Five years have passed since the end of the Mauryan Civil War. Samrat Asoka rules the Indian sub-continent from his capital, Patliputra. His brutal wars of conquest have earned him the name Chandasoka (Evil One). His enemies fear him, as do his own people. But the maritime republic of Kalinga stands free in the south-east, the last Mahajanpada, inspired by the values of democracy, equality and peace. In Book III of the epic Asoka Trilogy lies the answer to the great question: Who will be remembered as the greatest Samrat of the land of the Aryas?
I have read 3 books by Shreyas Bhave in the last 3 years. Two of them were the first two parts from Asoka Trilogy. And I must say he has created not-to-put-down series. The way he has described two parallels one for Chandragupta & another for Ashoka has made the series jaw-dropping. And perfect jugglery between two parallels makes you stick to the book till the last page.
The part two ended up at high tempo with Asoka & Chandragupta acclaimed the throne of Magadha. And Chanakya fueled both of them to become Chakravartin (emperor). But in both parallels, something went not as per Chanakya's plan. Malayketu met Amatya Rakshasha & Radhagupta was found alive with Devi in Kalinga. Where Chandragupta was more obedient to Chanakya, Asoka was subdued under alcohol & sexual pleasure. And during those trying times many of the allies (friends) were attacked by Chanakya. Was that a part of a larger game of Chanakya or was he trying to take absolute control in his hands? Such questions were cleared as the story progressed. Do read the book to know more about twists & turns.
As always writing style of Shreyas is smooth & fluid. You won't be stuck on a page as the story won't allow you to do so. The way Shreyas takes you from one peak moment of the story to another parallel you cannot put the book down. The length of the story is apt for the finale. Overall a nice read and satisfied climax for the trilogy.
Ashoka is now the king and Devi is died in an arson. After losing Devi, Ashoka is not able to control himself. Once the fighter Ashoka is now busy himself with wine and women.
On the other side, Chanakya is constantly working towards gaining the control of Kalinga, which is still a democratic region. Kalinga’s officials are preparing an election whereas Radhagupta is trying to fix things in his own way.
Back in times, Chandragupta has become the king but many a times, he gets disagreed with Chanakya’s diplomacy. The same thing is now happening with Ashoka. Whereas Chandragupta was obedient towards Chanakya, Ashoka is not.
Moving further, Kanakdatta gets a news that Devi is alive and he breaks the new to Ashoka but under the influence of wine he forbid to believe him and orders to execute him. In another part of country, Hardeo is fighting to save his kingdom.
Things are going upside down, and friends are becoming enemy and enemies are becoming friends. But no one can be sure. In this turmoil a war is definite.
The stories of Chandragupta and Ashoka goes parallelly and the history is repeating itself again. Chanakya is trying to hold the string but nothing goes according to plan.
How this war is going to change the course of history? Who is right who is wrong? Why Chandragupta leaves his throne? How this war changes life of Ashoka? Who is the actual nemesis of Kalinga? Read this mesmerizing book to know answers.
Writing style:
Just like the previous book, this book is seamless and beautifully written. There is not a single page which you wish to omit. Amazing ending and great narration.
My perception:
This book was a journey of Ashoka and I felt that whatever I have read has been happened in front of my eyes. The author is great at describing every moment, which helps to visualizing. Though it is a story of Chandragupta and Ashoka, the one character which intrigues me more is Chanakya. He was the man of virtue, no one can be like him. This book literally put Chanakya in different zone, where one will keeps thinking how can describe him? Working in the shadow, working for the unified country, his vision was beyond the imagination. Other mains characters are also portrayed by the author amazingly.
If you love adventure, great story, plot, narration and history, this the Ashoka Trilogy is a must read.
Central Cneak: Book III of this trilogy, Nemesis of Kalinga, very beautifully explains at its core, two important conflicts of Indian history – one is the war between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus Nicator 1, while the other is the Mauryan invasion of Kalinga. This book is an epitome of metaphorical contrasts to the reality and derives the blurry line between reality and fiction.
