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Ashwatthama
Long time ago, Ashwatthama, a great warrior, was cursed by Lord Krishna to walk the lands with a curse of a bleeding forehead and boils on his skin, for choosing violence instead of forgiveness.
He's said to walk even today—amongst the people. And many have seen him.
Hari, a seemingly idyllic librarian, who goes on his life, is haunted by the visions of Ashwatthama, so much so that he's whisked into unpredictable situations featuring—icy demigods, an ancient sword made from the fires of a demon and an unspeakable evil that has risen to exact his vengeance.
All this while, he must learn his true identity and embrace the hero within.
From the chapters of Mahabharata comes a modern-day spin on the fabled hero or villain, to learn and understand how he lives and saves the current world.
He's said to walk even today—amongst the people. And many have seen him.
Hari, a seemingly idyllic librarian, who goes on his life, is haunted by the visions of Ashwatthama, so much so that he's whisked into unpredictable situations featuring—icy demigods, an ancient sword made from the fires of a demon and an unspeakable evil that has risen to exact his vengeance.
All this while, he must learn his true identity and embrace the hero within.
From the chapters of Mahabharata comes a modern-day spin on the fabled hero or villain, to learn and understand how he lives and saves the current world.
4 pages, Audiobook
Published August 12, 2024
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Missal
45 books513 followersKevin Missal wrote his first book at the age of 14, and at 22, the St Stephens graduate was a bestselling author with the first two books in his Kalki series which were runaway successes. Kevin loves fantasy fiction and has always been a fan of mythology. His books have been featured in publications like the Sunday Guardian, The New Indian Express and Millennium Post. He lives in Gurugram and he can be contacted at Kevin.s.missal@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 8, 2024
The book is one among a lot of stories on Ashwathama, which have been authored the most. I happened to just find the book and picked it as this was authored by Kevin Missal. The book is not so catchy.
The story was OK, but really did not have that speed or the exciting story to make it a great book. Hari is a book stall owner and goes on a day date with a visitor, who soon enough knows he is Ashwathama, how is a great question to ask. Well in this book, except for Hari everyone knows him to be the great warrior Ashwathama, including his physiotherapist. So starts his adventure part of the life, he has been having some weird dreams and apparently his physiotherapist has been making sure that the Ashwathama inside Hari, does not wake up. So as things unfold, he learns that he is immortal, but has no memory of him being the great warrior himself.
His servant however, could always recognize him, in any form he appears at the door step, again no questions asked. The fight, of course was to save the world, from Veena who was awaken, by mistake or by chance… I am not able to get that, from the Mayasura’s prison of karma.
It really did not build the character of the villain, Veena or the lead, Ashwathama. So I think this is a pass time book and sounds so much like the movies that are coming out on Ashwathama. I rate it 3 off 5.
The story was OK, but really did not have that speed or the exciting story to make it a great book. Hari is a book stall owner and goes on a day date with a visitor, who soon enough knows he is Ashwathama, how is a great question to ask. Well in this book, except for Hari everyone knows him to be the great warrior Ashwathama, including his physiotherapist. So starts his adventure part of the life, he has been having some weird dreams and apparently his physiotherapist has been making sure that the Ashwathama inside Hari, does not wake up. So as things unfold, he learns that he is immortal, but has no memory of him being the great warrior himself.
His servant however, could always recognize him, in any form he appears at the door step, again no questions asked. The fight, of course was to save the world, from Veena who was awaken, by mistake or by chance… I am not able to get that, from the Mayasura’s prison of karma.
It really did not build the character of the villain, Veena or the lead, Ashwathama. So I think this is a pass time book and sounds so much like the movies that are coming out on Ashwathama. I rate it 3 off 5.
September 27, 2024
This is my first book from Kevin Missal and it was not at all disappointing. I listened to this book on audio and it was such a fast paced and action packed book.
We follow the life of Ashwatthama post Mahabharata war. The book takes place in the present with elements of military, mythology and science fiction all woven seamlessly into an adventurous story with a wholesome ending.
Lessons are learnt, the misery of those grieving ends and so many other emotions were involved in the story. In the midst of all chaos Mayasura’s sunshine character with his cheeky grins was a welcome reprieve.
A mythical character makes a brief appearance making Instagram references and I was jumping up and down in absolute delight.
The bittersweet ending to the book and a mention of Ashwatthama’s role in Kalki’s life and Kaliyuga has me looking forward to reading The Kalki series by this author.
I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a relatively small and simple Indian Mythology based book.
The only reason this book is not a five star for me is because of the mildly cinematic touch to the action scenes.
We follow the life of Ashwatthama post Mahabharata war. The book takes place in the present with elements of military, mythology and science fiction all woven seamlessly into an adventurous story with a wholesome ending.
Lessons are learnt, the misery of those grieving ends and so many other emotions were involved in the story. In the midst of all chaos Mayasura’s sunshine character with his cheeky grins was a welcome reprieve.
A mythical character makes a brief appearance making Instagram references and I was jumping up and down in absolute delight.
The bittersweet ending to the book and a mention of Ashwatthama’s role in Kalki’s life and Kaliyuga has me looking forward to reading The Kalki series by this author.
I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a relatively small and simple Indian Mythology based book.
The only reason this book is not a five star for me is because of the mildly cinematic touch to the action scenes.
October 19, 2024
"Ashwatthama" by Kevin is a compelling retelling of a complex character from the Mahabharata. While not as detailed as Kevin's "Prahlad" and "Narasimha" series, the book does a great job setting the context and pulling the reader into Ashwatthama's journey. The world-building and exploration of his internal struggles make for an engaging read.
However, the ending feels rushed compared to the well-paced buildup. A more carefully crafted conclusion could have elevated the story. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and with a few tweaks, it could reach the next level. It’s a solid read, just short of greatness.
However, the ending feels rushed compared to the well-paced buildup. A more carefully crafted conclusion could have elevated the story. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and with a few tweaks, it could reach the next level. It’s a solid read, just short of greatness.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews