Review:

A character from Ramayana you want to read more about?

‘What is love if it is never tested?’
‘When you fail but survive, then you’re on the path to becoming a king.’

Ravan- someone who kidnapped Sita, is known as a villain. What we know is that Mahabali Ravan- Shiva Bhakt. What we don’t know is about his life as Prince Ravan, the price he paid to become the king, the times he proved himself again and again. The Naraka Cycle- Ravan’s Trial by Sundar Nathan is a journey of Ravan heading towards the dangerous Aranya jungle, facing his trial of seven days. How will the trial go, how will he survive, will he return? Many questions pops up in the minds of readers. Well, there’s someone else who is equally worried. Surpankha- Ravan’s sister.

With a descriptive plot and crisp, gripping narrative, Sundar Nathan weaves a nail-biting story of love, sibling relationships, fear, loss, and magic which is no less than a rollercoaster ride. Here we see the other side of Lanka and the people of Lanka. The bond between the siblings, the unfolding of an unheard love story, the thoughts they had for their guru Shukr and a lot more. During his trial, the days Ravan spent in the Jungle, he remembered the lessons from his guru throughout as he met the Asuras, and the Nagas there.

Sundar’s writing style is enchanting and entertaining, keeping the readers invested in, making them curious about the journey Ravan is on. What I loved most here was the bond between the siblings which is again unheard of. The way Ravan’s trial affected Surpankha, and the way Kumbhkaran channelled himself into other activities tells about their love for their elder brother. Determined to survive the trial, Ravan feared, felt devastated by the situation, faced it all and immersed as a winner. The story gets intense with each chapter, making it exciting for the readers.

I enjoyed the subtle twists Sundar adds making it more interesting. Raven who came back from the trial gets the shock of his life. During his recovery, I enjoyed the conversation he had with his Guru. Not to forget about the adventures Surpankha faces, which is again thrilling.

It’s a fast-paced read filled with lots of drama and unexpected twists. Not to forget about the well developed, relatable characters, each of them spicing up the story in their own ways. We could see Ravan on an emotional roller coaster ride along with Surpankha. Not to forget the addition of Sanskrit shlokas and their explanations. They add depth to the story.

Also Read: A heartwarming read – Tales of Tender Moments by Ishita Tavadia – Book Review

I enjoyed the way Ravan gathered himself to face the hurdles as the shocking discoveries about his own family pushed him to his limits. Not to forget the open-ended climax excited the readers for the next part of the story. How will the lovers survive, and what will Ravan do, I am excited to know and I can’t wait for the next part of the book.

If you love reading Indian Mythology then this is the book you must not miss. Its an emotional read with outstanding characters, a gripping plot and a descriptive narrative.

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