AJAYA : Epic of the Kaurava Clan -ROLL OF THE DICE (Book 1) (The Vanquished Series)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading tis book. A very well written book that narrates how the story would be from the Kaurav’s point of view. An eye opener for me in many ways since a lot of facts are not brought about in popular versions of the Mahabharta. Facts like Duryodana’s name was actually Suyodhana, how the brothers Balrama and Krishna were so differently opinionated but still loved each other. I would like to go a step further and say that this book ( in two parts ) is a must read for anyone interested in this subject and who has an open mind. This book is certainly not for people who are die hard believers that all Pandavas did was good and that all Kaurav’s did was bad. Also not for the people who would not stand for any criticism about Krishna, his wisdom and his ways. I just love the style of writing of the author, his descriptive analysis of the moments in time as well as his simple and metaphoric ways of explaining things.

A must read for anyone blindly following religion. Makes one understand why India was ransacked multiple times even after being the greatest civilization in the history of the planet. Makes one think deeply about the ills of the caste system. Ridicules blind faith and shows how dangerous ignorance of the masses are. A brilliant book for any one with an open enough mind to understand other perspectives than the one most prevalent.

For anyone interested in the Mahabharata and Indian history and mythology, Anand Neelakantan's Ajaya: Role of the Dice, is a thought provoking treat. What if the gods were real historic personalities and not supernatural beings? What if the historical epics, written by the victors, were told from another point of view? This tale, told from the side of the Kauravas, Suryodhana/Duryodhana in particular, follows the twists and turns of the Mahabharata. It examines ideas of justice, the cast system and history in a new light. The characters, adventures and battles will be familiar to readers of that epic, but the familiar characters are seen from a new angle. The erstwhile villains finally get their chance to speak and heroes loose the magical gloss that centuries have given their characters. Ajaya: Role of the Dice is the first part of a two part epic novel. The second is yet to be released, and will be called Ajaya Book II, Rise of Kali. Filled with battles, loves and adventures, it is a brilliantly written variation on a very old story. I enjoyed it immensely.

Following the same theme as "ASURA", this is a great contrarian take on the Mahabharata. Every bit of is a plausible explanation of the epic and hence it makes an interesting read. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the Book 2 to complete the story.

It's not often I read a book and feel jealous, but I certainly did with Ajaya: Roll of the Dice. In so many ways it echoed a lot of my own thoughts when I first read the Mahabharata. The book retells the story of the rivalry between the Kauravas and Pandavas in a new and exciting and accessible way. I know some westerners will be put off by the link to the Mahabharata, wrongly feeling that this will be a dull religious tome. You couldn't be more wrong. The Mahabharata itself reads like a great sword and sorcery novel and Ajaya ups the ante, it is every bit as thrilling and wonderful as anything Tolkein wrote, and even has elements that will appeal to fans of Game of Thrones. It will also make you despair, cheer, laugh and... in short it's got everything. I'm desperately waiting book 2. Give it a read and see this age old story retold from the other side of the coin

Once again Anand Neelakanthan makes the readers question the very value of what and who is really right and who is wrong. In continuation of his previous work Asura, this time it's the tale of another hero ( or anti hero depending on whose version you read) who has been vanquished by history.

A brilliant retelling of the epic Mahabharata. All famous events are re-imagined from a different point of view. The author questions the idea of “dharma” as espounded by the original version and if it’s indeed the moral compass we should be using as a society. The influence of caste system, it’s stranglehold on Indian society and the ability of the narrators to weave stories in their favor are explored in detail.The starkest deviation from norm is in the character of Krishna. The author questions his moral authority and the ethics/ reasoning behind a lot of his advice and actions.Overall, great read. Highly recommend.

A very nice take on an alternative view of Mahabharata. Excellent analysis. Excellently portrayed the Bala kanda and Sabha Parvam.

This is a new way of looking at the great epic of India. Strangely its like looking at the other side of the coin..

very good book

It is a book which depicts the epic- Mahabharata from the point of view of the Kauravas. The author has presented it as an antithesis perspective epic-sequel in honour of the vanquished in the lore of History. It showcases the flip side of the Mahabharata with its Heroes and villains reversed. The plot is excellent and the author has done justice to the vanquished side.The depth of his detailing of characters and its perspective is adorable. With a simple, clear and powerful presentation, Anand has been able to keep the book thrilling and aching for more. The book helps in understanding the Mahabharata better and throws off the veil of Heroes and Villains and present the characters in a more human way. The divinity of characters is ripped off and they are presented as mere mortals. Even Lord Krishna is presented as a manipulator and someone who likes to play God. The book though revolves around the epic- Mahabharata,it derives hugely from the lesser known folklores and stories that are not part of the original epic. The central philosophy of the book delves with the principles of Dharma, Adharma and Varna-the caste system.It sometimes even fits the ancient plot in the framework of current timeline, philosophy, ideas and politics. The characters are given casteist shades to paint them Adharmic most probably to give voice and strength to the villains of the epic. It seems this black-wash of central characters of Mahabharata was necessary to give voices to the vanquished. The fact that many of the stalwarts like Bhishma, Drona,Karna etc sided with the Kauravas and that unfair means were used for a fair objective is thought provoking. However many of the original events within the epic has been ignored,modified and chiselled in such a way which doesn't justify some of the characters.Fictional events, fictional philosophy and facts which cannot be historically attributed has stolen the sheen off the very well written book. The book raises valid questions through its characters, which throbs with life.The authors imagination is commendable as writing something which happened thousands of years and that too the voices of the vanquished from the Mahabharata is a marathon and uphill task. Anand has been successful in resurrecting the dead villains and gave them voices to tell their side of the tale. After reading the book, a big question emanates from the mind.What is Dharma and What is Adharma. Who won the Mahabharata war.Was the war so necessary to decide the fate of Dharma and its advocates.Did the war help really to forge the spread the mantle of dharma. At times, the book may also hurt the sentiments of the devout, when Lord Krishna is depicted as a manipulator who plays God to achieve his own objective and when the Pandavas are not allowed divine lineage and characterizing them in a offensive way. Of course it can be passed off as a necessity to pull down the aura of divinity but it also dilutes the Mahabharata. Perspectives should be looking at an event,person or fact from different angles rather than substituting it to create a suitable perspective. A must read for those who are interested in religion,mythology, philosophy and all readers of the Mahabharata. A five star rating.......enjoy reading !!! ** Roll of the Dice: Duryodhana's Mahabharata (Ajaya Book 1) * Rajesh Chandra *** Roll of the Dice: Duryodhana's Mahabharata (Ajaya Book 1)

Omg!! What a fascinating book to read.. There are two sides of the coin .. Can't wait for the next book to release soon.

Roll of the dice is Mahabharata in Duryodhan/Suyodhan point of view. The story gives the view of Suyodhan struggles with is unique characteristics from his childhood. Where all the people is following cast dharma which is in holy scripts as they call. Suyodhan thinks about the value and the people above their caste. He thinks dharma is to protect the people and charish the value.Coming to is name why called Duryodhan instead of suyodhan his birth name. His pandava brother teased him of he is a dur because of his thoughts and action. He bringing devastation to others. Later off the few incidents everybody started to call him Duryodhan. Su prefix means successful. Du prefix means unsuccessful.This story is all about caste system.Karna who is interpreted as a low caste becaming a kshathirya and a king is a sin.In this book we start to love Dhuryodhan and feel uneasy of Krishna's actions who we always see him as a loveable god. I can't accept Krishna as a gamer but he is on purpose he dose things knowing its andam.I also felt story ends abruptly. It eagers me to read the next book.I feel like whole mahabharata is a game of Krishna and saguni.I like the narration of the story it was interesting. Even though the book was lengthy. I never felt it was long. Narration is up to the point. So the phase of the book is well manged.My favourite sence where when suyodhan falls in love with subathra. 《But that love is unsuccessful 》 AndLater when suyodhan caught his friend karna holding his wife banumathi's waist. He seems so cool like nothing bothered him. Later when banumathi confronted him, he said i have faith in my friend Karna who will never ever would wrong me.I also loved the way Dhropathi was portrayed strong and innocent.I recommend this for mythology fiction lovers and who likes to read the books from other perspectives. Caution it makes the best characters we know in real mahabharata a quationable characters. If u loved the authors other book Ausra u know what to expect. Still i feel here there is more to expect.This is not a mythology book its a mythology fiction. This is totally author's interpretation. So don't hang on to the facts.