Title – The
Peshwa – War of the Deceivers
Author –
Ram Sivasankaran
Genre –
Fiction
Publisher –
Westlandbooks
No of pages
– 467
This book
is available at Amazon Flipkart Crossword & Snapdeal
Main
characters – Bajirao Peshwa, Aadil Shah, Anamik, Rasool, Bangash, Nizaam Ul
Mulk, Mastani, Hari
Other
Characters – Kashibai, Shripat, Maharaja Chhatrasal, Bhani, and many
The Blurb
Seven years
have passed since Peshwa Bajirao Bhat annihilated the Nizam’s armies at Fort
Mandu. The two forces have been engaged in attacks and skirmishes ever since.
Acting on the advice of his right-hand man, the mysterious Anaamik Dabhade, the
Peshwa now sets about laying a trap to truly ensnare the Mughals, and break
their might.
The Empire,
of course, has methods of its own. And Nizam Ul Mulk is itching for an
opportunity to exact revenge of the formidable Bajirao. With assassins,
saboteurs, and criminals infiltrating the Maratha lands, the Mughal Empire
scores as many victories in the night as the Peshwa does during the day.
Meanwhile,
in the far reaches of the country, set ablaze by the never-ending conflict
between these major powers, a Sikh warlord, a Rajput king, and a Bundela
princess find themselves increasingly tangled up in the endgame that will
determine the very course of history. It is a battle of wits and skill, and the
greatest deceiver of them all will prevail.
The Review
If you have
read the first installment of the Peshwa series by Ram Sivasankaran, I am damn
sure your hopes were high as soon as the second book came out. And voila! What
a masterpiece again by Ram Sivasankaran who has killed it with astonishing
writing skills. Here’s what I felt while reading this book (at the same time, I
am extremely sorry to write this review with extreme delay)
The story
continues 7 years later in which Peshwa has defeated Nizam’s armies at Fort
Mandu. Peshwa’s several victories have made him extremely popular among his
armies as well as his people. By this time, he has proven his capability and
invincibility as a soldier and true Maratha patriot. Apparently, everything
seems alright in his state on the surface. However, scorpions have already
begun their tactics by going underground in the form of riots, fire, and
accidents in small villages. Peshwa knew it was scorpions who were trying to
spread terror among common people. However, he did not know what to do. On the
other hand, all his servicemen suspect Anamik (commonly known as Cobra) behind
all this ruckus. Throughout the book, you will realize the real identity of
Cobra is intact only to reveal at the end of a few pages of the novel.
This novel
is all about unraveling the journey of twisted fates and intriguing mysteries.
The author has left no stone unturned to weave this novel by blending with
historical facts and his mind-blowing imagination. With his simple yet
impactful writing skills, Ram Sivasankaran has created a masterpiece for sure.
There are several reasons why should you read this novel:
Solely for
entertainment
If seeing a
love story of Bajirao Mastani wasn’t enough for you and has always been curious
about Peshwa dynasty, then you should read ‘The Peshwa – War of the
Deceivers’. It is an unputdownable
book that you will regret if you don’t read it. The author has peppered the
plot with a lot of interesting mysteries and has portrayed all characters so
well- you can a whole plot in your mind. No, I am not boasting. I really could
imagine each scene while I was reading this book. Bajirao’s intensity for his
folks and mind-boggling tactics to win lands has left an indelible mark in our
Marathi history. The author simply makes you swoon over this novel by his solid
art of depiction when he portrays characters or action-packed sequences.
At one
point, the story becomes intensely interesting that you won’t even want to go
to the loo or take a popcorn break. It is like watching a movie on Netflix or
something where you have an option to pause but you don’t want to. The chapter
number 27 titled, ‘No Ghosts but the Ones We Made’ is extremely spellbinding as
if you’re seated in a multiplex and a very mysterious scene is happening right
in front of your eyes.
Mysteries
after mysteries
Don’t we
enjoy a mysterious sequence that seems never-ending and grip-tightening? We
love the thrill. It’s that novel that will keep your bind with mysteries after
mysteries. The identity of the younger brother of Bajiroa Peshwa, Chimaji Appa
Bhat, doesn’t get unfold until you reach to the epilogue of this book. Then
again, you have an exciting episode titled ‘The Second Son’ wherein the
planning and plotting between Venkoji, Maharaja of Tanjavur and Pandit Kashiraj
and many other revelations followed by their conversations will excite you
further.
Characters
A true
writer knows how characters play an important role in story building. The
author wins full marks in depicting each character as you could imagine each
role getting developed in front of your eyes. Be it Rasool, Aadil, Mastani,
Bajirao or Chimaji, you’ll enjoy a surreal ride of these historical characters.
In school days, we all know how history used to be a boring subject but turn a
few historical pages into fiction and you’ll want to read more of it.
The Book
cover and the title
The book
cover and the title both are apt given the story theme. The author’s name is
enough that you’ll pick up and read this book.
Undoubtedly,
this is one of the best historical fictions that I’ve ever written and I
absolutely recommend this book to all of you.
About the
author
The author
Ram Sivasankaran, was born in Madras, India, but has spent most of his life
abroad – largely in the Middle East and the United States of America.
Ram makes
his debut with a historical novel, The Peshwa (The Lion & the Stallion),
portrays the timeless character, Bajirao Bhat, Peshwa of the Maratha
Confederacy.
