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BATTLE OF PALANADU: AN EPIC OF LOYALTY AND BETRAYAL
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 11, 2026
I picked this up curious about a piece of Indian history I'd never heard of, and "Battle of Palanadu" delivered an epic that rivals anything from the Mahabharata in its emotional complexity and moral ambiguity.
The family drama at the heart of this story hit harder than the battle scenes. Brahma Naidu ordering his own infant son's death because of a prophecy - that Balachandra would rebel and bring war to Palanadu - is Shakespearean in its tragedy. That scene where Lalithamba discovers the truth, collapsing as she realizes her husband betrayed her for decades, was gut-wrenching. Her curse - "Your worst fears will come to pass" - sets the entire tragedy in motion. The irony is devastating: by trying to prevent the prophecy, Brahma Naidu ensures it happens.
Balachandra's character arc is brilliantly executed. Watching him finally see Manchala - recognizing her as the mysterious warrior who saved him, realizing she's been waiting in the shadows all along - that whole sequence was beautifully written. The way she stands firm on dharma even when he's ignored her for years, and his gradual realization that "strength disguised in softness" is more powerful than any courtesan's charm, felt earned and authentic.
The battle sequences are visceral and strategic. The Viramushtis leaping onto elephants to take out mahouts, the revelation that Narasinga sent a bodyguard in his armor while cowering in his tent - the author doesn't romanticize war but shows its brutality and the cowardice that can hide behind titles. Nagamma Devi's cold dismissal - "You did what was cowardly" - was savage.
What makes this exceptional is how the author weaves historical detail with deeply human moments. The "Shanti" chant cutting through battle, pandits in white dhotis parting the warriors - those images stayed with me! This isn't just historical fiction; it's about duty, prophecy, and how our attempts to control fate often seal it.
Absolutely gripping read.
The family drama at the heart of this story hit harder than the battle scenes. Brahma Naidu ordering his own infant son's death because of a prophecy - that Balachandra would rebel and bring war to Palanadu - is Shakespearean in its tragedy. That scene where Lalithamba discovers the truth, collapsing as she realizes her husband betrayed her for decades, was gut-wrenching. Her curse - "Your worst fears will come to pass" - sets the entire tragedy in motion. The irony is devastating: by trying to prevent the prophecy, Brahma Naidu ensures it happens.
Balachandra's character arc is brilliantly executed. Watching him finally see Manchala - recognizing her as the mysterious warrior who saved him, realizing she's been waiting in the shadows all along - that whole sequence was beautifully written. The way she stands firm on dharma even when he's ignored her for years, and his gradual realization that "strength disguised in softness" is more powerful than any courtesan's charm, felt earned and authentic.
The battle sequences are visceral and strategic. The Viramushtis leaping onto elephants to take out mahouts, the revelation that Narasinga sent a bodyguard in his armor while cowering in his tent - the author doesn't romanticize war but shows its brutality and the cowardice that can hide behind titles. Nagamma Devi's cold dismissal - "You did what was cowardly" - was savage.
What makes this exceptional is how the author weaves historical detail with deeply human moments. The "Shanti" chant cutting through battle, pandits in white dhotis parting the warriors - those images stayed with me! This isn't just historical fiction; it's about duty, prophecy, and how our attempts to control fate often seal it.
Absolutely gripping read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2026
Having read Part 1, I walked into Battle of Palanadu Part 2 already bracing myself. I thought I knew the players. I thought I understood the fault lines. I was wrong.
The storm that gathered in the first book finally breaks here and it breaks hard.
Set in 11th-century Palanadu, the narrative tightens around Brahma Naidu, whose towering presence feels even more dangerous this time. In Part 1, we watched him build influence; in Part 2, we see what that influence costs. His convictions don’t just inspire loyalty they provoke fury. Every decision feels like a spark falling into dry grass.
And then there is Nagamma Devi. If she was formidable before, here she is chillingly precise. She doesn’t charge into battle; she rearranges it. Her revenge is not loud it’s methodical. Scene after scene, she pulls invisible threads until alliances collapse under their own weight. Every time she appears, the air shifts.
The march toward Karempudi is relentless. Warriors like Balachandra step into glory and toward doom in the same breath. The battlefield sequences are raw and cinematic steel clashes, vows shatter, and dust rises thick with blood and betrayal. No confrontation feels ornamental; every fight alters the emotional map of the story.
What makes Part 2 so gripping is how personal the war feels. Brothers don’t just stand on opposite sides they look at each other across the field knowing exactly what they’re about to lose. There are no easy villains left. No clean victories. Only consequences.
4/5
The storm that gathered in the first book finally breaks here and it breaks hard.
Set in 11th-century Palanadu, the narrative tightens around Brahma Naidu, whose towering presence feels even more dangerous this time. In Part 1, we watched him build influence; in Part 2, we see what that influence costs. His convictions don’t just inspire loyalty they provoke fury. Every decision feels like a spark falling into dry grass.
And then there is Nagamma Devi. If she was formidable before, here she is chillingly precise. She doesn’t charge into battle; she rearranges it. Her revenge is not loud it’s methodical. Scene after scene, she pulls invisible threads until alliances collapse under their own weight. Every time she appears, the air shifts.
The march toward Karempudi is relentless. Warriors like Balachandra step into glory and toward doom in the same breath. The battlefield sequences are raw and cinematic steel clashes, vows shatter, and dust rises thick with blood and betrayal. No confrontation feels ornamental; every fight alters the emotional map of the story.
What makes Part 2 so gripping is how personal the war feels. Brothers don’t just stand on opposite sides they look at each other across the field knowing exactly what they’re about to lose. There are no easy villains left. No clean victories. Only consequences.
4/5
February 12, 2026
"A bond forged not with thread, but with fire. Let this remind you, my brother, That you carry not just my grief, But my last breath, my final plea. Should you fail… we will not rest. Our spirits will haunt the winds, Calling your name in every thunderclap.”
This book pulls you into a world where history feels alive, schemes bubbles and loyalty never stays simple. Brahma Naidu, a bold reformer, drives the story with his quest for justice, yet he’s far from perfect—his ideals spark both devotion and danger. Nagamma Devi shines as a quiet, sharp thinker whose revenge comes from cleverness, not swords, making her chillingly powerful.
The battle scenes are vivid and cinematic, but the real punch comes from the emotional stakes. Warriors rise, fall, and every win feels earned, leaving no one unscathed. The story doesn’t glorify war; it shows its heavy cost. A gripping, tragic epic that stays with you.
I came for unknown Indian history and got an epic as rich as the Mahabharata. Brahma Naidu’s order to kill his infant son, based on a prophecy, sets a Shakespeare tragedy in motion. Lalithamba’s discovery and curse, “Your worst fears will come to pass,” drives the narrative.
The battles like Viramushtis leaping on elephants and Narasinga’s cowardice reveal war’s brutality. Nagamma’s cold judgment and the haunting “Shanti” chant linger. This isn’t just historical fiction but also it’s about duty, prophecy, and fate’s cruel twists.
Overall, a great historical fiction that balances political and human emotions beautifully.
This book pulls you into a world where history feels alive, schemes bubbles and loyalty never stays simple. Brahma Naidu, a bold reformer, drives the story with his quest for justice, yet he’s far from perfect—his ideals spark both devotion and danger. Nagamma Devi shines as a quiet, sharp thinker whose revenge comes from cleverness, not swords, making her chillingly powerful.
The battle scenes are vivid and cinematic, but the real punch comes from the emotional stakes. Warriors rise, fall, and every win feels earned, leaving no one unscathed. The story doesn’t glorify war; it shows its heavy cost. A gripping, tragic epic that stays with you.
I came for unknown Indian history and got an epic as rich as the Mahabharata. Brahma Naidu’s order to kill his infant son, based on a prophecy, sets a Shakespeare tragedy in motion. Lalithamba’s discovery and curse, “Your worst fears will come to pass,” drives the narrative.
The battles like Viramushtis leaping on elephants and Narasinga’s cowardice reveal war’s brutality. Nagamma’s cold judgment and the haunting “Shanti” chant linger. This isn’t just historical fiction but also it’s about duty, prophecy, and fate’s cruel twists.
Overall, a great historical fiction that balances political and human emotions beautifully.
February 19, 2026
Battles, betrayals, and deceits are the prime elements that the world had seen in the past, and many more such histories will be created. While I was reading the first chapter of Battle of Palanadu, I was reminded of the film Bahubaali. How the events unfolded and the battles were full of deceit even within the family of the royal blood.
In this book too, the first chapter, where the astrologer predicted Brahma Naidu's son's misfortune, really made me feel shocked. His son would go against the king. Naidu could not believe, and the people with him hearing the prophecy stated, “Brahma Naidu is the most loyal servant of King Nalagama! His son would never turn against the crown. You must be mistaken in your reading of the stars!” which clearly showed Naidu's unwavering loyalty towards the king whom he had served all these years.
This book is an extensive study of struggle. Naidu's overwhelming power followed by the birth of his son and the consequent battle known as the Battle of Palandu are nothing less than some rare treats, which as a reader I feel is a true blessing. The amorous scene between Balachadra and Sabai followed by the group of people who went to harass the former, was a moment of tension building.
What worked for me was the slow commencement of this battle. This in turn creates a room for mystery, keeping the readers hooked till the end of this piece.
In this book too, the first chapter, where the astrologer predicted Brahma Naidu's son's misfortune, really made me feel shocked. His son would go against the king. Naidu could not believe, and the people with him hearing the prophecy stated, “Brahma Naidu is the most loyal servant of King Nalagama! His son would never turn against the crown. You must be mistaken in your reading of the stars!” which clearly showed Naidu's unwavering loyalty towards the king whom he had served all these years.
This book is an extensive study of struggle. Naidu's overwhelming power followed by the birth of his son and the consequent battle known as the Battle of Palandu are nothing less than some rare treats, which as a reader I feel is a true blessing. The amorous scene between Balachadra and Sabai followed by the group of people who went to harass the former, was a moment of tension building.
What worked for me was the slow commencement of this battle. This in turn creates a room for mystery, keeping the readers hooked till the end of this piece.
February 18, 2026
is a grand-scale historical fiction set in the 11th-century Palanadu. Does not just worry about battle. It is about destiny, pride, peace, love, and the difficult choice among these.
It follows the rise and fall of Palanadu framed around Brahma Naidu and his son Balachandra. The story is rooted in Telugu, blending myth and history seamlessly. The book traces the gradual breakdown of the powerful kingdom through the life and choices of Brahma Naidu. Opposing him is Nagamma Devi, who knows that what power actually requires is strategy. The younger generation, Balachandra, finds himself pulled into this rivalry shaped by pride and loyalty.
The book delves into loyalty tested by ideology and the cost of honor-driven choices. The characters are distinct and powerful. Brahma Naidu is a visionary yet vulnerable to the consequences of his own choices. Nagamma Devi brings the contrasting form of strength. Balachandra represents youthful honor and conviction.
The atmosphere is epic and dramatic, and it embraces the scale. The battle scenes are intense. It is written in a grand and theatrical style that feels cinematic.
In essence, it is a large canvas historical narrative that examines how resentment, ambition, and pride slowly make war inevitable.
It follows the rise and fall of Palanadu framed around Brahma Naidu and his son Balachandra. The story is rooted in Telugu, blending myth and history seamlessly. The book traces the gradual breakdown of the powerful kingdom through the life and choices of Brahma Naidu. Opposing him is Nagamma Devi, who knows that what power actually requires is strategy. The younger generation, Balachandra, finds himself pulled into this rivalry shaped by pride and loyalty.
The book delves into loyalty tested by ideology and the cost of honor-driven choices. The characters are distinct and powerful. Brahma Naidu is a visionary yet vulnerable to the consequences of his own choices. Nagamma Devi brings the contrasting form of strength. Balachandra represents youthful honor and conviction.
The atmosphere is epic and dramatic, and it embraces the scale. The battle scenes are intense. It is written in a grand and theatrical style that feels cinematic.
In essence, it is a large canvas historical narrative that examines how resentment, ambition, and pride slowly make war inevitable.
February 20, 2026
This book completely swept me into a world where history breathes, schemes simmer, and loyalty is never simple. Rooted in Telugu folklore, this epic retells the devastating civil war of Palanadu with scale, emotion, and a surprising intimacy that makes every choice feel personal.
Brahma Naidu stands at the heart of the story as a visionary reformer whose ideals of justice and equality shake an entire kingdom. I loved how he is written as neither flawless nor untouchable. His convictions inspire devotion, but they also provoke fear, resentment, and eventual ruin. Opposite him is Nagamma Devi, one of the most compelling characters I have read in historical fiction. Quiet, sharp, and patient, her revenge unfolds through intellect rather than force, making her presence deeply unsettling and powerful.
The battle sequences are vivid and cinematic, yet it is the emotional weight behind them that truly lands. Warriors rise and fall, bonds fracture, and every victory feels painfully earned. By the end, no one escapes unscarred.
This book does not glorify war. It exposes its cost. A gripping, tragic, and unforgettable historical epic.
Brahma Naidu stands at the heart of the story as a visionary reformer whose ideals of justice and equality shake an entire kingdom. I loved how he is written as neither flawless nor untouchable. His convictions inspire devotion, but they also provoke fear, resentment, and eventual ruin. Opposite him is Nagamma Devi, one of the most compelling characters I have read in historical fiction. Quiet, sharp, and patient, her revenge unfolds through intellect rather than force, making her presence deeply unsettling and powerful.
The battle sequences are vivid and cinematic, yet it is the emotional weight behind them that truly lands. Warriors rise and fall, bonds fracture, and every victory feels painfully earned. By the end, no one escapes unscarred.
This book does not glorify war. It exposes its cost. A gripping, tragic, and unforgettable historical epic.
February 18, 2026
Only if he is not alive… The words slipped from his lips, barely more than breath. “Only if he is not alive…”
Are you someone who love to read epics that changes your thought process in a drastic manner.
If the answer is a big yes!!!
Then here's to my weekend read which is one of the most appealing and captivating book I got myself intrigued by.
One of the most praised aspects of the book is the way characters are portrayed:
Brahma Naidu, the progressive reformer and key figure in Palnadu, is shown as a deeply principled leader — empathetic, humane, and dedicated to equality.
Nagamma Devi, often an antagonist, gets a layered depiction — cunning, politically astute, and driven by her own ambitions and motivations. Many readers found her one of the most compelling female characters in the narrative.
The story dramatizes events leading up to and surrounding the Battle of Palnadu — a real conflict that occurred in the 12th century in what is today Andhra Pradesh.
In a nutshell,stands out for its compelling storytelling, rich characterisation, and emotional depth. It brings a legendary South Indian tale to life in a way that is both accessible and impactful — balancing historical insight with engaging narrative.
Are you someone who love to read epics that changes your thought process in a drastic manner.
If the answer is a big yes!!!
Then here's to my weekend read which is one of the most appealing and captivating book I got myself intrigued by.
One of the most praised aspects of the book is the way characters are portrayed:
Brahma Naidu, the progressive reformer and key figure in Palnadu, is shown as a deeply principled leader — empathetic, humane, and dedicated to equality.
Nagamma Devi, often an antagonist, gets a layered depiction — cunning, politically astute, and driven by her own ambitions and motivations. Many readers found her one of the most compelling female characters in the narrative.
The story dramatizes events leading up to and surrounding the Battle of Palnadu — a real conflict that occurred in the 12th century in what is today Andhra Pradesh.
In a nutshell,stands out for its compelling storytelling, rich characterisation, and emotional depth. It brings a legendary South Indian tale to life in a way that is both accessible and impactful — balancing historical insight with engaging narrative.
February 21, 2026
When I picked this book, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this. As I flipped the pages, I went through royal conflict and the rise of tensions between king Nalagama and Reformer Brahma Naidu.
The author pulls you into a world of battles and politics, the sacrifices they make, and the cost of loyalty and betrayal. The love the way Brahma Naidu’s character has been portrayed, his internal struggle, the way how he balances his duty with the brutal war.
The writing of the author is cinematic, with epic scenes and transition in the emotions could be felt within the pages. I found myself cheering for some characters, while I questioning some others.
Overall, it was a great pick for me. More than just a historical novel.
The author pulls you into a world of battles and politics, the sacrifices they make, and the cost of loyalty and betrayal. The love the way Brahma Naidu’s character has been portrayed, his internal struggle, the way how he balances his duty with the brutal war.
The writing of the author is cinematic, with epic scenes and transition in the emotions could be felt within the pages. I found myself cheering for some characters, while I questioning some others.
Overall, it was a great pick for me. More than just a historical novel.
February 18, 2026
🔥 “What if one conversation could’ve stopped an entire war?” 🔥
I just finished Battle of Palnadu, and honestly… this isn’t just history.
It’s ego, pride, loyalty, and dramas, same people, same land, same values… and yet, they chose WAR. 😅
The funniest part?
These characters don’t feel like kings or warriors, they feel like relatives at a wedding who haven’t spoken in 12 years. History isn’t complicated, it’s humans… emotional… with armies. ⚔️
💡Think you hate history books?
This one might just change your mind.
I just finished Battle of Palnadu, and honestly… this isn’t just history.
It’s ego, pride, loyalty, and dramas, same people, same land, same values… and yet, they chose WAR. 😅
The funniest part?
These characters don’t feel like kings or warriors, they feel like relatives at a wedding who haven’t spoken in 12 years. History isn’t complicated, it’s humans… emotional… with armies. ⚔️
💡Think you hate history books?
This one might just change your mind.
February 11, 2026
If you have not read about the Mahabharat of the South then this is the one to start with. It's about the battle of Palanadu -two brothers fighting against each other, longing of love, question of dharma vs justice, conspiracy of Nagamma will surely engage you. If you like reading mythology/historical functions and loved reading Amish's Chola Tigers, Suheldev or Chitra Banerjee's Palace of illusion you will definitely love this too.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews