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The Tenth Unknown
The Tenth Unknown is a mix of myth, fact and fiction. Starting in Emperor Ashoka’s court in Rajagriha, Magadha in 232 BC and ending with India’s independence in 1947, this action-packed thriller, set primarily against the backdrop of World War II, is a high- octane and heady cocktail.The Third Reich under Adolf Hitler has acquired one out of a series of nine books containing forbidden knowledge leading to unlimited power and wealth. Until now, the books have been protected for centuries by a secret society—the Nine Unknown Men of Emperor Ashoka. They are hidden in various locations around the globe with little-known Indian connections. The clue about the locations of the books is hidden in the ruins of the world’s most ancient university in Nalanda.Prithvi Rathore, an anglicized, aspiring cricketer used to the good life, is yanked out of his comfortable existence and enlisted to acquire the books from their secret locations all over India and Europe before they fall into Nazi hands. What follows is a fast-paced adventure story, illustrating a long-forgotten part of Indian history and legends as the Germans, British and Indians race to secure the books.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2011
14 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Jvalant Nalin Sampat
3 books9 followersJvalant Nalin Sampat is a critically acclaimed author, who at various points of his life has lived in Bombay, New York, California, and Copenhagen.
His debut novel 'The Tenth Unknown' has been an abiding bestseller since 2012. His second book is called "The Chronicler" and is set in the near future.
Besides writing fiction, Jvalant writes scripts for movies and TV shows.
He also serves as a director in his family firm, ICL LLP.
Whilst not otherwise occupied, chances are you will find him at his local club, on the tennis court.
His debut novel 'The Tenth Unknown' has been an abiding bestseller since 2012. His second book is called "The Chronicler" and is set in the near future.
Besides writing fiction, Jvalant writes scripts for movies and TV shows.
He also serves as a director in his family firm, ICL LLP.
Whilst not otherwise occupied, chances are you will find him at his local club, on the tennis court.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 28, 2020
The Tenth Unknown by Jvalant Nalin Sampat is one of the most anticipated yet unrivalled novel I went through. It is a complete package of film covering major genres like History-Ancient, Medieval and Modern; Fiction, Non-Fiction political thriller with an essence of cinematic vision. It all begins with an unexpected departure of Prithvi's grandfather to Calcutta on a mission, leaving a letter behind for him which chills him down to the core and from here the journey towards the mystery based on the nine books which are kept into hiding for last 1000 years at different parts of the country begins. It holds some powerful theories on 'certain guidelines' and these books are madly being fetched by the blood thirsty Nazis and Britishers for themselves. Prithvi eventually is all set to explore and rescue those books from these 'goons' clad in uniform. But does he succeeds?
Here are some of the points which make this book intriguing and engaging-
* Real life characters are adopted with fictional and non-fictional backdrop.
*The story has been kept immaculate with flexible timeline as if you are in a time machine and travelling through different era.
* From the apocalypse done by Bakhtiyar Khilji on Nalanda slaying innocents to the life-demanding propositions given by Jinnah which sent mankind to the doomed are captured well in the writings.
Overall this book proves that the author has thoroughly worked on each and every theory, facts and has done extensive research into the matter. A Must Read.
Here are some of the points which make this book intriguing and engaging-
* Real life characters are adopted with fictional and non-fictional backdrop.
*The story has been kept immaculate with flexible timeline as if you are in a time machine and travelling through different era.
* From the apocalypse done by Bakhtiyar Khilji on Nalanda slaying innocents to the life-demanding propositions given by Jinnah which sent mankind to the doomed are captured well in the writings.
Overall this book proves that the author has thoroughly worked on each and every theory, facts and has done extensive research into the matter. A Must Read.
April 3, 2015
Byomakesh Bakshi .. Move over the 10th Unknown is here.
Book Review The tenth Unknown debut Novel of author Jvalant Nalin Sampat. Genre is Historic thriller, ISBN978-81-89738-97-6 publishers Niyogi books
A soothing book set in the terminal stage of the British Raj. The world war is on; Hitler has laid his hands on an ancient Indian text and utilized this. The book is the first of the nine books of knowledge left behind by Emperor Asoka asking the nine unknown men to protect it.
