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Yakshini
Meenakshi is the youngest of seven daughters of the Patil family, a respectable household in the village of Vatgaon in Maharashtra. She is as chirpy as a little girl can be, but then puberty strikes and her life turns upside-down. Meenakshi begins to grow faster than her sisters, but even as she physically matures, mentally she is still a child and unknown to the vicious ways of the male-dominated world she lives in.
Her only savior is the entity that lives inside her—a Yakshini—who will go to any lengths to protect Meenakshi from the evil men around her.
But is the Yakshini really her savior or will her ways eventually lead to Meenakshi's doom? And will the emotionless Yakshini understand to restrain herself when Meenakshi falls in true love?
Follow Meenakshi's life from her age 13 to 31, through a gamut of relationships with various men, and how she comes to terms with the Yakshini, who might after all be nothing more than a dark side of her own personality.
Yakshini, a standalone story, is Book 2 of the Supernatural India Series. Book 1 of the series is Pishacha, also by the same author.
Her only savior is the entity that lives inside her—a Yakshini—who will go to any lengths to protect Meenakshi from the evil men around her.
But is the Yakshini really her savior or will her ways eventually lead to Meenakshi's doom? And will the emotionless Yakshini understand to restrain herself when Meenakshi falls in true love?
Follow Meenakshi's life from her age 13 to 31, through a gamut of relationships with various men, and how she comes to terms with the Yakshini, who might after all be nothing more than a dark side of her own personality.
Yakshini, a standalone story, is Book 2 of the Supernatural India Series. Book 1 of the series is Pishacha, also by the same author.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2017
112 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Neil D'Silva
32 books174 followersWith 12 books to his credit, Neil D’Silva is a known name in the Indian literary world. His unique stories have struck a chord with a wide range of readers, eliciting praise from various quarters. He is published with leading publishers such as Penguin Random House, Rupa Publications, and Hachette among others, and has won screen adaptation deals on four of his books.
He has been named as one of the Top 7 Indian horror writers to be read by UK’s DESIblitz magazine. Considered as one of the forerunners of contemporary Indian horror literature, he has been covered by several leading publications and is invited to speak at prominent litfests around the country.
He was a winner at the Delhi Literature Festival Short Story Competition of 2015. His book Maya’s New Husband won the title of Entertainer of the Year at the Literary Awards 2015 that was co-hosted by Authors’ Ink Publications and Inside Stories.
He has been named as one of the Top 7 Indian horror writers to be read by UK’s DESIblitz magazine. Considered as one of the forerunners of contemporary Indian horror literature, he has been covered by several leading publications and is invited to speak at prominent litfests around the country.
He was a winner at the Delhi Literature Festival Short Story Competition of 2015. His book Maya’s New Husband won the title of Entertainer of the Year at the Literary Awards 2015 that was co-hosted by Authors’ Ink Publications and Inside Stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 1, 2025
My friends know that I'm not a horror reader. As such, I was totally unfamiliar with the name, Neil D'Silva, until I saw it on the cover of Route 13: Highway to Hell. He had written the foreword for this horror anthology and that write-up revealed his passion for writing and the horror genre. I never imagined then that I'd interact with Neil in another group. Curious cat that I am, I wanted to check out one of his books. That's how Yakshini landed in my reading list, in spite of its being a horror novel.
The first thing that attracts you about Yakshini is its brilliant cover. The artwork is so striking that it creates a great impact on the reader's mind. The next intriguing part is the story. Reading the blurb tells you that this is a juxtaposition of mythology and horror, not a combination that you see often.
Yakshini is the story of a young girl named Meenakshi who lives an ordinary life in an ordinary village. The only thing is, she isn't ordinary. Blessed with celestial beauty, Meenakshi doesn't understand some events unfurling in her life until time reveals a horrifying truth. She has a bloodthirsty Yakshini living within her. From that point on, the story resembles a battle of wills between Meenakshi and the Yakshini.
So, does 'Yakshini' meet my expectations? Mostly yes with a generous sprinkling of no. The initial part of the book is set in the fictitious village of Vatgaon. The simplicity of rural life and the mentality of the people is brought to life beautifully. Right from the start, you are hooked into the story. The writing is pacy and upto about 50% of the book, you'll find it very difficult to keep it aside. (I'd rate this first section of the book 4.75! It's that captivating!) Things then become a little repetitive but not hopeless. Neil D'Silva has a knack of twisting the story in an unexpected direction each time you become complacent in your reading. It is the twists that keep you going in the second half more than the story itself.
I did enjoy the book, as much as I can possibly "enjoy" a horror novel! The characters of Meenakshi and her parents are nicely layered. The sprinkling of Marathi words in the spoken dialogues adds tremendously to the charm of the book.
Meenakshi is supposed to be the youngest of seven daughters but no where in the book is this fact used as a banal "daughters are burdens" trope by the author. I was just beginning to admire him for this refreshing take until I realised that the narrative is succumbing to a different cliche: that men look at a woman for her body alone. Though required by the story because of the Yakshini factor, I, as a woman, found it getting on my nerves. A minor thing that bugged me towards the end was that when the narrative should have been quick because of the upcoming end, a couple of chapters in that last section begin with philosophical musings. This affects the tempo of the climax. But these are micro problems. Viewed on macroscopic scale, the book does deliver. I had mentioned in my Route 13 review how important "closure" is to me when I read horror. This novel does provide complete closure, to my great relief.
There is a little gore in the story but I guess that's a staple in horror books nowadays. Overall, it is still a very interesting book to read. If you want to try a different kind of horror, Yakshini will suit your requirements perfectly. It's scary, but not typical bhoot-pret-vampire horror. It will give you chills and thrills adequately.
********************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, " Readers Forever! ", for more reviews and other book-related discussions and fun.
The first thing that attracts you about Yakshini is its brilliant cover. The artwork is so striking that it creates a great impact on the reader's mind. The next intriguing part is the story. Reading the blurb tells you that this is a juxtaposition of mythology and horror, not a combination that you see often.
Yakshini is the story of a young girl named Meenakshi who lives an ordinary life in an ordinary village. The only thing is, she isn't ordinary. Blessed with celestial beauty, Meenakshi doesn't understand some events unfurling in her life until time reveals a horrifying truth. She has a bloodthirsty Yakshini living within her. From that point on, the story resembles a battle of wills between Meenakshi and the Yakshini.
So, does 'Yakshini' meet my expectations? Mostly yes with a generous sprinkling of no. The initial part of the book is set in the fictitious village of Vatgaon. The simplicity of rural life and the mentality of the people is brought to life beautifully. Right from the start, you are hooked into the story. The writing is pacy and upto about 50% of the book, you'll find it very difficult to keep it aside. (I'd rate this first section of the book 4.75! It's that captivating!) Things then become a little repetitive but not hopeless. Neil D'Silva has a knack of twisting the story in an unexpected direction each time you become complacent in your reading. It is the twists that keep you going in the second half more than the story itself.
I did enjoy the book, as much as I can possibly "enjoy" a horror novel! The characters of Meenakshi and her parents are nicely layered. The sprinkling of Marathi words in the spoken dialogues adds tremendously to the charm of the book.
Meenakshi is supposed to be the youngest of seven daughters but no where in the book is this fact used as a banal "daughters are burdens" trope by the author. I was just beginning to admire him for this refreshing take until I realised that the narrative is succumbing to a different cliche: that men look at a woman for her body alone. Though required by the story because of the Yakshini factor, I, as a woman, found it getting on my nerves. A minor thing that bugged me towards the end was that when the narrative should have been quick because of the upcoming end, a couple of chapters in that last section begin with philosophical musings. This affects the tempo of the climax. But these are micro problems. Viewed on macroscopic scale, the book does deliver. I had mentioned in my Route 13 review how important "closure" is to me when I read horror. This novel does provide complete closure, to my great relief.
There is a little gore in the story but I guess that's a staple in horror books nowadays. Overall, it is still a very interesting book to read. If you want to try a different kind of horror, Yakshini will suit your requirements perfectly. It's scary, but not typical bhoot-pret-vampire horror. It will give you chills and thrills adequately.
********************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, " Readers Forever! ", for more reviews and other book-related discussions and fun.
November 23, 2019
'Yakshini'.....this book attracted me by its very best cover and a just there blurb and just by reading that my interest got piqued.
I have till date nevervread a paranormal fiction or read anything with entities other than humans but then I just thought I needed to expand my reading choice and genre and picked this up.
This is the story of Meenakshi a precocious teen who looks way more older than her actual age and way more enchanting and mesmerizing. Then there are all sorts of paranormal activities happening around her that just make the initial part of the story very interesting.
The characters, the descriptions are done very well. The narration is very meticulously done but then in between the story slacked.
Harikumar is a prospective suitor who falls for the young Meenakshi and wants to get married to her. In between all this are the beautiful Sal tree which communicates with her.
The story is developed real well and the explanation of the events happen at the end of it. Although many loose ends got tied by the end the feeling of having missed some part of Meenakshi's life.
The story spooked me to some extent that I did not read the book before sleep.
If you love to read horror fiction or paranormal fiction then i highly recommend this book. If you want to explore this genre then this story is a good place to start your foray into this genre.
I have till date nevervread a paranormal fiction or read anything with entities other than humans but then I just thought I needed to expand my reading choice and genre and picked this up.
This is the story of Meenakshi a precocious teen who looks way more older than her actual age and way more enchanting and mesmerizing. Then there are all sorts of paranormal activities happening around her that just make the initial part of the story very interesting.
The characters, the descriptions are done very well. The narration is very meticulously done but then in between the story slacked.
Harikumar is a prospective suitor who falls for the young Meenakshi and wants to get married to her. In between all this are the beautiful Sal tree which communicates with her.
The story is developed real well and the explanation of the events happen at the end of it. Although many loose ends got tied by the end the feeling of having missed some part of Meenakshi's life.
The story spooked me to some extent that I did not read the book before sleep.
If you love to read horror fiction or paranormal fiction then i highly recommend this book. If you want to explore this genre then this story is a good place to start your foray into this genre.
June 2, 2018
After reading, ‘Maya’s new husband’ and ‘Right behind you’ I have become a huge fan of Mr. Neil D’silva. His stories always have some new flavor. This book was on my Kindle for many months and I finally decided to give it a read. I have never read anything about Yakshini so this concept made me more eager. The blurb was quite interesting. However, I thought that this would be a Bollywood type of story (werewolf kind) but it turned out something different. Let’s check more about this book.
Do connect with us on http://www.haloofbooks.com
Plot summary:
The protagonist of this book is Meenakshi Patil, a 13-years-old girl from the remote village of Maharashtra, Vatgaon. The Patil couple has seven daughters and Meenu is the youngest. They are a normal happy living family.
Meenakshi is the most beautiful girl one has ever seen. As per her age, she loves to play outside and she has a companion in the form of Sal tree. She loves to be with nature. Everything was going fine, until one day Meenu starts listening female voices in her head.
Her family starts noticing that she is growing very fast. However, they don’t give heeds to it.
Gradually, strange things start happening in the village, few adolescence boys went missing. There is something wrong with Meenu and even villagers start noticing it.
Meenu and her parents got to know that a Yakshini is trapped in her body. This could be harmful or harmless but no one has the accurate answer.
One day, a boy comes to see her elder sister for marriage but he ends up choosing Meenu.
Who is this Yakshini living inside Meenu? How she affects her life? Why is Meenu the most beautiful? Why men lust for her? Will she ever get a chance to live a normal girl’s life? What will be the fate of her lovers? What will be the fate of her?
Read this fascinating yet horrifying story of an innocent girl turning into flesh eater.
