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The Wordkeepers Trilogy #1
The Wordkeepers
"The wordkeeper was taken; abducted right under my nose. That left my final hope, the new wordkeeper."
Anya’s carefree teenage life is thrown into turmoil when her mother is abducted, passing on the mantle of wordkeeper to her. Her only ally for this task is a cursed immortal warrior.
In another part of the country, village boy Bilal dismisses tales about a prophecy claiming he is a messiah … until the day his dearest friend is killed in a case of mistaken identity.
Anya and Bilal need to find each other so they can fufil the old prophecy and destroy their common enemy, the vengeful god who pursues them.
The first of a trilogy, this book takes you on a breathtaking journey of fantasy and adventure, through modern cities, ancient cremation grounds, mythical planets and mystical mountains.
Anya’s carefree teenage life is thrown into turmoil when her mother is abducted, passing on the mantle of wordkeeper to her. Her only ally for this task is a cursed immortal warrior.
In another part of the country, village boy Bilal dismisses tales about a prophecy claiming he is a messiah … until the day his dearest friend is killed in a case of mistaken identity.
Anya and Bilal need to find each other so they can fufil the old prophecy and destroy their common enemy, the vengeful god who pursues them.
The first of a trilogy, this book takes you on a breathtaking journey of fantasy and adventure, through modern cities, ancient cremation grounds, mythical planets and mystical mountains.
262 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2013
20 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 23, 2013
Well, I wrote the book.
Its a fast paced fantasy set in the near future with two teenage protagonists and a handful of Indian mythological characters. People tell me its unputdownable. Its definitely a YA book for those who are looking for a completely different world to explore.
Its a fast paced fantasy set in the near future with two teenage protagonists and a handful of Indian mythological characters. People tell me its unputdownable. Its definitely a YA book for those who are looking for a completely different world to explore.
April 13, 2013
Rating this book is a bit confusing... it is between 3.5 to 4 depending upon your age. For someone below the age of 18-20, I wouldn't be surprised if they give it 4.5 stars.
My ratings: 3.5 starts
The Hindu Mythology is so rich and colossal that there is so much of scope to fabricate a story around it and still make it unique. These days it has become a hot topic and its fetching so when such a book hits market, it catches my attention instantly. 'The wordkeepers' is one such book. It is not like another story, it is rather very unique and well researched :)
According to Hindu mythology, there are four Yugs ('epoch' or 'era') and the Author Jash Sen has skillfully connected the three Yugs-- Treta Yug, Dwapar Yug and kalyug, which in itself sounds utterly compelling.
I really like the book cover. I am giving it THUMPS UP. It looks catchy and befitting with this mysterious big captivating eye with green Iris, And the lashes-- woah!! It draws you into it. That eye is keeping an eye on Anya, Female protagonist as she walks alone in dark nights on a quest to protect... Quite eerie.
Story and Writing:
Prologue takes you five thousand years back, on the war-land of Kurukshetra, Mahabharata, to a dreadful incident where Ashwatthama-- The immortal-- was cursed for eternity by Lord Krishna himself. In Dwapar Yuga.
Book is divided into three parts.
"I, Vibhishan, past Lord of the Sinhala land of Lanka, immortal by the grace of my Lord Ram, and general of the wordkeepers, write the following..." ~page 3, Part 1
Each part starts with a 'note from an immortal' and not just any immortal but Vibhishan of Treta yuga, The brother of Ravana.
Story is set in the year of 2028. Anya, a fourteen years old female protagonist, daughter of busy professionals is confused after receiving a strange note from her mother telling her not to trust anyone, even her dad and follow the trail of clues she has scantily left for her. As she makes a daring escape and finds her way from Bangalore to the fort of Asirgarh, she meets Ashwatthama who guides her along her dangerous life-threatening quest.
The Wordkeepers are the ancient band of protecting clan originally ten in numbers, there job is to safeguard the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu -- 'Kalki'. But it is not an easy task as 'Kali'-- The Lord of Kalyug (Not Goddess Kali) is dead-set on to annihilate Kalki and thrive for eternity.
Bilal, a Muslim boy who loves cricket, his family & friend, is an important key to the prophecy of saving this world, Kali and his evil doers are hunting for him, Anya has to find him and him being a rebel constantly puts his life in danger.
