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Monday, June 24, 2019

Book Review: Ashok and the Nine Unknown by Anshul Dupare | Dhiraj Sindhi

Book Review

Ashok and the Nine Unknown by Anshul Dupare


Book Review: Ashok and the Nine Unknown by Anshul Dupare | Dhiraj Sindhi
Ashok and the Nine Unknown by Anshul Dupare


Author: Anshul Dupare

ISBN: 978-9353047641

Genre: Historical Fiction (Fantasy)

Length:  224 Pages

Publisher: RupaPublications India (20 November 2018)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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.

Anshul Dupare

Follow him on Instagram: @anshuldupare
Check out his Goodreads Page: Anshul Dupare
Twitter Handle: @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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Will see you in the next post. Till then buh-bye. Take Care. Peace. ☮

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