"The rise of Sivagami" by Anand Neelakantan. This book is published by Westland in Mar 2017 and has 490 pages. This is book 1 of Baahubali series.
Sivagami's father, a Bhoomipathi (big nobleman) in Mahishmati kingdom, was executed for treason. Orphan Sivagami retrieves an ancient book as directed by her dying nanny. Katappa is made sevak of Prince Bijjala for his bravery. His brother dreams of freedom from slavery. There is a conspiracy to destroy Mahishmati.
What is the conspiracy? What is the significance of Gaurikanta stones? What happens st Mahamakam? What are Sivagami's plans?
Every Indian has watched the block buster movie Baahubali in 2015. This book is a prequel to that story. It's the story of Sivagami who dies while saving a baby in the first scene of the film.
It's the story of Mahishmati, it's royal family, it's supporters, open opponents and hidden opponents. There are dark secrets, sinister conspiracies, indifferent royals, faithful subordinates who run the kingdom, a lot of questions, intrigue, suspense and drama. There are a number of sub plots. Sivagami's revenge, Prince Bijjala's lust, Secret of Gaurikanta, Slave trade, Vaithalika rebels, Female rebel army, Treachery of over ambitious officials and so on.
Sivagami hates royal family for executing her father and making her orphan. She has to get admitted in Royal orphanage to rub salt to her wounds. She is very beautiful, educated, resentful, wants to destroy Royal family, wants to know what her father did, wants to complete his mission but does not know what it was.
The climax happens at the palace during Mahamakam celebrations. A number of things happen, a lot of blood is shed, opportunities are taken and squandered. Darkness plays an important role in the climax. All said and done, the climax is not as enticing as it should have been. However the end is very good. There is a twist towards the end and another twist in the last three lines of the book. The book ends tantalizingly making the reader yearn for the sequel.
S.S. Rajamouli, creator of Baahubali, was impressed by 'Asura: The tale of the vanquished' by Anand Neelakantan and invited him to go hunting into forgotten annals of Mahishmati's history and bring the past back to light. It makes a great business sense to publish the book just before the release of movie Bahubali - The conclusion.
Why did I read this book? Prequel of Baahubali.
What I didn't like? Tepid climax.
What did I like? Use of darkness as a character.
Read if you plan to read the sequel and if you liked the movies.
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