Dharmayoddha Kalki (Book 1) Avatar of Vishnu (Tamil)

I picked up a book after a long time, and I must say I was lucky to get my hands on the Kalki series. It is a fast-paced mythological fiction with many twists and turns. If you are a fan of mythological reading, this series is definitely worth trying. In the beginning, you may feel like you are reading something inspired by Amish Tripathi’s work or certain web series, but the author himself openly confesses that he has drawn inspiration from many such sources. The author has beautifully combined various scriptures and numerous characters into this imaginative story — including elements from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and many more. At one point, I felt that almost every deity name I knew was present in the series, including all the avatars of Vishnu and many others. The characters I enjoyed the most were Shuko and Devdutta. I could vividly imagine how a white stallion could look both fierce and handsome at the same time. Durukti is my favourite character, maybe because she is the perfect blend of beauty and brains (I don’t want to give any spoilers). The only thing that bothered me initially was remembering the names of the many characters, especially the kings of different tribes. This often made me go back and reread sections. To overcome this, I started writing down the names as they were introduced. This might happen if you’re a slow reader or don’t get long, uninterrupted reading time like me. For an avid reader, this fast-paced and gripping trilogy can be finished in just a couple of days. I completed the third book in only five hours. Overall, it is definitely worth reading, and I would love to read many more books from this author.

Kalki by Kevin Missal is an mythological fiction, nothing is do with original kalki nor ramayanam/mahabharatham. The story is based on the sayings from Lord Govind, avatar of vishnu “Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an upsurge in unrighteousness, at that time, I take birth again.” Before the kaliyug getting started the adharm was getting its way higher. Its the time for Lord Vishnu, Gods of gods take his avatar to downfall the adharm and bringing back peace and dharm. Lord Kali is a leader of a clan which is known for its evilness, clan consists of Pisacha, Asur, Rakshahsa, Nagas. This clan have recently captured the Keekatpur. And still trying to establish their empire but due to the illness of their leader kali stayed back in keekatpur, his Drukuti decides to search for soma stones which can cure anything. In mean parallel at the village of shambala situated on the outskirts of keekatpur capital of Indragargh where the Vishnu's 10th incarnate to takes place. One day when Vishnuyath hari's pregnant wife get sick and it can't get curable vishnuyath hear from oldagers that it is curable with the help of soma stones only gettable in the mountains of shambala. He gives soma's to her wife it get the sickness cured and she delivers the baby where they naming the boy as Kalki hari. The boy growing up normal but not as his age kids. He is more stronger, active and smart. When this boy grown up his father vishnuyath hari is kidnapped by Mleechas, tribals in the mountains. During the time of trying to rescue his father he meeting kripacharya, an chiranjeevi who is living from the period of previous avatar and taken part in the Mahayudh. But he can't able to rescue his father but he comes to know his purpose towards this avatar. When the adharm kali and dharm kalki meets each other battle of shambala occurs, good and evil faces each other before that kali gets betrayed by his own troops and kalvi gets training from acharya Kripa. Battle of Shambala and Rise of kali is two major parts. Language is so simple in the way of understanding by all. Also I can see the influence of bahubali, Meluha trilogy by Amish Tripathi. But its more interesting and adventurous more fantasy oriented then history. I can see the writer's concern towards culture and rituals of Manavs an good sign. Also author has created his own world of imagination beautifully with timeline and map. Characters and places where also easily gettable without any complications. Overall, Kalvi by Kevin Missal is an good book to read for all GOT, Lord of rings, Bahubali sort of lovers. I liked the editing which is flawless and narration of author he carried out the 470 pages without boring and irritating.

From the first look itself, The Kalki Trilogy (Set of 3 Books) feels special. I received all 3 books in Tamil – Avatar of Vishnu, Eye of Brahma, and Sword of Shiva. I was very excited because I noticed that some people got only 2 books in Tamil, but I got the full set correctly. The story is gripping and keeps you interested throughout. The writing style and mythological concept are very engaging. The packaging was good and the books arrived in neat condition. Overall, this set is worth the price and offers great value for money. Best choice at this price range for Tamil readers who enjoy mythology-based stories. Highly satisfied with the purchase.