My perception:
This book is a huge entertainer. My eyes were literally glued till the end. The book opens up in a village which is beautifully painted by the author. This book not only tells the story of Yakshini or Meenu but tell story of all the women. How they have to face the lustful eyes of men? And how they have to keep quiet? Many of the conversation of Yakshini with Meenu shows how women need to be prepare for themselves. Coming to the horror point, this book did justice to its genre. The author is master to describe gore (as we have already seen in Maya’s new husband) the same tempo is maintained here with a dash of horror. Apart from these, I have found a heartbreaking story in this book which needs to be appreciated. I have not described plot summary much because it will burst the bubble.
In the hindsight, this is a must read, highly recommended book from my side.
Do connect with us on http://www.haloofbooks.com
Plot summary:
The protagonist of this book is Meenakshi Patil, a 13-years-old girl from the remote village of Maharashtra, Vatgaon. The Patil couple has seven daughters and Meenu is the youngest. They are a normal happy living family.
Meenakshi is the most beautiful girl one has ever seen. As per her age, she loves to play outside and she has a companion in the form of Sal tree. She loves to be with nature. Everything was going fine, until one day Meenu starts listening female voices in her head.
Her family starts noticing that she is growing very fast. However, they don’t give heeds to it.
Gradually, strange things start happening in the village, few adolescence boys went missing. There is something wrong with Meenu and even villagers start noticing it.
Meenu and her parents got to know that a Yakshini is trapped in her body. This could be harmful or harmless but no one has the accurate answer.
One day, a boy comes to see her elder sister for marriage but he ends up choosing Meenu.
Who is this Yakshini living inside Meenu? How she affects her life? Why is Meenu the most beautiful? Why men lust for her? Will she ever get a chance to live a normal girl’s life? What will be the fate of her lovers? What will be the fate of her?
Read this fascinating yet horrifying story of an innocent girl turning into flesh eater.
My perception:
This book is a huge entertainer. My eyes were literally glued till the end. The book opens up in a village which is beautifully painted by the author. This book not only tells the story of Yakshini or Meenu but tell story of all the women. How they have to face the lustful eyes of men? And how they have to keep quiet? Many of the conversation of Yakshini with Meenu shows how women need to be prepare for themselves. Coming to the horror point, this book did justice to its genre. The author is master to describe gore (as we have already seen in Maya’s new husband) the same tempo is maintained here with a dash of horror. Apart from these, I have found a heartbreaking story in this book which needs to be appreciated. I have not described plot summary much because it will burst the bubble.
In the hindsight, this is a must read, highly recommended book from my side.
August 7, 2020
Yakshini chronicles the story of a 15 year old girl named Meenakshi who is the youngest of the seven daughters of the Patil couple. They lead a peaceful life in a small Maharashtrian village. and Meenakshi often finds solace in the company of the Sal tree in her garden. One fine day, Meenakshi discovers a voice of another person inside her-that of a Yakshini bound by a celestial curse to be trapped inside a human body. Things take a sudden turn when Meenakshi's fast maturity and her exotic beauty coincides with other strange occurrences in the village. It remains to be seen if the Yakshini is her savior or an evil force that is out to destroy mankind.
The writing style is simple yet engaging. It details life in a village, its customs and superstitious beliefs of the rural folk. It's interesting how the topic of mythology blends well with the supernatural element in the plot.
The character of Meenakshi's generates sympathy as a young girl who has to constantly live in fear and is subjected to various taunts. This includes the preying lustful eyes of men-an issue that the author manages to touch upon and which mirrors reality. Another interesting portrayal is the role of nature being a faithful companion and rendering solace whenever needed.
Yakshini is a page turner. It takes the reader on a roller coaster ride and makes them encounter a myriad of emotions.
August 12, 2021
Name : Yakshini
Writer : Neil D'Silva
Publisher: Rupa publications
Pages : 254
Shop : Amazon
The story is about meenakshi , a fifteen year old and seventh daughter in her family.
After having six daughters in their family, they prayed and performed several rituals to have a boy baby , and they meenakshi entered the family. Everybody loved her in the family until that evil thing happened.
Once a boy from the village , misbehaved to her and he was paralyzed. And another boy was found dead in her garden .
During that time , meenakshi heard a voice within her, it's Yakshini.
Initially she protected meenakshi from these evil eyes . After some days , Meenakshi got married to a lovely person and Yakshini showed her face again.
Who is Yakshini?
What happened to meenakshi?
What happened to her marriage life ?
Rest in story..
Thanks to @sruthi for suggesting the book .
Writer : Neil D'Silva
Publisher: Rupa publications
Pages : 254
Shop : Amazon
The story is about meenakshi , a fifteen year old and seventh daughter in her family.
After having six daughters in their family, they prayed and performed several rituals to have a boy baby , and they meenakshi entered the family. Everybody loved her in the family until that evil thing happened.
Once a boy from the village , misbehaved to her and he was paralyzed. And another boy was found dead in her garden .
During that time , meenakshi heard a voice within her, it's Yakshini.
Initially she protected meenakshi from these evil eyes . After some days , Meenakshi got married to a lovely person and Yakshini showed her face again.
Who is Yakshini?
What happened to meenakshi?
What happened to her marriage life ?
Rest in story..
Thanks to @sruthi for suggesting the book .
March 29, 2021
Easily a 5 star read for me, A thrilling tale, where the author with his brilliance has sewed two worlds that of mythology and horror so beautifully.
This was really an amazing to read Horror thriller..
The Story is Of Meenakshi and Of a "Yakshini" who is Cursed, This Yakshini takes it upon herself to protect Meenakshi from every lecherous men, but is it as good as it sounds, certainly not...
I Loved Reading this Book, for it's plot, Character as well as simple way of Storytelling..
Recommended for everyone who wants to read a good fiction with a bit of Horror that will not terorise you and will still give you goosebumps which you will enjoy..
Hope you like it as much as I did...
This was really an amazing to read Horror thriller..
The Story is Of Meenakshi and Of a "Yakshini" who is Cursed, This Yakshini takes it upon herself to protect Meenakshi from every lecherous men, but is it as good as it sounds, certainly not...
I Loved Reading this Book, for it's plot, Character as well as simple way of Storytelling..
Recommended for everyone who wants to read a good fiction with a bit of Horror that will not terorise you and will still give you goosebumps which you will enjoy..
Hope you like it as much as I did...
August 12, 2020
First, I would like to say that I have never read a paranormal or Horror novel ever and this is my first take on the genre with this book. First, I would like to talk about the cover of the book which is the most perfect proportion of Gothic, Mystic and Mythology with touches of Divinity in it. The book cover itself speaks all about the book and I have personally felt that this book had to be championed and recommended for higher education in The Indian Literature studies.
The story revolves around the 15 year old girl, Meenakshi who had a being in her, the Yakshini in the form of an eternal curse and here it is where the tussel between this being and her starts, who preys on men. I liked the author's thought inducing idea of the village folks omniscient believes in the supernatural and propaganding them worng, though how much educated they may be. The author has bought out the theme or the concept of the extraordinary in the theory of 'one body, two soul' which everyone of us have irrespective of the Gender.Though the book has the perspective of a female protagonist, the idea to protect one's own body by a female herself unleashing and unchaining the hidden demoness within her, if need arises, definitely makes this body of fictional work ONE amongst the many Indian Supernatural books ever written. While reading this book, I was flashed with the images of Greek literature Demi Gods of the Titans, in it's depiction of the symbol of Indian Demigods, Originating from Kubera. But, this book is more justifiable and in comparison more beautiful than any of the Greek cult literature because it has quite in a wonderous form, painted out the rich Indian wilders in it's imagising of the Sal Tree. Some scenes of this book has really become too Grotesque for me and I had some difficulty that only the men's sexual pleasures or carnal desires have been highlighted but again the subject/theme of the book needs for such a depiction. The human follies has been so deftly carried forward by this book that even the DemiGod Kubera is being shown to mock the human follies in their stereotype notions of a boy child as an extension of a generation, as soon as one daughter is born. The girl is made to suffer in her entireity of life and in the camouflage of this, the society is being blamed. But, after finishing this book, I was haunted and some persisting questions stuck in my thought process that Can we ever have faith in the extraordinary? Can the mythological being or the supernatural justify our commoners prayers for them? Or will we be punished for every folly that is being done? One lesson that I got from this book is that when a being falls into an utter danger then their is no one to relieve and rescue them, not even the society and it will never will. The persisting point that will keep every reader glued to the last pages of the book is that For all the follies done in a male dominated patriarchal society, a feminine figure is to be made the scapegoat, which again points out the damn society's biasness for the so called 'masculine' till this date. Love definitely is a magic healer and this book has made me Steadfastly believe in that fact. I have my best regards for the author for his future endeavours and I am definitely not hoping to read any book which is so tantalizing and Hauntingly beautiful, quoting the author's words himself.
The story revolves around the 15 year old girl, Meenakshi who had a being in her, the Yakshini in the form of an eternal curse and here it is where the tussel between this being and her starts, who preys on men. I liked the author's thought inducing idea of the village folks omniscient believes in the supernatural and propaganding them worng, though how much educated they may be. The author has bought out the theme or the concept of the extraordinary in the theory of 'one body, two soul' which everyone of us have irrespective of the Gender.Though the book has the perspective of a female protagonist, the idea to protect one's own body by a female herself unleashing and unchaining the hidden demoness within her, if need arises, definitely makes this body of fictional work ONE amongst the many Indian Supernatural books ever written. While reading this book, I was flashed with the images of Greek literature Demi Gods of the Titans, in it's depiction of the symbol of Indian Demigods, Originating from Kubera. But, this book is more justifiable and in comparison more beautiful than any of the Greek cult literature because it has quite in a wonderous form, painted out the rich Indian wilders in it's imagising of the Sal Tree. Some scenes of this book has really become too Grotesque for me and I had some difficulty that only the men's sexual pleasures or carnal desires have been highlighted but again the subject/theme of the book needs for such a depiction. The human follies has been so deftly carried forward by this book that even the DemiGod Kubera is being shown to mock the human follies in their stereotype notions of a boy child as an extension of a generation, as soon as one daughter is born. The girl is made to suffer in her entireity of life and in the camouflage of this, the society is being blamed. But, after finishing this book, I was haunted and some persisting questions stuck in my thought process that Can we ever have faith in the extraordinary? Can the mythological being or the supernatural justify our commoners prayers for them? Or will we be punished for every folly that is being done? One lesson that I got from this book is that when a being falls into an utter danger then their is no one to relieve and rescue them, not even the society and it will never will. The persisting point that will keep every reader glued to the last pages of the book is that For all the follies done in a male dominated patriarchal society, a feminine figure is to be made the scapegoat, which again points out the damn society's biasness for the so called 'masculine' till this date. Love definitely is a magic healer and this book has made me Steadfastly believe in that fact. I have my best regards for the author for his future endeavours and I am definitely not hoping to read any book which is so tantalizing and Hauntingly beautiful, quoting the author's words himself.
July 5, 2025
Started off well. Good plot line. But there was no depth of feelings and justification of emotions. Just lot of things happening fast.
August 26, 2020
Quotes from the book-
" Something deep within her told her that there was nothing more terrifying than the magnitude of nature. Man could not hold a candle to nature's whims and fancies."
"But she liked the solitude. Where humans were out of favour, nature won. "
"It is funny how a person's punishment is never really confined to the person."
"When the divinities created the earth, they bestowed upon it every beauty that they would conjure. But, of course, their greatest act- and undoubtedly the most challenging-was to make this beauty sustain itself."
Food for thought:
Yakshinis are the female counterparts of the Yakshas who are omniscient throughout Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist mythology. They're the embodiment of the benevolent and malevolent aspects of the divine female form. Scriptures have uncovered truths of them being mesmerizing to the eye and portrayed as the reflection of duality. Each of them has a distinct ritual to their name and mantras dedicated to their existence.
The storyline is clearly defined by the tenacity and audacity of the spirit of the female protagonist. At the start, you get the feeling of being narrated folklore, which is handed down to generations, and as it progresses, you get more than what meets the eye.
Every incident is explained with so much attention to detail that the visual imagery gets alive in our imagination. The plot draws you in slowly and steadily like a well-constructed architecture that connects every thread to another and gives rise to an opportune moment where you marvel at the course of action.
The storyline is riddled with meaning and context. I never felt more drawn to a book, and its characters, especially in the supernatural tonality blending in with the mythology genre.
The female protagonist is at the forefront and deserves all the limelight. She adds identity and integrity to the plot. Her flawed past and uncertain future make it a realistic account to read in the present. She's full of potential and possibility, just like the narrative which held my attention throughout. Her voice is heard the loudest, and so is the self-knowledge that she flashes our way.
Disclaimer:
The trials and tribulations faced by women daily are depicted in an impactful manner. The author has explored subjugated women's themes in a patriarchal society and the various means by which these women resist and attempt to gain individuality and independence. The message conveyed through the book is veritable and has nailed its colors to the mast.
Dive into it and find yourself anticipating the next move! I loved every bit of it! It certainly is an irresistible page-turner, and I am truly humbled to have this gem on my bookshelf. Indian mythology has another name added to the hall of fame- Neil D'Silva.
" Something deep within her told her that there was nothing more terrifying than the magnitude of nature. Man could not hold a candle to nature's whims and fancies."
"But she liked the solitude. Where humans were out of favour, nature won. "
"It is funny how a person's punishment is never really confined to the person."
"When the divinities created the earth, they bestowed upon it every beauty that they would conjure. But, of course, their greatest act- and undoubtedly the most challenging-was to make this beauty sustain itself."
Food for thought:
Yakshinis are the female counterparts of the Yakshas who are omniscient throughout Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist mythology. They're the embodiment of the benevolent and malevolent aspects of the divine female form. Scriptures have uncovered truths of them being mesmerizing to the eye and portrayed as the reflection of duality. Each of them has a distinct ritual to their name and mantras dedicated to their existence.
The storyline is clearly defined by the tenacity and audacity of the spirit of the female protagonist. At the start, you get the feeling of being narrated folklore, which is handed down to generations, and as it progresses, you get more than what meets the eye.
Every incident is explained with so much attention to detail that the visual imagery gets alive in our imagination. The plot draws you in slowly and steadily like a well-constructed architecture that connects every thread to another and gives rise to an opportune moment where you marvel at the course of action.
The storyline is riddled with meaning and context. I never felt more drawn to a book, and its characters, especially in the supernatural tonality blending in with the mythology genre.
The female protagonist is at the forefront and deserves all the limelight. She adds identity and integrity to the plot. Her flawed past and uncertain future make it a realistic account to read in the present. She's full of potential and possibility, just like the narrative which held my attention throughout. Her voice is heard the loudest, and so is the self-knowledge that she flashes our way.
Disclaimer:
The trials and tribulations faced by women daily are depicted in an impactful manner. The author has explored subjugated women's themes in a patriarchal society and the various means by which these women resist and attempt to gain individuality and independence. The message conveyed through the book is veritable and has nailed its colors to the mast.
Dive into it and find yourself anticipating the next move! I loved every bit of it! It certainly is an irresistible page-turner, and I am truly humbled to have this gem on my bookshelf. Indian mythology has another name added to the hall of fame- Neil D'Silva.
October 12, 2020
Story brings out lot of social pitfalls in this male dominated world, treating girl as Substance of pleasure, not giving freedom of play and moving around, getting them married at an early age, not giving schooling, always wanting a boy child, Commenting about girls abusively and so on. I never felt this is a horror story, plainly because, for me, the book highlights social issues more.
Yakshini
Author: Neil D'Silva
Meenu (Meenakshi), seventh girl child of Patil parents, is 15 by chronological age and 20+ by maturity. For me, she is an innocent girl child enjoying nature and gets comforted in the presence of Sal tree and wind, she loves to play hide and seek and Box jump.
Her extraordinary beauty attracts evil eyes and many male try to spoil her physically and in their mind and Everytime she gets protected by her powerful Inner self, Yakshini. (Ofcourse, there are men who truly love her).
Story brings out lot of social pitfalls in this male dominated world, treating girl as Substance of pleasure, not giving freedom of play and moving around, getting them married at an early age, not giving schooling, always wanting a boy child, Commenting about girls abusively and so on. I never felt this is a horror story, plainly because, for me, the book highlights social issues more.
Yes, there are paranormal incidents, but nothing I would fear, in fact, I started feeling that we should have many more Meenu and Paranormal activities to change this earth.
I must admit the simplicity of the language, characters, detailed and minute narration helped me to watch a movie rather than simply reading a book, such is the visualization, the book brings.
Neil, The author, is a powerful story teller. What a communication, what a narration...! We all are personalities having multiple stand point, sometimes pole opposite. We all are very logical many a times, and irrational on few occasions. There is a Meenu and there is a Yakshini in all of us. Who takes control of the situation depends on the situation...!
I feel very satisfied as I put down the book after completing it.
Quotes I loved from the book
1. "Something deep within her told her that there was nothing more terrifying than the magnitude of nature. Man could not hold a candle to nature's whims and fancies."
2. "But she liked the solitude. Where humans were out of favour, nature won. "
3. "It is funny how a person's punishment is never really confined to the person."
Yakshini
Author: Neil D'Silva
Meenu (Meenakshi), seventh girl child of Patil parents, is 15 by chronological age and 20+ by maturity. For me, she is an innocent girl child enjoying nature and gets comforted in the presence of Sal tree and wind, she loves to play hide and seek and Box jump.
Her extraordinary beauty attracts evil eyes and many male try to spoil her physically and in their mind and Everytime she gets protected by her powerful Inner self, Yakshini. (Ofcourse, there are men who truly love her).
Story brings out lot of social pitfalls in this male dominated world, treating girl as Substance of pleasure, not giving freedom of play and moving around, getting them married at an early age, not giving schooling, always wanting a boy child, Commenting about girls abusively and so on. I never felt this is a horror story, plainly because, for me, the book highlights social issues more.
Yes, there are paranormal incidents, but nothing I would fear, in fact, I started feeling that we should have many more Meenu and Paranormal activities to change this earth.
I must admit the simplicity of the language, characters, detailed and minute narration helped me to watch a movie rather than simply reading a book, such is the visualization, the book brings.
Neil, The author, is a powerful story teller. What a communication, what a narration...! We all are personalities having multiple stand point, sometimes pole opposite. We all are very logical many a times, and irrational on few occasions. There is a Meenu and there is a Yakshini in all of us. Who takes control of the situation depends on the situation...!
I feel very satisfied as I put down the book after completing it.
Quotes I loved from the book
1. "Something deep within her told her that there was nothing more terrifying than the magnitude of nature. Man could not hold a candle to nature's whims and fancies."
2. "But she liked the solitude. Where humans were out of favour, nature won. "
3. "It is funny how a person's punishment is never really confined to the person."
December 26, 2017
Who are Yakshinis? Yakshinis are the female counterpart of the male yaksha. Yaksha and Yakshinis are deputed guardian of earth’s wealth and also look after treasures hidden below the surface of earth. Most of Yakshinis are extremely beautiful and femininely voluptuous capable of seducing anyone in this mortal world.People using or pleasing Yakshinis are doomed ultimately. It can be said beyond doubt that even seeking help from or using these powers in solving material issues is risky. Not only it is detrimental to one’s spiritual evolution but their signature energies and fatal attraction leads to a strong bond between ‘the user and the used’ sealing the practitioner’s fate in the dark realms.
The protagonist Meenakshi Patil, possessed by a Yakshini, is one of seven children born to Renuka in a small village in Maharashtra. The story covers the superstition of the villagers who are found unable to reason with incidents happening to Meenakshi. The Patil family grapples to find out the true nature of the Yakshini. Is she an evil murderess or is she a blessing in disguise, protecting Meenakshi from harm? For this Yakshini is neither black nor white, but as gray as they come.
However, Yakshini is more than just a supernatural story. It's about the horrors women face in the hands of egoistic and lustful men, and how they tend to survive. The way women instinctively react to a situation, and the repercussions of their actions, has been very perceptively and sensitively potrayed by the author. It shows what a gentleman he must be in real life as well. It also projects how women can make the world a safer place for themseves by hitting back at men who try to take advantage of them.
Very few authors can create the perfect atmosphere for horror and supernatural and Neil D’Silva is one of them. With Yakshini, the writer continues his good work and emerges as the master of horror, thrill and suspense with mythological elements blended in it. The prose is simple yet very effective.I have completed it in one sitting.
The protagonist Meenakshi Patil, possessed by a Yakshini, is one of seven children born to Renuka in a small village in Maharashtra. The story covers the superstition of the villagers who are found unable to reason with incidents happening to Meenakshi. The Patil family grapples to find out the true nature of the Yakshini. Is she an evil murderess or is she a blessing in disguise, protecting Meenakshi from harm? For this Yakshini is neither black nor white, but as gray as they come.
However, Yakshini is more than just a supernatural story. It's about the horrors women face in the hands of egoistic and lustful men, and how they tend to survive. The way women instinctively react to a situation, and the repercussions of their actions, has been very perceptively and sensitively potrayed by the author. It shows what a gentleman he must be in real life as well. It also projects how women can make the world a safer place for themseves by hitting back at men who try to take advantage of them.
Very few authors can create the perfect atmosphere for horror and supernatural and Neil D’Silva is one of them. With Yakshini, the writer continues his good work and emerges as the master of horror, thrill and suspense with mythological elements blended in it. The prose is simple yet very effective.I have completed it in one sitting.
March 31, 2020
Fiction – the best part about fiction is that it sets your imagination free. The writer of fiction can expand his/ her limits to infinity. Something similar is what I experienced with Yakshini, authored by Neil D’Silva and published by Rupa Publications. The plot is set in the late ’90s and early 2000.
The story is about a simple village, Meenakshi, who turns out to be a seductress, unknowingly and unintentionally, which later puts her into problems. It is only later that she learns that in her body lives another creature called Yakshini, owing to a curse.
The story revolves around Meenakshi and how she protects her husband from this demoness within. As one moves ahead with the story, it for the readers to see, whether Meenakshi controls the Yakshini, or is it the other way around? And who wins finally!
The author has picked up a leaf from Mythology and spun a tale around it. Meenakshi is stark opposite from the Yakshini that resides within her and the difference of the transition is also captured very clearly. The plot is interesting and unusual. The story is neatly crafted, and it is a well-thought one. The phase of Meenakshi’s marital life gets a little boring at times, but then the author brings in a twist in no time.
No points for guessing that the flow is flawless and characterization is engaging. The rural elements, changes in the lifestyle of characters are neatly depicted. It is a good read if you enjoy reading fiction.
My ratings: 4.5 out of 5.
The story is about a simple village, Meenakshi, who turns out to be a seductress, unknowingly and unintentionally, which later puts her into problems. It is only later that she learns that in her body lives another creature called Yakshini, owing to a curse.
The story revolves around Meenakshi and how she protects her husband from this demoness within. As one moves ahead with the story, it for the readers to see, whether Meenakshi controls the Yakshini, or is it the other way around? And who wins finally!
The author has picked up a leaf from Mythology and spun a tale around it. Meenakshi is stark opposite from the Yakshini that resides within her and the difference of the transition is also captured very clearly. The plot is interesting and unusual. The story is neatly crafted, and it is a well-thought one. The phase of Meenakshi’s marital life gets a little boring at times, but then the author brings in a twist in no time.
