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The Hidden Hindu #2
The Hidden Hindu Book 2
द हिडन हिंदू-2 अब भी अतीत की बातों के उत्तर ढूँढ़ते ओम् का साक्षात्कार अज्ञात से होता है। मृत संजीवनी पुस्तक दुष्टों के हाथ लग जाने के बाद क्या धर्मपरायण लोग विजयी हो पाएँगे?
मृत संजीवनी में कौन से रहस्य हैं, जो गलत हाथों में पड़ने पर अराजकता और विनाश ला सकते हैं ?
ओम् कौन है? एल.एस.डी. और परिमल की वास्तविकता क्या है? अन्य अमर लोग कहाँ छिपे हैं? क्या हैं ये शब्द, जो अजीबोगरीब गूढ़ जगहों में बिखरे पड़े हैं और नागेंद्र इन्हें क्यों इकट्ठा कर रहा है ?
‘द हिडन हिंदू-2' के साथ एक रोमांचक यात्रा पर उन स्थानों तक चलिए, जहाँ आप पहले कभी नहीं गए हैं, जबकि अविभाज्य त्रिमूर्ति उन शब्दों को ढूँढ़ती है, जिनका नश्वर, , देवताओं और राक्षसों के लिए अमरता से भी बड़ा एक उद्देश्य है
मृत संजीवनी में कौन से रहस्य हैं, जो गलत हाथों में पड़ने पर अराजकता और विनाश ला सकते हैं ?
ओम् कौन है? एल.एस.डी. और परिमल की वास्तविकता क्या है? अन्य अमर लोग कहाँ छिपे हैं? क्या हैं ये शब्द, जो अजीबोगरीब गूढ़ जगहों में बिखरे पड़े हैं और नागेंद्र इन्हें क्यों इकट्ठा कर रहा है ?
‘द हिडन हिंदू-2' के साथ एक रोमांचक यात्रा पर उन स्थानों तक चलिए, जहाँ आप पहले कभी नहीं गए हैं, जबकि अविभाज्य त्रिमूर्ति उन शब्दों को ढूँढ़ती है, जिनका नश्वर, , देवताओं और राक्षसों के लिए अमरता से भी बड़ा एक उद्देश्य है
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
April 14, 2023
This second book in the trilogy is an improvement from the first. The plotting is good, and the twists in the narrative are well placed with proper timing. The story contains enough suspense and a sense of mystery to captivate the readers attention, and that's it. The writing is also better to some extent. Also, the frequent shifts in perspective, in the midst of a paragraph without any indication was very jarring, and is a failed polyphonic attempt by the author, which will definitely irk the readers.
The worldbuilding is flawed however, as the author tries to mix science, magic and mythology together, which is not properly articulated in the story. Rather, the author adopts a preachy tone and some of the facts are undoubtedly manipulated in regards to the narrative, for e.g., fictionalising Taj Mahal as Tejo Mahalaya and presenting it as a historical truth in the story which currently fuels the Hindutva radical propaganda wasn't right to do so. Further, some parts are absolutely unnecessary, such as, stressing upon the importance of the number 9, upon which the author threw a lot of mathematical calculations which went over my head, and had no importance to the overall story at all. It was dull and boring. On the other hand, I applaud the author for utilising India's topography in the quest of the characters, which gave a familar feel of our nation's mystical, spiritual, and natural history.
The story in this book is more adventurous, and we get to see some of the characters, the immortals especially. We get their backstories, mostly of Milarepa and it was quite interesting. And, the author did a good job in fleshing out the characters of Parimal and LSD, which kind of validated their loyalty towards the antagonist. I liked the revelations of their characters, which are still not very clear, but, atleast points somewhere. Om recieved less focus here, and that's a good thing, as we get to know more about him through others, and particularly the parts where the immortals try to recover OM's memories were quite edgy. However, I think that something is missing from the characterisation of the immortals, particularly of Parashuram and Aswatthama, Kripacharya as well - Charisma and power. They're supposed to be master strategists, super intelligent, and pre-cognitive, able to calculate the moves of their nemesis before the actual action happens, but, they make one blunder after another and falls into the traps of the villain, which wasn't credible to me at all. Because, for god's sake, they've had aeons of experience to refine their talents and skills as warriors, but, we as readers don't get that, which is quite unconvincing on the part of the immortals.
Moreover, I didn't overall buy into the idea of a McGuffin, regarding words and souls, which was quite pretentious. If it had been a magical artifact, some world destroying divine weapon, or even a book that contains the secret of immortality, I would've jumped ship, but, this wasn't it. Apart from that, there happens to be a mysterious figure who is manipulating events from the shadows, and we are not given a proper introduction to that character, rather the name is thrown casually which doesn't produce the desired effect of surprise and awe.
I wouldn't recommend this work to beginners of Indian mythological fiction, because of the overtly political undertones. Read Ashok Banker and Amish, if you're a beginner, then go for Chitra Divakaruni, Kavita Kane, Sharath Komaraju, Anand Neelkantan, and come to this when you've finished reading these masters. If the author had revised the story and the narrative more thoroughly, perhaps, it wouldn't have become an average mix of Ashwin Sanghi and Amish in style, which I feel is derivative and shows lack of creativity. Also, I repeat, the title of the trilogy is absolutely misleading, it should've been renamed as "The Immortality Quest" or somewhat like that.
The worldbuilding is flawed however, as the author tries to mix science, magic and mythology together, which is not properly articulated in the story. Rather, the author adopts a preachy tone and some of the facts are undoubtedly manipulated in regards to the narrative, for e.g., fictionalising Taj Mahal as Tejo Mahalaya and presenting it as a historical truth in the story which currently fuels the Hindutva radical propaganda wasn't right to do so. Further, some parts are absolutely unnecessary, such as, stressing upon the importance of the number 9, upon which the author threw a lot of mathematical calculations which went over my head, and had no importance to the overall story at all. It was dull and boring. On the other hand, I applaud the author for utilising India's topography in the quest of the characters, which gave a familar feel of our nation's mystical, spiritual, and natural history.
The story in this book is more adventurous, and we get to see some of the characters, the immortals especially. We get their backstories, mostly of Milarepa and it was quite interesting. And, the author did a good job in fleshing out the characters of Parimal and LSD, which kind of validated their loyalty towards the antagonist. I liked the revelations of their characters, which are still not very clear, but, atleast points somewhere. Om recieved less focus here, and that's a good thing, as we get to know more about him through others, and particularly the parts where the immortals try to recover OM's memories were quite edgy. However, I think that something is missing from the characterisation of the immortals, particularly of Parashuram and Aswatthama, Kripacharya as well - Charisma and power. They're supposed to be master strategists, super intelligent, and pre-cognitive, able to calculate the moves of their nemesis before the actual action happens, but, they make one blunder after another and falls into the traps of the villain, which wasn't credible to me at all. Because, for god's sake, they've had aeons of experience to refine their talents and skills as warriors, but, we as readers don't get that, which is quite unconvincing on the part of the immortals.
Moreover, I didn't overall buy into the idea of a McGuffin, regarding words and souls, which was quite pretentious. If it had been a magical artifact, some world destroying divine weapon, or even a book that contains the secret of immortality, I would've jumped ship, but, this wasn't it. Apart from that, there happens to be a mysterious figure who is manipulating events from the shadows, and we are not given a proper introduction to that character, rather the name is thrown casually which doesn't produce the desired effect of surprise and awe.
I wouldn't recommend this work to beginners of Indian mythological fiction, because of the overtly political undertones. Read Ashok Banker and Amish, if you're a beginner, then go for Chitra Divakaruni, Kavita Kane, Sharath Komaraju, Anand Neelkantan, and come to this when you've finished reading these masters. If the author had revised the story and the narrative more thoroughly, perhaps, it wouldn't have become an average mix of Ashwin Sanghi and Amish in style, which I feel is derivative and shows lack of creativity. Also, I repeat, the title of the trilogy is absolutely misleading, it should've been renamed as "The Immortality Quest" or somewhat like that.
February 21, 2023
This is the second book in the Hidden Hindu series. I must say that it is better than the first book. The characters are written well and a few characters (Parimal and LSD) back story is comprehensible here. The first book was mainly focused on Om and his past but in the second book Om is not given much focus, which is kind of sad.
The plot is interesting with the introduction of new characters and the searching for the 'Words' which is the focus of the book. Overall, it is a wonderful book and written well and is a must read for all Mythology and Fantasy fans.
The plot is interesting with the introduction of new characters and the searching for the 'Words' which is the focus of the book. Overall, it is a wonderful book and written well and is a must read for all Mythology and Fantasy fans.
February 26, 2023
Having read the two books of the series back to back, I have the great advantage of memory being my friend as I write this review. And let's just say, I am neither elated nor disappointed at how things have unravelled, because there's a bit of both here.
In the first book I had praised the plot. Needless to say that still holds. The author is a master at planning out how his story will progress and what paths it will take. It's still the thrilling saga that is easy to get into and quick to read. And just like the last time, it ties its threads well and leaves the reader anticipating the next book eagerly.
The series has immense potential, proven through this second book. The worldbuilding is remarkable and sticks to one. The use of India's geography is praiseworthy, and the explanations really work out for readers who are not aware of the intricate details of each and every mythical/historical element used in the story.
The storyline has become quite complex compared to the last book, but it was never hard to follow each thread of the story. This is actually quite impressive, given how many authors have their readers lose track of the myriad characters and events, and compell them to chart maps to support their memories that can lead to successfully consuming the story. There was just one issue.
And that brings me back to the problem I had faced only very little the last time. The narration last time felt too simple, almost like the notes taken down before writing, at many places. In this book, the narrative is replete with facts and has the same issue, only bigger. The story is interspersed with facts so bluntly and dryly stated that it felt less like a fantasy fiction and more like a school textbook. Having read enough of Dan Brown's manipulation of facts to come across as a genius, I have realised that the art of presenting facts as just another part of the story, masking how vital it is, is rarely bestowed. Add to this, there were several information that were completely unnecessary and only seemed to be food for quiz nights.
The narrative is also not formatted well, although I'm not sure who would carry the blame for that. Like I said, the threads are many, and although the characters narrating in the present are only Mrs. Batra and Prithvi, the throwback follows several chains. But the way they jump around and the weakness of the connections between the two characters' narration was jarring to say the least, and difficult to follow. It was actually quite impressive how the narrative held on despite such weak presentation. At times the jumps from one plotline to the other felt forced, and unnatural. Perhaps a different formatting of chapters, better use of line gaps between paragraphs, and use of sections could have dealt with it better, although it would still have required major editing in dialogues.
There were also significant plot holes that probably won't be filled in the next and last installment. Those were also very noticeable.
Something else that struck me, almost in a Dan Brown reminisce, was how it presents the great advancements of thr Vedic world. It is indeed true that in Ancient India, much like Ancient Greece and Egypt as well, humans had been studying ideas that are easily termed modern. And indeed this book is a work of fiction. But considering that the Greek and Egyptian myths are not widespread contemporary religious practices anymore, the presentation of their advancements in a fantasy setting as hard truths isn't as dangerous as it is for a story set against Vedic myths. Considering the current environment that the Vedic history and mythology is being subjected to, such fictionalisations, based on certain truths, can be extremely dangerous. An author must remember that he cannot make assumptions of his readers, and that once such fictionalisations take root, as they already have anyway, any content that even unintentionally supports them, only fuels the fire. Where do we draw the line when we fictionalise religious motifs and philosophies as scientific or empirical truths? Even when we are chasing the popularity of Western mythical retellings in the market, we have to remember the Indian market is just as unique as the myth it tries to retell. And thus an author dealing with it has to proceed with caution.
I will still say it is an amazing story. It became a little difficult to read, but it wasn't DNF-worthy hard. The thrill keeps the reader engaged, and the questions it raises and only answers slowly makes it a super interesting read. The flow of language, and once again, it's ability to stand as a complete plot without losing its parts, made it a great read. The book is to be taken lightly, and at every juncture, be remembered as purely fiction. It does bring out the idea of connectedness of all beings of the universe just as the Vedic philosophy did, but it would have been good to see more of divinity and ideas of dharma, especially because so many of the characters predate Kali Yuga. But their humane nature adds to the effect, so it remains to be seen how the third story figures out. Considering this will be a trilogy, the multiple open ends would have to be tied expertly, and it remains to be seen if the author will rise to the challenge successfully.
In the first book I had praised the plot. Needless to say that still holds. The author is a master at planning out how his story will progress and what paths it will take. It's still the thrilling saga that is easy to get into and quick to read. And just like the last time, it ties its threads well and leaves the reader anticipating the next book eagerly.
The series has immense potential, proven through this second book. The worldbuilding is remarkable and sticks to one. The use of India's geography is praiseworthy, and the explanations really work out for readers who are not aware of the intricate details of each and every mythical/historical element used in the story.
The storyline has become quite complex compared to the last book, but it was never hard to follow each thread of the story. This is actually quite impressive, given how many authors have their readers lose track of the myriad characters and events, and compell them to chart maps to support their memories that can lead to successfully consuming the story. There was just one issue.
And that brings me back to the problem I had faced only very little the last time. The narration last time felt too simple, almost like the notes taken down before writing, at many places. In this book, the narrative is replete with facts and has the same issue, only bigger. The story is interspersed with facts so bluntly and dryly stated that it felt less like a fantasy fiction and more like a school textbook. Having read enough of Dan Brown's manipulation of facts to come across as a genius, I have realised that the art of presenting facts as just another part of the story, masking how vital it is, is rarely bestowed. Add to this, there were several information that were completely unnecessary and only seemed to be food for quiz nights.
The narrative is also not formatted well, although I'm not sure who would carry the blame for that. Like I said, the threads are many, and although the characters narrating in the present are only Mrs. Batra and Prithvi, the throwback follows several chains. But the way they jump around and the weakness of the connections between the two characters' narration was jarring to say the least, and difficult to follow. It was actually quite impressive how the narrative held on despite such weak presentation. At times the jumps from one plotline to the other felt forced, and unnatural. Perhaps a different formatting of chapters, better use of line gaps between paragraphs, and use of sections could have dealt with it better, although it would still have required major editing in dialogues.
There were also significant plot holes that probably won't be filled in the next and last installment. Those were also very noticeable.
