Shadows Rising

by Rohan Monteiro

Exiled. Despised. Unrepentant


Banished from the Celestial Court for an unspeakable crime, Akran, once a powerful yaksha spends his days in the city of Mumbai pretending to be human.

When a young girl gets kidnapped, Akran finds himself dragged reluctantly into an investigation. But as he soon discovers, this is is not a simple case of kidnapping -villainous thugs, gods and demons are all involved. And an ancient evil is returning to the world.

What are the secrets from Akran’s own past that threaten his present? Why are celestial forces out to wreak havoc on his beloved city? As Akran and his friends race to save the girl, everything hinges in the balance. Including the fate of the world.


Rohan Monteiro's Shadows Rising brings to life an unlikely hero - irreverent, witty and foul mouthed - who seems to not have a care in the world. Until someone crosses a line.

Genres: Fiction

286 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2024

About the author

Rohan is an amateur photographer, an open water scuba diver, a mountaineer, an obsessive bibliophile, an intrepid traveler and a highly successful mutilator of Spanish and the French language (often at the same time) and most recently an author.

Among other hobbies, he can also lay claim to half baked cooking attempts (no pun intended), Chess , computer gaming, board gaming , archery,sky diving, bungee jumping, market research , and a string of other very forgettable endeavors.

He lives in Singapore with his wife and son. Shadows Revealed is his latest book

Say hello to him at rohan.monteiro@gmail.com

Reviews

[Rajlaxmi ~ sentencesiloved · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Rising by Rohan Monteiro is a captivating and unique retelling of mythologies, centered around Akran, a yaksha banished for his crimes. The book is a delightful blend of pop culture references, Gen Z lingo, and a refreshingly unglorified take on Indian myths, making it a perfect read for younger generations eager to explore the world of Indian mythology.

What truly sets Shadow Rising apart from traditional mythology retellings is its sassy and sarcastic commentary. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a work that extensively discusses both the lore of Krishna and Kim Kardashian. While the sarcasm occasionally felt a bit overdone, it remained consistent with the overall writing style and eventually melded well with the other elements of the story.

The world-building in Shadow Rising is exceptional, and the characters are well-crafted. I particularly enjoyed the playful association of legends with whimsical nicknames—Ash for Ashwathamma, for instance. Monteiro excels in weaving multiple threads together, providing satisfying closure for each storyline.

One of the highlights of the book is the author's note at the end, where Monteiro discusses in detail his vision for the book. This section answered all the questions I had in mind while reading. I loved having this insight because, as a reader, it felt like not just reading the book but also being part of how the idea was conceived and developed.

Having had the pleasure of conversing with the author, I was delighted to find that we share the same favourite character. This personal connection added an extra layer of enjoyment to my reading experience. I cannot wait to read what the author has to write about K & Shukra!

All in all, Shadow Rising is an amazing read. If you're a fan of mythology or looking to dive into it, this book will undoubtedly resonate with you.

[Ketan Pandit · Rating 5 out of 5]

The research behind this book is intense. How often do you come across a counter point made with so much conviction that it forces you to question your held beliefs?

Shadow Rising did that for me. I’ve always wondered about the morality of the victors of the Mahabharata. It has been painted as black and white, but it is anything but. Krishna’s role in bringing the war at head is also questionable.

Rohan’s is a refreshing voice and take on the puppeteering in the worlds largest epic.

[Wittygirlwithabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gripping young adult urban fantasy, thriller novel that follows the journey of a young protagonist, Akran, yaksha (male nature spirit) who has been banished to Earth for committing a crime. After years of living in Mumbai, his old life comes crawling back when a man asks for his help in investigating his granddaughter's kidnapping. The plot is full of twists and turns blending the themes of mythology, urban fantasy, and thriller power packed with vivid and relatable characters.

The world-building in the book is impressive, with a richly detailed environment that draws the reader in. The characters are well-developed and complex, with Akran being a relatable and endearing protagonist. The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, suspense, and emotional moments that keep the reader engaged.

Although some plot twists felt a bit predictable, the supporting cast could benefit from more depth and development.

Overall, "Shadows Rising" is an exciting and immersive read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and adventure. the author's writing is descriptive and evocative, making it easy to visualize the world and its characters. While there are some areas for improvement, the book's strengths make it a compelling and enjoyable read.