The Germans and British are both after it. While the nine guardians are too old to protect it they nominate Prithvi Rathode to do the dirty job for them, each time Prithvi reaches the spot, he loses the book to the British agent Youdale. And the repercussions of the book manifest as the Hiroshima disaster and other major disasters of the post world war World. He also has references to the lesser known freedom fighting movements like the Ghadhar party.
The book made me realize the issues of the subcontinent has remained the same, misplaced loyalty like the officer Pandey, compliancy like the nine unknowns who became an old coffee club of senior citizens instead of guardians of a secret. There is also the pattern of not letting or hanging on, somewhere we Indians seemed to have forgotten vanaprastha.
Author holds the knowledge of nine books as the key of world disasters, and the inability of the nine defenders to defend it. Of course the
The 9 unknowns are supposed to have supported Akbar, Shivaji, Marathas then Tippu; it was quite interesting especially when the author claims Tippu was secular when evidences are that he was pseudo-secular. The Qutub Minar is cited as the evidence of the book of alchemy.
The author has woven real people into fiction like Robert Oppenheimer, Subhas Chandra Bose, princess Noor the granddaughter of Tippu Sultan and of course JRD Tata.
Though the author could have taken a little more care about the language I
Liked the focus pace and lack of unnecessary frills including a sickening romance.
A must read for all history buffs.
About the author—Jvalant nalin Sampat, currently distributes high end auto and home leather products, through Karlsson Leather and owns CrossPollinate a Mumbai based CSR consultancy. He has a major IT and a liberal arts concentration in English, from Rochester Institute of technology NY and MBA from Copenhagen business school Copenhagen
Other books on the 9 unknowns... https://kitabikida.wordpress.com/2014...
Book Review The tenth Unknown debut Novel of author Jvalant Nalin Sampat. Genre is Historic thriller, ISBN978-81-89738-97-6 publishers Niyogi books
A soothing book set in the terminal stage of the British Raj. The world war is on; Hitler has laid his hands on an ancient Indian text and utilized this. The book is the first of the nine books of knowledge left behind by Emperor Asoka asking the nine unknown men to protect it.
The Germans and British are both after it. While the nine guardians are too old to protect it they nominate Prithvi Rathode to do the dirty job for them, each time Prithvi reaches the spot, he loses the book to the British agent Youdale. And the repercussions of the book manifest as the Hiroshima disaster and other major disasters of the post world war World. He also has references to the lesser known freedom fighting movements like the Ghadhar party.
The book made me realize the issues of the subcontinent has remained the same, misplaced loyalty like the officer Pandey, compliancy like the nine unknowns who became an old coffee club of senior citizens instead of guardians of a secret. There is also the pattern of not letting or hanging on, somewhere we Indians seemed to have forgotten vanaprastha.
Author holds the knowledge of nine books as the key of world disasters, and the inability of the nine defenders to defend it. Of course the
The 9 unknowns are supposed to have supported Akbar, Shivaji, Marathas then Tippu; it was quite interesting especially when the author claims Tippu was secular when evidences are that he was pseudo-secular. The Qutub Minar is cited as the evidence of the book of alchemy.
The author has woven real people into fiction like Robert Oppenheimer, Subhas Chandra Bose, princess Noor the granddaughter of Tippu Sultan and of course JRD Tata.
Though the author could have taken a little more care about the language I
Liked the focus pace and lack of unnecessary frills including a sickening romance.
A must read for all history buffs.
About the author—Jvalant nalin Sampat, currently distributes high end auto and home leather products, through Karlsson Leather and owns CrossPollinate a Mumbai based CSR consultancy. He has a major IT and a liberal arts concentration in English, from Rochester Institute of technology NY and MBA from Copenhagen business school Copenhagen
Other books on the 9 unknowns... https://kitabikida.wordpress.com/2014...
June 16, 2020
I just started but with the retirement activities ,could not proceed. In Last three days I could complete, the book bought my daughter.
First time I heard this author’s name and with half heart only I started but the way he dragged me into world war 2 was simply amazing . Just could not drop the book ....though my mind said that this is a fiction but still other side of mind believed as real .
Simple sentences ,,,,captions on real incidents (which reminded my history teacher Mr S A Paramasivam , fondly we called him Mama in the years 1977-78.)
I have been in the impression that Germans are only still holding our all Sanskrit treasures even now and they are advancing in technology front with those scriptures. But the author’s view made me pensive those two books helped US to make nuclear bombs . 👏👏👏👏hats off to ur thinking in a different angle ....
Ur conclusion on INA’s contribution vs quit India movement ...👍👍👍👌
I need to stop here.....
Will have to google for the other books of this Jvalant Nalin Sampat and want to read at one go ,,,,
First time I heard this author’s name and with half heart only I started but the way he dragged me into world war 2 was simply amazing . Just could not drop the book ....though my mind said that this is a fiction but still other side of mind believed as real .
Simple sentences ,,,,captions on real incidents (which reminded my history teacher Mr S A Paramasivam , fondly we called him Mama in the years 1977-78.)
I have been in the impression that Germans are only still holding our all Sanskrit treasures even now and they are advancing in technology front with those scriptures. But the author’s view made me pensive those two books helped US to make nuclear bombs . 👏👏👏👏hats off to ur thinking in a different angle ....
Ur conclusion on INA’s contribution vs quit India movement ...👍👍👍👌
I need to stop here.....
Will have to google for the other books of this Jvalant Nalin Sampat and want to read at one go ,,,,
March 16, 2014
This book grabbed my attention as I was reading another book(The Mahabharata code by Christopher Doyle) based on the same nine unknowns from emperor Ashoka's period. This book has the right blend of intrigue and facts spun for a classic Sunday read.
I liked the writing style depicted in the book and not treading deeply to the back stories. Still could go a long way if more facts can be established in his writing and also need to keep the readers guessing till the end.
Bring the best in your next book. All the very best.
I liked the writing style depicted in the book and not treading deeply to the back stories. Still could go a long way if more facts can be established in his writing and also need to keep the readers guessing till the end.
Bring the best in your next book. All the very best.
January 3, 2015
Another Indian author. Another interesting read. Though it tries to be action packed thriller, but the twists and turns are somehow not as appealing as the author tries to make them sound. The concept and plot is interesting but the actual story is dull. I did learn some interesting facts around the timeline book goes through, even though its a work of fiction, and most probably everyone reading it will have their load of ohh really, I didn't know that's. At times it feels like the Indianized version of Indiana Jones movie. Perhaps you still might want to give it read...
July 31, 2015
I Picked up this book to know more about the Nine Books, but there wasn't much information on the content of those books. The Tenth unknown is more of a cat and mouse chase for the Nine books between the Protagonist Prithvi, Nazis and a British officer named Youdale. It Is well written And the research gone into this book is immense.Even though the ending was a little abrupt, this book is definitely a Good companion during Travel.
May 29, 2017
Tenth Unknown.. Another novel revolving around the NINE. Yet a different one, unputdownable, cat n mouse chase, historic thriller. Ryt from Ashoka's time until our country's independence, the journey through out this book was adventurous. So many historical facts in the plot, made it even more interesting. Expected more about the Nine, still this was good enough. Awaiting more such great works from the author..
April 3, 2018
The similarities to Dan Brown's 'Da Vinci Code' were too pronounced for my liking. But otherwise it's an interesting insight into India's history, and one of the better historical fictions I have read written by an Indian author.
May 2, 2020
A brave attempt at weaving fiction(?) into historical facts, a good read to revise your history trivia on World War II and India's independence struggle.
As mentioned in the author's note, artistic licence has been used liberally to interlace facts around the myth of Ashoka's Nine Unknowns. It is surprising that the Shadow Tyrants by Clive Cussler uses a similar introduction to the underlying Nine Unknowns theme.
The author combines three major storylines (four if you include the Americans) into one, which must require a lot of effort in thinking about how they will interact, intersect and dissect each other. The intertwined storyline does work to the desired effect, however, there is a lack of depth to the stories. The book could have been a good 20-30% longer by adding more details to the same storyline.
