Upon a Burning Throne (The Burnt Empire Saga Part 2)-Ashok K Banker

Book: Upon a Burning Throne (The Burnt Empire Saga Part 2)

Author: Ashok K Banker

Publisher: Simon & Schuster India

Picking up after the events of the attack of Shvate on Reygar, Part 2 of The Burning Empire Saga focuses on the lives of Shvate, Karni, Adri, Geldry and Mayla. The powerful demonlord Jarsun returns to poison the residents of Hastinaga and that one night changes the entire course of the events to come. Jarsun uses his powers to wreak havoc, and almost shatters the realm. Shvate, when out hunting, with Mayla commits such a heinous crime that he exiles himself and abdicates the throne to Adri because of a curse on him. Adri, on the other hand, under the effect of Jarsun’s magic that night, commits infidelity and falls for the maiden with whom he consorts with. Meanwhile, Geldry also gets pregnant after that night and it is suspected by Vessa that the seed was of Jarsun, and when the gestation period keeps extendinf, fears start running wild. To add to the woes of Hastinaga, Kune, Geldry’s brother, a wily character charms himself into the council of Hastinaga and executes Geldry’s not-so-good wishes.

The second book in the saga is quite a contrast in comparison with the first one. While the first book was more about the kingdom, its rules and how the Krushans work, this one is more the personal changes in the lives of Adri and Shvate. Since the saga is based on the Mahabharata, many incidents in the plot draw parallels from it and can be foreseen but the causes behind them have been brilliantly tackled by Ashok in the plot construction. He has also changed the character graphs of Adri, Shvate, Mayla, Karni, Geldry and Jilana. Each of them goes a transformation in this book which sets a background for things to come. Each character has their moment of weakness and it is highlighted that even the mightiest of the people can break down when pushed beyond a point.

Talking about the plot, it is created wonderfully, but there are instances that could have been better. Some of the incidents that seem critical to the plot were not very prominent and should have been given their due as well. The plot is largely concentrated in the city of Hastinaga and the focus is on the characters, rather than the setting. A special mention to the characters from Ramayana that have been referred to. I believe that is a wonderful trait in a storyteller, to co-relate different stories and merge them.

All in all, the book is captivating and makes me itch to get my hands on the next part of the saga. Though the basic plot is clear, I am really eager to see the author’s take on the various events of the Mahabharata.

I would give the book 4/5.

Go buy the book now!!!

This post is a part of the Blog tour by Simon & Schuster India.

I received a physical copy of this via my participation in a blog tour but that, in no way, affects my rating and/or opinions about it.