"600 pages...."
That was my first reaction, when I heard that Amish's
latest and concluding part of the Shiva Trilogy was going to be bigger than the
earlier ones. The novel had already garnered a lot of anticipation and the buzz
was building high. My little heart was weary with worry. I could not help but
think of all the hyped concluding parts of so many other series’. Be it the JK
Rowling’s Potter Series or MR’s Five Warriors. The buzz had always higher than
the results that were delivered. Was Amish going to add to the list of
disappointments? The book took a little too much time for release. The release
date was postponed twice and the buzz and anticipation roared higher. My misgivings
rose too.
When it came for pre-release order on Flipkart… I was
fast to order it. It saved me 150 bucks and I would get the book before (or at
the same time) it reached the stores. I was happy. Early last week, I got the
mail from Flipkart saying the book will reach me by Thursday last and I was
happier. Friday evening, I reached home to see a big parcel waiting on the
table for me, and I opened it with nervous energy.
First things first: I don’t like the cover. It’s muddy and
its less attractive on the earlier two. Had I not been a reader of earlier two,
I would “not” have picked this one up ONLY by looking at the cover. (I mean, check the other two and then see the last one above and tell me...which "look" more interesting?)
Two: Phew… it’s a BIG book. And for first two readings, I
had real problem focusing, coz I took some time adjusting to the font. (But it’s
possible that dynamic fonts on my Kindle has spoiled meJ)
Three: I’m against reviews with spoilers. My reviews are
usually are written to entice the reader of the review to grab the book and
read it himself. But… it’s going to be VERY hard task, to review the novel
without spoilers. So, if you want a pristine review…walk away now … (or surf
away, whichever suits you)
Now to the review.