Return of the Brahmin by Ravi Shankar Etteth

​"Return of the Brahmin" by Ravi Shankar Etteth - A sequel!

This book is published by Westland  in 2021 and has 342 pages. This is the sequel of ‘The Brahmin’

In previous book, The Brahmin, Samrat Ashoka’s spy master had left him when Ashoka decides to invade Kalinga. Ashoka has become Buddhist and has an ambitious and devious Buddhist monk in his court. Ashoka has created ‘dark hall’ in all prisons and the occupant is called Nirmukh (one real and other decoys). Khandapati is running resistance against Samrat and trying to kill Nirmukh and is also killing corrupt officials. 

Who is Khandapati? Who is Nirmukh? Will Brahmin return to Ashoka? Will Brahmin be able to nullify the threat to Magadh? Who is Pretnath? Is there something called elixir of life?

Brahmin returns. His former position is occupied by Lord Udra, a Kalingan. He finds gaps in current intelligence network and lapses in security. Nobody knows who is conspiring against who. Is Ashoka’s government penetrated? It’s a web of deceit. Everything seems lost but Brahmin perseveres. 

There are some convenient things in this book like death of an important character, ability of Khandapati to turn various individuals towards him by offering them what they seek most etc. 

The story is not as good as the first book. It’s a complex plot with many complications. Author handles it well. This book is darker than the previous one. The Brahmin is vulnerable.  He has lost his network, contacts and touch. But not all of it. Most of all he hasn’t lost his touch and determination. 

Description of Magadhan opulence is good and the language is very flowery. Ashoka’s character is darker. It’s known that once he embraced Buddhism, he was a changed man. This book, however, shows him as vein, vengeful, short tempered and violent, even after becoming Buddhist. 

There is a twist in the end. I didn’t see it coming. There is an impending twist in the last line of the book. It’s probably a preamble for another sequel. Will there be one? Will it be good? Guess we have to wait and watch. 

Why did I read this book? First book was good.

What did I like? Complex plot.

What I didn't like? Not a very gripping tale. 

Recommend reading.