Raavan: enemy of Aryavarta by Amish

"Raavan: enemy of Aryavarta" by Amish -  Good, not great!

This book is published by Westland publications private limited in 2019 and has 400 pages. This is Book 3 of Ram Chandra series. 

First two books took us through the story of Ram and Sita up to the kidnapping of Sita. This book takes us through the story of Raavan up to the kidnapping of Sita. This style of narration is called Hyperlinking.

Who was Raavan? What ticked him? How did Lanka become most wealthy nation in the world? What were his limitations and capabilities? Why did he kidnap Sita?

So are there surprises and twists? Yes. Author has given an interesting twist to the story of rape and murder of Vedavati. Ravan and Kumbhakarna are shown as Nagas. Vishwamitra is the real string puller. There is a competition between Vayuputras (Tribe left by previous Mahadev, Lord Rudra) and Malayputras (Tribe left by previous Vishnu, Parshuram). Author also reveals biological Parentage of Sita and real reason for her kidnap. He gives some good philosophical anecdotes too. 

Raavan hates his father, Rishi Vishrawas. His family (He, brother, mother and uncle Marich) was abandoned by his mother's family. He is in love with Vedavati since childhood but is livid by the way Sapt Sindhu (ancient India) treats her. He is very capable, intelligent, powerful and has flexible morals. He has very low opinion about females. He loves Kumbhakarna and Indrajit.He hates Sapt Sindhu and becomes her sworn enemy. Raavan is a complicated character and lack of influence of elder in his life is detrimental. He makes all choices on his own, many of them wrong. 

This book was originally titled "Raavan: orphan of Aryavarta" but author changed orphan to enemy when the book was published. However, I think that with a little creativity the original title might have suited more. Showing Raavan as victim of circumstances would have made a greater impact. 

Author uses current names of places in this period story (Mumbadevi, Nicobar, Asia, Africa etc.), except for the ones where he has used ancient names earlier (e.g. Karchappa for Karachi). He also makes a comment on Shabarimala female entry ban, but in the context of story. 

So how was the book? It was good, but not great. Are there twists? Yes, but nothing that hits you hard. Are there revelations? Yes but nothing that surprises you to the end of your wits. So in short, it's good, but not as good as Book 2: Sita. Sita still remains best of the series.

This book of the series was delayed a lot due to some personal issues in authors life. Readers were patient. 

Why did I read this book? Author and series 

What did I like? Vedavati angle.  

What I didn't like? Lack of wow factor!

Read if you are reading the series.