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Sangam: The Awakening

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Drops of blood from a pure soul taint a famed kingdom, giving rise to a rebellion that now oversees a public execution. A bereaved Commander happens upon twins bearing a mysterious past and takes them under his wing. Eight years later, a surge in power within the twins calls on an uncontrollable threat that comes crashing down upon a glorious empire, rendering it to ashes and rubble. A quest to learn his children's past reveals a horrifying, age-old prophecy. Haunting words spoken from an artifact reveal to the monarch, his council, and the twins a clue and an unavoidable choice.

304 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2020

23 people want to read

About the author

Tejaswini Sundar

2 books2 followers
Tejaswini Sundar is an alumnus of Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, and a native to Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

She currently works as a Software Developer for a company in Gurugram, India, with experience in Creative Content Writing for numerous blogs.

Other than writing, Tejaswini enjoys music and dance. The Sangam Series is Tejaswini's adventure into historical plains tailored to fit the fantasy-fiction narrative, with "Sangam: The Awakening" being her debut novel.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Sayantoni Das.
168 reviews1,572 followers
July 1, 2021
There are very few fiction books which are based in medieval India and I felt so blessed to have discovered and read this one. Tejaswini Sundar's writing is boundless and enigmatic in a way that just makes the whole experience even better.

Sangam The Awakening is a beautiful historical fiction and fantasy that is multilayered with mystery, an intricate plot, a pacey narrative and a wide array of myriad characters.

Everything unfolds slowly, allowing the reader to feel and understand everything that's going on and leading to. It does get a bit perplexing midway with so many characters to keep a track of but everyone has a little role to play if you pay attention.

The world-building is fabulous and well crafted. The Government system, the offices, the people, everything is so modern yet ancient. That's the beautiful essence of medieval India which has been ensnared quite impressively.

The only thing I wish was better about this is the cover. Well there's nothing wrong with it, and the illustration is quite apt too but, there is just a but. However, it's not about the cover, it's about the story that's inside so I guess that can be easily ignored.
Profile Image for Gayatri Saikia   | per_fictionist .
719 reviews81 followers
January 28, 2021
-4.25-

First of all, WHAT AN ASTOUNDING BOOK! I am mesmerized by this Indian fantasy and I can only put it in this way : this is how I exactly want my Indian YA fantasies! Crisp writing, a well balanced plot and oh so much intrigue.

The story sets it's sail in the kingdom of Devprastha, where the Chief of Finance and the Chief Minister of the kingdom are amidst a war of words, with the latter accusing the former of treachery. As the story unwraps, we are taken through a series of events that is set alight with the death of the Keeran, the chieftain of Arulgramam and how eventually his daughter Saaranya succeeds in seeeking vengeance for her father and restoring normalcy to her village. However, occuring simultaneously, is a peculiar incident where Pallavan, the Commander in Chief finds two unattended babies inside a temple, who perhaps might be the key to unlock the future of the great kingdom of Devprastha.

Sundar makes it really easy for her readers to get acquainted with her characters through her vivid storytelling and the element of unpredictability that comes along with it. If you plunge into the story, you are at first in a mood of disbelief of how fast paced the story seems : a ploy of treachery, court politics, an ominous feeling of uncertainty looming over, a stealth mission and a war amongst the trained soldiers and the untrained yet resilient villagers looking to avenge their chief. So, much takes place within the first few chapters yet you don't feel lost for a moment.

The story I'd say never loses it's exhilarating factor throughout which I'd say left me utmost impressed. Unlike, other fantasies that exploit tropes, Sangam I'd say didn't hesitate to leave a mark on it's with it's uniqueness.

If you are looking for Indian fantasies, this is the one I'd recommend any day!
Profile Image for Japneet (millennial_reader).
112 reviews25 followers
January 1, 2021
This was the last book I read in 2020. I hardly read fantasy because of multiple reasons but whenever once in a while I do I am surprised to see how interestingly the human mind can work and the nuanced plot in 'Sangam- The Awakening' only made this belief more firm.

'Sangam-The Awakening' starts with a poem that indicates that chaos is about to unfold in the future and sets the ground for an interesting story to unfold. The setup pf a poem before the starting of the actual drama reminded me of Greek tragedies where we have a chorus to bring the audience's attention to an impending danger.

The premise of the story is established first and then it moves forward. It starts when the coastal town named Arulgramam in Devprastha is devastated in a battle that starts out because the chief is killed by the general of the royal army and the chief of finance, Maran. The two who plotted the murder are executed publically but just before his death Maran has a prophecy that he speaks of that scares the entire kingdom and it is the same day that the commander, Pallavan happens upon twins in a temple and decides to bring them up as his own because he has just lost his family.

Eight years later there are strange happenings in the kingdom and it is discovered that the twins, Atulan and Jayashree have magical powers and at the same time there's a threat looming over Vivekalayam which is an ally of Devprastha and needs help.

Are all these happenings merely a co-incidence or is it the prophecy unfolding? Well, to discover that you should read the book.

