The Seal of Surya by Amritanshu Pandey

"The Seal of Surya" by Amritanshu Pandey. This book is published by Pirates in 2014 and has 225 pages.

The story is set more than 4000 years ago and narrated by Suryavanshi King Bhagirath to Bharatavanshi Crown Prince Sudas (who later fought the war of ten kings) in flash back. Marichi was the last king of Suryavanshis. His son abdicated the throne and for two more generations there was no king. This is the time when Suryavanshi and Somavanshi tribes were living in a scattered manner with no single person as leader or king. Ikshavaku, great grand son of Marichi, decides to become a king and succeedes at the age of 14. His father tells him that the Seal of Surya, a chunky gold pendant, that symbolizes the authority of his family has gone missing two generations ago. It's the symbol of authority and power. Rakshas Narantaka is King Ikshavaku's biggest enemy.

Ikshavaku decides to track Seal of Surya down and wear it. What does he do? Can he find the location? Can he secure his kingdom? Who are the enemies? Does he loose his dear ones? How will he be remembered?

The book is full of wars, blood and gore. Such was the way of life in those days. Survival of the fittest! This is the period when most of the human population lived nomadic lives, save a few like Suryavanshis and Somavanshis. Raiding and pillaging was the main business of tribes like Rakshasas, Gandarvas and Yakshas. Suryavanshis and Somavanshis were at the receiving end and had to defend from the invasions.

Amritanshu Pandey, a name never heard before, has woven a beautiful tapestry for the readers. To recreate a period of more than 4000 years ago is not a simple task. The vivid narration brings the characters to life and audience watch the movie on their mind's screen. Author is also candid in confessing that this is a fiction.

The book ends with provision of the sequel called 'The ring of Soma'. We have a sequel or probably a series in the offing. It's a brave endeavor to chronical ancient fiction and make it interesting. Author has succeeded in both.

Although it's a book of 225 pages, it had a small font size. Had it been done in a more larger font, the count would have exceeded 300. Cover design of the book is also very good. The website of this author is also interesting. I purchased the book without having any background or knowledge about the book but it turned out to be a good read.

An good book. Recommend reading.