Book 1: The King is dead.
Author: Manoj Shital Bhavnani
Genre: Fiction
After years of war and bloodbath, the Peninsula Continent of Saravat is finally tranquil. The five ancient counties of Saravat have signed a peace treaty and a promise to unite against the foreign invader. But what would they do if one of them turns hostile and shakes the quiet yet vigil calmness of the continent for their own ambitions? An ambition to become “The Emperor of Saravat.”
Vijendra, the king of Vajrapur, brutally kills King Giridhar of Simhasthala, their neighbouring kingdom while the crown prince Vikrant watches from afar in the battlefield. Vijendra puts forth terms in front of the now King Vikrant which puts him in a spot. Either ways he cannot escape the brunt of the decision.
Vikrant is considered a weakling for the choices he has made since childhood, an impression he carries even now. Unfazed, he takes a decision which makes his own people doubtful of his character. But is he really ‘a rabbit’ that they call him, or are they underestimating the Simhasthali King? Only time will tell!
The first book ‘The King is Dead’ of the series started with a bang, piqued my senses leaving me hungry for more. I devoured this book. Start to finish an intriguing tempo is maintained, with few interesting twists in the plot.
A lot of thought is put into the structure of the series which will be unfolded in the coming books. Though all the characters show varied shades of grey, they are dynamic, relentless and passionate. The female characters play a very important role in this patriarchal drama and have not been shrugged of as a mere vessel. This is the story of power, strategies, lust, betrayal, revenge and redemption.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and am waiting for the next book in anticipation. Hoping to find the characters bloom to widen the plot and make it even more interesting.
“The battle is never over until the king is dead.
Though he hates to admit it, Vijendra’s words ring true.. the price must be paid. In blood.
Only one question remains.
Is he willing to pay it?”
The next book coming in 2023.
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