Author: Amish
Reading Time: 15-20 metro rides (not read in the metro)
About the Book: The book is the 1st book of the Shiva Trilogy. That is exactly how it has been advertised. For some reason, I presumed it to be rooted in mythology, which it is at some level. But the author has also not refrained from twisting several mythological stories. And I have strong objections to that. I don’t mind playing games with popular folklore as long as they keep the legend alive. You may provide a fresh perspective to an already existing story. But the story cannot change. Amish has changed the story. Mixing mythology with his own fictional writing. And that has taken the magic away from the book. Had I no previous understanding of Shiva’s mythical tales, I might have appreciated the book more. But, like Banker’s second book, Amish’s first is a big put off. To top it all, he has given a somewhat urban texture to his book by bringing in episodes of terrorism! His two dynasties can safely be taken to be two different countries with different lifestyles! In a very direct way, it is corroding mythology.
The second great problem I have with the book is that Amish has not taken a stand. When you are writing fiction, and on a topic like good vs. evil, you have to take a stand. You cannot be passionate without taking a stand. His writing is too post modern to be purely fictional. He has debated between the two contradictions so much, tried to raise philosophical issues to a point, that the romance from the fiction is all but lost.
To give credit to him, the book is lucid, has an ok pace, and is a time pass read.
Favourite Quote: None
Final Analysis: hmmm… 2 things: 1. This is one of the few books that I was tempted to put down mid way, but forced myself to finish. 2. Had I already not purchased the second of the trilogy, I may not have done it now.