The Immortals of Meluha

The fascinating start of the Shiva trilogy that keeps you going until you "unfortunately" reach the end and you wonder why you did not get # 2 book! Not only a very addictive thriller, but so well done with Indian philosophy, geography etc... and a story line that plays a movie in your mind. The writing style is very flowery and very Indian and flavorful even though sometimes you read a discrepancy between the old times when it takes place and the current language that we hear nowadays. But you take to it. The heroes become YOUR heroes and friends, you understand the choices they are confronted with and you have no other way but think about your own life and own choices in your own world and time. This is very well done. And I would actually recommend it to all those who study yoga, Indian civilization and culture because this comes out of this culture. Even those who are tickled by a natural curiosity about India may want to delve into this trilogy. Enjoy with all your heart!

Being a devotee of Lord Shiva I was delighted beyond imagination after discovering this amazing book, the first in the Shiva Trilogy, and was immensely rewarded by the well-crafted story blending mythology and fiction. Just two words came to my mind after reading it - Shiva rocks..!!! Shiva is wonderfully depicted as a fearless leader, a passionate lover, a ferocious warrior, a graceful dancer and a faithful friend. Shiva, along with his tribe, travels from Mount Kailash to India to find a better life for himself and his people. Little does he know that his destiny awaits him in the city of Meluha. The absolute faith of the Meluhans in the legend of the Neelkanth, destroyer of evil, along with an agonizing childhood event motivates Shiva and turns him from an ordinary tribal leader to their Mahadev. The foreigner accepts his destiny and the war between good and evil begins. This book took me by surprise and it was sheer joy to read it. It has a great story along with strong characters. Amish gradually and skilfully develops the various facets of Shiva's character which allows the reader to marvel at him and believe in the legend of the Neelkanth accepting Shiva as the Mahadev. The language is unexpectedly unconventional and may not be acceptable to all. I think it was deliberate to attract young adult readers. However, lack of proofreading was a let-down. There were typo errors for some words throughout the ebook version. I am not aware about the printed one. But the story makes up for that. Hence I am looking forward to read the next two books and strongly recommend this trilogy to one and all. Om Namah Shivaiya. - Roshani Hingorani

For quite some time now, I been searching for and collecting books on Shiva. I have Kramsrisch's 'The Presence of Shiva', Suzanne Fisher Staples' 'Shiva's Fire', Mohapatra's 'The Book of Shiva'... I like those books, tho Mohapatra's depictions of Shiva was the closest one to my liking. But something was lacking in that book of Shiva in the comic format. Shiva wasn't really smiling. Too serious. He was romantic alright, just the way I pictured Him to be. But he wasn't so cheerful. At least, smile a bit. Shiva isn't Krishna, but at least some smiles would not hurt. Amish' Shiva gave me the Shiva I identified with the most. Tho I don't mind a bit of swearing, he swears too much to my taste. But since the premise was human-turned-to-god anyway, it's not a big deal for me. Other than the swearing, I really like this Shiva. He was so humane and approachable. He made mistakes and learned from them. He became humble because of them, and rose above them. He seriously defended humanity, but he still enjoyed life and made jokes around as well, while he could. He had his demons in the past... and I hope he eventually made peace with them. And how can I tell you how mesmerised I was whenever I read about Shiva's interactions with Sati here? Amish wrote them just the way I picture Shiva-Sati relationship. Shiva with all his passions and thinly veiled disappointments whenever Sati refused him again... and Sati with her facade, trying not to need him yet in the end could not resist him. The love between Shiva and Sati was exactly as I pictured in my mind all these years. A beautiful eternal dance of love. But perhaps the most impressive scene was when Shiva met the old beggar in Ayodhya. I won't give away anything here, but suffice to say that Shiva actually deserved the surprise. The last chapter with the Pandit was very interesting too. I cannot wait for the Naga book to arrive! I know this is not Purana, but since it brings me closer to Shiva, what difference does it make? I love the book so much, it's difficult for me to lend it to my friend who also wants to read it (a bit difficult to find this book outside of India. Mine was the last Amazon copy). I wish I can give more stars, but since I can't... so it's five stars for the book.

This is a really fun book. Amish clearly knows his Hindu/Indian history, tradtions and philosophy. He combines them well to tell a gripping fast paced story of how Shiva in the form of a man, idylically lliving in the Himalays is convinced to help rescue of the Meluhans living in the Indus-Saraswati plains of 4000 years ago. Phrophesised as the "Neelkanth", he reluctantly takes on his destiny and embarks on an adventure across the geography of ancient India. The story is peopled by characters and places that many who are conversant with the traiditons of India will be well aware of. The use of Hindu philosphical ideas, and of Sanskrit names and phrases is delicately woven into the story with clear expanation of the context. A good read! Looking forward to the others in the trilogy!

Excellent book....nicely written.

This is a refreshing and highly imaginative take on Hindu mythology and Hindu philosophy, woven into a fast-paced thriller. Brilliant.

Very Nice Story, time will past by in a hurry. If you like a hero Story you will Love it

Good reading. Fresh book.