Title : The Prince of Patliputra
Author : Shreyas Bhave
Blurb:
“272 BC BHARATHVARSHA, LAIID OF THE ARYAS Samrat Bindusar, son of Chandragupta and the second Samrat Chakravartin of all the Aryas rules over the massive subcontinent from his holy seat in Patliputra. Almost five decades ago, his father had laid the wealth and glory of the past has subsided. As the Samrat’s health continues to decline due to an unknown illness, problems are arising all over his realm. There is infighting and rebellion. No clear successor to him is present. Ninety nine of his sons stand in line waiting for his throne. Bharathvarsha needs a Chandragupta once again. And it needs a Chanakya too. Can the young Prince Asoka, who is the least favorite son of the Samrat, fill the boots of his grandfather? Can Radhagupta, a mere Councilor of the Court be what Chanakya was to all the Aryas? Begin a new adventure with the first book of the Ashoka trilogy as you read to find the answer to one great question- That who shall be the next Samrat of this holy land of the Aryas? ”
My View :
‘The Prince of Patliputra: Asoka Trilogy 1’ reverberates the voice of Asoka, Chanakya, Chandragupta and Radhagupta in a firmly approaching manner. The story as fired from many directions doesn’t confuse readers for a while. Although, such stories involves a lot of participants, but author has bound the limitation so as to make it a cakewalk for readers. The readers get comfortable with not one, but all of the protagonists, that too with great ease.
As reader hops to start this journey the strange events that author has knitted started to trap reader in its arm slowly and steadily. It would take some couple of pages to gauge what author has in mind, but once reader discovers how the story would wave, he/she would find it interesting to cover the rest of the journey. Author has served flavours in this book. Love, betrayal, relationship and conspiracy all has occupied a good place in the story and they are very well placed to charm readers.
When events are judged as an individual, they take every possible advantage to grab reader’s attention and engage them till the reader prepare himself to follow the tracks of upcoming event and the process goes on. But when one comes to the end, and concludes how the dice rolled, what amount of humour author has involved in the book, one wouldn’t feel completely overwhelmed by the turn it takes. A reader would demand for humour, more mystery and more fun from such historical stories. The one-liners are not as effective as it is supposed to be. The power and the humour that is required to make a lasting impact on reader’s mind, as a historical fiction should, is not up to the mark. But, they are good enough to complete the journey and interesting enough to entice reader’s heart.
Author has used a very simple writing fashion to address the story. The articulation and formulation of sentences are simple, and good enough to comprehend the meaning of his words. His words are so impactful that they makes clear image of what is happening. Through the words he used, he succeeds to make connection with the reader.
Not an extremely wonderful fictional one could make out of Asoka’s story, but yes, it is for me an engaging read.
A pinch of twist and humour in a well-known historical story!
Rating: 3.6/5
Reviewer : Shweta Kesari