Yada yada hi dharmasya glanirbhavati bharata Abhythanamadharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham Paritranaya sadhunang vinashay cha dushkritam Dharmasangsthapanarthay sambhabami yuge yuge Meaning of the above Verse from Bhagavad Gita. Whenever there is decay of righteousness, O Bharata, And there is exaltation of unrighteousness, then I Myself come forth ; For the protection of the good, for the destruction of evil-doers, For the sake of firmly establishing righteousness, I am born from age to age. I was always an AmarChitra katha fan right from my childhood days and remember reading about the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu but had only got a brief glimpse of Kalki Avatar for obvious reasons that it will happen in the future. But that curiosity always was there within me to get a glimpse of how things would be then. Thanks to Kevin he really gave us a terrific glimpse of it, though fictious. My first mythological thriller and it was the best experience ever. I have decided to complete this trilogy first and then move on to other mythological thrillers but this was the best book and will be the best series I would have read so far in the time to come. The book opens with a Prologue showing Kalki Hari - an avatar of Lord Vishnu sitting in front of a Vishnu statue (somewere in the north) seeking his blessings before he begins his mission starting his journey on the wonderful white horse Devadatta with his ever loving faithful parrot Shuko , his divine sword Ratnamaru as he sets out to destroy Adharma which is the ultimate purpose of his birth . The prologue page starts to create a certain curiosity in the minds of the readers regarding what happens next and that continues throughout till the end of the book. One of the highlights of this book is that Kevin has researched about the characters very well to bring out the story’s flow in an excellent manner which makes you seem that the story is realistic though it is a fictious one. A reader is just able to literally visualise and imagine all events and you just can’t stop turning the pages till the end. Book starts and gives an introduction of Kalki’s nemesis Kali who is on the verge of capturing a Kingdom which are his small steps to accomplish his ultimate desire/goal of position and power. As the story progresses the lives of Kalki and Kali are narrated parallely regarding the challenges they personally encounter in their respective lives. The author gradually introduces us to Kalki’s village Shambhala which is known for it’s good and righteousness, family of Kalki, his parents and sibling, Arjan apart from the love of his life, Lakshmi ,his loyal friend Bala and his mentor Kripa apart from Padma and Ratri who gradually help him overcome all his personal adversities. The personal tragedies faced by a naive Kalki , all these experiences/trances are described very well showing a glimpse of his previous forms or avatars which keep reminding him the ultimate purpose of his life. His guide Kripa as shown in this book keeps insisting to start a journey towards the north in order to meet Lord Bhargav Ram who would prepare him before he actually takes up the ultimate mission in his life to destroy Kali and the prevailing Adharma. Later, we also get a glimpse of major characters in Kali’s life such as his sister Durukti and her hand-maiden Symrin, his loyal brother sister duo generals Koko and Vikoko. Both the characters Kali and Kalki are equally strong and have their own set of challenges before they set out towards their respective goals. Overall the book is divided into 2 major parts Battle of Shambhala and Rise of Kali .The tittle parts are completely justified once the reader starts going through the story. Some of the major highlight sequences in the book. 1. Revelation by Kalki’s mentor Kripa about the purpose of his birth. 2. Trances that Kalki experiences from his previous forms(avatars) convincing him about his ultimate goal in life. 3. A blind sooth sayer predicting Kali’s nemesis who would be as strong as him but will be the greatest opponent ever faced. 4. Battle of Shambhala which shows certain glimpses of an untrained Kalki taking on his opponents. 5. First face to face Meeting of Kali and Kalki at the city of Indragarh. 6. Escape plan of Kalki from Kali’s control. 7. The different tribes and their uniqueness are beautifully described by Kevin in the end. Above all the best things that stands out in the book are certain quotes excellently written by Kevin which are so thoughtful just loved them very much(don’t want to reveal all that here which might spoil curiosity of the first time readers). The language is simple and clearly explained and I happened to learn some new words too. The book stops at such a juncture only to generate suspense and huge amount of curiosity which makes the reader feel “how I wished that the book still continued”. In the end book also gives a summary about the next part Satya Yoddha Kalki – The Eye of Brahma. Eagerly waiting for Kevin to release the next part – please don’t delay or postpone it. There is no portion in the book where you get bored. Excellent read overall.

As interesting as the plot was Kevin,you need to get a good editor and proof-reader for your book. On the one end, the plot is a great hook but the grammar killed it for me. I wish I didn't have to cringe every ten sentences. It distracted me, disappointed me and I wish you had gotten a better editor. This book deserved good editing and just get one for your future editions please! I saw a lot of references from mythology so there was context, sometimes subtle, sometimes not.

