The Legend of Bahirji-Naik Book II | Shreyas Bhave | Historical Fiction | Book Review

 

Book Info

Name of Book : The Legend of Bahirji Naik : Seige of Panhala ( Book II)

Author : Shreyas Bhave

Publisher : One Point Six Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Publication Date : 28 August 2023

No. of Pages : 306

Format : Paperback

Why did I choose the book ?

The Legend of Bahirji Naik, Book 2 by Shreyas Bhave was offered in exchange of an honest review. And, today is my turn to post for the same.

Where to get the book ?

The Legend of Bahirji Naik, Book 2 by Shreyas Bhave is available on Amazon :

Kindle

Paperback

Author Introduction

SHREYAS BHAVE, an Electrical Engineer from VNIT Nagpur, is one of India’s youngest experts on railway electrification. He also administers an entrepreneurial YouTube channel at ‘Our First Million’. Possessed of an abiding love for history, Shreyas was first inspired to take on the challenge of writing a fictionalized account based on historical record supplemented by the rich folklore that surrounded the legendary figure of Asoka. The trilogy was released to widespread acclaim and has been acquired for screen. His book Prisoner Of Yakutsk, a modern day thriller based on the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Netaji Subhash Bose, was published in 2019. The present book is the first in the trilogy based on the thrilling adventures of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s intelligence duo, Bahirji-Naik (see Author’s Note).

Apart from writing, Shreyas enjoys song-writing, composing music, sketching and watercolour painting. He plays the guitar and enjoys hiking up to the many hill forts of Maharashtra, replete with their hoary history and ghosts from the past. Other books by Shreyas Bhave Prince Of Patliputra, Storm From Taxila Nemesis Of Kalinga & Prisoner Of Yakutsk.

Blurb

MARATHA SWARAJYA, 1665

The Fort of Purandar is under siege by a huge Mughal army, led by the ruthless Afghan leader Dilerkhan, and the much feted Rajput Commander, Mirza Raje Jaysingh. All seems lost for the fledgling Maratha nation. Surrounded on all sides, Raje Shivaji debates with his advisors the wisest course of action.

But history is wont to repeat itself. The Mughal and Adilshahi forces, under the slave-general Siddi Jauhar, had earlier surrounded the Swarajya, trapping Raje himself on Panhalgad Fort. Desperate times call for desperate measures and a dangerous plan had been concocted for his escape under cover of night, right under the noses of the enemy. The thrilling tale of that famous escape to Vishalgad, and the ensuing Battle of Umberkhind, which destroyed the Mughal army, unfolds through the eyes of Shivaji Raje’s famous Guptachars or intelligence team – Bahirji-Naik. What transpired remains one of the greatest examples of guerilla warfare the world has ever witnessed. And once again, the Guptachars prepare to outmaneuver the Mughal Army against impossible odds.

But not all battles are fought on the battlefield. A temporary peace is achieved through shrewd diplomacy in the Treaty of Purandar. But every peace has its price. The Badshah Alamgir Aurangzeb commands Shivaji Raje to appear before him at his durbar in Agra. The Guptachars are thus faced with the daunting task of safeguarding the Maratha Chhatrapati on his visit to the Mughal capital and his safe passage out of the lion’s den.

My Opinion

The Legend of Bahirji Naik by Shreyas Bhave in its second book, Seige of Panhala again narrates you a story of valor, kings and kingdoms. This book witness the rise of Maratha power but from the words of a spy. It tells us that not only kings and soldiers wage a war but the real war is fought by spies. The historical details are really wonderful defining every action minutely. And, the plot is full of adventure, mystery and thrill. The characters are beautifully developed with each character's story interlacing with each other. Each character's valor and triumph fills our heart with respect. The reader will be compelled to think that how much our ancestors strived for freedom.

In conclusion, the book is a gripping and immersive tale of our unsung heroes who deserve praise and applause from us. A powerful book which uplifts your spirit making the book a powerful message for everyone. Definitely, the book deserves 5 stars for its moving and influential plot.

Ratings

• Recommendation ---------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Cover ------------------------------ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Writing Style --------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Plot -------------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Climax ---------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Characters ------------------------ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