No points for guessing that the flow is flawless and characterization is engaging. The rural elements, changes in the lifestyle of characters are neatly depicted. It is a good read if you enjoy reading fiction.
My ratings: 4.5 out of 5.
January 28, 2018
I am not a big fan of horror movies and books, not because I don't like the genre, but because my mind goes into an imaginative, there-is-a-ghost-in-your-house rollercoaster after I finish the movie or the book. But sometimes I give in to temptation. We all like that thrill, don't we? The thrill of your mind playing games with you.
I have read Neil's Maya's New Husband and was thoroughly disgusted by the antagonist (a compliment) and completely fascinated by the writing and the story.
Yakshini, Neil's latest, is also an example of fine writing. He sets the mood of the story very well in the beginning - The Patil Family, their neighbors, the whole setup of the village etc. You get the first goosebumps when the tree puts a gold coin in Meenakshi's hand. And then slowly the revelation that another entity called a Yakshini, lives inside Meenakshi's body takes place. I don't want to reveal a lot of the story because the readers will miss the chills otherwise.
The story has some very unexpected twists and turns which makes for an engaging read. Just when you are about to predict the next twist, the author sways his head in disagreement and gives you something entirely different.
Do pick this one up for some thrills, some spooky fun and a great story.
I have read Neil's Maya's New Husband and was thoroughly disgusted by the antagonist (a compliment) and completely fascinated by the writing and the story.
Yakshini, Neil's latest, is also an example of fine writing. He sets the mood of the story very well in the beginning - The Patil Family, their neighbors, the whole setup of the village etc. You get the first goosebumps when the tree puts a gold coin in Meenakshi's hand. And then slowly the revelation that another entity called a Yakshini, lives inside Meenakshi's body takes place. I don't want to reveal a lot of the story because the readers will miss the chills otherwise.
The story has some very unexpected twists and turns which makes for an engaging read. Just when you are about to predict the next twist, the author sways his head in disagreement and gives you something entirely different.
Do pick this one up for some thrills, some spooky fun and a great story.
January 30, 2018
The book starts out on a very promising note & while it is an engaging read, the plot could have been tackled in a much better manner.
Meenakshi Patil is a 13 year old whose life changes drastically when she starts hearing a voice in her head. The protagonist's character & her family are well established in the beginning of the story line. However 25% through the book the location changes abrubtly & new characters are introduced. Just as the reader is digesting this change, the protagonist starts behaving quite contrary to what would or should have been expected out of her & then the story itself starts meandering wildly. The author seems to have been rushed towards the end trying to tie up loose ends & give the story some sense of an ending.
Overall though though the book quite exceeded my expectations the author could have done a lot more with the well established characters who seem to have been wasted towards the end.
Meenakshi Patil is a 13 year old whose life changes drastically when she starts hearing a voice in her head. The protagonist's character & her family are well established in the beginning of the story line. However 25% through the book the location changes abrubtly & new characters are introduced. Just as the reader is digesting this change, the protagonist starts behaving quite contrary to what would or should have been expected out of her & then the story itself starts meandering wildly. The author seems to have been rushed towards the end trying to tie up loose ends & give the story some sense of an ending.
Overall though though the book quite exceeded my expectations the author could have done a lot more with the well established characters who seem to have been wasted towards the end.
June 8, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive a signed copy of this book. The cover page designed by Mugdha Sadhwani and illustrated by Onkar Fondekar is absolutely beautiful.
This was my first book by Neil D'silva. When I started reading it I really did not know what to expect. However, after reading it I feel like the author has created a seperate genre for himself. I haven't come across any other Indian author who writes similar content. His style of writing is fresh, crisp and simple.
Loved the concept of Yakshini. I did nkt know anything about them before I stumbled upon this book.The blend of suspense, mythology, horror with a dash of erotica made it quite an interesting read.
Overall it was a good book.The ending could have been more interesting. Nevertheless it is definitely worth a read.
This was my first book by Neil D'silva. When I started reading it I really did not know what to expect. However, after reading it I feel like the author has created a seperate genre for himself. I haven't come across any other Indian author who writes similar content. His style of writing is fresh, crisp and simple.
Loved the concept of Yakshini. I did nkt know anything about them before I stumbled upon this book.The blend of suspense, mythology, horror with a dash of erotica made it quite an interesting read.
Overall it was a good book.The ending could have been more interesting. Nevertheless it is definitely worth a read.
March 29, 2021
Blog link : https://kalaikoodam.blogspot.com/2021...
I have been a long time fan of horror literature right from the day I read 'Dracula'. After that I have been ardently following Stephen King and Shirley Jackson. When I was searching for some horror reads of Indian writers; I came across the name Neil D' Silva. I read Pishacha & Maya's new husband few years back and that was a pretty good read. When I came across this book in the library, the blurb sparked my interest and I went for the read.
Fifteen year old Meenakshi is the youngest daughter in a family of seven daughters. From the start we can see that she is not normal. There is something happening inside her that even she is not aware of. She sees the apparition of a naked man and spends a lot of time with a tree that grows in their courtyard as if they are talking to each other. She has the body of an adult lady and so many men lust after her. While things go like this, a person comes to her house to talk about marrying her elder sister. On seeing Meenakshi, he changes his mind and is hell bent on marrying her. Around this time, they get to know that a Yakshini is trapped inside Meenakshi due to a curse. So they try to marry her off to that guy who takes her to Mumbai. What happened at the village that made them take this decision? How does her secret hold out in the company of her husband? How it affects her married life and how safe the husband is and what transpires ahead forms the remaining story.
The story seemed pretty interesting. It starts off well and goes on pretty decently. The characterization of Meenakshi as well as her husband was interesting. The author does try to bring in the life in a village, the superstitions and practices that are followed there and also he tries to show how some men lust after women and how such crimes do happen which is even relevant in our current times. The backstory of Yakshini seemed interesting. On the downside, I felt like there was not much depth to the story. Halfway into the book, it suddenly seemed to lose steam as if fast forwarding the story to finish it quickly. The rush did hinder the book towards the last. I hoped Meenakshi will come out as a very strong character in the end but it did not. I mean; we wont get such a feel once you are done with the book. Horror literature followers will be easily able to deduce what is going to happen mostly. So you cant expect something like a suspense or edge of seat thrills reading this.
I feel this can be made as an Indian soap opera and will not stand if taken as a movie in case we go for a screen adaptation. Considering my previous reads of Neil D' Souza; like Pishacha and Maya's New Husband; I was bit disappointed with this outing. Overall, a quick read for horror lovers. Don't expect thrills as in his previous works but this can engage you as a good one time read.
I have been a long time fan of horror literature right from the day I read 'Dracula'. After that I have been ardently following Stephen King and Shirley Jackson. When I was searching for some horror reads of Indian writers; I came across the name Neil D' Silva. I read Pishacha & Maya's new husband few years back and that was a pretty good read. When I came across this book in the library, the blurb sparked my interest and I went for the read.
Fifteen year old Meenakshi is the youngest daughter in a family of seven daughters. From the start we can see that she is not normal. There is something happening inside her that even she is not aware of. She sees the apparition of a naked man and spends a lot of time with a tree that grows in their courtyard as if they are talking to each other. She has the body of an adult lady and so many men lust after her. While things go like this, a person comes to her house to talk about marrying her elder sister. On seeing Meenakshi, he changes his mind and is hell bent on marrying her. Around this time, they get to know that a Yakshini is trapped inside Meenakshi due to a curse. So they try to marry her off to that guy who takes her to Mumbai. What happened at the village that made them take this decision? How does her secret hold out in the company of her husband? How it affects her married life and how safe the husband is and what transpires ahead forms the remaining story.
The story seemed pretty interesting. It starts off well and goes on pretty decently. The characterization of Meenakshi as well as her husband was interesting. The author does try to bring in the life in a village, the superstitions and practices that are followed there and also he tries to show how some men lust after women and how such crimes do happen which is even relevant in our current times. The backstory of Yakshini seemed interesting. On the downside, I felt like there was not much depth to the story. Halfway into the book, it suddenly seemed to lose steam as if fast forwarding the story to finish it quickly. The rush did hinder the book towards the last. I hoped Meenakshi will come out as a very strong character in the end but it did not. I mean; we wont get such a feel once you are done with the book. Horror literature followers will be easily able to deduce what is going to happen mostly. So you cant expect something like a suspense or edge of seat thrills reading this.
I feel this can be made as an Indian soap opera and will not stand if taken as a movie in case we go for a screen adaptation. Considering my previous reads of Neil D' Souza; like Pishacha and Maya's New Husband; I was bit disappointed with this outing. Overall, a quick read for horror lovers. Don't expect thrills as in his previous works but this can engage you as a good one time read.
January 14, 2022
I read this as part of the prompt “Horror story by a POC” for #ReadHarderChallenge2022. A recco on Instagram by someone who introduced me to the challenge was what drove me to the book.
Honestly, I am NOT a horror story fan. Call it prejudice or the fact that I detest anything “horror”, even if it’s in books, I took the plunge of reading this on my IPad. This book is available as part of my Amazon Prime Subscription and I am glad I put it to good use.
I am not going to delve into the storyline. I will just talk about how the book made me feel - cringe and scared on most occasions.
It was great to read an Indian author as maybe the writing style resonates with us. The story and its characters have been laid out pretty clean and needless to say, Neil D Silva builds all the hype that is required for a horror story. Now, I am not someone who reads a lot of horror so maybe you as a reader may disagree and say, this was not a “goosebump” experience but to me, it was. So much so that I actually skimmed through those places where Neil describes the protagonist’s changing avatar. Or how she attacks her perpetrators. Because I was reading this during the night😏
All in all? If you like horror stuff, please go ahead and read. I see a lot of other such books by the same author. As much as I loved his writing, not sure, if I would have the guts to pick a horror book for the next few months🤭
Honestly, I am NOT a horror story fan. Call it prejudice or the fact that I detest anything “horror”, even if it’s in books, I took the plunge of reading this on my IPad. This book is available as part of my Amazon Prime Subscription and I am glad I put it to good use.
I am not going to delve into the storyline. I will just talk about how the book made me feel - cringe and scared on most occasions.
It was great to read an Indian author as maybe the writing style resonates with us. The story and its characters have been laid out pretty clean and needless to say, Neil D Silva builds all the hype that is required for a horror story. Now, I am not someone who reads a lot of horror so maybe you as a reader may disagree and say, this was not a “goosebump” experience but to me, it was. So much so that I actually skimmed through those places where Neil describes the protagonist’s changing avatar. Or how she attacks her perpetrators. Because I was reading this during the night😏
All in all? If you like horror stuff, please go ahead and read. I see a lot of other such books by the same author. As much as I loved his writing, not sure, if I would have the guts to pick a horror book for the next few months🤭
May 11, 2023
Too good. Short & amazing.
Keeps you hooked.
I am not the one to touch anything remotely horror or spooky. Picked this without reading the back-cover blurb. But it grows on you. Eventually it wasn't that spooky, but makes you not wana put it down. What makes it better is that it is not dragged unnecessarily and made in to a long book.
Never finished a book in just 1 week. Not coz it is short but coz it is that good.
Keeps you hooked.
I am not the one to touch anything remotely horror or spooky. Picked this without reading the back-cover blurb. But it grows on you. Eventually it wasn't that spooky, but makes you not wana put it down. What makes it better is that it is not dragged unnecessarily and made in to a long book.
Never finished a book in just 1 week. Not coz it is short but coz it is that good.
August 6, 2020
With a theme like this the book had potentially ended up as a traumatic, wonderful read. It touches many crests when it comes to story development and it also fulfills the meaning of a healing and poignant journey of growth and growing up that reveals both the sensitivity and the depth of author's writings. Author really did a great job while portraying the plot as well as the characters.
There is no dull moment in this book and entertainment is perhaps what we really need in these trying times. This spine chilling thriller mixed with fantasy and mythology will frighten you enough to want to take breaks. A large part of this book is unremittingly intriguing. Just go for it!
There is no dull moment in this book and entertainment is perhaps what we really need in these trying times. This spine chilling thriller mixed with fantasy and mythology will frighten you enough to want to take breaks. A large part of this book is unremittingly intriguing. Just go for it!
February 2, 2021
Review
In my opinion, the author has tried to give a message from this book to society about women empowerment.
After reading this book I believe In every girl there should be a yakshini to protect her in danger or she has to be strong to protect herself like yakshini does as the world is not what people say.
The cover of the book bewitched me to get this book and it gave me an amazing time and kept me hooked with the story it tells.
I was happy when she was happy and was sad when she was sad, I felt connected to the story.
This book has some essence of mythological stories oblivious it's fiction but it's captivating and that makes the book a fantasy fiction.
If you love to read spooky and some essence of horror too then this book is totally for you although if you are Reader of the beautiful story then you can also grab this one.
Happy reading ☺️
🎗️Glimpse
Meenakshi is just fifteen years old but she doesn't look like fifteen years old, she looks like fully grown women and have the beauty of a celestial goddess and can entice any men.
Someone lives inside her body who only Awakens when Meenakshi is in danger or when evil eyes of men see her Through there lustful eyes and when they come to harm Meenakshi the yakshini awakens.
A man who came to marry her elder wants to marry her knowing about her age and the parents of Meenakshi is not ready but after some circumstances happen and they agrees to marry her off.
What will happen now with the man who comes to marry her as whenever a man comes near her they soon die.
To know more go grab this book and start reading this thrilling story.
In my opinion, the author has tried to give a message from this book to society about women empowerment.
After reading this book I believe In every girl there should be a yakshini to protect her in danger or she has to be strong to protect herself like yakshini does as the world is not what people say.
The cover of the book bewitched me to get this book and it gave me an amazing time and kept me hooked with the story it tells.
I was happy when she was happy and was sad when she was sad, I felt connected to the story.
This book has some essence of mythological stories oblivious it's fiction but it's captivating and that makes the book a fantasy fiction.
If you love to read spooky and some essence of horror too then this book is totally for you although if you are Reader of the beautiful story then you can also grab this one.
Happy reading ☺️
🎗️Glimpse
Meenakshi is just fifteen years old but she doesn't look like fifteen years old, she looks like fully grown women and have the beauty of a celestial goddess and can entice any men.
Someone lives inside her body who only Awakens when Meenakshi is in danger or when evil eyes of men see her Through there lustful eyes and when they come to harm Meenakshi the yakshini awakens.
A man who came to marry her elder wants to marry her knowing about her age and the parents of Meenakshi is not ready but after some circumstances happen and they agrees to marry her off.
What will happen now with the man who comes to marry her as whenever a man comes near her they soon die.
To know more go grab this book and start reading this thrilling story.
October 18, 2019
Title: Yakshini
Author : Neil D'Silva
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Published on: 1st October 2019
ISBN: 978-9353336745
Halfway to the heavens, in a realm hidden by clouds, a divine beauty—a Yakshini—is facing a
sentence for her folly.
Down on earth, a couple in Maharashtra is expecting their seventh child, and is performing a special
yajna to fulfill their desires.
By a strange quirk of fate, these two distinctly different lives are soon to be intertwined.
BLURB
Fifteen-year-old Meenakshi is no ordinary girl. Blessed with celestial attributes, she has beauty that would rival a goddess’s, a unique communion with nature, and a supernatural being living inside her.
Even so, Meenakshi lives amongst men and eventually, the evil eye falls upon her. That’s when the Yakshini inside her awakens. As the Yakshini takes control, Meenakshi is catapulted into a world of passion and violence that even threatens her husband’s life.
Neil D’Silva’s Yakshini is a toe-curling, spine-tingling tale where mythology comes deliciously alive on the page. A world full of fantastic creatures and unforgettable characters, the book highlights the tussle of the supernatural and the human, sure to enchant readers of all ages.
COVER PAGE
The cover page of the book is very attractive. It has an image of a girl where her half face is that of human with flowers in the background and half of a goddess with moon in the background. It is a very colourful cover page in green, blue, yellow, brown and purple colours. It is a very eye catchy cover and is apt with the story.
REVIEW
Yakshini by Neil D’Silva was one of the most intense read that I’ve read so far this year. After, a long time I was engaged in a book at such a great level. When I got the book, I was not able to get my hands off it and was very much keen on reading it. I had a lot of expectations from this book and I am glad that this book was beyond my expectations. It was an entertainer for me.
Yakshini is a very intense and interesting story about a 15 year old, Meenakshi who lives in Vatgaon with her parents and six sisters. She is blessed with some celestial powers and is one of the most beautiful girls and boys look upon her. She loves to play and Sal tree in her garden is her companion with whom she spends most of her time. She was growing up very fast which was a major concern for her parents. The book is an amazing journey filled with some very interesting events that took place in her village such as few boys went missing and a remarkable event that took place at the festival of snakes. And, the whole village got to know that whatever is happening around is due to her. And, her life takes a turn when she met Harikumar and her family had to take some tough decisions for her.
The book is penned down in a simple manner with all the events described in a great detail. The narration is very engaging and fast paced and it could be easily be finished in few sittings. I really liked the fact that how the author has divided the book into four parts: the Sapling, the Blossom, the Seed and the Withering. Throughout the book, I was very well able to visualize the events making my reading experience very eventful. The plot is very interesting and nicely packed with several events and I was not at all able to put down the book. The title of the story is very well justified.
The characterization of the story is very strong. Meenakshi the main protagonist is very interesting and the one inside her is very intense. Her parents, her siblings, Krita, Harikumar are the other characters in the story. I really loved how the author has come up with the relation of Meenakshi and the sal tree and I loved their bond. Even, the mother daughter relation of Meenakshi and her mother stood out very nicely in the story.
Overall, it was a very intriguing, entertaining and a refreshing read. I enjoyed reading it a lot.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (Rupa Publications) in exchange of a review. Thank You.
Author : Neil D'Silva
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Published on: 1st October 2019
ISBN: 978-9353336745
Halfway to the heavens, in a realm hidden by clouds, a divine beauty—a Yakshini—is facing a
sentence for her folly.
Down on earth, a couple in Maharashtra is expecting their seventh child, and is performing a special
yajna to fulfill their desires.
By a strange quirk of fate, these two distinctly different lives are soon to be intertwined.
BLURB
Fifteen-year-old Meenakshi is no ordinary girl. Blessed with celestial attributes, she has beauty that would rival a goddess’s, a unique communion with nature, and a supernatural being living inside her.
Even so, Meenakshi lives amongst men and eventually, the evil eye falls upon her. That’s when the Yakshini inside her awakens. As the Yakshini takes control, Meenakshi is catapulted into a world of passion and violence that even threatens her husband’s life.
Neil D’Silva’s Yakshini is a toe-curling, spine-tingling tale where mythology comes deliciously alive on the page. A world full of fantastic creatures and unforgettable characters, the book highlights the tussle of the supernatural and the human, sure to enchant readers of all ages.
COVER PAGE
The cover page of the book is very attractive. It has an image of a girl where her half face is that of human with flowers in the background and half of a goddess with moon in the background. It is a very colourful cover page in green, blue, yellow, brown and purple colours. It is a very eye catchy cover and is apt with the story.
REVIEW
Yakshini by Neil D’Silva was one of the most intense read that I’ve read so far this year. After, a long time I was engaged in a book at such a great level. When I got the book, I was not able to get my hands off it and was very much keen on reading it. I had a lot of expectations from this book and I am glad that this book was beyond my expectations. It was an entertainer for me.
Yakshini is a very intense and interesting story about a 15 year old, Meenakshi who lives in Vatgaon with her parents and six sisters. She is blessed with some celestial powers and is one of the most beautiful girls and boys look upon her. She loves to play and Sal tree in her garden is her companion with whom she spends most of her time. She was growing up very fast which was a major concern for her parents. The book is an amazing journey filled with some very interesting events that took place in her village such as few boys went missing and a remarkable event that took place at the festival of snakes. And, the whole village got to know that whatever is happening around is due to her. And, her life takes a turn when she met Harikumar and her family had to take some tough decisions for her.
The book is penned down in a simple manner with all the events described in a great detail. The narration is very engaging and fast paced and it could be easily be finished in few sittings. I really liked the fact that how the author has divided the book into four parts: the Sapling, the Blossom, the Seed and the Withering. Throughout the book, I was very well able to visualize the events making my reading experience very eventful. The plot is very interesting and nicely packed with several events and I was not at all able to put down the book. The title of the story is very well justified.
The characterization of the story is very strong. Meenakshi the main protagonist is very interesting and the one inside her is very intense. Her parents, her siblings, Krita, Harikumar are the other characters in the story. I really loved how the author has come up with the relation of Meenakshi and the sal tree and I loved their bond. Even, the mother daughter relation of Meenakshi and her mother stood out very nicely in the story.
Overall, it was a very intriguing, entertaining and a refreshing read. I enjoyed reading it a lot.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (Rupa Publications) in exchange of a review. Thank You.
November 2, 2019
They say don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but if you are a voracious reader and a book cover catches your eye, you simply want to devour the book in no time. And that’s exactly what happened with Yakshini. One look at the cover illustration and I couldn’t hold myself back. My cover design was slightly different one that appears on Goodreads and it was very attractive.
Coming to the story, Yakshini is a steady mix of mythology and horror, one that Neil D’Silva is well known for. In Alakapuri (a land halfway to heaven inhabited by Yakshas and Yakshinis and ruled by Kubera), a Yakshini is punished by Kubera for seducing a Yaksha and trespassing into Devaloka. At the same time, a couple with 6 daughters on earth invoke the Yakshini for a son. As the time coincides, the disgraced Yakshini from Alakpuri is sent as the couple’s seventh daughter, Meenakshi, and cursed to inhabit the girl’s body until she dies.
Meenakshi is a chirpy little girl of 15 with celestial beauty and hence boys in her neighbourhood always find a chance to get close to her. Meenakshi is not aware of the Yakshini within her, though she often wonders about the strange noises she can hear within herself. It is only after two back to back instances when the neighborhood boys try to come a little too close, that the Yakshini unleashes her power and disables one and kills the other. Of course, no one knows who is behind the fate that befell the boys, but the village turns against Meenakshi and her family. At this juncture, Meenakshi’s parents get her married to a man much older than her, who had earlier come to seek the alliance of Meenakshi’s sister. He was so besotted with her beauty that he kept coming back and would not budge until her parents finally relented. Thus, Meenakshi moves to Mumbai, to her new home, to start a new life with Harikumar.
Time flies and Harikumar leaves Meenakshi under the guidance of his aunt, who educates her and turns her rustic ways around. Meanwhile, Harikumar is away in America, pining for Meenakshi on a vow to not touch her until she comes of age. And the time does arrive. Though Meenakshi is all excited on her 18th birthday to meet her man, yet by now she is aware of the Yakshini within who has slowly, yet steadily taken over her life. This Yakshini never allows a man to come close to Meenakshi. All along this has been helpful, but what when Harikumar comes home finally to make love to his wife after his long, self proclaimed exile? This constantly worries Meenakshi who is fighting an inner battle with the Yakshini. And here is where the suspense actually lies and I’m not going to reveal it and be a spoiler. Does Meenakshi enjoy long, marital bliss? What happens to the Yakshini within her? How is she released and is she released at all? Does Harikumar get to know his wife’s ‘little secret’? You get answers to all this and a lot more as you keep turning the pages of the book.
