Ashwatthama's Redemption : The Rise of Dandak

The whole story from start to end is very gripping and well written can’t wait to start the next book.

I just couldn't put down this novel. I love how both the events of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are linked in this novel.

I love reading mythological fiction but not each of them can be captivating enough. But in my opinion, after Amish Tripathi and Ashwin Sanghi, Gunjan Porwal, author of Ashwatthama’s Redemption: The Rise of Dandak, is the one to watch out for, for he has given his readers an amazing gift through his writing.So, let’s get down to the review before I begin my rambling session.SummaryThe book is about Ashwatthama, Dronacharya’s son, who was cursed by Krishna after he broke the rules of warfare and killed all the children of the Pandavas to avenge his father’s death in Kurukshetra. He vows a life of solitude but when his friend, Vikram, comes to him for help, he cannot refuse. The Prince of Avanti, Rana, notices some strange happenings in his kingdom and along with Vikram comes to a conclusion that the demon, Dandak, is on the rise again.Rana, along with Vikram and Ashwatthama set out on a journey to find the one thing that can stop Dandak from creating havoc. Through treacherous terrain and challenges at every turn, they surge ahead but also realise that Dandak has his eyes on them each moment.What I LikedLoved, rather. I simply cannot have enough of adventures such as this. I finished the book in a day, such was the pace of the story. A fast paced mythological thriller that is a treat to anyone who has an interest in the above mentioned genre.The book is about Ashwatthama and what transpires with him after the Kurukshetra war. An absorbing story with twists and turns at every corner, I simply couldn’t stop reading! It has been long since I have done that, you know.What I Did Not LikeNothing that I can point my finger at, it was pretty awesome!Other DetailsAshwatthama’s Redemption: The Rise of Dandak is a part of a series. I eagerly await the next one! Also, loved the cover.Would I Recommend It?If you like reading mythological fiction, then definitely yes! Do pick this book up, it is an amazing read!

Ashwatthama's character is given a proper back story and is carried forward in a way that keeps your interest and also makes you feel sympathetic towards him. His inner angst is brought out well. The story of him (as an immortal), still being relevant and potentially a savior against the resurgence of the Asuras is well thought out. All in all, a good effort.

This is a great book! I was taking a long distance flight, noticed this book at one of the stores and then moved on; however, for some reason this book stayed with me. So just before boarding, I went and picked it up. Oh boy! Am I glad that I did? Absolutely! I’m a very avid book reader of both fiction and non-fiction. So, I wasn’t expecting a lot from this book, but it totally surprised me. Author has done a complete justice to Hindu mythology. It is not a very big book, so you can finish it quickly, but it’s not less in quality as compared to all the other big fantasy titles, and trust me I’ve read those all.

It has been a long time since I have read a mythological fiction and I miss those days when I used to receive the books in the same genre just after Amish’s Shiva trilogy garnered indefinite success. Now people have moved to other topics again and whichever book comes out under this genre tastes like a half-baked cake. I picked up a book whose cover page attracted me towards it on this Sunday and finished the book by today within a day. The book is “Ashwatthama’s Redemption: The Rise Of Dandak” written by the debutante author, Gunjan Porwal. I must say that I haven’t read more captivating and emotionally-submerging book this year.Let’s start with the subject on which the book has been written. It is more about what happened after the epic war of Mahabharata and it discusses the character of Ashwatthama briefly and tells every detail about his past and involvement in the mentioned war. He is already living in guilt of doing some bad karma during the war time but now there is a new challenge thrown upon him where he must fight the super-devils with extra power. He comes to know about a bow which if he gets, he would be able to defeat these super-powers and there starts the whole foundation and basis of this book.The first half is very superb where the characters and their background is introduced. Each and every character is so nicely described that you can relate with them immediately. All the kings discussed in the book, majorly, Rana and Vikram, are very nicely handled throughout the book keeping their dignity in dialogues and conversation intact. Their chemistry with our protagonist is also very beautifully handled. The love angle between Urmila and Rana is also respectfully portrayed. The second half is more about the actions involved and has many such sections where you must play with your imaginations and relive every moment discussed in the story. The anti-climax and climax are beautifully closed out which also gives hope of the sequel and I must say which I very rarely feel, that I am wanting to read the 2nd part as soon as possible.The mythological and fictional mixture is very perfectly handled by the author which does not insult one of our epic books, Mahabharata. Author has discussed Mahabharata in various parts as a conversation and through it, also tried to explain many spiritual and human concepts like karma, life, death, guilt, ego, mind games etc. Every instance of Lord Krishna is worth reading and re-reading in this book. Even the mention of Ramayana comes in between which is also interesting to read and how the karma of people in both the stories are connected due to being Avataras of the same God is an intriguing read altogether. Best part for which I would remember this book is whenever the Mahabharata is dictated in a conversation to any of the characters.Talking about the drawbacks, I just felt that there was certain characteristics of each character being discussed initially but author could not do justice to everything that he mentioned about them. Except this, I believe this book is a must read for sure. I give it 4.5* out of 5. Recommended like anything.Thanks.ABHILASH RUHELA!!!

The novel keeps reader engaged throughout but shame that the end was abrupt. Is there a part 2 to the story? How did Ashwatamma redeem himself without fulfilling promises made to people stuck in the Valley of illusion...Why was there so hoopla about Rama’s bow if it was broken by a mere general of Dandak? Lot of questions unanswered left an savoury taste at the end.

This book is about Ashwatthama , one of the strongest warriors of Mahabharata , the cursed warrior and son of Guru Drona is living a desolated and afflicted life after he was cursed by Krishna until he meets Vikram the king of Surparka and finds a purpose of life .The plot is all about the journey he takes up with Vikram, Rana and Urmila and finally gets emancipation from his curse and understands that every action of God as bad as a curse has a divine purpose behind it...✍️ I loved how the author plotted the character of Ashwatthama so beautifully . ✍️ The book cover is appropriately showing Ashwatthama's emmence strength . ✍️The book title also gives a glimpse of the story . ✍️ The best part about Ashwatthama's characterisation is that the author no where tries to justify his actions during the Kurukshetra war and yet succeeds to project the positive side of Ashwatthama . ✍️ In some parts I felt like , the stories are repeated , otherwise in overall , I loved the whole story . ✍️ The narration was simple and yet aesthetically written. . .Rating - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 After so many days I am reading a mythology book that too me into it's grip. .

Ashwatthama’s redemption – The rise of Dandak is a mythological fiction. I really enjoyed reading this book because its plot was really interesting. The book is about a mythological character Ashwatthama who was cursed by Lord Krishna after the battle of Kurukshetra. He was cursed to be immortal and sick until the end of the world. This novel also gives insight into the Mahabharat which is my all-time favorite story.After a century of living in isolation, Ashwatthama is approached by his friend Vikram to help him in a quest. Ashwatthama is the only living person who can wield a mystical bow and Vikram needs his help in retrieving that bow and use it to fight with an ancient demon who is trying to resurrect after five thousand years. After much persuasion by Vikram Ashwatthama agrees and starts his journey to the Himavant. Later Rana and Urmila also join them in their journey and all four of them are all set to save the world. How can a cursed Ashwatthama wield a mystical bow? Who is trying to rise from the dead? Will Vikram and his friends retrieve that bow? How are they going to save the world?This book is candy for all Indian mythology lovers. The only thing that I didn’t like about this book was that it is not finished and there will be a sequel. The narration and the plot were really good and gripping. The story can keep a reader hooked till the end. The writing style of the author was simple but catchy. The cover page is in shades of green with the picture of Ashwatthama wielding the bow which is very beautiful. What are you waiting for? Go buy this book now.

A debut novel and that too on a character accursed to live an immortal life stripped of all his celestial weapons, power and knowledge, ‘Ashwatthama’s Redemption’ will leave you thirsting for more. Narrated in simple language and at perfect pace, the book introduces you to various lesser known stories and aspects connected with Mahabharata and its characters along with mirroring the trials and tribulations of one of the greatest warriors of all times.Ashwatthama the son of Guru Dronacharya, doomed to suffer immortality with the burden of guilt that continuously sears through his soul, is living the life of a recluse deep in the forests away from humanity until one fateful day he is called upon to assist on a mission that is fraught with dangers and a life far worse than death should anything go wrong. Being part incarnate of Lord Shiva, only he can deliver humanity from a fate unpleasant that awaits it with the imminent rise of a formidable foe. What follows is an adventure of sorts where at every turn he encounters memories from the past, memories that haunt him and offer pain and nothing else. Fighting his inner demons, and trying to atone for his mistakes of the past, Ashwatthama faces some facts, some questions that leave him deep in thought.Twists and turns apart, the book also offers us some valuable insights into the working of the karmic cycle along with offering some nuggets of wisdom to chew and ponder on. The lesser known tales pertaining to the Mahabharata, its characters and Krishna, make interesting read and offer a better understanding of the epic. While the plot is interesting, the style of narration complements it. The climax too is like ‘Wow! What next?’However there are a few things that hold me back from pronouncing the book, ‘Perfect!’ Let’s see what they are.1. Characterization- A little more work on the characters is sure to add value to the book and make it more enjoyable. While the characterization of supporting characters like Urmila and Rana leave no room for complaint, it’s the protagonist who fails to impress. We must remember that here all eyes are riveted on Ashwatthama, and for the story to truly impress, he must be able to connect with the readers. However Ashwatthama’s characterization leaves room for improvement. I agree he is an enigma, yet to fully appreciate his role in taking the story forward, he needs to connect with the readers on the spiritual plain, which incidentally does not happen.2. The journey in search of the Kodanda felt incomplete and rushed through. A little more of detail with vivid imagery would have worked wonders for the book.3. A little more fire, a little more dramatization in the action scenes with Raktavija and Vidyut would help in keeping the reader in me on edge. It would have felt like something akin to an intense thriller- racy and heart pounding