Book Review: The Seal of Surya by Amritanshu Pandey



 

Book: The Seal of Surya

Author: Amritanshu Pandey

No. of Pages: 272

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Pirates

 

WOW !! That's what I will say for this one.

Pirates have done it again. They have pleasantly surprised me by publishing a book that is a challenge in itself. I wish them all the luck in this and also wish luck to the author who has begun writing a grand epic of gargantuan proportions … something like a cross between Mahabharata and Lord of the Rings. I just hope and wish the author's first book is well received and he is encouraged to write further and complete the series.

The incredible universe that the author has created is full of possibilities and a truly grand epic can be woven out of it. The potential is immense and I seriously hope that the author is able to 'milk the cow' to its full potential and then some more.

The author has begun the epic talking about the life and times of a king in ancient India. The story spans across the decades; right from his early childhood to the age where is ready to leave all and search for ultimate truths in life. There are references to the lineage and legacy he carries. There are the conflicts that he faces and also those which are faced by his close ones as well as enemies. The narration has all the "masala" and emotions with the relationships showing both friendship as well as treachery.

The narration gives you an insight into the human mind and somewhere along the journey of the king; there is a spirituality lesson for the reader too. What is the purpose of one's life and how does one understand it. The author does not preach the 'ultimate truth' of spirituality and abandonment; instead he has a far more practical and balanced approach to it. It was a delight to read about it in a very subtle manner.

An excellent cover design by Ashish Subash Boyne. When you see the cover, you can feel the gaze of the warrior and also the war-scene and the essence of the book (more from the look on the warriors face rather than the war scene - which is actually in contrast). Few authors and publishers go to great lengths to invest time, effort, research and money with a no-compromise attitude. For me, the cover design of this book reflects that commitment by the author and publishers. Equal credit to them along with heaps of praise for the artist behind it.

Do visit the website - www.ScrollsOfAryavarta.com - to learn more about the incredible universe Amritanshu has created. 
  

Ratings on Book Review Parameters:

Cover Design: 4.5 / 5

Writing Style: 4.0 / 5

Characters:     4.5 / 5

Story / Plot:     4.5 / 5

Climax:            4.5 / 5

Overall:           4.5 / 5   

P.S. – I am sooooo tempted to give a 5-star rating. But then I don't want the 5-star rating to get into their heads. I want the publishers, author, cover designer to go an extra mile (beyond the extra mile they have already gone) for the next one to covet my 5-star rating :P

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