Review

“You say the world will fail if left alone. I say let it try, because even if we fall, at least we believe. And belief is what makes us human.”

Right from the intriguing cover and title, I knew this book was going to be a fun rollercoaster ride, and it absolutely delivered. Bhujang Shetty and the Order of the Ninth Eclipse takes readers to Goa, where the theft of an ancient solid-gold Kadamba throne sets the stage for an exciting mystery. Bhujang Shetty, a quirky investigator from Basrur, is called by the government to work on the case. Joining him on this mission are Bhagya, Rathnesha, and Professor Satish. What follows is an investigative journey that takes readers across Goa and even to the shadowy halls of a German castle.

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Set largely in Goa, the novel beautifully captures the spirit of the place, and the vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, adding another layer of charm and intrigue to the narrative. Filled with history, mythology, mystery, humour, friendship, and a hint of romance, the story unfolds as a grand, chaotic adventure packed with unexpected detours. What makes the story particularly enjoyable is Bhujang himself. He isn’t a flawless, larger-than-life detective but an eccentric, quirky, and wonderfully endearing protagonist. A full-time lime juice vendor who always wears his aviators, Bhujang has a dramatic personality and an unconventional way of approaching situations that make him immensely likeable. His quirks add immense humour and charm to the narrative, making him a protagonist readers would happily accompany on every adventure.

One of the things I loved most about the book is the attention to detail. Gautham acknowledges the little things that make the narrative feel rich and immersive. His writing is crisp, descriptive, and highly entertaining. He beautifully weaves together love, friendship, mystery, thrill, and humour, making every chapter engaging and exciting. I also loved how the historical and mythological elements are woven into the narrative so naturally. Why the throne matters, what the Order of the Ninth Eclipse is, and the many secrets that gradually unfold add layers to the story. The information never feels overwhelming; instead, it enriches the mystery and adds depth to the adventure. As the search for the missing throne unfolds, readers are introduced to the fascinating history of the Kadamba dynasty and meet Baanu from the Kadamba clan, the protector of the throne. The way she unravels these details and shares the history behind them makes discovering the mystery all the more enjoyable.

Despite covering multiple locations, historical details, and several characters, the pacing remains engaging throughout. The story rarely slows down, and every new clue, revelation, or unexpected detour keeps you invested in the mystery. The settings too play an important role in the narrative. From the vibrant streets and winding roads of Goa to the shadowy corridors of a German castle, each place adds its own atmosphere and intrigue to the adventure. Despite its many twists and side trips, the story never loses sight of its central mystery, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

There are countless fun moments in the story, and that is one of its biggest strengths. Every character has a distinct personality and contributes to the entertainment. Be it Rathnesha’s lively antics or Bhagya, who often becomes the voice of reason amidst the chaos, each character adds flavour to the narrative. More than the mystery itself, it is the camaraderie between these characters and the sheer joy of accompanying them on this chaotic adventure that makes the book such an entertaining read. The humour in the book feels effortless. Whether it’s Bhujang’s quirks, Rathnesha’s antics, or the delightful father-son banter between Bhujang and Nilanjan Shetty, there are several moments that genuinely make you smile and add to the charm of the adventure.

I loved how Nilanjan Shetty – Bhujang’s father, Rathnesha’s mother, and another mysterious figure are woven into the narrative. Their involvement adds another layer of intrigue and fun to the story. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between Bhujang and his father. The father-son banter is hilarious, heartwarming, and easily one of the highlights of the book. One of the book’s biggest strengths is that it knows exactly what it wants to be. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and fully embraces its chaos, humour, and sense of adventure, inviting readers to simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

What I enjoyed the most was that the book never tried to be anything other than a fun adventure. Somewhere between the mystery, the history, and the chaos, I found myself simply enjoying the company of these characters and eagerly turning the pages to see where they would end up next. I had fun, I enjoyed spending time with these characters, and I wanted to keep turning the pages. Reading this book felt like being part of an old-school adventure film – one where every clue leads to another surprise, every character brings something new to the table, and the journey itself becomes more memorable than the destination. The last few chapters raise the stakes considerably, and the climax is no less than a Bollywood blockbuster – a perfectly cinematic ending to an entertaining adventure.

Overall, Bhujang Shetty and the Order of the Ninth Eclipse is a thoroughly entertaining read that beautifully blends mystery, history, mythology, friendship, and humour. Fast-paced, quirky, and wonderfully cinematic in its storytelling, it feels like a Bollywood adventure-comedy on paper. If you’re looking for a light, fun, and adventurous read packed with twists, memorable characters, and plenty of laughter along the way, this book is definitely worth picking up.

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