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The Sixth: The Legend of Karna: Part 1
"Karan vir Oberoi, a real-estate magnate living in New York has recurrent dreams of someone that looks like an ancient warrior clad in golden armour adorning golden earrings. He feels a deep bond with the warrior but the dreams remain a mystery to him. After miraculously surviving an assassination attempt, Oberoi is determined to seek answers. His quest for truth leads him back to his homeland India where his true destiny awaits him.
Karna, the legendary hero from the Mahabharata is considered as one of the most valiant and generous kings of his era. He defied social customs and traditions to achieve immortal glory by his virtues and skills. He became a king and trusted friend of Duroyadhana - the crown prince of Hastinapur.
Embark on a journey with Oberoi as the two worlds blend and as he seeks the answer to his existence.
Will history repeat itself or will Oberoi choose to venture into an uncharted territory? Unravel the mystery. Read the legend!
The Sixth — The legend of Karna is a masterpiece in storytelling by Karan Vir Arora — an Award winning CEO/Creative Director Vimanika Comics. He ushers us not only into his passionate research of fifteen years but the grandeur of a forgotten era, and presents before us a completely new and unexplored facets of Kama in his debut novel and the rumoured bestseller."
Karna, the legendary hero from the Mahabharata is considered as one of the most valiant and generous kings of his era. He defied social customs and traditions to achieve immortal glory by his virtues and skills. He became a king and trusted friend of Duroyadhana - the crown prince of Hastinapur.
Embark on a journey with Oberoi as the two worlds blend and as he seeks the answer to his existence.
Will history repeat itself or will Oberoi choose to venture into an uncharted territory? Unravel the mystery. Read the legend!
The Sixth — The legend of Karna is a masterpiece in storytelling by Karan Vir Arora — an Award winning CEO/Creative Director Vimanika Comics. He ushers us not only into his passionate research of fifteen years but the grandeur of a forgotten era, and presents before us a completely new and unexplored facets of Kama in his debut novel and the rumoured bestseller."
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 7, 2017
I liked the book cover so much I directly approached publishers and I was lucky to get a review copy of the Sixth - the legend of Karna by Karan Vir in exchange for an honest review. Though I prefer English books less, I chose this book because of adorable cover art.
The book is divided into two parallels. The first one is obvious about Karna, the legend. The illegitimate son of Kunti has struggled the most among other characters in the Mahabharata. The book covers very nicely incidents from Karna's childhood to his training to his becoming King of Angha. In parallel, Karanvir Oberoi in current time is shown as real estate tycoon in New York. Everything in his life was in place, but his dreams were giving his disturbing thoughts at times. He kept having strange dreams about war/fighting scenes. Things changed completely when he found himself in between terrorist attack. Surprisingly he showed valor and fought those terrorists. During his fight, he used Sanskrit Shlokas - chants. Karan was confused about his strange reaction. Things ended up at an interesting turn, having high expectation for next part.
I liked following things about the book
- Action sequences
- Characterization of Karna & Karanvir
- Fast & fluid paced story
http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/11...
The book is divided into two parallels. The first one is obvious about Karna, the legend. The illegitimate son of Kunti has struggled the most among other characters in the Mahabharata. The book covers very nicely incidents from Karna's childhood to his training to his becoming King of Angha. In parallel, Karanvir Oberoi in current time is shown as real estate tycoon in New York. Everything in his life was in place, but his dreams were giving his disturbing thoughts at times. He kept having strange dreams about war/fighting scenes. Things changed completely when he found himself in between terrorist attack. Surprisingly he showed valor and fought those terrorists. During his fight, he used Sanskrit Shlokas - chants. Karan was confused about his strange reaction. Things ended up at an interesting turn, having high expectation for next part.
I liked following things about the book
- Action sequences
- Characterization of Karna & Karanvir
- Fast & fluid paced story
http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/11...
August 25, 2017
Mahabharata is one of the interesting epics in the Indian mythology. Every character of this epic is notable; one of them is Karna who is the greatest interest among the writers. I always look forward reading Mahabharata and this is the sole reason I accepted reviewing this book. I would like to thanks the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You may read the full book review on my blog The Sixth: The Legend of Karna: Part 1 by Karan Vir Arora - Book review
Plot summary:
This book narrates a story of Karan Vir Oberoi, a renowned real-estate tycoon based in New York. He frequently gets nightmare depicting some ancient warrior in golden earring and armor. Trying to brush it off, he gets curious to know who this person is.
