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8/10
Author : Amish Tripathi
Narrator : Manish Dongardive
Length : 11h 39m
Published By : Audible Studios
Release Date : Nov 14, 2022
Genre : Fantasy
Short Review :
I started listening to the audiobook thinking it was based on true stories of Shiva, but as the book progressed, I realized that it's not. It's actually entirely fictional, and I'm not sure which bits are taken from the original mythology stories. Overall, since it's been written and narrated by an Indian, it's pretty easy to understand. Some might even find it slow but I enjoyed the slow narration for a change.
Long Review :
I really hoped the story would focus on true accounts of Lord Shiva, goddess Parvati, and their kids. This book is the first part of the Shiva trilogy, and as I write this review, I have read two parts. The Immortals of Meluha begins with Shiva's arrival in Meluha, accompanied by Bhadra, the captain of his army, and about 20 other soldiers. After realizing the futility of fighting against the prakatis, who were unscrupulous and targeted women and children, Shiva became convinced that reestablishing his troops along with the women and their children was the right course of action.
Taking up Nandi's offer and following him to the land of Meluha, Shiva and his troops marvel at the people and the well-established empire of King Daksha. On their first night, the Gunas, except for Shiva, develop a high fever and profuse sweating. Ayurvati, the chief of medicine, arrives immediately to administer treatment but is shocked to see that Shiva's throat has turned blue. She announces that the prophecy has come true and that their savior, the Neelkanth, has arrived.
Later on, Shiva meets Brahaspati, the chief of medicine, who takes him to Mount Mandhar. There, they imbibe Somras, which is known for its anti-aging effects on humans. In addition to this, Shiva also learns about the ongoing war between the Chandravanshis and the Meluhans, primarily centered on the ownership of the river Saraswati.
Furthermore, the narrative takes a romantic turn when Sati enters the story, and Shiva experiences love at first sight. However, despite his efforts to win Sati’s heart, he faces disappointment, as she is declared a Vikarma, an untouchable person believed to bring bad omens.
As the story progresses, Shiva continues to learn more about the Meluhans' friends and enemies. He diligently pursues Sati until Lord Daksha ultimately agrees with his reasoning. Overall, I never felt bored at any point in the narrative, and I highly recommend this fiction for your next read.
About The Author
Amish Tripathi
Amish Tripathi, an Indian author known for his distinctive combination of mythology and fiction, wrote "The Immortals of Meluha." Born in 1974 in Mumbai, Tripathi studied at the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, he worked in the financial sector.
In 2010, he published his debut novel, "The Immortals of Meluha," which serves as the first book in the Shiva Trilogy. This work reimagines the story of Lord Shiva within a historical and fictional context. Notably, the trilogy has garnered widespread acclaim for its engaging narrative and innovative storytelling. As a result, Tripathi's writing has established him as one of India's most beloved modern authors. Moreover, he continues to explore themes from Indian mythology in his later works, further enriching his literary contributions.
