Title: Chanakya’s Chant
Author: Ashwin Sanghi
First published January 1, 2010
448 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9789380658674
Rating: 3.74
Overview
In the year 3326, Nigel Sheldon receives an unexpected visit from an alien race known as the Raiel, the self-appointed guardians of the Void. They convince Nigel to join them in their mission to infiltrate the Void, a mysterious construct at the center of the galaxy that poses a threat to all life.
Inside the Void, Nigel discovers that humans are not the only beings trapped there- they are accompanied by an array of other life forms. However, it’s not only the differences in life forms that Nigel has to cope with, the laws of physics are different, and mental powers are similar to magic.
Nigel soon discovers that the humans trapped inside are being hunted by a merciless and intelligent alien species known as the Fallers. But the Fallers may hold the key to destroying the Void forever, if Nigel can unlock their secrets.
As the human society starts to crumble and descend into civil war, Nigel must unveil the mysteries of the Fallers before he becomes a victim of the very people he is trying to save.
About the Author
Ashwin Sanghi is a man of many talents. By day, he is an entrepreneur, but by night, he is a novelist.
His educational qualifications are impressive, having attended the prestigious Cathedral & John Connon School, St. Xavier’s College for his B.A. in Economics, and the Yale School of Management for his M.B.A. in Finance. Ashwin’s first novel, ‘The Rozabal Line,’ was originally self-published in 2007 under the pseudonym Shawn Haigins.
It was later published by Westland in India under his own name and became a national bestseller. His second novel, ‘Chanakya’s Chant,’ is a historical-fiction book that has remained on AC Nielsen’s India Bookscan Top-10 for all of 2011.
The book won the ‘2010 Crossword-Vodafone Popular Choice Award’ in September 2011, and UTV has purchased the movie rights to the story. Dr. Shashi Tharoor released the novel in Mumbai and called it “enthralling, delightfully-interesting and gripping read with impressive historical research.” The Hindustan Times has called it “a cracker of a page-turner.” Ashwin is currently working on his third novel, exploring business strategies in ancient India.
He is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from Bangor University in Wales. Ashwin resides in Mumbai with his wife, Anushika, and their eight-year-old son, Raghuvir.
Editoral Review
Ashwin Sanghi’s Chanakya’s Chant is a political thriller that takes readers on a journey through ancient and modern India. Sanghi, an Indian author and entrepreneur, explores the interplay between power, politics, and morality in this gripping novel.
The plot of Chanakya’s Chant revolves around two individuals. One is Chanakya, a statesman from ancient India who is well-known for his strategic acumen and political savvy, while the other is Gangasagar Mishra, a modern-day political strategist with a similar potential.
The story cleverly intertwines Chanakya’s rise to power as an advisor to King Chandragupta with Gangasagar Mishra’s quest for political domination. Sanghi skillfully constructs a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The characters are well-developed, and readers become invested in their journeys. The themes of power, corruption, and morality are explored in a way that sheds light on India’s contemporary political landscape.
The novel is not without its faults, however. Sanghi occasionally relies on stereotypes and cliches, and some may find the writing style to be overly simplistic.
Additionally, the pacing of the novel could be tightened in places. Despite these shortcomings, Chanakya’s Chant is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in politics, history, and culture.
Sanghi has crafted a novel that is both entertaining and informative. The book’s exploration of ancient Indian political thought and its relevance to contemporary political issues is particularly noteworthy.
Overall, Chanakya’s Chant is a must-read for anyone curious about India’s political landscape or interested in political thrillers. The novel earns a solid 4 out of 5 rating, owing to its engaging characters, well-executed plot, and insightful exploration of political themes.
