Book Review: THE INDUS CHALLENGE by R. Durgadoss

My Review:

The first thing that attracted my attention towards the book is the gorgeous cover. It made me want to read the blurb and I was hooked.

The story is a weave of history, mythology and fiction and has obviously been extremely well-researched. It brings forth the history from both Indian as well as Greek point of view during Alexander’s invasion.

I have read quite a few books where Chanakya plays a pivotal role. The Indus Challenge brings forth yet another angle to the kingmaker.

Rudra is a fascinating character and I am already curious to know about the story of his next janam (birth).

When I read the book, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the command that the author wields over the English language.

I don’t want to say more about the story to avoid spoilers.

VERDICT: A must read if you are a fan of this genre.

The Blurb:

Bharat is in chaos. While the kingdoms fight each other, Alexander’s forces gather for the assault, their leader lured by tales of supernatural weapons and the elixir of immortality. Only one man can save the subcontinent from domination by the Greeks: the young Chandragupta Maurya, trained under the aegis of the ‘dark brahmin’, Chanakya.

When an ancient seal is found, sharing the secrets of the brahmastra, the redoubtable weapon of the Mahabharat, it is up to Rudra, young commander of the Mauryan Nava Yuva Sena and lifelong friend and confidante of Chandragupta, to decode it. Along with his fellow commandos, and with the able guidance of his guru, Rudra embarks on a quest that takes him from the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the seas of Rameshwaram, hunting the clues that will lead him to the brahmastra. On the way, he meets the Chiranjivis, ancient beings tasked with divine duties, and learns the secrets behind his own birth and his mysterious powers.

But Rudra must be careful, for not all enemies were dispersed with the death of the mighty Alexander. Treachery lurks in the home, and when Rudra is framed for the attempted murder of his sovereign, he must pull every trick at his disposal to reveal the enemy, and save his kingdom from plunging, once more, into bloodshed and chaos.

A historical, mythological adventure story, The Indus Challenge is sure to appeal to readers interested in the storied past of India and the legends woven into its soil.