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The Torchbearers
Like any bored eleven-year-old with an imagination, Prem makes fantastic wishes. So when his father drags him to a monsoon-lashed Mumbai, Prem know it's futile to dream of home. Instead, he wishes for a genie, a dragon and some superpowers. What he certainly doesn't wish for is a quest to save some gods who are at the brink of extinction.
He finds that the gods' last hope lies in the hands of those who channel the mysterious power of the Vedas. Caught in a cosmic crossfire, with a talking fish, some inventive monkeys and a few unexpected allies, Prem learns of his true identity-as a Torchbearer.
Can the Torchbearers stop bloodthirsty demons from getting their hands on the Nectar of Immortality and bring the gods back to power?
He finds that the gods' last hope lies in the hands of those who channel the mysterious power of the Vedas. Caught in a cosmic crossfire, with a talking fish, some inventive monkeys and a few unexpected allies, Prem learns of his true identity-as a Torchbearer.
Can the Torchbearers stop bloodthirsty demons from getting their hands on the Nectar of Immortality and bring the gods back to power?
- GenresFantasy
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2020
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 4, 2020
I think - though some may disagree - that A.B. Majmudar is the J.K. Rowling of Hindu culture. Not only does she cleverly incorporate Indian mythology with our modern world, but she beautifully crafts this book as well, making it fit for readers of any age. The writing style of the book is fairly simple, along with the plot, but A.B. had a charm to her story-telling - a certain blend of a sense of humor, taste for action, and unforgettable characters (and Gods as well), that will keep you hooked. A new voice in the mythological YA genre, please meet the divine A.B. Majmudar.
August 1, 2020
But I may be a bit biased!
August 17, 2020
Having seen the story of how satyavrat was caught up with the growing fish which talks. This just happened yesterday and coincidentally I picked up this book to read. I couldn't imagine that someone could make Indian mythology so interesting and that too in a way kids enjoy.
Prem here who wished that spend his holiday in mid western United States is now inonsoon battering Mumbai thanks go his father. Prem's father wanted to continue a discontinued research in Mumbai. So prem's plan of vacation are now centered here.
Prem comes across a talking fish - fishnu. I just loved the way the fish spoke. Children would find this book very interesting to read.
The story of the immortal nectar and how the devas and demons competed over it. An all new way to tell the story and how prem would be the torchbearer here is what the book is about.
How will they secure the nectar without the demons getting their hands in it.
I loved the puns in between makes it more engaging to read. Prem meets Kushal who are then taken to sea to witness the destruction and the arise of the immortal nectar.
The writing style is commendable with the current generation trend being inculcated. Especially with those of what the Gods speak the visualisation is much easier.
My daughter who is currently obsessed with Vishnu avatar stories enjoyed me narrating this to her.
Prem here who wished that spend his holiday in mid western United States is now inonsoon battering Mumbai thanks go his father. Prem's father wanted to continue a discontinued research in Mumbai. So prem's plan of vacation are now centered here.
Prem comes across a talking fish - fishnu. I just loved the way the fish spoke. Children would find this book very interesting to read.
The story of the immortal nectar and how the devas and demons competed over it. An all new way to tell the story and how prem would be the torchbearer here is what the book is about.
How will they secure the nectar without the demons getting their hands in it.
I loved the puns in between makes it more engaging to read. Prem meets Kushal who are then taken to sea to witness the destruction and the arise of the immortal nectar.
The writing style is commendable with the current generation trend being inculcated. Especially with those of what the Gods speak the visualisation is much easier.
My daughter who is currently obsessed with Vishnu avatar stories enjoyed me narrating this to her.
January 5, 2021
Such a fantastically written book that has the ability to capture any audience- young or old and from any background. Takes you on an adventure while at the same time grounding you in so many Life lessons and knowledge about the gods and goddesses. Captivating style of writing that allows you to imagine the entire story in your head while reading, painting a beautiful picture all along. Pun-filled, eloquent style of writing, and the perfect mix of action, adventure, and story telling. Reading this book has left me craving more of A.B. Majmudar’s brilliant books!
January 31, 2021
I really enjoyed the storytelling and detailed incorporation of Hindu mythology. The characters were loveable, and the premise was definitely unique. This is a special story, and I hope more people come across it.
August 4, 2020
This book was AMAZING! I loved how A.B. Majmudar mixed Indian Mythology with adventure and fun. This book has tiny life lessons on every page, and the whole book is one whole lesson! This book is super punny(excuse the pun). Why? There are puntastic puns on each page which are hilarious! If you want a taste of Indian Culture, adventure, and pun(sorry) then this book is the way to go!
June 25, 2020
This book is brilliant! I was and still am awestruck at the complex yet so simple plot. I could not put it down until I finished it!
Majmudar is an incredible storyteller, and even the little myths woven into the overarching plot were so beautifully told, I was reminded of my grandmother telling me stories when I was younger.
For someone who has grown up worshipping the Hindu gods and goddesses, I always saw them as bigger than life entities to be revered and worshipped, but they were rarely relatable. To me, they only came alive when I wrote or read stories about them being placed in modern day. Majmudar, very cleverly, brought the almighty gods to my level while still giving them the respect and love they deserve. These gods became the main characters' friends, mentors, and chaperones while still dropping some AMAZING puns along the way.
Majmudar writing style is very refreshing and light. The book is tailored for a younger audience, but I'm 24 and I still enjoyed it thoroughly. The story moves at a good pace; the plot is easy to follow and has plenty of twists and turns! Often, Indian mythological fiction books can get stagnant and too purple prose-y but this book is the opposite. It breathes fresh life into the myths while making them relatable with the three main characters as younger, spunky kids who have good guardians watching over them!
All in all, just an amazing book! The nod to bharatnatyam was a special treat for me because I dance too! Beautifully written!
~~~SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS~~~
Prem, Kushal and Samhita are three siblings who had been separated at birth by their parents, and come together because of Vishnu (rather, Fishnu!). They have a strong grasp on the Vedic mantras (Majmudar brings those verses into modern day too by making them rhyming English couplets!) and are able to meet many different gods including Bhumi, Agni, Surya and Ganesha! Ganesha was a shining beacon because he literally becomes their friend (and, I like to think, by extension the reader's, my, friend!) and takes them to see his mother and father (Parvati and Shiva).
There is a really smart and cool character trait that these three children (Prem, Kushal and Samhita) have. Each of them have a special talent and that is how they show their love for their culture and religion. Samhita is a carer for the environment and has a penchant for healing. Kushal is a musician and he plays his flute so melodiously that even demons fall asleep. ;) And Prem has a talent for writing stories like Majmudar (and also like me!). His stories make the gods more relatable and he is able to foster love for them in that way!
My favorite character in the book was Shiva, even though he doesn't speak in the book at all. He commands respect, love, and reverence as soon as he makes an appearance and Majmudar's description of him brought tears to my eyes. Parvati deserves an honorable mention too because she was a nod to all the amazing mothers out there. She reminded me of my Bharatnatyam dance teacher and reading her chapter made me crave a warm hug and some steaming idlis! It was heartwarming and soothing and I cannot accurately articulate my feelings for both of them in the story.
I won't spoil the whole story but my ALL TIME favorite part of the book was when Prem writes the story that saves the gods and wins the entire fight! It was beautifully done and gave the children a more active role in helping the gods win! It was brilliant because it showed that: yes, we need God's grace to win our personal battles, but sometimes the gods need us too! It was just brilliant!
~~~SPOILERS OVER~~~
Okay, I told myself I would not ramble and here I am... rambling! I just really love this book and it's going to go up on my revered shelf with my Potters and Devdutt Pattanaik because, ladies and gentlemen, Majmudar has made her mark on me and she is here to stay (and kick some butt)!
Majmudar is an incredible storyteller, and even the little myths woven into the overarching plot were so beautifully told, I was reminded of my grandmother telling me stories when I was younger.
For someone who has grown up worshipping the Hindu gods and goddesses, I always saw them as bigger than life entities to be revered and worshipped, but they were rarely relatable. To me, they only came alive when I wrote or read stories about them being placed in modern day. Majmudar, very cleverly, brought the almighty gods to my level while still giving them the respect and love they deserve. These gods became the main characters' friends, mentors, and chaperones while still dropping some AMAZING puns along the way.
Majmudar writing style is very refreshing and light. The book is tailored for a younger audience, but I'm 24 and I still enjoyed it thoroughly. The story moves at a good pace; the plot is easy to follow and has plenty of twists and turns! Often, Indian mythological fiction books can get stagnant and too purple prose-y but this book is the opposite. It breathes fresh life into the myths while making them relatable with the three main characters as younger, spunky kids who have good guardians watching over them!
All in all, just an amazing book! The nod to bharatnatyam was a special treat for me because I dance too! Beautifully written!
~~~SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS~~~
Prem, Kushal and Samhita are three siblings who had been separated at birth by their parents, and come together because of Vishnu (rather, Fishnu!). They have a strong grasp on the Vedic mantras (Majmudar brings those verses into modern day too by making them rhyming English couplets!) and are able to meet many different gods including Bhumi, Agni, Surya and Ganesha! Ganesha was a shining beacon because he literally becomes their friend (and, I like to think, by extension the reader's, my, friend!) and takes them to see his mother and father (Parvati and Shiva).
There is a really smart and cool character trait that these three children (Prem, Kushal and Samhita) have. Each of them have a special talent and that is how they show their love for their culture and religion. Samhita is a carer for the environment and has a penchant for healing. Kushal is a musician and he plays his flute so melodiously that even demons fall asleep. ;) And Prem has a talent for writing stories like Majmudar (and also like me!). His stories make the gods more relatable and he is able to foster love for them in that way!
My favorite character in the book was Shiva, even though he doesn't speak in the book at all. He commands respect, love, and reverence as soon as he makes an appearance and Majmudar's description of him brought tears to my eyes. Parvati deserves an honorable mention too because she was a nod to all the amazing mothers out there. She reminded me of my Bharatnatyam dance teacher and reading her chapter made me crave a warm hug and some steaming idlis! It was heartwarming and soothing and I cannot accurately articulate my feelings for both of them in the story.
I won't spoil the whole story but my ALL TIME favorite part of the book was when Prem writes the story that saves the gods and wins the entire fight! It was beautifully done and gave the children a more active role in helping the gods win! It was brilliant because it showed that: yes, we need God's grace to win our personal battles, but sometimes the gods need us too! It was just brilliant!
~~~SPOILERS OVER~~~
Okay, I told myself I would not ramble and here I am... rambling! I just really love this book and it's going to go up on my revered shelf with my Potters and Devdutt Pattanaik because, ladies and gentlemen, Majmudar has made her mark on me and she is here to stay (and kick some butt)!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2020
Such a page turner! Never thought a fiction story about Gods vs Demons could be so interesting as well as informative, and with such a meaningful moral. Great debut novel Ami Majmudar A.B. Majmudar!!
August 31, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for The Torchbearers. This middle grades book had me laughing out loud. Action-packed, this book tells the story of three children who use the power of the Vedas to help the gods fight the demons to save the earth. This book was hard to follow at times due to the numerous characters. Overall I really enjoyed it though.
*
As a Hindu mom raising Hindu children, I crave books that will bring our faith to life. Majmudar does that, integrating prayers and the origin stories of many gods.
*
Even if you aren’t Hindu, if you like Magic Treehouse and the Spirit Animals series, you’ll love this one.
*
This book is published by Penguin India so you’ll have to buy online. I hope to read more from Majmudar!
*
As a Hindu mom raising Hindu children, I crave books that will bring our faith to life. Majmudar does that, integrating prayers and the origin stories of many gods.
*
Even if you aren’t Hindu, if you like Magic Treehouse and the Spirit Animals series, you’ll love this one.
*
This book is published by Penguin India so you’ll have to buy online. I hope to read more from Majmudar!
Read
October 5, 2020I recently read 'The Torchbearers' by author A B Majmudar.
A story about 3 kids and a prophecy which was made by the creater, Lord Brahma himself.
