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Oasis
Once, there was a truce. Desperaux controlled the west with magic, and Desire claimed the east with steel and science.But now magic has disappeared, and the world has changed.The kingdom of Desire will stop at nothing to maintain the new world order. On Juno’s wedding day, their Mengery soldiers came marching through the Nine desert to rip his world apart. Now he journeys east with his adopted brother, Trey, in search of revenge after the murder of his family. Along the way, the two face bandits and the magical creatures of the Nine. When they finally reach Desire, Juno and Trey will face something even deadlier – their own fears and ambitions.This is a tale of brotherhood, a revenge story that will remind you that everything has a cost – a cost that will be paid to Desire and to the inner demons that govern us all.
- GenresFantasy
353 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2018
5 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Bharat Krishnan
15 books116 followersBharat Krishnan writes about family, ambition, and the crushing weight of success. He’s the author of seven books, including a memoir he had the audacity to publish at 27. He is still trying to recreate his dad’s quesadillas.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 12, 2018
See my original review on Reading and Gaming for Justice.
I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review.
I find it difficult to write about fantasy novels because often, many of the same tropes are used – the oppressive king/dictator, the band of spunky rebels, forbidden magic, etc. And because many of these tropes are used often, it unfortunately impacts how I receive new novels in the genre. I am not sure if this is fair and the truth of our lived-experiences is our lens is framed by what we have experienced in the past. When new authors publish a book, whether with a publishing house or independently, I am looking for the aspects of the story that makes it unique and engaging.
Oasis by Bharat Krishnan is a fantasy novel that aims to mix an epic journey with Asian/API mythologies. Below is a brief description of the book from the author:
Once, there was a truce. Desperaux controlled the west with magic, and Desire claimed the east with steel and science.
But now magic has disappeared, and the world has changed.
The kingdom of Desire will stop at nothing to maintain the new world order. On Juno’s wedding day, their Mengery soldiers came marching through the Nine desert to rip his world apart. Now he journeys east with his adopted brother, Trey, in search of revenge after the death of his family. Along the way, the two face bandits and the magical creatures of the Nine. When the two finally reach Desire, they’ll face something even deadlier – their own fears and ambitions.
This is a tale of brotherhood, a revenge story that will remind you that everything has a cost – a cost that will be paid to Desire, and to the inner demons that govern us all.
Unfortunately, Oasis was a bit hit or miss for me, often leaning in the miss direction for periods of time. When I finished the novel, I could not put my finger on one aspect and I took some time to think through my experience with Oasis. I found I could not necessarily identity one common thread of dislike and found it easier to identify certain aspects I enjoyed and certain aspects I did not like so much.
What I enjoyed:
⊕ The use of API mythologies. Fantasy, written by White authors, have used Asian mythologies in their own stories in ways that are appropriative or stereotypical. I am always looking for Asian Pacific Islander (API) authors that are writing from an own voices perspective, infusing culture, mythologies, and experiences in their characters and stories. Author Bharat Krishnan does just that in the creation of his world and magic system.
⊕ The magic system. I guess this is the point where I talk about the magic system. I found it unique and one of the most compelling parts of the story (where Juno is learning to harness magic) what individuals can do with magic, the toll it takes on their bodies, the different planes magic users can access, and how it is intertwined with the creatures that inhabit the Nine. My favorite part of the book followed Juno exclusively and was the first half of the story. Outside of Juno's story, magic came up a bit and magic use came up rarely.
⊕ The two part narrative. I absolutely love storytelling from multiple perspectives and characters. I love experiencing the same events / timeline in different ways - and at the very least, know what is going on in two places concurrently. Oasis follows Juno in the first half of the book and Trey in the second half. When the story reaches it's climax, the two character's perspectives meet. While the overall story and writing did not compile me, I think the two part narrative was the right choice to tell this story.
⊕ The commentary on immigration and refugees. One of the most powerful parts of the book for me was when Trey reaches the city of Desire. He has an encounter with officials in Desire which for me mirrors much of the discourse the United States is having about immigration and refugees. Maybe this was Bharat Krishnan's intention or maybe it my perception of this piece of the book was heightened by my own experience. Nevertheless, the encounter made me reflect on... who gets let into our country and why? The surrounding lands of Desire are in crisis and to see the experience of immigrants and refugees in the book be similar to actual immigrants and refugees was... tiring but also refreshing that it was called out so blatantly.
What I did not like so much:
⊗ Characters seemed to make hasty decisions about critical issues without thinking of the possible outcomes and consequently, characters seemed to act outside of their developed characters (e.g., I was not able to believe a character would actually make the decision they did in the book). This aspect was probably my biggest issue with the book and I want to explain using one example from the story, although it happens multiple times. If you do not want to know anything about the book (this could be considered minor spoilers), please skip to the next bullet. When Trey first entered the city, he tells a lie that he is linked to royalty from another city. Without so much as a background check, he is accepted into the city where he meets the daughter of the king and a little while later dines with the king himself. For a city that is the source of oppression and suffering for so many people, I would expect them to deny refugees, do background checks on large claims, and at the very least, have more limited access to the city's royalty! I could not believe that these characters would simply trust Trey and bring him into the inner royal court. This is one example - and the repetition of these 'unbelievable actions' frustrated me as a reader.
⊗ Time seemed to go very fast. There were moments in the book where I felt it jumped weeks or months without much indication. Whether it was Juno's training in the rebel camp or Trey forming relationships in Desire, I found the experience of reading to be jumpy - time was very slow, focusing on many details and then suddenly we were somewhere else. I think the best way to describe it is I felt the pacing was off.
⊗ The old fantasy tropes present. Evil dictator oppressing people outside of the city, a rebellion with a prophesied savior, the corruption of power and wealth... it all seemed so old to me when reading Oasis. I do want to acknowledge that these tropes exist for good reason - they often are engaging and readers can relate to the struggles of the main characters. For me, I think I have been worn out by these tropes and was looking for something refreshing.
⊗ World creation. A new fantasy world has to grip me. A world that grips me is one where I can recall names of most characters, places, and significant events. This is achieved through stellar world building and development that slowly leads the reader to care about the characters, places, and events connected to the story. Unfortunately, I never felt very connected to the world and the lack of connection framed what I thought of the book overall.
I want to give a disclaimer with my rating - while I was not head over heals for Oasis, I do think there is merit in this novel. I would recommend you give Oasis a look because it is very well possible you will connect more with the story and characters than I did.
Final Rating: 2.5/5
July 1, 2020
Oasis blends elements of Asian folklore with a tale of revenge. It includes magic, weird animals, and demons. With a diverse cast of characters, a solid story, and engrossing eastern-influenced settings, it offers something fresh to readers.
While the story’s premise has potential, the overall narrative could use stronger writing. Too much of the things that should terrify the reader are omitted or simply told.
Recitations of the gods were enough to make the demons run in fear, and shortly afterwards Trey always woke to find Juno’s hand draped over him. His friend had seen him suffering, but offered aid too late. Now awake, he could hear sand whistling in the darkness. The desert, that eternal trickster, had been playing games with his mind.
I mean, there's an awesome scene here. It has it all - great setting, supernatural threat, characters' relationship nad dynamic' in the face of the danger, and all we get is "recitations of the gods were enough to make the demons run in fear"?
Zero tension.
Krishnan has a knack for good lines, but too much of his writing relies on telling and recounting events. As a result, the story, while thematically interesting, isn't exciting.
6/10
While the story’s premise has potential, the overall narrative could use stronger writing. Too much of the things that should terrify the reader are omitted or simply told.
Recitations of the gods were enough to make the demons run in fear, and shortly afterwards Trey always woke to find Juno’s hand draped over him. His friend had seen him suffering, but offered aid too late. Now awake, he could hear sand whistling in the darkness. The desert, that eternal trickster, had been playing games with his mind.
I mean, there's an awesome scene here. It has it all - great setting, supernatural threat, characters' relationship nad dynamic' in the face of the danger, and all we get is "recitations of the gods were enough to make the demons run in fear"?
Zero tension.
Krishnan has a knack for good lines, but too much of his writing relies on telling and recounting events. As a result, the story, while thematically interesting, isn't exciting.
6/10
February 27, 2019
A beautifully written, lyrical, vividly imaged, fantasy with creatively designed world building and well-delineated characterizations, OASIS was a total joy to read. Simultaneously engrossing and entertaining, this novel captured my intrigue from the first page and never released it. I was introduced to a remarkable magical mythology, like none I had read, with characters who are both divergent and yet true to life, whose motivations are readily comprehensible. Never perfect and sometimes feckless, nonetheless they elicited my empathy and made a very enjoyable reading experience.