My Take: I found the book to be witty, creative and gritty on the level of metaphorical contrasts of reality and fiction expressing history so vividly and imaginatively. The book is definitely a page turner with around two bouts of coffee as the reading time. I enjoyed and thoroughly and would recommend it to young readers in order to let them know about the magnetic history of our subcontinent in this lucid and creative design.
Critique: The introduction of map and characters are described in the starting of the book which makes it looks like a typical glossary book in the beginning. The story could have started in a more expressive way. Other than that, the narration is lucid and the plot is characteristic with the tiny tint of humour and perception.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
P.S. I'm definitely going to give it an another read! You guys let me know which book do you want to read again and again?
Nemesis of Kalinga is the third book of The Ashoka Triology. Though it’s part three, you can directly read part three. You won’t have issues getting into the plot. I have read many books based on the King Ashoka, but I can definitely say that this is the best one among all. Majority times I have read about the book regarding his earlier life and Kalinga and the last battle, but this book is in much detailed like after the end of Mauryan civil war. There are numerous characters that I was not introduced prior in other books. Like I never knew characters like Chanakya, Chandragupta and this Kalinga territory in the Ashoka story. It was really interesting to read. If we generally talk about the book, the plot is well elaborated and author has included all the details that I was unaware priorly. The language and vocabulary that has been used is good. Style of narration is amazing. The book got me into it after reading initial few pages only. During whole time, I felt like I was watching a movie. I am definitely going for other two parts. Overall a must read for historical fiction lovers!
"Nemesis of Kalinga" is the last and most interesting part of the Aśoka Trilogy. It is the sequel of "Storm from Taxila" after a 5 years leap. Asoka has defeated his half-brother Sushima and ended the civil war. But he reigns tyrannically and is often referred to as 'Chandasoka'. He now spends most of his time with wine and women in his royal harem but none of his concubines or wives can fill the absence of his first wife Devi. He still misses her. In the successive years, his prime minister Vishnugupta Chanakya plans to completely takeover the Mahajanapada of Kalinga. This would boost their economy as Kalinga was the land of seafarers and wealthy merchants and provided access to the Eastern Sea. As Asoka's commander-in-chief leaves with his army for Kalinga, he finds out that their best friend was actually the prince of Kalinga. In a series of events that take place, Chanakya decietfully invades Kalinga, but at last his arch-enemy Radhagupta exposes his reality in front of Asoka. After watching the bloodbath that happened on the battlefield of Dhauli, located on the banks of the Daya River, he mourns on his own decisions and converts into a Buddhist, and begins promoting peace and harmony, and the ideals of Lord Buddha.
The book provides a completely differing narrative of Chanakya than the one we have known before. It exposes the lesser-known decietful, sly and fatal behavioural aspects of Chanakya. It rightfully states the reasons how Asoka turned into Chandasoka, directly blaming Chanakya for this negative conversion. The author has fictionalised much of the content, adding some of his own innovative imaginations and assumptions but he has not defied the imaginative boundaries and has not tried to deviate from the overall reality.
His style of writing is impressive and his treasury of knowledge immense. Some of his fictional additions or amendments are baseless though, and I do not admire suchlike plots as they create a suspicion in the minds of readers and a false notion about a certain historical occurrence. Nonetheless, the sudden introduction of twists and newer plots produces a strong urge in the readers to keep reading and unraveling the mysteries in an eventual process. The emotions that have been coated on the words have an impact impactful effect on the readers and as of my personal experience, these words that provide beautiful descriptions of the plots also contain the prowess of bringing tears in the readers' eyes.
This is 'the' best book I have read till now. The young author Shreyas has done a great job in fantasizing history and presenting it in an extremely organised and interesting way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Really pathetic writing and really pathetic imagination and story. Rather than doing proper research looking at diverse viewpoints before writing such a historical fiction, he swallows whole the greek narrative portraying the greek as great and takes to even higher levels. He takes one of the most illustrious and honorable persons in the history of India like Chanakya and portraits him as a dishonorable goonda/rascal whose only purpose is personal revenge. One would think Chanakya personally murdered someone in family of Mr Bhave for him to have such shameless vengeance. Maybe he seems him own character in Chanakya when writing. One of the worst historical fictions ever written.
