How do you engage readers who typically shy away from war narratives in a novel that chronicles 18 days of battles? Alagan navigates this challenge by using the war as a backdrop for a rich tapestry of adventure, love, family life, humor, and intrigue, while still satisfying die-hard war story enthusiasts. In the final installment of his Mahabharata trilogy, he delves into the ancient world, exploring the characters' motivations and the intricacies of the epic's events. Along the way, he unveils lesser-known twists that lead to the tragedy of this monumental family saga. For instance, to secure victory for the Pandavas, the Goddess of War and Destruction, Durga, demanded a human sacrifice from three Chosen Ones: Krishna, Arjuna, and a third individual. While readers familiar with the Mahabharata know that Krishna and Arjuna were spared, the identity and fate of the third Chosen One remain a mystery. Additionally, readers will enjoy Karna’s progressive love story with his wife, Vrushali, and uncover the betrayal of Duryodhana. Discover who truly had the first claim to the Hastinapura throne and why the rightful heir rejected Krishna’s offer. These side stories enrich the characters and plot, inviting readers to explore the answers to many intriguing questions.