Something else that struck me, almost in a Dan Brown reminisce, was how it presents the great advancements of thr Vedic world. It is indeed true that in Ancient India, much like Ancient Greece and Egypt as well, humans had been studying ideas that are easily termed modern. And indeed this book is a work of fiction. But considering that the Greek and Egyptian myths are not widespread contemporary religious practices anymore, the presentation of their advancements in a fantasy setting as hard truths isn't as dangerous as it is for a story set against Vedic myths. Considering the current environment that the Vedic history and mythology is being subjected to, such fictionalisations, based on certain truths, can be extremely dangerous. An author must remember that he cannot make assumptions of his readers, and that once such fictionalisations take root, as they already have anyway, any content that even unintentionally supports them, only fuels the fire. Where do we draw the line when we fictionalise religious motifs and philosophies as scientific or empirical truths? Even when we are chasing the popularity of Western mythical retellings in the market, we have to remember the Indian market is just as unique as the myth it tries to retell. And thus an author dealing with it has to proceed with caution.
I will still say it is an amazing story. It became a little difficult to read, but it wasn't DNF-worthy hard. The thrill keeps the reader engaged, and the questions it raises and only answers slowly makes it a super interesting read. The flow of language, and once again, it's ability to stand as a complete plot without losing its parts, made it a great read. The book is to be taken lightly, and at every juncture, be remembered as purely fiction. It does bring out the idea of connectedness of all beings of the universe just as the Vedic philosophy did, but it would have been good to see more of divinity and ideas of dharma, especially because so many of the characters predate Kali Yuga. But their humane nature adds to the effect, so it remains to be seen how the third story figures out. Considering this will be a trilogy, the multiple open ends would have to be tied expertly, and it remains to be seen if the author will rise to the challenge successfully.
July 28, 2023
2.5/5
I had very low expectations for this book, especially after reading the first one, and unfortunately, my expectations were mostly justified. The story lacks the gripping, page-turner element, which causes it to feel slow-paced. In terms of the plot, it felt underdeveloped, with some aspects not making sense or fitting into the fantasy world created. There were instances where it seemed the author added unnecessary fillers that had no relevance to the story.
The final chapter leaves us with a mystery that sets the stage for the third and final book of the series, but at this point, I simply want to finish it and move on
I had very low expectations for this book, especially after reading the first one, and unfortunately, my expectations were mostly justified. The story lacks the gripping, page-turner element, which causes it to feel slow-paced. In terms of the plot, it felt underdeveloped, with some aspects not making sense or fitting into the fantasy world created. There were instances where it seemed the author added unnecessary fillers that had no relevance to the story.
The final chapter leaves us with a mystery that sets the stage for the third and final book of the series, but at this point, I simply want to finish it and move on
July 6, 2023
Fast paced, super intriguing thriller! A heady mix of suspense and anticipation to keep you on your toes and a perfect amalgamation between mythology and science fiction!
Fantastic writing and masterful weaving of multiple storylines by Akshat Gupta!
The Hidden Hindu Book 2 ends at a cliffhanger… Onto book 3 and the last one of this tantalizing trilogy!
Fantastic writing and masterful weaving of multiple storylines by Akshat Gupta!
The Hidden Hindu Book 2 ends at a cliffhanger… Onto book 3 and the last one of this tantalizing trilogy!
October 4, 2025
I wish I liked this book a bit more. The style of writing, as in book 1, was extremely campy, juvenile and seemed like the script of a B-Grade movie. Every now and then, the POV would abruptly shift, compelling the reader to OD on paracetamols. Also, the author expects us to just go with the flow as far as the supernatural elements are concerned: there are no rules for the mysticism that the story revolves around.
In any case, I'm a stubborn man, so time for part 3.
In any case, I'm a stubborn man, so time for part 3.
June 30, 2023
“The Hidden Hindu” is an enthralling trilogy that takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the realms of mythology, immortality, and profound secrets. With its intricate plot and well-crafted characters, this series captivates from start to finish.
The first book sets the stage by introducing Prithvi, a young protagonist in search of the mysterious aghori, Om Shastri. The quest to find Om, who claims to have witnessed the four yugas and participated in epic Hindu tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, immediately sparks intrigue. The blend of ancient mythology and modern technology, with Om being captured and held on an isolated Indian island, adds a unique and thrilling twist to the story.
As the plot unfolds, the true nature of Om’s extraordinary past begins to unravel, leaving everyone astounded. The team surrounding Om discovers his quest to find other immortals from each yuga, shaking the foundations of ancient beliefs and potentially altering the future. This revelation opens up a world of possibilities and introduces a web of interconnected characters whose stories intertwine in surprising ways.
The pacing of the trilogy is well-executed, with each book building upon the previous one, raising the stakes and maintaining a sense of urgency. The intricate relationships between the characters, filled with alliances, hidden agendas, and conflicting loyalties, add depth and complexity to the storyline. Readers become emotionally invested in their journeys, eagerly turning the pages to discover their ultimate fates.
The author skillfully employs unexpected twists and revelations, keeping readers guessing and engaged throughout. The intricate mysteries surrounding the immortals and the hidden words generate a sense of wonder and anticipation.
Overall, this trilogy is a delightful read, filled with captivating twists and turns. I highly recommend it to those who have a fondness for Hindu mythology interwoven with fiction.
The first book sets the stage by introducing Prithvi, a young protagonist in search of the mysterious aghori, Om Shastri. The quest to find Om, who claims to have witnessed the four yugas and participated in epic Hindu tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, immediately sparks intrigue. The blend of ancient mythology and modern technology, with Om being captured and held on an isolated Indian island, adds a unique and thrilling twist to the story.
As the plot unfolds, the true nature of Om’s extraordinary past begins to unravel, leaving everyone astounded. The team surrounding Om discovers his quest to find other immortals from each yuga, shaking the foundations of ancient beliefs and potentially altering the future. This revelation opens up a world of possibilities and introduces a web of interconnected characters whose stories intertwine in surprising ways.
The pacing of the trilogy is well-executed, with each book building upon the previous one, raising the stakes and maintaining a sense of urgency. The intricate relationships between the characters, filled with alliances, hidden agendas, and conflicting loyalties, add depth and complexity to the storyline. Readers become emotionally invested in their journeys, eagerly turning the pages to discover their ultimate fates.
The author skillfully employs unexpected twists and revelations, keeping readers guessing and engaged throughout. The intricate mysteries surrounding the immortals and the hidden words generate a sense of wonder and anticipation.
Overall, this trilogy is a delightful read, filled with captivating twists and turns. I highly recommend it to those who have a fondness for Hindu mythology interwoven with fiction.
September 14, 2024
If I could read Hindi, I’d have gladly picked up the Hindi version of this book—at least then I'd understand what the author was trying to say half the time. If they insist on using Hindi script in the English edition, a basic translation would’ve been nice. But hey, who needs to understand what they’re reading, right?
Now, let’s talk about the storyline—or the lack thereof. I always thought immortals like Parashuram and Ved Vyas were these wise, all-knowing beings. Turns out, I was wrong. In this book, they’ve been reduced to glorified extras with zero purpose. They’re so useless they might as well have been cardboard cutouts.
And then there's Parimal and LSD. What an annoying, pointless plotline that was! I’m sure the author thought they were adding some suspense to the story, but it felt more like watching paint dry—except, you know, in an eerie, awkward way.
But wait, it gets better. The villain? Oh, they win *everything*. Apparently, in this world, the bad guy just gets a free pass to success while the rest of us are left wondering what on earth the author was thinking. Truly groundbreaking stuff.
As for Mr. Bhatra, where do I even begin? He’s the epitome of "useless," a character that combines all the worst traits imaginable without contributing anything meaningful to the story. He’s like a human-shaped void of relevance.