Yakshini is neatly divided into three sections and that keeps the story in place. It’s clear, it keeps you hooked and there’s never a dull moment. Just when you think whether all this could be real, the author throws in the mythological connection which is very convincing and with that information, you comfortably move ahead. There are elements of supernatural, horror, mystery, romance, lust, family drama– everything in the right measure to hold the attention of the reader. The ending is perfect and unexpected. I give it a 4.6/5. Do get your copy of the book if mythology and thriller are your taste. Believe me, you’ll be glad you added this one to your reading list.
Coming to the story, Yakshini is a steady mix of mythology and horror, one that Neil D’Silva is well known for. In Alakapuri (a land halfway to heaven inhabited by Yakshas and Yakshinis and ruled by Kubera), a Yakshini is punished by Kubera for seducing a Yaksha and trespassing into Devaloka. At the same time, a couple with 6 daughters on earth invoke the Yakshini for a son. As the time coincides, the disgraced Yakshini from Alakpuri is sent as the couple’s seventh daughter, Meenakshi, and cursed to inhabit the girl’s body until she dies.
Meenakshi is a chirpy little girl of 15 with celestial beauty and hence boys in her neighbourhood always find a chance to get close to her. Meenakshi is not aware of the Yakshini within her, though she often wonders about the strange noises she can hear within herself. It is only after two back to back instances when the neighborhood boys try to come a little too close, that the Yakshini unleashes her power and disables one and kills the other. Of course, no one knows who is behind the fate that befell the boys, but the village turns against Meenakshi and her family. At this juncture, Meenakshi’s parents get her married to a man much older than her, who had earlier come to seek the alliance of Meenakshi’s sister. He was so besotted with her beauty that he kept coming back and would not budge until her parents finally relented. Thus, Meenakshi moves to Mumbai, to her new home, to start a new life with Harikumar.
Time flies and Harikumar leaves Meenakshi under the guidance of his aunt, who educates her and turns her rustic ways around. Meanwhile, Harikumar is away in America, pining for Meenakshi on a vow to not touch her until she comes of age. And the time does arrive. Though Meenakshi is all excited on her 18th birthday to meet her man, yet by now she is aware of the Yakshini within who has slowly, yet steadily taken over her life. This Yakshini never allows a man to come close to Meenakshi. All along this has been helpful, but what when Harikumar comes home finally to make love to his wife after his long, self proclaimed exile? This constantly worries Meenakshi who is fighting an inner battle with the Yakshini. And here is where the suspense actually lies and I’m not going to reveal it and be a spoiler. Does Meenakshi enjoy long, marital bliss? What happens to the Yakshini within her? How is she released and is she released at all? Does Harikumar get to know his wife’s ‘little secret’? You get answers to all this and a lot more as you keep turning the pages of the book.
Yakshini is neatly divided into three sections and that keeps the story in place. It’s clear, it keeps you hooked and there’s never a dull moment. Just when you think whether all this could be real, the author throws in the mythological connection which is very convincing and with that information, you comfortably move ahead. There are elements of supernatural, horror, mystery, romance, lust, family drama– everything in the right measure to hold the attention of the reader. The ending is perfect and unexpected. I give it a 4.6/5. Do get your copy of the book if mythology and thriller are your taste. Believe me, you’ll be glad you added this one to your reading list.
November 18, 2019
Yakshini
'Don't let your love die if you wish to keep your husband alive.'
'What is magic? Simply a name for things we don't know.'
There're people who've experienced this strange phenomenon & those who haven't. Often these intimate puzzles & intricate questions are divided into many questionable analogies like:
How?
What? &
Why?
and a multitude of other factors.
There're those who rationalise things scientifically & seek a logical explanation to everything.
While there're few who deal such bizarre mysterious circumstances with spirituality - they perceive spirits/mystical beings as people who are deceased humans or with otherworldly powers. To be precise, they are entities way much older than time itself, sometimes negative or otherwise positive, consisted of pure dynamic energy & invisible to the spectrum of the visible human eye.
Do you believe in ghosts, demons, devils, mystical beings, gods & goddesses? If yes, then this book is perfectly apt for you. It will make you question your very existence & belief in what's real & unreal or imagination & reality. Adding further, sometimes there're things beyond the human realm which we can't perceive or visualise through our naked eyes. Because as humans, it's a common tendency for us to believe things that we see & those we don't, we tend of disapprove of them or negate them entirely as a mere conjecture.
Cover is beautiful, it gives a godly touch to it. It has been designed well.
Title is apt, catchy & sounds interesting.
Theme is appealing & consists of lots of supernatural, mystery, thriller, suspense, gory & many other aspects. It's well researched too.
Writing style is good accompanied with a good command over vocabulary. Narration is also beautiful. The surprising element/factor has been incorporated well & balanced accordingly. For a lover of suspense & thriller. It's a must read for horror lovers.
I've read all the previous books from the same author as I'm a fan of his works. Pisacha being my favourite among them. So I can say this that I'm not dissapointed after picking up this book, I really liked it.
The only things I disliked was how the male central protagonist treated the female central character Meenakshi as the first option over his elder sister. Most of the time, he treated her as a mere sex object. The very fact that he came to take her sister's hand for marriage, but the moment he laid his eyes upon Meena he decided to back out of the aforementioned marriage & remade a new proposal for Meenu's hand made me cringe really hard. I've seen this very fact in typical South Indian culture & movies where people fall in love at first sight or run behind external appearances or beauty & especially run behind fairer person. They even select the fairer skin tone. Duh, how more cringy can he get?
Also, the concept of child marriage has been showed ashamedly. First, he married a 15 year old girl. Waits for her to get 18, to have sex with her. I mean how low can our morality stoop? With this analogy we're merely teaching our younger generation & today's youth that all that matters is sex & carnal desires than honesty.
Also, the book consists of strong sexual content & violence. So I wouldn't normally recommend it to the teenagers. Overall, a well balanced approach to a good book. I had lot of fun reading it.
'Don't let your love die if you wish to keep your husband alive.'
'What is magic? Simply a name for things we don't know.'
There're people who've experienced this strange phenomenon & those who haven't. Often these intimate puzzles & intricate questions are divided into many questionable analogies like:
How?
What? &
Why?
and a multitude of other factors.
There're those who rationalise things scientifically & seek a logical explanation to everything.
While there're few who deal such bizarre mysterious circumstances with spirituality - they perceive spirits/mystical beings as people who are deceased humans or with otherworldly powers. To be precise, they are entities way much older than time itself, sometimes negative or otherwise positive, consisted of pure dynamic energy & invisible to the spectrum of the visible human eye.
Do you believe in ghosts, demons, devils, mystical beings, gods & goddesses? If yes, then this book is perfectly apt for you. It will make you question your very existence & belief in what's real & unreal or imagination & reality. Adding further, sometimes there're things beyond the human realm which we can't perceive or visualise through our naked eyes. Because as humans, it's a common tendency for us to believe things that we see & those we don't, we tend of disapprove of them or negate them entirely as a mere conjecture.
Cover is beautiful, it gives a godly touch to it. It has been designed well.
Title is apt, catchy & sounds interesting.
Theme is appealing & consists of lots of supernatural, mystery, thriller, suspense, gory & many other aspects. It's well researched too.
Writing style is good accompanied with a good command over vocabulary. Narration is also beautiful. The surprising element/factor has been incorporated well & balanced accordingly. For a lover of suspense & thriller. It's a must read for horror lovers.
I've read all the previous books from the same author as I'm a fan of his works. Pisacha being my favourite among them. So I can say this that I'm not dissapointed after picking up this book, I really liked it.
The only things I disliked was how the male central protagonist treated the female central character Meenakshi as the first option over his elder sister. Most of the time, he treated her as a mere sex object. The very fact that he came to take her sister's hand for marriage, but the moment he laid his eyes upon Meena he decided to back out of the aforementioned marriage & remade a new proposal for Meenu's hand made me cringe really hard. I've seen this very fact in typical South Indian culture & movies where people fall in love at first sight or run behind external appearances or beauty & especially run behind fairer person. They even select the fairer skin tone. Duh, how more cringy can he get?
Also, the concept of child marriage has been showed ashamedly. First, he married a 15 year old girl. Waits for her to get 18, to have sex with her. I mean how low can our morality stoop? With this analogy we're merely teaching our younger generation & today's youth that all that matters is sex & carnal desires than honesty.
Also, the book consists of strong sexual content & violence. So I wouldn't normally recommend it to the teenagers. Overall, a well balanced approach to a good book. I had lot of fun reading it.
September 14, 2020
Book Title: Yakshini
Author: Neil D'Silva
Genre: Horror fiction
As a first-timer in this genre, I was skeptical about reading Yakshini. But trust me, it was worth my time and energy. This spine-chilling horror-fiction did give me an adrenaline surge and kept me hooked till the end. It’s an ideal weekend read!
Review:
Meenakshi, the youngest of seven daughters of the Patil family is physically attractive amongst all. She has the perfect curves and a voluptuous body that draws boys and men towards her. Poor child, who’s just 13 fails to understand the male hormones and falls prey to their lust often. Her only savior is the entity that lives inside her—a Yakshini—who will go to any lengths to protect her from the evil men around.
But is the Yakshini reliable? Will she be her armor or be the reason for her doom?
My Views:
In spite of the fact that the story is grasping, the plot went off in a couple of parts. I felt disconnected and lost my grip. However, I did emotionally connect with the protagonist and wish there were Yakshinis in the world just to protect innocent women from the lusty men.
My Ratings:
3.5/5
Do I recommend this book?
Yes, I do! This book is for all who have a flair for horror and supernatural books. Also, I would say it’s a perfect read on a lazy weekend.
Author: Neil D'Silva
Genre: Horror fiction
As a first-timer in this genre, I was skeptical about reading Yakshini. But trust me, it was worth my time and energy. This spine-chilling horror-fiction did give me an adrenaline surge and kept me hooked till the end. It’s an ideal weekend read!
Review:
Meenakshi, the youngest of seven daughters of the Patil family is physically attractive amongst all. She has the perfect curves and a voluptuous body that draws boys and men towards her. Poor child, who’s just 13 fails to understand the male hormones and falls prey to their lust often. Her only savior is the entity that lives inside her—a Yakshini—who will go to any lengths to protect her from the evil men around.
But is the Yakshini reliable? Will she be her armor or be the reason for her doom?
My Views:
In spite of the fact that the story is grasping, the plot went off in a couple of parts. I felt disconnected and lost my grip. However, I did emotionally connect with the protagonist and wish there were Yakshinis in the world just to protect innocent women from the lusty men.
My Ratings:
3.5/5
Do I recommend this book?
Yes, I do! This book is for all who have a flair for horror and supernatural books. Also, I would say it’s a perfect read on a lazy weekend.
November 3, 2020
Horror is the genre which is not explored much in India, which is surprising because India is a land of myths and urban legends which can prove to be a good plot for a horror novel. This book tries to explore the myth of Yakshini and combines it with the urban legend of "White Lady of Aarey forest", but fails in doing both.
About the plot, Meenakshi is a 15 year old girl, with the spirit of a Yakshini inside her, which attacks any other Man who tries to misbehave with her. That's it... nothing else is there in the plot.
For a horror novel to be good, there should be a gripping plot, which the novel fails to provide because in my opinion, the writer himself is not clear with what he wants to explore. The urban legend of white lady could've been done better. It is just there without any purpose. The backstory of Yakshini comes out unnecessarily without any affect on overall plot. The correct way would have been to put snippets of backstory in flashbacks to make it necessary or else just remove the backstory. I won't recommend this book to anyone who has read any good horror book before.
My rating is 1 star and that is only because I got this book for free on Kindle Unlimited. I cannot see myself spending my money on something like this.
