CHAKRAVYUH - Through the Eyes of the Young Warrior

by Aniket S. Sharma

CHAKRAVYUH is a modern adaptation of the greatest epic ever written in the history of humankind; MAHABHARATA. This is a retelling of a part of the epic from the perspective of a young warrior who was descendant of Kuru dynasty; born to lead; but destiny had some other plans for him. A loyal son, a loving brother, a caring husband, a disciplined disciple and a true warrior defied all the odds to be decorated in history for many generations to come. His skills and intellect were no less than his forefathers, but he was not bound to the dogmas
followed by his ancestors. His judgement of situations was his own, and he didn’t follow the dynastic parlances. In many ways, he was ahead of his times and definitely more mature than his age.

When greed was at its epitome; materialistic desires lead to destruction of humility; the rules of Dharma were rewritten to benefit the selfish desires of just a group; A young boy defied all the odds and wrote a new chapter of his life, becoming immortal in our hearts. This is a story of a chosen warrior who was separated from his father at the age of three. This is a story of a boy, as handsome as sons of Ashwin brothers; as strong as the son of Vayu; as calm as son of Yama; and as skilled as the son of Indra. This is a story of the son of Subhadra and nephew of Krishna.

This is the story of ABHIMANYU.

218 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2019

Reviews

[Vishnu Chevli · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Chakravyuh I think I have added one more feather in our collection of mythological fiction based on Mahabharata only. I have around 25 books in the said category but our hunger for more has never seen an end. With Chakravyuha I got to read yet another dimension from none other than Abhimanyu's point of view.

Well, Chakravyuh in the title is meant for war strategy used by Kaurava in Mahabharata, so it is obvious that the protagonist of our story is Abhimanyu. The story started from Agyatvas (incognito exile) of Pandava. The end of the Agyatvas brought Abhimanyu in the story. His entry came with his marriage proposal. Unfortunately, the lad took part in the war soon after his marriage. Once the war started the author has focused on fight happened around Abhimanyu, how he made his first kill and victory over fearsome warriors, how their side collectively lost some great allies. One third or fourth of the portion covers the last day of his life, 13th day, which has made Abhimanyu hero for the years/millennia to come by. Read the book to know more.

Well, the book is written with either 3rd person or 1st person only for Abhimanyu. I got a little bit confused initially. Things are written in the present tense.

The writing style is simple and lucid. You can easily finish it Good book for beginners t increase or cultivate reading habit. The most attractive part is the cover design. With the look of semi hardcover, it looks posh. Only complain is font settings. They were not properly chosen. You may feel like reading report due to font selection.

I would like to thank "Author's Channel" for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Detailed review link - https://chevusread.blogspot.com/2019/...

[Sindhu Vinod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mahabharata as we know, is about the eighteen day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Be it in any author’s version we have known only about the main characters and less about their sons and wives. And about Abhimanyy, our protagonist of this book, what we only know is he is the son of Arjuna and was killed in the chakravyuh strategy of the Kauravas.
The Author here decides to take a deep dive into the story but from Abhimanyu’s point of view. Abhimanyu, as a prince, son, husband and a warrior tells the story here. We come to know the happenings of war from his perspective and how he tackled the charavyuh almost nearing the end where he was killed.
The book begins with the 13th year exile coming to an end, where there lived in disguise, hiding in the kingdom of Matsya. King Virat of Matsya, offers to marry his daughter Uttaraa to Arjuna to which he refuses and instead asks his son Abhimanyu to marry her. Prince Abhimanyu who was not in picture, since he was separated from his father at age 3, was brought up by his maternal uncle, Krishna.
Abhimanyu, Krishna, Subhadhra are delighted to hear the news. Abhimanyu excited not because of his marriage to Uttara, but for the moment of reunion with his father. The wedding takes place in high profile, soon after which the talks of the war begin.
Duryodhana and the Kauravas not agreeing to return the wealth and kingdom back to Yudhistra post their exile, proposes war. The war commences with Pandavas receiving blessings from Grandsire, Bhisma who wants to be in favor of Pandavas but wants to fight for his motherland.
When Subhadhra was pregnant with Abhimanyu in the womb, he was narrating the chakravyuh strategy which Abhimanyu was listening with ‘hmm’ from the womb. But it so happened that Subhadhra dozed off, that the way out of the chakravyuh was not narrated to him. This is the reason why Abhimanyu couldn’t proceed after certain stage and succumbs to enemy attack.
Even though he had no complete knowledge about the chakravyuh, Abhimanyu chose to fight the enemies but could not proceed after a point. To say exactly after the seventh grid, Abhimanyu could not break the formation which was due to the incomplete knowledge he gained and the one he missed.
Though he was brave and valiant, he could prove no match to the warriors who were fighting against him in the grid. He succumbed to his injuries and died a brave warrior.
What I loved in the book is the author’s brave attempt to project the story from Abhimanyu’s point of view which was not well known. We also come to know not only about his warrior life but also his personal life being a father and a son. The narration is simple and easy to comprehend. The author has given a detailed note of the 13 day war from Abhimanyu’s point of view. Accepting to sacrifice his life to safeguard the army is indeed a brave act by the warrior prince. The cover design is apt showing a young man brave and furious in a rage during the war scene.

