“The Descendents” by Laksh Maheshwari & Ashish Kavi is a marvellous blend of science fiction and Indian mythology that unravel a thundering story that hypnotizes the readers ( I am one of them :)) from the very first line till the very end. In this adventurous literary trip, the central character is Jay who is the wise CEO of Vantra Labs. One providential encounter with a dangerous chemical during the experiments triggers the Frankenstein effect in the lab and makes the connection in the web of science, ancient mythology, and paradoxical mysteries

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When Jay and his mentor Kaka, have a glimpse of a burning meteorite falling onto the Somvanshi estate, they find themselves in a chaos of discoveries. As soon as the enchanting item garners Jay’s attention with its weird but intriguing features, their strange trip begins with an entirely new side of the picture. Jay plays the role of CEO at the family-owned Vantra Labs, in which, he is the supreme commander of the knowledge-awakening team of scientists who selflessly endeavour to solve the mystery around the “black element.”

While Jay is plunging into the unknown of scientific research, a small thought of coincidence emerges, which later turns out to be the impetus of the whole series of events to which the invisible hand of fate leads him. Jay matches a seemingly ordinary guy who finds himself in an unpredictable world, full of enticing temptations and ethical uncertainties, in a perilous way where he has to overcome heists, betrayals, and unplanned dramas.

Jay's trip in the internal exploration of himself enables the 
author to ask his readers the major questions that 
are always pending at the nexus of science and religion. 
Will humanity surmount the attraction of power, steer its 
course towards remission, or subdue it forever? 
Are we more angels or demons? Or perhaps we are doomed to 
be driven by the worst of the very desire nature carries along.

This tale is characterized by its ability to merge different genres that in principle are not much related, in a seemingly seamless way. The ability of Laksh Maheshwari and Ashish Kavi to weave together the eternal “Mahabharata” story and hi-tech science comprehensively demonstrating a great subtlety, is quite striking; they fashion a plot that is both diligent and clear-sighted in forms. This is the trigger that leads Jay along his self-quest as he grapples with existential issues of destiny and free will together with the temptation of unclaimed power. The reader will also be caught on a philosophical aspect of these issues of fate, free will and what comes when you have access to power.

The driving force behind the novel allows the readers to appreciate the meticulously created characters of Jay and the wise counsel given by Kaka. This is where the brewing tension between the two dramatizes the friendship between Krishna and Arjuna which elevates a storyline to a profound and insightful level. The inner struggle of the character and the emotions are what bring the story to the reader. The labyrinth plot of the story carries the suspense and the reader will have a thrilling time to the end when all the questions are answered.

Together with this, still “The Descendants” goes beyond, allowing us to a dive deep into the inner world of mankind and people’s social behaviours. The authors ingeniously employ allegorical characters and symbolic echoes to carefully palette the colossal scenery of power, desire and the eternal battle of good and evil. Jay’s existential trip underlines the reoccurring human practice of seeking clarity and purpose which in turn causes one to ponder and sets off personal existential questions.

“The Descendants” has rightfully taken its place of choice among the breathtaking achievements of speculative fiction, proving that mythology itself is a timeless treasure and that the scientific imagination does keep its duties. In which one the beauty of the variety of characters, complicated plot twists and deep philosophical descriptions are only a few features of this masterpiece, it has enchanted my imagination and awakened me.

Indeed, “The Descendants” is sort of a novel that might as well be regarded as the first of a new genre, allowing readers to break into a relatively unknown territory with a blurry line between reality and fantasy.

In the end, “The Descendants” emerges as more than just a tale of epic proportions—it is a poignant meditation on the nature of existence itself. As the reader carries on this amazing performance through which they go on their trip, they are aware that being by oneself is the most transformative journey.

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Neerja Bhatnagar

Book Review – The Descendents by Laksh & Ashish

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