Prince of Naraka
Book 1of The Naraka Cycle
About the Book
‘Prince of Naraka’ is the first novel in The Naraka Cycle, to be released in 2021. This fast-paced mythological thriller blends ancient spiritual wisdom, stories from the Ramayana epic, and elements of classic fantasy to create a unique blend of science, history, Indian mythology, and adventure.
Synopsis
Meet Raa One, 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 Soor Pan, the discovery of mines operated by Devan overlords of his land, and an alliance with the mysterious Underground forces Raa One 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 Raa One to his limit, and 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 who live in the equatorial belt on the continent Naraka. Their kingdom is Asurapura, whose capital is Lanka. They are ruled by King Vish Rav and Queen Kaikesi, parents of Raa One, Soor Pan and Koom Karn. They possess a mighty infantry. Currently at war with the Nagas and fought battles in the past with both the Rakshasas and the Kinnaras. Asuras are allies of the Vidyadharas.
Raa One
Crown Prince of the Asuras
The crown prince of Naraka, son of Vish Rav and Kaikesi; the brother of Koom Karn and Soor Pan. From a young age, Raa One 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 Raa One and his half-snake, half-human Naga friend Vaasuki in ancient sciences and arcane arts derived from the texts of the Vedas. In battle, Raa One has great expertise with his khukri knives, and dhanush bow.
Soor Pan
Princess of Asurapura
She is Raa One and Koom Karn’s sister. Also the daughter of Vish Rav and Kaikesi. Soor Pan possesses great compassion and is a healer. 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.
Koom Karn
Brother of Raa One and Soor Pan
Koom Karn is usually stoic and less outspoken than his siblings. He is taller than Raa One and uses powerful Tantra magic taught to him by his mother. Koom Karn joins Raa One 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 Raa One’s
Vaasuki is a wilder naga and fellow student of Raa One under the tutelage of the mysterious Teacher
Ssara Maa
Naga cityer assassin
Ssara Maa 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.
Har Shaa
Prince of the Vidyadharas
Har Shaa is the lover of Soor Pan. 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 Har Shaa, a great warrior and politician who united seven tribes of Vidyadharas into a great 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.
Vid Yu Jiva
southern Rakshasa
Called Rider of the Final Wave, Vid Yu Jiva is a southern Rakshasa and a key 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 Soor Pan for some reason. Mother of Vikata.
Mareecha
Hulking Rakshasa slave
Powerful northern Rakshasa who helps Soor Pan
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