Name : The Prince of Pataliputra
Author: Shreyas Bhave ( A fellow Nagpurian :P )
Rating: 4 out of 5.
The fact that had heightened my eagerness to get my hands over this book was the fact that I know the author. (Well, not exactly. He was in the same school as my brother. But, never mind. :P)
An additional anticipation factor was that the book was a flaring topic of discussion and appreciation in my household. Setting these frivolities aside, let us move towards the book.
This book is the first in a trilogy that delves into the life of the great Samrat Ashoka and his conquests .If anyone were to entertain the thought that this topic has been rather widely written upon these days , I would be inclined to agree. However what makes the plot of book unique is that it splendidly amalgamates treachery, politics and love. The book is incredibly well paced and a certain page turner.
One striking thing about this book is that at no point in the course of reading, will you even in your wildest imaginations think that this has been crafted by a debutante author. The book has been written with the maturity of a seasoned writer,
However, as perfection is a nearly hypothetical concept, this book has some lacunae as well.The plot seems a bit weak at times and some of the happenings could have been crafted more meticulously. These, unfortunately, manage to hinder the true glory of the book, though to a small extent.
But, overall the book makes a nice read!
Waiting eagerly for 'The Scourge of Taxila'! :)
