Born to be King by Deepak Thomas

"Born to be King (The Epic of Kautilya)" by Deepak Thomas -  This isn't about Chanakya!

This book is published by Astra Media Opc Pvt Ltd in 2023 and has 376 pages. This is Book 1 of series 'The epic of Kautilya'.

Princess Kautilya and her 5 brothers are children of King Chandragupta Shveta, King of Bharat. They were born by offering 6 birds to the fire god and possess the qualities of the birds. They go to Guruji, complete their education and return. But something unexpected happens after their return that changes all the equations.

How was their education? What happened after their return? Why are Apes and Bears oppressed? Will Kautilya become king?

Kautilya is a strategist and has excellent memory. Hayan can hear and see any distance. Varun is adept with water. Sameer is fast as the wind. Bali is very strong. Dhanush is the crown prince and is an excellent leader.

Years ago, before Kautilya was born, humans and demigods had defeated the Rakshasa-Asura alliance. Apes and Bears once ruled Dandaka. Now Humans have captured most of it leaving only the hills in Ape control. Apes have become secondary citizens and Yama the undying has formed a squad of misfits forming a rebel force opposing human oppression.

It's a complex social system. The concept of the story is very good and execution is decent. Kautilya is a free thinker and a master strategist. How will things unfold and how will Kautilya be embroiled in it? How will the squad treat her? How will her brothers treat her? The story takes us from Kautilya's childhood to the victory in war. There are interesting characters in the story. A half demon half demigod, a demigod who doesn't remember her past, Yama who always wears mask and no one has seen his face, a Yakshi etc. Kautilya makes lifelong friends and mortal enemies.

The book ends but not the story. Kautilya lets the enemy go. Is it a mistake? Or is there another enemy in next book? Book 2 'Way of the Rakshasa' is already published.

PS - This story is not about Kautilya (कौटिल्य - Chanakya). It's about a princess named Kautilya (कौटिल्या).

Why did I read this book? Interesting title.

What I didn't like? Certain portions appeared unnecessary.

What did I like? The concept.

Recommend reading.