Pratidwandi : The Opponent, Book One- The Kalari
Authored by Ambuj Gupta
Published by Quignog Publishers
The story starts with Vedu Kechery in a horrific condition. Rebels are dying fighting.
It is the year of 1852 when British army is spreading everywhere and taking over places to rule. This action packed story is pivoted around the freedom struggle and the glorious Indian origined martial art Kalarippayattu in an alternative reality where thing are flowing bit differently.
The legendary Kalarippayattu fighter Vedu Kechary, the father of our protagonist Sai has been kidnapped, prisoned and murdered already with intention to stop the army's potential biggest threat that is all forms of martial art.
There are beautiful high quality illustrations included that create a richer effect alongside good character and backdrop storyline development.
Now as the news reaches them, Sai , his sister Aruna and his new leader uncle embark secretly on a journey of revenge and protect their ancestral art from the foreigners. On this twisted path each turn is full if danger where they encounter mind-boggling plights, enigma to solve and diverse personalities.
This historical fiction is filled with mystery, and the brave souls didnot stop and take us on a mysterious roller coaster ride of fights and events where secrets about his community and father reveal an array of revelation and enlightment. But I am excited to read the next part for sure to know what happens next. Will the art fade away or the traitors will back off.
If you are into fast paced action packed history fictions go for it.