Anyone who has read Arthasastra or even the historical records of how the rule in Chandragupta's time was conducted in a decentralised power manner, justice system etc can only pity the lack of credibility in anything depicted in this trilogy.
Nemesis of Kalinga - the final installment of the Asoka Trilogy. Brilliantly written once again by the author, I am extremely delighted to be able to complete this trilogy ! It was really intriguing, dark and exciting ! Fast paced and un putdownable - I love all the details author has used to describe the events in complete order. Amazing narration style of narration as well.
I strongly suggest this trilogy to all Historical fiction lovers and also to young reader to explore more on Asoka's Dynasty.
"I should feel the joy if victory," Asoka sighed. "Yet i feel nothing but grief."
Book Title: Asoka Book III: Nemesis of Kalinga Author: Shreyas Bhave Format: Kindle
Book Title: The title of the book ' Asoka Book III: Nemesis of Kalinga ' is clear and apparent that it is the third book in the Ashoka series.
Book Cover: The cover image of the book is an abstract painting of a warrior\king with worn off face expressing guilt and sadness. The color tone of the cover image also sets the mood.
About the author: Shreyas Bhave, an Electrical Engineer from VNIT Nagpur, is one of India’s youngest experts on Railway Electrification. He also administers an entrepreneurial community at www.ourfirstmillion.org. Possessed of an abiding love of history from childhood, Shreyas was inspired to take on the challenge of writing a fictionalized account based on the historical record, supplemented by rich folklore, which continues to surround the legendary figure of Asoka. Apart from writing, Shreyas enjoys songwriting and composing music, sketching and watercolor painting. He plays the guitar. He enjoys hiking up to the many hill forts of Maharashtra, replete with history and ghosts of the past.
About the book: Five years have passed since the end of the Mauryan Civil War. Samrat Asoka rules the Indian sub-continent from his capital, Patliputra. His brutal wars of conquest have earned him the name Chandasoka (Evil One). His enemies fear him, as do his own people. But the maritime republic of Kalinga stands free in the south-east, the last Mahajanpada, inspired by the values of democracy, equality, and peace. In Book III of the epic Asoka Trilogy lies the answer to the great question: Who will be remembered as the greatest Samrat of the land of the Aryas?
My review: As this is the third book in the Ashoka Trilogy, this book's story is all about Ashoka, his kingdom. In this book, Nemesis of Kalinga, since the book is in continuation this is a perfect continuation book. The book with great details gives so much information about the Mauryan leaders, the Mauryan empire and the then situations. This book almost is the renaissance book for Ashoka who was known as an evil one due to the ruthless wars he fought. His penance and movement towards Buddhism take birth in this book.
Though a known story, the author has presented before his readers a good tale of so many unknown facts and things. Some information discussed in the book seems to be relevant even to this day. What I like: 1. The story continues in sequence with the previous books and hence it will be easy to get along if the previous books are also read. 2. Uncomplicated language with historical myths and facts makes the book an interesting one. 3. The detailing of the characters is appreciated. 4. There are some unsaid details described in the book about Ashoka and other characters that are absent in other books.
What I didn't like: There is nothing to be disliked but there are some typo errors that may have been avoided.
Characters: The story has few characters but every character is written with intrinsic detailing that added more beauty.
Narration: Engaging narration is found in the story.
Language & Grammar: Simple and clear language is used in the story. It made the book more interesting.
My Final Verdict: Recommended historical fiction.
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
Book Review : Nemesis Of kalinga The Ashoka Trilogy Book 3 Author : Shreyas Bhave Publisher : Leadstart Publishing Pvt Limited Genre : Fiction book with historical Non Fiction Rating : 5/5 Stars Cover : 4/5 Stars
About the book :
Five years have passed since the end of the Mauryan Civil War. Samrat Asoka rules the Indian sub-continent from his capital, Patliputra. His brutal wars of conquest have earned him the name Chandasoka (Evil One). His enemies fear him, as do his own people. But the maritime republic of Kalinga stands free in the south-east, the last Mahajanpada, inspired by the values of democracy, equality and peace. In Book III of the epic Asoka Trilogy lies the answer to the great question: Who will be remembered as the greatest Samrat of the land of the Aryas?
