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Krishna Coriolis #2
Dance of Govinda
The tamer of Putana, the god-child, the redeemer of the world, the Slayer of Kamsa, dances with abandon amidst his own. As we move into the second instalment of Ashok K. Banker s Krishna tales, the prophesied Slayer of Kamsa has been born and smuggled out of Mathura in the dead of the night. Kamsa finds that his nephew has escaped and flies into a demoniac rage. Meanwhile, his evil ally Jarasandha of Magadha arrives in Mathura with his coterie of powerful supporters to ensure that Kamsa stays loyal to him. But Kamsa is not to be crushed. With the help of Putana, a powerful demoness living incognito among humans, he slowly regains his strength and acquires new powers. In Book 2 of the Krishna Coriolis series, Ashok K. Banker retells the legendary exploits of the Preserver in his most lovable avatar, bringing alive the majesty and splendour of ancient India and the high drama of its epics.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
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Ashok K. Banker
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 25, 2013
Dance of Govinda, the second book in the series, is as amazing as the first. Two parallel stories, one of Kamsa’s life after Krishna’s birth and that of Krishna himself as an infant, are skilfully depicted.
Baby Krishna had been smuggled out of Mathura right under Kamsa’s nose and in his fury, Kamsa had ordered every new born in the entire kingdom to be killed. Little does he know that his efforts are futile. To top it all, he is facing enemies from within his own trusted men who want him dead at any cost. Will he regain his demonic powers and rise again?
On the other hand, baby Krishna is now living in Nanda and Yashoda’s house in Gokul where he is growing stronger with each passing day and surprising everyone with his mischievous and playful demeanour. According to general belief, he is safe as long as Kamsa doesn’t come to know about his whereabouts. But that belief is smashed to smithereens when Kamsa sends a demon named Putana to kill little Krishna. To everyone’s shock and disbelief Putana dies and Lord Krishna survives. And, thus, begins the dance, dance of Govinda.
At times I felt some scenes were overstretched. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book thoroughly but was little upset as more importance was given to Kamsa’s life and Lord Krishna’s story took the backseat. Maybe I will get to read more on His life in the next book.
Baby Krishna had been smuggled out of Mathura right under Kamsa’s nose and in his fury, Kamsa had ordered every new born in the entire kingdom to be killed. Little does he know that his efforts are futile. To top it all, he is facing enemies from within his own trusted men who want him dead at any cost. Will he regain his demonic powers and rise again?
On the other hand, baby Krishna is now living in Nanda and Yashoda’s house in Gokul where he is growing stronger with each passing day and surprising everyone with his mischievous and playful demeanour. According to general belief, he is safe as long as Kamsa doesn’t come to know about his whereabouts. But that belief is smashed to smithereens when Kamsa sends a demon named Putana to kill little Krishna. To everyone’s shock and disbelief Putana dies and Lord Krishna survives. And, thus, begins the dance, dance of Govinda.
At times I felt some scenes were overstretched. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book thoroughly but was little upset as more importance was given to Kamsa’s life and Lord Krishna’s story took the backseat. Maybe I will get to read more on His life in the next book.
June 21, 2014
Even after having been exposed to Krishna's tale since my childhood days, Ashok Banker adds a fresh voice to the entire narrative through this book.
This book continues right where Slayer Of Kamsa left off. While Krishna has been smuggled out of Mathura right from under the nose of Kamsa-mama, Jarasandha and his group of loyal supporters arrive at Mathura to keep the demoniac Kamsa in line with the grand strategic plans that he has.
The elucidated and succinct narrative makes for a very gripping read and full marks to the author in breathing in life to each and every character portrayed in this epic tale right from Bhishma to Putana.
Having read this book, I am glad that I picked up this book soon after finishing Slayer of Kamsa since all my reservations about the previous book have been completely addressed by the author here. Definitely looking forward to read Flute Of Vrindavan soon.
This book continues right where Slayer Of Kamsa left off. While Krishna has been smuggled out of Mathura right from under the nose of Kamsa-mama, Jarasandha and his group of loyal supporters arrive at Mathura to keep the demoniac Kamsa in line with the grand strategic plans that he has.
The elucidated and succinct narrative makes for a very gripping read and full marks to the author in breathing in life to each and every character portrayed in this epic tale right from Bhishma to Putana.
Having read this book, I am glad that I picked up this book soon after finishing Slayer of Kamsa since all my reservations about the previous book have been completely addressed by the author here. Definitely looking forward to read Flute Of Vrindavan soon.
July 24, 2014
This second book in Krishna Coriolis is about Krishna's infancy and his nemesis, Kamsa's transforming from being a ruthless prince into a stern king. Banker's writing is as interesting as in the first book, Slayer of Kamsa. He turned the myth into a fantastical read without giving up the essence of the real myth. He morphed the characters more real, more fierce, more enjoyable. Each character holds his/her prominence equally. There are some characters which didn't interest me earlier are now more fascinating than ever. I didn't like the way TV media depicted the Kamsa, the antagonist and his allies Jarasandha, Putan etc. So who ever want to enjoy real myth, should read books.
The things I really liked in the story:
- The portrayal and history of Putana, the demon who tried to kill little Krishna by feeding her milk.
- The formidable yet vulnerable Kamsa.
- Telepathic conversations between little Krishna and his foster-mother, Yashoda.
- Jarasandha's vicious killings.
The things I really liked in the story:
- The portrayal and history of Putana, the demon who tried to kill little Krishna by feeding her milk.
- The formidable yet vulnerable Kamsa.
- Telepathic conversations between little Krishna and his foster-mother, Yashoda.
- Jarasandha's vicious killings.
January 9, 2016
Ashok Banker is one of the best when it comes to mythology, and he does not disappoint. While these stories are oft-repeated and well known, Banker always adds in little known details. For me, the revelation in this one was Puttana's connection with Kamsa (one of those things that ACK and your grandfather wouldn't tell you as a child). I liked how the book focused on Kamsa's struggles. It was an interesting take to show how he became what he was, and shows a different side to his personality as well.
The updated foreword was also interesting, as I had no idea that the Krishna series was originally a part of the MBA series (I'm still waiting with bated breath for Book 3!).
I'm glad that this series is complete so I won't have to wait to get my hands on the next book as I go along. Maybe that's the best way to read his work, wait till the series is complete. From Ramayana to MBA, the wait for the next book has always been agonizing.
The updated foreword was also interesting, as I had no idea that the Krishna series was originally a part of the MBA series (I'm still waiting with bated breath for Book 3!).
I'm glad that this series is complete so I won't have to wait to get my hands on the next book as I go along. Maybe that's the best way to read his work, wait till the series is complete. From Ramayana to MBA, the wait for the next book has always been agonizing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2012
This book speaks of the growth of Krishna to a baby -the most brilliant aspect is his interaction with Yashodha and how his foster parents coem to grips with his divinity... the growth of Kamse into the masterful villain and his complex rellation with jarasandha are also explored... In between the tale, Banker has woven in details of Krishna's names like Ghan Shyam... beautiful!!!!
February 13, 2013
Fantastic retelling of the Avatar's liffe!
July 5, 2013
Moving on to Part Three now.. Cant wait.
August 6, 2018
A mythology retold as mythology
A long while ago, maybe about a couple of decades back, when I was a youngling behind good books, someone thrust into my hands a used copy of a book titled Vertigo. Those days, I was more enthralled by the story than the writer and did not take much notice of the author's name. The book intoxicated me. A romance set in the field of advertising and sales, in a city, that had made and broken lives of many a simpleton, in a simple, lucid, and gripping narrative style could not but get me on a high.
Years later, when I discovered Goodreads and I was adding the books I read to the shelf I noticed the author's name and this time I remembered it. Many years further, I was browsing books in the "Crossword" store in Koramangala, Bangalore, when I saw Ashok Banker's Ramayana series. At this time, I was actually reading a lot of mythology and spiritual literature and when I read a few pages of one of the books of Ramayana at the store, I knew I had to read them all. But, I had limited financial resources and postponed it. Further years went by when Amazon recommended to me "The Ten Kings" by Ashok Banker. I bought it, gulped it one day and thus became a fan of this great storyteller. Well, into the review now!
Often mythology is fascinating because of magic. Magic is fascinating because of its mystery. I have thoroughly enjoyed the magic and mystery in this book. More or less, this book deals with Kamsa's evolution as a Rakshasa and attempts of Jarasandha to keep Kamsa in his grip. I am familiar with the characters of Kamsa, Jarasandha, and Putana. But, this book took me to the very origins of their character. All three are abusive of their powers and hence align on each other's side. All three need each other and understand each other more intimately than they care to let know of each other. The enjoyed the build-up of fear in me when these three malicious people get together to kill the Slayer. How can Krishna deal with these powerful creatures when he was yet a mere babe?
Krishna, suckles on Putana and drags the life out of her. This is where I was disappointed a little bit. While Ashok Banker goes to the inside working of the magic within Kamsa's and Putana's bodies and is descriptive about it, he excludes the description of bodily sensations felt by Putana and little Krishna when the latter kills the former. The narrative point of view suddenly shifts to Nanda Maharaj and Yashoda and all we see is a babe in large size fighting an over sized demoness. We don't know how Putana felt when the poison was being sucked out of her body. Did she feel grateful in her mind, while her body was struggling outside? Did she feel hatred because she was being stripped of her unique power and hence unique identity? Did Krishna route the Halahala to Lord Shiva's throat through his throat? If these descriptions were included, I would have been personally fulfilled.
The bond between Krishna and Yashoda is portrayed beautifully. Yashoda talking to Krishna and it being seen as talking to herself shows how indulging a mother she would have been. I am a man and would perhaps never know how a woman would feel when talking to her child! But through this conversation, I may have had a glimpse at the intimate feelings shared between both.
This recreation of Krishna's life is absolutely heartwarming. I call it as a recreation because it is everything that mythology is but yet fresh and new. Recommended strongly if you are a fan of fantasy and mythology. I have already read the 3rd book Slayer of Kamsa and now onto the 4th book in the series. I expect to finish the series, within this year.
A long while ago, maybe about a couple of decades back, when I was a youngling behind good books, someone thrust into my hands a used copy of a book titled Vertigo. Those days, I was more enthralled by the story than the writer and did not take much notice of the author's name. The book intoxicated me. A romance set in the field of advertising and sales, in a city, that had made and broken lives of many a simpleton, in a simple, lucid, and gripping narrative style could not but get me on a high.
Years later, when I discovered Goodreads and I was adding the books I read to the shelf I noticed the author's name and this time I remembered it. Many years further, I was browsing books in the "Crossword" store in Koramangala, Bangalore, when I saw Ashok Banker's Ramayana series. At this time, I was actually reading a lot of mythology and spiritual literature and when I read a few pages of one of the books of Ramayana at the store, I knew I had to read them all. But, I had limited financial resources and postponed it. Further years went by when Amazon recommended to me "The Ten Kings" by Ashok Banker. I bought it, gulped it one day and thus became a fan of this great storyteller. Well, into the review now!
Often mythology is fascinating because of magic. Magic is fascinating because of its mystery. I have thoroughly enjoyed the magic and mystery in this book. More or less, this book deals with Kamsa's evolution as a Rakshasa and attempts of Jarasandha to keep Kamsa in his grip. I am familiar with the characters of Kamsa, Jarasandha, and Putana. But, this book took me to the very origins of their character. All three are abusive of their powers and hence align on each other's side. All three need each other and understand each other more intimately than they care to let know of each other. The enjoyed the build-up of fear in me when these three malicious people get together to kill the Slayer. How can Krishna deal with these powerful creatures when he was yet a mere babe?
Krishna, suckles on Putana and drags the life out of her. This is where I was disappointed a little bit. While Ashok Banker goes to the inside working of the magic within Kamsa's and Putana's bodies and is descriptive about it, he excludes the description of bodily sensations felt by Putana and little Krishna when the latter kills the former. The narrative point of view suddenly shifts to Nanda Maharaj and Yashoda and all we see is a babe in large size fighting an over sized demoness. We don't know how Putana felt when the poison was being sucked out of her body. Did she feel grateful in her mind, while her body was struggling outside? Did she feel hatred because she was being stripped of her unique power and hence unique identity? Did Krishna route the Halahala to Lord Shiva's throat through his throat? If these descriptions were included, I would have been personally fulfilled.
The bond between Krishna and Yashoda is portrayed beautifully. Yashoda talking to Krishna and it being seen as talking to herself shows how indulging a mother she would have been. I am a man and would perhaps never know how a woman would feel when talking to her child! But through this conversation, I may have had a glimpse at the intimate feelings shared between both.
This recreation of Krishna's life is absolutely heartwarming. I call it as a recreation because it is everything that mythology is but yet fresh and new. Recommended strongly if you are a fan of fantasy and mythology. I have already read the 3rd book Slayer of Kamsa and now onto the 4th book in the series. I expect to finish the series, within this year.
June 27, 2019
If you get past all the gore and zombie crap, you will discover vintage Ashok K Banker (AKB). The author who retold the brilliant Ramayana series.
The last book ends and this book starts with this gross zombie like stuff AKB just loves to write about. I feel that takes the soul away from the beauty of the story. Thankfully, better sense prevails and he goes back to the retelling of the story in his inimitable style.
Guess this book helps me decide that I will be reading book 3 after all!!
The last book ends and this book starts with this gross zombie like stuff AKB just loves to write about. I feel that takes the soul away from the beauty of the story. Thankfully, better sense prevails and he goes back to the retelling of the story in his inimitable style.
Guess this book helps me decide that I will be reading book 3 after all!!
April 8, 2020
considering how much i had fallen in love with the first book, i had expected tons from this one but it sadly didn't live up to my expectations. it certainly helped me gain more into insights into Kamsa and The Lord but didn't engross me as much as "The Slayer of Kamsa" did. 3/5 stars. fingers crossed for the third book.
June 2, 2018
Excellent
Thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. The episodes wherein Child Krishna communicates with others through His Thoughts is simply mind boggling. A well researched book indeed. Thanks
Thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. The episodes wherein Child Krishna communicates with others through His Thoughts is simply mind boggling. A well researched book indeed. Thanks
June 25, 2020
Seems like this 3 book series should really have been a 1.5 book series. The author seems to have stretched it to 3. Compelling read of an epic story. Gets into the heads of the protagonist, antagonists and other characters. Nice read!
October 15, 2024
I can read the story of Lord Krishna any time and mostly in any form. The book is written well since the author is a good writer. But the story stales a bit in the middle. This is more like Kamsa story. But still, well written.
April 19, 2022
The story of Krishna continues - good continuation to the Kamsa story and some interesting depictions of how things could have been
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2015
Another disappointment, not as bad as the first book but still would have expected something better.First the good parts –
Got to know an interesting phase of Kamsa life, also the little insight on Jarasandha, Putana and Yadu are nice but would have enjoyed it more if their history was told, instead what we get are how cool and strong they are, more facts less emotions please.
The fight scenes involving Jarasandha’s taking on a siege city & Kamsa taking on top commanders are amazingly detailed and well done.
Now for the bad parts of the book, this has been continuing from the first book – introduction of all the minor characters,naming the whole genealogy of a character who appears for a second,naming all the possible meaning to a name along with all the other names one can be called by. It’s all just a way to add pages to a story which could have been told in 1/10th size.
As for Krishna, i am not sure what to make of his characterization and interaction with his mother.It's interesting, not sure in a good or a bad way.
Got to know an interesting phase of Kamsa life, also the little insight on Jarasandha, Putana and Yadu are nice but would have enjoyed it more if their history was told, instead what we get are how cool and strong they are, more facts less emotions please.
The fight scenes involving Jarasandha’s taking on a siege city & Kamsa taking on top commanders are amazingly detailed and well done.
Now for the bad parts of the book, this has been continuing from the first book – introduction of all the minor characters,naming the whole genealogy of a character who appears for a second,naming all the possible meaning to a name along with all the other names one can be called by. It’s all just a way to add pages to a story which could have been told in 1/10th size.
As for Krishna, i am not sure what to make of his characterization and interaction with his mother.It's interesting, not sure in a good or a bad way.
July 8, 2014
This is the second installment in Ashok Banker's Krishna storyline. The story sums up the plot points until the death of Putana at Krishna's hands. At the risk of sounding like a broken record I must say that the author is adept at making his stories move with all the panache of a richly colored Hindi movie. It is swift,efficient and satisfying storytelling.
The presence of the supernatural as a Deus-Ex Machina in the plot is very high in this tale. It is hardly surprising when your antagonists are demons who stepped right out of the fiery pit and your protagonist (who is still a baby) is the incarnation of one of the most powerful gods in the Hindu pantheon.
Enjoyable, entertaining and a very quick read.
The presence of the supernatural as a Deus-Ex Machina in the plot is very high in this tale. It is hardly surprising when your antagonists are demons who stepped right out of the fiery pit and your protagonist (who is still a baby) is the incarnation of one of the most powerful gods in the Hindu pantheon.
Enjoyable, entertaining and a very quick read.
September 7, 2015
The characterization of Kamsa was the one of the few things that made me put this book down multiple times. Will the reader grasp the concept of evil only if it is a gross asura? does all of evil look a certain way? In the end, the author does clarify that the grossness was due to a potion, but the damage according to me was done. It was like a feast that was so heavy that it puts you off of all future feasts. If not for my obsession with Krishna's stories I wouldn't have bothered finishing half of this book, let alone finishing it.
June 17, 2012
While I didnt enjoy it as much as the Ramayana Series, however there is an adventure in reading the tales that one has heard all of one's life, through a fresh perspective.
March 9, 2014
This and the first book are amazing. They focus a lot more on Kamsa than I expected. The way Jarasandha plays him is hilarious.
July 23, 2015
Absolutely fantastic especially ending GOVINDA! Jai Sri Krishna.
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January 4, 2015Just completed teh same. It is basically a simple easy going one.
August 18, 2016
gsgsgsg
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