During all this, he miraculously survived an attack and becomes more determined to find the answers. Searching for answers, he comes to India and fell Déjà vu at various circumstances.
On the other hand, the author has narrated the tale of Karna. Who is a fierce warrior, the martial-arts expert and generous king of Anga. The author has beautifully narrated the birth of Karna, his childhood and how he struggled hard to prove his ability. In short, the author has retold the story from the point of view of Karna.
Presently, Karan is unconscious. Is there any similarity between these past and present events? This book travels to solve the mystery.
My perception:
This book is good for those who don’t know Mahabharata’s story and wanted to read more about Karna. The author wanted to link between Karan and Karna’s story, but I didn’t find it impressive. The only interesting part in this book is to read about Karna and his voice. The sketches are also good. I think this book could have been more interesting if the author has written equally about Karan too. If you love Mahabharata and want to read about Karna then you can give it a read.
You may read the full book review on my blog The Sixth: The Legend of Karna: Part 1 by Karan Vir Arora - Book review
Plot summary:
This book narrates a story of Karan Vir Oberoi, a renowned real-estate tycoon based in New York. He frequently gets nightmare depicting some ancient warrior in golden earring and armor. Trying to brush it off, he gets curious to know who this person is.
During all this, he miraculously survived an attack and becomes more determined to find the answers. Searching for answers, he comes to India and fell Déjà vu at various circumstances.
On the other hand, the author has narrated the tale of Karna. Who is a fierce warrior, the martial-arts expert and generous king of Anga. The author has beautifully narrated the birth of Karna, his childhood and how he struggled hard to prove his ability. In short, the author has retold the story from the point of view of Karna.
Presently, Karan is unconscious. Is there any similarity between these past and present events? This book travels to solve the mystery.
My perception:
This book is good for those who don’t know Mahabharata’s story and wanted to read more about Karna. The author wanted to link between Karan and Karna’s story, but I didn’t find it impressive. The only interesting part in this book is to read about Karna and his voice. The sketches are also good. I think this book could have been more interesting if the author has written equally about Karan too. If you love Mahabharata and want to read about Karna then you can give it a read.
August 30, 2017
From where should I begin to describe this book. I'm at loss of words, its superb that's all I can say. Its one of the best ones I've read so far.
Cover is superb, giving it a more refined touch with the designing effects that's been embedded into the being, incorporating an overall design that mesmerizes our minds, the moment we touch it.
Title is the most interesting part I loved about the book. It gives a deep insight of the fact that Karna was the 6th Pandavas in the Dharma yudh (holy war) of kurukshetra waged between Pandavas and Kauravas.
Theme is on mahabharat and the life story of karna, a warrior who has been lost in the depths of time and space, who was lost in the generations and heroes whose stories were foretold until the end of time. Many were oblivious of his great deeds, though a pandav who fought from the side of the kaurava (enemy), but always stood upright and uphold dharma in every possible way he could, yet he was ostracized by the history as a villainous character and a person with prior ulterior motive for fame and recognition.
The story in the book begins with the wide description of our epics, gods and goddesses, myths and legends, epics and battles. People often say history is written by the victors. But even if the radiant sunlight hides the lights of the smaller stars, even if those lights never reach the people, there
exists a star, who risks its life to shine brightly. This is a story about one such star. An enigma, who wielded unparalleled influence for a person who never
appeared in the pages of history. Blazing across the battlefield in a flash of white as he cut down sturdy enemies with one swing. Admired by allies as a pillar of
support while instilling terror in his foes. He said he'll go even if it's raining cats or dogs or spears.
The great mahabharat war with the sacrifice of many nameless warriors & soldiers, the protracted war finally came to a close. In its wake, it left behind legends,
stories of great heroes to be told & retold for generations to come. Legends such as the battle of ramayana, that day two heroes were born in India, each with
their own powers, one found his name engraved in the memorial stone & the other became to be known as the angraj karna.