The book is interesting and the plot is nuanced but there are too many characters and it gets confusing at times. There were times when comprehending and following through the plot was seemingly difficult but overall it's an intriguing book with great characters. Definitely worth a shot.
Profile Image for Neelanjali । booksmakemewhole.
129 reviews102 followers
December 18, 2020
The book starts when the coastal town of Arulgramam in Devaprastha is destroyed in a bloody battle that commenced after the death of its chief at the hands of the Chief of finance and the General of the Royal army. The two traitors are caught and subjected to death by hanging. Minutes before his death, the Chief of finance, Maran dictates the prophecy that threatens the kingdom, and everyone is taken aback by the fear that makes their blood run cold. That same day, commander Pallavan finds twins in the temple of the goddess and immediately decides to keep them as he is still grieving over his long lost family.

Eight years later, there are mysterious happenings that lead to many disturbances in the kingdom. The twins, Jayashree and Atulan, develop strange powers that worry Pallavan. There is a deadly storm in Vivekalayam, an allied kingdom of Devaprastha that needs immediate help.

All this is just a coincidence or the events are unfolding according to an age-old prophecy?

The plot construction is commendable as it is a bit complex due to many characters in pivotal roles. The development of female characters was something that I greatly admired in this book. The prose is immaculately constructed making the novel even more captivating.

I had some trouble trying to comprehend the storyline and the complicated names of the characters. Overall, it is a beautifully crafted story with grand characters that will make you hold your breath!
Profile Image for Khyati Gautam.
900 reviews255 followers
May 31, 2021
Sangam: The Awakening by Tejaswini Sundar is a fantasy fiction set in the kingdom of Devprastha. In the game of lust for power, prophecies, love, betrayal, and hurt, we find the book taking its readers on an exhilarating ride. With an intrigue that would keep one at the edge, Sangam makes for an entertaining read at any point in time.

With the public execution of two characters accompanied by hovering of crows, the stage is set, the narrative is established. It is followed by destruction and revenge to restore normalcy. However, after the chaos is put to rest, Commander Pallavan stumbles upon abandoned twins. He becomes their father and eight years hence, things unfold most dramatically. What's to happen? How would the twins link to the impending destruction?

With an abundance of characters and a story that has got multiple layers, there was not a dull moment for me while reading Sangam. It's written beautifully, with the right choice of words and expressions. As one would delve deeper into the book, they'll find themselves caught in the mystery and intrigue. Things move at a fast pace and before you snap out of it, the story ends. Well, I thought there was more to it.

The author has woven a wonderful story with patience and finesse. The atmospheric writing coupled with a multi-layered narrative resulted in an immersive reading experience for me. I am glad I got an opportunity to read this one, for now, I know, how amazing a fantasy could be if written brilliantly! Although there are way many characters here but, I guess, each one of them has a role to play. So, probably, this is a kind of book that would certainly demand one's undivided attention for it to be enjoyed fully.
Profile Image for  Afreen  Khalil Inscribed Inklings.
862 reviews40 followers
December 12, 2020
Read the review on my blog- https://inscribedinklings.wordpress.c...



"Sangam: The Awakening" is a beautiful crafted, epic tale of a Kingdom which is in turmoil due to an impending prophecy. The book actually starts with a poem that explains the plot but we don't understand it then. But as we read the book, the pieces fall in place and you understand the significance of the poem.

The language of the book was rich and lucid. The narration was predominantly in third person and it suited the book. The characters were many in number and each one of them were pivotal for the story. The tone of the book was ardent and complex. The writing style was grandiloquent and lyrical. The plot had so many layers that it took a while to comprehend all of it.

"She came before any of us ever did, Saaranya. She brought life and happiness with her from the Heavens when she first started to form. The waves of the ocean collected the sand from the shores, slowly helping it pile up, just as She wanted. This land, that you and many others call home, is dmed holy," (She refers to Goddess Durga)- Excerpt from the book

The story is about the Kingdom of Devaprastha and the problems faced by it's people. In the opening of the book, the King Agilan is sick and his Kingdom is being run by the Cheif Minister Manikandan. But the enemies of the crown take this as an opportunity to take down The Kingdom and start a rebellion. The Cheif of Finance, Maran is the evil mastermind behind it all. He has allied in the army who he uses to execute his cruel plans.

On the same eventful night of the death and destruction, Pallavan, a commander in the army, finds twins abandoned and alone. He is gifted these children as he lost his wife and child recently. He takes care of Jayashree and Atulan as his own. As they grow up, they exhibit skills that are supernatural. Then a prophecy is revealed and everything is in jeopardy. Will the twins destroy the Kingdom or are they a blessing in disguise? Read to find out!

Recommending this book to all fantasy fiction lovers and also historical fiction lovers!

- Afreen
Profile Image for Parijat.
286 reviews18 followers
January 2, 2021
SANGAM by Tejaswini Sundar

Being an amateur reader in the fantasy genre, when this 300-page book came into my lap, I was naturally scared. However, my fear soon turned into astonishment as I was introduced to this mystical tale of Devprastha. 300-page seemed very less and I found myself gobbling through the pages. The book felt like a binge-worthy NETFLIX series that I could not restrain myself from. SANGAM is definitely one of the best reads of mine from the genre.

