The king within by Nandini Sengupta

"The king within" by Nandini Sengupta - A promising debut.

This book is published by HarperCollins publishers India in 2017 and has 216 pages. 

Its year 373 CE. Darshini, a beautiful courtesan actress, is rescued by Deva from bandits. Both of them, Virasena and Kalidas form a beautiful friendship. Deva is destined to be remembered for generations. 

Who is Deva? What is his destiny? Will the friendship last the threat of time? Who is the king?

The story is set in the period of Gupta dynasty. Samudragupta is the reigning king. The tussle for succession ensues. New king wants to bring in reforms and leave a lasting legacy. He will be a King without. But will he be the king within?

Characters are resplendent. They are varied, colourful, fierce, wise. Samudragupta, undisputed Emperor of India

Ramgupta, first born of emperor and heir apparent. Chandragupta (Deva), second born of the emperor, the protagonist who is in love with his brother's wife. Darshini, Nagar Nati and protagonist who loves Deva. Virasena, the warrior. Kalidas, the famous poet. Dhruvasena, wife of Deva and later Queen.

The build-up of the story is very interesting. Narration is also interesting. The story remains fluid for almost three fourth of the book. However, there after it suddenly slows down to crawling pace. The reference of 'KIng within' comes in the very last pages. If the author has chosen this title, she should have given more emphasis and page space for this subject. It comes almost as an afterthought. 

Nandini Sengupta is a journalist and currently works for Times of India. She seems to be a promising prospect. 

Why did I read this book? Blurb. 

What I didn't like? Minimum space for the king within. 

What did I like? Story, delivery. 

Read if you have time.