A well knitted historical account
Book name: Asoka Trilogy 1- The Prince of Patliputra
Writer: Shreyas Bhave
Price: 350
Total Pages: 382
Source: Review copy
Language: English
Publisher: Leadstart publishing (Published in January,2016)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Introduction:
This is the debut book of Author Shreyas Bhave. History is deep sink in mysteries and that is the reason history always fascinated me. History has an important role in building the part of future and present. We all must have read about Samrat Asoka in school history book. He is known as one of the successful Samrat in whole Bharatvarsha after Chandragupta Maurya. Today India's flag has the symbol of Asoka chakra as well as our national emblem is also derived from Asoka. This book is the first part of Asoka trilogy.
Plot summary:
The book starts with a brief introduction of Chandragupta Maurya and his grandson Asoka. The prologue has intrigued instances where history repeats itself.
Samrat Bindusar, son of Chandragupta Maurya and the second Samrat Chakravartin of all the Aryas is now suffered from an unknown illness. Back then, Chandragupta Maurya has glorified his kingdom perfectly under the guidance of Arya Chanakya. Samrat Bindusar has got the vast realm from his father in legacy. He managed to rule his kingdom as per his father but now the things have changed and his health is declining due to an unknown illness. His 99 son is waiting in line to achieve the throne but in fact, nobody is suitable to take the holy throne of Patliputra.
The only candidate who looks suitable to take the throne is Asoka- an army general and least favorite half- vaisya son of Samrat Bindusar. The prime minister Radhagupta and exiled Kautilya (Chanakya) is silently shaping the ways of Asoka to put him on the throne of Patliputra. Sushem, the most favorite son of Samrat Bindusar has already started Ashwamedha- Yadnya to prove his efficiency for the throne.
In this ebbs and flow, in this game of thrones the history is repeating itself and in this sensitive period, Bharat needs Chandragupta and Chanakya again. But all this is possible?
With the present story, author takes back you to in history to know the Chanakya and his rebel youth alliance of Chandragupta who eradicate Raja Ambhi and tyrannical Nandas from the throne and made an Akhand Bharat.
This book is placed in the context of Ancient Bharat, where you can find caste-system, their interesting tradition & culture.
The book ends with various aggressive situation and questions. 'A west wind is going to blow strong over Bharatvarsha.....'
The answers, which we will find in the next part of this trilogy titled as 'The Scourge from Taxila'.
Book Cover:
A historical fiction needs to be a grandeur book cover and here the author has wisely chosen to put the story world over the book cover, which will surely grab your attention. You can read the interesting journey of book cover here.
Writing style:
This book is written with lots of research and a person who has the vast interest in history can write this kind of book. Although this is a fiction book but it will hold your nerves until you reached the last page. The characterization is simply awesome. While reading the book your mind will automatically shape the character. The writing style is smooth and you can read it in pace. The lively conversation between characters is the gaining point of this book.
My perception:
Maurya dynasty is known to rule the largest empire of the world. Chandragupta Maurya has already left marks on history by his good deeds. Asoka, who was best known to Buddha religion spreader. has some of the features of his grandfather. This book travels between pride, betrayal, conspiracy, relations and love. In limited words, this book is a reflection of history A must recommend book to everyone who want to know more about history.
Eagerly waiting for the second book!!
Know the Author:
Shreyas is a 21 year old guy currently pursuing his B.Tech in Electrical Eng. from VNIT Nagpur. His love for history since his childhood prompted his to write his take on the story of Asoka who was one of the towering figures in the history of India,
Apart from writing, his hobbies are songwriting, composing music, painting watercolors and sketching with pencils. He loves hiking in the hill forts of Maharashtra, is fond of blues and southern rock music, plays the guitar.
He is currently working on a startup to provide quality service to the end users of Transformer and Switchgear products in the country.
He is also presently working on the second part of this trilogy which shall be called 'The Scourge from Taxila.'
You can watch the book trailer over here
He can be reached on theasokatrilogy@gmail.com
You can grab a copy of this amazing book from here
Halo of book: Excellent !!
Until next time, Keep Reading :)
