Author: Akshat Gupta
As the curtains fell on 2023, I eagerly welcomed 2024 intending to embark on a literary journey through 101 books. Little did I know that the first three spots would be claimed by a mythological thriller that took me on an emotional roller coaster – ‘The Hidden Hindu Trilogy’ by Akshat Gupta. Having savored the mythological intrigue in ‘The Krishna Key’ by Ashwin Sanghi, my expectations were set high as I delved into Gupta’s creation.
Book 1
Description
Prithvi, a twenty-one-year-old, is searching for a mysterious middle-aged aghori (Shiva devotee), Om Shastri, who was traced more than 200 years ago before he was captured and transported to a high-tech facility on an isolated Indian island. When the aghori was drugged and hypnotized for interrogation by a team of specialists, he claimed to have witnessed all four yugas (the epochs in Hinduism) and even participated in both Ramayana and Mahabharata. Om’s revelations of his incredible past that defied the nature of mortality left everyone baffled. The team also discovers that Om had been in search of the other immortals from every yuga. These bizarre secrets could shake up the ancient beliefs of the present and alter the course of the future. So who is Om Shastri? Why was he captured? Board the boat of Om Shastri’s secrets, Prithvi’s pursuit, and adventures of other enigmatic immortals of Hindu mythology in this exciting and revealing journey.
Book 2
Description
The first battle is lost. The book of Mritsanjeevani is in the wrong hands but Nagendra’s plans are not limited only to immortality. What seemed to be the end of all wars was just the beginning of an incredible journey in search of a hidden verse. Om is still incomplete without the knowledge of his past, but he is not alone anymore. Two of the mightiest warriors of all time stand by his side. Two mysterious warriors stand unconditionally with Nagendra too or is there a hidden agenda behind all the allies? Who are LSD and Parimal in real and who is Om? Tighten your seat belts for an adventure in search of words that hold a bigger purpose than even immortality for Divinities and Demons.
Book 3
Description
Who is Devdhwaja: Nagendra or Om? Parimal and LSD struggle to trust each other while Nagendra is resurrected from the dead, unharmed and more powerful than ever before. Parashurama and Kripacharya are trapped in the collapsed Om’s past while Vrishkapi is fighting against certain death, which has already consumed Milarepa. Leaving the mighty Ashwatthama clueless, the other immortals are dismantled from all fronts. Where are the remaining words hidden? Will Nagendra find them all and complete the verse, or will the immortals be able to stop him? Unravel the unexpected mystery of the doomed immortals, running out of time.
Review
A Gripping Start:
The trilogy unfolds in 2041, introducing us to Prithvi, a young man on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding a middle-aged aghori named Om Shastri. The narrative kicks off with a tragic incident from the past that forever alters the lives of its characters. Gupta wastes no time in drawing readers into the story, creating an irresistible allure that keeps you glued to the pages.
The Enigma of Om Shastri:
What starts as a seemingly straightforward kidnapping takes an astonishing turn as Om reveals his immortal existence, claiming to have witnessed all four yugas and participated in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The author skillfully weaves the ancient with the contemporary, blending historical figures with mythological characters, creating a tapestry that resonates with both past and present.
The Intricacies Unveiled:
As Om Shastri embarks on a journey to understand his true identity, the trilogy meticulously intertwines mythological events, historical occurrences, and recent happenings. Gupta seamlessly connects puranic characters with modern historical figures, creating an intricate web that adds depth to the narrative.
The Pulse of the Trilogy:
The heartbeat of ‘The Hidden Hindu Trilogy’ lies in its ability to balance ancient wisdom with modern knowledge. The narrative incorporates elements of history, mathematics, science, and ancient wisdom, creating a rich and captivating tapestry. Gupta’s meticulous research shines through, leaving readers intrigued and eager to uncover the next layer of the story.
Character Arcs and Mysteries:
Every character in the trilogy carries an additional layer of mystery, adding complexity and depth to the narrative. The pacing, though occasionally uneven, keeps the reader engaged as the plot twists and turns. Amid childbirth, pain, guilt, anger, friendship, sacrifice, and love, each character’s journey is an emotional roller coaster that resonates with readers.
The Unpredictable Ending:
While the first book sets the stage, the second builds a fantastic plot, and the third maintains a fast-paced momentum, it’s the unexpected twist in the ending that steals the show. Gupta crafts a conclusion that defies anticipation, leaving readers astounded and satisfied.
Personal Journey with the Trilogy:
As a working woman and a mother, I found myself irresistibly addicted to the trilogy, devouring its pages in just 12 days. The language is simple yet crisp, ensuring that you won’t want to put the books down until the last page is turned.
Conclusion:
‘The Hidden Hindu Trilogy’ is a must-read for enthusiasts of mythological mysteries. Gupta’s storytelling prowess, coupled with the emotional depth of the characters, makes this trilogy a captivating and unforgettable journey. As I concluded the last chapter, I couldn’t help but marvel at the emotional ride this trilogy had taken me on – a journey that transcended time, blending the ancient with the contemporary in an intoxicating concoction of suspense, drama, and revelation.