"The old Anya was dead. Anya the wordkeeper had been born instead." ~ page 180
Can Prince Zohrab and Mahendra Pratap keep Anya and Bilal safe, will Anya and Bilal meet, how are they connected... well I can't tell you all that but what I can tell is that this is an utterly agreeable book for teens and YA readers.
Author Jash Sen has fastidiously crafted the story, keeping it's roots intact to Hindu mythology without spoiling its essence and given it a new modern mix of Facts and fiction. Writing is explicit without complicating things but taking to the fantasy world author has created, it made the whole story spellbinding without breaking its pace.
'You forget that I am gold, Dhoomavati,' replied Kali calmly. 'And all the vices too, he added, nodding towards cigarette stub on the carpet. 'Which is why you worship me more than you know, and I have my power over you just like I do on every other being on earth."~ page 61
Characters:
I specially liked that Anya is fourteen years old smart and strong young girl, she is fearless and easily adapts with the situation, she is a character every youngster and teenager would want to know about.
There was not much of Bilal in this installment, I want to see how his character grows as the series proceeds.
The Kali-- Lord of Kalyug (Not Goddess Kali)-- in this book seems very real being all conceited, arrogant and corrupt. If he actually existed in real world (Perhaps he does) then the Kali of this book will give a fine glimpse to his personality.
Kokh and Vikokh-- The twines and Kali's followers are another eerie creatures in addition to other shapeshifters.
Other characters like Prince Zohrab, Mahendra Pratap, Goddess Dhoomavati are well known to us but in the book they are mystery to be cracked and it is yet to be seen who is on whose side.
From where I live, the fort of Asirgarh, Burhanpur is not far away, From my Dad I have heard that it believed Ashwatthama still visits the lord Shiva temple at the fort, so I find this particular critical segment of the book interesting and Author has not disappointed in characterizing Ashwatthama as he kept surprising me throughout.
Overall:
Let me just say it again, Book cover is artistic, fun, detailed, eerie, mysterious... and the texture is lil' shimmery like a subtle hologram, I like it very much. It is complementing the story perfectly. This book will surely be enjoyed by Young-adult/Middle-grade readers. The wordkeepers, their genesis, Kalyug myth... Ashwatthama.. a smart female protagonist accompanying a lucid narrative delivered a delightfully engaging read.
My ratings: 3.5 starts
The Hindu Mythology is so rich and colossal that there is so much of scope to fabricate a story around it and still make it unique. These days it has become a hot topic and its fetching so when such a book hits market, it catches my attention instantly. 'The wordkeepers' is one such book. It is not like another story, it is rather very unique and well researched :)
According to Hindu mythology, there are four Yugs ('epoch' or 'era') and the Author Jash Sen has skillfully connected the three Yugs-- Treta Yug, Dwapar Yug and kalyug, which in itself sounds utterly compelling.
I really like the book cover. I am giving it THUMPS UP. It looks catchy and befitting with this mysterious big captivating eye with green Iris, And the lashes-- woah!! It draws you into it. That eye is keeping an eye on Anya, Female protagonist as she walks alone in dark nights on a quest to protect... Quite eerie.
Story and Writing:
Prologue takes you five thousand years back, on the war-land of Kurukshetra, Mahabharata, to a dreadful incident where Ashwatthama-- The immortal-- was cursed for eternity by Lord Krishna himself. In Dwapar Yuga.
Book is divided into three parts.
"I, Vibhishan, past Lord of the Sinhala land of Lanka, immortal by the grace of my Lord Ram, and general of the wordkeepers, write the following..." ~page 3, Part 1
Each part starts with a 'note from an immortal' and not just any immortal but Vibhishan of Treta yuga, The brother of Ravana.
Story is set in the year of 2028. Anya, a fourteen years old female protagonist, daughter of busy professionals is confused after receiving a strange note from her mother telling her not to trust anyone, even her dad and follow the trail of clues she has scantily left for her. As she makes a daring escape and finds her way from Bangalore to the fort of Asirgarh, she meets Ashwatthama who guides her along her dangerous life-threatening quest.
The Wordkeepers are the ancient band of protecting clan originally ten in numbers, there job is to safeguard the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu -- 'Kalki'. But it is not an easy task as 'Kali'-- The Lord of Kalyug (Not Goddess Kali) is dead-set on to annihilate Kalki and thrive for eternity.
Bilal, a Muslim boy who loves cricket, his family & friend, is an important key to the prophecy of saving this world, Kali and his evil doers are hunting for him, Anya has to find him and him being a rebel constantly puts his life in danger.
