Hiranyakashyap by Kevin Missal

"Hiranyakashyap" by Kevin Missal - Re-envisioning the myth!

This book is published by HarperCollins India in Jul 2020 and has 264 pages. This is Book 2 in 'The Narsimha trilogy'.

Earlier Hiranya has acquired invincible armour of Brahma, Holika has killed leader of Vishnusena (Narad) and ordered execution of Pralhad. Narasimha is on his way to Kashyapuri to find Pralhad. Chenchen decides to accompany Parvati in search of Skanda. Garuda is poisoned. Hiranyakashyap is out to win the world. Andhaka has plans of his own.

How will Narasimha meet Pralhad? Will Parvati find Skanda? Can Pralhad stand against his father? Is Hiranyakashyap invincible? Is Narasimha an avatar? Can he control his anger? Will he lose to adharma?

Author depicts the non humans of mythology as tribes. So, Naga, Garuda (who have flying machines), Simha (who are strong and drape lion skin and mane), Asura, Deva, Kimpirushas, Yaksha are all tribes. And then there are manav's. He also takes the story of Pralhad and tries to reason it in a realistic manner. So the incident of Pralhad being sentenced to death by elephant, by burning and eventually Narasimha appearing out of a pillar are re-envisioned. Book ends with the death of Hiranya.

Narration is decent. Neither very exciting not boring. Just about keeps you interested. Some loose ends remain. If Narasimhan can smell Andhaka, how can he not recognize original from duplicate?

In the review of first book of this trilogy I had opined that there is not enough story left for three books. And so the known story ends in second book. But third book 'Pralhad' is still to be released. I expect this to be a new story. Character of Narasimha undergoes a transformation in the very end and it raises the curiosity about Book 3.

Author admits that the previous book was not fast paced and justifies it as it was all about building the scene. This book has more action. 

Why did I read this book? I had read Book-1: Narasimha.

What did I like? Re-envisioning.

What I didn't like? Loose ends.

Read if you have read Book 1.