Book 2 of The Battle of Vathapi Trilogy

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Arun Krishnan has outdone himself in the second instalment of The Battle of Vathapi trilogy. The characters that I loved in Nandi’s Charge grow, evolve and even surprise as the plot thickens with its own unforeseen twists alongside the mesmerizing journey through the ancient Pallava times. The battle scenes unfold themselves before the reader’s mind, adding a breathtaking sense of “what happens next?” Before you know it, you are at the cliffhanger of this compelling page-turner that makes you wait for the next instalment with a bated breath.’

Saiswaroopa iyer

Synopsis

Seventh century India. A grim struggle for survival unfolds. Will the Pallavas brave the Chalukya fury, or be swept away by the relentless tide of history?

After months of strengthening their forces, three gallant Pallava captains march forward, driven by King Narasimhavaraman’s vow to avenge their clan’s honour. In response, the indomitable Chalukya King Pulikeshi launches a counterattack, aided by his brother, Kubja Vishnuvardhana.

Backed by their powerful allies, the Chalukyas spare no effort in their attempts to decimate the Pallava army, ambushing the enemy on both land and sea. The very survival of the Pallavas hangs in the balance. Can they withstand the unbridled force unleashed by the resurgent Chalukyas or will they succumb to the overwhelming might of their adversaries? Can they rally their defences before all is lost?

The second volume of the adrenaline-fueled saga that began with Nandi’s Charge, unfolds in riveting detail in Varaha’s Vengeance, taking readers on a thrilling journey through one of the most exciting periods of Indian history.

BOOK REVIEWS

For fans of Indian historical fiction like myself, “Varaha’s Vengeance” brings both good and bad news. The good news is that you will undoubtedly love this book. The bad news is that it is still the second book in the series, which means you’ll finish with more questions than answers. Now, like Mitra, Indu, and Thaamarai, we wait…

READ THE FULL REVIEW ON MYIND.NET BY SHASHANK DAVANAGERE

Varaha’s Vengeance excels in its narrative and characterization, particularly in its innovative conversational style … The novel’s success lies in its rich historical research, faithfulness to history, and imaginative storytelling. It brings characters to life and integrates historical elements into a cohesive and aesthetic whole.

READ THE FULL REVIEW ON INDICA TODAY BY SHIVAKUMAR GV

In this exclusive interview with Storizen, Krishnan intricately weaves a narrative of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice, drawing inspiration from his roots in the culturally rich Thanjavur region. As Krishnan unravels the allure of ancient temples and reflects on the legacy of literary giants like Kalki, the essence of Indian history pulsates through his storytelling. 

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW ON STORIZEN

Arun’s second book exceeds expectations and two of the battle scenes were just outstanding – the Upstart King Manavamma’s forces fighting against General Karunaratna’s forces and the way old colleagues, Thissa and Karunaratna, fought their last battle. The difference between living the hard life of the jungle/village and the easy life of the city is telling in the end !

READ THE FULL REVIEW BY BINDU KRISHNAN