu - vessel - of Lord Aushij. She is the daughter of Warlord turned Emperor Trishira of Kozirupam Empire.
b. The world had thought there would be one person who would fight off Lord Aushij, the Lord of Maya. But instead two are born identical in every way except gender and raised in totally different way. One being Arihant, raised as a younger son of a clansman and sent on a journey to learn all he can. Other, named Princess Raudraa, being taken by Warlord Trishira to hone into a vessel for Lord Aushij. One has to see how will their fates be in the coming books.
2) Grammatical / Geographical / Location / Character / Historical Errors:
a. On Pg. 57, line 26, it should be "given to you…"
b. On Pg. 207, line 27, in the beginning it should be "uncomfortable"
c. On Pg. 225, line 23, it should be "mercy of people…"
April 23, 2019
Such a delightful read, this one! And cant wait for Netflix (or some other platform) to make it into a series..
The worlds the author has crafted is intriguing - alien enough to be immersed into it and recognisable enough (with mythological and spiritual undertones) to seem curiously familiar.
While the expository style occasionally comes in the way of a quicker, more gripping read - the beauty of the language keeps you stay put
But over and above the style, this book is solid content -gonna dig into Book 2 right away
The worlds the author has crafted is intriguing - alien enough to be immersed into it and recognisable enough (with mythological and spiritual undertones) to seem curiously familiar.
While the expository style occasionally comes in the way of a quicker, more gripping read - the beauty of the language keeps you stay put
But over and above the style, this book is solid content -gonna dig into Book 2 right away
July 8, 2012
Three stars is Good !!
Just finished the book , the book is about the destined fight , between Aushij (lord of Maya & Arihant (Beloved of Gods) .
The author has a very different style of writing , though slow , it's very descriptive ,The book creates a beautiful world , has interesting philosophical references , but it lacks the uncertainity , the characters are goody fellas , lacks the shade which our philosophy is very much capable of .However ,the book is a must read for sure . I am thinking of reading it again just for my vocabulary
For future editions i would love to see the lead character have a tough ride , he is having it all easy ,he needs something "Naruto" had, should be confronted with perplexing choices/events . The author has the chance to create a legend out of it :) .
Will definitely buy the other two editions :)
I wish her good-luck , a very worthy edition to the Indian genre , i am sure many more will be inspired to dug our philosophy/texts to spin more tales.
Just finished the book , the book is about the destined fight , between Aushij (lord of Maya & Arihant (Beloved of Gods) .
The author has a very different style of writing , though slow , it's very descriptive ,The book creates a beautiful world , has interesting philosophical references , but it lacks the uncertainity , the characters are goody fellas , lacks the shade which our philosophy is very much capable of .However ,the book is a must read for sure . I am thinking of reading it again just for my vocabulary
For future editions i would love to see the lead character have a tough ride , he is having it all easy ,he needs something "Naruto" had, should be confronted with perplexing choices/events . The author has the chance to create a legend out of it :) .
Will definitely buy the other two editions :)
I wish her good-luck , a very worthy edition to the Indian genre , i am sure many more will be inspired to dug our philosophy/texts to spin more tales.
February 10, 2013
If you love mythology and willing to dive into a book which takes you on an exciting journey of transformation of a young boy into a "Young Warrior" and then the ultimate war machine, this is the book for you.
The book seems to go here and there in the beginning as so many characters are introduced but I guess it was necessary as everything makes sense at later stage. Once Arihant's journey begins, it gets really exciting with every new event and you get more and more indulged in the story.
First book has ended on a high note and it has seriously increased my expectations from next part of this. Looking forward for that.
The book seems to go here and there in the beginning as so many characters are introduced but I guess it was necessary as everything makes sense at later stage. Once Arihant's journey begins, it gets really exciting with every new event and you get more and more indulged in the story.
First book has ended on a high note and it has seriously increased my expectations from next part of this. Looking forward for that.
