With my interest in
India mythology, another book that was a pure page turner was The Exiled Prince
by Ravi, as the 1st book in this Crystal Guardian trilogy. The story
is being told by Lord Rama to Lava and Kusha on a flashback mode. This is the
story of Rama, as experienced by him which gives a new dimension to Ramayana.
My first knowledge on
Ramayana was through the TV adapted series by Ramayan Sagar and some short
stories. In the TV adapted series, Kaikeyi is portrayed as an evil lady who is
the mastermind behind Rama, Laxman and Sita having to endure 14 years Vanavaas,
but in this book, Kaikeyi is shown as courageous warrior and warfare expert who
realizes the reason of Rama’s birth and purpose and as a person who make the
initial guidance for Rama to accomplish his mission on earlth. The character of
Kaikeyi is given great emphasis and shown in a new shade.
History of Vishwamitra,
Sita, Vashista and Parushrama is explained convincingly and in first person
context and shows the clean intention of character development. Vishwamitra
cultivates Rama and prepares him to reach his destiny and Rama realizes the
supremacy of his powers when he slays demon Tataka in Dandaka forest.
The writing is fluid, simple vocabulary and makes an easy read, the characters
are well etched and time lines well wrapped.
Some light moments from
the book:
- Rama lays awake in his bed thinking about Sita, tossing around restlessly in
the excitement of meeting her next morning for the first time.
- Vishwamitra's narration
of his story- his obsession towards a cow, his tryst with Menaka and how he
gets betrayed
- Rama's doubt of him
being a human with eternal power is quite valid as he does not feel any
specialty in his body and living.
In all a good take on
the Ramayana… The book does lose steam in between but overall achieves what it
desires. I would rate the book 2.50 / 5.
Now waiting for the 2nd book to come out.
For more details on the book: http://www.directtextbook.com/isbn/B00I3LOK86
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#bookreview #booktoread #book #readinghabit #bookboost #theexiledprince #CrystalGuardiantrilogy #ravivenugopal #LordRama #Hindumythology
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