Ashok K. Banker
British Pbk Original - Orbit (2004) |
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Demons of Chitrakut
The original Ramayana was written three thousand years ago by a reformed thief-turned-sage named Valmiki. Now, with breathtaking imagination and brilliant storytelling, Indian writer Ashok K. Banker has recreated this epic tale for modern readers everywhere.
Rama has quelled the demon invasion. He has thwarted the demonlord Ravana. And he is wedded to the enchanting Sita. But the young princes problems are far from over. For Rama has been challenged by the fabled axe-wielding brahmin Parshurama - a warrior of such power he has never been defeated.
And should he survive the confrontation, a greater crisis awaits him. Accompanied by his beloved Sita and loyal brother Lakshman, the prince must travel deep into the heart of the dread forest of Dandaka-van. There he will be pitted against the vengeful survivors of Ravana’s rakshasa hordes. And in the tiny outlaw settlement of Chitrakut, surrounded by blood-thirsty demons, he must prepare to face fourteen years of exile.
Praise For Ashok K. Banker’s Ramayana
‘Its epic scale is as globally relevant as Gilgamesh, Cuchullain and Beowulf’ Historical Novels Review
‘A milestone. Banker brings a magnificent sense of predestination to his task’ India Today
‘Stunning’ Enigma
A refreshing change from generic fantasyland’ Starburst
‘In a word, Wow! The Alien Online
A marvellous landscape of princes, demons, mages, and lovers’
Kate Elliott
‘Banker spins a good yarn, full of colour and atmosphere and authentic touches’ Starburst
‘I’m deeply impressed!… Spectacular in scope and vision’ Enigma
'Sophisticated and absorbing' Dreamwatch
| British Pbk Original - Orbit (2003) |
 |
Siege of Mithila
The original Ramayana was written three thousand years ago by a reformed thief-turned-sage named Valmiki. Now, with breathtaking imagination and brilliant storytelling, Indian writer Ashok K Banker has recreated this epic tale for modern readers everywhere.
The invasion has begun and the bestial demon hordes roar towards Ayodhya. If Ayodhya falls, then all mortal-kind will fall.
But Rama cannot return home to defend his family. He must journey to Mithila - a city lying directly in the path of destruction. There, a small band of heroes plan a valiant stand against the advancing armies of darkness.
It seems a futile quest. Lanka’s forces are near boundless and have swept all before them. Even if Rama can unearth a hidden dev-astra - a powerful artefact of the gods - his chances of victory remain slight. For at the head of the demon tide rides Rama’s nemesis, a terrible and ruthless slayer of souls - the demonlord Ravana.
| British Pbk Original - Orbit (2003) |
 |
Prince of Ayodhya
Book One of The Ramayana
The original Ramayana was written three thousand years ago by a reformed thief-turned-sage named Valmiki. Now, with breathtaking imagination and brilliant storytelling, Indian writer Ashok K. Banker has recreated this epic tale for modern readers everywhere.
Ayodhya the Unconquerable: legendary capital of warriors and seers. Never invaded, never defeated, greatest fortress of the civilised world.
Soon it will be a wasteland of ashes and blood.
For Ayodhya lies in the shadow of a demon’s wrath, a demon that even the gods fear, a demon that even now is sending all its dreadful power to ravage the world of mortals.
And only Rama, Prince of Ayodhya, can hope to prevent the onslaught of darkness and halt the demon invasion.
But Rama will not fight alone. The sword of his brother will shield him, the wisdom of a seer will guide him… but in the final battle it will be Rama’s courage alone that will save or damn Ayodhya.
About The Author
Ashok K. Banker is a well-known Indian writer. For the past few years, he has been working full-time to realise his childhood dream of retelling the great tales of Indian myth and legend. He has completed the third and fourth books of the Ramayana, Demons of Chitrakut and Armies of Hanuman, and is currently finishing the last three books, Lair of Rakshasas, Lord of Lanka and King of Ayodhya.
Ashok lives in Bombay, India.
Bibliography
N.B. dates and publishers in dark red indicate British First Editions. Dates and publishers in black indicate recent reprints.
Demons of Chitrakut
(Orbit Pbk,
2004)
Pbk Jun 04
Siege of Mithila
(Orbit Pbk,
2003)
Prince of Ayodhya
(Orbit Pbk,
2003)
Demons of Chitrakut
by Ashok K. Banker
