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Tantrics of Old #2
Horsemen of Old
‘There will come a time when it will talk to you.’
‘The Darkness?’
‘Yes. And when that time comes, do not answer.’
Cat and mouse. Hunter and prey.
A desperate flight, in sun and moonless night.
A country succumbing to the weight of its politics,
bleeding in the shadow of its history.
Frozen Bombay, a city of thieves and pirates.
Zaleb Hel, an island of secrets.
Nemen Sui, the black place.
Rajasthan, a burning desert waste where the heart eaters roam.
But the sound of hooves. They grow ever near.
The beating of drums. The end of days.
The Four Horsemen. The Apocalypse.
You are powerless to stop this, siblings. You have lost much.
Your innocence. Your love. Your greatest ally.
All you have now is the blood that ties you.
All you have now is each other.
‘The Darkness?’
‘Yes. And when that time comes, do not answer.’
Cat and mouse. Hunter and prey.
A desperate flight, in sun and moonless night.
A country succumbing to the weight of its politics,
bleeding in the shadow of its history.
Frozen Bombay, a city of thieves and pirates.
Zaleb Hel, an island of secrets.
Nemen Sui, the black place.
Rajasthan, a burning desert waste where the heart eaters roam.
But the sound of hooves. They grow ever near.
The beating of drums. The end of days.
The Four Horsemen. The Apocalypse.
You are powerless to stop this, siblings. You have lost much.
Your innocence. Your love. Your greatest ally.
All you have now is the blood that ties you.
All you have now is each other.
448 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2016
18 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Krishnarjun Bhattacharya
5 books65 followersKrishnarjun Bhattacharya is a graduate in Film and Video Communication from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad and a post graduate in TV Editing from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.
A wanderer of cities and a passionate game reviewer, hes an absolute lover of all things dark and grotesque. He dreams of writing compelling fantasy fiction for a living, madman that he is and telling stories lost to those who would remember.
He resides in a post-apocalyptic world, terrified of aliens, the walking dead and secret government WMDs, not to mention what lives under his bed.
He's currently working on the last book of the Tantric Trilogy, titled Myths of Old.
A wanderer of cities and a passionate game reviewer, hes an absolute lover of all things dark and grotesque. He dreams of writing compelling fantasy fiction for a living, madman that he is and telling stories lost to those who would remember.
He resides in a post-apocalyptic world, terrified of aliens, the walking dead and secret government WMDs, not to mention what lives under his bed.
He's currently working on the last book of the Tantric Trilogy, titled Myths of Old.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 5, 2016
Easily the most exhilirating English novel by an Indian author that I've read. I was literally running out of breath at places.
Horsemen of Old is one of those books that turns a complete stranger of a writer to a household name. While its predecessor was a brilliant story that was written in a way that left something to be desired, book 2 of this trilogy is a book incredibly close to flawless.
Fast paced, with masterful pauses in the story to catch your breath with whats happening, with a simple plot that's loaded, LOADED, with details SO intricate that you visualise every single thing you read vividly. The characters go through magnificent personal journeys, there are not too many to lose track, and you hear each of their dialogue in a different voice and dialect.
I could go on saying how it has impressed me. This is a book that I can bet money on to win awards. Krishnarjun deserves some fame solely because of this. WHAT a fantastic read!
Horsemen of Old is one of those books that turns a complete stranger of a writer to a household name. While its predecessor was a brilliant story that was written in a way that left something to be desired, book 2 of this trilogy is a book incredibly close to flawless.
Fast paced, with masterful pauses in the story to catch your breath with whats happening, with a simple plot that's loaded, LOADED, with details SO intricate that you visualise every single thing you read vividly. The characters go through magnificent personal journeys, there are not too many to lose track, and you hear each of their dialogue in a different voice and dialect.
I could go on saying how it has impressed me. This is a book that I can bet money on to win awards. Krishnarjun deserves some fame solely because of this. WHAT a fantastic read!
