#BookReview : Dharmayoddha Kalki-Book 1- by Kevin Missal

Genre: Fiction, inspired by Mythology

The Plot:

Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an upsurge in unrighteousness, at that time I take birth again – Lord Govind

Born in the quiet village of Shambala, Kalki Hari, son of Vishyunath and Sumati has no idea about his heritage until he is pitted against tragedies and battles.

Whisked into the province of Keekatpur, which is ruled by Lord Kali, Kalki sees the ignominy of death trumping life all around him. He learns that he is born to cleanse the world he lives in. for which he must travel to the North and learn the ways of Lord Vishnu’s avatar; from an immortal who wields an axe.

But trapped in the midst of betrayals, political intrigue and force that seek to decimate him will he be able to follow his destiny before Kalyug begins?

My Thoughts:

Fiction inspired by mythology, now that is an interesting genre to write and read, both. When you find out that it has been authored by a 21-year old, you look forward to a fun ride. When you spot the word ‘damn’ uttered by a character on page 2, you know this book is going to be something different.

Dharmayoddha Kalki is Part 1 of a series of books to follow, and it does start with a bang. The author, Kevin Missal, has let his imagination run free and we run along with it, to fictitious villages and kingdoms, with multiple characters and plunge right into their worlds.

Missal’s storyline has it all. A father taken hostage, an adopted brother, a love story and a magical cave. Tribals, Manav’s and God’s. There is a Nagamani thrown in for good measure and a genius talking parrot -Shuko.

Kevin’s creativity and descriptive writing shapes the characters and etches out their characteristics for us, making them come alive.

Kalki, the protagonist, is rakish and naïve, qualities that endear him to the reader at once and make you root for him. His, man of a few words, brother Arjan is his conscience. The sickly and mysterious King Kali keeps the reader guessing even as you pity him. The kooky aesthetic Kripa was one of my favourite characters, as I waited to see what his next reaction would be.

We are kept hooked throughout with various twists and turns, plots and subplots and surprises that are not always pleasant but intriguing none the less.

Kevin Missal is a gifted writer. His concepts are refreshing as is his writing. I was first amused at, and then enjoyed reading the characters, who are almost historical/mythological even though fictitious, mouthing words like ‘mate’ ‘horseshit’ and the like. I don’t think I would be wrong when I say that I am sure Missal enjoyed conceptualising this book and then writing it, because as a reader I surely enjoyed reading it.

My only quibble is the indulgent editing. The book could have been made a crisper read and taken a notch higher with some clever editing.

Introducing the Author:

Kevin Misal is a 21year old graduate from St Stephens College. He has written 4 books so far, ranging from crime to mythology to horror.

He wrote his 1^st book at the age of 14 and it was released by the then Chief Minister of Delhi. His 2^nd book was written at the age of 16 and was published by a British-Indie press.

Missal is also a pioneer in writing the World’s First InstaRead and is a bestseller on Amazon under the ‘Horror’ category.

Kevin is also the co-founder and co-owner of Kalamos Literary Services, who publish and promote fledgling writers and help make a mark in the literary industry.

Kevin Missal lives in Delhi and can be contacted on: kevinmissal@kalamos.co.in

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