"The old Anya was dead. Anya the wordkeeper had been born instead." ~ page 180
Can Prince Zohrab and Mahendra Pratap keep Anya and Bilal safe, will Anya and Bilal meet, how are they connected... well I can't tell you all that but what I can tell is that this is an utterly agreeable book for teens and YA readers.
Author Jash Sen has fastidiously crafted the story, keeping it's roots intact to Hindu mythology without spoiling its essence and given it a new modern mix of Facts and fiction. Writing is explicit without complicating things but taking to the fantasy world author has created, it made the whole story spellbinding without breaking its pace.
'You forget that I am gold, Dhoomavati,' replied Kali calmly. 'And all the vices too, he added, nodding towards cigarette stub on the carpet. 'Which is why you worship me more than you know, and I have my power over you just like I do on every other being on earth."~ page 61
Characters:
I specially liked that Anya is fourteen years old smart and strong young girl, she is fearless and easily adapts with the situation, she is a character every youngster and teenager would want to know about.
There was not much of Bilal in this installment, I want to see how his character grows as the series proceeds.
The Kali-- Lord of Kalyug (Not Goddess Kali)-- in this book seems very real being all conceited, arrogant and corrupt. If he actually existed in real world (Perhaps he does) then the Kali of this book will give a fine glimpse to his personality.
Kokh and Vikokh-- The twines and Kali's followers are another eerie creatures in addition to other shapeshifters.
Other characters like Prince Zohrab, Mahendra Pratap, Goddess Dhoomavati are well known to us but in the book they are mystery to be cracked and it is yet to be seen who is on whose side.
From where I live, the fort of Asirgarh, Burhanpur is not far away, From my Dad I have heard that it believed Ashwatthama still visits the lord Shiva temple at the fort, so I find this particular critical segment of the book interesting and Author has not disappointed in characterizing Ashwatthama as he kept surprising me throughout.
Overall:
Let me just say it again, Book cover is artistic, fun, detailed, eerie, mysterious... and the texture is lil' shimmery like a subtle hologram, I like it very much. It is complementing the story perfectly. This book will surely be enjoyed by Young-adult/Middle-grade readers. The wordkeepers, their genesis, Kalyug myth... Ashwatthama.. a smart female protagonist accompanying a lucid narrative delivered a delightfully engaging read.
May 4, 2013
An excellent first book by Jash.
The action starts almost immediately, from the first chapter and does not let up till the end.
The book runs through some very interesting twists and turns and keeps you engaged through out.
Jash has invented a fantastic concept of Wordkeepers, immortals beings from our own mythology. Full marks for doing that.
Will try and avoid spoilers here. Largely the book follows the course of actions taken by two individuals on the good side and a team led by a kind of supernatural on the evil side.
The twists and locales are very well done, the canvas she has created is also very interesting. Not only does she take you across India but also in to space.
Having finished this one, now I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
If you haven't yet, then please go out and buy it.
Just for the record, I started Oath of the Vayuputras first, but when I started this, that got left by the wayside. Still haven't gone back to it. Fully recommend this one to anyone who remotely likes fantasy fiction or just wants to enjoy a rollercoaster of a good story.
The action starts almost immediately, from the first chapter and does not let up till the end.
The book runs through some very interesting twists and turns and keeps you engaged through out.
Jash has invented a fantastic concept of Wordkeepers, immortals beings from our own mythology. Full marks for doing that.
Will try and avoid spoilers here. Largely the book follows the course of actions taken by two individuals on the good side and a team led by a kind of supernatural on the evil side.
The twists and locales are very well done, the canvas she has created is also very interesting. Not only does she take you across India but also in to space.
Having finished this one, now I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
If you haven't yet, then please go out and buy it.
Just for the record, I started Oath of the Vayuputras first, but when I started this, that got left by the wayside. Still haven't gone back to it. Fully recommend this one to anyone who remotely likes fantasy fiction or just wants to enjoy a rollercoaster of a good story.
July 24, 2013
For long this book was sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. Almost unintendedly I picked it up today to get some respite from the Homeric verses that had been ringing in my head. (courtesy: The Iliad).