About the plot, Meenakshi is a 15 year old girl, with the spirit of a Yakshini inside her, which attacks any other Man who tries to misbehave with her. That's it... nothing else is there in the plot.
For a horror novel to be good, there should be a gripping plot, which the novel fails to provide because in my opinion, the writer himself is not clear with what he wants to explore. The urban legend of white lady could've been done better. It is just there without any purpose. The backstory of Yakshini comes out unnecessarily without any affect on overall plot. The correct way would have been to put snippets of backstory in flashbacks to make it necessary or else just remove the backstory. I won't recommend this book to anyone who has read any good horror book before.
My rating is 1 star and that is only because I got this book for free on Kindle Unlimited. I cannot see myself spending my money on something like this.
November 23, 2019
I am beyond words for the praise of this book
Amazing story. Mind blowing characters. Beautiful philosophical tale using the folklore of Yakshini. A must read for all fans who are into horror, drama and fantasy. Must i say, I am in love and in awe with the character "Meenu" and Renuka, Meenu's mother for such a strong women she was. A fascinating tale of a girl who had Yakshini inside of her.
Amazing story. Mind blowing characters. Beautiful philosophical tale using the folklore of Yakshini. A must read for all fans who are into horror, drama and fantasy. Must i say, I am in love and in awe with the character "Meenu" and Renuka, Meenu's mother for such a strong women she was. A fascinating tale of a girl who had Yakshini inside of her.
November 24, 2017
Supernatural, if done well, is one of the most satisfying genres – whether it’s a book, film or a series. Neil D’Silva created a market for himself with his books and short stories that dabble in the supernatural, occult and fantasy. His first book talked about aghorees in our midst. His second book, Pishacha was an interesting concept – that of a supernatural love. Continuing in that vein, Neil D’Silva’s third novel is Yakshini. His two books are well-received. Does he create a hattrick this time? Read my Yakshini review to find out.
Yakshini Plot:
A young girl, Meenakshi in rural India faces growth pangs of another kind. Her beauty and youth make her the cynosure of every male in the village. Her non-plussed family tries to help her even as she reacts to incidents in her life like no human would. Her family, in a bid to save their daughter from the wrath of the villagers, marry her off to a man in Mumbai. But fate does as fate wills, and Meenakshi must return to her village to not just combat an evil past but also lay a path for her future – and for the future of her kind.
Yakshini Review:
The Good:
Yakshini is one of the better Indian supernatural stories that I have read for a long time. The story has it all – the emotions of an old-school Indian folklore, the intelligence of a post-modern author and a sprinkling of ‘darama’ – the much-needed ingredient in a pageturner today. The novelist succeeds in creating not just one, but several well-written characters. Yakshini works because it is one of the few stories with supernatural elements based in rural India. Neil D’Silva also successfully gives rural India a humane face, and not something that the urban crowd will hate-watch, or in this case, hate-read.
Yakshini is a rare, well-thought of books that don’t have a glaring loophole or questions left unanswered. D’Silva’s writing style stands out – it has evolved consistently since his debut with Maya’s New Husband. Indian authors as a whole are evolving, with more and more deciding to ‘show, not tell’ route. Piore Hart follows this in her book that I reviewed a few days back. You can read that review here. So does Sharmistha Shenoy, whose book I will be reviewing pretty soon.
Very few authors can create the perfect atmosphere for horror and supernatural and Neil D’Silva is one of them. The fantasy-laden story gets its own color because of where it’s set, India’s villages. At a macro level, it is a story of a family’s survival in a village. At a micro level it’s the story of the supernatural trying to survive among humans. There’s this underlying idea of what could happen if women really decide to hit back at men who mete out injustice to them. So that’s another point for aspiring writers – you can always evade controversy by making your message an underlying one.
The best part of Yakshini is the earthy tone it gives to its characters and the storyline. That is a breath of fresh air in a market that’s choc-a-bloc with either urban characters or rural characters that are on their way to face a culture shock when they go to the urban world.
The Not so Good:
D’Silva has an ‘incident-prone’ writing style. Unfortunately, he decides to abandon this scene-laden writing style in the middle of the book. It seems like he’s dropped the second act and directly goes to the third act. Granted that the book has the fourth act, but the disappearance of a second act in what’s basically a supernatural epic might irritate some readers.When the main character shifts from her rural life to urban, I’d have loved to read more about how she adjusts to her life, maybe add another arc to the character. Another aspect that D’Silva misses out on – and that’s something I see in other Indian authors too – is the bubble that they put their stories in, refusing to create a broader picture for their characters and stories. We live in an aggressively connected world and the media is all around us. It’s surprising Indian authors have no references to the fourth estate in their books.
Yakshini Review in a nutshell:
Even with all its flaws, Neil D’Silva’s Yakshini is one of the better Indian authored books. This one is a must-read for anyone looking to add one more author to their book-shelves.
Yakshini Plot:
A young girl, Meenakshi in rural India faces growth pangs of another kind. Her beauty and youth make her the cynosure of every male in the village. Her non-plussed family tries to help her even as she reacts to incidents in her life like no human would. Her family, in a bid to save their daughter from the wrath of the villagers, marry her off to a man in Mumbai. But fate does as fate wills, and Meenakshi must return to her village to not just combat an evil past but also lay a path for her future – and for the future of her kind.
Yakshini Review:
The Good:
Yakshini is one of the better Indian supernatural stories that I have read for a long time. The story has it all – the emotions of an old-school Indian folklore, the intelligence of a post-modern author and a sprinkling of ‘darama’ – the much-needed ingredient in a pageturner today. The novelist succeeds in creating not just one, but several well-written characters. Yakshini works because it is one of the few stories with supernatural elements based in rural India. Neil D’Silva also successfully gives rural India a humane face, and not something that the urban crowd will hate-watch, or in this case, hate-read.
Yakshini is a rare, well-thought of books that don’t have a glaring loophole or questions left unanswered. D’Silva’s writing style stands out – it has evolved consistently since his debut with Maya’s New Husband. Indian authors as a whole are evolving, with more and more deciding to ‘show, not tell’ route. Piore Hart follows this in her book that I reviewed a few days back. You can read that review here. So does Sharmistha Shenoy, whose book I will be reviewing pretty soon.
Very few authors can create the perfect atmosphere for horror and supernatural and Neil D’Silva is one of them. The fantasy-laden story gets its own color because of where it’s set, India’s villages. At a macro level, it is a story of a family’s survival in a village. At a micro level it’s the story of the supernatural trying to survive among humans. There’s this underlying idea of what could happen if women really decide to hit back at men who mete out injustice to them. So that’s another point for aspiring writers – you can always evade controversy by making your message an underlying one.
The best part of Yakshini is the earthy tone it gives to its characters and the storyline. That is a breath of fresh air in a market that’s choc-a-bloc with either urban characters or rural characters that are on their way to face a culture shock when they go to the urban world.
The Not so Good:
D’Silva has an ‘incident-prone’ writing style. Unfortunately, he decides to abandon this scene-laden writing style in the middle of the book. It seems like he’s dropped the second act and directly goes to the third act. Granted that the book has the fourth act, but the disappearance of a second act in what’s basically a supernatural epic might irritate some readers.When the main character shifts from her rural life to urban, I’d have loved to read more about how she adjusts to her life, maybe add another arc to the character. Another aspect that D’Silva misses out on – and that’s something I see in other Indian authors too – is the bubble that they put their stories in, refusing to create a broader picture for their characters and stories. We live in an aggressively connected world and the media is all around us. It’s surprising Indian authors have no references to the fourth estate in their books.
Yakshini Review in a nutshell:
Even with all its flaws, Neil D’Silva’s Yakshini is one of the better Indian authored books. This one is a must-read for anyone looking to add one more author to their book-shelves.
October 12, 2020
YAKSHINI by Neil D'Silva
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🌷 What the book holds:
Yakshini by Neil D´Silva is an amazing book with supernatural elements which must be added to your 2020 reading list. The book is a mixed genre with Mythology and Fiction. The story revolves around a teenage girl Meenakshi who lives in a village with her parents and six elder sisters. Meenakshi or Meenu as she was called by her mother, was physically much older than her normal age. She grew up more than all her sisters. Her beauty was incomparable. The men and boys of all ages get attracted towards her lustfully. But strangely something happens to her when a man tries to touch her with lust, which Meenakshi herself doesn't understand. She somehow changes into someone who is not her. The suspense unfolds as we read further.
🌷 My Opinion About The Book:
What I loved most about this book is it’s characterisation. The characters of Meenakshi and the one living inside her body is amazingly crafted. Both are opposite to each other. However, it seems quite difficult to use two characters for a single person but the author left no stone unturned while doing the characterisation of Meenakshi and the Yakshini. The character of Harikumar is very mature and much needed in terms of the plot of the book. Meenakshi's parents were much more intelligent as compared to the people of their village. They don't want to marry Meenu off at a young age. They were quite sensible and understanding. Even after having seven daughters, they never thought girls to be a burden to him.
The thought process of the author must be appreciated. The plot of the story is amazing. The supernatural elements are perfectly used. The plot of the book with supernatural element is very amusing to read. The relationship between Meenakshi and the Sal tree is another soothing part of the book. The narration is attractive and perfect. The suspense of knowing about the one living inside Meenakshi’s body is continued until the last part of the book. The concept of Yakshini is new and is interesting at the same time. The ending of the story is very thoughtful. All the lost strings wind up to form the ending of the book.
However the initial, teenage life of Meenakshi is much exciting and gripping, there the later phase of Meenakshi’s life becomes a bit scary. The readers will surely get Goosebumps while reading. Also apart from Meenakshi’s story, another story which is going parallel to the life of Meenakshi is the story of Yakshini who is sheltered in Meenakshi's body. The Yakshini who is the main character of the book, whose character is very strong and catchy to the readers.
If we talk about the cover, it's just brilliant. The cover is attractive and stunning. It's eye catching. The title is unique. Right from the cover and title, the readers get attracted towards the book and definitely, the book isn't going to disappoint anyone. The beauty of the rural life is shown in Meenakshi's village, Vatgaon. It even shows the ill mentality of the villagers. The book is full of twists and turns which has the ability to keep the readers hooked to it until the end of the book. The occasional use of Marathi words and sentences kept the Marathi culture alive in the book. The presence of a Yakshini, Yaksh, Kuber, Curse etc. finely blended the book to become a mythological read.
On the whole, it's an engrossing read. It doesn't have any such ghosts or Vampires in it but the acts of Yakshini is no less than any Ghost. The narration itself is capable of keeping the readers hooked to the book. not to forget the twists and turns whose continuous appearance makes the book interesting and gripping. Highly recommended to the mythology lovers as well as readers who want to read a book with supernatural elements. It's definitely different and unique both in Mythology as well as Horror genre.
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🌷 What the book holds:
Yakshini by Neil D´Silva is an amazing book with supernatural elements which must be added to your 2020 reading list. The book is a mixed genre with Mythology and Fiction. The story revolves around a teenage girl Meenakshi who lives in a village with her parents and six elder sisters. Meenakshi or Meenu as she was called by her mother, was physically much older than her normal age. She grew up more than all her sisters. Her beauty was incomparable. The men and boys of all ages get attracted towards her lustfully. But strangely something happens to her when a man tries to touch her with lust, which Meenakshi herself doesn't understand. She somehow changes into someone who is not her. The suspense unfolds as we read further.
🌷 My Opinion About The Book:
What I loved most about this book is it’s characterisation. The characters of Meenakshi and the one living inside her body is amazingly crafted. Both are opposite to each other. However, it seems quite difficult to use two characters for a single person but the author left no stone unturned while doing the characterisation of Meenakshi and the Yakshini. The character of Harikumar is very mature and much needed in terms of the plot of the book. Meenakshi's parents were much more intelligent as compared to the people of their village. They don't want to marry Meenu off at a young age. They were quite sensible and understanding. Even after having seven daughters, they never thought girls to be a burden to him.