March 29, 2020
I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.
If you like fantasy, you need to read this novel. It started off slow and slightly confusing but once it got going, damn it was awesome. The storyline really kept me coming back for more. It did change locations, narrators often but the author did a great job of making it easy to follow. I wish this was the beginning of a series because I'd love to come back to this world.
If you like fantasy, you need to read this novel. It started off slow and slightly confusing but once it got going, damn it was awesome. The storyline really kept me coming back for more. It did change locations, narrators often but the author did a great job of making it easy to follow. I wish this was the beginning of a series because I'd love to come back to this world.
December 7, 2018
I quite enjoyed writing this book. I hope you liked reading it! If you want to talk about how much you loved it or hated it, drop me a line at bharatkrishnan1213@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading!
December 11, 2018
Oasis is a very solid debut fantasy/sci-fi novel from Bharat Krishnan. There is a "Final Fantasy-esque" feel as you follow Juno and Trey on their quest for revenge but enough originality to distinguish itself as a unique and entertaining reading experience.
Juno and Trey are engaging characters, that although contain very different personalities, are relateable and easy to get behind. Krishnan does a great job of characterization and brings them to life in a way that evokes the readers emotion. I could feel myself despairing with Juno or feeling Trey's rage. The main characters were not simply paper cut outs strolling across the pages.
The plot was solid if not terribly original. Within Science Fiction/Fantasy there isn't a lot that hasn't been done before in terms of plot so it becomes a matter of how well the story is told and the setting. And this is where Oasis shines. Krishnan does an exceptional job of moving the story along at a comfortable pace. It doesn't drag out and keeps moving, always providing more for the reader. And of course, there is the 'Nine'. The desert is alive, filled with a variety of savage and dangerous creatures that comes alive as Trey and Juno traverse its savage landscape in their quest to make Desire pay for their aggressions.
Overall, Oasis doesn't read like a debut novel but rather a book from a writer who has hit their stride. It is an engaging, and well told story that will not disappoint a reader looking for something a little different but still holding on to a touch of a familiar feel.
Juno and Trey are engaging characters, that although contain very different personalities, are relateable and easy to get behind. Krishnan does a great job of characterization and brings them to life in a way that evokes the readers emotion. I could feel myself despairing with Juno or feeling Trey's rage. The main characters were not simply paper cut outs strolling across the pages.
The plot was solid if not terribly original. Within Science Fiction/Fantasy there isn't a lot that hasn't been done before in terms of plot so it becomes a matter of how well the story is told and the setting. And this is where Oasis shines. Krishnan does an exceptional job of moving the story along at a comfortable pace. It doesn't drag out and keeps moving, always providing more for the reader. And of course, there is the 'Nine'. The desert is alive, filled with a variety of savage and dangerous creatures that comes alive as Trey and Juno traverse its savage landscape in their quest to make Desire pay for their aggressions.
Overall, Oasis doesn't read like a debut novel but rather a book from a writer who has hit their stride. It is an engaging, and well told story that will not disappoint a reader looking for something a little different but still holding on to a touch of a familiar feel.
December 13, 2018
Oasis is a worthy read that combines an artful story full of hope, loss, self-doubt, demons, and the ability to re-invent oneself and the universe they live in.
The story takes place in a world beyond our time, yet one that seems quite relevant to the challenges we face. A son learning about his destiny through hard lessons, won and lost. Fighting to avenge the death of his love, while trying to make sense of the enigma that is his friend.
Bharat does a phenomenal job of weaving together the characters, Juno and Trey, into truly meaningful individuals that characterize the fight between the will of a few versus the good of society.
Oasis takes the reader on a journey of self discovery that distills the human spirit in all of its forms and forces the reader to choose their own right from wrong.
The story takes place in a world beyond our time, yet one that seems quite relevant to the challenges we face. A son learning about his destiny through hard lessons, won and lost. Fighting to avenge the death of his love, while trying to make sense of the enigma that is his friend.
Bharat does a phenomenal job of weaving together the characters, Juno and Trey, into truly meaningful individuals that characterize the fight between the will of a few versus the good of society.
Oasis takes the reader on a journey of self discovery that distills the human spirit in all of its forms and forces the reader to choose their own right from wrong.
December 14, 2018
A fast-paced fantasy novel which I enjoyed very much. Filled with magic and mysterious creatures, I thought the desert was a fascinating environment for the action that followed. I found the book increasingly engaging as the storyline developed and was keen to discover how the different character plots would come together and resolve in the ending.
Fundamentally, it came across to me as a story of two brothers and for that reason reminded me of ‘Kane and Abel’ by Jeffrey Archer. Overall, this novel offers an immersive world combined with wonderful descriptive language that really brings the characters and their surroundings to life. A talented author who I hope continues to write more in this genre.
Fundamentally, it came across to me as a story of two brothers and for that reason reminded me of ‘Kane and Abel’ by Jeffrey Archer. Overall, this novel offers an immersive world combined with wonderful descriptive language that really brings the characters and their surroundings to life. A talented author who I hope continues to write more in this genre.
September 15, 2020
Full disclosure: I was given a free PDF copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There are some books that I finish pretty quickly and others that take me longer to read. This is not to insinuate that I enjoyed the former more because it held my interest longer than the latter. Sometimes, it is worth taking more time to read a book in order to appreciate it better. I realized this after reading "Oasis" by Bharat Krishnan.
To see more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
There are some books that I finish pretty quickly and others that take me longer to read. This is not to insinuate that I enjoyed the former more because it held my interest longer than the latter. Sometimes, it is worth taking more time to read a book in order to appreciate it better. I realized this after reading "Oasis" by Bharat Krishnan.
To see more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
did-not-finish
March 20, 2019I received a review copy from the author through #ReviewPit. This does not affect my rating or opinions.
DNF at 17%.
The premise and worldbuilding have a lot of promise (I particularly love the emphasis on brotherhood rather than romance, though the dead-fiancee revenge motive is given equal weight, at least in the beginning), but it all just unfolds so slowly. And I'm a little confused by the timeline, between the jumps and flashbacks; the characters aren't distinct enough for me to keep track of who's who (or maybe there's just too many of them? I'm not quite sure, honestly); and I just don't currently have the patience to wait and see if the pace picks up.
DNF at 17%.
The premise and worldbuilding have a lot of promise (I particularly love the emphasis on brotherhood rather than romance, though the dead-fiancee revenge motive is given equal weight, at least in the beginning), but it all just unfolds so slowly. And I'm a little confused by the timeline, between the jumps and flashbacks; the characters aren't distinct enough for me to keep track of who's who (or maybe there's just too many of them? I'm not quite sure, honestly); and I just don't currently have the patience to wait and see if the pace picks up.
November 17, 2021
OASIS is a story full of beautiful layers and rich lore. Full of intrigue, passion, and heart, this is a riveting fantasy read with engaging and relatable characters. The desertscape setting was lush without being hackneyed, and Krishnan’s twists and turns kept me hooked until the very end. It’s always refreshing to find such complex world-building with such a vivid setting and memorable characters!
This book was the perfect companion for my work trip.
This book was the perfect companion for my work trip.
January 9, 2019
3.75 stars
RTC
RTC
October 15, 2020
If you read the introductory blurb then you know a battle is involved. But be prepared you don't get to it immediately. It all begins with two young men walking through the dessert, referred to as the Nine, always looking for water which is not easily found, and searching for a place where they can get revenge for a killing that took place in a battle. Trey Fix had a sister and Juno Young was deeply in love with her. When Drea was killed, both of them lost something really important to them. This is the story of their search for her killer and also for their manhood. The desert was terrible, but eventually both of them made it to the kingdom of Desire although by different paths. This story contains some fighting with nature, strange beasts that must be used or even conquered, and magic. I found it very interesting watching the two boys turn into men and how magic affects their plans. there is a terrific final battle, like that between good and evil, but between those who can use magic and those who don't. Terrific story. If you like fantasy and magic it is a great story for you.
January 3, 2021
I found this book to be very engaging. The story follows two brothers as they each respond tragedy and it is written in such a way that both of their motivations and struggles are relatable. The secondary characters are also very intriguing and I kept wanting to learn more about them along the way. Overall, I found it a great read and would definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews