Book Review- Kalki

Book Review- Kalki

Book name: Dharmayoddha Kalki

Author: Kevin Missal

Genre: Indian Mythological thriller

Standalone/Series: Series

Publishing Date: 14th October 2017

My ratings:

Blurb:

Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an upsurge in unrighteousness, at that time, I take birth again. 
– LORD GOVIND. 
Born in the quiet village of Shambala, Kalki Hari, son of Vishnuyath and Sumati, has no idea about his heritage until he is pitted against tragedies and battles. 
Whisked into the province of Keekatpur, which is under the fist of Lord Kali, Kalki sees the ignominy of death trumping life all around him. He learns that he has been born to cleanse the world he lives in, for which he must journey to the North and learn the ways of Lord Vishnu’s Avatar; from an immortal who wields an axe. 
But trapped in the midst of betrayals, political intrigue and forces that seek to decimate him, will he be able to follow his destiny before the Kaliyug begins?

MY REVIEW

Indian Mythological thriller fiction. What are our expectations from a book falling in this genre? Must have elements or influence from Mahabharata and Ramayana, 2 of the greatest Indian mythological fiction(√), Set in India showcasing India’s rich ancient culture(√), Amazing characters reflecting the Indian heritage(√), a nice dashing plot to blow our mind(√). Well, that’s what I expect from a book like this and  All of this was present in the book Dharmoddya kalki.

I haven’t read many mythological books but this was literally my favorite till now and I think it will be also. I have many theories regarding the book and what will happen in the sequel, that’s the kind of book it was, it always kept me on edge and I was always speculating what would happen next but it took me by surprise most of the times.
It’s a story full of action, love, drama, revenge and just name the thing, everything was present in this book and it was a really swirly roller coaster for me.

Strength in a person doesn’t define a hero. But where he uses his strength is what matters the most. A hero isn’t born. He’s made. Through people, through journeys and most of all, through tragedy.

There were 2 parts in the book. The main plot of the book revolves around the dharm and adharm,i.e, the good side and the bad side. Kalki is a simple village boy who wants to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, whereas kali, on the other hand has made his way through thicks and thins with his sister Duruukti, to emerge as a leader with great aspirations. These two lives, and those of many others get connected in a phenomenal way as the story progresses.

The author made the fictional village of Shambala and the province of keekatpur seem so real by his prolific writing. The world building was done in an astounding way with both historical fiction and mythology. 

This book was from multiple perspectives and we got to see from literally the point of view of every main and many side characters and I just loved how they were so skillfully joined and woven together. It just reflects the refinery writing of the author.

All the characters were amazing and really well portrayed. They all had their own different unique backstories and motives and all of it felt so real that I couldn’t actually fathom the fact that the author had created this world, though with the help of Indian mythology. The diversity of the characters, belonging to so many different races and cultural backgrounds were living in this fictional, yet real, world created by the author.

I loved the character development throughout the whole book. Each character had his or her own flaws and strengths, just like we all do in real life, and my perspective of many of them was changed as the story progressed. I came to really like many of them whom I thought to be unimportant initially and detest many who seemed really wise, and that I think was the doing of the multiple perspectives only, because many times we just assume things but then when we see them from the other person’s perspective, when we get in their shoes, we come to know their reasons and problems and just about them. That’s why I like books with multiple perspective 

In this book the characters used modern-day language and the combination of this with Indian mythology was very well-balanced. I actually enjoyed the characters set in a traditional land using modern-day language. about the overall language of the book, it was written in simple language and the quotes of the book were amazing. There are a lot of lessons to be learnt this book, another thing I loved about it.The pace was perfect, it was neither too fast nor too slow and the events happened at the precise timings.

One thing I really liked about the book is that it dealt with he fact that how there are so many stereotypes and misconceptions about various groups of people and cultures.We, without even knowing the essence of something just assume things for a group of people and judge and label them on that basis, whereas in reality all the rituals and the traditions in every culture are ultimately for the greater good of humanity and better lives and development of the people or at least they are meant with a good motive! No God promotes hatred or bad quality of life, but just love and prosperity of its people, and this fact was presented in a really good way in the book making it stand out for me.

One skepticism I have about the book is that there were a lot of emotional moments and I feel they could’ve been conveyed in a better way so as to actually bring tears ro the readers eyes (that’s just me being a sucker for books that make me cry, I can’t help loving them the most) Some moments could’ve had a really huge impact on the reader just if they were written in a better way but except for those few moments the writing in the whole book was pretty enjoyable.

Finally, I would recommend this masterpiece to every mythology lover to read this book filled with action, fighting, betrayal, love, emotions, killings and what not. Otherwise also this was an entertaining and occupying book having the element of surprise at mostly the end of every chapter and if you want to read something inspirational, diversifying and thrilling then this Kalki it is!