Bheem Book Review

Book Title: Bheem – Destiny’s Warrior

Author: Jyotin Goel

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Mythology

Paperback: 287 pages

Publisher: Penguin Random House India (23 August 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0143334085

ISBN-13: 978-0143334088

Package Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.4 x 2 cm

Mythological stories and their legendary characters have enamored us since an early age. These ancient stories and their invaluable teachings have stayed with us throughout our lives and we often wonder if we too could have superhuman capabilities like these epic heroes.If you love fiction, you will definitelylike Jyotin Goel's latest novel Bheem. As the name suggests, the novel is about Bheem, the legendary character from the great Indian epic Mahabharata. But wait! Before you think that this is a repeat of the same old story, let it be clear that this is an entirely newfictional story set in the present day modern India. The story is about saving humankind and for that Bheem has to travel more than three thousand years through the vortex of time to reach the 21st century. 

The primary seed for the story comes from the Indian epic Ramayana. Most of us know the story of Ramayana, but the novel gives a new twist by creating a deadly virus that decimates the vaanars. It was the vaanars that had helped destroy the kingdom of Lanka. Mandodari, the queen of Lanka, had lost everything and she was gripped with unimaginable hatred. Her hatred transforms into a curse and results in a deadly virus that decimates the vaanars. In the 21st century, that virus is all set to destroy humankind. The advancement made in science and medicine is of no help since the virus is incurable. Only four humans in the entire world have natural immunity to the virus and their blood can be used to create an antidote. However, Ashvatthama, from the epic Mahabharata, has travelled through time to the 21st century to stop the antidote from being created. There's only one person in the world that can challenge Ashvatthama and that is the legendary Bheem. Will Bheem succeed in saving humankind or is the human species doomed?

Bheem by Jyotin Goel is extremely fast paced and a perfect example of a page turner. It's a vibrant mix of the old and the new. From the mythology part, you will come across powerful ancient weapons, legendary characters, superhuman strength and abilities, magical Vedic mantras, time travel, etc. From the 21st century, you will witness the questions that face human existence, the advancements made in science and technology, and a virus without a cure. Bheem has supernatural abilities, but he can't save humanity all by himself. He has to team up with humans to take on his sworn enemy Ashvatthama and stop him from executing his nefarious plans.

Apart from being a fast-paced thriller, Bheem also answers the quintessential question - "Is humanity worth saving? And Why?” For those who care, the answer is truly relevant and meaningful. Author Jyotin Goel has taken care to describe everything in great detail including the various characters in the story. The sights, scenes, plots and the characters will come alive in your mind and you will become a part of the story. What happens in the end has also been conceptualizedbrilliantly. If you love fiction and have a taste for mythology, Bheem by Jyotin Goel will truly delight you.