In the mahabharat world, its not how you live its how you die. A warrior's life is not measured by how they live, but rather its measured by what they manage to
accomplish before their death. So this was the greatness of karna, though his name tarnished in the history as a warrior who lost his life in the hands of arjuna, but the mere fact of his life and the fare share of troubles he underwent took a huge toll on his life. Even his beloved krishna, his guru Parshuram were all the reasons behind his death.
Language is kept flawless, its on par with the great foreign writers. Its been a long time since a read something so graceful yet splendid. Its the language that shapes it towards the path of excellency. Though there are few mistakes we encounter at some places of the book, its completely negligible.
Narration is kept flawless from the beginning to the end. Its perfect and the amount of research done by the author is fabulous and is seen throughout the book right from the beginning description of the book.
Overall an awesome read, eagerly waiting for the other sequels.
Cover is superb, giving it a more refined touch with the designing effects that's been embedded into the being, incorporating an overall design that mesmerizes our minds, the moment we touch it.
Title is the most interesting part I loved about the book. It gives a deep insight of the fact that Karna was the 6th Pandavas in the Dharma yudh (holy war) of kurukshetra waged between Pandavas and Kauravas.
Theme is on mahabharat and the life story of karna, a warrior who has been lost in the depths of time and space, who was lost in the generations and heroes whose stories were foretold until the end of time. Many were oblivious of his great deeds, though a pandav who fought from the side of the kaurava (enemy), but always stood upright and uphold dharma in every possible way he could, yet he was ostracized by the history as a villainous character and a person with prior ulterior motive for fame and recognition.
The story in the book begins with the wide description of our epics, gods and goddesses, myths and legends, epics and battles. People often say history is written by the victors. But even if the radiant sunlight hides the lights of the smaller stars, even if those lights never reach the people, there
exists a star, who risks its life to shine brightly. This is a story about one such star. An enigma, who wielded unparalleled influence for a person who never
appeared in the pages of history. Blazing across the battlefield in a flash of white as he cut down sturdy enemies with one swing. Admired by allies as a pillar of
support while instilling terror in his foes. He said he'll go even if it's raining cats or dogs or spears.
The great mahabharat war with the sacrifice of many nameless warriors & soldiers, the protracted war finally came to a close. In its wake, it left behind legends,
stories of great heroes to be told & retold for generations to come. Legends such as the battle of ramayana, that day two heroes were born in India, each with
their own powers, one found his name engraved in the memorial stone & the other became to be known as the angraj karna.
In the mahabharat world, its not how you live its how you die. A warrior's life is not measured by how they live, but rather its measured by what they manage to
accomplish before their death. So this was the greatness of karna, though his name tarnished in the history as a warrior who lost his life in the hands of arjuna, but the mere fact of his life and the fare share of troubles he underwent took a huge toll on his life. Even his beloved krishna, his guru Parshuram were all the reasons behind his death.
Language is kept flawless, its on par with the great foreign writers. Its been a long time since a read something so graceful yet splendid. Its the language that shapes it towards the path of excellency. Though there are few mistakes we encounter at some places of the book, its completely negligible.
Narration is kept flawless from the beginning to the end. Its perfect and the amount of research done by the author is fabulous and is seen throughout the book right from the beginning description of the book.
Overall an awesome read, eagerly waiting for the other sequels.
August 4, 2017
THE TITLE-
Why Karna? Basically both the Pandavas and Kauravas came from a extremely privileged position. They are wealthy princes, they get the best education that was available at the time and they are generally pampered by everyone. They keep on competing/fighting with each other for petty reason and finally go to big war against each other for paltry reason of property dispute between cousins. There was no real structural injustice against the Pandavas or Kauravas.
But with Karna its a different story (and with Eaklavya). He had to face hurdles every step on the way. He was raised as a poor 'sutputra' and did not have any special privileges like Kaurava or Pandavas. Dronacharya denied teaching him because he was not a Kshatriya and nobody cared if he was there or not. He had to resort to lie for learning from Parshurama where he learned so well that Parshurama said that Karna had reached his own level. But because he had to lie he invited terrible curse from Parshurama. He was conned by Indra to give up his Kavacha (armor). The list of structural difficulties and injustice just goes on...
