"Tantra" by Adi. This book is published by Apeejay Stya Publishing in Feb 2013 and has 260 pages.
Anu Agrawal, a young American Indian vampire hunter or 'guardian' decides to transfer from New York to New Delhi. Apart from hunting down vampires, she has a hidden agenda. But the Delhi scenario is very different than America. Here there are other players in the game.
What is Anu's hidden agenda? Does she encounter vampires? Why is the Delhi scene quiet as compared to America? Who would she have to collaborate with? Who will she fight?
The supernatural power balance in Delhi is precarious. Guardians (vampire hunters), Vampires, Sattvik powers, Tantric powers and Karta have maintained a precarious balance of supernatural powers. Anu's entry tips it a little and then Baba Seneka destabilizes it completely. Anu has to seek help from unexpected quarters and enemies.
The story is interesting. Author has created a supernatural world in Indian context. Anu, the protagonist, gets a cultural shock but adjusts to the new reality quickly in view of the looming threat. World is in danger, all hopes are on Anu. Will she deliver?
Author has narrated a good story. You don't abandon the book. I felt that author should have spent few more pages to create and elaborate the supernatural world. That would have made the reading easier.
This books throws up some interesting concepts. The concept of Maya and it's threads is curiously interesting. Concept of using astra with the combination of astra, sadhana and yantra is also convincing. Concept of creating vampires by changing the soul of a body but retaining the memories is also interesting.
A number of questions remain unanswered after the climax. What happens to Chandra? Why Baba Seneka does not take drastic steps to stop Anu? Who is Karta? Does she find who killed Brian? How does the world see the events on Choti Holi? Either they are left loose because author wrapped the climax up in hurry or they are left open deliberately, to be addressed in next book.
Normally I am not into vampire stories. Someone gifted this book a few months ago, so I decided to give it a try. Thus this book became my first vampire book. Since the story is in Indian context it has to include tantric powers and sattvic powers and the fight has to be between them. Anu is the protagonist who gets the help of one camp to defeat other.
Quality of paper used for the book is very good. The font also makes reading a pleasure. The book has also got a bookmark fixed to the book, so you don't have to look for one or worry where to keep it while reading.
Read it for a change.