Hindu mythology is so expansive and so rich that its vert much possible to spin various stories that suit a writer's forte. Though in no way do I mean to imply that this is an easy task. Here is the story of an evil force that wants to be recognised as the one true god of all humankind. But as the oracle may have it, the tenth and final avatar of Lord Vishnu , Kalki, will take this force to its impending doom. The wordkeepers is an esoteric group that knows of this oracle and is bestowed with the responsibility of passing this secret from generation to generation, until the final avatar finishes off Kali and thus restores justice in the world. I will not go into the story of this first part of the trilogy. It is fast paced, gripping and keeps you on your toes throughout. Although I liked the book but I'm not too sure if I'm going to be waiting in earnest to read the remaining two parts.
That said, I wouldn't also mind reading it if someday I find those two books staring at me from my shelf again. This debut novel is definitely commendable. 3.5 stars.
Hindu mythology is so expansive and so rich that its vert much possible to spin various stories that suit a writer's forte. Though in no way do I mean to imply that this is an easy task. Here is the story of an evil force that wants to be recognised as the one true god of all humankind. But as the oracle may have it, the tenth and final avatar of Lord Vishnu , Kalki, will take this force to its impending doom. The wordkeepers is an esoteric group that knows of this oracle and is bestowed with the responsibility of passing this secret from generation to generation, until the final avatar finishes off Kali and thus restores justice in the world. I will not go into the story of this first part of the trilogy. It is fast paced, gripping and keeps you on your toes throughout. Although I liked the book but I'm not too sure if I'm going to be waiting in earnest to read the remaining two parts.
That said, I wouldn't also mind reading it if someday I find those two books staring at me from my shelf again. This debut novel is definitely commendable. 3.5 stars.
February 9, 2013
Just finished reading The Wordkeepers. I had been waiting to read it ever since the author had put up a few extracts on her website as a teaser. Those extracts piqued my interest and I'm happy to say that the rest of the book lived up to the expectations they set up. The book weaves mythology, modern day, and the future together to create a very interesting story that you don't want to put down. The only downside - it's part of a trilogy. Having read this first part, I can't figure out why it needed to be set up as a series. I would have loved for it to be even faster, a little thicker, and complete in one volume. But at least this way I know there's more to come, and I guess the author has her reasons!
January 30, 2013
The first installment of the Wordkeeper's Trilogy has been a gripping read. Jash has created a magical world that effortlessly extends Indian myth to an Asimovian future with characters and context one can relate to in the present. Her lucid and compelling style of writing will hold you from skipping ahead to know what new turn the plot has taken. The characters are well defined, their motivations unambiguous. At one level, the book displays the temerity to be the successor a great epic. But in including a galactic battle in it's scope, that leap is more than enjoyable. While the book is intended for young adults, this is a great read for all ages.
March 18, 2013
Right from the word go, The Wordkeepers takes off. Not one dull moment or a place to yawn or breathe. Makes you want to re-read the indian mythology from an entirely different standpoint. We have grown with these stories and characters but to see them set in modern times makes it entirely believable. The best part is that the entire idea of good-bad, mind-conscience is not once overly philosophical, drab or sermonising. An absolute must read followed by the excruciating wait for the second book! As for the recommended age group : my 11 year old is whining about the second part not releasing simultaneously and I, at 37 years, have a picture of an enormous green eye stuck in my head!
November 22, 2015
This book was good. Nothing to get way too excited about but if you find it lying around in the library or you need something light about mythology to read you could try it.
And not to mention I have always wondered after watching Mahabharat what would happen to the soul who was cursed by Krishna. Banished from the world and not able to die. Spooky.
So it was awesome to read about the fate of this cursed soul after a 5000 years. Some things I found a little offbeat. As if the book was leaving its grasp every now and then.
But you know even after being Indian and loving Amish Tripathi I still prefer foreign books. Call me prejudiced.
So this book was definitely better than I had expected.
And not to mention I have always wondered after watching Mahabharat what would happen to the soul who was cursed by Krishna. Banished from the world and not able to die. Spooky.
So it was awesome to read about the fate of this cursed soul after a 5000 years. Some things I found a little offbeat. As if the book was leaving its grasp every now and then.
But you know even after being Indian and loving Amish Tripathi I still prefer foreign books. Call me prejudiced.
So this book was definitely better than I had expected.
June 27, 2013
Well, i read this book in flat 4 and half hours, on train. What can be better than a thriller with indjan-mythology-meets-harry-potter plot. Waiting for the sequels. Just out of Interest.
July 6, 2013
I really loved the way Jash Sen uses the mythology in a fictional way. A great start for trilogy.
November 2, 2019
This is one novel I would recommend to any and everybody who thinks Hindu mythology is a bit too stretched and overrated and illogical, this is a perfect answer to that.
A beautiful novel which so perfectly ties the legends which all of us have heard from our childhood, about Vishnu and his avatars and Krishna leela and Mahabharata and Ramayana with our own modern world.
The novel apart from being a continuation to our mytholody also makes a few great comments on our society.
Religion being described as just a part of the 'master plan' and how all people of all nationalities and religious communities are part of just one huge mission.
Apart from this, it also focusses on the other side of the coin of our legends in such a subtle manner.
Did Ashwatthama really deserved what he was cursed for?
The biggest point of Mahabharata which all disregard is that Pandavas did not fight a righteous war either.
What we conclude is Ashwatthama was wrong because he killed the sleeping and the unborn. Accepted
But then didn't he have the right to avenge the loss of his father, who was killed with cowardice as well!
Just makes you think that mythology irrespective of the fact real or unreal, does have all answers to everything!!!!
A great debut novel!
The author could have been a bit better with the Council of Kali, still not really acquainted with all of them really nicely. I guess she could have given them a bit more time.
I recommend it to people of all age groups, for the children it is full of action and for the mature full of questions as well as answers.
And be ready for some great plot twists. The hints are there and when you read them, they do tickle you a bit, you find them weird and unnecessary. But, at the end all makes sense. Such subtle hints given about the upcoming twist in the end of the book.
A beautiful novel which so perfectly ties the legends which all of us have heard from our childhood, about Vishnu and his avatars and Krishna leela and Mahabharata and Ramayana with our own modern world.
The novel apart from being a continuation to our mytholody also makes a few great comments on our society.
Religion being described as just a part of the 'master plan' and how all people of all nationalities and religious communities are part of just one huge mission.
Apart from this, it also focusses on the other side of the coin of our legends in such a subtle manner.
Did Ashwatthama really deserved what he was cursed for?
The biggest point of Mahabharata which all disregard is that Pandavas did not fight a righteous war either.
What we conclude is Ashwatthama was wrong because he killed the sleeping and the unborn. Accepted
But then didn't he have the right to avenge the loss of his father, who was killed with cowardice as well!
Just makes you think that mythology irrespective of the fact real or unreal, does have all answers to everything!!!!
A great debut novel!
The author could have been a bit better with the Council of Kali, still not really acquainted with all of them really nicely. I guess she could have given them a bit more time.
I recommend it to people of all age groups, for the children it is full of action and for the mature full of questions as well as answers.
And be ready for some great plot twists. The hints are there and when you read them, they do tickle you a bit, you find them weird and unnecessary. But, at the end all makes sense. Such subtle hints given about the upcoming twist in the end of the book.
July 10, 2018
The story revolves around Anya and Bilal. Their life turns upside-down, when they realise who they really are.
Long story short, there's this group of 10 people spread across the world, called the Wordkeepers, their job is to keep the 10th avatar of Vishnu - Kalki - safe and sound. But Kali, 'nother ancient mythological figure, is set on killing him and attaining eternal glory and life.
Now, to our protagonists, Anya, a carefree youth faces the horrible truth when her mother, a wordkeeper, is kidnapped. Now, Anya must accept her role as the next wordkeeper and find Kalki.
It was one of the book I couldn't stop reading. One of the other reasons that I liked this book was because it's about the Indian mythology, which is a crazy, crazy thing. There's like so much stuff happening in the myths that I'm actually fascinated by the fact that someone had the brains to get this kind of an idea and actually publish it with a cover page that looks amazing.
Long story short, there's this group of 10 people spread across the world, called the Wordkeepers, their job is to keep the 10th avatar of Vishnu - Kalki - safe and sound. But Kali, 'nother ancient mythological figure, is set on killing him and attaining eternal glory and life.
Now, to our protagonists, Anya, a carefree youth faces the horrible truth when her mother, a wordkeeper, is kidnapped. Now, Anya must accept her role as the next wordkeeper and find Kalki.
It was one of the book I couldn't stop reading. One of the other reasons that I liked this book was because it's about the Indian mythology, which is a crazy, crazy thing. There's like so much stuff happening in the myths that I'm actually fascinated by the fact that someone had the brains to get this kind of an idea and actually publish it with a cover page that looks amazing.
May 6, 2017
This is a very good debut novel by Jash Sen, fast paced and well written. It felt like it was written for a younger audience, with teenaged protagonists, but I found it a nice read. Somehow, the novel seemed a bit too simple, maybe due to the lack of detailing. The story is built up to keep the reader eager for the next books in the series; the second one is already out and I hope the final volume gets published too...
December 29, 2022
"The Wordkeepers"...Keeping up with the recent trend of bringing mythological characters to life, "The wordkeepers" is the first of a triology that speaks of the last avatar of Vishnu and the Kali Yug...Although not a believer of Kalki, I fell for the book - hook, line and sinker...
There are places where you can make out the nascency of the author (this after all is her first book) but the overall narrative is riveting...Can't wait for the next book!
There are places where you can make out the nascency of the author (this after all is her first book) but the overall narrative is riveting...Can't wait for the next book!
November 26, 2017
Very good mixture of fiction, fantasy and mythology
This is my first book of any trilogy series but this book was so interesting that I finished it in two days. Luckily I started it on weekend. Anybody would like the way of writing and use of mythological character in a fiction set up in present time.
This is my first book of any trilogy series but this book was so interesting that I finished it in two days. Luckily I started it on weekend. Anybody would like the way of writing and use of mythological character in a fiction set up in present time.
February 19, 2018
i really praise the writer for her understanding and efforts to write a fiction about Hindu mythology. nowadays there are many books on this, but i read this in 2014 and this, i think was one of the earlier attempts at Indian mythological fictions. but yes, there is no getting away from the fact that this is too dramatic and confusing.
August 27, 2017
It is good for young adults. Adventure, some teenage romance, some distilled wisdom. I picked it up to see if it is an Indian equivalent of Harry Potter. Ummmm, clearly it is not. Will not be reading the sequel, my tween daughter might.
April 5, 2019
A light novel with a modern take on Indian Mythology (similar to books by Rick Riordan). Story about the 10th and the Last Avatar of Vishnu - Kalki and his partner/aide/sidekick.
A light read to get you back into the habit of reading.
A light read to get you back into the habit of reading.
January 9, 2020
It was like telling a story .I don't like this book much.the climax twist was very poor.It was the cover page which made me to read it full.But it disappointed me anyway
November 25, 2025
criminally underrated plot!
December 20, 2013
I think the Indian writing is going through a retell and rewrite Hindu mythology phase, as we get to see a lot of authors who pick up characters from the Hindu Mythology and spin their own stories around them. Amish Tripathi, Ashwin Sanghi and others have already shown the way with the Shiva Trilogy and The Krishna Key and now its Jash Sen, who enthralls us with her brilliance in the Wordkeepers Trilogy.
As the blurb tells us, the story starts with Anya, a normal teenage girl who receives an unnatural message from her mother. The letter passes on the mantle of a word keeper to her and asks her to meet a chiranjivi in a far off land. Now how does Anya cope with the changes of her life and where all does this fable take her is an interesting read.
Somewhere in a remote village on Andhra Pradesh there is a boy called Bilal, he is a happy go lucky guy who realizes that he has some magical powers. A stranger keeps telling him that he is a messiah but Bilal refuses to acknowledge it ……. Until one of his friends gets killed due a mistaken identity. What choice does Bilal make then and how does it impact his life is another thread.
Somewhere far from earth on a red planet a treacherous plan is being put to action. Gods and demigods there are plotting something cruel and wicked!!! They want to destroy and kill the blue planet, but even before that they want the wordkeepers.
Then, on earth we have a group of chiranjivis who are entrusted with a task of utmost importance and they are hell-bent on protecting the wordkeepers. Now, who are these word keepers and what is task that was entrusted to them. How do Bilal and Anya come into this. What is the game that’s unfolding in the universe as the world is drawing towards the closure of Kaliyuga. All this is something you ought to read in the book “ The Wordkeepers”.
Awesome plot, this book is more or less the base on which the future books in the Trilogy are going to come. Very well researched and connected, for example still a lot of people do believe that a chiranjeevi comes and pays respects in a fort temple in Burhanpur. Similarly the author got her mythological facts right and added good modern twists for the future in a very much agreeable way. The names she gives to the Kali’s (not goddess Kali, I am referring to Kali as in Kali yug) forces are also good, there a good inner meaning for the readers. Do look at the names carefully.
Perfect book for the teenagers and young adults, they would definitely enjoy the book. However persons from any age group can happily pick the book for a joyful read.
As the blurb tells us, the story starts with Anya, a normal teenage girl who receives an unnatural message from her mother. The letter passes on the mantle of a word keeper to her and asks her to meet a chiranjivi in a far off land. Now how does Anya cope with the changes of her life and where all does this fable take her is an interesting read.
Somewhere in a remote village on Andhra Pradesh there is a boy called Bilal, he is a happy go lucky guy who realizes that he has some magical powers. A stranger keeps telling him that he is a messiah but Bilal refuses to acknowledge it ……. Until one of his friends gets killed due a mistaken identity. What choice does Bilal make then and how does it impact his life is another thread.
Somewhere far from earth on a red planet a treacherous plan is being put to action. Gods and demigods there are plotting something cruel and wicked!!! They want to destroy and kill the blue planet, but even before that they want the wordkeepers.
Then, on earth we have a group of chiranjivis who are entrusted with a task of utmost importance and they are hell-bent on protecting the wordkeepers. Now, who are these word keepers and what is task that was entrusted to them. How do Bilal and Anya come into this. What is the game that’s unfolding in the universe as the world is drawing towards the closure of Kaliyuga. All this is something you ought to read in the book “ The Wordkeepers”.
Awesome plot, this book is more or less the base on which the future books in the Trilogy are going to come. Very well researched and connected, for example still a lot of people do believe that a chiranjeevi comes and pays respects in a fort temple in Burhanpur. Similarly the author got her mythological facts right and added good modern twists for the future in a very much agreeable way. The names she gives to the Kali’s (not goddess Kali, I am referring to Kali as in Kali yug) forces are also good, there a good inner meaning for the readers. Do look at the names carefully.
Perfect book for the teenagers and young adults, they would definitely enjoy the book. However persons from any age group can happily pick the book for a joyful read.
December 24, 2014
Move over Rick Riordon, for our very own Jash Sen has come up with her own rendition of the Desi Pantheon…the erratic Dhoomvati, the vengeful Purandar, the evil Kali (not to be confused with the Goddess, this is the God of our times – ruling greed, passion, and inhumanness), and of course the saviour Kalki and his sidekick…the tomboy Balaram, who happens to be a little girl in addition to numerous other Gods, Goddesses, Humans and Monsters.
Though written for the 12-14 year olds (and I am introducing my own 14 year old daughter to the series), this could appeal to anyone in general and to me in particular – a mythology and history buff who loves to travel and read. I loved the ‘modern’ Vibhisan, felt immensely sorry for the Chiranjeevi (he who lives forever) Aswathama, empathized with the ageless ‘Parashuram’ and felt the despondency of Mahendra.
Reviewed this in detail in here - http://www.tadtoonew.com/reviewing-wo...
Though written for the 12-14 year olds (and I am introducing my own 14 year old daughter to the series), this could appeal to anyone in general and to me in particular – a mythology and history buff who loves to travel and read. I loved the ‘modern’ Vibhisan, felt immensely sorry for the Chiranjeevi (he who lives forever) Aswathama, empathized with the ageless ‘Parashuram’ and felt the despondency of Mahendra.
Reviewed this in detail in here - http://www.tadtoonew.com/reviewing-wo...
March 11, 2015
Anya, a 14-year old, who leads a carefree and mundane life in Bangalore, suddenly find herself thrown into the midst of a quest. Her mother is abducted and the being who appears to be her father is not really her father. She follows the instructions left by her mother in search of Kalki. The immortal warrior, Ashwatthama or the Rakshak helps her in this quest.
Meanwhile, in another part of the country, Bilal, another fourteen year old, finds that he has certain powers that none has. When he finds his close friend killed due to mistaken identity, he realizes that he is in the midst of something more grave.
How do their lives collide? Does Anya succeed in her mission to find her mother? Who are wordkeepers?
Read this racy book to find out.
For a complete review, check PlusMinus'n'More
Meanwhile, in another part of the country, Bilal, another fourteen year old, finds that he has certain powers that none has. When he finds his close friend killed due to mistaken identity, he realizes that he is in the midst of something more grave.
How do their lives collide? Does Anya succeed in her mission to find her mother? Who are wordkeepers?
Read this racy book to find out.
For a complete review, check PlusMinus'n'More
October 1, 2016
The book by Jash Sen combines mythology with science fiction, something too weird for my taste.
Let me start by saying that I love mythology inspired stories ( The credit greatly goes to Amish for the Meluha series). To be honest, I bought the book as it had a nice comment from Amish.
Incidentally, before this book I had read The Palace of Illusions and it felt like a continuation. Initially the story felt good, the Cheranjeevi that has walked on the face of the Earth for 5000 years, since that epic battle of Kurukshetra. But then I was kinda disappointed. The storyline is flimsy and references to the ‘red planet’ and vague descriptions of the world did not generate any curiosity from me. Honestly, I don’t think I am curious enough to buy the second part of the series, that simply says it all.
Let me start by saying that I love mythology inspired stories ( The credit greatly goes to Amish for the Meluha series). To be honest, I bought the book as it had a nice comment from Amish.
Incidentally, before this book I had read The Palace of Illusions and it felt like a continuation. Initially the story felt good, the Cheranjeevi that has walked on the face of the Earth for 5000 years, since that epic battle of Kurukshetra. But then I was kinda disappointed. The storyline is flimsy and references to the ‘red planet’ and vague descriptions of the world did not generate any curiosity from me. Honestly, I don’t think I am curious enough to buy the second part of the series, that simply says it all.
June 23, 2013
I got this book for free in Kindle's free ebook offer. I read this book yesterday night end to end in on one sitting and do agree that it is difficult to put it down. The book is focused towards a younger audience but has a universal appeal. I am tempted to compare it to Amish's work which I rate as a very successful work in this genera. Compared to Amish's work, I feel that the author has done a much better job with language but lacks the depth of research and knowledge of Hindu mythology that Amish's work display. Finally, in my personal opinion the angle of making Kalki the much awaited Hindu avatar, a Muslim boy is probably an unnecessary twist in the story and verges at being sacrilegious and annoying.
November 20, 2025
After long, I started and finished a book in one day. That doesnt in anyway reflect on the quality of the book, I was on a 24-hour train journey.
That said, the book is a pretty good first effort.
Readers and followers of Indian mythology will find a lot of familiar characters and Sen has done a pretty decent job of creating an alternate universe.
But in the end, it didnt grab my attention and I cant say I am waiting for the second installment. But again, if I get it free on Kindle, I would definitely read it.
That said, the book is a pretty good first effort.
Readers and followers of Indian mythology will find a lot of familiar characters and Sen has done a pretty decent job of creating an alternate universe.
But in the end, it didnt grab my attention and I cant say I am waiting for the second installment. But again, if I get it free on Kindle, I would definitely read it.
March 5, 2015
Read it in one shot - so definitely gripping. Well written in terms of flow and vocabulary and does a perfectly good job of hooking you to it. But I could not give it a 4/5 star since the book's basis/premise seemed to have flaws - for e.g Vishasha is supposed to be in solar system another planet and all description is similar to Mars - but the number of moons is 5 against actual 2. Even if it was done intentionally, I still see a mixture of Harry Potter/Shiva Trilogy/Sci Fi and Agatha Christie in the story itself.
In short - Great one time read, not a classic!
In short - Great one time read, not a classic!
March 17, 2013
I just finished reading this one and am totally bowled over! I have always loved mythology but so far the bent had been towards Greek Mythology. Indian Mythology was limited to Amar chitra kathas and drab old books. The Wordkeepers makes Indian Mythology exciting and believable, being set in modern times. My favorite character was Bilal. Now the tough part is to wait for the book No.2! Although it says for young adult, I am 11 and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
June 28, 2013
I read this book after Amazon offered it as part of the free fortnight book. I thought the story setting and plot is really good but the author needs to give smoother transitions between chapters and characters. Many a times, while i was reading, i felt that sub-plots and stories erupted suddenly making it a confusing reading. Also, parts of it is quite inspired from Harry Potter. But i like the story and am looking forward for the next part of this trilogy!
July 3, 2013
The book is no Immortals of Melluha but still they authors managed to spin a tale wrapped around the Hindu Mythology. The book is interesting at parts and dragging at some places but overall a good read. The character of the immortal is very poorly handled and the twist towards the end of the secret weapon is a clear joke. The book looks like it is hurriedly wrapped up in the end to complete the first part. Anyways I am looking forward to the next book expecting it to be much better.
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