Basically, I consider Karna to the real hero of Mahabharata because he was the one who had to fight the system. He was not just fighting 'other people' but he was fighting against the injustice within the societal structure of the time.
Similarly to this context, our present day hero is Karan.
The title and the word together amalgamate to give us the theme of the conclusion of sadness. Since the beginning of time, people have been trying to change the world so that they can be happy. This hasn’t ever worked, because it approaches the problem backward. What The Work gives us is a way to change the projector—mind—rather than the projected. It’s like when there’s a piece of lint on a projector’s lens. We think there’s a flaw on the screen, and we try to change this person and that person, whomever the flaw appears on next. But it’s futile to try to change the projected images. Once we realize where the lint is, we can clear the lens itself. This is the end of suffering, and the beginning of a little joy in paradise.
REVIEW OF THE BOOK-
I just loved the characterization within the plot. The characters within the book were, from a certain point of view, identical on some fundamental level ‒ there weren't any images of them, no physical tangibility whatsoever. They were pictures in the reader's head, constructs of imagination and ideas, given shape by the writer's work and skill and the reader's imagination. Parents, of a sort. This book will give you a feeling that Stories start in all sorts of places. Where they begin often tells the reader of what to expect as they progress. Castles often lead to dragons, country estates to deeds of deepest love (or of hate), and ambiguously presented settings usually lead to equally as ambiguous characters and plot, leaving a reader with an ambiguous feeling of disappointment. That's one of the worst kinds.
I loved the essence of the presence of two stories running parallel with each other. The plot refers that when people’s parallel truth collides with their real truth, they may have a hard time in subduing all the fanciful items and characters of their invented world.
Karna is a historical fiction, but with a tinge of modernism with it. The sketches used within the plot provide an additional enthusiasm to the readers. A special mention also goes to the cover for the beautiful illustration and portrayal of a true hero.
This book portrays very beautifully that Past Present and Future Exist All At Once as Parallel Moments in Time. Karna is truly the sixth hero after the pandavas, but what happens to the real estate magnate? Can history and present be merged?
If you have to find the answers to the above questions please order the book from
http://www.amazon.in/dp/935201586X/re...
Overall I would like to rate the book 42 on a scale of 50.
4 stars out of 5
1. Originality of the plot and sub plots- 9/10
2. Net emotions in the story- 8/10
3. Usage of words and phrases-8/10
4. The title, cover and the illustration-8/10
5. The net impact on the readers- 9/10
Why Karna? Basically both the Pandavas and Kauravas came from a extremely privileged position. They are wealthy princes, they get the best education that was available at the time and they are generally pampered by everyone. They keep on competing/fighting with each other for petty reason and finally go to big war against each other for paltry reason of property dispute between cousins. There was no real structural injustice against the Pandavas or Kauravas.
But with Karna its a different story (and with Eaklavya). He had to face hurdles every step on the way. He was raised as a poor 'sutputra' and did not have any special privileges like Kaurava or Pandavas. Dronacharya denied teaching him because he was not a Kshatriya and nobody cared if he was there or not. He had to resort to lie for learning from Parshurama where he learned so well that Parshurama said that Karna had reached his own level. But because he had to lie he invited terrible curse from Parshurama. He was conned by Indra to give up his Kavacha (armor). The list of structural difficulties and injustice just goes on...
Basically, I consider Karna to the real hero of Mahabharata because he was the one who had to fight the system. He was not just fighting 'other people' but he was fighting against the injustice within the societal structure of the time.
Similarly to this context, our present day hero is Karan.
The title and the word together amalgamate to give us the theme of the conclusion of sadness. Since the beginning of time, people have been trying to change the world so that they can be happy. This hasn’t ever worked, because it approaches the problem backward. What The Work gives us is a way to change the projector—mind—rather than the projected. It’s like when there’s a piece of lint on a projector’s lens. We think there’s a flaw on the screen, and we try to change this person and that person, whomever the flaw appears on next. But it’s futile to try to change the projected images. Once we realize where the lint is, we can clear the lens itself. This is the end of suffering, and the beginning of a little joy in paradise.
REVIEW OF THE BOOK-
I just loved the characterization within the plot. The characters within the book were, from a certain point of view, identical on some fundamental level ‒ there weren't any images of them, no physical tangibility whatsoever. They were pictures in the reader's head, constructs of imagination and ideas, given shape by the writer's work and skill and the reader's imagination. Parents, of a sort. This book will give you a feeling that Stories start in all sorts of places. Where they begin often tells the reader of what to expect as they progress. Castles often lead to dragons, country estates to deeds of deepest love (or of hate), and ambiguously presented settings usually lead to equally as ambiguous characters and plot, leaving a reader with an ambiguous feeling of disappointment. That's one of the worst kinds.
I loved the essence of the presence of two stories running parallel with each other. The plot refers that when people’s parallel truth collides with their real truth, they may have a hard time in subduing all the fanciful items and characters of their invented world.
Karna is a historical fiction, but with a tinge of modernism with it. The sketches used within the plot provide an additional enthusiasm to the readers. A special mention also goes to the cover for the beautiful illustration and portrayal of a true hero.
This book portrays very beautifully that Past Present and Future Exist All At Once as Parallel Moments in Time. Karna is truly the sixth hero after the pandavas, but what happens to the real estate magnate? Can history and present be merged?
If you have to find the answers to the above questions please order the book from
http://www.amazon.in/dp/935201586X/re...
Overall I would like to rate the book 42 on a scale of 50.
4 stars out of 5
1. Originality of the plot and sub plots- 9/10
2. Net emotions in the story- 8/10
3. Usage of words and phrases-8/10
4. The title, cover and the illustration-8/10
5. The net impact on the readers- 9/10
September 5, 2017
Review-
The book starts with the picture of a warrior,with closed eyes,facing upwards. It can be partially called a picture book,as most of the chapters are illustrated using the pictures.Karan Vir is the protagonist of the book. My first thought after reading the protagonist's name and his description was- is this book an autobiography? After reading this book,we can't consider it as an autobiography as there is no hint as such in the whole book. Maybe, some hint would be provided by the author in the upcoming book of the trilogy.
The story goes on like this. Karan Vir has frequent dreams related to Karna, the eldest of Pandavas. We find him equally confused as we ourselves are after reading about the dreams. His dreams become a nightmare and it eventually starts overpowering him and his mind. He finds it very difficult to come out of it. In order to find the answers to all the unanswered questions,he visits India. And,this is how the rest of the story goes on.
Coming to the language of the book,it is simple and lucid. One will not need a high vocab to give this book a read. However,there are certain Sanskrit words,whose meaning needs ti be found out while reading the book. The good thing is that the reader is provided with a glossary at the end of the book to look for meanings. But I would have really appreciated if words ,whose meanings are provided at the end,were italicized. This would have made this book an easy read. It gets very irritating to look back and forth,again and again while reading the text.
The ending of the book seems clueless to me. Obviously,one needs to wait for the upcoming part to know the whole story,but I find this book incomplete. Incomplete in the sense of plot and structure. And,that leaves me clueless. However,I would suggest you to wait for the upcoming part. Maybe,it is a trick used by the author to keep his readers on track. So,if you haven't read about Karna, the legendary hero of Mahabharata ,or if you feel reading Mahabharata is a very boring task,go for this book. You will be acquainted with the Legend of Karna, without actually getting bored. Give it a try.
The book starts with the picture of a warrior,with closed eyes,facing upwards. It can be partially called a picture book,as most of the chapters are illustrated using the pictures.Karan Vir is the protagonist of the book. My first thought after reading the protagonist's name and his description was- is this book an autobiography? After reading this book,we can't consider it as an autobiography as there is no hint as such in the whole book. Maybe, some hint would be provided by the author in the upcoming book of the trilogy.
The story goes on like this. Karan Vir has frequent dreams related to Karna, the eldest of Pandavas. We find him equally confused as we ourselves are after reading about the dreams. His dreams become a nightmare and it eventually starts overpowering him and his mind. He finds it very difficult to come out of it. In order to find the answers to all the unanswered questions,he visits India. And,this is how the rest of the story goes on.
