Author: Dr. Arun Krishnan

Publisher: Penguin Random House India (Ebury Press)

Pages: 288

Expected publication date: Aug 2025

Blurb: Inspired by the authentic archaeological discovery of a Sumerian tablet off Mumbai’s coast, “Daughter of Two Rivers” presents a groundbreaking historical narrative that rewrites our understanding of ancient global connections. This meticulously researched novel addresses the increasingly relevant question of cultural identity in our globalized world, offering a uniquely personal perspective on how civilizations have always been interconnected through trade, conflict, and shared humanity.

My rating: 3/5

Plot: 4/5

Review: It took me a while to finish this gem, not because it dragged, but because I wanted to savour every detail of this beautifully woven tale. Daughter of Two Rivers by Arun Krishnan is a masterfully told historical fiction that seamlessly blends ancient mythology, political strategy, and emotional intensity into one unforgettable journey.

Set in the evocative era of early Babylonian civilization, the novel explores the intriguing tradition of royal alliances—where one royal family entrusts the training of their heirs to another, in the hopes of securing diplomatic ties and mutual survival. Right from the beginning, I was pulled into a world brimming with opulence, ritual, and calculated diplomacy. The author’s grasp on historical nuance is impressive, bringing alive the dusty streets of Babylon and the intricate power plays between kingdoms.

The plot takes a sharp, suspenseful turn with the kidnapping of royal princesses, throwing the reader into a fast-paced mission brimming with danger, strategy, and emotional stakes. What follows is a secret rescue operation that serves as the novel’s beating heart. Here, Krishnan crafts some of the most human, layered relationships I’ve encountered in recent historical fiction.

One of the standout dynamics is between Prince Arjuna of Rohitaka—a noble but untested royal—and Lilith (also called Chitrangadha), the enigmatic and fiercely loyal warrior who serves Babylon’s queen. Initially at odds, their relationship develops through tension, understanding, and unexpected empathy. Watching their bond evolve from mistrust to mutual respect and finally into something far deeper was an emotional experience in itself.

But what truly sets this novel apart is its deft handling of emotional storytelling intertwined with geopolitical drama. One moment you’re immersed in ancient treaties, royal decrees, and war councils; the next, you’re struck by deeply personal moments of grief, longing, and internal conflict. The intensity of earthquakes, betrayals, and battles is balanced by quiet reflections on identity and belonging, making the narrative both epic and intimate.

And the climax? I wasn’t prepared. It’s a raw, unexpected, and poignant resolution—one that left me emotional and contemplative long after I turned the final page. The life-and-death stakes, which are subtly layered throughout the book, crescendo in a finale that is powerful, tragic, and beautiful all at once.

Daughter of Two Rivers is more than just a historical novel—it’s a reflection on how cultural intersections, duty, and personal sacrifice shape our destiny. It’s for readers who seek richly detailed worlds, morally complex characters, and stories that linger in the heart.

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