Based in modern times, ‘I Am The 10th’ is the story of one of the oldest, and arguably the mightiest cults that originated in India during the 3rd century BC. It's a journey that will take you to the Mahabharata era, through 300 BC, and back. Witness the biggest and the deadliest battle ever in the history of mankind that could well spell the end of humanity and the end of this world. Experience the might of the ancient Shastras and Astras, like Naag Pash, Brahma Kavach, and Narayan Astra.
'I am the 10th' is an astounding, roller-coaster read that's exhilarating as you ride through the pages. Starting from New Delhi, the story takes you through the journey of Sarah, who unexpectedly ends up in the United States. How did she wake up one fine morning in another continent? Who's Jessica? What's the connection between Sarah and Jessica? This book answers all these and more.
With his distinct writing style and thorough research, D. R. Downer has delivered a masterpiece that seems more real than fiction. Starting from 3rd Century BC, the author has beautifully woven history and fiction together to present a magnificent story line that leaves you feeling stunned. He takes you through the journey of a group of people who are a part of mankind, yet hidden. Do they represent a cult? Will they save mankind, makes up the rest of the story line.
Some factors that made me finish this in one sitting are: very well crafted characters, keenness towards details, the very well written historical and battle scenes that brings the visuals right in front of the reader's eye, and a sense of mystery that he maintains until the very end.
This is a must-read if you're a fan of historical and mythological fiction. Definitely 5-stars from me! The only con for me? The prequel is not slated to release until 2020!
There’s not much I can summarize about the book without giving out a few spoilers. The book blurb tells you all that you need to know about it. The only thing that I would add is that the author has titled the book very appropriately. There! I said it and gave you another clue about what to expect in the book.
Starting from the 3rd Century B.C to modern times, the author has traced a certain path that the human race has taken. His focus though is a certain group of people that have lived in the shadows and forwarded their agenda. Some people may tag them as cult, but if so what are their motives? Are they working towards progressing humankind? Or are they concerned about saving them? And what if their only aim is to bring an end to the world as we know it? You have to read the book to find out.
What I loved the most is the way the author has crafted his story. It covers a wide timeline, gives the readers enough details to be able to follow and yet it is a book with 180 odd pages. The author has used his words wisely to be able to tell an enthralling story in such a short format. To top that, the author has also managed to weave in elements of mythology and science in a seamless manner. It was a plot driven story that was certainly entertaining.
If you like Indian Mythology and have a couple of hours on a lazy weekend, gives this book a try.
If ever you wondered how it would be if the historical wars were to happen in our modern times, this book is for you. The author has done a fantastic job of bringing together disparate threads and weaving a very enjoyable tale.
The legend of Kalki is used very effectively and I was taken in by the ear between the Recusants and the Navruts. Pandavas and Kauravas? Or simple Evil versus Good? I'm not sure. I personally have wondered about the immortal Ashwatthama and how he would wonder at our modern world.
It was a fabulous read and I recommend it very highly.
I like how this author always experiments. This book is an intriguing mix of historical fiction, mythology, fantasy and a thriller. I enjoyed travelling between time and places as I read it.
The cover of the book and the title are intriguing. The book is a page turner. This was my first from the author and I am impressed. The writing is topnotch. Character development is as good as the plot development. It is a well researched book. Anyone who likes sci-fi and mythology will love it. Look forward to more from the author.
How does a woman go out on a date with her husband, returns home to make love to him and wakes up in another world? A very riveting premise that will take you through the journey of Sarah as she searches for her identity amidst lies and embedded memories. As the line between reality and surreal vanishes, she must know what has happened to her memory before more deaths occur.
Downer has done a commendable job in creating characters from the history to the present day, with uniqueness and mystique that will make this book unputdownable. My first shock came when Sarah confused between New Delhi and New Deli, Missouri and Mussoorie. Clever play with words. The story takes interesting twists and turns as it makes your travel between the past and the present and between different countries. The second surprise came when we traveled to the court of Chandragupta Maurya to Ashoka. Meeting characters from our past and weaving them in the present has been made the story interesting.
Downer has spanned the centuries with his story. From the past to the present, if flows effortlessly. He has managed to keep the suspense and the thrill in place and yet it is easy to read.
The characters are however not fully developed in this book, though I expect we may get to know them a bit more as the story progresses through the series.
There are a few leaps in the story but overall mythology and science have come together to create a riveting tale.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
A classic eastern tale of good vs evil with a western flavor.
Amongst the numerous stories on mythology, 'I AM THE 10TH' comes like a fresh breath of air, because the plot connects 3rd Century B.C and modern era smoothly. More can't be said without giving away the spoilers, but I loved all the action scenes. The narration moves very fast with flashbacks, memory loss and revival, making the story unputdownable. But one should read it slowly else crucial details might get missed. Full marks to the cover and the title too.
Although this is not one of my favourite genres I found this book very interesting and rather unputdownable. The author has a style of writing that captures the reader's attention right from the word go which makes the reading of this book very fluid a and pleasant.
I am the 10th is a mix of historical, mythological and science fiction and suspense. What more could a reader ask for? Starting from 3rd Century BC, the author has beautifully woven history and fiction together. The characters are well developed and as one reads, one feels as if one is seeing a movie rather than reading a book. Very well written. Kudos to the author. Looking forward to more from this talented author. I finished the book in one sitting. Highly recommended.
The first of a mythological read for me. After watching Mahabharata TV series, this is the first time I have seen the astras being described in a book. It made the book a fast-paced and compelling read to its finish. Great read!
I am the 10th is a mix of science, mythological fiction, and some suspense. Though I am not a great fan of sci-fi I still liked reading the story for various reasons. One, having read Deep's previous works I knew its gonna be a good and different theme. Secondly his writing style, the story moves in one fluid motion. Though the story moves from past to present and vice-versa but there are no missing links. Not to forget the error-free writing is another plus point. The story is so engrossing that it keeps you hooked till very end.
So if you like to read sci-fi and mythology, I am the 10th is definitely a must read.
Indian mythology offers us so much, and yet we have always scratched the surface to suit a certain audience, and probably because the makers are not intelligent enough to comprehend anything beyond the surface. That is why, books like ‘Slayer of the Kamsa’ by Ashok Banker have remained unpopular, although highly respected.
Yet, here’s this book, I Am the 10th, by D.R. Downer, that more than just scratches the surface. It goes deep, takes a part of mythology, plays around with it, brings it to present and creates something that isn’t simply a khichdi, but a fine tale of the navruts and Kal.
I have read about the research of the author in various interviews, but haven’t really understood the madness to know this years’ old cult and how to link it with present. Dan Brown does it so well, and Dan Brown and Deep Down (er) kind of look similar too. (Don’t mind, my jokes are as poor these days as a majority of the world).
The story revolves around Sarah, a happily married woman who, through twists and turns in the tale, goes back in time as far as 300 BC, when the 9 Navruts were formed. What are these Navruts? Where in 300 BC? How does she go back? Why does she go back? What knowledge does she bring? I would gladly answer the questions if I would want to be the subject of the next crime thriller by the author for revealing too many spoilers.
Also, it is written so beautifully, and the pace of the book is never harrowed down with unnecessary details and show-off that writers often makes authors indulgent. But that’s why perhaps, the author received this review recently, 'You have usen only small small words in english not writer english.'. We wish that the author keeps usening small small words in english not writer english, because it makes for excellent reading.
In the end, I would love to echo a thought that many of the others have already echoed: Read it and enter a beautiful journey. Me, despite being an atheist, could enjoy it. Imagine how very extraordinary it must have been.