Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta (Ram Chandra) Paperback – July 1, 2019

A better book than the other two in the Ram Chandra series, we get to know Raavan. We get to learn his deepest desires and his biggest fears and his strongest characteristics. The author has managed to make us invested in this villain more than he was able to get us interested in the heroes. We grow up with Raavan, and Kumbhakarna, in a fantastical Lanka and go on an epic journey of love, anguish, desires and the eternal internal battle we all wage within ourselves between our better angels and the monsters. A must read for everyone. This book should have been the first to release, but a MUST Read nevertheless.

As always the description had grapped me into the storyline and kept me close to the characters.Although I am still not sure if the reasons about the Ravan's enrage with the sapt sindhu had been in sync with the actual plot of Ramayan. Because if it isn't the plot may jeopardize the understanding of the newer generation.Apart from the storyline, I am not sure if the author needs to go into the amorous depiction getting him in sync with the other Indian authors for whome it had became a selling point. Though naturally it is not condemnable, but the connection of the storyline with the highly admired and respected scripture will definitely make it tend towards it.I believe the gripping storyline with the adventurous plot and the frequent moral compass discussion with the juxtaposition with current life scenarios, has already what it takes for the book to be a bestseller.Having said that, I am eagerly waiting for the next part where the story would converge towards it's culmination.

I liked the story, characters. Never heard about Raavan’s side of the story. Not boring. Worth reading, a different perspective.

I love the way the stories that we always here are told in a different way. Khumbkaran here is portrayed as the one who kept Raavan from doing bad things instead of Vibhishan.Would really recommend it to anyone interested in Indian historical mythology and wants something different

I have read all of Amish Tripathi's books and love his writing. Surely will be looking forward for the next one in this series.. But just this one book was an outreach. There were details in this book that felt like Amish was trying to make sense of the original epic that didn't feel like an ancient story.Something about it did not fit in.. Maybe I shouldn't compare but cant help it

History buff Amish's rendition of the traditional 'evil' against divine Rama and Sita is both brilliant and daring. The so called evil is never, in Indian tradition, absolute. But Amish captures this in his ever engaging narrative. I wonder if the publication of "Ravan" had preceded that of "Sita" -- because historically the events are inverted -- would have changed the narrative some. Sita being the daughter of Vedavati, whom Ravan adored, is a brilliant connector that would shock some with devout Indian sensitivity. But daring inventiveness is the hallmark of Amish's narratives. Most appealing for me is the rendition of brotherly love between Ravan and Kumbhkarna paralleling legendary Rama-Laxman's relation.

How do you sympathize with a villain like Raavan? He was a scholar, a musician, an astrology expert, a great politician, an even greater leader and a warrior unparalleled by most heroes. All of the greatest traits of Raavan are in full display in this book, along with a very plausible and understandable setting for the reason behind his rise to power as a villain of ancient India as opposed to being a hero for India. If you always wondered how a man with the qualities of a great hero could go on to become the most feared and hated man in India, this book may be able to help you understand what drives such great men. I only wish that the delay in the book's release and all the aplomb that went with the marketing and thrill that was generated before it's release were somehow reflected in the book. There could have been many more instances when the book could have explained or demonstrated the decision that went behind the kidnapping of Sita or how the two brothers unraveled the secret of their kidnapped victim. The ending felt rushed and not as powerful as I had expected. Let's hope the fourth book can fill in some of the gaps and jumps this book had made in the end as the story of the true planning and scheming that went behind the scenes is uncovered. Fingers crossed!! I can't wait!!

This is the best one in the Ramachandra series. If Sita felt like a re-run of Ram- scion of Ikshvaku, Raavan is fresh, gripping and very engaging. The author unveils Raavan's character slowly starting from his childhood, it almost feels like you know him, his power, his strengths, his weaknesses and the reasons behind them. Looking forward to the next book.