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namakurhea's review
2.75
The last book I finished in March! 😆 This book was recommended to me. The author was described as Indian Dan Brown. Now, the thing is I have never read of any Dan Brown works lol. But since the author seemed to be quite famous, and since this particular book has some feminist undertones to it (at first glance), so I picked it up!
In the novel, there are two parallel story lines. One is set in the age of kingdoms, and another one is set thousands of years later in modern India. Despite the time gap, both stories feature a turbulent kingdom/government, a promising young leader, and a cunning politician pulling all the strings at the back.
Overall, it’s…just not my book hahah. I sure enjoyed it but some characters can be a bit trope-y if you know what I mean. And this book is clearly written by a man since the way the author described the female characters seem to come from male gaze basically. After finishing it, I also wouldn’t call it a feminist story either. Certainly there is a prominent female character who climbed her way up to the top of political foodchain. But it seems that she is just a political pawn in the grand scheme of things..,which is still controlled by a dude.
So um…it was..an experience lol. Will I pick up another book of his? No. Will I now start reading Dan Brown? Uh…nope!!
In the novel, there are two parallel story lines. One is set in the age of kingdoms, and another one is set thousands of years later in modern India. Despite the time gap, both stories feature a turbulent kingdom/government, a promising young leader, and a cunning politician pulling all the strings at the back.
Overall, it’s…just not my book hahah. I sure enjoyed it but some characters can be a bit trope-y if you know what I mean. And this book is clearly written by a man since the way the author described the female characters seem to come from male gaze basically. After finishing it, I also wouldn’t call it a feminist story either. Certainly there is a prominent female character who climbed her way up to the top of political foodchain. But it seems that she is just a political pawn in the grand scheme of things..,which is still controlled by a dude.
So um…it was..an experience lol. Will I pick up another book of his? No. Will I now start reading Dan Brown? Uh…nope!!
aryaa_05's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content
chaotic17's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
sona9's review
4.0
A nice book to start off with in the new year. Book deals with the political games that are used today and that were used in the past in order to gain power. How power and money is misused, how feminine personalities are involved in order to trick people in power (Vishkanyas in historical context), how being in love is seen as advantageous (Cornelia and Chandragupta) and disadvantageous (Chandini and Shankar & Suvasini and Chanakya), how even the loved ones are used to achieve power (Suvasini being used by Chanakya) and how declaration of wars for our politicians are mere techniques to divert the media attention from their faults. Overall a nice read, although the way the story goes on by providing one chapter on present context and one on historical context seems not so pleasant in the midway but in the end, the way the author connects the two is worth reading.
srijoninandy's review
adventurous
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
4.0
"The early bird catches the worm but it's the second mouse that gets the cheese."
I had to take a week-long break while reading this book as I was sick. So, naturally now that I've to write the review, I've forgotten most of it. 😅
But, I'll try my best to put up an holistic view here.
I love reading historical fictions, but most of my readings have been based on the Second World War. This was my first time reading a book based on India during 300BCE and I was really excited about it.
It was fun reading about the plotting and scheming, both in ancient as well as modern Indian political scenario. If you're someone who enjoys shows like Scandal, Revenge, House of Cards, etc., you'll probably enjoy this book. It's fast-paced and gripping throughout.
My only complaint is the length of the book. It could have been atleast a hundred pages shorter. Also, the super-long chapters didn't help their case.
Overall, I did enjoy the book and plan on adding some more works of Sanghi to my TBR.
I had to take a week-long break while reading this book as I was sick. So, naturally now that I've to write the review, I've forgotten most of it. 😅
But, I'll try my best to put up an holistic view here.
I love reading historical fictions, but most of my readings have been based on the Second World War. This was my first time reading a book based on India during 300BCE and I was really excited about it.
It was fun reading about the plotting and scheming, both in ancient as well as modern Indian political scenario. If you're someone who enjoys shows like Scandal, Revenge, House of Cards, etc., you'll probably enjoy this book. It's fast-paced and gripping throughout.
My only complaint is the length of the book. It could have been atleast a hundred pages shorter. Also, the super-long chapters didn't help their case.
Overall, I did enjoy the book and plan on adding some more works of Sanghi to my TBR.
abhip's review
5.0
This is a must read for all Indian Book Enthusiasts. One of a kind political thrillers , a masterpiece of highest order.
jen_d_zen's review
4.0
A decent story narrated in an interesting manner. Some of its chapters are made so great that you would love to sit and complete in one go.
tejus's review
2.0
This is Sanghi's second book that I have read after the Krishna Key.The book took off well at the start, but tested my patience as it progressed. Divided into the past and the modern day, the book is all about cunning and political manoeuvres. The conversations of Chanakya and Gangasagar really annoyed me throughout the book. The two of them are political masterminds and everyone around them keep asking questions all the time. This conversation style really got on my nerves and took all my patience to finish the book.
pawan's review
4.0
An excellent example of historical Indian fiction. The story is pacy, the language is juicy, and the book never stops to amaze. The two central characters of the story - Chanakya and Gangasagar Mishra are breathtakingly wily. There are parallels drawn to the two in the story, but the tactics are different. Dialogues are memorable.