Queen of Mahishmathi
(Baahubali: Before the Beginning Book 3)
AUTHOR
Anand Neelakantan
Format: Paperback
Publisher : Westland
ISBN-10 : 9389648726
ISBN-13 : 978-9389648720
BLURB
Sivagami’s missteps have only deepened her determination to fulfil her father’s wish and stop the despicable activities at Gauriparvat. And so she battles on. Unknown to her, however, Maharaja Somadeva’s challengers have begun to close in on the king, and Sivagami finds herself suddenly at a disadvantage. With a player like Somadeva, though, the biggest mistake you can make is to not immediately checkmate and destroy. The game of chaturanga is not quite over.
As Sivagami takes on the kingdom’s enemies, guided by Somadeva, she finds in her own manoeuvres an echo of the man she has always detested. In her journey to becoming the queen of Mahishmathi, Sivagami must choose between love and ambition, principles and deviousness, selflessness and envy. What does she hold on to, what does she let go? A thrilling, breathless read, Queen of Mahishmathi is the third and final book in the Bāhubali: Before the Beginning series.
MY TAKE
(Review)
Have you ever encountered hairpin bends? Wondered how it would feel to be hanging from a cliff overhanging a gorge deep? If so, you will know what I mean when I say that this book is in every aspect a thriller that will see you on the edge of your seat. While the twists are sharp and sudden, the turns will see your eyes pop out in wonder.
Out on a mission noble, Sivagami the daughter of Bhoomipathi Devaraya who was a genius wrongly coined a traitor, finds herself torn between conflicting emotions, and adopting ways devious to fulfill her goal. The journey a tough one, sees her wade through the murky waters of palace politics with just her wit and determination to guide her. Stumbling, falling, and rising up she continues on the arduous ‘trek’ only to find new and more challenging obstacles block her way. Will she continue on the path she has set out on, or will she buckle under pressure?…Join Sivagami on her action packed journey in Anand Neelakantan’s Queen of Mahishmathi (Baahubali: Before the Beginning Book 3).
While the plot is interesting, the narrative is riveting leaving the reader in me looking forward for more. The imagery drawn up by the author is powerful enough to conjure up the scenes, the actions, and the characters right before one’s eyes. The cast of characters, a good measure, are well-developed and dexterously woven into the story.
Key Takeaways From The Story
Inequality lights the fire of indignation which in turn is a ticking time bomb. If not addressed on time this ticking time bomb will cause havoc untold, havoc from whose ruins it is difficult if not impossible, to salvage the remnants and rebuild life once again.
Never undermine your opponent. Even the ‘weakest link’ on the other side can turn the tide against you if he or she decides.
Loyalty cannot be bought.
Wars are not won by weapons and men alone. Wars are won by wit, determination, and long-term vision which entails provision for dealing with failures and turning the unexpected to one’s favour. To win a war Strategists, Planners, and Executors need to work in tandem
My Favourite Quotes From The Book
“…The power of civilization is not in some obscure sacred texts or in the croaking of priests. It is in the power of knowledge, in the power of science and technology. ……”
“…if you want your country to be truly great, believe in knowledge and not in the accident of birth.”
VERDICT
A wonderful read that will see you sail through page after page without a hitch ( read break).
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Disclaimer
This review is a part of the Writersmelon Book Reviewing Programme . The thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are my own and have not been influenced by either the author or the publishing house in any manner
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