Coming to the language of the book,it is simple and lucid. One will not need a high vocab to give this book a read. However,there are certain Sanskrit words,whose meaning needs ti be found out while reading the book. The good thing is that the reader is provided with a glossary at the end of the book to look for meanings. But I would have really appreciated if words ,whose meanings are provided at the end,were italicized. This would have made this book an easy read. It gets very irritating to look back and forth,again and again while reading the text.
The ending of the book seems clueless to me. Obviously,one needs to wait for the upcoming part to know the whole story,but I find this book incomplete. Incomplete in the sense of plot and structure. And,that leaves me clueless. However,I would suggest you to wait for the upcoming part. Maybe,it is a trick used by the author to keep his readers on track. So,if you haven't read about Karna, the legendary hero of Mahabharata ,or if you feel reading Mahabharata is a very boring task,go for this book. You will be acquainted with the Legend of Karna, without actually getting bored. Give it a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2020
*** Karna : The sixth ***
Written by @karanvirarora
Karna, the tragic hero of Indian Epic Mahabharata is always sidelined for siding with Kauravas.
Author Karan Vir Arora, founder of Vimanika comics has come up with trilogy on Karna, a series which Mythology lovers will devour.
In this book two stories run parallely - story of protagonist Karan Vir Arora, a real-estate tycoon based in NYC who frequently dreams about the warrior Karna. In order to find answers to the questions he travels to India, Bhagalpur in Bihar.
Similarly author narrates story of Karna and portrays him from different perspective, meticulously describes his childhood, his Ashram days with lord Parshurama and the difficulties his faces being a 'Sutputra'. Determined Karna faces all odds to become the greatest archer of Tetra Yuga. Characterisation of Karna is compelling and is scrupulously described, story telling is fluent and concise. The stunning illustrations provided brings the story alive. It is truly praiseworthy effort of the Author for writing this. It keeps you engaged right through. Also a list of glossary for the Sanskrit words used in the book is provided in the end.
Author has maintained suspense at the end of the story using the line 'to be continued' which makes you eagerly wait for the sequel !
Rating 4.5/5
Reviewed by Ankush Rai for Get the facts History
IG @getthefactshistory
Written by @karanvirarora
Karna, the tragic hero of Indian Epic Mahabharata is always sidelined for siding with Kauravas.
Author Karan Vir Arora, founder of Vimanika comics has come up with trilogy on Karna, a series which Mythology lovers will devour.
In this book two stories run parallely - story of protagonist Karan Vir Arora, a real-estate tycoon based in NYC who frequently dreams about the warrior Karna. In order to find answers to the questions he travels to India, Bhagalpur in Bihar.
Similarly author narrates story of Karna and portrays him from different perspective, meticulously describes his childhood, his Ashram days with lord Parshurama and the difficulties his faces being a 'Sutputra'. Determined Karna faces all odds to become the greatest archer of Tetra Yuga. Characterisation of Karna is compelling and is scrupulously described, story telling is fluent and concise. The stunning illustrations provided brings the story alive. It is truly praiseworthy effort of the Author for writing this. It keeps you engaged right through. Also a list of glossary for the Sanskrit words used in the book is provided in the end.
Author has maintained suspense at the end of the story using the line 'to be continued' which makes you eagerly wait for the sequel !
Rating 4.5/5
Reviewed by Ankush Rai for Get the facts History
IG @getthefactshistory
August 30, 2017
TITLE : The title gives a glimpse of the story. The title ‘The Sixth : The Legend Of Karna’ is very interesting and apt to the plot of the book.
COVER : The cover is very eye catching. I just loved the cover of the book.
The book is amazing, thrilling and the author Karan Vir Arora maintained a suspense at the end of the story using the line ‘To be continued…’
This book is the first part of the ‘KARNA TRILOGY’ and the author has nailed it.
The narration of the book is mind blowing. I liked the parallel narration of the book very much.
The language used is very simple and which can be easily understand.
Must read this book if you are a book lover.
COVER : The cover is very eye catching. I just loved the cover of the book.
The book is amazing, thrilling and the author Karan Vir Arora maintained a suspense at the end of the story using the line ‘To be continued…’
This book is the first part of the ‘KARNA TRILOGY’ and the author has nailed it.
The narration of the book is mind blowing. I liked the parallel narration of the book very much.
The language used is very simple and which can be easily understand.
Must read this book if you are a book lover.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews