The Hidden Hindu: Science-Fiction meets Indian mythology in a nail biting thriller set in 2020

The Hidden Hindu is a gripping blend of mythology, history, and modern-day thriller that keeps you hooked from the very first page. Akshat Gupta weaves an intriguing narrative that connects ancient Indian legends with a contemporary storyline, creating a fast-paced and thought-provoking read.At the center of the story is a mysterious figure with a hidden past one that traces back thousands of years, touching upon characters and concepts deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. As the layers unfold, the book takes you on a journey through time, questioning immortality, destiny, and the untold truths of ancient India.What makes the book stand out is its cinematic storytelling short chapters, suspenseful buildup, and unexpected twists make it highly engaging. The integration of mythological elements feels fresh and imaginative, especially for readers who enjoy stories like The Immortals of Meluha or Asura.However, at times, the narrative prioritizes pace over depth, and some revelations may feel rushed. But the sheer curiosity it builds and the way it links mythology with fiction keeps you invested till the end.

Completely amazing story! Since Hindu mythology is so vast and has elements of rebirth and immortality, it gives creative minds amazing opportunity to utilize the myths, the prophecies, the legends, for the sake of story telling.The hidden hindu is based on the concept of the seven immortals in Hinduism who are believed to be alive even after the end of the epoch (yug) they were born in. I have long been fascinated by the idea of the last avatar of Vishnu- Kalki who is prophesied to descend on the earth at the end of Kali yuga. So, when I read the blurb, I was intrigued.The book definitely has a unique concept of blending science fiction with mythology, of finding a balance between past and present, mortality and immortality and this is why I really appreciated this book for its originality and story telling.The narration is the key when it comes to books that deal with such complicated themes and this book lacked the gripping narration it deserved. It reads like diary entries or even a play where characters just keep saying their lines without any descriptions of their body language, their surroundings, that can give us an insight into their motivations and explain what drives them for the reader to be able to connect with them and the story.The plot, like I said, is engaging and the book ends on an exciting note where you can't help but ask for more. Kudos to the author for being able to create a world that even though isn't perfect by any means, still manages to lure you in. I have the orijinal copy personally signed by the author akshat sir for me. Eagerly waiting for the next part.❤

Unputdownable. Intriguing. A mystery that keeps unfolding with every chapter!What begins in the seemingly innocent setting of an interrogation room soon turns into a gripping journey through multiple identities, forgotten histories and the mysteries of our ancient past.The most fascinating part is the way the story keeps connecting the dots between seemingly unrelated identities, Yugas and mythological references. Just when you think you have figured something out, another revelation pulls you deeper into the mystery!I loved how the author blends Hindu mythology, ancient legends, suspense and science fiction, creating a narrative that makes you curious about what lies ahead. The interrogation-room setup adds another layer of intrigue, while the questions surrounding immortality and the secrets of the past keep the pages turning.The book leaves you wondering how much of our ancient history remains unexplored and how mythology can be reimagined through the lens of fiction.

still reading

Can't wait for a movie adaptation of this novel. Beautifully constructed and narrated mystical stories of ancient India.

The writer uses historical characters to make story relatable. The suspense keeps on building up with each chapter.

SummaryThe Hidden Hindu Part 1 by Akshat Gupta attempts to blend Hindu mythology with modern science fiction, creating a narrative centered around Prithvi, a twenty-one-year-old on a quest to find Om Shastri, a mysterious middle-aged aghori (a devotee of Shiva). Om Shastri, who claims to have witnessed and participated in events from all four yugas (epochs in Hinduism), is captured and interrogated in a high-tech facility on an isolated Indian island. His revelations about his past and the search for other immortals hold the potential to upend ancient beliefs and reshape the future.What I LikedThe novel begins with a promising premise. Prithvi's search for Om Shastri draws readers into a world where ancient mythology intersects with modern science. The storyline, focusing on the interrogation of Om Shastri, is intriguing. His recounting of past lives and interactions with key figures from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata adds depth and mystery.The hardcover edition significantly improves the reading experience over the earlier released paperback. The better print quality and more durable binding enhance readability, making it a preferable choice for avid readers.What I Did Not LikeDespite its compelling plot, the book falls short in execution. The writing style is often choppy and lacks the polish needed for a seamless narrative. The story could benefit greatly from more thorough editing, as certain dialogue sections are unclear, with multiple characters’ conversations intertwined in the same paragraph, making it difficult to follow.Character development is another weak point. Some characters are stereotypically described, leading to clichéd portrayals that detract from the story. The action scenes, though present, fail to deliver the intensity and excitement found in other works of the genre.The narrative's attempt to intertwine mythology and science fiction is ambitious but somewhat disjointed. The constant interruptions during Om Shastri's interrogation dilute the impact of his revelations, and the back-and-forth questioning becomes repetitive and tiresome.Genre and ContextMythological fiction has gained popularity in India, with authors like Ashwin Sanghi, Amish Tripathi, and Anand Neelakantan leading the charge. These authors successfully blend Hindu epics and sacred texts into engaging fictional narratives. The Hidden Hindu aims to join this genre but struggles to find its footing due to its uneven writing and underdeveloped characters.Final ThoughtsThe Hidden Hindu Part 1 is a book with a fascinating premise that unfortunately falls short in its execution. While the narrative starts strong, it quickly loses momentum due to poor writing and character development. The story’s potential is evident, but the book fails to fully deliver on its promise.Despite these shortcomings, there is hope that the premise will pick up pace and quality in the second installment. The intriguing concept of blending mythology with modern science deserves a better execution, and there is potential for improvement in future books. Given the issues with the first installment, I will wait until the second installment is released in hardcover, hoping for a more polished and engaging narrative.For readers willing to overlook its flaws, The Hidden Hindu offers a glimpse into a world where ancient myths meet contemporary science. However, it leaves much to be desired, and one can only hope that the series improves as it progresses.

The pages will really start moving once you enter the world. The book is really great, but sometimes I think it becomes too much fact based. Anyway, they make the experience even better. Whatever, don't think anything, just go for the book!

If you are looking for something interesting, your are at the right place 🙋‍♂️

As someone who is still learning about Hindu mythology, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story is fast-paced, easy to read, and filled with fascinating mythological references that made me want to learn more. I finished it in a single sitting and immediately picked up Book 2. A great blend of mystery, adventure, and mythology that kept me turning the pages. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an entertaining introduction to the rich world of Hindu legends.

Nice

The author is beating around the bush with one liner understanding of chiranjeevis. Feels like picking up random instagram shorts of knowledge of mythological stories and trying to force fit into a fiction expecting a “wow” . It may run good with folks who have never read the vedas or Mahabharata or Ramayana and that definitely defines a Lakh copies sold . The depiction of Aghori is so immature and incorrectly portrayed . Work of fiction for sure . Am disappointed coz may be I expected a lot from this book by reading the blurb. My bad !!!

The product was good.