Describing the book within a paragraph is tough for me as the book is a culmination of various complex characters, plots, and sub-plots. However, I will try to do my best in giving you an idea about the plot without spoiling anything. Set in Devprastha, the story kicks off as the chief of finance and the general of the royal army are hung due to a heinous crime they had committed. However, those two people had some ulterior motive to bring destruction that the kingdom was not aware of. On the same day, the commander of Devprastha finds two new-born twins near a temple and decides to raise them as their own kids. As years passed, the kingdom witnessed some unexplanatory incidents that make their connection with the fateful day 8 years ago.

SANGAM has thrown me off-guard with the natural storytelling style of the author. Tejaswini has not only been successfully created the world but also made sure to connect the readers with it. The nexus between the plot and the characters have the potential to keep the readers glued to the book. The rich vocabulary of the author has perfectly fit the era of the story. The strong characters (both make and female) have added an extra feather to the bold storytelling.

The only drawback I personally felt that the editing could have been a little bit better in the initial chapters. It took me hours to get into the main plot. Way many characters were introduced and while that did not create any problem in the narration for me, I think new readers should take time before picking this one up.

Rating: 4.5/5

A special mention to the debut author @tejaswini.sundar for the amazing work.

Love,

Parijat
Profile Image for Richa Sharma.
228 reviews31 followers
February 20, 2021
A book on politics, mystery with a sprinkle of magic, Sangam the Awakening is Indian historical fiction at its best. Set in the kingdom of Devaprastha with an ailing king and a devoted chief minister. The story takes a mysterious turn when a planned assassination with ties to the inner members of the king's ministers, shows that the kingdom is under threat. Political instability, outer enemies and an age old prophecy, this book is a journey for the senses.

The author has done a spectacular job of building a solid foundation of the hierarchy, character development and setting. The world is described with utmost importance given to the details, the events are shown rather than told. I have to admit the characters are too many to remember, so you might need to read this at a go, stretching it out will be confusing.

The plot of the story is full of depth with unpredictable twists and turns. The author was able to keep my attention throughout most of the book, which is remarkable considering the genre. The sheer wit and greed of many characters was portrayed so very well. These are the characters that make a book entertaining, especially Maran and Manikandan.

Overall this book will keep you entertained and is a treat for the fantasy and historical readers!
Profile Image for TheBookersDiary.
35 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2020
The first of many upcoming books by Tejaswini Sundar kicks of in Devaprastha and its neighboring kingdoms. A land that falls under the clutches of a conspiracy but fails and leads to a public execution. That very day twins whose fate ties to all the allied lands mysteriously appear. Few years down, nature seems to turn against everyone. An artifact leads to a prophecy. The quest begins with finding the truth.

Uniqueness: This book is a mixed bag of fantasy, suspense, history, and drama. The combination of it all is just perfect. The story builds up with each page that you turn, unearthing new things. A tale of the Sangam Tamil lands is not something you find every day.

Predictability: The build-up for the story was unpredictable. There was something new that came up with every page. Not something you will find in a book on a similar genre.

Writing Style: Simple, easy to understand, details when required is what the book offers. The text flows from one page to the other, and you immerse in it. What caught my attention were the scenes written so well, I could see them play right in front of me.

Cost Worth: Worth every penny for anyone who loves reading Indian mythology. This book is available for a free read with Kindle unlimited. And for all the people who can't hold back from a paperback, you would need to shell out Rs 349 on Amazon.

Entertaining: This book is a blockbuster. The initial pages spoke of a coup, and who doesn't love a suspense unfolding. Supernatural events followed. The story of the twins, bonds, and friendships, the kings, and the power-hungry generals all hit the right spot.

Verdict: A 9.9/10 for I wanted to know more about what will happen next and can't wait for the next book. An absolute must-read for the suspense, drama, thrill, and ancient Indian homelands. A glimpse at the beginning and the end of the book:

"Fight with courage
For darkness is setting.
Fight for life
As death approaches.
The kingdom will turn over,
As the light shines,
The kingdom will fade,
Leaving but two in its wake."
Profile Image for Komal.
47 reviews9 followers
December 26, 2020
It is the story of a deathly prophecy that looms over the kingdom of Devaprastha. It begins with the ominous killing of a tribal chief by the evil Chief of finance- Maran and his partner-in-crime, Selvaratnam- the general of the Royal army.

After a hard-fought battle, they are caught and sentenced to be hung at the hands of the late chief's daughter- Saaranya. Before she could punish both of them for mercilessly killing her parents, Maran prophesied the beginning of doomsday for the kingdom.

It's the very same day, that commander Pallavan finds two new-born twins in a nearby temple and decides to raise them as his own kids, completely unaware of what awaited his fate.

After eight years, the kingdom witnesses a lot of natural havoc in form of tornadoes and wild winds destroying the coastal areas.

Also, the twins, Jayashree and Atulan starts possessing strange powers where one of them can heal and bring the dead to life, while the other is always accompanied by a murder of crows, and can talk to the dead as well as nocturnal creatures.

( I can't resist throwing a GOT reference here, one is Melisandre and another one is our very own Bran stark. If this doesn't excite you to pick up the book, I don't know what else will!)

