This is just the second book I completed in 2023. My going has been slower this year thanks to my new-found enthusiasm bordering on my obsession with learning crochet! Despite that, I completed this book the fastest after abandoning the other books I was reading.

I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to pick this up as I am not too gung-ho about fantasy fiction. But then the editor of the book recommended it so much, and I got the book delivered to my doorstep.

After reading this, I might have to reverse my judgement on fantasy, or is it purely the magic of Tanima’s pen? The jury is out.

I try and avoid giving out the plot in my reviews as I personally dislike it when the storyline is told, so bear with me if my review is sketchy as far as the plotline is concerned. Suffice it to say that a recently -divorced Dhruv, replete with his flaws and warts, comes in contact with his senses and is shown the past lives where he managed to lose the magic stone. So now, he has to find it and thwart the evil forces.  Does he succeed?

Interwoven within the story is the life of Dhruv as he lives as a five- year old who grows into a tribe- head and a blind healer in his previous two births.  We are taken into their journey, and that is when it becomes unputdownable.

What I liked best:

The life of Ghriz as a tribe head and her journey in the forest. It was an enchanting experience.

The second aspect I particularly liked was the story told from Juthika’s ( Dhruv’s ex-wife’s) side.

One of the best lines in the book is when she, as a new bride, muses:

In those seven days, she found more flaws in herself than she had in the previous 26 years.

This line hit home, for that is the reality in most Indian marital homes.

The last was the very heart-wrenching story of Mong- the blind healer.

What could have been better:

Dhruv’s present. It was more telling than showing and feeling, especially when the book started and the introductory cab journey. I was not much invested in Dhruv in his present life. He was too much of a douche-bag.

My rating: 4 out of 5