I really liked how meticulously this problem was discussed in the story. The issue of vikarma was the first thing Shiva noticed in the perfect city of Meluha and deems it unfair especially when he garners feelings for Sati. They believe that these ailments are caused by a sin committed in a past life. Vikarma is essentially a mark of shame placed on people who’ve suffered disabilities or women who’ve suffered miscarriages. Despite this talent, Sati was forced in a shunned group called the vikarma due to a miscarriage in a past marriage. I loved that Sati still stood proud in her femininity while being a tough fighter, it made her layered and interesting. She’s patient and strong willed, a little rigid and a powerful fighter. It’s rare to see a male character who swings a sword like a seasoned warrior and dances like an angel in the same story.Īnother character I loved is the main female lead, Princess Sati of Meluha. At the same time, he’s graceful and creative. He encapsulates a rough-hewn man who smokes and fights harder than most soldiers. Shiva quickly became one of my favourite written male characters purely because of his dynamic energy. Most of the story follows Shiva and his constant curiosity of the new world around him. Except he realizes the world he’s in is a little more complicated than it looks when perfection involves hefty risks.

I loved seeing someone as revered as Shiva portrayed as a man who simply wanted to do what was right for the people. The plot is no different from your average ‘chosen one’ narrative but it’s amazing how much a story can look so new if you simply change the cultural perspective. Along with the risks and tribulations involved in making the world a better place even though things seem fine on the surface.

Shiva goes through his journey learning of what it means to have the ‘perfect’ society. The Immortals of Meluha holds itself to this standard. A telling of grand heroes, powerful female characters, unrelenting use of magic and the constant message or lesson embedded in each tale. Growing up listening to many stories surrounding Hinduism and Indian culture, it gave me motivation as an adult to look for novels such as this.

Immortals of meluha audible