Chaturanga by Anand Neelakantan

"Chaturanga" by Anand Neelakantan. This book was published by Westland in 2020 and has 320 pages. This is Book 2 of 'Bahubali: Before the beginning' series. 

Book starts with aftermath of the failed coup by Vaithalikas and Shivgami inadvertently saving king Somdeva's life. In this book, Shigami has to duel with and kill her foster father to become Bhoomipathi. Her foster family is destroyed. Shivappa, Katappa's younger brother is resurrected. Bijjaldeva and Keki are plotting something. Pattaraya has disappeared with his daughter. Ally returns to Katappa. Brihannala is helping Vaithalikas. Leaper's village is buzzing. Gundu Ramu is missing. Shivgami is falling for younger prince Mahadeva and trying to make a mark for herself. A caravan reaches Gauriparvat. Children are disappearing. 

What is Bijjaldeva's plan? What is Brihannala up to? Why does Katappa want to kill Shivappa? Why are children disappearing? What can Shivgami do?

The story is intriguing. Although slow, it has a flow. The characters that appeared in previous book are also present in this one. Darkness is a character in this book. It plays a vital role. In fact many of things become possible because of darkness. The secret of Gauriparvat becomes known. 

As the name suggests everyone in this book is playing Chaturang with real persons. Somdeva has hidden agenda in making Shivgami a Bhoomipathi. Pattaraya has a hidden agenda to become king maker. Vaithalikas have an agenda to overthrow Mahishmati king. Deposed queen of Kadarimandalam has an agenda to regain power. Bijjaldeva wants to become Somdeva's successor. Everyone is moving his pieces on Chaturanga, everyone is playing a complex game. Shivgami is the real pawn along with others. But she has her own will. 

Book ends with a twist, increasing the anticipation for Book 3. Concluding Book 3 of the trilogy is already published.

Why did I read this book? Bahubali. Book 1 was interesting. 

What I didn't like? Why try to snare Katappa? 

What did I like? Intricacies. 

Recommend reading, if you have read first book.