The Ramayana literally translated means "The Journey of Rama", with respect to AKB's Ramayana, it's a journey that we the readers too get to experience in all its epic glory.
For me the the spiritual connection of this tale is undeniable. However, the story of spirituality is so skillfully interwoven within the fantasy and adventure elements that the connection can at times seem but an afterthought. If you're not looking for a spiritual connection, then it won't matter to you. If you're looking for a good read, look no further.

With Siege of Mithila Ashok K Banker succeeds in expanding on his rich tapestry of adventure and continues to delight with his unique re-telling. One of the most refreshing factors being the depiction of Sita as a true warrior princess.
As with Prince of Ayodhya, the politics and subterfuge within the invincible walls of Ayodhya continue to fascinate, only now we are so positively familiar with the characters concerned that we cannot help but experience the range of emotions that they are faced with. None more so than that of our protagonist Rama's. Herein lies banker's expertise.
It's fair to say that given the flawless traits of Rama's character it is all but too easy to simply dismiss him in terms of having "less reader appeal" for being too perfect (after all even Superman has his Kryptonite right?).... well,this is where we see Banker at his finest; he succeeds in drawing us in by giving us an insight to the development of Rama's uncompromising code to DHARMA. Rama is the ultimate soldier of Dharma which proves to be not only his greatest attribute but also his 'Achilles' Heel'. During the course of the story (even moreso in the books that follow) Rama's strict adherence to DHARMA comes at great personal cost to him and his loved ones ..... or does it?
The only way to find out is by reading on. Herein lies the author's expertise in taking age old popular stereo-type & turning it on its head whilst staying true to the essence of his source material. In doing so he has made his Ramayana the definitive version for me........ or to put it another way "The best just got better"!

I was fortunate to get the second book too at the same time, and I finished both the books in the next 10 hours on the train back to Thrissur, without a break. Hell, I even forgot to have my dinner!!!

The guru-shishya relationship between Vishwamitra and the princes Rama and Lakshmana has been conceived brilliantly. I loved the chapter in which they discuss how Ravana could be vanquished. Ravana's plans to invade Aryavarta is the crux of the book. I felt that the ten headed rakshasa king has been shown very well and he promises to be one of the most interesting characters of the series. Banker's imagination is just too good- he must be applauded for having the guts to show Ravana's point of view..

The part where Rama and Sita meet was quirky... and Lakshmana's banter was really funny!!!! Some unforgettable scenes of the book are: Rama's rescue of Ahalya from her condemned existence as a stone, Sita's swayamvara, where Ravana appears as a suitor, the events going on in Ayodhya with Manthara trying to achieve Ravana's objectives, and of course, the climactic battle sequence where Rama and Lakshmana destroy the rakshasa army...

Truly, one roller coaster of a ride... Ashok K. Banker rocks!!!! Another 9 on 10...

I was fortunate to get the second book too at the same time, and I finished both the books in the next 10 hours on the train back to Thrissur, without a break. Hell, I even forgot to have my dinner!!!

The guru-shishya relationship between Vishwamitra and the princes Rama and Lakshmana has been conceived brilliantly. I loved the chapter in which they discuss how Ravana could be vanquished. Ravana's plans to invade Aryavarta is the crux of the book. I felt that the ten headed rakshasa king has been shown very well and he promises to be one of the most interesting characters of the series. Banker's imagination is just too good- he must be applauded for having the guts to show Ravana's point of view..

The part where Rama and Sita meet was quirky... and Lakshmana's banter was really funny!!!! Some unforgettable scenes of the book are: Rama's rescue of Ahalya from her condemned existence as a stone, Sita's swayamvara, where Ravana appears as a suitor, the events going on in Ayodhya with Manthara trying to achieve Ravana's objectives, and of course, the climactic battle sequence where Rama and Lakshmana destroy the rakshasa army...

Truly, one roller coaster of a ride... Ashok K. Banker rocks!!!! Another 9 on 10...