[Devika Ramadoss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chakravyuh ,the tale of Kurukshetra through the eyes of Abhimanyu, Son of Arjuna. 

Special mention to the book binding and cover. 

This book  is not entirely a retelling of Mahabharata from Abhimanyu’s point of view. The story elaborates the events from Day 1 of war and Abhimanyu dictates the happenings to us through his mind. I am quiet happy that there is only negligent conversation lines in the book and the plot was completely focused through the young warrior’s thought narration.

A war for vengeance, a war to claim one’s share, a war to exhibit what is righteous,a war to show who is superior,a war with so much of game play, a war for sacrifice, a war for prove the trust and respect and importantly a war with most devious plan to win the war on both sides.Out of all a war with so much of bloodshed which ran for many days and Abhimanyu  as a narrator put forth the mistakes of both sides. He carried the proud,the shame,the guilt,the sorrow in his heart without backing off from his war ethics and duty. 

Characters were magnificent through the context of Abhimanyu which was exaggerated(in a very good way) and implied how powerful and brilliant the foes were and as well as his own. Every book I have read about Mahabharata ,it would be hails of either Krishna or Arjuna mainly. But this book comes as a savior to me as I see the war ,war and war between Kauravaas and Pandavaas. I clearly liked the pages where “soldiers” dutiful fearless act was mentioned. The war is not only about the leaders but the people who fought beside them.  

The war formation on each day was majestically laid for the readers imagination.I found many recurring words and kind of scenes,though can’t blame the narration as the book being the war episodes. The narration was constant through out the book and became flat for the same reason. 

Overall ” Chakravuyh” is an epic where Abhimanyu narrates here as a spectator while his hands and arrows are playing in the war. “Chakravyuh is a spectacular exhibit of Kurukshektra war which was enormous when seen through the eyes of Abhimanyu,the son of Arjuna”

[Rajan · Rating 2 out of 5]

“...the secret of the Great Stories is that they have no secrets. The Great Stories are the ones you have heard and want to hear again. The ones you can enter anywhere and inhabit comfortably. They don’t deceive you with thrills and trick endings. They don’t surprise you with the unforeseen. They are as familiar as the house you live in. Or the smell of your lover’s skin. You know how they end, yet you listen as though you don’t. In the way that although you know that one day you will die, you live as though you won’t. In the Great Stories you know who lives, who dies, who finds love, who doesn’t. And yet you want to know again.

That is their mystery and their magic.”
― Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things

“Chakravyuh” by Aniket Sharma is another one in the long list of Mahabharat retellings. The great epic inspired many authors and poets and it is perfectly alright to try interpreting it in their own way.

The story ios already known but the difference is that it is told from the PoV of Abhimanyu, son of Arjun. He is a young warrior and the tale is told through his eyes. The book starts after the Agyatvas ends.

Language of book is plain and simple and it fails to do justice to the epic Mahabharat. The book reads like a summary of the great epic and it is told in plain, boring and simplistic way. The nuances of characters is not brought out through dialogues.

The attempt by author is valiant but it miserably falls short. 2/ 5 stars.