July 1, 2024
Pretty much a good instalment in a rather interesting trilogy of horror/fantasy based out of a post-apocalyptic India. The first part – Tantrics of Old had been a favorite of mine owing to its way of telling the story and how effectively the author used the tropes of fantasy in his story. He keeps the same momentum going in the second part too but the story line goes deeper into the mythos and the character arcs get more developed. The focus here is on the Ghosh twins – Maya and Gray and how they advance in age, experiences and how their scars and their battles come to define them. Gray grows from a terrified youngster to a grizzled veteran and Maya grows into something that neither she nor I (as a reader) anticipated.
A lot more interesting supporting characters come into play here and there is even a tribute to H.P. Lovecraft nestled in amidst all of it. The lore of the world expands much more and quite a few new locales get introduced. My favourite though was Jaisalmer with it is humongous forts, chivalrous history and the character of the little Queen. There was something so haunting about that locale and the ambiance. Krishnarjun Bhattacharya is a fan of Dungeons and Dragons and it shows in how he fleshes out locations and characters that envelop our principal protagonists.
I am glad I came across this series.
A lot more interesting supporting characters come into play here and there is even a tribute to H.P. Lovecraft nestled in amidst all of it. The lore of the world expands much more and quite a few new locales get introduced. My favourite though was Jaisalmer with it is humongous forts, chivalrous history and the character of the little Queen. There was something so haunting about that locale and the ambiance. Krishnarjun Bhattacharya is a fan of Dungeons and Dragons and it shows in how he fleshes out locations and characters that envelop our principal protagonists.
I am glad I came across this series.
August 27, 2016
The writing was amazing and it had quite a bit of interesting folklore which i really enjoyed for its creativity. I still liked book 1 more but this was wonderful too. Gray's character development is something to really look forward too. Hope book 3 comes out soon.
July 2, 2023
I’ve completed one more, the 2nd book of the tantric trilogy HORSEMEN OF OLD, written by Krishnarjun Bhattacharya, and the book is equally wonderful like the 1st one.
2nd book started where the 1st one end, but this time the main hero is not Adri Sen, it’s Gray Ghosh who took the story ahead with other characters - his sister Maya Ghosh, the assassin Fayne and the demon Zabrielle, and our story went further. They have to save the world from coming apocalypse which someone wants to bring and the 4 horsemen are the vehicles. But Adri Sen is no more, just a soul, and he can only stop the apocalypse, since he is the tantric. It’s upto Gray to bring his friend back and to journey all over the place - Old Kolkata to Frozen Bombay!!
Wonderful writing and imagination skills, so many narratives, so many stories, I guess the writer is fan of Hollywood and other stories, he tried to use them all and able to weave a new world out of it, a totally new world reminiscing of the old worlds, but different, there is magic, all type of dangerous creatures lurking around, and whatnot. And it’s an adventurous trip, a travelogue beyond imagination. I loved the book, like I loved the 1st one, and I also owned the 3rd one, so I will start reading it soon. The story seemed fresh, though inspired by so many things. The book is 446 pgs long, for which I literally took 120 days. I just missed one thing in the book, a map of sorts, the places the character travelled, it would be good, if I could somehow relate it with a map, like the writer provided in the 1st one. Do check it out, this is the 2nd book of the trilogy, my rating 4/5.
GRuchirG.
2nd book started where the 1st one end, but this time the main hero is not Adri Sen, it’s Gray Ghosh who took the story ahead with other characters - his sister Maya Ghosh, the assassin Fayne and the demon Zabrielle, and our story went further. They have to save the world from coming apocalypse which someone wants to bring and the 4 horsemen are the vehicles. But Adri Sen is no more, just a soul, and he can only stop the apocalypse, since he is the tantric. It’s upto Gray to bring his friend back and to journey all over the place - Old Kolkata to Frozen Bombay!!
