Book Review # 89 Ashok and the Nine Unknown : Anshul Dupare

The book was sent by the author in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.

Blurb:

You know what, the best revenge will be watching you failing to achieve your dreams… Do what you can, Ashok. The game has just begun!
Ashok wandered amidst the corpses, helplessly, looking like a dead man walking among the dead. The wailing of people who had lost their loved ones on the battlefield cut into his soul, and it was then that he heard a cry for help…
As realization of the devastation of war seeped in, Ashok decided to dedicate his life towards the betterment of society and try his best to prevent any destruction of life. Realizing he could not do so single-handedly, Ashok created a secret society comprising nine chosen members, who were known as the ‘Nine Unknown’, to help preserve knowledge that, in the wrong hands, could be used to destroy humanity.
Little did Ashok know that the safekeeping of such knowledge had a high price to it; that shadows walk amidst us; and that sometimes our actions unspool unimaginable consequences…
The first of two volumes, this book has the power to transform your idea of reality!

My Take:

A high octane roller coaster ride. This one is not for the weak hearted ones. It has all the elements of an  super series ; Mystery, History, Fantasy, Horror and Suspense. The story line is strong and well researched. Language is captivating to the extent that when we read we feel that the incidents are unfolding live. The story moves in a good pace. All the elements are used beautifully. There is something for all genre lovers.

It starts with the great war of Kalinda and Emperor Ashok and how this war transformed him as a person, king. When a survivor questions him and presents the ruthless facts of brutal killings on the battlefield the King is shaken to the core.

A bit of self evaluation takes him to the path of perseverance of peace. Meanwhile Amartya the wounded solider leaves for a magic land Mayong where he learns lots of secrets which boasts his confidence.

Meanwhile Ashok too form a secret society to protect the weak and prevent the war situations and restore humanity.However what happens when their societies collide? Who are the 9 unknown, men or women ,what next with them are some questions that add more curiosity to the sequel. The book ends on a high end open scenario where reader can interpret as per their wish. Can't wait to grab the copy to see how the sequel unfolds.

I liked the way the war is described, its aftereffects, the transformation of Ashok, the losses, feeling of devastation.

The magical land of Mayong and Atlantis is also created beautifully. Writing stories parallel with detailed description of both the worlds is no mean feat, something the author has managed to pull off.

My Rating:

I would rate this book 4.5 /5. Awaiting the sequel to know how the series ends. Keep writing.