The Vengeance of Indra by Shatrujeet Nath: a review

Being an ardent reader of Shatrujeet Nath’s books by now since the time I started reading him way back in 2016, I can safely say that any book by the author (and especially if it is the Vikramaditya Veergatha series) you would easily get transported to another world. By this another world, I mean a world of history and mythology blended together with fiction that can help you relate to the characters you've learnt all this while and yes! Oh yes it's been wonderful. The third book, The Vengeance of Indra doesn't disappoint.

According to the blurb- In their greed to possess the deadly Halahala, the devas and the asuras have employed every dirty trick against Vikramaditya and his Council of Nine. But the humans are still standing, bloodied but unbowed. When the wily Shukracharya discovers the secret to breaking the Council's unity and strength, he forges an unlikely alliance with his arch enemy, Indra, to set a deceitful plan in motion. As cracks emerge between the councilors and their King, ghosts from the past threaten to ruin Vikramaditya and Kalidasa’s friendship, signalling the beginning of an eclipse that will cast a long shadow over all that Vikramaditya holds dear. And into this shadow steps Indra, bearing an old grudge- and a devastating new weapon. How much longer before the Guardians of the Halahala finally fall apart?

Phew! Yes. That's exactly the reaction one has after reading this hell of an adventurous book. There are a few things that are common in all the books of the Vikramaditya Veergatha series.

• You can read the book from any part of the series and not worry about being unknown to the characters. The author provides enough data for everyone to understand what has happened. The books also hold a map of the whole place for better understanding. (Of course, reading the books in a series can never be compared)
• Okay! The characters. I'm again not going to comment on any character because, I really need to reach the end of the series to comment on them. For now, I am being so neutral. You can root for one character whereas hate another character with utmost vengeance. Oh yes, as the author says, “Vengeance is a cage, forgiveness is freedom”
• The covers. God the covers. It is so good to feel and the touch of the book makes you feel like you're one with the book from the time you hold it.
• Adrenaline. You cannot get enough of the book and the wait for the next in the series kills you. And I know, you'll surely be left broken after you realize that the series has ended. The threshold at which the author leaves the book makes you feel for it even more.

Now that all is said and done, I can speak about the rest. The story flow is beautiful but at places I feel it is a bit dragged. Once you get used to the characters and their behavior, the whole idea of the book sinks in and it helps you sail through the book. Without a proper knowledge of the characters, you wouldn't know what you're reading.

Through book 1, 2 and finally 3; the author's growth as a writer is very visible and as a reader and admirer of his work: I couldn't be happier. Only if the book wasn't so long (which at times might tend to get tiring too), this book series would've been perfect for me. But wait! Another book is soon to come. A 4.5 out of 5 for me, I'll be looking forward to the many more books from the author.