And finally, there is a mysterious relic that looks harmless but the words that erupt from its hollow frame are like poison as it leaves the listener hypnotized and preyed on their minds.
( How fascinating is that!)

What is the secret behind these mysterious twins and the magical conch? Will the kingdom meet its gloomy fate? To know more, grab a copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Readbyheart .
582 reviews70 followers
January 23, 2021
•The cover of the book looks classy and intense. It represents the book is going to be an intensive read for everyone along with the title which is perfect.

•It is the story of a deathly prophecy that looms over the kingdom of Devaprastha.., where the king Agilan is bedridden and under his guidance chief minister Manikandan was performing all the administrative duties.

•Everything looked normal, but the actual situation is quite opposite. When chief minister Manikandan observed the unnecessary and suspicious accord between his staff Kapilan and the chief of finance Maran.

•His suspicions proved right when he recieved the news that Keeran has been brutally assassinated by General Selvaratnam under the direction of Maran.

What's the real mystery behind everything we can see?
Will Manikandan be able to save the kingdom from the danger ?

You have to grab the book to know everything !!

•This book is a brilliant combination of fantasy, history, drama, suspense.

•Characters are characterized well. From Agilan to Manikandan, Keeran to Maran all Characters and sub-characters are very smoothly introduced.They are unique , well developed, strong and impactful. Especially I love the character of Manikandan. I'm in love with his wisdom and aura.

•The plot was complex but is very intriguing at the same time. Author has mentioned every small details effectively which adds a plus to the story. The build-up for the story was unpredictable. There was something new that came up with every page.

•I will highly recommend this book to all fantasy and fiction lovers.
Profile Image for Vidhya Thakkar.
1,097 reviews139 followers
June 1, 2021
an intriguing book that tells a story about the Kingdom of Devaprastha. It's about a murder that happens in the kingdom which turns out to be a curse for the kingdom. It's People who wanted to destruct the kingdom and the journey of two twins found near the temple. Was there some connection between the two incidents?

How was the growth of the kingdom thereafter? @tejaswini.sundar
Beautifully weaved a story of Love, Power, Abundance and Loss. I fell in love with the world she created, trying to solve the mystery of the kingdom.

It has an intriguing plot filled with twists and a fascinating narration that keeps the readers hooked throughout. Honestly, it was difficult for me to connect to the story at first, but later, the evolving story made me curious.

With the shifting plots between the era's to the way the events took place, I loved how the secrets were revealed with each chapter. It's a blend of thriller and mystery in the world that the author created for the readers.

A vibrant and pleasant writing style with strong and well-developed characters makes this book more interesting. I liked how interestingly the author developed the characters that added value to the story.

Overall, it's a smooth paced story with an intriguing storyline. A book that you must not miss especially if you like reading Fantasy. You are going to love connecting the dots and solving the mystery.

An interesting read
Profile Image for bangalimeyreads.
1,192 reviews29 followers
May 21, 2021
The story has the influence of history fiction mixed with suspense and thriller. It has a pretty unique plot as the book focuses on the scenario going in a fictional kingdom.
The story begins with the murder of innocent people which turn out to be a curse for the kingdom. It has called upon the downfall of the kingdom.
While the commander of the kingdom comes across two kids, a pair of twins who have a mysterious link to themselves. But it is only realised after years, when the kingdom is falling down. What is teh significance of these two mysterious kids? Are they a blessing or curse for the kingdom?
The author has taken enough time to build the world of the book thus its a well paced plot with slow descriptions sometimes. There are numerous characters yet each character development has been presented well. Again each character has been given sufficient scope to contribute to the plot.
The narration is kept simple and easy making it a good read for all. The language used is lucid.
Profile Image for Shreyasi Basu.
271 reviews19 followers
December 8, 2020
Sangam The Awakening
by
Tejaswini Sundar

"Sangam The Awakening" is not only a mind-blowing creation but also a very engrossing story indeed. This enchanting fantasy commences with a beautiful poem which is nothing but the icing on the cake. The following part is taken from that particular poem:

🌙"Fight with courage, For darkness is setting.
Fight for life, As death approaches.
The kingdom will turn over,
As the light shines,
The kingdom will fade, Leaving but two, in its wake.”

Attraction towards any fantasy is my kind of my nature, so without any judgemental mind, I pick any fantasy I get the opportunity to read. "Sangam the Awakening" is a sudden choice as well, and I must say it was the best pick this week. From the very beginning, the story is very catchy and page-turner. The plot consists of the tale of the kingdom Devaprastha and it's ongoing circumstances. When the king of Devaprastha Agilan is extremely unwell, his close friend and chief minister Manikandan are handling the kingdom and all kinds of administrations. But in reality, haven't we experienced that, what we see and what is actually happening, not parallel but perpendicular. Equivalently the peaceful Devaprastha is a mirage and Manikandan perceived it at first. What is actually happening there? What's the real mystery behind everything we can see? At first, the story has numerous characters and I must say that every character is very well managed. From Agilan to Manikandan, Keeran to Maran all Characters and sub-characters are very smoothly introduced and developed as well. I love how perfectly the author has managed the plot and all doubts, all questions, all voids are filled and solved in the end. Tejaswini's writing style is undoubtedly brilliant. I can't compare her talent with any author as she has a separate and unique creative sentence formation style. The story is not so fast-paced for me but that's really negligible. The important thing is, I have enjoyed this book from the beginning till the ending. I will highly recommend this book to all fantasy and fiction lovers. But beginners can pick this book if they are ready to read with patience. The author's work is really appreciating.
Profile Image for bookswithsakshi .
492 reviews44 followers
December 25, 2020
I have not read many fantasy books but this one caught my attention since the beginning of it and I relished wandering in the world created by the author.

