The Tale of Iśva Raman

By: Najeev Nadarajah
Publisher: Bhakthi Nine Presents
Publication Date: May 26, 2025
ISBN: 978-0991722969
Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki
Review Date: January 28, 2025

Najeev Nadarajah's The Tale of Iśva Raman focuses on a prophesied end-of-the-world conflict and the circumstances surrounding the ancient captivity of war survivors who survived despite being expected to perish.

Fifteen-year-old Iśva Raman has been researching an incredible phenomenon that only he can see. Surprisingly, this entity he dubbed Karma, only emerged from its hiding place when he became angry. However, it has recently been causing him a great deal of physical agony. He has also been feeling a malevolent presence observing him—a tall, slender, featureless humanoid with blazing pale eyes. He is startled by this unseen force that pins him to the ground one rainy afternoon. A woman wearing a mask hisses at him, inquiring about the whereabouts of the Seed. Despite not knowing what it is, he has until the solstice to locate it.

Iśva speaks with his aunt Nil and cousin Rudi, anxious to learn what he is up against, and discovers that the masked woman was Asura, an ancient demon with lethal powers. Rudi feels that Guru Wistarian of Temple of the Heart Spring should take him under his care right now since he could hold the secret to "everything." The latter, however, is clueless about the whereabouts of the Seed, believing that only the Keeper of it is aware of its identity and location. Additionally, he believes that the pursuit of the Seed portends the imminence of the End War, as the demons would need it in order to harness its cosmic force and initiate a destructive purge that has the potential to destroy the entire planet.

This story uses an enthusiastic adolescent who plays "the Seeker" to try and demythologize an ancient creation myth. He gains an advantage after getting enrolled in a specific training program that would position him as a force to combat terrible dark monsters, which is a smart idea that adds validity to his heroine character. Watching him grow is incredibly fulfilling, as is learning the startling reason why a certain "Seed" is required of him. The story features elemental beings, a celestial bird, and a quandary over the stunning revelation of his real identity. It also includes an ingenious tactic based on the speculation that the analogy of fighting fire with fire may be used to win a battle.

Readers will appreciate its meticulous flow, concealed hints, and a slew of revelations that deviate from the story's initial predicted trajectory. The youthful hero, who defies everyone's expectations, is the first of its well-developed and portrayed characters who keep the action going. Suspenseful from every viewpoint, this is a story worthy of inclusion in the pantheon of mystery classics.

Quill says: Najeev Nadarajah's The Tale of Iśva Raman establishes a new bar for mystery tales about teenage heroes with its prolonged tension and last-minute unraveling of a key truth. It features themes of treachery and nail-biting tension that will make even the most astute sleuths turn their head. Mystery lovers, young and old, should not be distracted from this one.

For more information on The Tale of Iśva Raman, please visit the author's website at: najeevnadarajah.com.