At least in the first book, there was *some* semblance of a plot, even if it was bad. Here? Plot? What plot? But hey, I did pick up a couple of interesting mythological tidbits, so there’s your one star.
Now, let’s talk about the storyline—or the lack thereof. I always thought immortals like Parashuram and Ved Vyas were these wise, all-knowing beings. Turns out, I was wrong. In this book, they’ve been reduced to glorified extras with zero purpose. They’re so useless they might as well have been cardboard cutouts.
And then there's Parimal and LSD. What an annoying, pointless plotline that was! I’m sure the author thought they were adding some suspense to the story, but it felt more like watching paint dry—except, you know, in an eerie, awkward way.
But wait, it gets better. The villain? Oh, they win *everything*. Apparently, in this world, the bad guy just gets a free pass to success while the rest of us are left wondering what on earth the author was thinking. Truly groundbreaking stuff.
As for Mr. Bhatra, where do I even begin? He’s the epitome of "useless," a character that combines all the worst traits imaginable without contributing anything meaningful to the story. He’s like a human-shaped void of relevance.
At least in the first book, there was *some* semblance of a plot, even if it was bad. Here? Plot? What plot? But hey, I did pick up a couple of interesting mythological tidbits, so there’s your one star.
February 9, 2023
While the first part set the stage right for.the upcoming mystery that is to unfold, what mystified in this second part was a detailed analysis of the hidden and lesser known facts of our age old Indian texts, the Vedas, Hanuman Chalisa, meaning of various Hindi shlokas that have a scientific fact attached to it and most importantly the mystical power of meditation.
Reading this book was like riding through a mythical journey of Hindu beliefs and discoveries of the human mind and body.
How our mind is capable of travelling through the deepest corners of our memory and bringing back something that we never thought existed.
While I was assuming that de-mystifying Om Shastri will be the solution to the mystery, part 2 implored as him being only one key to the bigger mystery there is.
I can't wait for the third part to come out!
Reading this book was like riding through a mythical journey of Hindu beliefs and discoveries of the human mind and body.
How our mind is capable of travelling through the deepest corners of our memory and bringing back something that we never thought existed.
While I was assuming that de-mystifying Om Shastri will be the solution to the mystery, part 2 implored as him being only one key to the bigger mystery there is.
I can't wait for the third part to come out!
September 15, 2024
This is the second book in the series and it is perfect 😊
The storyline kept me so engaged all the time i just couldn't put it down 😍
The characters are so well written and the plot is so good 💯
I enjoyed it a lot 😊 the book is easy going and the twists kept me hooked. I enjoyed every word of this book 📖.
If you like hindu mythology with a mix of sci fi you would love this book 📖
Highly recommend it 💯
The storyline kept me so engaged all the time i just couldn't put it down 😍
The characters are so well written and the plot is so good 💯
I enjoyed it a lot 😊 the book is easy going and the twists kept me hooked. I enjoyed every word of this book 📖.
If you like hindu mythology with a mix of sci fi you would love this book 📖
Highly recommend it 💯
June 29, 2025
Book 2 dives deeper and gets darker. As a mythology rookie, I still found it gripping. The plot thickens with more secrets, more twists, and just enough reveals to keep you hooked.
Still wished for tighter writing, but this was far far better than book1 and the intensity makes up for it. Definitely a solid continuation—I'm all in for Book 3!
Still wished for tighter writing, but this was far far better than book1 and the intensity makes up for it. Definitely a solid continuation—I'm all in for Book 3!
October 22, 2024
We've often heard the myth that Ashwatthama, Parshuram, and Kripacharya are Chiranjivi, yet in this section, they are depicted as weak. Personally, I didn't appreciate how they are portrayed here. They could have been depicted as what we've always heard—that is, as Chiranjivi.
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June 15, 2023Its a great sequel to the first book and keeps you wanting more
January 26, 2025
Akshat never fails to be a good storyteller. The plot, the story, the characters are so full of untold stories and suspense. As the story unfolds gradually, the book gets more gripping and unputdownable!!!!
Great Job Akshat 💯💯💯💯✨
Great Job Akshat 💯💯💯💯✨
March 5, 2023
Left me wanting more! I can't wait for the third book....
October 16, 2023
Ufffff!!!
This book has so much more to offer than the last part! I honestly love this book! I read it in two days ! It's so good!
It explains things even more deep.
And my favourite part is "The Importance of number 9"
Do read this book, I have told my family members to read and even they're also curious about what will happen next!
As I said earlier, this book has blend of science, history, mystery, mythology (that is actually past) and it also has actions, knowledge - everything!!
This book has so much more to offer than the last part! I honestly love this book! I read it in two days ! It's so good!
It explains things even more deep.
And my favourite part is "The Importance of number 9"
Do read this book, I have told my family members to read and even they're also curious about what will happen next!
As I said earlier, this book has blend of science, history, mystery, mythology (that is actually past) and it also has actions, knowledge - everything!!
February 11, 2023
A good book. With some twists. Eagerly waiting for the book 3.
October 31, 2023
Let me start by saying I love this genre of books and I never miss a chance to read it.
I have read book 1 and 2 one after another this month. And honestly I am lost. Book 1 was good as it was build up of all characters in the story. Book 2 is not quite up to the mark.
Characters and story line is good, but as a avid reader it was very difficult for me to paint a picture. I tried very hard to imagine while I read, but couldn't. There was too many shifts between the stories happening parallelly. It was quite annoying at times that the story kept shifting from one group of people to another. And I am writing this with my previous reading experience and I have read complicated plots earlier, so pardon if I offend anyone. But to me it was a total disconnect. Now I am thinking whether I should go for part 3 or not.
I have read book 1 and 2 one after another this month. And honestly I am lost. Book 1 was good as it was build up of all characters in the story. Book 2 is not quite up to the mark.
Characters and story line is good, but as a avid reader it was very difficult for me to paint a picture. I tried very hard to imagine while I read, but couldn't. There was too many shifts between the stories happening parallelly. It was quite annoying at times that the story kept shifting from one group of people to another. And I am writing this with my previous reading experience and I have read complicated plots earlier, so pardon if I offend anyone. But to me it was a total disconnect. Now I am thinking whether I should go for part 3 or not.
September 3, 2023
Better than part-1 which the author really uses the space which he totally missed in part-1.
In part -2 the author will take you to the real story. After reading part-2 confirmed that the author depends on the reels instead of researching the Hindu mythology. I seen lot of deviations happening in story between with science and magical power. But very poor narration. There are no chapter splits or spaces between locations and characters while the narration is ongoing. The plot moves from one location to another set of characters involved on the same page – paragraph to paragraph. The sudden movement to different locations and characters in the very next paragraph actually breaks the narrative.
In part -2 the author will take you to the real story. After reading part-2 confirmed that the author depends on the reels instead of researching the Hindu mythology. I seen lot of deviations happening in story between with science and magical power. But very poor narration. There are no chapter splits or spaces between locations and characters while the narration is ongoing. The plot moves from one location to another set of characters involved on the same page – paragraph to paragraph. The sudden movement to different locations and characters in the very next paragraph actually breaks the narrative.
July 14, 2024
Definitely better than first of the trilogy, not sure if I got used to the slop shod presentation. There is a point where the author talks about the person who really terrified Ashwattamma, it is his own dark side. That is interesting.
author talks about narcotics and hypnosis. A trained hypnotherapist does not attempt to hypnotize a person on narcos.