Sangam: The Awakening is a fantasy book set in Devprastha. There are countless characters and each one of them contribute to the story in their way. It was hard to remember every character and I would have appreciated it even more if there was a list of characters before the book starts. Still, the book doesn't confuse you that much as soon as it picks the speed.

Pallavan, a commander, lost his wife and children and he desperately wants a family. On the day of the execution of Maran, the Chief of Finance, twins were born. Fortunately, Pallavan comes across them and he brings them home. Almost after eight years, Pallavan finds out that his kids are not ordinary but they have mysterious powers within them. Jayshree can heal wounds with her power as she can feel the pain of others and Atulan has the power to guide crows and cause harm to people who give rise to trouble. As much as I discerned the power of Jayshree, I failed to make sense of Atulan's.

The characters in this book are strong and bold and it was a delightful journey to read this with likeable characters. The writing style is lucid and the author has used rich vocabulary which perfectly suits a genre like fantasy. I haven't read fantasy books quite often but still, I know what to expect from this genre.

The word soon spreads in the village about the uncommon powers possessed by twins and people start warning Pallavan about the same. Not worrying about what people say, Pallavan assures his kids that they have his complete support and trust. He coaches twins to become a better self and excel in things required for survival.

Read this book to find out what happens when the people are in a problem related to the twins. Are they going to destroy the kingdom or will twins bring peace once and for all?

It is hard for me to believe that this is the debut because the narration is so incredible that I fail to point out flaws. I can't. The book is perfect and it will be a pleasure for fantasy lovers as well. I am sure. Read this book if you love reading fantasy books.
Profile Image for Deepan Maitra.
254 reviews33 followers
May 16, 2021
Historical fiction stems from a vivid imagination, an urge to let forgotten stories unfold. Author Tejaswini has imagined her debut book all that she could and not all in vain. She crafts a story that floats in front of the readers’ eyes, making us reminisce about lost kingdoms, powerful dynasties, shocking prophecies and chilling allegations.

The story is of a kingdom that faces doom in the face of a deadly prophecy. It is about humans wielding secret powers, people discovering their unexpected ancestry and about decisions that can put the fate of the kingdom in question.

The author’s intellect in stitching the various segments of the story is commendable. Consequently, her book never ceases to enchant and thrill the readers. With a lot happening in each and every corner of the story, with the sequences packed with action, the book becomes a grand affair to witness. Like every other historical fiction, Tejaswini has tried to build her plot in a layered manner. She keeps true to a primary plot, with certain sub-plots paving the way to more exciting storytelling. Her characters are diverse and numerous, and they all have roles to play in the various plots. The problem comes however when the characters often become too overwhelming to keep a track of. ‘Sangam: The Awakening’ is a tale of a flourishing kingdom teeming with kinsmen. But the way too many characters dominate the plot sometimes induces confusion. Some of the characters lose importance as the story progresses, and this consistency could have been improved.

Another highlight of the book is how the author injects the element of mystery and secrecy in the storyline. She manages to always keep some secret or the other hidden from the readers’ view, adding to the suspense and thrill in the storytelling. If you are a lover of historical fiction, if you love reading stories that speak of grand kingdoms with powerful rulers, this book should be for you. As a debut book, ‘Sangam: The Awakening’ is sharp, exciting and a great attempt!

Profile Image for Shiny  Jain.
319 reviews30 followers
February 8, 2021
🌸Sangam - The Awakening is really an intriguing and engaging fantasy book for all the fantasy lovers. The start of the book is really impressive as it starts with a poem that is indicating a short summary about the story in a poetic way.
Through this poem, you can have a hint that the story is full of twists and turn, chaos and battle.

🌸Sangam is the story of a kingdom named Arulgramam in Devprastha. The king is bedridden. Under his guidance, the chief minister runs the administration. Devaprastha was a peaceful kingdom until the Chief of Arulgramam murdered by the General of Army who worked under the influence of Chief of Finance. And the drops of blood from a pure soul taint a famed kingdom, giving rise to a rebellion that now oversees a public execution. On the day of the execution, the Commander in Chief of Army found twins in the temple of Arulgramam in a mysterious way. Eight years later some strange happening takes place in the kingdom and it is discovered that the twins, Atulan and Jayashree have magical powers.

🌸The story is interesting only when you actually read it with all your focus because there are too many characters and it gets confusing at times but once you pick up a speed, you won't find it confusing. I liked the storyline, bit different and engaging. The writing style and imagination skills are really good but I felt like there is a need of little bit editing, there are some grammatical mistakes too.