I recommend "Shadows Rising" to fans of young adult urban fantasy, mythology, and thriller particularly those who enjoy stories with vivid world-building and relatable protagonists.

[Maitra Khatri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanna start by saying that the Author claims “Most unique take on Mythology in the last 5000 years” and I must say it stands on it and fulfils it !! This book is the most funniest take on mythology, it’s not your typical mytho fiction and even the name is a typical mytho fiction name.

There are so many intricate details and they are the best parts. Starting with the cover itself, it says it is a part of Celestial Chronicles and it starts the beginning of the uniqueness. The word dev, asur, gods is user very rarely; rather they have been set-up as Celestials.

There comes the best part: the fiction layer. Rohan has taken liberty in taking the existing mythology and re-writing the rules to make more sense and they are written flawlessly, loved all the world building with the rules, court, magic and many more things.

Hands down my favourite part of the movie is the Gen Z analogies of the mythological stories, Akran’s sarcastic comments and the reference to modern day pop-culture including Marvel, DC, Star Wars and Game of Thrones. (I might have missed some)

!! Minor spoilers ahead !!

My favourite parts of the world building is the details like how magic and electricity does not work well together, then the rules and courts of the celestials/magic users.

I love how Rohan has set-up the banishment of Akran and connected him with existing mythology that it perfectly makes sense.

Another awesome thing is that Rohan has picked up the open ends of stories to connect them with his story. Mostly with all the weapons being used, great research on that part.

Also also another AMAZING thing is that this book is not limited to the Hindu Mythology, Akran and gang is well aware of other mythologies and they actually co-exist and Akran talks and compares them to the Hindu mythology.

A question that many people today have that my magic and gods does not appear in todays day and age, well Rohan has also answered that in a very good manner.

The characters of Akran’s gang are also have been set up very well, the origin of new characters and the story of old characters ending up in current situation makes perfect sense.

Next part that I loved was the detailed information on how the biology of Celestial works and how the magic works and what are its rules.

The small details about how the magic can hinder a humans day to day life like Akran’s magic blows up electric bulbs and how it can help too like mosquitoes can not enter his aura to bite him.

I absolutely loved Rohan’s take on Mahabharat, won’t go in much detail but it’s the most realistic approach that I have read (in a fiction book).

Here comes the most unique thing you might read, the part the I LOOOVVVEEEEDDD was the one after the book ended when Rohan described all the stuff that went behind writing the books, all the mythological things he has researched and the modern day pop culture references. And then his own story of writing and getting this book published. LOVED reading it !!

Fav fav fav part: Shukracharya updating Wikipedia

[Nimisha Lall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel introduces Akran, a fallen demigod with a cynical charm, who is reluctantly drawn into a high-stakes abduction case in modern day Mumbai.Monteiro masterfully blends ancient Indian mythology with the gritty underbelly of the city, creating a world both familiar and fantastical.

The story unfolds as Akran, a Yaksha warrior exiled from the celestial realm, navigates a dangerous underworld teeming with gods, demons, and shadowy figures. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a vast trafficking ring with cosmic implications.

Monteiro's prose is both evocative and propulsive, carrying readers through a thrilling plot filled with unexpected twists. Akran's character arc, from world-weary anti-hero to determined savior, is a highlight, adding emotional depth to the fast-paced narrative. With its rich world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking exploration of identity and morality, Shadows Rising is a standout in the fantasy genre.

[Arti Deshpande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Akran is a Yaksha who is banished from the celestial world for an unforgivable crime and is living a quiet, hidden life in the city of Mumbai. He expects his days of banishment to go on the same way. But when a young girl is kidnapped, he finds it difficult to not get involved.
Hence starts a thrilling and adventurous race against time to find the missing girl. The case is more complicated than it seems.
The book will make you think and open up your eyes to mythological stories that you have heard. I totally enjoyed the book.

[Sumeet]

What a ride! Fast paced, foul mouthed, irreverent and hilarious. At many points in the book I just stopped and said to myself "he did not just say that". A great read for lovers of reinterpreted mythologies. Readers of Ashok Banker and Amish would love this book. I just purchased book two, Can't wait to read more.

[Rahul Vishnoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mahabharata on Red Bull- Review of Shadows Rising by Rohan Monteiro

Shadows Rising by Rohan Monteiro marries mythology with fantasy and then let it have a steamy affair with mystery and thrill. It fills a crater-like hole where hindu-mytho-fantasy novels should have been stacked up. Using elements from Hindu epics and folklores, Monteiro creates a hero who has committed a crime against divinity. This crime is heinous and it leads to omission of his name from the divine records as well as his ostracization.

Akran is his name and he is a yaksha. He was once an incredibly powerful celestial being. Hoodwinked into committing a crime that he himself doesn’t remember, he is now living his years on earth. But what was this crime? In his trademark dry wit, Akran opines: ‘I happen to be a Yaksha—a semi-immortal, banished for a crime I don’t remember committing. It’s too long a tale and will make you all weepy to hear it now, so we should probably save it for another day. It’s great for killing the mood at parties.’ This crime makes for a nice twist (although I had guessed it early on).

Akran is not immortal but he has a very long life. He is powerful but far from invincible. The author has woven a very vulnerable thread into his being. His sexuality is fluid too although if author had explored it and not just told us about it, it would have made him even more interesting, not that he isn’t already. He dishes out some really cool one-liners: ‘I tried to avoid rolling my eyes. Praying at a temple made you a good person as much as my aunt growing a moustache would make her my uncle. I never understood why they equated the two.’

Akran has used whatever residual magic he can muster to help find some missing pets and now that people have heard of him, he is approached my an old man to seek his granddaughter. Split between his date and finding the girl, Akran agrees to visit the grandfather’s flat and thus begins his investigation. When he stumbles upon a snippet of divine music and a magical trap that detonates, he wonders if he’s bitten more than he can chew. There is more to this iceberg than just what’s visible above the surface. Akran’s investigation begins and author throws the readers into an exciting whirlpool of vengeful demons, powerful yakshas and exiled gods.

Akran has spent a few hundred years on earth. This was enough time for him to pick up some life skills, discard a few while honing the rest to perfection. Akran has learnt picking locks, filching wallets etc. The yaksha clams that he did these things because he liked knowing how it’s done and not for any actual benefits.

Check out for interesting characters of Shukracharya, Kamdeva and the one related to Goddess Saraswati. This forms the coterie that stands in solidarity with Akran as he tries to convince them to save the mortal world from sure annihilation. I would have loved it if the author had devoted more time to their friendship.

Now a note on the supervillain of this story. Well, I can’t really tell you the name. You better find it out yourself. Anything more from me would be deemed a spoiler. What’s more interesting is that author has played with morality here. The demon who’s being raised to wreak havoc on the world is less a danger than this supposedly divine and ‘good’ entity that plays the villain. The writing of the fight scenes between the two MCs is incredibly thrilling and shoves you right to the edge of your seat. The author’s effort to dash it with humour is a fine writing choice. Monteiro has a gift for dark humour and one-liners. When they fit into the story, they make you crack a smile. When they don’t, you forgive the author for trying…and for the ones that have landed. Humour matches the steps of the mystery in this one and how.

Monteiro has based the story in the metro of Mumbai and strewn various landmarks in the story, placing it in the niche of urban fantasy. The story moves at relentless pace, like a train that’s already missed its schedule by a day and a half. The author, however, doesn’t compromise with the details that enrich the story. Watch out how he picks elements from the mythology and spins the web of fantasy around them. This ain’t some lazy retelling. It’s a fiercely original story. The magical tropes aren’t left lazily to just the ‘magic’ but have been explained in detail and make up for exciting reading. Check out the excerpt related to location spells and sympathetic magic.

The author has included some very interesting snippets about Mahabharata. He reveals that the episode of disrobing of Draupadi wasn’t the part of the original epic. It was added later on, to turn the heroes more heroic and the villains more villainous. He gives the reason that in this particular episode, every person behaves in a way that’s fundamentally opposite to their inherent nature.

 The end of the book promises a sequel, delving this time into the epic of Ramayana. I am waiting for it already. Miss this book at your risk.

 

[June Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rohan Monteiro’s Shadows Rising offers a modern, thrilling twist on mythology, blending elements of Hindu epics with urban fantasy. It centers on Akran, a disgraced yaksha banished to Earth for a crime he cannot remember committing. While navigating the bustling city of Mumbai, Akran is reluctantly drawn into solving a kidnapping, uncovering deeper cosmic conspiracies and ancient evils. With sharp humor, compelling characters, and intricate world-building, the novel redefines mythological fiction in an original and captivating way.

Narration:

Monteiro’s storytelling is immersive and fast-paced, striking a balance between humor, tension, and character introspection. The narration captures Akran's irreverent wit while maintaining a sense of urgency, keeping readers hooked throughout the story.

Writing Style:

The writing is a brilliant mix of dark humor, vivid descriptions, and clever analogies. Monteiro’s prose is sharp and fluid, effortlessly transitioning between action-packed scenes, philosophical musings, and pop culture references.

Themes:

Redemption and self-discovery

The clash between divinity and humanity

Modern reinterpretations of mythology

The balance of morality, with blurred lines between good and evil

Explode (What Stands Out):

1. World-Building:
Monteiro excels in reimagining mythology, introducing unique rules and systems for celestials, magic, and the coexistence of mythologies. Details like magic interfering with electricity and celestial courts add depth.

2. Characters:

Akran is a flawed yet likable protagonist, offering dry humor and a complex backstory.

Supporting characters like Deanne, K, and mythological figures like Shukracharya and Kamdeva add richness.

3. Humor and Pop Culture:
Gen Z references, comparisons to Marvel and DC, and Akran’s sarcastic one-liners make the narrative engaging and relatable.

4. Attention to Detail:
Monteiro incorporates fascinating mythological facts, such as the reinterpretation of Draupadi’s disrobing, enhancing the realism of his retelling.

5. Morality Play:
The villain is a supposed divine entity, challenging conventional notions of good and evil.

Final Thoughts:

Shadows Rising is a fiercely original take on mythological fiction, blending humor, action, and profound themes into a seamless narrative. Monteiro’s unique vision and meticulous research shine through, making this a must-read for fans of urban and mythological fantasy. The cliffhanger ending sets the stage for an equally exciting sequel, which promises to explore the Ramayana.

[Madhulika Liddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Present-day Mumbai, where lives a near-immortal yaksha named Akran. Exiled three thousand years earlier for unspeakable crimes and deprived of most of his magic, Akran finds himself pulled into investigating the kidnapping of a young girl… and discovers that ancient magic, ancient evil, is stirring. Celestials from his past, powerful enemies who haven’t forgiven him in several millennia, are setting afoot plans that will literally mean the end of the world as we know it.

I loved this book. The pace is terrific, the way adventure and suspense and racing-heartbeat-action are woven together is gripping. Best of all is the language, both in some of the dialogues (Akran and K, especially, are delightfully witty) and in Akran’s thoughts. As here:

… one can’t help but wonder if this was an actual magic trick that sages learnt early on when they were looking to get lucky or simply an elaborate con from the Vedic pickup artist playbook to dupe gullible women.

Which, of course, brings me to another thing I liked about Shadows Rising: it’s mytho-lite, if you get what I mean. True, there are yakshas and sages and demons and other celestials, and there are lots of interesting insights into the Mahabharat et al, but it’s all done in a chatty (occasionally irreverent, see above) style that I found very enjoyable. It’s not heavy-handed, and Monteiro also doesn’t go about recounting every single detail of the epics. Instead, he brings in some of the lesser-known things, the interesting stuff that a lot of people wouldn’t know—and all of it gets woven expertly into the story.

Highly recommended.

(S0mewhat longer and more detailed review at my blog, here: https://madhulikareads.wordpress.com/...)

[Uma Bokil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage, foul-mouthed, witty and sassy as hell.

I like fantasies based on mythology because they explore different alternate possibilities and realms to what is written in the original scriptures. You will like this one for its humour and sarcasm and the curiosity that keeps you going. References to Indian mythology in the book give you that relatable feel but also make you see things from Akran's perspective.

I found Akran to be a lovable brat whom I felt like scrubbing from head to toe with a sanitiser with the language he uses and particularly enjoyed the snarky and hilarious stream of thought Akran had and his rebellious nature. You might take offence on what he says about certain gods. I know I did in certain places But in this classic trope of mistaken exiled hero who brings goodness to humanity despite the court having disowned him, you will enjoy the banter, the fictional characters linked with mythology and some flashbacks into mythology and history.

I would have liked to see the connection of the kidnapped girl coming to a closure in the end, and I would have also liked to see the kidnapping shift smoothly from focus after Chapter 3 as the story transitions into the main plot of why what's happening is happening. But all in all, a fun and controversial read for me.

[shwetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading shadows rising was simply an escapade. An enriching one, replete with plot, humor and relatively unheard of gems from Indian mythology. You root for akran, and if you are a minor patron of puzzles, the name will haunt you from the first time you read it until the author's note at the end. Where it falls into place and very, very satisfactorily so. You see some of the curves in the road ahead, but the scenery still bewitches you. which is how some parts of the unfolding tale might feel, if you are a particularly adrenaline driven driver. The author's prose is easy to read, it flows, effortlessly. Comforting like rain on a cosy afternoon, as characters and incidents unfurl and hurl themselves at and around akran.

Any one who grew up with percy jackson, especially Indians, will feel right at home, albeit tailored to a little more adult audience, though I am sure my cousins in school would enjoy it just as much.

10/10, cant wait for the sequel and hoping this takes off, in a celestial, cosmic way!

[Vishnu Srikrishnan · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, i usually don’t write reviews until I’m really pissed off with the author. The author has no idea how to place events happening within the book. The whole writing is cluttered and the unnecessary use of foul language greatly destroys the plot…oh wait… !!!there isn’t actually a plot. Also there is an interesting chapter where the author keeps rambling about how the Pandavas were the actual villains and that there is no evidence of “the game of dice” being played for a second time. Essentially, you don’t feel a connection with any of the characters. Mr. Rohan has tried to craft a morally gray character with good intentions but has utterly failed in the process. But i still hope he would do the necessary corrections and make the second entry a better and enjoyable read.
Mr Rohan, if you are reading this- try to take it as a constructive criticism and work a little bit upon crafting a better magic system than the one you have penned down here (where the character hugely depends upon plot armor).

[Pritesh Patil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong 3.5/5.

The book comes into its own in the final third. That is also when Akran finally becomes a more sympathetic character, something I felt was sorely lacking in the beginning.

The twist is nicely telegraphed so you are in on it when the reveal happens. There's a bit of 'Look at me, I'm such a badass' among other common UF tropes that slightly annoyed me, and that was mainly because the book didn't need to go by those tried and tested routes. There's a depth of Indo-Mythology meshing with the modern world where the story really shines, and if Rohan had focused on expanding those original ideas, this would have been an easy 4 or even 4.5/5.

A promising debut. I read the book in one day, that says something about how engaging it is, despite the technical issues I had with the story - probably coming from the territory of being a writer myself.

I am happy to see other UF writers from India. May there be more.

[Sawana (everythingsawana) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a perfect intermingling of mythology, fantasy, and thriller. And no, it's NOT a mess!! The fantasy and mythology mesh together perfectly and the mystery provided by the abduction plot keeps the momentum of the story high. Both the narrator and the protagonist were so humourous and the dialogue was written superbly. However, some of the anachronistic references were a bit too jarring for my taste.

On the other hand, this book made me question a lot of what I know and believe about myths, and it shed a modern light on age-old stories which need to be criticised. I always appreciate a book when it makes me reflect and provides new perspectives; Shadows Rising handles that flawlessly. But the climax did fall a little flat for me and I would have preferred a bit more action.

In conclusion, Monteiro has done a brilliant job at setting up the foundations for a gripping series and I'm eager to read more of it. Very few authors (if any) have attempted mixing so many genres and excelled at it, but kudos to the author for achieving that.

[Isabel P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK>
100% would suggest reading..
The plot, sarcasm , humor and language all engage you and DO NOT let you put the book down.
Finished this in literally one sitting.

SO GLAD I bought this <333

[Dhruv Prakash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit all the right buttons. It was exactly what I needed to get myself out of a reading slump. Will definitely recommend to all my friends.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super funny.i love it

[Aayush Chaturvedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were to write a book, this would be it!

(hope this review ages well)

[Vaibhav Shetty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goes too preachy, sometimes cannibalizing on its own plot just to make a woke point. A good attempt, but the story is not well woven and has a lot of plot holes

[Sowmiya Gowrishankar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential for fans of mythology. It features humour, suspense, and much more. This book is truly fantastic.

[Arjun Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative, entertaining, and refreshingly unique. Eager for more titles

[Krishnasree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves all the love in the world. If you love Indian mythology, just get it. Can't wait for more from the celestial chronicles.

[Vedhamurthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucifer if it was actually interesting.

[Rohan Monteiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book this year!!