The Mastaan series by Vineet Bajpai

 

A Dagger goes through Delhi's Red Fort and a warrior raises his sword from a steed. The words Author of the bestselling Harappa series is printed above the author's name Vineet Bajpai. The title Mastaan is written in gold with an Arabic tinge and the subtitle The Fallen Patriot of Delhi is below itA well-armoured muscular warrior is bent of his knees and is supported by his sword. A fort burns behind him. The words Book 2 of the Mastaan series followed by the author's name Vineet Bajpai is written. Below the author's name is the title 1857 in big, gold font followed by the subtitle The Sword of Mastaan

Years published: 2019 and 2021 

A revered Indian warrior, raised by a generous Britisher and serving the East India Company ruled by an India-hating generation of Britishers, falls in love with the sister of his regiment's British leader. 

Ever obedient to the Company Bahadur, he refuses to believe in the growing tensions between the natives and the Company. Only when his cousin becomes a martyr for defying British orders does he realise the graveness of the situation. His reputation makes him a welcome ally for the freedom force, but his love prevents him from fully committing to the task at hand. Who will he save: the motherland he is willing to die for or the love of his life? 

The Mastaan series by Vineet Bajpai is a true entertainer revolving around the First War of Independence ( or the Sepoy Mutiny) of 1857. The author has crafted a gripping tale with history, black magic, betrayal and war contrasted with the tenderness of love. 

The author takes his time to sufficiently establish the characters, all of whom influence the events. The detailing of each location and events in the tale adds to its picturesqueness. The author has woven important events in Indian History like the hanging of Mangal Pandey and the Final war of Seringapatanam effortlessly into the tale. He has even made references to his Harappa Trilogy. 

The author ends each of the books when the reader becomes desperate to know what happened next. The series itself is not completed; a third book "Delhi: City of the Blood Gates" is yet to be released. Only then will we know more about some of the characters who haven't been properly introduced in the books and whether the hero saves his love or dies for his motherland. But the author will definitely keep the reader anxious. 

Perhaps the only flaw in the series is that it adopts a non-linear narrative. The story constantly shifts between various locales of the story. However, the writer manages to ensure that the shifting is short-lived. 

+: Gripping Tale
+: Seamless intertwining of historical events
+: Well-established characters
- : Constant shifting of locales

Rating: 9.95/10
Verdict: Edge-of-seat Historical Thriller


Comments

Post a Comment