In April, I bought two books - Ashwin Sanghi's best-sellers - the Krishna Key and Chanakya's Chant.
I read Chanakya's Chant first. A mind-boggling thriller about two extremely shrewd and successful political operations - one in India years ago and the other in an India that has just won it's independence. The story oscillates between these two stories providing a well-written glimpse into the political acumen of both the protagonists - Chanakya and Gangasagar. Both of them designed a ruler to hold India together - Chandragupta Maurya and Chandini. This story is not for the faint-hearted. As the story proceeds, it keeps you on the edge. The historical facts intertwined with fiction is quite beautiful. I knew Chandragupta Maurya had female body guards. Hats off to the author for converting that one-line fact into an interesting story about Vishakanyas, maidens who could tolerate poison and whose bite would kill. Even though the narrative kept shifting between the plots, it was very enjoyable. In the end, the reader also savours the success of the protagonists.
Krishna's Key is about the tenth avatar of Vishnu, Kalki. While Chanakya's Chant drove mostly from history, this is from mythology. The story of Krishna and present-day murders intertwine. As I read the story, I could not help getting strongly reminded of Angels and Demons. 4 people died with a mark triggered that feeling. This is also a very well-researched novel. However personally, I did not find the magic of the previous book. However, it was kind of like an Indian Indiana Jones adventure. The climax was profoundly philosophical but left the adventurer in me feeling - four murders for this?
In all, the books are gripping and thrilling. Personally, I liked Chanakya's Chant better. Ashwin Sanghi has amazing talent and his writing is engaging.
I read Chanakya's Chant first. A mind-boggling thriller about two extremely shrewd and successful political operations - one in India years ago and the other in an India that has just won it's independence. The story oscillates between these two stories providing a well-written glimpse into the political acumen of both the protagonists - Chanakya and Gangasagar. Both of them designed a ruler to hold India together - Chandragupta Maurya and Chandini. This story is not for the faint-hearted. As the story proceeds, it keeps you on the edge. The historical facts intertwined with fiction is quite beautiful. I knew Chandragupta Maurya had female body guards. Hats off to the author for converting that one-line fact into an interesting story about Vishakanyas, maidens who could tolerate poison and whose bite would kill. Even though the narrative kept shifting between the plots, it was very enjoyable. In the end, the reader also savours the success of the protagonists.
Krishna's Key is about the tenth avatar of Vishnu, Kalki. While Chanakya's Chant drove mostly from history, this is from mythology. The story of Krishna and present-day murders intertwine. As I read the story, I could not help getting strongly reminded of Angels and Demons. 4 people died with a mark triggered that feeling. This is also a very well-researched novel. However personally, I did not find the magic of the previous book. However, it was kind of like an Indian Indiana Jones adventure. The climax was profoundly philosophical but left the adventurer in me feeling - four murders for this?
In all, the books are gripping and thrilling. Personally, I liked Chanakya's Chant better. Ashwin Sanghi has amazing talent and his writing is engaging.
