Pralay: The great deluge by Vineet Bajpai

"Pralay: The great deluge" by Vineet Bajpai -  Trilogy? not until last page!

This  book is published by B&B Performance LLP in 2018 and has 315 pages. This is sequel of Harappa. 

The story picks up from where Harappa ended. 1700 BC: Manu has been asked to go to the Black Temple towards east with the corps of his mother. He meets mysterious Matsya. His father, Vaivaswan Pujari, is blinded by rage and revenge and joins asuras to destroy every human, plant and animal in Harappa. Present day: Vidyut starts to understand the intrigue, secrets and mystery of the tantrik world in Dev-Rakshas math. The New World Order collaborates with the aghori maha tantrik Trijat Kapaalik.

What is the secret of Black Temple? How low will Vaivaswan Pujari fall? What is the curse? Who is Matsya? Why is the The New World Order afraid of Vidyut? Will Maha tantrik Trijat dare to take on Param tantrik Dwarka Shastri? Is Vidyut a Devata?

The story takes us on a roller coaster ride. Two stories are told at the sane time. By now this type of story telling has become very popular. Story of injustice to Vaivaswan Pujari, the Surya of Harappa and a Devta himself. However even this Devta is not infallible. When he falls, Gods are displeased. Pralay is guaranteed. Second story is of Vidyut who is reincarnation of Vaivaswan. He starts to understand the dark forces and their design. His great grand father Dwarka Shastri is still not ready to tell him the secret of Black Temple. 

A few new characters come in. Matsya, Brahmanand, Trijat and a number of Pishachinis, Dakinis & dead souls are introduced.

The story is narrated in an interesting manner. The times of Pralay, Manu's arc and Matsya's guidance along with revenge of Vaiwaswan Pujari take half the book. Character of Matsya seems to be modelled on Lord Krishna. Math, supernatural powers, agoris, the looming epic battle form other half. The odds are stacked against Vidyut. How will he face?

However the looming epic battle does not happen. That will happen in Book 3. When I read the first book, I had an impression that next book will be the conclusion. This book does not mention anywhere that this is a trilogy. The readers come to know on the last page that Book 3 'Kashi' will be the conclusion of the series.

First book was good. So author had a responsibility to ensure that this book keeps up the tempo. Well, although not as much as the first book, this book doesn't let it fall too much. Hopefully third book will turn out to be a crowning glory. 

Why did I read this book? Harappa was good.

What I didn't like? No mention that its a trilogy. 

What did I like?  Book 2 doesn't falter. 

Read, if you have read Harappa.