[Kriti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chakravyuh

Through the eyes of young warrior

By Aniket S Sharma

Review :

The story begins with five Pandavas looking for a hiding place. After completing the 12years of exile they did not wanted to get caught by Duryodhan, so they disguised themselves and started living in Matsya kingdom which is ruled by king Virat. The story started with a smooth narration but got a little confusing in the middle when the story shifted to Abhimanyu. However the war was perfectly described and u could imagine everything going on. I liked the title and cover though. It made me curious to read the book I'm always excited to know more about Mahabharata and that's why u picked up this book. The story is told in Abhimanyu's POV. This book marks the journey of Abhimanyu, son of Subhrada. The book is interesting mainly because it is told from a third person's perspective and there was a whole new angle of the story. I wished the narration to be a little better as it was confusing me in many scenes. Overall the story was nice.

[Meghasi Bhatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers familiar with the Indian epic ‘The Mahabharata’ will certainly comprehend what the story is about from the title of the story itself.
The story begins at the time period when the Pandavas are about to end their thirteenth year of exile, the last of which has been spent in hiding in the kingdom of Matsya. Circumstances lead to King Virat offering his daughter Uttara to Arjuna as a bride. Instead Arjuna suggests his son Abhimanyu’s name as a replacement bridegroom.
We are then introduced to the young warrior Abhimanyu who has been separated from his father from the age of three and has been brought up by his maternal uncle Lord Krishna.
Abhimanyu and Uttara wed but they are unable to enjoy their married life as events race ahead to the fabled war between the Pandavas and their cousins the Kauravas.
The story continues to depict the battle as seen through Abhimanyu’s eyes. The story ends of course with his tragic and untimely death. However, the author has clearly indicated that he plans to take the story forward.
The story is extremely interesting and I for one, am awaiting the sequel.

[Arti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another story from the epic Mahabharata but from Abhimanyu’s point of view, though the story also moves into third person point of view sometimes. The authr has detailed the thirteen days of war and how Abhimanyu felt and reacted to the war, as a human being, a son, a husband and as a warrior. The author has also written the back stories of many characters as they come into the story, like who is Bheema, why is he strong; about Ghatotkacha; about Arjun…..

The language is simple and the scenes have been described in details and some of them could be actually visualised. A well written book, some good editing would make it unputdownable. The author has done extensive research which is visible in the book.

[Savita Ramsumair · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit disappointed

I am a bit disappointed that much wasn't said about Abhimanyu's childhood or his relationship with Uttara. I hope the follow up does justice to this.

[Geeta Nair · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Mahabharata has us see the epic battle of Kurukshetra being narrated to King Dhritarashtra, by his advisor- cum- charioteer Sanjaya who incidentally was blessed with the gift of ‘divya- drishti’ (the divine gift to be able to see things happening at a distance, as though the same were happening right in front of one), ‘ Chakravyuh’ has the young prince Abhimanyu as its narrator. Thirteen days of the War of Kurukshetra come live through his young eyes only to reveal the height of mayhem, deceit and bloodshed that was involved in the same. Swords clashed, arrows flew and maces crushed. Divine weapons were released in hundreds. Blood oozed from the dead and wounded, only to colour the earth red. Each day the sun rose with hope to see a resolution to the conflict, only to set at dusk disappointed that the end was not in sight, Strategies were chalked out and foes were targeted cleverly. Vultures and foxes feasted on the dead. Families mourned, yet the Kshatriya dharma never faltered.

Narrated by Abhimanyu the son of Arjuna and nephew of Krishna, ‘Chakravyuh’ is a minute – by – minute description of the first thirteen days of the epic battle of Kurukshetra. Replete with interesting incidents pertaining to the various divine astras used, and the formations adopted by both the Pandavas and Kauravas, this book definitely speaks of a lot of research having gone into its birth. The plot is indeed interesting and the imagery vivid. Characters are fleshed out well, and emotions find expression by way of responses to situations that arise, While all these worked for me, what did not work is the style and language. The usage of certain words seemed inappropriate/ out of place at times, and could do with better substitutes. In fact I feel that the book could do with a fresh round of editing to smooth out the flaws, before going for a reprint which I hope it does. It holds a lot of potential.

Overall a nice read which takes the reader right to the scene of the crime ….Oops! Battle. But wait. Can’t one call the battle a crime of sorts? Wasn’t the Game of Dice that started it all, a crime? Wasn’t the insult meted out to Draupadi, a crime? Didn’t the powers that be in Hastinapur reneged on their promise of return of the Kingdom to Yudhishtra, a crime? Wasn’t the War of Kurukshetra which saw the Great Bhisma Pitamah, Guru Dronacharya and countless Kings side with ‘adharm’ knowingly, a crime? Yes, ‘Chakravyuh’ is a story that will take you straight to the scene of a crime, a crime perpetrated by the ‘adharmic’ forces on the ‘dharmic’ ones.

