Original Title: The Destiny of Shaitan
Author: Laxmi Hariharan
Release Date: March 17th 2012
Source: From the author - "Orangeberry Book Blog Tours"
Genre: Fantasy
Lord Shiva had long ago cursed Shaitan that he will be dead at the hands of his own son. So, Shaitan picks up his mates, keep them with him for some days and then kills them. In addition to this evil act, Shaitan destroys the planets one by one and bring under his control. There are not many survivors from the destroyed planets.
Tiina, Yudi and Rai - the survivors of Shaitan's destructive acts - are the ones chosen to bring down Shaitan. They each have their own fears and tragedies to face before they finally meet the Evil himself.
When I first heard that this book is based on Indian mythology, I thought this is going to be exciting, because, being an Indian myself, I know my land's myths quite well and naturally, was interested to read a fictional story based on that. The main characters were from different backgrounds and I enjoyed the flash backs of their pasts, which was well described and well thought out. I, especially, enjoyed reading about the character of Yudi (aka Yudishtra). Although there are many scenes where one could really appreciate the author's imagination (like the depiction of Shaitan's cruelty towards Thalia), there are many flaws that overshadow these good things and make the novel less enjoyable, in my opinion.
This book's first downfall is its bad start. The author could lose her audience just in those first few chapters, because most people buy books after reading the sample first chapter in Amazon. The first chapter is so difficult to understand and at one stage, became just boring. Secondly, the author has tried to give a post-apocalyptic Indian mythology based novel, but failed in doing so. Because except for the Shiva's curse and Shaitan's home land part, I didn't notice much myth-based details there. This is going to be tough on non-Indian readers, for they will expect some information about Indian mythology or at the least some major God stuff. I would expect it, if I read some Roman mythology based novel.
Another flaw is its lack of thrill or adventure. Even when I was reading a action scene, it doesn't give me any excitement or even a bit of tension of who is going to win. Last and major thing: Although the author has quite a good imagination, the writing doesn't impress or appeal to me. With improved delivery of words and some thrilling sequences added, this novel could have been a hit.
Good effort, but that doesn't necessarily mean a success. Maybe next time!
Author: Laxmi Hariharan
Release Date: March 17th 2012
Source: From the author - "Orangeberry Book Blog Tours"
Genre: Fantasy
"The Destiny of Shaitan is mind blowing, dark, humourous, and clever. It took me on a powerful journey inwards, which was a surprise as I'm not generally drawn to scifi or fantasy. I love the scene where the planet is covered with water and Yudi rescues Tiina. It's core message is Unity. I believe it will appeal to people across all ages." Sonia Ducie Dip.CSN.AIN, Numerologist, Author 11 Numerology books.
When Yudi, Tiina & Rai embark on a mission to save the universe, they come up against the ruthless Shaitan who is determined to stop them at any cost. But they soon realise they have a bigger enemy - themselves. So they must learn to trust each other and overcome their fears as they fight their way towards the ultimate showdown.
Partially set in a dystopian Bombay of the future, The Destiny of Shaitan is a coming of age story, painted against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world.
Yudi, Tiina and Rai are destined to come together, for they are the Chosen Ones. It falls to them to save the universe from the powerful Shaitan, who is terrifying, and utterly merciless. Driven by greed, and fear for his own survival, Shaitan bulldozes his way through the galaxy, destroying anything that gets in his path, including his lovers and his own children. The battle between the Chosen Ones and Shaitan is a classic, epic encounter. Hated and feared by all, Shaitan must win this fight to keep his power. The stakes are high, the combatants are determined, and no matter what the outcome their lives will be changed for all time.
REVIEW
Lord Shiva had long ago cursed Shaitan that he will be dead at the hands of his own son. So, Shaitan picks up his mates, keep them with him for some days and then kills them. In addition to this evil act, Shaitan destroys the planets one by one and bring under his control. There are not many survivors from the destroyed planets.
Tiina, Yudi and Rai - the survivors of Shaitan's destructive acts - are the ones chosen to bring down Shaitan. They each have their own fears and tragedies to face before they finally meet the Evil himself.
When I first heard that this book is based on Indian mythology, I thought this is going to be exciting, because, being an Indian myself, I know my land's myths quite well and naturally, was interested to read a fictional story based on that. The main characters were from different backgrounds and I enjoyed the flash backs of their pasts, which was well described and well thought out. I, especially, enjoyed reading about the character of Yudi (aka Yudishtra). Although there are many scenes where one could really appreciate the author's imagination (like the depiction of Shaitan's cruelty towards Thalia), there are many flaws that overshadow these good things and make the novel less enjoyable, in my opinion.
This book's first downfall is its bad start. The author could lose her audience just in those first few chapters, because most people buy books after reading the sample first chapter in Amazon. The first chapter is so difficult to understand and at one stage, became just boring. Secondly, the author has tried to give a post-apocalyptic Indian mythology based novel, but failed in doing so. Because except for the Shiva's curse and Shaitan's home land part, I didn't notice much myth-based details there. This is going to be tough on non-Indian readers, for they will expect some information about Indian mythology or at the least some major God stuff. I would expect it, if I read some Roman mythology based novel.
Another flaw is its lack of thrill or adventure. Even when I was reading a action scene, it doesn't give me any excitement or even a bit of tension of who is going to win. Last and major thing: Although the author has quite a good imagination, the writing doesn't impress or appeal to me. With improved delivery of words and some thrilling sequences added, this novel could have been a hit.
Good effort, but that doesn't necessarily mean a success. Maybe next time!
Hi Vidya, thank you for your review. I am currently working on Return to 7 Islands, #2 Chronicle of The Three. My writing style is developing as I continue along this path, so I hope you will return to read the second in the series to find out what happens to Tiina, once she lands in a futuristic Bombay and helps Rai rescue his old orphanage from Sharmila (Shaitan's daughter:)
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Laxmi