Before I share the review of this book, let me first tell you the reason of picking up this one. Though I love peace but I secretly feel that I am a warrior. I had been fascinated by swords since I was a kid. Till today, I never miss a chance of touching a sword or posing with it (if possible) whenever I get to see one. The sword in the cover of this book caught all my attention and I finally decided to read this one. Glad I picked this up and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The next thing that impressed me was the map in the front. It gave me an experience of time travel. As the note states, this book is not a historical or modern re-adaptation of the Kalki Purana. I was scared at first seeing the number of the pages of the book; it is the thickest book that I have read till now. The sword on the cover made the warrior inside me to take this challenge and it was worth it. Even if you do not like history or mythology, you will like this book because of its amazing narration. Coming to the characterisation, all the characters have been beautifully portrayed in the book. Be careful, you might get lost in the story. The protagonist is Kalki Hari, an ordinary village boy who is not as ordinary as he is assumed. He is the chosen one by destiny who leaves his tiny village to fight for the protection of his dear ones and his land. He has been bestowed with some super powers that had been sleeping in him and which awake when it is time for him to fight for the good cause. The other characters are Kali, Shuko, Kripacharya, Durukti, Arjan, Bala, Vedanta and many others who have been perfectly fit in various places to let the story proceed smoothly and in an interesting way. This book is basically about the fight for good cause. When you are chosen by destiny for something, no matter what happens, you will excel in it. A simple man can turn into a warrior while a bad man can turn good. There are things that are beyond our control and we must dare not mess with them. Yes this is a fictional story but the narration made me totally lose myself in the book and assume everything happening for real. I also appreciate the selection of words by the author. The words had been impactful and made me feel reading the story in a historic background. What particularly impressed me were some lines from the book! They are real in every sense. Some of them are:- • “Surely the Gods didn’t send him for me” (pg. 77) - Think about this in the present scenario (You might replace Him with Her). So it is the most practical line in the times when someone leaves your life. You need not be upset, rather need to move on. • “Kalki had been always the more adventurous and stronger one, unlike Arjan, who took steps only after thinking hard.” (pg. 96) – I could connect with this line. I felt that I am like warrior Kalki as I am adventurous and strong. • “This is not what I expected.” (pg. 120) – The most realistic line about life because life is contrary to our expectations most of the times. • “Cowards give up after a defeat. But those who get up after the defeat are the real winners.” (pg. 258) – This is the line that can keep you motivated in your low times. • “I need to use my weakness as my strength.” (pg. 389) – This is the line that everyone should stick to their minds if they want to succeed; probably it is one of the keys to the doors of success. Though these lines have been used in a different sense in the story but this fiction story is close to reality because of such powerful lines. Kalki is the ‘Dharmayoddha’ and will fight to let the good prevail. The story is all about that and is full of a variety of emotions. The editorial errors can be ignored because the story is worth it. Cover- 5 / 5 Plot- 4.5 / 5 Title- 5 / 5 Narration- 5 / 5 Overall- 5 / 5

This is the story of a young boy kalki who is living happily with his parents and brother Arjun in the small village of Shambhala. Kalki has phenomenal powers but he is unaware of why and how he has these powers. Kalki is living in a time of flux as the tribals, manavs, rakshasas and other tribes etc are trying to live together as per agreements made with Kali. Kalki is happy in his village until kali's sister destroys the village as she is looking for a mythological cure for her brother's illness. As Kalki loses people near to him he is also told by Kripacharya that he is an avatar and that if he wants to end all the evil and fighting he must leave and prepare for the upcoming war. But Kalki cannot walk away when his near and dear ones are threatened. This book is basically the story of how Kalki and Kali become the hero and villain of their age. The other important characters are Arjun, Bala, Padma and Kripa Mythological fiction is a big craze these days and Dharmayodha Kalki is a new book is this genre. What I like about the book is that it keeps you interested throughout. The author has clearly thought out the entire plot in great detail. There is fast paced action to engage you and there is also parts which force you to think. However, i think the book lacks a certain depth, while you enjoy the story it remains at a more or less superficial level. I feel if the author had read more about his subject there might have been more gravity and weight in the writing. This is my personal opinion and it is also possible that many may like it for this very reason! My second issue is with the language. You cannot have characters using 'mate' and 'lass' in mytho fiction....you just can't no matter how much you want to connect with the youth of today! all in all an enjoyable story. If you like mythological fiction, you will definitely enjoy this.

The story line is engaging and violently flows through the era it's set in. The story and perspective of the important characters are well developed and of appropriate lengths. The men and women are suitably modern and relate well to contemporary issues like gender equality, opportunity and racial discrimination. However, there are several distracting typos and grammatical errors littered like the detritus on a good beach. Pretty much like our Mumbai beaches, looking clean at a distance with old plastic scraps just below the surface. The work could use a thorough spell check once more. There are several missing prepositions and adjectives as well as abrupt ends to sentences with important actions left hanging in the air. Kevinbhai, your story line has a good flow, its engaging and relates to the modern view very well. But my request would be to fire your proof checkers and editors, they let you down more than I cared to forgive. I have a third rate appreciation of good English but if I can spot such glaring errors. I shudder to think how my school English teacher would rip apart the people who should have proof checked your work. I picked your book triology because it sort of picks up from where the laggard Amishbhai Tripathi sits resting on his laurels. Not withstanding his personal tragedy, he takes too long in quenching the fire for a genre he's reignited. However, his characters start off as human beings and achieve greatness thorough their deeds. There is an element of bhakti and bhav that comes through which makes his work special. Kevinbhai, your work obviously does not and you may have a different perspective. The work you do, instead features the critical elements of great stories: redemption and tragedy but again does not have the equally important and relieving elements of happiness, humour, wit and love for the important characters. You have a hell bent focus on pace and circumstance but where's your love for history and geography and tying it into the familiar elements we already know and love. You know that's what engages us as readers. Sacrificing side characters for the shock value is appropriate if you slow down the pace by showing grief for the time invested in developing their story. In the end, where's the poetry, its explanation, the artwork the appreciation for our shared culture & traditions that should have been part of your fantastic Illavarti.