Blurb: Black smoke billowing from the city’s marble minarets and temple domes.
Shrieks of human suffering muffled under the dragon-flames of heavy cannon.
This is the seventh burning of Delhi. And none shall the inferno spare.
As a raging sea of Company legions sweeps across the Mughal capital, wrath of the dreaded God, Nikhaal-bhagvaan, descends inescapably upon the freedom army.
An unhinged Laal-Pret, Theo Metcalfe, nurtures his own sinister design. As a dark dervish unleashes the terrifying spell of Tip’s crypts, a self-styled Christian crusader plans the unthinkable. Stench of the last Timurid’s third wish poisons every soul.
All that stands between the plundering garrisons and a savage genocide – is Mastaan.
A dervish, a warlord, a shaayar, a falcon, a courtesan, a purohit, and a djinn. This is the final chapter of the haunting tale of 1857, Delhi.
A darkened heart, and deafened ears
a covenant with the Djinn;
Price of prices lo! he shall pay,
lamenting a two-yard coffin…!
by Vineet Bajpai
Book: Delhi – City of the Blood Gates
Author: Vineet Bajpai
The last volume of Vineet Bajpai’s Delhi Trilogy, Delhi – City of Blood Gates, is a fascinating and emotional novel that explores the murky underbelly of politics, power battles, and personal sacrifices. This tale, which is set in the heart of Delhi, sends readers on a wild rollercoaster through an intricate web of ambition, betrayal, and redemption.
The execution of the renowned rebel leader, Mangal Pandey, puts India on the verge of a revolt against British authority as the year 1857 progresses. Indian troops and citizens’ long-simmering animosity flares up, as the mutineers rise to oppose the repressive British emperors and their families.
Mastaan Ali, a very loyal and patriotic person who unknowingly becomes a pawn in the ruthless world of politics, serves as the story’s main character. Mastaan, who comes from a lowly family, is an idealist living in a corrupt city who is devoted to loyally protecting his nation. His story starts when those trying to use his loyalty for their own advantage unintentionally involve him in the complex game of power. Mastaan, a gallant soldier in the D’Cruz regiment of the East India Company known by the nickname Bandookbaaz, sees his life take a dramatic turn when he meets Fay, the alluring sister of Major Charles D’Cruz, his commanding officer. He falls deeply in love with her and commits to defend her at any cost.
Mastaan is caught up in the chaos and is in a challenging circumstance. Being faithful to the East India Company, which has supported his livelihood and served as the basis of his sense of duty, tugs at his conscience as he must choose between helping his fellow citizens in their quest for independence and being loyal to the company. As the lines between love, loyalty, and patriotism blur, Mastaan is forced to decide whether his devotion to the organisation and desire to protect the woman he loves is more important.
In this gripping tale, Vineet Bajpai deftly blends historical truth with fictional characters to provide readers with a window into the volatile period of India’s war for independence. In this novel, the protagonist must contend with contradictory emotions and the cruel realities of battle. Readers are transported inside the protagonist’s mind while he does so.
Reading Vineet Bajpai’s series is intriguing. The sequel’s smart plot and expert writing will nonetheless surprise and thrill readers, even though it has echoes of the original novel. For aficionados of historical fiction, this series is a must-read since it takes readers on a fascinating journey through India’s past and the struggles of its brave and tenacious people.
With his deep storytelling, Bajpai creates a realistic picture of Delhi that almost reads like a character in and of itself. The author presents a realistic portrait of the city’s political scene, which is populated by cunning politicians, powerful bureaucrats, and dishonest power brokers. The brutal realities of modern Indian politics are brought into sharp relief by the juxtaposition between Mastaan’s purity and the muddy environment he finds himself.
The book’s strong characters are among its best qualities. Readers will enjoy following Mastaan Ali’s development from an idealistic young man to a seasoned, battle-hardened character as he is changed by the lies and betrayals he meets. The supporting cast, which includes friends, foes, and allies, is similarly well-drawn and gives the narrative depth and character.
The plot’s superb use of turns and twists keeps the reader interested the entire time. In a narrative tapestry that keeps readers guessing right up to the very end, Bajpai deftly combines several tales. The writing is well-paced, gradually increasing the level of suspense, then ending with a sequence of shocking disclosures that leave readers speechless.
Additionally, the book deftly examines themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the cost of power, provoking readers to reflect on the moral conundrums that people who work to defend what they value confront. The book’s emotional depth resonates and has a long-lasting effect on the reader.
“Delhi – City of Blood Gates” has a lot of positive aspects, yet it might not appeal to everyone. Some readers may find it difficult to follow the storyline given how intricate it is and how many characters there are. Additionally, some readers could find some political elements to be unduly pessimistic or depressing, representing a viewpoint that may not coincide with their own.
In conclusion, “Delhi – City of Blood Gates” is a gripping and thought-provoking story that makes a powerful point about the resiliency of the human spirit and the corrupting influence of power. Vineet Bajpai’s storytelling abilities are remarkable, and his writing style is vivid. This book will surely have a lasting impact on you if you enjoy political thrillers with a dash of realism and human drama. Get ready to travel through the halls of power, deceit, and redemption on an emotional trip.
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