Book Review - Warjuna Book 1: Mrithasu Rising

A video-game like cover and not so descriptive colophon, these were the first impressions that the book gave me before I opened it. I was expecting another one of those Mahabharata tales that were being told from a different perspective (The title had Arjuna after all!!).

That’s where I was wrong, gladly I might add.

"Warjuna" by Krishnaraj HK is a well-narrated story where Krishnaraj engages us with familiar Mahabharata characters but in a lusher Mother Nature’s picturesque description. 

Book Blurb

Civilizations have once again emerged from the ruins of Pralaya, and with a new dawn arrive new ambitions. Ordained by fate, several legions of a ruthless clan have been reported to be seen marching into the boundaries of Bharata. The origins of the Hayacree are unknown, yet their intent is evident: to create a new world order.

The tides of war will bring forth valiant men and women of great fortitude and a divine force to unite them all against the strong will of the enemy. While the matters of kings and kingdoms are to be shouldered by a young prince of Wagharr, a supernatural alliance of Mahayogis and Suparnas will need to travel beyond the realm of man to discover the architect behind the Hayacree invasion.

The hunt for the real enemy will lead them to an expanse invisible to the human eye.

In its depth lies an evil waiting to be discovered, waiting to rise

We have a mysterious/intriguing Sauron like villain Mrithasu who wants to capture, destroy and rule by channeling Hayacree forces to do his bidding. There’s chaos amongst the Indian Kings as they have been promised immortality if they join. Arjuna is a mercenary prince of Wagharr who is going with-the-flow and fighting the Hayacree in whatever kingdom he finds himself in. Kanha,  the prince of Dwarka, who also happens to be a Mahayogi provides him the not-so-direct but helpful guidance he requires whilst he himself is engaged in a bigger proxy battle with Mithrasu in other realms as well to prevent his rise; trusting Arjuna will take care of this one.

The book is written in a third person narrative. The flow of the story is good where the scenes are described in extraordinary detail capturing the reader's imagination. But yes, there are times especially in the first half of the book where it feels that the scenic description is way too much, leaving a limited space for the plot. The chapters are short and well arranged which provides a relief for people to take a breather or two and keeping them interested in what comes next.

Kanha as a character is well narrated. But, alas, the same cannot be said Arjuna whose name the novel bears. He feels lost most of the time, but Krishnaraj uses this to his advantage to channel the same in the readers as well. The character of Draupadi seems better narrated but less used as compared to Arjuna. The other numerous supportive characters have been tried to give justice as well which sometimes makes it difficult to maintain the plot.

It's amidst such confusion that we reach the ending, which feels a little bit disconnected and rushed. A lot of questions feel unanswered, but we let it slide as more is yet to come.

I personally felt that the humor content was less throughout the book. However, 

Krishnaraj successfully creates an ancient India which is mesmerizing, magical and filled with the mysterious. 

For Krishnaraj’s well-imagined maiden effort, my rating for “Warjuna” would be 3.5/5. Wishing him a best of luck for his book two.

Book can be found at Amazon

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Overall Verdict:- Engaging one time read