Porus : In the Shadow of Betrayals

India's rich history spans over five millennia, making it one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Indian culture and heritage have survived through the ages, while many great civilizations such as Egypt and Rome have perished. So, whenever we dive into this mighty ocean of Indian History, we can always find something precious and exciting. The author of this work probably has dived to the bottom of the Ocean to reveal the story of one of the mightiest kings who ruled a significant part of India and stood his ground against Alexander the Great.Porus is an unsung hero in Indian history due to the limited information available about him, the overshadowing of his story by other historical events and figures, and the lack of popular mythology or folklore surrounding him. Despite this, his bravery and strategic acumen in defending his kingdom against a mighty conqueror like Alexander the Great should be celebrated and remembered as a significant event in Indian history.Considering the limitations, it is daunting to take up such a mighty task of presenting “Porus” and the author has done a commendable job in launching the first part of this Trilogy on Porus in a vibrant style. The Bibliography section contains a mind-boggling list of 72 works on the topic. The work has a great depth of details of the contemporary events across Greece, Persia, and India in the 4th Century BCE. It keeps the reader engaged and keeps the curiosity alive throughout. Parallel tracks of the events in the lives of Alexander, Porus, Chandragupta, etc were dexterously handled. The twists and turns keep the reader waiting for the next chapter. They explore themes such as the corrupting influence of power, the importance of friendship and loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil. The epilogue leaves the reader desperately awaiting the second part. This book, for sure, will win the hearts of all age groups. “Porus: In the Shadow of Betrayals” is strongly recommended for the younger generation, in particular, considering the richness of the content supplemented by references from The Gita, Upanishads, Homer’s Iliad, and the “Geographical and Societal” details of the subcontinent at that time. It's a Classic. A must-read for fans of History, Fiction, and anyone who loves an appealing saga.

A gripping novel from the beginning till the end! Well, I wouldn't say it is an end because the novel does not end with this book as it continues in the next part as PORUS : An Invincible warrior.A perfect combination of two different cultures, where the story goes all the way to Pella (Capital of Macedon) and comes to Pataliputra, Capital of Magadha. Author has also asserted that he has used some of the historic references to make the story interesting and it is a pure fiction. However the incidences around Alexander appears to be authentic historical facts but painted with darker brush. What happens when a man consider himself as son of GOD (Zeus) and decides to conquer the entire world through his ruthless military power, can he be stopped or defeated? What happens if someone dare to resist his victory match?Purushottam is the main Protagonist of the story and his family is killed and destroyed by the betrayal of King of Magadha, Nanda. Purushottam managed to escape along with his young nephew Pinakin. The story has another sub plot of another nephew of Purushottam, Vikrodhana who also managed to save his life from the clutched of Nanda but got separated with the family in the process.The plot is like ‘Game of Throne’ where different stories are converging towards one main event, that events appears to be the battle between Porus and Alexander. However if you are thinking to know some answers related to that famous battles, you have to wait as the battle climax is not covered in this part of the book.Along with Alexander, Purushottam and Vikrodhana, the book narrate the story of Chandragupta and Chanakya, Nanda and his cruel brothers, Darius and his beautiful wife, Pinakin and his love interest Taramati. Author has gone back and forth in the chapters to connect these characters and created an interesting web which keeps you engaged.I must admit that the story is a great wherein a reader will not feel bored since author has penned it so methodically. I am now eagerly waiting for the second part to be released. I am sure, when you finished reading it, you would also be expecting the release of the next book of the series.I would not be surprised if the PORUS: In the shadow of Betrayals ends up to be a best seller.

Purushottam, his brother Anaghya and Haraye, his nephew Vikrodhana and Pinakin, his wife Sadhvika, his friend Janamejaya and Lohitaksh.Alexander, his father Philip, his mother Olympias, his brother Arrhedeaus, his friends Hephaestion and Ptolemy, his generals and advisers Parmenio, Clitus, Antipater, Altus and many more.Nanda, his brothers Ugrasen, Dasha Siddhika, Bhutapala and Panduka.Hermit Vijitasu and Saracharya. Vishnugupta and his disciple Chandragupta.Darius, his wife Stateire, his mother Sisygambis, his friends Artabazus and Bessus, his brother Oxatherus and his generals Areobarzanes, Bagaos and more.I am not done even with 50% of the characters described in this epic book. Author has created a thrilling web around these characters which will keep you engaged till the end. A must read if you like suspense thrillers and historical fiction.

As the tagline aptly says, 'In the Shadows of Betrayals,' the novel chisels the life stature of its eminent protagonist “Porus” not in the dazzling sunshine but rather he was shaped out of adverse situations; lived in the jungles, was forced to work as a benign outlaw, lost his family, suffered directly at the hands of Magadha king's tyranny. He had lost everything. Yet he built from scratch. How? Roopesh Tiwari takes you on that roller-coaster historical ride that is brimming with subplots, sub-climaxes, sub-stories, and much more incredible jaw-dropping secrets.

I like it

A very well researched writing by author Roopesh. The excitement keeps building up as you turn the pages. It is a book that you will not be able to put down easily! Definitely worth a read.