Wonderful writing and imagination skills, so many narratives, so many stories, I guess the writer is fan of Hollywood and other stories, he tried to use them all and able to weave a new world out of it, a totally new world reminiscing of the old worlds, but different, there is magic, all type of dangerous creatures lurking around, and whatnot. And it’s an adventurous trip, a travelogue beyond imagination. I loved the book, like I loved the 1st one, and I also owned the 3rd one, so I will start reading it soon. The story seemed fresh, though inspired by so many things. The book is 446 pgs long, for which I literally took 120 days. I just missed one thing in the book, a map of sorts, the places the character travelled, it would be good, if I could somehow relate it with a map, like the writer provided in the 1st one. Do check it out, this is the 2nd book of the trilogy, my rating 4/5.
GRuchirG.
May 27, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is the second book of trilogy series Tantrics of old, I was highly impressed with part of 1 of this series and started with this one right away. Just like it's part 1 this one did not fail to impress me either.
The book continues from were it's prequel ended. Now there journey lies outside Kolkata for what they want to accomplish and this one is not going to be easy either. Unlike Kolkata they will now have to visit many places like-
- Frozen Bombay, a city of thieves and pirates.
- Zaleb Hel, an island of secrets with lobos around.
- Nemen Sui, the black place of flesh eaters.
- Rajasthan, a burning desert waste where the heart eaters roam.
With the powerful horseman chasing them, they are the only one's between them and the Apocalypse. Will they be able to succeed, is the question now?
What I liked in this book:
Mr Bhattacharya continued with adding new fantasy characters. The way he have fanaticized places like Frozen Mumbai,Zaleb Hel, Nemen Sui, etc it's very impressive and kudos for him to all his imaginations. Also, the way characters of Gray and Maya develops, its very interesting.
What could have been better:
At certain times I felt like that book was being over-streched. I felt too much of description was added which could have been avoided, especially in chapters related to Maya.
Conclusion
It does not disappoint you and is a must read. Highly recommended.
This is the second book of trilogy series Tantrics of old, I was highly impressed with part of 1 of this series and started with this one right away. Just like it's part 1 this one did not fail to impress me either.
The book continues from were it's prequel ended. Now there journey lies outside Kolkata for what they want to accomplish and this one is not going to be easy either. Unlike Kolkata they will now have to visit many places like-
- Frozen Bombay, a city of thieves and pirates.
- Zaleb Hel, an island of secrets with lobos around.
- Nemen Sui, the black place of flesh eaters.
- Rajasthan, a burning desert waste where the heart eaters roam.
With the powerful horseman chasing them, they are the only one's between them and the Apocalypse. Will they be able to succeed, is the question now?
What I liked in this book:
Mr Bhattacharya continued with adding new fantasy characters. The way he have fanaticized places like Frozen Mumbai,Zaleb Hel, Nemen Sui, etc it's very impressive and kudos for him to all his imaginations. Also, the way characters of Gray and Maya develops, its very interesting.
What could have been better:
At certain times I felt like that book was being over-streched. I felt too much of description was added which could have been avoided, especially in chapters related to Maya.
Conclusion
It does not disappoint you and is a must read. Highly recommended.
January 24, 2025
In this age of Movie-verses, sequels are the only thing that can spoil a movie.
But not so in case of books.
I thought Tantric of Old was a damn fine book. Then comes the Horseman. And oh boy… does it deliver.
It delivers with a bang. It steps up the blast that is Tantric and does so with a panache.
I can visualise each and every scene. Such is the mastery of the author. It helps that I am from Kolkata and residing in Mumbai. But then also, it is mind blowing.
Even the time taken out to write the review feels like a waste. I want to hit the sequel Myths.
But not so in case of books.
I thought Tantric of Old was a damn fine book. Then comes the Horseman. And oh boy… does it deliver.
It delivers with a bang. It steps up the blast that is Tantric and does so with a panache.
I can visualise each and every scene. Such is the mastery of the author. It helps that I am from Kolkata and residing in Mumbai. But then also, it is mind blowing.
Even the time taken out to write the review feels like a waste. I want to hit the sequel Myths.