🌸The story's greatest power is in its unforgettable characters, each crafted with complexity and stunning individuality, each pursuing their own agenda, each brilliant and flawed in their own ways. The story certainly moves quickly, but there is an ebb and flow to the plot that allows for downtime, allows you to pause and take a breath. I really enjoyed this. Of course, the magic, murder mystery, conspiracy, everything is well narrated and drew me in and made me want to know more and more about it.
Profile Image for Kitabi Keeda.
639 reviews73 followers
February 22, 2021
Insight: A captivating and entertaining read, packed with action, suspense, thrill, adventure, family ties, friendship, sibling love and mysticism.
The author takes on the daunting task of tackling a difficult plot with twists and turns. The book needs a rapt attention and focus throughout to grasp the storyline.

Review: Sangam: The Awakening is a story set up in the Kingdoms of Southern India. The story starts with a mysterious poem, capable enough to race your mind of the upcoming thrill and adventure that the book is going to present.
The peaceful kingdom of Devaprastha, is in mayhem due to an impending prophecy. The story sets off with death, destruction, conspiracies, revenge and the discovery of abandoned twins, Jayashree and Atulan. The author has done a commendable job of expression of emotions that perfectly suited the characters.
Jayashree and Atulan possess some mystical powers which is presented in doses by the author, which keeps the curiosity intact.
Eight years later, the prophecy is revealed which puts the kingdoms in peril. The prophecy has a strong connection with the twins.
The book is an absolute page turner. Each and every character is developed well. The language is rich and expressive.

Strength: The best part about the book is that almost all the female characters in the story are powerful, fierce and equally capable to their male counterparts.
The book cover is eye catching. The title and the blurb creates an instant interest in the storyline.

Weakness: The book holds a plethora of characters which sometimes made it confusing.
There are some editing errors which could have been avoided.

Target audience: Fantacy fiction lovers

Age group: 14 and above

Genre: Fiction, fantacy, action and adventure

Rating: 4.2
101 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2021
🌸Wow, I recently finished this captivating and entertaining read, packed with action, magic, powers, suspense, thrill, adventure, sibling love and mysticism. A well written tale of a Kingdom with lots of twists and turns.

🌸Sangam The Awakening is a story set up in the Kingdoms of Southern India. I really liked the way how this book started with a mysterious poem that is capable enough to give you a short idea about the upcoming adventure and excitement. The story is about a peaceful kingdom of Devaprastha which is in mayhem due to an impending prophecy. Most of the Kingdom stories talks about battle, chaos, death, conspiracies and revenge and here along with all this, there is magic and excitement too.
The discovery of abandoned twins, Jayashree and Atulan and what magical powers they have just came at the right time and increased my curiosity to read the whole story in one go. After Eight years, the prophecy is revealed which puts the kingdoms in peril. The prophecy has a strong connection with the twins.

🌸The author has done a commendable job of expression of emotions which really looks real. The book is an absolute page turner. Each and every character is very well developed. Through this book, author takes you to a different world where magic, secrets and thrill won't leave your side. Though, the bunch of characters may confuse you at times but if you are reading it with attention and focus then its going to be a best read. Before started reading this book, i read some reviews on Amazon where people mentioned that this book has so many errors, well honestly, i read the whole book, i didn't find any such errors. Tejaswini really did a wonderful job by creating a story that is exciting and good to read.
Profile Image for Jatin Saini.
50 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2022
Tejaswini Sundar is a bright, talented, and ambitious woman from the vibrant city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, who was born in Kuwait's Middle-Eastern territories. A famous country is tainted by drops of blood from a pure soul, sparking a revolt that now watches a public execution. With an intrigue that would keep one at the edge, Sangam makes for an entertaining read at any point in time.

With the public execution of two characters accompanied by hovering of crows, the stage is set, the narrative is established. It is followed by destruction and revenge to restore normalcy. When a grieving Commander comes upon twins with a mysterious past, he takes them under his wing. Eight years later, a surge of strength within the twins unleashes an unstoppable menace that brings a great empire crashing down, reducing it to ashes and rubble.
It offers a captivating plot full of twists and turns, as well as a captivating narration that keeps readers engaged throughout. Their density made me a little puzzled at times. With the beautiful courts as a backdrop, imagination envisioning was made simple. Here, the brother-sister combination begins to mature and demonstrate their unique abilities and forms.
A search for information about his children's past uncovers a terrifying, age-old prophecy. The monarch, his council, and the twins are given a clue and an unavoidable option by haunting words uttered from an item.
It has both old and new vibes definitely a must read one should read. It is very interesting and you will definitely keep on thinking about its plot everytime. I would definitely this. Tejaswini has done a great work.
Profile Image for The Book Critiques.
312 reviews10 followers
January 5, 2021
Devaprastha was a peace-loving kingdom until the chief of Arulgramam village murdered by the General of Army who did this heinous act under the influence of Chief of Finance.
And the death of a pure soul tainted the kingdom and gave fire to a rebellion which stopped with the execution of the culprits by the hand of the new chief and the daughter of the old chief of the village.
On the day of the execution, the Commander in Chief of Army found twins in the temple of Arulgramam in a mysterious way and with the permission of the new chief took them under his wings.
Now, these twins are the ones for whom the whole story is woven. The brother and the sister hold some powers and it was foretold by an age-old artefact that the twins will be the reason for the destruction of the world.
I must say that the imagination power of the author is strong, I mean being a debut author she has narrated an intriguing story.

