Book Review: The Oath of the Vayuputras

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March 8, 2013 by Ashwin

Author: Amish Tripathi
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.5/5

The Oath of the Vayuputras by Amish is final book in the Shiva Trilogy. The author has developed quite a fan following with his two flawless books and this was perhaps the most awaited book by an Indian author and like many I was itching to get my hands on this book. The book was pre-ordered in December and was delivered two days after it was launched and I couldn’t keep it down until I finished it.

The third installment in the Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi starts off exactly where the prequel “The Secret of the Nagas” ended with Shiva meeting his friend Brahaspati, whom he thought was dead. The book kicks off at an interesting pace and begins a series of revelations and conspiracies. Though at 575 pages, The Oath of the Vayuputras is a bit long but reading this impeccably written book is a joy.

Some new characters are unveiled and each of the characters like in his previous books have been carved to perfection. Though I expected the Vayuputras to play a bigger role but they have been reduced to minuscule and are mostly indulged in mere talks. The description of the Vayuputras land “Pariha” is nothing like that of Meluha in the first book. At times the book gets boring with excessive and inessential details but still very much readable.

Amish continues with his jigsaw puzzles and with numerous twists and turns,with his gripping tale,immaculate story-telling and impeccable writing. Each character is gripping and the build up the ultimate battle begins early in the book. The “Somras” has been described as the “evil” and has to be destroyed at any cost. Conspiracies begin to assassinate Shiva by Lord Bhrighu, Daksha and Dilipa. The Meluhan general Paravteshwar returns to his homeland, Meluha to fight his living God “Neelkanth”.

But what left me stunned was the description of the battle between Sati’s army and the assassins hired by her father to kill Shiva. I don’t think if I have ever across any better portrayal of battle than this. The death of warrior Sati left me speechless and I couldn’t hold back my tears. I could almost see Sati fighting the warriors of Aten with everything she had. After that event, towards the end, the book was a bit of let down.

Kartik’s portrayal has been nothing short of magnificent and the change in character of Ganesha and Kartik after the death of their beloved mother Sati has been very well described. The writing is less humorous, a tad long with less twists and turns but the book is worthy of being a near perfect end to the Shiva Trilogy.

Having read some reviews and talked to people who are reading the book, people haven’t liked the book as much as its prequels. But, I would disagree. I read this book in 5 days and there was not a moment in office when I was waiting for my work to get over so I can pick up the book. For me the series just went on getting better and better.

Amish’s knowledge and interest in Indian mythology has to be credited. The way author has linked the mythological characters to fiction is commendable. For someone, who doesn’t know much about Indian mythology it would be hard to believe that it’s a fictional story. There was a lot of pressure to deliver a book of finesse and author has not let down. It’s a fine-fine book worthy of being the last part in the fascinating trilogy and is a must-must read.

It’s a page turner, once you have it in your hands, you won’t be able to put it down.

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