EMPIRE

Before I Write this review, i will like to tell you that i am a big fan of mythological fiction..... and i believe historical fiction is a cousin of mythological fiction.... i am so happy having read this...This was the first time, i read a historical fiction and now i think i will definately pick more in this genre...The story is about a girl Aremis, who is a greek POW to the cholas who train her into being a warrier and a throne guard to the Chola King, she is skillful, brave and stares danger in its eye but she is a captive in the chola land and therfore is not treated well, this is her story of earning the respect of the men who treat her as their inferior, and of helping the cholas in a really big battle,The story is filled with betrayals, love, lust, conspiracy, jealousy and all these factors make this an amazing read....When i came to know of the jcb prize longlist, this book immediately attracted me and now i know why it was so.... this was one amazing reading experience for me....

The writing style is refreshing.The character development is great.But the story felt a little rushed towards the end....felt as if the last portion was written by someone else :D.

An engaging plot with a nice twist. But it loses momentum in the later half. The two protagonists are interesting from the start but some of the side characters are not as fleshed out as I would have liked. Definitely hoping for a sequel to tie up the loose threads.

Empire – Totally enthralled with this classic fiction! I personally feel, Devi Yesodharan should try and meet up some Tollywood and Bollywood folks and come up with our own AVENGERS… VERY strong characterization, gripping story, changed my entire outlook of a women in general. Of course, we read and we have had many real time historical instances like “Rani Lakshmibai, Razia Sultana, Rani Chinnamma” and more but the way Devi portrayed the character of “Yavani”, wow mesmerizing. I read it during my last flight to US, finished it at once, so engrossing it was!!! And not just Yavani/Aremis, but also her early teachers, Anantha, and Rajendra Chola and the entire empire itself – amazingly defined and presented. Just loved reading it and suggest all my friends and family to grab a copy of it. Hearty congratulations dear Devi Yesodharan, look forward to Yavani's further voyage...

Devi Yesodharan's debut novel is a breath of fresh air in the historical fiction genre. The depth of research that forms the backbone of this novel is only surpassed by its absorbing writing - you are quickly drawn into a world where one can almost taste the street food and feel the sea breeze from the deck of a warship. A gripping narrative, that should appeal to both genre and literary fiction readers, carries well-rounded, interesting characters from one adventure to the next. It's a relief to see strong female leads, warlords, and villains that move past the stereotypes that seem to plague a lot of fantasy/adventure novels.Can't wait for the sequel!

A very different approach towards Ancient Indian story, Not a run of a mill story , Meticulously written story potraying all the human traits - Ambition, Power, Lust,Greed,deceit....set in Ancient Chola dynasty...

Devi Yesodharan's book is a beauty! I read it twice and both times, it was a scintillating read. Devi presumes that her readers are intelligent and respects that intelligence in the way she writes. The descriptive writing, the characters - especially the strong women , the subtle sense of humour - this is writing at its best! You will love Anantha and cheer him on, despite his flaws. And Aremis, however fictitious, you will root for her thru the book!

A big disappointment... More fiction than history... author creates multiple tracks that don't really tie in...plus they r fiction .. the only historic relevance is that the story takes place in the background of the cholas with three real character... But that's where it ends.. underwhelmed!