January 21, 2013
Jaal is an amazing book not just because of the complex story it weaves but because it marries an adventure story with the deep philosophical truths that are part of the Indian ethos. For too long we have played second best to western super heroes. Arihant is what a real super hero should be like. The wealth of characters is also amazing. Malang for one is charming and one gets the feeling that he is slated for higher things in the next two books. The best thing about the book is that this book is original. doesn't rip off from either western fantasy authors and nor from our own spiritual epics that everyone is so fond of ripping off from.
July 30, 2012
Till Page 20 or so I was just getting confused at the flood of characters and carried forward with my will. :). At places I kind of got tired trying to find parallels between the manvantaras. But when I got to the chapter where the Mother tests Arihant before bestowing Adbhaavas to him, it simply overpowered me. I can say that I would have the same experience while reading Sivanandalahari, Soundarya Lahari or Mahishasura Mardini by Adi Sankara.
As far as Indian fiction is concerned, we need more such inspiring authors like Sangeeta
As far as Indian fiction is concerned, we need more such inspiring authors like Sangeeta
December 18, 2012
The story starts in a lovely pace, and though in between I felt like going over some rough patches that slowed it down a bit, but then I can surely tell a page turner when I have read one. Sangeeta definitely had the pulse of rich treasure of our mythology and weaved the story amazingly. Surangini surely was the most captivating part, and am surely waiting for the entire trilogy to come out soon !
March 18, 2013
The author has a brilliant. Imagination but it gets a bit boring in between...
January 5, 2014
Hope the next part will be a lot better than this one.
August 14, 2014
Well written and fast paced book. Waiting for the next book.
March 15, 2021
Hi Sangeeta Ma’am,
Congratulations on yet another astounding sequel to the saga of Arihant and Aushij. I recently purchased the kindle edition of Mahakaal part-1 and thoroughly enjoyed reading it . I wanted to share my admiration with you and hence this post.
Firstly I am totally enamoured by your writing style and impeccable vocabulary .Your boundless imagination coupled with your ability to vividly narrate the mesmerising story makes me a silent witness to the unfolding epic of the Kaal trilogy and captures our heart , mind and soul into that magical world.
Being part of this ancient, blessed land I was transported to the glorious period of our divine history. You have beautifully brought out our illustrious heritage with your stellar characters and splendidly depicted the lives and times of that era. Also the names you have anointed to these brave and fearless heroes and their supporting characters are forever etched in my mind.
From the moment I opened the first page, I was lost in the gripping and enchanting tale you have woven and I could not escape from the world of Arihant until I read the last word.
Thank you for taking us through this exciting journey and I am eagerly waiting for Mahakaal part-2. Please let me know the tentative release date so that we can mark our calendars and celebrate the event.
Sincerely yours,
Shobha
Congratulations on yet another astounding sequel to the saga of Arihant and Aushij. I recently purchased the kindle edition of Mahakaal part-1 and thoroughly enjoyed reading it . I wanted to share my admiration with you and hence this post.
Firstly I am totally enamoured by your writing style and impeccable vocabulary .Your boundless imagination coupled with your ability to vividly narrate the mesmerising story makes me a silent witness to the unfolding epic of the Kaal trilogy and captures our heart , mind and soul into that magical world.
Being part of this ancient, blessed land I was transported to the glorious period of our divine history. You have beautifully brought out our illustrious heritage with your stellar characters and splendidly depicted the lives and times of that era. Also the names you have anointed to these brave and fearless heroes and their supporting characters are forever etched in my mind.
From the moment I opened the first page, I was lost in the gripping and enchanting tale you have woven and I could not escape from the world of Arihant until I read the last word.
Thank you for taking us through this exciting journey and I am eagerly waiting for Mahakaal part-2. Please let me know the tentative release date so that we can mark our calendars and celebrate the event.
Sincerely yours,
Shobha
December 23, 2017
Good book, but the story progress is very slow.
March 25, 2019
good one
June 3, 2019
Loved the book. Extremely imaginative.
Want to read
November 19, 2019Good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews