Ravan’s Trial
Book 1of The Naraka Cycle
About the Book
‘Ravan’s Trial’ is the first novel in The Naraka Cycle, released in 2023. This fast-paced mythological thriller blends ancient spiritual wisdom, stories from the Ramayana epic, and classic fantasy elements to create a unique blend of science, history, Indian mythology, and adventure.
Synopsis
Meet Ravan, the tenacious crown prince of Asurapura on the continent of Naraka, moments before he must face the dangers of the Aranya jungle as part of his Twice-Born Trial of Seven Days. He emerges from the Aranya and returns to the palace, triumphant but emotionally drained. His completion of the Trial, however, brings about more complications than he could have imagined.
The disappearance of his sister Surpanakha, the discovery of mines operated by Devan overlords of his land, and an alliance with the mysterious Underground forces Ravan to question his beliefs and purpose on Naraka.
Unlikely alliances with half-snake, half-human Nagas, ten-foot-tall Rakshasas, and shocking discoveries about his own family push Ravan to his limit. He must ultimately decide his role in the chaos as dynamics shift, lives are lost, and sacrifices are made: Is he a leader, an observer, or merely a cynic?
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The Characters
Meet the Characters
The Naraka Cycle’s engaging and fanciful characters hail from a variety of regions of Naraka, tribes, races, and kingdoms. Learn about important characters here.
Asuras
A race of spell-casters living in the equatorial belt on Naraka. Their kingdom is Asurapura, and their capital is Lanka. They are ruled by King Vishrav and Queen Kaikesi, parents of Ravana, Suspanakha, and Kumbhakarn. They possess a mighty infantry. They are currently at war with the Nagas and have fought battles in the past with both the Rakshasas and the Kinnaras. Asuras are allies of the Vidyadharas.
Ravan
Crown Prince of the Asuras
The crown prince of Naraka, son of Vishrav and Kaikesi; the brother of Kumbhakarn and Surpanakha. From a young age, Ravan has been trained in the arts of statecraft, politics, war, and Asuran magic. He has a secret Teacher aside from his formal teacher, who instructs Ravan and his half-snake, half-human Naga friend Vaasuki in ancient sciences and arcane arts derived from the texts of the Vedas. In battle, Ravan has excellent expertise with his khukri knives and dhanush bow.
Surpanakha
Princess of Asurapura
She is Ravan and Kumbhakarn’s sister. Also the daughter of Vishrav and Kaikesi. Surpanakha possesses great compassion and is a healer. She uses the music of ancient raga melodies, along with herbs and spells from the Atharva Veda texts to heal the sick. A warrioress who wields the khanda, an ancient sword, with deadly resolve.
Kumbhakarn
Brother of Ravan and Surpanakha
Kumbhakarn is usually stoic and less outspoken than his siblings. He is taller than Ravan and uses powerful Tantra magic taught to him by his mother. Kumbhakarn joins Ravan in his quest and is a loyal brother.
Nagas
Nagas are half-humanoid, half-snake beings who can assume three forms - serpentform, midform and narakanform. Wilder Naga tribes live in villages scattered in the equatorial belt of Naraka. Cityer Nagas live in and around the Naga capital, Bhagavassi, and consider themselves highly cultured in comparison. These beings are great ambush hunters with their composite bows and dao swords.
Vaasuki
Naga wilder friend of Ravan’s
Vaasuki is a wilder naga and fellow student of Raa One under the tutelage of the mysterious Teacher.
Ssarama
Naga cityer assassin
Ssarama is a constrictor Naga, one of three sisters. She is a member of the Underground.
Vidyadharas
A race that dwells in the Peaks. They ride Pisachas, mysterious creatures that can fly long distances.They are deeply connected to nature. Vidyadharas are amazing craftsmen and artists.
Harsha
Prince of the Vidyadharas
Harsha is the lover of Surpanakha. He rides his Pisacha Uluka into battle. Possesses a mastery of Shakti's Song, which he can sing to animals and meld with their minds.
Chitraketu
King of the Vidyadharas
Father of Harsha, a great warrior and politician who united seven tribes of Vidyadharas into a grand alliance.
Rakshasas
Nine-foot-tall, broad-shouldered master sailors. Their civilization is split into northern Rakshasas who live on the islands in the icy northern Seas and southern Rakshasas, who live on the warm tropical southern islands.
Vidyujiva
Southern Rakshasa
Called Rider of the Final Wave, Vidyujiva is a southern Rakshasa and a vital member of the Underground. He is a renowned tracker and scout.
Jatasuri
Elderly woman
Elderly mistblood (half-Asura, half-Rakshasa) who is first sour but advises and protects Surpanakhs for some reason. Mother of Vikata.
Mareecha
Hulking Rakshasa slave
Powerful northern Rakshasa who helps Surpanakha
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