#BookReview ; Kartikeya by Usha Narayanan

He was the son of the fierce Durga and the three-eyed Shiva. He was born, he lived, and would die if need be, for a divine purpose--to kill the Soul Stealer. Surapadma's reign of terror flourishes and the fate of all creatures--mortal and immortal--hangs in the balance. Shiva's son, Kartikeya, must destroy several formidable asuras before he can confront the Soul Stealer and salvage the dying, gasping universe. But Kartikeya, whisked away by mysterious forces to live amidst birds and beasts on a bleak mountainside, is ignorant of his destiny, and struggles to find his identity. Not even Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva come to his aid. He can win the final battle only if he can discern his enemy's weakness and his own inner strength. Will Shiva's son rise to the challenge before it is too late? The world waits with bated breath.

Kartikeya And His Battle With The Soul Stealer is a mythological fiction written by Usha Narayanan & published by Penguin India. The author had a successful career in advertising, radio & corporate communications before becoming a full-time author. When she is not travelling, writing or editing, she reads everything from thrillers to the Puranas.She has written several books. To know more about her visit www.ushanarayanan.com .

The story starts with the classic enmity between the gods & demons. The Asuras or demons  did everything they could to get a boon from the Trimurti. As always power corrupts & they start to torture people on Earth, their powers were so strong that even the gods feared them. Surapadma was one such fierce demon among them. On the other side a child is being nurtured by wild animals on a hill, despite all the care that he got from them he pines for someone like him. As his parents came for him, his true destiny is revealed. But will he be able to restore harmony on Earth & get rid of Surapadma? Get this book here to know,

Mythology has been one of my favorite genres & since I have read the author’s work before too, I knew that this book will surely be a recipe for a hit. I believe Kartikeya hasn’t really been explored well enough in mainstream literature yet but luckily this book breaks that charm. The author’s research into the topic is well showcased as it has been seamlessly incorporated into the story. I possibly can’t find anything to critique except a small thing that the pace could’ve been better. The language is simple, I love the cover & the title. Surely something one shouldn’t miss.