I just finished reading Simha’a Roar, the third and final book in the Vathapi Trilogy. Do read my earlier blogposts – Book Review – Battle of Vathapi, Nandi’s Charge and Book Review – Varaha’s Vengeance to get the background context. Preferably read them in sequence.
Simha’s Roar – A Summary
We left the second book Varaha’s Vengeance with doubts about what happens to Kannan and Muthuvel. The story picks up from there. I finally understood the whole concept of historical fiction. The actual wars are won by the same people who won them in the first place, but there are fictional characters introduced to build the story.
Kalki’s Magnum Opus Ponniyin Selvan brings Arulmozhi Varman or the Great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola alive. Arun has brought Narasimha Varmar, the great Pallava emperor alive … that’s how beautifully his characters have been fleshed out.
This book is a culmination of the clash between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. What amazing Emperors we have had. Whether it’s the Chalukya Emperor Immudi Pulikeshi II or the Pallava Emperor Narasimhavarman I (also known as Mamalla). Narasimhavarman has never lost a single battle in his life ! Pulikeshi II successfully beat back the first Arab Islamic Raid on India at Thane. Pulikeshi II not just won that battle, he also won over Harshavardhana who ruled over most of North India.
The two battles described in this book will keep you turning the pages ferociously – Manimangala and Vathapi. I am not giving away the plot, read the books for that, but I will say this, you will be transported to 641 CE. You can vividly picturize Pulikeshi II, Vishnu Vardhana, Mamalla, Paranjyoti and several of the historical characters plotting and fighting in these battles.
Am miffed with Arun for having bumped off some of my favourite characters in this final book :(. He could have chosen other characters to bump off but well, I take heart in knowing these are fictional characters.
Both the Simha’s of 641 CE roar in this book …. and how !!!
Thanks Arun for writing this trilogy. I would urge you to write on the forgotten kings and queens of Bharat. Bring them alive through historical fiction. This is actually an easy way to get children hooked into history.
Eagerly looking forward to reading your next book.
My rating for the Vathapi trilogy – 5/5. Friends, do read it.