Author talks of a Nair wedding without understanding that there is no concept of the saptapadi. He is also confused with the time line of hindi, tulsidas, and ther 4 yugas of the hinduism.
author talks about narcotics and hypnosis. A trained hypnotherapist does not attempt to hypnotize a person on narcos.
Author talks of a Nair wedding without understanding that there is no concept of the saptapadi. He is also confused with the time line of hindi, tulsidas, and ther 4 yugas of the hinduism.
December 29, 2023
Oh my God! This book.
I loved reading it; it has a combination of a lot of facts, fictions, and a correct balance of characters.
The detailing in this book is incredible; once you start reading, you won’t want it to end. Unfortunately, it did, but I hope the second and third parts will be as exciting, beautiful, and suspenseful as the first one.
An amazing mixture of mythology, fiction, and science.
Thank you for writing such an amazing book @authorakshatgupta !
I loved reading it; it has a combination of a lot of facts, fictions, and a correct balance of characters.
The detailing in this book is incredible; once you start reading, you won’t want it to end. Unfortunately, it did, but I hope the second and third parts will be as exciting, beautiful, and suspenseful as the first one.
An amazing mixture of mythology, fiction, and science.
Thank you for writing such an amazing book @authorakshatgupta !
April 5, 2024
This book gives a hindu mythology perspective as to where the immortals are, why they are called immortals and what are they fighting for in order to save the world. The eons old battle of between Deva's and Asura's with the modern angle, makes this part the most interesting one of the 3.
July 21, 2023
Title: The Quest for Immortality: The Hidden Hindu 2
In "The Quest for Immortality: The Hidden Hindu 2," the aftermath of a lost battle leaves the precious book of Mritsanjeevani in the wrong hands, setting the stage for a gripping and captivating journey. The malevolent Nagendra's sinister ambitions extend far beyond immortality, threatening to disrupt the very fabric of existence. What was initially perceived as the end of all wars now marks the beginning of an extraordinary and perilous quest to uncover a hidden verse of immense power.
At the heart of this epic continuation, Om remains haunted by his incomplete understanding of his own past. Yet, he is no longer alone on his enigmatic odyssey. Two of the mightiest warriors from time immemorial have joined his side, bringing unparalleled strength and wisdom to the table. As the destinies of these formidable allies intertwine, the lines between friend and foe blur, leaving readers to wonder if there are hidden agendas at play amidst the camaraderie.
As the narrative unfolds, the identities of LSD and Parimal, the enigmatic allies of Nagendra, come into question. Who are these mysterious figures, and what are their true intentions? Are they truly aligned with Nagendra, or is there a deeper purpose behind their actions?
The story hurtles readers into a thrilling adventure, taking them on a spellbinding quest in search of ancient words that hold significance far greater than mere immortality. Secrets buried within these sacred verses promise to reshape the fate of Divinities and Demons alike, making the stakes higher than ever before.
Through skillful storytelling, the author masterfully blends elements of mythology, mystery, and intrigue, creating a roller-coaster of emotions and revelations. The book delves deep into the complexities of power, loyalty, and the timeless struggle between good and evil. With each twist and turn, the plot deepens, leaving readers on the edge of their seats and yearning for more.
"The Quest for Immortality: The Hidden Hindu 2" not only builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessor but also introduces new layers of complexity to the overarching narrative. The characters continue to evolve, facing moral dilemmas, and embracing their destinies with unwavering resolve.
The exploration of Hindu mythology remains a prominent and enriching aspect of the book. Ancient tales blend seamlessly with the author's imaginative vision, painting a vivid tapestry of a world where mortals and gods collide.
In conclusion, "The Quest for Immortality: The Hidden Hindu 2" by Akshat Gupta is a captivating and exhilarating continuation of the saga. The author's ability to weave a tale of such grand scale, brimming with intriguing characters and thought-provoking themes, is truly commendable. As the search for hidden verses unfolds, readers are transported on an enthralling journey that challenges perceptions of power, loyalty, and the very nature of existence. This sequel proves to be an essential addition to the series and is bound to leave fans eagerly anticipating the next installment.
In "The Quest for Immortality: The Hidden Hindu 2," the aftermath of a lost battle leaves the precious book of Mritsanjeevani in the wrong hands, setting the stage for a gripping and captivating journey. The malevolent Nagendra's sinister ambitions extend far beyond immortality, threatening to disrupt the very fabric of existence. What was initially perceived as the end of all wars now marks the beginning of an extraordinary and perilous quest to uncover a hidden verse of immense power.
At the heart of this epic continuation, Om remains haunted by his incomplete understanding of his own past. Yet, he is no longer alone on his enigmatic odyssey. Two of the mightiest warriors from time immemorial have joined his side, bringing unparalleled strength and wisdom to the table. As the destinies of these formidable allies intertwine, the lines between friend and foe blur, leaving readers to wonder if there are hidden agendas at play amidst the camaraderie.
As the narrative unfolds, the identities of LSD and Parimal, the enigmatic allies of Nagendra, come into question. Who are these mysterious figures, and what are their true intentions? Are they truly aligned with Nagendra, or is there a deeper purpose behind their actions?
The story hurtles readers into a thrilling adventure, taking them on a spellbinding quest in search of ancient words that hold significance far greater than mere immortality. Secrets buried within these sacred verses promise to reshape the fate of Divinities and Demons alike, making the stakes higher than ever before.
Through skillful storytelling, the author masterfully blends elements of mythology, mystery, and intrigue, creating a roller-coaster of emotions and revelations. The book delves deep into the complexities of power, loyalty, and the timeless struggle between good and evil. With each twist and turn, the plot deepens, leaving readers on the edge of their seats and yearning for more.
"The Quest for Immortality: The Hidden Hindu 2" not only builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessor but also introduces new layers of complexity to the overarching narrative. The characters continue to evolve, facing moral dilemmas, and embracing their destinies with unwavering resolve.
The exploration of Hindu mythology remains a prominent and enriching aspect of the book. Ancient tales blend seamlessly with the author's imaginative vision, painting a vivid tapestry of a world where mortals and gods collide.
In conclusion, "The Quest for Immortality: The Hidden Hindu 2" by Akshat Gupta is a captivating and exhilarating continuation of the saga. The author's ability to weave a tale of such grand scale, brimming with intriguing characters and thought-provoking themes, is truly commendable. As the search for hidden verses unfolds, readers are transported on an enthralling journey that challenges perceptions of power, loyalty, and the very nature of existence. This sequel proves to be an essential addition to the series and is bound to leave fans eagerly anticipating the next installment.
August 16, 2023
"The Hidden Hindu 2" by Akshat Gupta continues the gripping saga that began in its predecessor, presenting a tale of lost verses, alliances, and mysterious warriors. The book delves into a world where immortality is just a stepping stone to uncover greater truths.
The novel picks up where the first battle left off, revealing that the coveted "Mritsanjeevani" is in the wrong hands. The protagonist, Om, seeks to complete his past while standing alongside two powerful allies. However, lurking in the shadows are questions about the intentions of these allies, further complicating the path towards discovering hidden verses.
Gupta's writing is a captivating blend of suspense and vivid descriptions. The narrative flows smoothly, painting a vibrant tapestry of emotions, intentions, and actions. His choice of words immerses readers into the intricate world he has crafted.