But there are too many flaws in the book. As too many characters were presented it becomes a little bit confusing to comprehend the story.
Plus the narration and the language is not up to the mark. The story and the words do not go side by side.
The book needs editing as there are grammatical errors and typos which made this book for me unbearable.

Few characters were given extreme importance in the beginning but vanished completely as the story moved ahead.

If I am not wrong then this is the first part of the series and there are more to come and I would love to know what happened next only if the other parts will be error-free and presented well.

Profile Image for Swatii.reads .
84 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2021
INTERESTING READ❤️

Is it just a coincidence that these things happen, or
 is it the unfolding of prophecy?

✴️ Sangam the awakening is a book which introduces the kingdom of Arulgramam located in Devprastha. So the story starts in Devprastha which is a coastal town which is devastated by the no of battles and chief is killed by the general of the royal army .At the same day , the Commander of the Army found twins in the temple of Arulgramam.
And then he immediately decides to upbring both of them.

✴️Years pass by and The twins play the major role in the book.And it was told that the twins will be the cause of destruction of the world.Atulan and Jayashree are twins with supernatural abilities, and there is a threat looming over Vivekalayam, a Devprastha partner is in need of assistance.

Eight years later, a surge in power within the twins calls on an uncontrollable threat that comes crashing down upon a glorious empire, rendering it to ashes and rubble.

"Fight with courage
For darkness is setting.
Fight for life
As death approaches.
The kingdom will turn over,
As the light shines,
The kingdom will fade,
Leaving but two in its wake."

✴️This book was packed with quite a lot of characters . But still I found this book really interesting and I recommend this book to all the fantasy and historical fiction lovers.T he plot was constructed witfully .
___________
For me it was

⚫️A interesting plot.
⚫️Narrating style requires a grand applause👏
⚫️Simple language and quite easy to read.
Profile Image for Solitude and  books.
1,183 reviews53 followers
January 31, 2021
Sangam - The Awakening
By Tejaswini Sundar

For fantasy lovers this historical fiction will be enjoyed. Sangam is the story of a kingdom named Arulgramam in Devprastha. The king is bedridden. Under his guidance, the chief minister runs the administration. But a inner conspiracy leads to the murder of of a high position person. The people involved in this plot are decided to be publically executed but then the twist takes place and one of them utters a saying which he claims to be age old prophecy.


The same day, the commander finds two children Atulan and Jayashree who happen to be abandoned babies in a temple who he brings home and cares like his own kids. The kingdom is still alert about the saying. Was it just a myth or a real age old prophecy?


Things starts to bloom when a colourful conch speaks up mysteriously about the inevitable destruction almost a decade later.
The forests, animals and tribal communities inform of natures changing course. Will the kingdoms peace is shaken? There are more characters here. I will admit sometimes that was making me bit confused with their density. The backdrop is vivid with the luxurious courts and made fantasy visualisation easy. Here the duo of the brother and sister start to grow and show their extraordinary skills and forms. Are they themselves aware of their super magical powers? How are their mysterious past linked to the prophecy. Are they blessing or the actual threat to the kingdom?

Read to enjoy the story.
137 reviews
May 15, 2021
Sangam : The Awakening by Tejaswini Sundar!

In collaboration with @hallerbos_books

Blurb -
Drops of blood from a pure soul taint a famed kingdom, giving rise to a rebellion that now oversees a public execution. A bereaved Commander happens upon twins bearing a mysterious past and takes them under his wing. Eight years later, a surge in power within the twins calls on an uncontrollable threat that comes crashing down upon a glorious empire, rendering it to ashes and rubble. A quest to learn his children's past reveals a horrifying, age-old prophecy. Haunting words spoken from an artifact reveal to the monarch, his council, and the twins a clue and an unavoidable choice.

My review -
It's a historical fiction genre book. I have always loved the genre but I wasn't really sure about the Indian versions. So imagine my surprise when the book had me hooked. I just kept flipping through. I think I finished this book in a day. It was really good. A seemingly normal court betrayal takes on the form of something more with the arrival of mysterious newborns, twins at that weilding powers that coincide with an age old prophecy.

The language was easy to follow and the plot was well written. The author had done an amazing job of keeping the reader on his toes.

Are you a fan of historical fiction? If so you should totally check this out.

If you love magic, court politics, prophecies & royalty, this is one book you can't miss!
Profile Image for Shally.
265 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2021
"The kingdom will turn over,
As the light shines,
The kingdom will fade,
Leaving but two, in its wake."

I literally love this genre and love to explore more writings and stories based on it. Devpratha, a lost kingdom, where a lot of crime, greed, power, lust, have all pervaded over after a lot of conspiracies. And far somewhere, two twins are growing with some supernatural powers, ministers exerting their wills, and much more. All these things make this story worth reading and interesting at the same time. The plot is nuanced, narration and imagination quite engaging and characters understandable. The plot is multi-layered, and so are the characters, few are talked about in detail, while others are merely there to add more number.

What I loved more about the book is imagination and the plot, or story layout. Moving to and forth, all the events come together. The theme of power and greed is very prominent in the book, which is what makes it more real. In the old times when prophecies played an important role, flourishing kingdoms never ignore the future ahead. The heinous crimes committed never last long, is also one of the themes that I would love to tag along with the story. Not for even a moment, I felt the need to skip pages, every page contains a lot. And with this, I want to congratulate the debut author for this superb work and imagination.
Profile Image for Tanishq Rajmani.
423 reviews16 followers
February 22, 2021
The cover of the book is designed beautifully and looks classy. The title is also very interesting and made me curious to read this book.

The story is about the kingdom of Devaprastha where the king Agilan is bedridden and under his guidance chief minister Manikandan performed the administrative duties.Everything looked normal, but that's not the reality. Actual situation is quite opposite. Chief minister Manikandan observed the unnecessary and suspicious accord between his staff Kapilan and Maran and it proved right when he recieved the news that Keeran has been brutally assassinated by General Selvaratnam under the Maran's Direction.

To know what's the real mystery behind incident and Will Manikandan save the kingdom from the danger ?
You need to read this book.

Overall this is a very intriguing and gripping read. It is full of drama and suspense.
The language is not very hard so it could be read by everyone.
The charecterisation is done really well. All of them are developed really well. There were many unexpected things which was quite exciting. The author has done a great job in details.
I will highly recommend this book from my side especially to fantasy lovers.
665 reviews5 followers
May 4, 2021
Sangam: The Awakening is a fantasty fiction and an amazing action plus adventurous read. I am not into fantasies much but its something that i have always wanted from Indian fantasies. The story is set up in the Kingdoms of Southern India. The poem in the beginning is really mysterious and gripping. It is a great kick start for such an amazing book.
The peaceful kingdom of Devaprastha, is in mayhem. The story is full of destruction, death, cold blood revenge, conspiracies and much more. A complete thrilling package for the readers.
The story is about twins, Jayashree and Atulan who possess some mystical powers.
Eight years later, the prophecy is revealed that puts the kingdoms in danger. The prophecy is strongly connected with the twins.
The language and storyline is absolute gem. I loved the cover and title very much. The book is a sure page turner.
Everything is so vivid and author has done an admirable job.
However the book has some editing errors and typos, and there are so many characters which is making it typical to keep track.
Rest everything is amazing.
Recommended read for fantasy fiction lovers.
650 reviews15 followers
April 26, 2021
The reason of the story is set up first and afterward it pushes ahead. It begins when the waterfront town named Arulgramam in Devprastha is crushed in a fight that begins in light of the fact that the boss is executed by the general of the regal armed force and the head of money, Maran. The two who plotted the homicide are executed publically however not long before his demise Maran has a prediction that he discusses that frightens the whole realm and it is that very day that the authority, Pallavan chances upon twins in a sanctuary and chooses to bring them up as his own on the grounds that he has recently lost his family.

After eight years there are peculiar happenings in the realm and it is found that the twins, Atulan and Jayashree have supernatural forces and simultaneously there's a danger approaching over Vivekalayam which is a partner of Devprastha and requirements help.

Are generally these happenings only a co-occurrence or is it the prescience unfurling? All things considered, to find that you should peruse the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nayanika.
77 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2021
Sangam is the story of a kingdom named Arulgramam in Devprastha. The king can not rule the country as he is bedridden. The chief minister runs the administration on his commands. The novel takes a twist when an inner conspiracy leads to the murder of a high profile person. The people involved in this plot are decided to be publically executed but then the twist takes place and one of them utters a saying which he claims to be age-old prophecy.
.....
The same day, the commander finds two children Atulan and Jayashree who happen to be abandoned babies in a temple who he brings home and cares like his own kids. The kingdom is still alert about the saying. Was it just a myth or a real age-old prophecy?
Author Tejaswini Sundar has culminated all types of historical and fantastical themes in her debut book wonderfully. She weaves a story that keeps the readers’ eyes on the reminiscent lost kingdoms, powerful dynasties, shocking prophecies and chilling allegations.
The book is published in October 2020

Profile Image for Half Papyrus.
483 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2021
Sangam: The Awakening

By Tejaswini Sundar

This young adult fantasy makes the book engaging and creative simultaneously. The author has delivered this masterpiece that would make you imbibe fantasy, and encompass it within yourself on pretext of today's relevance as something imaginative yet real, mysterious and shimmery, and yet so well narrated. ⁣

The writing style can be fantasized as the vast world waiting for the protagonists to be explored and felt making the book as sparkling as the spatial dust giving an exemplary show. The plot is a heartwarming tale of love, resilience and acceptance. The journey all throughout the book in respect of relationships with others is found to be an exciting adventure and would never disappoint with the fall of disengagement.

Apart from a few concentration blocks here and there within the adventures, the book is a recommended read and the readers would be left waiting for more in the upcoming works of the author!❤️⁣
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