The book is been laid down in a refined and systematic approach. I have read his book for the first time so was not able to co-relate the first and second part. It made me realise that presenting these ideas which the author chooses to write about the Ashoka is something challenging and tough to do justice with. I faced little difficulties in understanding the first few chapters as it was in continuation with the second part but from the plot the book took really great turn. I was really happy with reading these chapters as they have amalgamation of history with fiction mixed with characters like Ashoka, Devdutta, Radhagupta, Karuvaki and others. One thing to lay stress upon is the author has given space many characters in the book which gave the book too much importance when we see according to writers point of view. The story is fast gripping with each chapter that has a tittle which can be related to one another.
Things I liked : 💙 Gave importance to the Kalinga war which brings something new for the readers. About the author : Shreyas Bhave, an Electrical Engineer from VNIT Nagpur, is one of India’s youngest experts on Railway Electrification. He also administers an entrepreneurial community at www.ourfirstmillion.org. ##simrinkapoor95 ##lucknow ##writers ##writersofinstagram ##nonfictionbooks ##historylovers ##growup ##historyfacts ##importanceofeducation ##beingme
Did u you remembered the great war which leads the transformation of the great king Ashoka into a peace path as well towards Buddhism??? Hey, guys, I m here with another review. This book is the 3rd part of an Ashoka trilogy. Let's back to the review. Book name: Nemesis of Kalinga(Ashoka -third part). Author: author Shreyas Genre: mythology. 🌟 Rating:4.5 Blurb. Ruler of all continents is dead now. Ashoka killed his brother and took over and march towards the Patliputra where Buddhist monk Kanakadatta is ready to stop his way. Whereas Raghavgupta is traveling to fulfill his task which reveals the secret which yet doesn't know. Lots of blood is going to be flooded History is shall be made which will only death and destruction. Only to find the question Who will be the next Samrat of the revered of the Bharatvarsha???? Review: 1st myths read which not totally fiction but truly part of ancient India. Ashoka is always known as the great king. By ancient 📜times The character's narration ready for making you in flow with start. Especially like the picturesque which will create while reading a well-defined write. Back to the story research is well done by the author which is the primary part of the story as well as important.
The cover says like: A warrior which is lastly bowed down for what? and why? and how? which creates the questions inside the mind.
For mytho read I prefer tread in easy language cause it's the only way to stick with story constantly, so language is easy. I think I need to buy the first 2 parts part cause I m curious to know what must be inside if the 1st 2 parts.
For all ancient time myth readers. , Ashoka the Great King never dies. Thank you for reading.
Title: Asoka Book III: Nemesis of Kalinga Author: Shreyas Bhave Rating: 3.8 Blurb: Asoka Book III set in the times when Asoka ruled the subcontinent India. Ruling the land with the golden bird was never easy for anyone, and almost every ruler gives a subject for the story because of the epic history they have created. In Book III of the epic Asoka Trilogy lies the answer to the great question: Who will be remembered as the greatest Samrat of the land of the Aryas?
My review: Nemesis of Kalinga, the third book and the final book of Ashoka trilogy, by Shreyas Bhave is historical fiction. The story starts with the descriptive introduction of all the characters in this book, and I regret not reading the first two chapters. In History, the Maurya dynasty and Samarat Ashok reign are my favorite so I never leave a chance to read more about it. Nemesis of Kalinga is a very insightful book in a descriptive manner. Since the book is in continuation with its previous two books which I didn't read, the first few chapters are difficult to understand.I'd recommend this book to people fond of historical fiction. One thing to lay stress upon is the author has given space many characters in the book which gave the book too much importance when we see according to the writer's point of view. The book not only throws light on the lives of Mauryan rulers but is also an enriching book providing us with diverse knowledge.
ASHOKA book 111: Nemesis Of Kalinga . . 📚 MY REVIEW: I'm not a Historical fiction Lover, but in recent times, I have read a lot of books on Mythology and History and I must say, they are amazing. This book, however didn't let me down as well. It was an amazing read. I loves to read every page and every bit of the book. This book is the 3rd part of the trilogy. . As this book comes in a trilogy and there are some parts before this as well, so there are characters which may be hard to understand as it's the continuation, but, the characters are very well crafted and they are uniquely defined. . The cover of the book ia superb, according to me. The title is appropriate. The cover and Title goes well with the book. The plot is well developed. It has amazing story line. The story has a flow. It has a grip and the readers are forced to get hooked until the book ends. I loved the narration. . Overall, the book is a nice read. I recommend this to ever Historical Fiction and mythological fiction lovers. They are surely gonna enjoy reading it. But the people who doesn't like these genra cam surely read it and have a wonderful experience. . 📚 MY RATINGS: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Nemesis of Kalinga, the third book and the final book of Ashoka trilogy, by Shreyas Bhave is a historical fiction. It is one of those book which instantly connects with its reader. The author as an opening note raises a deep curiousity by stating facts that lead Chandragupta convert into Jainism and Ashoka, into Buddhism. ✨ ✨ Since the book is in continuation with its previous two books which I didn't read, the first few chapters are difficult to understand. But soon the plot takes turn and everything starts falling into places. Also the map of Mauryan Empire and the detailed list of characters helps to understand the story better and clearer. ✨ ✨ Although the book seems to involve a range characters but each one of them becomes necessary in plot development as they all have their share role to play. I particularly loved the writing style of the author. His crisp and simple language with almost no use of useless words has has made this book a stand alone story. ✨ ✨ I'd recommend this book to people fond of historical fictions. The book not only lays a light on lives of Mauryan rulers but is also an enriching book providing us with a diverse knowledge.
📚 MY REVIEW: I'm not a Historical fiction Lover, but in recent times, I have read a lot of books on Mythology and History and I must say, they are amazing. This book, however didn't let me down as well. It was an amazing read. I loves to read every page and every bit of the book. This book is the 3rd part of the trilogy. . As this book comes in a trilogy and there are some parts before this as well, so there are characters which may be hard to understand as it's the continuation, but, the characters are very well crafted and they are uniquely defined. . The cover of the book ia superb, according to me. The title is appropriate. The cover and Title goes well with the book. The plot is well developed. It has amazing story line. The story has a flow. It has a grip and the readers are forced to get hooked until the book ends. I loved the narration. . Overall, the book is a nice read. I recommend this to ever Historical Fiction and mythological fiction lovers. They are surely gonna enjoy reading it. But the people who doesn't like these genra cam surely read it and have a wonderful experience. . 📚 MY RATINGS: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
In History,maurya dynasty and Samarat Ashok reign is my favorite so I never leave a chance to read more about it. Nemesis of Kalinga is a very insightful book in a descriptive manner. Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE. The grandson of the founder of the Maurya Dynasty, Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka promoted the spread of Buddhism across Asia but before that he is famous as Chandashoka because of his cruelness and ruthless behavior .After killing his brother Sushem he become emperor and start expanding his borders ,the only kingdom which left was Kalinga and what happens after brutal Kalinga war and after effects you have to read this book. Writing style of author is good and narratives make it easier to understand the characters but history is so vast that we cannot describe all the characters in a one book itself so this is third part of Ashoka Trilogy. List of characters in starting helps you through out the story.
Historical fiction is often beloved by its readers for presenting a different perspective to the existing. Author Shreyas presents in front of you a series of historical fiction, his love for history made him take the challenge which resulted in the formation of this series. Asoka Book III set in the times when Asoka ruled the subcontinent India. Ruling the land with the golden bird was never easy for anyone, and almost every ruler gives a subject for story because of the epic history they have created. What makes Asoka special is the representation of Power, unique and seven evil tactics which made him one of the greatest rulers of history. The writing is really beautiful and very sharp. Hardly there are any fillers and the words reflect the true essence of the plot. Still, I say that when it comes to the big picture, that is considering the book as a whole, the balance was little lacking and sometimes the feeling faded. It is definitely not a short read but the content presented is worthy of the length. Overall it is a decent read in this genre.
