Book Review : Scion Of Ikshvaku

Author : Amish Tripathi

Genre : Mythological Fantasy

Published On : 22 June 2015

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As the makers put it, this first installment of the Ram Chandra series is the most awaited literary blockbuster of the year. The frenzied wait had its effect on me, as I had pre-ordered a copy, days before its release. Obviously, the most weighted factor which prompted me into this craze was The Shiva Trilogy, the previous work of the boring banker turned happy author.

Shiva Trilogy achieved its cult status for two major reasons: a) the plot being discussed offered a welcome change from the modern day love stories that had mushroomed up in the post Chetan era. b) The author had meticulously researched through Vedas and other ancient texts, and had reconstructed the very image of Shiva, into a very capable man rather than a miracle performing God. To quote the First City, Amish had succeeded on reintroducing Hindu mythology to the youth of this country. It was refreshing to have an alternative, and more logical view of our puranas. Personally, his works had helped me reinforce some of my sagging faith.

So when the author of Shiva Trilogy announced Ram Chandra series, I was naturally excited. Here, he had a daunting task to remodel Indian epic Ramayana. Most of us are already familiar with the text, and one could only wonder how he would remodel it. And having seen through the three hundred and fifty four pages, I must say Amish has done a commendable job. The title “Scion of Ikshvaku” follows the pattern of titles of his previous works : Immortals of Meluha, Secret of the Nagas and Oath of the Vayuputras. Scion simply means descendants. Now let us get into the book. No spoilers though.

I must say Ram Chandra series may not be as radical as Shiva Trilogy, more or less because it follows the same style. Moreover, the author has to carefully work on the very famous Ramayana, without arising any controversy, while no such epic existed in the case of Shiva. Nonetheless, he has taken his liberty in tweaking some of the incidents and touching up the behaviors of some pivotal characters. One could call this series a prequel of sorts to the Shiva Trilogy.

The reader is made quite aware of how the first part is going to end early on. This is a cliffhanger situation, leaving you wanting for more…