The Vetala

by Phillip Ernest

Nada Marjanovic, professor of Sanskrit at the University of Zagreb, has spent more than twenty years translating an obscure text on the vetala, a parasitic, vampire-like being that possesses the bodies of his victims. When her mentor and collaborator in the Indian city of Pune dies, she finds herself face-to-face with the undead that the text describes, an evil which long ago killed her lover – and set her on the path of an obsessive scholarly revenge. She must rely on her intellect, mythic lore, and even dreams to piece together the mystery of the manuscript.

The vetala’s opposition grows increasingly violent as Nada nears the book’s conclusion, and with the help of two colleagues, struggles to decipher its climactic secret, which would allow her to exorcise the demon at last – freeing not only the mysterious man whom he has possessed for centuries, but also, perhaps, her own imprisoned and forgotten love. Suspenseful and unforgettable, Phillip Ernest’s debut novel captures the most universal elements of human experience – even the monsters we face.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2018

Reviews

[Willy Marz Thiessam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading Hindu mythology for many years and I've always thought of it as something very different and even exotic. This book has changed all of that. What are sacred Hindu texts Phillip Ernest has turned to a dreamscape narrative that engages. Working elements into the "vampire" genre that I had no idea could work.

In Greek mythology the Gods come down and interact with humans. In Hindu Mythology humans gain supernatural even sinister powers that challenge the Gods, fates and their own nature. This is the subtle and brutal twist that love takes the undead life beyond life in a violent struggle. The violence of course is a spiritual and psychological violence of a fate torn by love.

I can't recommend this book enough. My only warning is that this is not for those wanting a quiet read. This novel sets the sky on fire. Its as beautiful as it is terrifying. Its a novel to run from or love, but it will not leave you indifferent.

[Frederick K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply disturbing book and yet one of haunting beauty. The heroine Nada faces the dark consequences of love age after age, lifetime after lifetime in the possession of two men, whose love propels them to repeat their tragic conflict.

Its brutal and very appealing, nothing can free her and them except a sacrifice. I love this book. I don't recommend it for those looking for a simple love story. This will grip you and it is a love that feels like a death wish. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a good tragic love story.

[Arjun]

If i were asked to describe this book in two words, i would just say: Schrodinger's Cat. It's an apt description of this well-researched and detailed book that makes an attempt to acquaint the reader with the Vetala, who is horrifying, mysterious, tragic, 'human', and more, all at the same time. The plot, at times, feels like fiction that's too absurd to be true but gets transformed within moments to a completely believable reality that you feel unveiling in front of your eyes. It's this sense of duality spanning across almost the entirety of the storyline, that makes this book an exciting and unputdownable read. The characters are very well constructed and depicted in the book, and as a Karnataka Brahmin myself, i could easily relate to the characters and understand the Sanskritic undertones that the book has. It accurately captures and vividly brings out, the essence of a bygone Indian era, where life was more meaningful, slow-paced, and less obsessed with materialism. The stories described within the story are heartwarming, spine-chilling, horrifying, tragic, at times, funny. Overall, the book will take you on a emotional rollercoaster ride while also giving you the pleasure of witnessing an exciting and thrilling story panning out in front of your eyes all the while.

[Vishvas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good plot at the high level. There are some loose ends and it gets rather incredible for some time in the middle - but overall the story is quite gripping. Phillip uses his facility with basic Sanskrit versification to good effect in developing the story - the sanskrit is impeccable. The story captures the feeling of expatriate Indological experiences (centered around Pune) and attitudes quite well. Rare excerpts might irritate or amuse native Indian readers, but that's excusable given the identity of the author and the main characters. Overall any hindu sanskrit speaker will enjoy it.

[Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A completely absorbing twist on vampires, reincarnation, and true love.

#readharderchallenge - my pick for indie horror.

[Jim Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Phillip's writing, and this twist on the vampire legend out of India makes for fascinating reading.

[Ethereal Amorist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, God, this was phenomenal. I wanted to know more about vampires like in the western culture but got a totally different version. But I enjoyed the mystery and love. It's so good to know that our Indian culture and sanskrit language is cherished by non-Indians too. Hats off to the author! 💖