The thought process of the author must be appreciated. The plot of the story is amazing. The supernatural elements are perfectly used. The plot of the book with supernatural element is very amusing to read. The relationship between Meenakshi and the Sal tree is another soothing part of the book. The narration is attractive and perfect. The suspense of knowing about the one living inside Meenakshi’s body is continued until the last part of the book. The concept of Yakshini is new and is interesting at the same time. The ending of the story is very thoughtful. All the lost strings wind up to form the ending of the book.
However the initial, teenage life of Meenakshi is much exciting and gripping, there the later phase of Meenakshi’s life becomes a bit scary. The readers will surely get Goosebumps while reading. Also apart from Meenakshi’s story, another story which is going parallel to the life of Meenakshi is the story of Yakshini who is sheltered in Meenakshi's body. The Yakshini who is the main character of the book, whose character is very strong and catchy to the readers.
If we talk about the cover, it's just brilliant. The cover is attractive and stunning. It's eye catching. The title is unique. Right from the cover and title, the readers get attracted towards the book and definitely, the book isn't going to disappoint anyone. The beauty of the rural life is shown in Meenakshi's village, Vatgaon. It even shows the ill mentality of the villagers. The book is full of twists and turns which has the ability to keep the readers hooked to it until the end of the book. The occasional use of Marathi words and sentences kept the Marathi culture alive in the book. The presence of a Yakshini, Yaksh, Kuber, Curse etc. finely blended the book to become a mythological read.
On the whole, it's an engrossing read. It doesn't have any such ghosts or Vampires in it but the acts of Yakshini is no less than any Ghost. The narration itself is capable of keeping the readers hooked to the book. not to forget the twists and turns whose continuous appearance makes the book interesting and gripping. Highly recommended to the mythology lovers as well as readers who want to read a book with supernatural elements. It's definitely different and unique both in Mythology as well as Horror genre.
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August 14, 2020
I loove Mytho- fiction ‼️
___________
First of all, let's understand the MEANING of the TITLE: YAKSHINI.
🧚YA-SHINIS (याक्षिणी Sanskrit: yakṣiṇī)
-a class of nature spirits in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious mythologies that are different from devas (gods), asuras(demons), and gandharvas or apsaras (celestial beings).
🧚Yakshinis and their male counterparts, the yakshas are one of the many paranormal beings associated with the centuries-old sacred groves of India.
___________
What is MYTHOLOGICAL FICTION❓
MYTHOLOGY (from the Greek mythos for story-of-the-people, and logos for word or speech, so the spoken story of a people) is the STUDY AND INTERPRETATION OF OFTEN SACRED TALES OR FABLES of a culture known as myths.
Source: wikipedia
___________
📚Let's TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK now‼️
The book came out in Oct. last year.
published by @rupapublications & penned down by @neildsilva , this MYTHO- FICTION gem 💎 is AVAILABLE for INR 212.80/- @amazonkindle & for INR 224/- @amazon.in
The Beautiful, attractive COVER is designed by Mugdha Sadhwani & illustration is by Onkar Fondekar.
I found it MESMERISING.
OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR are;
Maya's New Husband
&
The Evil Eye and the Charm.
_____________
The story is divided into 4 parts;
1️⃣ The Sapling
2️⃣ The Blossom
3️⃣ The Seed
4️⃣ The Withering.
BIFURCATION is always better, to have a better grip, absorption & understanding of the read, I feel.
Plus it divides the read into different phases, as the story progresses.
____________
Tbh I was ENCHANTED BY THE COVER & was expecting a nice mytho read but in the beginning..the PARANORMAL ANGLE, the DESCRIPTIVE NARRATION, the ADULT CONTENT & GROTESQUE SKETCH of the happenings, made me a bit uncomfortable.. but that was the 1st segment of the read only.
From the 2nd segment onwards, there was NO LOOKING BACK‼️
I THOROUGHLY THOROUGHLY ENJOYED the book, as the secret behind the happenings began to come to light & one by one things unfolded.
____________
Here's the STORYLINE with/out spoilers-
A girl named Meenakshi is born after 6 sisters. Her parents wished for a son & had performed yagna for the same but.. why❓
Gradually they realise that she is no ordinary girl.. why❓
Meenakshi fears the unknown living inside her..because that unknowns comes forth & kills men whenever she sees lust in their eyes..dazzled by the beauty of Meenakshi.
Meenakshi is in tune with nature, nature protects & nutures her soul..
She spends a lot of time under the Sal tree in their compound..& it presents her with a gold coin everytime..but why❓
There are many secrets which unfold gradually along the journey..many questions which are answered..
Will it have a HEA❓ Read it to know‼️
__________
You will RELISH it & have the satiated feeling of reading a GREAT STORYLINE.
4.5/5
__________
#noorthebookwormreviews
#yakshini
___________
First of all, let's understand the MEANING of the TITLE: YAKSHINI.
🧚YA-SHINIS (याक्षिणी Sanskrit: yakṣiṇī)
-a class of nature spirits in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious mythologies that are different from devas (gods), asuras(demons), and gandharvas or apsaras (celestial beings).
🧚Yakshinis and their male counterparts, the yakshas are one of the many paranormal beings associated with the centuries-old sacred groves of India.
___________
What is MYTHOLOGICAL FICTION❓
MYTHOLOGY (from the Greek mythos for story-of-the-people, and logos for word or speech, so the spoken story of a people) is the STUDY AND INTERPRETATION OF OFTEN SACRED TALES OR FABLES of a culture known as myths.
Source: wikipedia
___________
📚Let's TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK now‼️
The book came out in Oct. last year.
published by @rupapublications & penned down by @neildsilva , this MYTHO- FICTION gem 💎 is AVAILABLE for INR 212.80/- @amazonkindle & for INR 224/- @amazon.in
The Beautiful, attractive COVER is designed by Mugdha Sadhwani & illustration is by Onkar Fondekar.
I found it MESMERISING.
OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR are;
Maya's New Husband
&
The Evil Eye and the Charm.
_____________
The story is divided into 4 parts;
1️⃣ The Sapling
2️⃣ The Blossom
3️⃣ The Seed
4️⃣ The Withering.
BIFURCATION is always better, to have a better grip, absorption & understanding of the read, I feel.
Plus it divides the read into different phases, as the story progresses.
____________
Tbh I was ENCHANTED BY THE COVER & was expecting a nice mytho read but in the beginning..the PARANORMAL ANGLE, the DESCRIPTIVE NARRATION, the ADULT CONTENT & GROTESQUE SKETCH of the happenings, made me a bit uncomfortable.. but that was the 1st segment of the read only.
From the 2nd segment onwards, there was NO LOOKING BACK‼️
I THOROUGHLY THOROUGHLY ENJOYED the book, as the secret behind the happenings began to come to light & one by one things unfolded.
____________
Here's the STORYLINE with/out spoilers-
A girl named Meenakshi is born after 6 sisters. Her parents wished for a son & had performed yagna for the same but.. why❓
Gradually they realise that she is no ordinary girl.. why❓
Meenakshi fears the unknown living inside her..because that unknowns comes forth & kills men whenever she sees lust in their eyes..dazzled by the beauty of Meenakshi.
Meenakshi is in tune with nature, nature protects & nutures her soul..
She spends a lot of time under the Sal tree in their compound..& it presents her with a gold coin everytime..but why❓
There are many secrets which unfold gradually along the journey..many questions which are answered..
Will it have a HEA❓ Read it to know‼️
__________
You will RELISH it & have the satiated feeling of reading a GREAT STORYLINE.
4.5/5
__________
#noorthebookwormreviews
#yakshini
September 4, 2020
How do you kill something that's inside you like an incurable disease, a cancer? A thing that has a life of its own? You know it lives within you; it breathes your share of air; it eats your portion of food. Why, even the when you have sex; it robs you of some of that pleasure. You cannot give yourself anything without giving that parasite some of it too. (Excerpt from the book). You can't even imagine a life like that. Right?
Here in this book, Yakshini, author Neil D'Silva tells the story of a maharashtrian girl Meenakshi who have an another soul living inside her. Meenakshi is a 15 year old girl blessed with charming beauty and growth beyond her age. All these made her a prey of evil eyes of men. That's when she came to notice that a supernatural power living inside her. The power inside her starts to threaten the life of men who have behave to Meenakshi in a sexual manner. The story is the battle of Meenakshi with the Yakshini inside her as well as with the evil behaviour of men. When the Yakshini inside her took the full control, Meenakshi's life had became miserable and it leads to a way which even threatened her husband's life.
How this Yakshini came inside her? Why this soul chose Meenakshi for its body? How it creates troubles in Meenakshi's life? Did she succeeded in overcoming this Yakshini? Every answer is in this book. Read and find out.
The story tells the life of Meenakshi from 1996 to 2010. The book blends with the concept of supernatural power with mythology. Story is really engaging and will make you hooked to the pages. Writing style is simple and lucid. It creates horror scenes in our mind while reading and gives you a feel of watching a horror movies. It need a great skill and creativity to illustrate the invisible scenes in a visual manner, so author's writing style is much appreciative. It includes many expected and unexpected twist and turns which made this book an alluring read. The pressure hold by Meenakshi with Yakshini inside her can be creepily experienced by reader. Her sufferings and pain creates a pressure in our nerves too. When it gives a little touch of feminism and eyes wetting event, it made this book a five star read.
Even though I am a big fan of horror movies, never tried to read horror books. But now I am glad to have a great start. This book created a hangover in me for few hours. If you haven't read any horror books, but love horror movies there's no need for any hesitation to grab a copy of this. It will be a new experience for you to create all the horror scenes in your mind by your own. This book will give you a great start to explore in horror genre. Also highly recommend this to mythology lovers too.
Here in this book, Yakshini, author Neil D'Silva tells the story of a maharashtrian girl Meenakshi who have an another soul living inside her. Meenakshi is a 15 year old girl blessed with charming beauty and growth beyond her age. All these made her a prey of evil eyes of men. That's when she came to notice that a supernatural power living inside her. The power inside her starts to threaten the life of men who have behave to Meenakshi in a sexual manner. The story is the battle of Meenakshi with the Yakshini inside her as well as with the evil behaviour of men. When the Yakshini inside her took the full control, Meenakshi's life had became miserable and it leads to a way which even threatened her husband's life.
How this Yakshini came inside her? Why this soul chose Meenakshi for its body? How it creates troubles in Meenakshi's life? Did she succeeded in overcoming this Yakshini? Every answer is in this book. Read and find out.
The story tells the life of Meenakshi from 1996 to 2010. The book blends with the concept of supernatural power with mythology. Story is really engaging and will make you hooked to the pages. Writing style is simple and lucid. It creates horror scenes in our mind while reading and gives you a feel of watching a horror movies. It need a great skill and creativity to illustrate the invisible scenes in a visual manner, so author's writing style is much appreciative. It includes many expected and unexpected twist and turns which made this book an alluring read. The pressure hold by Meenakshi with Yakshini inside her can be creepily experienced by reader. Her sufferings and pain creates a pressure in our nerves too. When it gives a little touch of feminism and eyes wetting event, it made this book a five star read.
Even though I am a big fan of horror movies, never tried to read horror books. But now I am glad to have a great start. This book created a hangover in me for few hours. If you haven't read any horror books, but love horror movies there's no need for any hesitation to grab a copy of this. It will be a new experience for you to create all the horror scenes in your mind by your own. This book will give you a great start to explore in horror genre. Also highly recommend this to mythology lovers too.
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