The previous Shiva Trilogy series by Amish Tripathi caught the interest of many into reading alternate mythology. I’m not a big fan of alternate mythology, yet the beginning of the Shiva Trilogy was very interesting, though I felt the ending was mediocre. Now the author has come up with the Ram Chandra Series and first book of the series, Scion Of Ikshvaku was released on 22nd June. I had preordered my copy and received it right yesterday. Received with a metallic bookmark. Happy!
‘Kaushik’ is an important character in the series ;)
Coming to the book, the story is an alternate mythology (or can be said a fictional story too), based on the Ramayana. This book elaborates on the beginning part of the Ramayana. It can be loosely said that this book covers Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda and Aranya Kanda. As it is an alternate mythology, there are twists, characters, drama, sub-plots added by the author. Some of these are very interesting and some not-so.
There are some philosophical conversations that are present in this book, which are highly thought provoking and interesting. One for example…
‘Exactly!’, said Ram. ‘If He is my God, if He picks my side over someone else’s, He is not the One God. The only true One God is the one who picks no sides, who belongs to everything, who doesn’t demand loyalty or fear; in fact, who doesn’t demand anything at all. Because the Ekam just exists; and His existence allows for the existence of all else.’
Those who have interest in philosophy, mythology would find this book interesting, though those who follow orthodox way may not. Taking apart the ‘religious’ angle, the book can also be a good fictional read. Waiting for the next book in the series.
Cheers
God Bless