The characters are multifaceted, evolving with the plot. Om's journey of self-discovery is beautifully portrayed, while the enigmatic warriors LSD and Parimal add layers of intrigue. Gupta skillfully intertwines mythological elements with contemporary issues, creating a unique blend of ideas.
The plot unfolds organically, seamlessly weaving intricate threads of alliances and quests. The structure balances fast-paced action sequences with introspective moments, allowing readers to understand the motivations behind each character's choices.
"The Hidden Hindu 2" delves into themes of identity, trust, and the quest for knowledge. It explores the complexity of human intentions and the importance of discerning one's allies from foes, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
The novel evokes a wide range of emotions, from curiosity to empathy. The characters' struggles resonate deeply, keeping readers invested in their fates.
Gupta excels in crafting a rich narrative that seamlessly blends mythology with contemporary storytelling. The character development is commendable, and the plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats.
At times, the narrative's complexity may require readers to backtrack to grasp certain subtleties. Additionally, the introduction of various characters and their motivations could have been further streamlined.
"The Hidden Hindu 2" is a masterful continuation of the saga. Gupta's ability to create a balanced narrative with engaging characters is truly praiseworthy. While some intricacies may be demanding, they ultimately add depth to the story.
In "The Hidden Hindu 2," Akshat Gupta has constructed a compelling tapestry of mythology, mystery, and alliances. The novel's rich narrative and well-crafted characters make it a worthy sequel, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this captivating series.
The novel picks up where the first battle left off, revealing that the coveted "Mritsanjeevani" is in the wrong hands. The protagonist, Om, seeks to complete his past while standing alongside two powerful allies. However, lurking in the shadows are questions about the intentions of these allies, further complicating the path towards discovering hidden verses.
Gupta's writing is a captivating blend of suspense and vivid descriptions. The narrative flows smoothly, painting a vibrant tapestry of emotions, intentions, and actions. His choice of words immerses readers into the intricate world he has crafted.
The characters are multifaceted, evolving with the plot. Om's journey of self-discovery is beautifully portrayed, while the enigmatic warriors LSD and Parimal add layers of intrigue. Gupta skillfully intertwines mythological elements with contemporary issues, creating a unique blend of ideas.
The plot unfolds organically, seamlessly weaving intricate threads of alliances and quests. The structure balances fast-paced action sequences with introspective moments, allowing readers to understand the motivations behind each character's choices.
"The Hidden Hindu 2" delves into themes of identity, trust, and the quest for knowledge. It explores the complexity of human intentions and the importance of discerning one's allies from foes, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
The novel evokes a wide range of emotions, from curiosity to empathy. The characters' struggles resonate deeply, keeping readers invested in their fates.
Gupta excels in crafting a rich narrative that seamlessly blends mythology with contemporary storytelling. The character development is commendable, and the plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats.
At times, the narrative's complexity may require readers to backtrack to grasp certain subtleties. Additionally, the introduction of various characters and their motivations could have been further streamlined.
"The Hidden Hindu 2" is a masterful continuation of the saga. Gupta's ability to create a balanced narrative with engaging characters is truly praiseworthy. While some intricacies may be demanding, they ultimately add depth to the story.
In "The Hidden Hindu 2," Akshat Gupta has constructed a compelling tapestry of mythology, mystery, and alliances. The novel's rich narrative and well-crafted characters make it a worthy sequel, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this captivating series.
March 10, 2024
After reading the first book, I was beyond disappointed and hopeless. But, after reading the reviews for this book, I got my hopes up only for them to be crushed again.
I just wanna say - Your “Hidden Hindu” should have been Hidden. THIS IS A BLOODY DISASTER!
1. If anyone can, answer my question. HOW IS A PERSON WHO IS THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD OBLIVIOUS TO THE MOST OBVIOUS THINGS? How does he not know fighting skills? Nagendra is always hunting him, right? WHY DOES HE HAVE NO FIGHTING SKILL?
2. In page 78, Nagengra ordered “LSD” (Still can’t get over how ridiculous it is to name a character LSD and expect the readers to take the story seriously) and Parimal to make a baby. AND GUESS WHAT? They agreed as if they were waiting for this moment for an eternity! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
3. Page no. 145, THE FIGHT BETWEEN AND VRISHKAPI IS JUST RIDICULOUS! He bit his neck? Seriously? What exactly is Nagendra? A vampire? And why is the last of Kapi, descendant of Hanuman so weak and immature? Isn’t he supposed to be a skilled fighter? And more knowledgeable?
I don’t understand why have you nerfed every character in EVERY Fight? The fights are not entertaining. They do not even come close to thrilling!
4. The parallel story line is inconsistent and not compelling at all!
5. WHY IS EVERY FIGHT SEQUENCE SO ONE SIDED AND UNINTERESTING? I get it, you want to build Nagendra as a character, but what about others? Do they not know what level of threat they are facing?
WHAT YOU DID TO MILAREPA DOES NOT MAKE SENSE! He knew he might be facing Nagendra, HE KNEW ABOUT NAGENGRA FROM SKIN TO BONE. How was he so reckless and powerless against him? Did he not know HIS POWERS can be used AGAINST him by Nagendra?
Plot Armour Alert: He was accompanied by 2 other warriors (which would’ve made zero difference by the trend of your writing style). And they left exactly before the attack happened! WHY? Bigger question is, they live in a modern world. AND THEY CANNOT COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER??? IS THIS A JOKE?
6. In the first book Parshurama and Ashwatthama saw that Nagendra, Latika (NOT USING LSD AS A NAME), Parimal were working together. SO, HOW IS A DYING VRISHKAPI SAYING “There are 3” so important? AND WHY DID ASHWATHHAMA GO ALONE TO TACKLE 3 PEOPLE AT THE SAME TIME? This seems like Power Rangers logic at this point.
5. The only good part was that compared to the first book, the world was a lot bigger and exploratory. The characters had a little development. Not HUGE but a little.
I have already mentioned problems regarding this book/Series in the previous review. I don’t wish to waste more time by repeating them.
I had previously said about parallel story lines. This book has shown me how exactly NOT to do it.
I just wanna say - Your “Hidden Hindu” should have been Hidden. THIS IS A BLOODY DISASTER!
1. If anyone can, answer my question. HOW IS A PERSON WHO IS THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD OBLIVIOUS TO THE MOST OBVIOUS THINGS? How does he not know fighting skills? Nagendra is always hunting him, right? WHY DOES HE HAVE NO FIGHTING SKILL?
2. In page 78, Nagengra ordered “LSD” (Still can’t get over how ridiculous it is to name a character LSD and expect the readers to take the story seriously) and Parimal to make a baby. AND GUESS WHAT? They agreed as if they were waiting for this moment for an eternity! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
3. Page no. 145, THE FIGHT BETWEEN AND VRISHKAPI IS JUST RIDICULOUS! He bit his neck? Seriously? What exactly is Nagendra? A vampire? And why is the last of Kapi, descendant of Hanuman so weak and immature? Isn’t he supposed to be a skilled fighter? And more knowledgeable?
I don’t understand why have you nerfed every character in EVERY Fight? The fights are not entertaining. They do not even come close to thrilling!
4. The parallel story line is inconsistent and not compelling at all!
5. WHY IS EVERY FIGHT SEQUENCE SO ONE SIDED AND UNINTERESTING? I get it, you want to build Nagendra as a character, but what about others? Do they not know what level of threat they are facing?
