Chanakya's Chant

Chanakya's Chant is one of the fastest reads that I've had in a very long time. Ashwin Sanghi's uncanny ability to keep you turning the pages is his strongest skill. I had loved The Rozabal Line but in that Sanghi had allowed the pace to slacken in the second half. In this book, the story hurls you through Magadha, 2300 years ago, and from there to New Delhi in the present day. It's a roller-coaster ride with murder, intrigue, political drama, espionage, and lust thrown in at just the appropriate times to prevent one from putting down the novel. "Brilliant" is the only word that can describe this thriller!

I bought this book at Mumbai airport and had completed over half of it by the time that our flight landed in Delhi. I stayed up late at night finishing the rest of it. I attribute this to the uncanny ability of this author to create twists and turns that are entirely unexpected, thus making this novel one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had in a long time. The conclusion of the story is a work of art and I raced to finish it. Even though the book has two parallel story lines each 2300 years apart, they both seemed to mesh together effortlessly. It's a pleasure to read this sort of fast-paced fiction emerging from Indian authors. I rate this a definite 9/10.

Ashwin Sanghi has till time of writing this review, written two books; “The Rozabal Line” – badly written unadulterated rubbish and, “Chanakya’s Chant” – a reasonably well written book. The difference between the two books could not be more glaring.

In Chanakya’s Chant Ashwin Sanghi narrates two stories - one on the life of the real Acharya Chanak set in 500BC (Alexander’s time) and the other, that of a cunning political activist called Gangasagar living in the town of Kanapur in present day India. Gangasagar like Acharya Chanak, sets out to take control and clean up Indian politics and at the same time render service to its citizens. Although Indian politics (or politics in any country for that matter) is not as simple as is made out in this book (even Acharya Chanak would find the task daunting), still, the book is reasonably well written and I enjoyed reading it. I’m sure Ashwin Sanghi next book whenever it comes, will be even better. I for one shall eagerly await it.

Chanakya's Chant , is one of the best books one could ever have in their collection. I pre-ordered it from flipkart and so I got an author signed copy and I am really happy having this in my collection. Being an avid book reader I would recommend this to everyone who actually want an awesome read .... Go for it without any second thoughts :)

delighted to have read this witty, thrilling paperback; felt like I was reading ludlum or forsyth in terms of pace and suspense.