Samsara: Enter the Valley of the Gods ("India's answer to Harry Potter") | Mythological fiction novel

Finally finished reading"Samsara" by Saksham Garg and now I understand the hype. It is a captivating read that seamlessly blends mythology with modern storytelling. He has crafted a unique world that draws you in from the very first page. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own distinct personalities and struggles. The plot is intricate and full of twists and turns, keeping you engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries that lie within.His writing style is both descriptive and evocative, bringing the characters to life. The pacing is perfect, allowing you to savor each moment while still propelling the story forward. The book explores themes of self-discovery, destiny, and the power of choice, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience.While "Samsara" provides a satisfying conclusion to the initial story arc, it also leaves you with several unanswered questions. This is a testament to his skill as a storyteller, as he masterfully sets the stage for the next installment in the series. I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the second book to delve deeper into this fascinating world and find answers to the questions that linger in my mind. If you're a fan of mythology, fantasy, or simply a well-written story, "Samsara" is a must-read.Whoever said it's an answer to harry potter wasn't wrong..🫶❤️

Let’s start with the cover. Oh, that beautiful cover! At first, it might just seem like an aesthetically pleasing piece of art to decorate your bookshelf, but once you’ve journeyed through the book, it makes perfect sense. The vibrant hues, the mystical symbols – it all clicks into place, and you’re left thinking, “I see what you did there, Saksham Garg. Well played.”Now, let’s dive into the story, shall we? Our protagonist, Aman Chandra, is the epitome of a sulky teen. But who can blame him? Bullied in school and trapped in the bustling chaos of Delhi, anyone would be sulky. Then, his mother practically hands him over to a stranger, and he’s whisked away to the hidden valley of Vanyasa in the Himalayas. Talk about an unexpected twist in your average teen’s life!Aman’s arrival in Vanyasa is like stepping into a dream (or maybe a beautifully illustrated nightmare). This valley, a place I’ve been fascinated with ever since watching Fullmetal Alchemist and its myth of Shambala, promises answers to the questions plaguing Aman since his father’s death. But Vanyasa isn’t just a scenic retreat – it’s a land filled with ancient wisdom, polluted only by the looming threats it faces.Now, onto the colourful cast of characters. First, there’s Idhika, a valley native with more daddy issues than a daytime soap opera. Despite her rocky relationship with her father, Idhika is the epitome of sacrifice, earning a soft spot in my heart. Then we have Prithvi and Ujal, the enigmatic twins who keep secrets tighter than my favourite pair of skinny jeans. Both are eager to come out on top in the Mahayatra, but secret? They have that(Looking at you, Prithvi!)Aarti, oh Aarti. Initially, she seems to be the saga’s malefactor. I villainized her pretty quickly, only to be hit with a plot twist that had me gasping. Good on you, Aarti! You really got me there. Fayza, on the other hand, is a total cinnamon roll. Probably because she got a proper goodbye with her family before joining this deadly adventure – less traumatizing than being snatched away, you know?The concept of Atmayog in the book was nothing short of spellbinding. I’m not spilling the beans on this one – read the book and be amazed! Trust me, astral projection has nothing on Atmayog. And the explanation of Samudra Manthan? Being a Christian, it was like a revelation to me. Garg seamlessly weaves Hindu mythology into the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of culture and lore.Yet, despite all these wonderful elements, the book isn’t without its flaws. Besides the rich tapestry of characters, I sometimes found myself wishing for deeper development. With so many players on the stage, a few of them felt more like sketches than fully fleshed-out individuals. This occasionally left me craving more connection and understanding of their motivations.The pacing of the story also had its highs and lows. There were moments when I felt like I was on a thrilling rollercoaster, eager to see what happened next, only to suddenly find myself on a leisurely carousel ride, wishing for a bit more speed. Yet, in other parts, the story zipped along so quickly that I wanted to shout, "Slow down, I want to savour this moment!"The ending, though, packed with action, secrets, and heartbreak, delivers a surprising twist that left me clamouring for a sequel. The line, "Find him and tell him that I died here on this day, young and very much in love, and with only thoughts of him," broke me in the most beautiful way. It's the kind of moment that makes you pause, re-read, and then stare off into space for a while, contemplating life and love.Saksham Garg's ability to weave lessons about the distortion of ancient gods into modern religious practices is both radical and refreshing. His portrayal of how beauty, peace, and redemption have been twisted into supremacy and conflict is a thought-provoking commentary that adds depth to the narrative.In conclusion, "Samsara: Enter The Valley Of The Gods" is a captivating journey through myth and adventure. Despite minor hiccups in character development and pacing, it’s a story that promises even more magic in future instalments. It made me laugh, cry, and ponder life’s greater mysteries while thoroughly enjoying the ride. Here’s to hoping the sequel answers all the lingering questions and brings even more wonder to the world of Vanyasa.

Samsara is a poignant and profound novel that explores the complexities of human existence. The author masterfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply philosophical.The novel explores Hindu mythology and philosophy, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Overall, "Samsara" is a truly unforgettable read that will challenge perspectives and leave readers thinking long after they finish reading. It's a must-read for anyone looking for a novel that will touch their heart and mind. Thanks author for such an amazing and fascinating novel.

It only took me two days to finish it, the mystery and the magic keeps calling you back, the description of Vanyasa, the characters are so interesting, you connect with it as if you're with them! The best of mythology and fiction in India so far, people will get to know the depth of imagination with Samsara! Great book for sure!! .

Oh my god 😍 what an adventure 😍This book was so magically whimsical 😌 i wasn't expecting it to be this good 🤌🏼❤️I mean the World building is so enchanting the characters are so good .The writing was so good and while reading i was feeling like i was experiencing all the things that character went through 😌At first i was just reading it and then the story kept growing and it started to get good . But in the last few chapters the story gets so interesting it hooked me up 😍 and it ends in cliffhanger and the ending is killing me 🥹 i need the second book right now 😍And my favourite 2 characters died and it was so devastating that i never got to know more about them 🥲😭If you love hindu mythology and fantasy you will love this book 📖

I picked up Samsara expecting a good mythological read, but it turned out to be so much more. The story pulls you deep into the Himalayas, blending adventure, mystery, and Indian mythology in a way that feels both fresh and thrilling. The world-building is immersive, and the twists kept me hooked till the very end. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the book surprised me. If you love mythological fiction with a modern edge, this one’s definitely worth reading!