[Sid Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a retelling of Mahabharata through the eyes of the Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna. It has the description of the first thirteen days of the heroic battle of Kurukshetra.
The author has done a lot of research to write about the incidents and conversations to provide them to the readers in a realistic manner. The plot, as the plot of Mahabharata is, is really interesting and engaging. While reading this book, you will have images of the war scenes in your mind.
The focus on the characterization is impressive. Abhimanyu’s approach is shown exceptionally. The author has covered many ignored details of Abhimanyu’s courageousness and personality and expressed in the book with perfect dramatization. I loved reading about Abhimanyu as a husband, a father, and a son. Abhimanyu’s bravery is the highlight of this story, and it is inspirational.
The author has done extensive research for sure to produce this book. The language used in the book is simple and easily understandable, but it lacks the language of an epic. Also, the narration is good but not impressive. This book would be unputdownable with some editing of it. This book holds a lot of potentialities as it just needs some good editing and an increase in the usage of narrative language.
The attempt by the author is commendable. I liked the cover and loved the title of it. The work on language is required. Also, it is a good one-time read.
I would praise the author for taking a huge risk to write about an epic, as the scope for errors is not acceptable here.

[Reader Vivek · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book author told the 13 days of the Mahabharata war, till Abhimanyu's valour and courage.
Mahabharata War took 18 days in total. This book is about Abhimanyu and through his point of view author told the story to us.

Like the whole writing and narration of author. It shows his hard work to write this book. Very simple and good writing. Easily understandable language.

I like the narration and writing most of 13th day and 2nd of war. Very well written the whole book with every minute detail.

Author told all the names which not known most of us. He told Duryodhanas brothers name and most of other warriors name too.
He also described the positions of every warrior and every men from the battlefield, of all 13 days.

Want to suggest this things,
1)this book is through Abhimanyu, then he should tell Arjuna by his father or other one by what he call them, but author take direct names of all ones.Only sometimes he put those relation names according names Abhimanyu.

2)Also confusion will occur about "Uttara" and "Uttaraa" to new reader or who not know most about Mahabharat, because not specify it by double "aa".

Book cover is also very beautiful. Every one easily imagine what in, in this book by the book name Chakravyuh. But I suggest everyone, mostly who love the mythological scriptures and all about mythology, plz read this book at once. Writer had very beautifully written this epic story. Recommend to all mythology lovers. Begginers can also read this.

Want to read more books from the writer.

[Keval Sanghani · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Chakravyuh: Through the Eyes of the Young Warrior" by Aniket S. Sharma is a retelling of the Mahabharata from Abhimanyu's perspective. Despite its potential to offer a fresh viewpoint on this epic tale, the book falls short in delivering an engaging narrative. The language is plain and simplistic, failing to capture the depth and drama of the original epic . This lack of nuanced character development and engaging dialogue renders it a rather tedious read, especially in comparison to other adaptations, like "The Palace of Illusions" or "A Lone Warrior," or "Karna's Wife" which provide richer insights into their stakeholders' lives.

Having read a variety of Mahabharata narratives and seen television adaptations like B.R. Chopra's "Mahabharata" and "Dharmakshetra," this book feels lacking in depth and excitement. For those looking to explore the epic with a unique twist, there are more captivating versions available. I wouldn't recommend "Chakravyuh" to others, as it does not live up to the compelling storytelling found in other accounts of this legendary tale .

[Sai Amirapu · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I read in these days. One can sense The mighty warrior's valor and the entire combat exhibitions are drastically presented in a way that every scene is picturesque and was taking place right in front of our naked eyes. The 13 days of the incredible great war of Mahabharata prevail the presence of the mighty combatant Abhimanyu and his take in the war viewpoint is so imperative and awestruck. There is no bar for the research done by the author to bring this up. Every minute incident is illustrated in a meticulous way. Expecting to read the complete 18 days of Mahabharata crusade by this author in coming days. Each soul involved in the battle is full of mixed feelings and emotions which is portrayed so adequately.
I'm so thankful to the author for bringing up this for letting me clear off my concerns after reading this.

Highly recommended to all who are interested in Hindu scripture, Humanity, wisdom, valor, and Righteousness.

[Vivek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Debut piece by this author specialising in retelling mythology especially Indian. I received this book in lieu of a honest review. If you ever had to take part in a Mahabharat quiz and wanted a quick refresher on names, relationships and sequence of events, this is your quick guide as the author has highlighted his research prowess. He also manages to recreate the mind numbing nothingness of war as you grind through chapter by chapter seeing warriors mechanically fight, kill , repent and repeat and you wish for it to end. It does since we all know the protagonist dies before the war is won. The first hand version of events alternating with a third person narration gets jarring at times. A quick refresher for Mahabharat facts on your fingers.

[Vinay Leo · Rating 2 out of 5]

#2019 #YearInBooks Book 61

Took this book because it offers a different perspective to the Mahabharata war, the story of Abhimanyu. The author's interest in Indian mythology comes across well, as does his research for the novel. But there wasn't really a magic to the narration, and I think it needed to go through more editing. It didn't charm me as I had hoped it would.

[Paul S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read. Totally recommended !!

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Title: CHAKRAVYUH : Through the Eyes of the Young Warrior
Author: Aniket S Sharma
Format: Paperback

Book Title:
The title of the book ' CHAKRAVYUH : Through the Eyes of the Young Warrior ' suggests the reader that the story is an extract from the tale of Chakravuyh in the story of Mahabharatha.
 
Book Cover:
The cover image of the book is a sketch of young Abhimanyu in a rage during the Kurukshetra war. The warrior attitude is clearly shown on his face.

Plot:
The story is about Abhimanyu, the courageous son of the great Arjuna. His life a prince, warrior, husband, and a father is very well described. As it is a known story that Chakravyuh was a military formation which was an effective form of defense. The army would be arranged in the form of a circular grid and would then challenge the enemy to break that grid. Once when Subhadra, Arjuna's wife, and Krishna's sister, and Abhimanyu's mother was pregnant with him, she dozed off. Abhimanyu was clever enough to understand the techniques of Chakravyuh while in his mother's womb itself and continued to carefully follow Sri Krishna’s narrative of the Chakravyuh. Many years later, during the Mahabharata war at Kurukshetra, the Kauravas set up a Chakravyuh and challenged the Pandavas to come forward and break it. However, only Arjuna (who was fighting elsewhere) knew the technique of doing so. At that stage, to save the honor of the Pandavas, Abhimanyu came forward and offered his services for the task of breaking the Chakravyuh. Despite his incomplete knowledge of the technique he entered the grid and overcame one circle after another until he comes to the seventh one, the breaking of which he had no knowledge. Brave and ambitious as he was, he fought valiantly in the unequal struggle but in vain. His strength and bravery proved no match against the skillfully laid out maze of warriors, upon fighting whom, he met his end

This is the usual story that is being ever propagated about Abhimanyu. But, in this book the author Aniket has taken a step further in bringing forward the readers with an unseen character and life of Abhimanyu.

What I like:
1. An honest attempt in understanding the character of the young Pandava prince, Abhimanyu in his perspective
2. Unknown or ignored details of his valor and personality are showcased with great interest
3. His personal life other than the warrior's life is less discussed in general, but here the author has also taken into the account Abhimanyu's personal life as a husband, father and a son.
4. The very detailed description of Abhimanyu's role during the mere 13 days of Mahabharath's Kurukshetra war is a commendable attempt.
5. When a person is considered as a bait to the enemies, is it humane? Is it lawful? Is it the right thing? is a question posed by the author to his readers
6. To gain or achieve something if sacrifice is the only option at that moment of time, accepting the sacrifice is an act of bravery. Abhimanyu is thus brave!

What I didn't like:
The story is written in a very interesting way hence I failed to find any errors.

Characters:
All are known characters to the readers, but the perspective with which the author has re-told the characters is worth applauding.

Narration:
An interesting and engaging narration from the start to the end of the book can be observed.

Language & Grammar:
Simple and easy English language is found in the book which can appease the readers of any age group.

My Final Verdict:
A good book about a lesser-known tale of Abhimanyu

Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Narration: 3/5
Language & Grammar: 3/5
Final Rating: 3/5