Though the story is fictional, the author's concept is real. Our kids barely know anything about our cultural heritage, our ancient literature, our Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads. They are the future and we have to teach them about our legacy for them to take it forward. Our kids will be the Torchbearers of tomorrow.
Author's style of writing is super commendable and the puns are witty. Simply loved reading it. All in all a complete page turner.
Also, it would be perfect to call it a blend of a Kids Fantasy Novel and the Vedas and Puranas.
Recommended for ages 9 and above.
A story about 3 kids and a prophecy which was made by the creater, Lord Brahma himself.
Though the story is fictional, the author's concept is real. Our kids barely know anything about our cultural heritage, our ancient literature, our Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads. They are the future and we have to teach them about our legacy for them to take it forward. Our kids will be the Torchbearers of tomorrow.
Author's style of writing is super commendable and the puns are witty. Simply loved reading it. All in all a complete page turner.
Also, it would be perfect to call it a blend of a Kids Fantasy Novel and the Vedas and Puranas.
Recommended for ages 9 and above.
October 10, 2020
Growing up, Hindu stories were a big part of my life. It’s how I connected with my grandma, who was so passionate about her religion, and my roots. I grew up in a family that really prioritized spirituality which has carried over with me through the years. It was so cool to read a book like this that dropped in references from Hindu stories and meshed them in so creatively to form an adventure story. It reminded me of my childhood and my journey now. It is a great book for young adults and I totally recommend it to anyone, especially for those that are excited about and know Hindu stories well. It was an amazing read!
August 18, 2020
This book is a great read. Not just my daughter but I myself loved it too. Never knew Indian mythology can be made so interesting for kids. The gods speaking in todays slang makes them connect more to the book. How Shiva became neel kanch has been expressed so nicely. Totally loved the language. You can actually visualize everything that's happening in the book.
December 23, 2020
This is the book I wish was around when I was a kid! As someone who grew up steeped in Hindu mythology, this was such a fun read - a great combination of those stories and American YA storytelling and pace. For those who really know the details of the various gods, you won't be disappointed as the author uses the rich backstory of those gods to inform the plot.
June 1, 2020
An AMAZING book! People who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and action should read this book. A.B. Majmudar has become the J.K. Rowling of Indian Culture/literature, and will someday take her place among the greats of literature.
Oh, and there's a very punny fish in there.
Oh, and there's a very punny fish in there.
October 6, 2020
This book is PHENOMENAL! It's imaginative, filled with puns, a mystery page turner from start to finish, all the while filled with meaningful Vedic cultural content. It's such a fun book enjoyable for any age, and I can't wait to share it with others. Thanks so much for writing it, A.B. Majmudar!
June 3, 2020
This book is awesome! If you love fantasy and adventure and mythology, you will love this book!
November 6, 2021
Witty puns in this book never failed to put a big smile on my face! 😊 Such a thought provoking concept behind why gods have begun to loose their strength and power in these modern times
Read
December 29, 2020Awesome ideas! a couple of things I would've liked to change.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SPOILER ALERT!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Good things!
1. I like the idea of bringing ancient Indian mythology to modern times!
2. I like Veda hour! (but would never want to do it, unless I get these amazing powers too!) :)
3. I like how prem wrote the battle!
4. My favorite character is Prem, my favorite god is Ganpati.
Bad things!
1. I feel like Khubir(I think) should have used his powers to transform more often.
2. I got a bit confused when it went back in time.
3. well nothing else really! :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SPOILER ALERT!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Good things!
1. I like the idea of bringing ancient Indian mythology to modern times!
2. I like Veda hour! (but would never want to do it, unless I get these amazing powers too!) :)
3. I like how prem wrote the battle!
4. My favorite character is Prem, my favorite god is Ganpati.
Bad things!
1. I feel like Khubir(I think) should have used his powers to transform more often.
2. I got a bit confused when it went back in time.
3. well nothing else really! :)
November 10, 2021
This is great storytelling incorporating Hindu mythology, and full of lovable characters and witty puns.
A fun adventure for 4th to 7th grade readers.
A fun adventure for 4th to 7th grade readers.
July 28, 2025
Loved it ! was a great fusion between being practical and staying true to our sanskruti
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews