SAMSARA: ENTER THE VALLEY OF GODS

𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐚: 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐎𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐬
𝐁𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐠
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧
𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤: 𝟐𝟗𝟖
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫
𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑



The story is set in a hidden valley in the Himalayas with an underdog protagonist, Aman Chandra, whose life had been cramped in Delhi until he was taken to Vanyasa. Since Aman's father's death had left him with so many questions, entering the valley meant that he could get answers to them. Idhika is a child of the valley, who holds grudges against her father, which will eventually lead to misunderstandings. In addition to Prithvi & Ujal being twins, there is Aarti, who appears to be a villain, but turns out not to be, Fayza, who throughout the story is the most kindhearted person, and some of the other recruits as well. Valley life is in grave existential danger, and these ten chosen kids are its only hope. Not for himself, but for the valley's people, Aman pushes himself to succeed. The ten chosen souls of Samsara realize the greater scheme at play, how the valley's real danger lies within the valley, not from outside influences. Despite knowing that this might be their last chance, these Souls undertake the most difficult journey of their lives to save Samsara from the impending danger that was outside, as well as to reveal the culprit inside.

Using Hindu mythology centered around the creation of Gods and the birth of Hinduism, Garg adds vivid imagination to create a land devoid of pollution & filled with the knowledge of Vedas & Yogic art, with one deadly journey at the end. The last part is packed with action, secrets, and heartbreaks! A long drawn-out conversation highlights the contradictions of Human nature and their versions of God and religious justifications. They're marvelously constructed and well-written. I was captivated by this section!

Unlike other mythology-inspired books I've read in recent times, Samsara falls short in terms of character development. I found myself unable to connect with the characters in the book, as they were not fully developed. One aspect of reading that I find frustrating is when a book feels unnecessarily drawn out. At times, I find myself feeling as if the story isn't progressing, and it may be because I am not engaged with the dialogue or conversations of the characters, and I am eager to move on to the next set of events. My feelings towards this book are mixed. I don't dislike it, but I also don't have a strong affection for it. It falls somewhere in the middle for me. The ending features a surprising twist that justifies the need for a sequel.

My rating:

3/5

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