April 10, 2020
A stunning sequel
Krishnaarjun's followup novel is packed tight with the same magical mix that Tantrics offered - fast paced writing, glorious world building and stellar prose. Good fantasy from Indian writers is as rare as alcohol during quarantine. If you get a chance to sink your teeth into this, the bite will definitely be more promising than a lot you might have tasted in recent times.
Do it. Do it. Do it. Read this book.
Krishnaarjun's followup novel is packed tight with the same magical mix that Tantrics offered - fast paced writing, glorious world building and stellar prose. Good fantasy from Indian writers is as rare as alcohol during quarantine. If you get a chance to sink your teeth into this, the bite will definitely be more promising than a lot you might have tasted in recent times.
Do it. Do it. Do it. Read this book.
June 2, 2022
Ok. So my second outing with the Necromancers is way better than the first, but what ticks me off is the abrupt charcter development. Characters develop too fast without much explanation and this spoils the lustre of the book. However kudos to the world building. Such an amazing blend of myth, fiction and fantasy deserve a standing ovation.
April 30, 2023
If Tantrics of Old was spellbinding, Horsemen of Old is a notch far above it. There were times I could not leave the book alone because I had too many questions, the plot is so well spun and the mysteries so beautifully intertwined. I cannot wait to gorge on the final part of the trilogy!!
January 17, 2023
A little stretched in the middle but a solid read till the end.
August 6, 2025
This 1st half of this part felt like it was just stalling you, but the 2nd half didn't disappoint.
August 11, 2022
Enjoyed the book
August 23, 2023
Introducing "Horsemen of Old: Book Two (The Tantric Trilogy)" by Krishnarjun Bhattacharya – a mesmerizing journey into a world of intrigue, darkness, and impending doom.
In this gripping tale, the blurb sets the stage for an impending cataclysm, weaving a complex tapestry of cat and mouse dynamics, historic burdens, and the enigmatic Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The promise of a sinister prophecy grips you from the get-go.
Krishnarjun Bhattacharya's writing style is nothing short of captivating. The blurb itself is a testament to his ability to craft vivid imagery and a sense of impending doom. The world he creates – from the frozen streets of Bombay to the secretive island of Zaleb Hel – is richly detailed, allowing readers to immerse themselves in its depths.
The characters and ideas presented are shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The siblings facing an unforgiving destiny are haunted by their losses, and the bonds that tie them are their only hope. This setup piques curiosity, promising complex relationships and deep emotional journeys.
The blurb hints at an intricately woven plot that blends historical weight, politics, and elements of the supernatural. The themes of loss, unity, and the impending apocalypse create an intense narrative tension that begs to be explored.
Emotionally, the blurb evokes a sense of foreboding and curiosity. The impending doom is palpable, and the sacrifices the characters have made for their survival resonate deeply.
Strengths lie in the evocative writing style and the way the blurb tantalizes readers with glimpses of a multifaceted plot. However, potential weaknesses could arise if the intricate setup becomes convoluted in execution.
Personally, the blurb's dark allure drew me in, promising an immersive experience filled with twists and turns. I'm excited to see how the themes of destiny and sibling bonds unfold in the context of such a perilous world.
In conclusion, "Horsemen of Old: Book Two (The Tantric Trilogy)" is a masterfully crafted blend of mystique, suspense, and impending catastrophe. With its evocative writing and promises of complex characters and an intricate plot, readers are in for an enthralling ride. Get ready to be swept away by a tale that will leave you eagerly turning pages to uncover its secrets.
In this gripping tale, the blurb sets the stage for an impending cataclysm, weaving a complex tapestry of cat and mouse dynamics, historic burdens, and the enigmatic Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The promise of a sinister prophecy grips you from the get-go.
Krishnarjun Bhattacharya's writing style is nothing short of captivating. The blurb itself is a testament to his ability to craft vivid imagery and a sense of impending doom. The world he creates – from the frozen streets of Bombay to the secretive island of Zaleb Hel – is richly detailed, allowing readers to immerse themselves in its depths.
The characters and ideas presented are shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The siblings facing an unforgiving destiny are haunted by their losses, and the bonds that tie them are their only hope. This setup piques curiosity, promising complex relationships and deep emotional journeys.
The blurb hints at an intricately woven plot that blends historical weight, politics, and elements of the supernatural. The themes of loss, unity, and the impending apocalypse create an intense narrative tension that begs to be explored.
Emotionally, the blurb evokes a sense of foreboding and curiosity. The impending doom is palpable, and the sacrifices the characters have made for their survival resonate deeply.
Strengths lie in the evocative writing style and the way the blurb tantalizes readers with glimpses of a multifaceted plot. However, potential weaknesses could arise if the intricate setup becomes convoluted in execution.
Personally, the blurb's dark allure drew me in, promising an immersive experience filled with twists and turns. I'm excited to see how the themes of destiny and sibling bonds unfold in the context of such a perilous world.
In conclusion, "Horsemen of Old: Book Two (The Tantric Trilogy)" is a masterfully crafted blend of mystique, suspense, and impending catastrophe. With its evocative writing and promises of complex characters and an intricate plot, readers are in for an enthralling ride. Get ready to be swept away by a tale that will leave you eagerly turning pages to uncover its secrets.
March 12, 2017
The perfect way to expand the Old Universe.Loved the way the Old Universe expanded and the journey of the characters. Perfect sequel to the Tantrics!!
The first one in the trilogy, Tantrics of Old revolved around Kolkata. The sequel Horsemen of Old, expands into the universe of Old, giving us glimpses of the entire Old country. Yeah, almost all the major cities are mentioned or explored in the novel
The journey starts right after Adri Sen's cunning escape from Death and was confined to the soul gem . The female lead Maya, who was in a comatose state almost all through the first book, takes up reins here as the lead of the group, Gray, Fayne and another delightful addition..thanks to the demon commander of Old Kolkata. Their journey starts from Old Kolkata to Frozen Bombay via the shadowlands in search of the Keeper to bring back Adri Sen. The journey is picture perfectly captured....Their emotions, their worst fears...the conflicts among them, all of them are very believably written.. The humor flows through subtly, without creating or forcing separate sequence for it, which I am truly grateful.
Some of the one liners like "Fayne was expecting a flow of rant and Gray did not disappoint" "A single hit on her head could kill her on the spot, or cripple her if the hail was generous enough" are delight to read... My favorite of all, of course," The first book is the most difficult.Once you do have the courage to start,though, it is nothing but journey." and this one comes from a librarian.kudos.
Coming to the ending..it sets up a perfect theme for the final book. The way Darkness embraces. ;)
And I am waiting for, how the immortality of horsemen is put to the test in the final volume of the trilogy ;) :D
All the best for the third book!!!
The first one in the trilogy, Tantrics of Old revolved around Kolkata. The sequel Horsemen of Old, expands into the universe of Old, giving us glimpses of the entire Old country. Yeah, almost all the major cities are mentioned or explored in the novel
The journey starts right after Adri Sen's cunning escape from Death and was confined to the soul gem . The female lead Maya, who was in a comatose state almost all through the first book, takes up reins here as the lead of the group, Gray, Fayne and another delightful addition..thanks to the demon commander of Old Kolkata. Their journey starts from Old Kolkata to Frozen Bombay via the shadowlands in search of the Keeper to bring back Adri Sen. The journey is picture perfectly captured....Their emotions, their worst fears...the conflicts among them, all of them are very believably written.. The humor flows through subtly, without creating or forcing separate sequence for it, which I am truly grateful.
Some of the one liners like "Fayne was expecting a flow of rant and Gray did not disappoint" "A single hit on her head could kill her on the spot, or cripple her if the hail was generous enough" are delight to read... My favorite of all, of course," The first book is the most difficult.Once you do have the courage to start,though, it is nothing but journey." and this one comes from a librarian.kudos.
Coming to the ending..it sets up a perfect theme for the final book. The way Darkness embraces. ;)
And I am waiting for, how the immortality of horsemen is put to the test in the final volume of the trilogy ;) :D
All the best for the third book!!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews