Mrityunjay (Maha-Asura Series 1)-Parakh Om Bhatt | Raj Javiya

Book: Mrityunjay (Maha-Asura Series 1)
Author: Parakh Om Bhatt | Raj Javiya
Publisher: Penguin India

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

What if you were told that you hold the key to unlocking an ancient mystery?

PRESENT DAY, BHARAT: Renowned archaeologist Sudhir Arya dies mysteriously the night before Diwali. His grandson, Vivaan, comes to his hometown to perform the last rites. Here, he gets a phone call that sets him off on a puzzling journey as he discovers thousand-year-old secrets and shocking facts about his identity. 1026 CE, PRABHAS KSHETRA: Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi has attacked the first jyotirlinga of Lord Mahadev: Somnath. Did he seek the temple’s treasures? Or was he looking for a Puranic heirloom of Sanatan Dharma, the mystery of which has been buried under layers of time? 470 CE, ARAB LAND: Yogi Matsyendranath awakens the kundalini energy of his army through the ritual of Aatma Jaagran as it takes on terrifying, evil entities tasked with protecting the greatest mystery of the Kaliyuga. SATYUGA, ARYAVARTA: Through yagnas, bloody sacrifices and mantras prohibited in the Vedas, Devi Anishtatri, the goddess of malevolence, is invoked. She appears in her most ferocious form and grants a boon so potent it could change the fate of the universe. What is the link between Aryavarta, Arab Land and Prabhas Kshetra? What is the vicious boon that threatens to change the fate of the cosmos? The ultimate battle of Kaliyuga is about to begin.

The authors have wonderfully woven mythology, history and geography to weave this storyline. While the book is primarily fictional, based on mythology, the authors have also added in equal parts of thrill and intrigue that keep you hooked to the book. The elements in the book have been very well researched and the idea to incorporate the stories across the ages into this seamlessly has been executed very well. The authors have also incorporated various historical elements into the narrative that give it a very relatable feel while you read the book. Coming to the storyline, the story moves across 4 timelines to set the premise as well as introduce the characters and the motives behind their actions. The transitions have been clearly defined, which helps the reader keep pace with the events and also understand the relationships that the authors want you to keep in mind. What I loved about the book was that even till the last page, the surprises do not end and you are presented with revelations right till the point where the book ends. There are several surprise elements in the book that make you marvel at the storytelling skills of the authors. While the book is based on the Hindu Mythology, the authors have translated the Sanskrit shlokas which can help the global audience understand the book as well. Another aspect of the book that stood out for me was how the authors took each element of the mythology and created a detailed storyline around it. Be it Anant Sheshnaag or Lord Krishna, due respect and time has been given to include them in the narrative. The climax of this book was extremely interesting and if this is just the beginning, then I am more than ready for the next books in the series to see how the authors unravel the identities of the remaining characters.

Coming to the development of the characters, I truly loved how Parakh and Raj developed the character of Faiza, Vivaan and Riya. Another character that deserves a mention is that of Wasim. The layering that the authors did for his character and the way the unveiling happens with a red herring in the middle was quite wonderful. While I want to talk more about Wasim’s character, but to write more would be giving out spoilers, but that is one aspect of the book that will astound you. Shukracharya as a part of the story has been well written into the plot, and I am sure he would be playing even more important role in the further books.

Overall, the book is a definite recommendation for anyone who loves to read mytho-fiction. The book scores a 5/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon India or your nearest bookstore.