Book Review
Ashok and the Nine Unknown by Anshul Dupare
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| Ashok and the Nine Unknown by Anshul Dupare |
Author: Anshul Dupare
ISBN: 978-9353047641
Genre: Historical
Fiction (Fantasy)
Length: 224 Pages
Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/30PLT4Y
About the author:
Anshul Dupare likes to explore novel ideas and unexplored
avenues through his writing. Originally from Nagpur, he was brought up in
Madhya Pradesh and has spent most of his life in different parts of India.
An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa and Maulana Azad National
Institute of Technology (MANIT), creative writing has been his hobby for a long
time and he also writes poetry. He is an avid traveller, a voracious reader and
is fond of chess and basketball.
He currently resides in Dallas, USA.
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| Anshul Dupare |
Follow him on Instagram: @anshuldupare
Check out his Goodreads Page: Anshul Dupare
REVIEW
Narration
Ashok and the Nine Unknown is the first of a two-part series
which is based on Ashoka the Great, an Indian emperor of Maurya dynasty, who
ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from 268 to 232 BC. The story is
narrated in third-person point of view. The writing style is mostly descriptive
and thus, poetic in nature. It captivated me from the very first chapter and
with each chapter, having something to reveal, kept me to the edge. The
narration follows two main characters, Ashok and Amartya. So, the story
switches between two of them.
Location and Setting
The story begins with the post-war scene of Kalinga War, which
he conquered and defeated Kalinga (Modern Odisha). Then, he finds himself
responsible for devastating countless lives and for the first time meets
Amartya, a Kalingan warrior. Then, to achieve peace of mind, Ashok travels all
over India (Bharat), visits famous dhamas, converts from Hindu to Buddhism. It
all takes place between 261 BC and 239 BC and moves further to the end of the first
book (231 BC). Major events of this book take place in Kalinga, Patliputra
(Empire’s Capital, Present Day- Patna), and Mayong (Also known as the land of Black
Magic in Assam). The story reflected Indian archeology, Indian culture and its
heritage, be it arts of medicine or great rivers.
Theme
Ashok and the Nine Unknown is a work of Historical Fiction.
The author has researched well, Ashok’s kingship and all the facts and myths
related to it. The author Anshul Dupare carried out them well to put the tales
altogether and created this masterpiece. There are battles, magic, black magic,
mysteries, more cultures other than Indian, brutality, love and only one king
to be considered responsible for all that happens. There is one more important
aspect to the story, Nine Unknowns. Ashok secretively forms this group to
preserve the knowledge and to prevent further destruction. The story doesn’t
ever slow down for a bit, because there is happening a lot, page after page.
Plot
First, characters. Amartya plays a very important role in
the story and Vatsal is his brother and only family member alive. As a proud
and freedom-loving Kalingan, Amartya stands against Ashok, who, now feel
remorse for what he has done and seems to be changed. Amartya, in search of a purpose for his life, travels to Mayong. Ashok, with the help of Radhagupta
(Chief Minister) gathers Nine Unknowns. Characters are well crafted and their arcs
are really interesting. As the story progresses, mysteries are discovered. As
they all are moving towards uncovering the secrets, they are unaware of the
danger of shadows looming over Ashok and the Nine Unknowns. Following the
conflicts, many deaths prevail. Eventually, the characters who survive, find their
motivation. As I said before, author Anshul Dupare has brought many cultures
together other than Indian. All the characters meet to conclude the first book.
The ending brings greater mysteries along with it. Characters get new
purposes for their lives. And I am already looking forward to the second and
the final of ASHOK duology.
'Until the power of love overcomes the love of power, there can be no peace.'
My Views
There is mention of Kunala, one of Ashok's son but never mentioned any of his queens. Haha... That's not my concern. JK. 😂
First of all, I never expected it to be this magical.
Bringing together these Timaeus and Critias, Egyptian Mythology, Chinese
Mythological creatures, the great Indian Empire and powerful enough characters
to lead this fictional exemplar that I’ve ever read regarding History of India
and Indian Mythology. The book depicts that one’s arrogance and ego can destroy
humanity. And there would be much more I couldn’t extract, the greater meaning,
maybe one of you can do that. With those brutal fights, there is love too.
Vatsal and Karnika (One of the Nine Unknowns) fill that desired portion of
love/romance in the book. I would recommend this book to every fiction,
fantasy, history lover. Now, I am already anticipating the other half after
this unforeseen experience.
Thank you Bookgeniepr for this review copy!! Happy Reading!
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