SONS OF DARKNESS

This debut grimdark fantasy introduces a restless land of gods, assassins, and warring regions.

In the Riverlands, the Mathuran Republic narrowly survives a war with the Magadhan Empire. The death of the Magadhan emperor’s daughter sparks an armistice while he mourns for one year. Lord Krishna, integral in turning the former Mathura Kingdom into a republic, decides to use that year to devise a plan that will somehow protect his realm. Other regions and their leaders fret as well. Once the armistice ends, the empire will surely conquer the Mathuran Republic, and then which region is next? An upcoming “swayamvar” in the Panchal Kingdom, where potential suitors compete for the princess’s hand in marriage, becomes a power play, with the hopes of uniting certain regions. This doesn’t stop someone from inexplicably sending assassins to kill various targets, even royalty, across the land. Meanwhile, an oracle struggles to decipher a cryptic prophecy in which the appearance of a mysterious “Son of Darkness” is a sign of utter destruction. A battle in the Riverlands, it seems, is inevitable. Mohanty’s vibrant reimagining of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata deftly puts familiar characters into an entirely new world. The extensive cast is initially overwhelming, though where the players are and their alliances (kingdoms and unions) are always clear. Similarly, well-defined class distinctions elevate this series opener; for example, aspiring warrior Karna, as a “lowborn” Resht, endures bigotry. While the brewing conflict drives the lengthy narrative, there are hints of probable series arcs. For example, the godly Daevas, or Children of Light, play a minor but significant part; they’re powerful mythical beings who some believe died long ago. Mohanty’s pithy writing delivers such lucid details as the airy fragrance of “almonds and lemons” and sunlight glinting off “gilded spurs and bright steel.” The author sets a deliberate pace that effectively builds to a massive battle scene, electrifying the final act.

Remarkable characterization and vivid worldbuilding bolster this riveting epic fantasy.