Demons of Chitrakut (Ramayana) (Paperback)

And I can't wait for the Mahabharata.

Some readers who think Mr Banker is inspired by Lord of the Rings would do well to throw out their copies of Tolkien and read the true ancient epic. Ashok K. Banker's Ramayana shows how a great story should be told, and makes every Indian proud.

Jai Hind!

I just got done reading book two of the series (someone borrowed book 1 from me before I could really get into it). It's written in a very LOTR-esque style which makes it hard to put down. Yet I found that I was able to enjoy book 2 without having the first book (that may be because I know the basic characters of the story even though I don't remember specific incidents).

The pace of the story was fast, the descriptions detailed and colorful, and the characters fleshed out. Seeing the protagonist Rama as a man and not an outright demi-god added a connection that made me want to follow the progress of events.

I'm dying to read through all four books. Mr. Banker has made this epic not just palatable but very appealing to those not brought up hearing it from their grandparents.

To those who don't know what to expect, my suggestion is, just read the book and you'll see for yourself. When it comes to something so original, no amount of listening to other people's opinions ever does justice. Thi sis a great story, brilliantly retold. Don't believe anyone who says otehrwise.

Like the previous two books, this one does not fail to hold you captive! Infact for once being held captive is a nice idea. You just don’t want this book to get over!

This 3rd book resumes immediately where Siege of Mithila left us…at the very exciting attack of the demons. The book goes on to describe Rama’s wedding with Sita and the interaction between Rama and Parashurama (one of my favourites).

This is the book in which Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are sent into exile thanks to the manipulated Kaikeyi’s demands of the two boons that were promised to her by Dasaratha. Manthara’s evil ways are finally revealed and she is banished from the Kingdom. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana go to Dandaka-van and a broken hearted Maharaja Dasaratha passes away with Rama’s name on his lips. We then read about Rama’s adventures in the forests with Guha, chief of the hunters and his meeting with Sabari, the tribal woman. It is after her that the Ayyappa temple hill is named Sabarimala in Kerala, and incidently after which I am named!

Rama, Sita and Lakshmana finally settle down at the beautiful and calm Chitrakut hill for their long fourteen year exile, but its not all peace and quiet…

Ashok takes the liberty of adding scenes and incidents to his re-telling (for that is what it is - a re-telling and not a translation), and he does so in a way that supports the central story and he manages to add a lot of background details and descriptions that literally let the reader experience the Ramayana, in Ashok’s own special, wonderful way.

It really sets the mood for further books of the series and is one of my favourite books in the series. A very action packed book with lots of interesting incidents and a definite must read and must have book.