Ravi Shankar Etteth

This book is a historical fiction with murder, crime and investigation as the central theme. A peculiar mix of genre ,not something we quiet get to read often. The story has that perfect Indian historical backdrop and takes you to that golden era with the words, phrases and characters as royal as the story itself. The blend of crime into history is done so well and this book stands out for it. The story is based in Ashoka's rule and follows the character 'the Brahmin' who is the spymaster in Ashoka's court. The brahmin is the mind and essence of the story. If not done well, the character of the Brahmin would spoil the book, but the author did an excellent job at getting everything right with the protagonist's dialogues to his characterization, which truly added magic to the book. Another point I really liked about the novel was the strength of it's female characters and the way it is presented and balanced from page one to the end.It is not common in books to portray women of power as intelligent and wise. The queen, King Ashoka's wife has a small role in the book, yet her character plays it with the mind and shatters the myth about royal women not having the minds to think. She is an embodiment of ethinicity and true feminine power .The brahmin also has an assistant Hao , a female character who is known and filled with personality traits like bravery, intelligence, strength, mystery and beauty. Not often the blend we get to see in most Indian novels. It is an enthralling tale of majesty, mystery and murder. This book was an experience of intriguing and mystical characters and that is a very enjoyable read. The mystery solving elements were also very entertaining to read and the character of the Brahmin almost felt like Sherlock Holmes ,except if he were Indian and born in that era. The book doesn't bore it's readers at any point. Unlike popular belief that historical fiction is a boring and detail oriented genre, this stands as a perfect example that ,that is not always the case. Historical fiction need not always focus on detail and be lengthy. The Brahmin is a small book and is framed well with the story and is not lengthy. This is a stand-alone book, but it would really amazing to find more of that era and I really wish the author comes out with the sequel to this amazing story. This book really has the potential to make it to the top Indian books. It's sad how books are bestsellers just because of a famous author's name on it and seriously lack the content to make it a bestselling book. Such books should be bestsellers. Readers should start reading books for what they are within and start exploring different genre and new authors. We never know when we will find a gem like this one. Historicalnd settings are presented so well that you can almost feel them come alive in front of you . Description can be really tricky when it comes to the writing part. When done in excess, bores the reader and not done enough , fails to visualize the scene. The description in this story was just the right amount to justify the scenes in the story and still keep the reader's intrigued. This book takes it's readers to a regal era and the indulging storyline makes this book a must read.… (mehr)

Historical thrillers are so fantastic in the sense they are true at heart and successful in portraying what was real , what would have happened as the period set in ,back drop are kept intact. They would be emotional leaving you strong and your mind happy at the end.

I am glad to read them as they give lessons and feel enlightened about the ancient wisdom.

By interspersing the events that took place during the Maurya era the author Ravi Shankar Etteth tells the stunning story of The Brahmin and how his wit and wisdom safeguard the King Ashoka from his foes.
There are many stories within this period tale relating to great personalities in the Maurya Era like King Ashoka , Chanakya and Alexander. There is also the mention of the Lankan King Ravana as it is very much relevant to the main plot. The writing is really great and it fits the mood and tone of the book without pretentiousness .The pace is even and when the end nears it is fast. Both the concept and execution are good.

The story flows well with all the twists and turns being the page turner you would be hooked to it as you begin to read the social drama full of terror and suspense.

My favorite.

I like the protagonist the Brahmin
People say he can hear and see everything and it is useless to hide from him. He can be everywhere ,or wherever he wants to be , whenever.

Character : I admire Antochlius for alll his valour and shrewdness and Hao due to her dedication to her job as a spy.

I like the episode where the Brahmin saves Ashoka from the clutches of death with the help of monks in the Tamralipti monastery.

The following dialogue between the monk and the Brahmin touches my heart

“My master owns nothing , except what we give him” said the monk.
“What do you give him?”
“Our souls”

What I feel.

A map may be a fitting guide .Both the blurb and title are nice.The cover design is not so appealing. The book requires editing..

My verdict

Overall this book is wonderful.I loved the various themes dealt with subtleness .Ravi has penned a literary gem with attention to minute details and indelible characters.… (mehr)