Kashi by Vineet Bajpai

"Kashi" by Vineet Bajpai - Something's missing!

This book is published by TreeShade books in 2018 and has 407 pages. This is part 3 of Harappa series. 

This book starts where previous book 'Pralay' ended. 1700 BCE, Manu is constructing the largest ark ever built by human beings, a technological wonder, with an objective to preserve all life forms. Present day, New World Order wants to obtain the secret of Black Temple. They have sent Maschera Bianka to Banaras. Dwarka Shastri is explaining the history and prophecy to Vidyut. Vidyut has to unfurl the secret of Black Temple. Final showdown is about to begin.

Is Pralay the only threat to Manu? What does New World Order want? How can Vidyut fight an international organization? Where is Black Temple? What is the secret of Black Temple? Where is Ratna Maru?

Like the previous two books author narrates two stories. One of Satyavrat Manu in past and another of Vidyut in present. The former is fascinating. The Ark, it's construction,  the team work, threat posed by carnivores led by Nara-Munda, battle for the Ark,  Pralay, Matsya  etc. is depicted vividly. Uprightness of Manu is exemplary. 

Story of Vidyut is also interesting. The start of Rohini nakshatra, arrival of designated hour, the last Black Temple, secret of Black Temple, Maschera Bianca's arrival and the showdown is good,  but the much awaited final showdown between New World Order and Dev Rakshas math does not happen. The series ends with the showdown between Vidyut and Maschera Bianca.

Author has saved the final showdown between Dev Rakshas math & New World Order, Light and Dark,  God and Bad for a new series. This leaves the readers with a feeling of betrayal. A feeling that something's missing. 

Sometimes the book uses the word statue instead of idol of God. Strange!

I completed the book with single unanswered question in mind. Why is it necessary for the Devata to know the secret of Black Temple? If it was not known to anyone, there would be no bloodshed to protect or reveal it and destiny would have been fulfilled anyway. 

Why did I read this book? 1st and 2nd books were good. 

What I didn't like? Final showdown between two organizations doesn't happen. 

What did I like? Manu's story.

   

Read of you have read first two books.