The Brahmin by Ravi Shankar Etteth

"The Brahmin" by Ravi Shankar Etteth -  A thriller in the times of Ashoka!

This book is published by Westland in Mar 2018 and has 265 pages. 

Ashoka has ascended the throne by killing his 99 siblings including the crown prince. He is preparing to attack Kalinga. His nameless chief spy (spy master) is known as 'The Brahmin',  a disciple of Chanakya. An assassin named Blood Flower is on the loose.

Is Golden scythe,  the ultimate weapon, just a legend? Why did Lanka's princess arrive in Patliputra? Who is Blood Flower? Can the Brahmin find Blood Flower? Can he save Magadh?

The story is set in the times of Ashoka the great. This ruthless king is obsessed with more power,  more land and more money. He trusts the Brahmin more than anyone else. Murder in Ashoka's harem means the king is not safe. Brahmin has seven days.

Most of the story happens in 276 BC. The golden scythe is a nuclear weapon in  today's parlance. It was invented by scientists of Ravan and hidden from everyone by his nine brothers and their descendents. 

The story is interesting. Narration is good but it appears that in order to increase the intrigue,  author has over done few times. At times the narration veers off the track. However,  author takes the reader more than two thousand years back. The sights,  sounds and smells touch the senses through the pages. He has given special attention to various dishes and recipes and described them in detail.

From the initial description it appears that Golden Scythe is a large weapon. But eventually it turns our to be a pendant. Also Golden Scythe of peace appears in the epilogue,  without any explanation of what it is and how it works and without it's mention earlier. 

The use of Kovidara flower by the assassin and name Blood Flower for the assassin have no real significance to the story. It could have been Tom,  Dick or Harry.

The book has it's flaws,  but it's still interesting.

Why did I read this book? Blurb! 

What I didn't like? Flaws. 

What did I like? Author takes us in the time period. 

   

Recommend reading.