Blessed

by Deepa Agarwal

She darted up to her brother, grabbed his stick of chalk and scrawled an intricate shape that her fingers traced, she didn?t know how... Selentra, youngest of three siblings born to a weaver?s family living in the dark-forested hills of Kote, suddenly discovers that she has the extraordinary gift the Ancients spoke of. Little does Selentra?s family know that her astonishing ability, when mastered, could free their gagged country from the wicked Ag-yanees. All her secret might have earned Selentra was the sullen jealousy of her brother, Dumor ? the oh-so-unworthy favourite. But her power could prove so huge, so vital and so potent that her ruthless enemies are already poised to strike her down. Who will protect Selentra from her foes ? including her own brother ? as she crosses the chasm between her destiny and her will? Is Selentra doomed? Or truly blessed? Sharp as an icy wind, gleaming like a charmed gem and twisty as a mountain path, this imaginative tale of courage and conflict will make you wish that it were true.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2019

About the author

When I was a young girl, growing up in a town where there were only two streets, I never thought I'd become a writer. But I was an avid reader who kept winning prizes for writing. And the time came when I found that I had lots to write about. That my own life was as full of stories as those other people shared with me. Also, that writing was a kind of therapy that gave meaning to my existence.

Reviews

[Pari · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the ancient land of Kote, the women folk is forbidden to read and write. And, in this very land of magick and prayers a girl is born who can not only trace the ancient texts but even read them comprehensively and fluently. Will such an act go unpunished? What will happen to the little Selentra?

I really liked reading 'Blessed'. This children's book is structured well; the short chapters makes it a definite page turner. The chapters, with just 2 – 3 pages each, prevents young readers from being overwhelmed by a long narration while also, keeping them interested in the story. The language is clear and the characterization simple.

However, the reason I liked the book most is because of the symbolic representation of the development of a girl child and the role of education in that development. How education can lift the veil of the unknown and give the thrill of knowing, how it empowers the child and gradually, forms a defense against irrational agents.

Also, there are subtle messages on 'stranger danger', on how influences like drug (in this case, magick), gullible ideas and peer pressure can change the mind-set of the youth, the effects of superstition and how every action and word has a deep impression on a child’s mind and personality.

Overall, an interesting journey of a little, resilient girl from a dark age to a New Order. Do give this book a read!

[Nathan Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed By deepa Agarwal Mam🤞🌟
The book cover is so Beautifully designed as well the title..

The language is so easy to understand and the writing is very simple and so beautiful

This book is so delight to read.

This book is so Magical to read..
Narration was so good

I totally enjoy this book!!🌟🌟
Tbh Im so obsessed with Fairy tale books

I recommend this book to everyone!! It is such a pleasure to read..😊🦋
And Deppa Agarwal mam books are always Great!

Give it a Try you'll love this

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 4 out of 5]

☕Blessed By Deepa Agarwal☕
Selentra, youngest of three siblings born to a weaver's family living in the dark-forested hills of Kote, suddenly discovers that she has the extraordinary gift the Ancients spoke of. In her community, girls are not allowed to read or write, and little does Selentra's family know that her astonishing ability, when mastered, could free their gagged country from the wicked Ag-yanees.
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📚My Take: Reading a children's book make very happy and save me from the cruel world that is around me. Children's book are so so innocent and so very magical. I was so eagerly waiting for this book to come out and I finally completed reading it, to let you know that I really loved it. The book follows a beautiful journey of a young girl known as Selentra. The book seems to have a village or not so modern kind of back drop, so Selentra is happily living with her family in a small place with her siblings. But life has stored some different plans for her. Her life is never supposed to be easy. In spite of a lot of restrictions she tries her best to melt the iron bars that trapped her. The book is like a the re- formation of thoughts and perspective. Talking about the cover it's definitely very beautiful and very alluring.
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The writing is very simple and very beautiful. The narration is easy to moderate and not very complex or not very deep. This is a story of freedom, pains and overcoming problems. Not only for kids and teenagers but this book completely suits to adults to you because of the beautiful message it tries to convey in the end or maybe throughout the book. I felt very magical while reading it and a lot of times I could relate with the main protagonist. I liked the character building way of the author and the entire thought process behind bringing this character out. For me it was such a light and a refreshing read. I wish there was a bit more intensity in the narration. Overall, I definitely loved the book & will definitely recommend it.
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Rating: 3.8🌟

[Désirée Goubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and easy read, not as magical as expected but a nice inside into a different cultural setting for sure! Would recommend for the younger reader.

[Walkwitha_book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantasy novel set in the dark and mystical hills of Kote, following the journey of a young girl named Selentra. Born into a modest weaver’s family, Selentra lives in a society where gender roles are restrictive—girls are forbidden from reading or writing. However, Selentra possesses a mysterious gift that emerges when she impulsively grabs her brother’s pen and draws a complex shape on a tablet, revealing her hidden power.

This revelation is unexpected and potentially dangerous. The gift that Selentra wields could be the very force her oppressed homeland needs to free itself from the Ag-yanees, a tyrannical group that has silenced and controlled her people. But Selentra’s family is unaware of her gift’s full potential. Her secret draws the envy of her older brother, Dumor, who feels overlooked and undervalued. His jealousy makes him both a family rival and an internal threat to Selentra as she begins to embrace her destiny.

The author has talked about the themes of family, power, and resilience. Selentra’s society is rooted in traditions that place rigid expectations on individuals based on gender, especially limiting women. By making Selentra the bearer of a powerful gift in a male-dominated culture, the author explores the tension between personal potential and societal constraints. Selentra’s journey is symbolic of any marginalized individual trying to break free from imposed limitations. This struggle, along with the familial jealousy she faces from Dumor, adds a layer of complexity, showing how systemic oppression can affect family dynamics. The author has beautifully portrayed the story which literally brought tears while reading the book. Don’t miss this novel, go and order your copy now !

[Sameeksha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deepa Agarwal ma'am once again binds the readers mind into a twisted, gripping tale of a blessed child, trying to understand the happenings around her and figuring out her destination.
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The book begins with Selentra, youngest of three siblings born to a weaver's family living in the dark-forested hills of Kote, suddenly discovers that she has the extraordinary gift the Ancients spoke of.
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And the story starts revealing itself in a most intriguing way. The gripping writing style of the author is comforting and at the same time very innovative.
The way author highlights how a woman learns to read and write in a society, where only men, rich men's kids, can study and a weaver's daughter is blessed with the skills of reading and writing showcases woman centric book which is a great plot.
The characters are exquisitely portrayed and the purpose of her blessing is unfolded in a beautiful way. The language is easy to understand. Although the book is big the pace remains steady and hooking.
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Overall a really amazing read. If you want to experience a good paced thrilling read then check this book out!

[Wanderingg__soul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed' is the story of Selentra, who is the youngest of four siblings born to a weaver's family. In the dark forested hills of Kote girls are not allowed to read or write.
At the age of seven, Selentra grabbed her brother's stick of chalk and scrawled a letter in ancient language without knowing how.
Selentra's mind is flooding with letters and she has to keep her knowledge a secret.
Little does she know that her astonishing ability when mastered will free their land from the rule of wicked Ag-yanees.
It is fascinating to see the journey of a seven year old girl to living up-to the legend of the blessed child who saves her country.
Wonderfully written, the characters are well built and there so much to learn from each one of them. The language is very simple.
Overall it's a very entertaining read!
Definitely recommended :)