WHAT YOU DID TO MILAREPA DOES NOT MAKE SENSE! He knew he might be facing Nagendra, HE KNEW ABOUT NAGENGRA FROM SKIN TO BONE. How was he so reckless and powerless against him? Did he not know HIS POWERS can be used AGAINST him by Nagendra?
Plot Armour Alert: He was accompanied by 2 other warriors (which would’ve made zero difference by the trend of your writing style). And they left exactly before the attack happened! WHY? Bigger question is, they live in a modern world. AND THEY CANNOT COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER??? IS THIS A JOKE?
6. In the first book Parshurama and Ashwatthama saw that Nagendra, Latika (NOT USING LSD AS A NAME), Parimal were working together. SO, HOW IS A DYING VRISHKAPI SAYING “There are 3” so important? AND WHY DID ASHWATHHAMA GO ALONE TO TACKLE 3 PEOPLE AT THE SAME TIME? This seems like Power Rangers logic at this point.
5. The only good part was that compared to the first book, the world was a lot bigger and exploratory. The characters had a little development. Not HUGE but a little.
I have already mentioned problems regarding this book/Series in the previous review. I don’t wish to waste more time by repeating them.
I had previously said about parallel story lines. This book has shown me how exactly NOT to do it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2023
The Hidden Hindu is a trilogy written by Akshat Gupta. This is the trilogy series with which Akshat Gupta has made his debut. This 2nd book of the series is far better than the first book of the series. The way of writing and structure of storytelling feels very engaging and overwhelming.
There was not much context given In the first book of the series and their character development was also not good. But it can be seen that Akshat Gupta has improved his writing in all aspects as this book feels more exciting and connected than the previous one. It’s because of the excellent character development and focus on small details.
The Journey of Om Shastri continues in this book, and Prithivi starts revealing more secrets to Mrs Batra. The past of Parimal and LSD was also shown in this book. And I can tell all the readers that some shocking twists and revelations are waiting for you guys to read.
There were a lot of questions that remained unanswered even in this book. And I also witnessed some loopholes in the story. But I will not judge this book for these loopholes as those can be answered in the 3rd part of the book.
### Attractive points:
- Attention To Detail: The author really explained every look mark and position very perfectly. The attention to detail, whether for a character or a situation, makes this book an amazing read.
- Character Development: This was one of the negative aspects of the first book which has become a positive aspect of the 2nd book. This book takes its own pace and time to explain the majority of the stories behind all the characters.
- Building Suspense: Every chapter is engaging. There are different events happening in different chapters and each chapter brings a new set of questions and twists. This makes the suspense of the book heated the whole time.
- Narrating Way: The way of narration in this book is different than its first book. As Prithivi narrates the incidents to Mrs. Batra in a conversational manner. Which gives a very unique touch to this book.
RATING: 5/5
Hands down, this book deserves 5 stars. It contains all the elements that a reader needs to get entertained and educated by reading a book. I loved this book and recommend you guys to read this series. This series will shock you, educated you about Indian history and Hindu Phylosophies, and will entertain you with its action. I hope you liked my review of this book.
There was not much context given In the first book of the series and their character development was also not good. But it can be seen that Akshat Gupta has improved his writing in all aspects as this book feels more exciting and connected than the previous one. It’s because of the excellent character development and focus on small details.
The Journey of Om Shastri continues in this book, and Prithivi starts revealing more secrets to Mrs Batra. The past of Parimal and LSD was also shown in this book. And I can tell all the readers that some shocking twists and revelations are waiting for you guys to read.
There were a lot of questions that remained unanswered even in this book. And I also witnessed some loopholes in the story. But I will not judge this book for these loopholes as those can be answered in the 3rd part of the book.
### Attractive points:
- Attention To Detail: The author really explained every look mark and position very perfectly. The attention to detail, whether for a character or a situation, makes this book an amazing read.
- Character Development: This was one of the negative aspects of the first book which has become a positive aspect of the 2nd book. This book takes its own pace and time to explain the majority of the stories behind all the characters.
- Building Suspense: Every chapter is engaging. There are different events happening in different chapters and each chapter brings a new set of questions and twists. This makes the suspense of the book heated the whole time.
- Narrating Way: The way of narration in this book is different than its first book. As Prithivi narrates the incidents to Mrs. Batra in a conversational manner. Which gives a very unique touch to this book.
RATING: 5/5
Hands down, this book deserves 5 stars. It contains all the elements that a reader needs to get entertained and educated by reading a book. I loved this book and recommend you guys to read this series. This series will shock you, educated you about Indian history and Hindu Phylosophies, and will entertain you with its action. I hope you liked my review of this book.
January 18, 2023
Book Review
Book: The Hidden Hindu 2
Author: Akshat Gupta
Publisher: Penguin India
Pages: 300
The Hidden Hindu 2 is the second part of the trilogy by author Akshat Gupta. Continuing the story from the first part, the author continues the journey of Om Shastri. I'll not talk much about the story here as it would be a spoiler for the ones who haven't read the first part.
The book shines in the area of character development, and I felt so contained with it because there was a lack of it in the first part, and this compensated for it beautifully. The way the history of the characters unfolds gave so much power and dimension to the story. The references to Hindu texts when mixed up with the author's imagination, gave a perfect setting for fantasy and fiction. The conversation between Prithvi and Mrs. Batra was another illuminating aspect of the book, as the whole story was narrated through their conversation. The ending was a blast and although I predicted a part of it, it was mind-boggling.
Somehow, the book was a little slow-paced compared to the first part. The elements of suspense and thriller could have been more. The information about Hindu Texts could have been a little more detailed. I would have enjoyed it more if the emotional connectivity with the characters could have arisen at some vulnerable moments.
Although I feel that this book was a crucial one as it was a book in between the trilogy, attempting to form the base for the final book, leaving threads and pieces in between to keep the reader engaged and hooked for the next part as well as covering the parts that needed to be worked on in the first. And thus, this book is successful in finding, keeping, and maintaining that balance.
I can't wait now to read the final part of the trilogy, after such a mind-blowing cliffhanger that the author left us at.
Thank you to the publisher for the book in exchange for an honest review.
Book: The Hidden Hindu 2
Author: Akshat Gupta
Publisher: Penguin India
Pages: 300
The Hidden Hindu 2 is the second part of the trilogy by author Akshat Gupta. Continuing the story from the first part, the author continues the journey of Om Shastri. I'll not talk much about the story here as it would be a spoiler for the ones who haven't read the first part.
The book shines in the area of character development, and I felt so contained with it because there was a lack of it in the first part, and this compensated for it beautifully. The way the history of the characters unfolds gave so much power and dimension to the story. The references to Hindu texts when mixed up with the author's imagination, gave a perfect setting for fantasy and fiction. The conversation between Prithvi and Mrs. Batra was another illuminating aspect of the book, as the whole story was narrated through their conversation. The ending was a blast and although I predicted a part of it, it was mind-boggling.
Somehow, the book was a little slow-paced compared to the first part. The elements of suspense and thriller could have been more. The information about Hindu Texts could have been a little more detailed. I would have enjoyed it more if the emotional connectivity with the characters could have arisen at some vulnerable moments.
Although I feel that this book was a crucial one as it was a book in between the trilogy, attempting to form the base for the final book, leaving threads and pieces in between to keep the reader engaged and hooked for the next part as well as covering the parts that needed to be worked on in the first. And thus, this book is successful in finding, keeping, and maintaining that balance.
I can't wait now to read the final part of the trilogy, after such a mind-blowing cliffhanger that the author left us at.
Thank you to the publisher for the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2025
Okay, I NEVER write reviews for books, especially bad reviews. but this one had it coming. I was holding myself back after reading the first one, thinking MAYBE maybe the next one will be better. but what a waste. what a waste of my time. I had read somewhere that the prose in this book is if if Dan Brown and Chetan Bhagat had a baby, and that baby was raised entirely on WhatsApp forwards. Honestly, yes. wtf was this?I went in hoping for mythological intrigue and thrilling twists. What I got was a literary version of someone aggressively shaking a box of puzzle pieces and yelling, “BRO, IT ALL CONNECTS.” Reading this felt like attending a conspiracy theory seminar hosted by a high schooler who just discovered Wikipedia and Red Bull. The writing the dialogue, the inner monologues of the characters it is all so unnatural. idk how else to explain it. WHO WRITES LIKE THIS???Names are thrown around like Pokémon cards, and backstories are either dumped in one paragraph or never explained again. At this point, I’m convinced the only hidden thing here is proper character development. Honestly, the only type of person i can MAYBE see mildly appreciating this book is someone who has NO IDEA about hindu history and scriptures, and is only going into this thinking "ooh exotic history mixed with mythology", and someone who doesn't care about writing OR plot loop holes. So basically a child? or someone very very very new to reading.Every line is either explaining something nobody asked for or asking a question the author forgot to answer. The dialogues sound like Google Translate got drunk and tried philosophy.This book raised more questions than it answered, like: Who wrote this? Why did they write it? And can I sue for emotional damages? I reached the end and half-expected a popup to ask, “Are you okay, beta?” I am not. Shakespeare is weeping in his grave and my eyes are too stupified to shed tears. I want a refund. ew.
October 9, 2025
So here I am, having finished the second book after ranting about how horrible the first one was! To be honest, I wouldn't have read if it wasn't for my best friend. He gifted it to me because he had heard good things about the series and being a non-reader he was hoping I'd read and narrate the story to him. I can never say no when it comes to narrating stories to my loved ones, so I decided to push through.
This part of the series was definitely an improvement in terms of story. It didn’t feel as heavy or dull as the first one. However, the writing style was still confusing at times. The author jumped from one character’s story to another without any clear transition. For example, one paragraph would talk about Om and Ashwathama, and the next would suddenly shift to Nagendra and LSD before going back again. At first, I thought it was a printing error, but it turned out to be the author's writing style.
Despite that, the book had a lot more mystery, adventure, and unexpected twists. There were moments when the story slowed down because of too much info dumping or too many names, but overall, it kept me interested. I especially liked the parts where the characters were trying to help Om recover his memories; it added emotion and depth to the story.
Talking about the characters specifically, I think the author failed to do justice to them. We're talking about some really powerful immortals like Parshuram, Ashwathama and Kripacharya, but they were reduced to people who lacked clarity about what was going on and made one mistake after another.
The ending left me curious to read the final book to find out how everything concludes. The book also gave insights into LSD and Parimal's background and their roles in the conflict, which added another interesting layer. In short, while the plot was engaging, the storytelling could have been smoother. Still, it was a much better and more enjoyable read than the first one.
This part of the series was definitely an improvement in terms of story. It didn’t feel as heavy or dull as the first one. However, the writing style was still confusing at times. The author jumped from one character’s story to another without any clear transition. For example, one paragraph would talk about Om and Ashwathama, and the next would suddenly shift to Nagendra and LSD before going back again. At first, I thought it was a printing error, but it turned out to be the author's writing style.
Despite that, the book had a lot more mystery, adventure, and unexpected twists. There were moments when the story slowed down because of too much info dumping or too many names, but overall, it kept me interested. I especially liked the parts where the characters were trying to help Om recover his memories; it added emotion and depth to the story.
Talking about the characters specifically, I think the author failed to do justice to them. We're talking about some really powerful immortals like Parshuram, Ashwathama and Kripacharya, but they were reduced to people who lacked clarity about what was going on and made one mistake after another.
The ending left me curious to read the final book to find out how everything concludes. The book also gave insights into LSD and Parimal's background and their roles in the conflict, which added another interesting layer. In short, while the plot was engaging, the storytelling could have been smoother. Still, it was a much better and more enjoyable read than the first one.
May 28, 2024
🪐“You will get the answer when the time is right”🪐
🐲 𝓢𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓘𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓟𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓕𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴:
‘All of this started back in Satya yuga, when a sen named Kashyap married one of the granddaughters of Lord Brahma, named Kadru. For years, Kadru lived as the seat’s wife and tended to all his comforts. Happy with her devotion towards her duties, one day, Kashyap blessed her with a boon of her choice. Kadru asked for a thousand serpent children who would be courageous. Kashyap granted the wish and Kadru became pregnant. After a long time, Kadru gave birth to one thousand eggs. The eggs were carefully incubated in jars with hot water, which kept them warm.
After five hundred years, Kadru’s eggs hatched and her sons came to life. The descendants of these sons are called Nagavanshis. Now you must be wondering how Nagendra fits into this picture.’
🦢“Every person has both good and evil dwelling in them”🐲
💥 𝓢𝔂𝓷𝓸𝓹𝓼𝓲𝓼:
Throughout this sequel, Gupta reveals hidden truths and sheds light on ancient practices, shedding light on the mystical and esoteric aspects of the religion. The book takes readers on an engaging journey through the corridors of Hindu philosophy, mythology, and spirituality due to meticulous research and engaging storytelling.
Continuing the story of Nagendra and LSD’s planned childbirth, this book continues the mystery into its second part.
A mystery remains as to how Om’s blood cells were immune to all pathogens, resulting in a blood thick with antibodies.
✨ 𝓣𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂:
This book is a wealth of insights that will enrich your understanding of Hinduism’s profound depths, regardless of whether you are a devout follower or a curious seeker.
🐲 𝓢𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓘𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓟𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓕𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴:
‘All of this started back in Satya yuga, when a sen named Kashyap married one of the granddaughters of Lord Brahma, named Kadru. For years, Kadru lived as the seat’s wife and tended to all his comforts. Happy with her devotion towards her duties, one day, Kashyap blessed her with a boon of her choice. Kadru asked for a thousand serpent children who would be courageous. Kashyap granted the wish and Kadru became pregnant. After a long time, Kadru gave birth to one thousand eggs. The eggs were carefully incubated in jars with hot water, which kept them warm.
After five hundred years, Kadru’s eggs hatched and her sons came to life. The descendants of these sons are called Nagavanshis. Now you must be wondering how Nagendra fits into this picture.’
🦢“Every person has both good and evil dwelling in them”🐲
💥 𝓢𝔂𝓷𝓸𝓹𝓼𝓲𝓼:
Throughout this sequel, Gupta reveals hidden truths and sheds light on ancient practices, shedding light on the mystical and esoteric aspects of the religion. The book takes readers on an engaging journey through the corridors of Hindu philosophy, mythology, and spirituality due to meticulous research and engaging storytelling.
Continuing the story of Nagendra and LSD’s planned childbirth, this book continues the mystery into its second part.
A mystery remains as to how Om’s blood cells were immune to all pathogens, resulting in a blood thick with antibodies.
✨ 𝓣𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂:
This book is a wealth of insights that will enrich your understanding of Hinduism’s profound depths, regardless of whether you are a devout follower or a curious seeker.
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