Read 5 for 2013 : Oath of the Vayuputras – Amish

The concluding part of the Shiva trilogy was in a way the most awaited novel for me in the first half of 2013. The story had been very nicely poised for the finale which was going to be the 'Oath of the Vayuputras'. I pre-ordered the book and as luck would have it, had my India vacation to pore over it.

The concluding part is as long as the first two combined and I must confess that the novel begins languidly. The novel describes the final battle of Shiva against Evil and almost two-thirds of the novel talk about warring tactics which sometimes do get interesting but also contribute to the monotony of the narrative.  There are quite a few new characters that come to the fore, which on a personal level confused me a bit. However I understand the need for them considering that there are alliances formed for the impending war. The author in the narrative tries a little too hard to draw parallels between the characters and the mythology involved, especially in the last chapter of the book which doesn't seem to be all that natural, like in the first two parts of the trilogy.

There are a couple of high points in the novel which had me riveted - the ineptness of Emperor Daksha, his own behind the scenes maneuvers which spell the ultimate disaster, the honor displayed by Parvateshwar and above all the battle between Sati and the assassins of Aten.  Infact at the end of it all, the last novel seems to be more of Sati than Shiva. Not sure if that is to be in line with the whole concept of the 'Mother Goddess'.

The title 'Oath of the Vayuputras' is misleading. Unlike the first two novels, which talked about the Meluhans and then the Nagas true to their titles, this novel talks little about the Vayuputras. The Vayuputras seem to be more of a passing reference in the narrative; almost as an after-thought.

All said and done, if you have read the first two novels, then you should read the third and fulfill your duty as Shiva does!!!

I am tempted to read more of Ashwin Sanghvi now. I have already read the Chanakya Chants and I must say that I was impressed. In all probability I will go in for both – 'The Rozabal Line' and 'The Krishna Key' as well.

Next Read: TBD