The chronological storytelling (with dates and timestamps) brings order to the sometimes mishmash storyline. However, the skipping of chunks of time (days, sometimes months) feels like the book skips the unimportant bits in wanting to be a fast-paced thriller. Or maybe, the book was originally thought out as a diary or journal of the protagonist(?). In some instances, the book, again, lacks detail when transitioning between chapters and the book doesn’t ‘flow’ well.
Once you have grasped the understanding of the ‘books in question’ some key points in the storyline become predictable, e.g. the atomic bombs. Which could be good or bad, depending on the reader’s knowledge of World War events and if they may cringe at why things happened the way they did.
Most chapters in the book are important events constantly being bought into focus, which feels like the storyline is always at a high point. In effect, the constant highs, without any swings between high and low make the storyline routine.
A bit of a dud, for the lack of a better word, for me was reading about the author's note highlighting Subash Chandra Bose and Indian National Army's impact on India's independence and downplaying The Quit India Movement as being the key driver as purported by the Indian National Congress. I am not taking any potshots at the book or the author, but the small piece on INA made me want to read more about the INA rather than this book itself.
As mentioned in the author's note, artistic licence has been used liberally to interlace facts around the myth of Ashoka's Nine Unknowns. It is surprising that the Shadow Tyrants by Clive Cussler uses a similar introduction to the underlying Nine Unknowns theme.
The author combines three major storylines (four if you include the Americans) into one, which must require a lot of effort in thinking about how they will interact, intersect and dissect each other. The intertwined storyline does work to the desired effect, however, there is a lack of depth to the stories. The book could have been a good 20-30% longer by adding more details to the same storyline.
The chronological storytelling (with dates and timestamps) brings order to the sometimes mishmash storyline. However, the skipping of chunks of time (days, sometimes months) feels like the book skips the unimportant bits in wanting to be a fast-paced thriller. Or maybe, the book was originally thought out as a diary or journal of the protagonist(?). In some instances, the book, again, lacks detail when transitioning between chapters and the book doesn’t ‘flow’ well.
Once you have grasped the understanding of the ‘books in question’ some key points in the storyline become predictable, e.g. the atomic bombs. Which could be good or bad, depending on the reader’s knowledge of World War events and if they may cringe at why things happened the way they did.
Most chapters in the book are important events constantly being bought into focus, which feels like the storyline is always at a high point. In effect, the constant highs, without any swings between high and low make the storyline routine.
A bit of a dud, for the lack of a better word, for me was reading about the author's note highlighting Subash Chandra Bose and Indian National Army's impact on India's independence and downplaying The Quit India Movement as being the key driver as purported by the Indian National Congress. I am not taking any potshots at the book or the author, but the small piece on INA made me want to read more about the INA rather than this book itself.
June 10, 2015
First things first
This is a novel attempt by the author to present a story with the characters from an very important time line of the world.Along with this he has tried to explore some ancient and colonial history of India.I would say he has succeeded in this for a major part.Chapters are present in a way that it can we a read super quick.
The main and fascinating thing about this book is that it provide various unknown interesting historical facts like Kalmykia the only Buddhist country in Europe and many interesting figures who were involved in world war II.
It starts brilliantly and races but becomes dull especially at the finishing stage.Some smart finishing touches would have definitely made this a fantastic novel.
This is a novel attempt by the author to present a story with the characters from an very important time line of the world.Along with this he has tried to explore some ancient and colonial history of India.I would say he has succeeded in this for a major part.Chapters are present in a way that it can we a read super quick.
The main and fascinating thing about this book is that it provide various unknown interesting historical facts like Kalmykia the only Buddhist country in Europe and many interesting figures who were involved in world war II.
It starts brilliantly and races but becomes dull especially at the finishing stage.Some smart finishing touches would have definitely made this a fantastic novel.
March 3, 2013
Although i bought the book simply because the name of the publishers match my surname, the money has not been wasted, i feel. A historical fiction where the line separating facts and myths often blurs, the story is a good read. Towards the end, the proverbial cow does climb the tree, and the author closes the plot too hastily, but the excitement does not seem to ebb much. Overall, a satisfactory weekend thriller read!
June 4, 2014
protagonist roams around Asia to get those secret books... it can b appreciated for authors thorough research also for making real characters like subash bose,churchill,hitler to pitch in, though we can turn pages effortlessly novel lacks some glue to make us stick to it... overall good attempt not a bad novel..
October 8, 2014
Its tough to believe that the book is written by an amateur author. Well researched,filled with interesting facts and no lose plugs in the entire plot. The best part is presence of actual historical characters.
However it cant really be classified as a thriller, plot moves slowly and the entire story spans more than 6-7 years.
A book worth reading
However it cant really be classified as a thriller, plot moves slowly and the entire story spans more than 6-7 years.
A book worth reading
February 29, 2016
The book is a mix of myth, fact and fiction. Even though the pace of the book depreciates gradually, i would tell it is one of the best in the Indian writings. The author has done immense research to write this book. And he tells us many hidden episodes of Indian history and the Buddhist timeline. So to sum up his lone book " The fiction may not fascinate you but the facts will".
July 30, 2015
An interesting fictionalized account of history interspersed with the happenings before and after world war especially in reference to India. A good refresher of the actual historical events that transpired during that period and a refreshing perspective on the allies and the axis powers.
May 8, 2015
man, really a fantastic book. Jvalant Nalin sampath, is really a good story teller.
Well written, dialogues are written how the respective person will be speaking, instead a general conversation style, u will feel every situation the author has described.
Definitely don't miss this book guys.
Well written, dialogues are written how the respective person will be speaking, instead a general conversation style, u will feel every situation the author has described.
Definitely don't miss this book guys.
February 6, 2017
Nice book. A more than a good read. really impressed with plot but plot has much more potential for thrill and suspense than listed in the book.
Keep it author. Looking forward for much more good work from you.
Keep it author. Looking forward for much more good work from you.
June 25, 2012
Adventurous journey of a person who had no purpose in life till this journey began...
September 10, 2012
Very well researched..mixes fiction and facts with ease...gripping,fast & exciting! Can not leave till you finish reading it in one go! Excellent stuff...will be looking forward his second book..
March 29, 2013
Excellent, very well researched and good mix of fiction and facts.
January 23, 2016
too reserved, dramatic, good for believers, dangerous for optimists
Read
September 14, 2014good one
April 18, 2014
Definately its a ggod read about world war2 and Ashoka's none unknown.
July 10, 2015
What a nice debut!! A historical fiction with the right tone..very well written. Looking forward to more books from the authour!
June 11, 2016
Interesting read...Taking into account one of India's historical facts and blending a story around it
August 9, 2016
Interesting concept.
A well written interesting story which does not provide an improbable accounting of history and mythology.
It inspired me to learn about Asoka.
A well written interesting story which does not provide an improbable accounting of history and mythology.
It inspired me to learn about Asoka.
February 28, 2020
No depth or clarity in any of the characters nor in the story plots and nothing was clear to me what the author was trying to communicate. Started and ended very placidly
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2015
One of the most horrendous historical fictions I have ever come across! I must give some credit to Mr. Sampat for capturing the historical facts accurately, but a work of historical fiction demands much more than that! The story line is not very well developed (just seems like an attempt where the author is trying to show-off his command over certain areas of history, but hasn't given much thought to the logical flow of events) and at times is entirely idiotic.
The plot focusses more on the ridiculous eccentricities of the protagonist and in spite of that character is not well developed (seems like a clueless, shallow and at times a wannabe "James Bond" ). Honestly speaking, if you find Chetan Bhagat books crass and shallow, read this. For all you know, you might end up liking Mr. Bhagat!
The plot focusses more on the ridiculous eccentricities of the protagonist and in spite of that character is not well developed (seems like a clueless, shallow and at times a wannabe "James Bond" ). Honestly speaking, if you find Chetan Bhagat books crass and shallow, read this. For all you know, you might end up liking Mr. Bhagat!
September 11, 2016
The Tenth Unknown is a debut novel by Jvalant Nalin Sampat. He has build a fictional story at the backdrop of historical facts during the British rule in India & World war II. The story line could've been much better and at certain parts of the book I felt he has rushed through without giving much thought about the sequence of events that is brought forth. But credit to the author for an in-depth research done on our history and also not too bad for a first time writer. An average to a good read I would say.
November 21, 2020
I'm always a fan of history... So I enjoyed reading this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews