The Brahmin by Ravi Shankar Etteth

itshcb

Blurb:
It is a time of violence as well as calm. Men of peace are spreading the message of the Buddha even as monks are being tortured in the dungeons of Pataliputra. In Magadha, all talk is about the impending war against Kalinga. While King Ashoka plots the movements of his ships and cavalry, Queen Asandhimitra broods over the growing unrest in the kingdom. There is only one man they can both trust to take them through this period of uncertainty and looming danger: the enigmatically named Brahmin, skilful spymaster and custodian of Magadha’s best-kept secrets.

Lush with historical detail and unforgettable characters, The Brahmin is an intricately plotted novel that seeks to recreate a near-mythical period in India’s past.


Review:

A quality piece of historical fiction tells a compelling story that balances authentic and accurate information with fiction. The Brahmin by Ravi Shankar Etteth is one such book which gives you the perfect historical fiction vibes. Set in 267 BCE, the historical detail is handled reasonably well by the author, the story moves in a fast paced with the right grip.

The book starts with Ashoka questioning The Brahmin about the murder that happened in the harem. Someone is killing Ashoka’s concubines, and the only one person who can solve the mystery is The Brahmin; the skilful spymaster. The story then unfolds many truths that’s been hiding from the eyes of the Brahmin. He will soon learns about the Blood Flower, the assassin hired to kill king Ashoka. But who hired him? Sword of Damocles is hanging over his head. He just got a week to find the murderer. Will he ever able to solve the whodunit mystery within the short time?

With the exquisite language and vivid characters the author narrates the story with his scintillating wit. It takes some time to the readers to get into the novel deeper. It won’t be difficult for the people who have already heard many stories about Ashoka or the Mauryan Kingdom. The one thing I liked the most in the book is about the stories of the Queen Asandhimitra. The author showcases how efficient the Queen is, although I knew her abilities the episodes of Asandhimitra in the book adds the weight to the story.

Apart from the character Asandhimitra there’s one more character which I liked instantly. Yes, it is Hao. The Brahmin and Hao dual keeps the readers to hooked up with the book. There’s also a mention about the Ramayana more precisely about the Ravana which blended with the main plot gracefully. The story about the Golden Scythe was alluring. The Brahmin was an intriguing story yet, there’s was something missing. The story towards the end starts fading, the climax wasn’t something that I’d expected. I was expecting more from the Brahmin, he being the seasoned spymaster the action was missing from him.

Overall, The Brahmin recreated the story of history in its own traits. The result may not be a great novel, but it’s an entertaining one and should appeal to those who are interested in Indian Historical fiction. I would rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

LoneFighter

Thanks for your great review. Downloaded the book yesterday but your review made it go way above in my reading list. Will read it after completing my current one.

Anyone looking for the download link https://www.craxme.com/forum.php ... p;highlight=brahmin

Meself

This is a brilliant piece of write up. I have just begun reading the book and instantly I could see how well this one would hold my attention. I wish there was Devi instead of Asandhmitra (because of my stupid romantic heart!! LOL). I am so looking forward to completing this one.

pgalmora

Thanks for such a wonderful review. Will soon pick up this book.

itshcb

LoneFighter 9-7-2018 06:48 PM
Thanks for your great review. Downloaded the book yesterday but your review made it go way above in  ...

Thank You for your kind words. Hope you enjoy reading it

itshcb

Meself 9-7-2018 09:41 PM
This is a brilliant piece of write up. I have just begun reading the book and instantly I could see  ...

Hahah! Then I guess you should write one about Devi. As Toni Morrison says; If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write one.

Meself

itshcb 10-7-2018 08:44 PM
Hahah! Then I guess you should write one about Devi. As Toni Morrison says; If there's a book that ...

Well according to some historians Devi and Asandhmitra were one and the same. While other argue that they were two different women. The latter holds more ground as Devi was not a Kshatriya so her marriage to a royal wouldn't give her the position of the hief queen. Anyhow, she was the love of his life and the tit-bits available on these two make me swoon. I would write something myself but that is so muvh mehnat! Can somebody not write about the two already?

jhsurti

Meself 10-7-2018 11:28 PM
Well according to some historians Devi and Asandhmitra were one and the same. While other argue th ...

You can use ghost-writers

BookReviews

Wow! A page-turner for sure. Have to download this one.

viksorion

Great write-up. Wish I could write as well. I'm reading this book next