Name of the book - Nemesis of Kalinga The Ashoka Trilogy Author's name - Shreyas Bhave Rating - 4⭐/5 . ⚜️This is the 3rd book in the series. I haven't read the first two parts, so of course it was bit difficult for me at first to relate with the context but once I attained a pace in the reading, I thoroughly enjoyed it. ⚜️Honestly speaking Mythology is not my genre, but some characters bounds us so deep that we can't resist without reading through them. Exactly this book does the same. ⚜️This is a very insightful book which has presented the story and every events and incidents with vivid descriptions. ⚜️Author's writing style and the way of presenting the story bounds me awestruck. The plot is developed very strongly. ⚜️Mythology books always enriches us with more of the facts and knowledge about our great histories and heroes of the past. ⚜️This book will be a perfect treat to all the mythology lovers. ⚜️Guys you should definitely pick this book for once and enjoy its essence.
Now a days history and mythology are the highest selling thing. Be it in television series or fiction writing, this two segments are selling like hot cake. But most of them have lack of research which end up as a disappointment. But this book is different. The author has a proper view about what he wants to convey and we'll and have done good research on the subject. I haven't read his previous books on this series but after completing this I think its a must for me to read those. The best part I found is that the author has a leftist view and that's why he is not biased on his writing. He has analysed things in a very rational way and present in his fiction. Writing a historical fiction is not easy but he has done it beautifully. He is successful in convert his thoughts and analysis to give a fictional shape. The book is well researched and flawless. writing is easy and beautiful. I would say this is a must read
Name of the book - Asoka Book III : Nemesis of Kalinga by Shreyas Bhave. Stars given- 5 on 5 stars. My take on the book- This one is the third one in the trilogy and of course I started with it. I mean #suchaManalithingtodo But this one was something I would have been upset to miss out on. I am currently reading lots and loads of ancient and modern history, cause exam demands but this one kinda helped make all the paragraphs more alive and interesting. I know I won't be asked many of the points that we're there cause of creative license, but now I kinda, sorta am looking forward to reading more about those times. The book starts with a bit of an introduction that made me look twice, it was I won and I lost but after I sorted that out everything else was aaaaaamazing. Loved reading it. BTW getting the first two books soon.
The fact that I understood this book even without reading the first 2 parts (my mistake, I know) is commendable on the author’s part because he wrote the book in such a way that a reader who hasn’t read the earlier instalments of the trilogy can understand the book and it just refreshes the story for readers who are returning to the world. Moving forward, the story was interesting, I have read about Ashoka a lot and to read the author’s take on the story was a delight. The writing style is simple, not flourished with fancy words; the history as it is overwhelms you, thank god the writing style is not complicated. The author goes on to mention a lot of things I did not know about Ashoka, the author greatly emphasis on the Kalinga War. The narration style is so good that I was engrossed in the book from maybe the second chapter on! Recommended.
This being the third book of the series, is the first one I'm reading, and I would say I will surely pick up the first two books of this series. It felt more like a stand alone, as I didn't feel any kind of difficullty in getting into the plot and loving it. I'm an average fan of historical fictions, and this one will stand in top from now on, that I'll surely get the other two books. I like how the author have kept the plot, so very well structured. There's no much complexity in understanding the concept and characters. I like the narrative style of the author. The book amazed me in many ways. I would recommend it to every one who loves historivsl fiction.
Here’s another historic fiction review! All the books that I have read in the recent past are amazing and this one also did not let me down!
This is the third book in the series. I have read and loved the earlier two books and hence, I was waiting for this one to come out.
The book starts at a time when the civil war was over and Ashok was a well-established ruler. He was considered as a brutal ruler and that’s why he was called Chandasoka. He was feared by both his enemies and his people.