Samsara: Enter the Valley of the Gods (2024)

I tried. I genuinely tried reading this. The Harry Potter and Percy Jackson references aside, i really did try.
But then came the chapter where a new character was introduced and started arguing with another barely established character about something. After the whole chapter, all you are left with is a lot of questions and zero understanding of where the plot is headed. And a negative interest in knowing. It's more 'will the secret be worth reading through the rest' than 'i have to figure this out'.
Its YA. There is liberal use of factors from Hindu mythology. There is an intriguing mystery, more mysteries are hinted at, but no effort is put in to pull the reader into the story.
If every other paragraph reminds you of HP universe or Percy, have you really made a good book?

Nothing wrong with being inspired by a good book and wanting to write something similar. But if there is a short stuffy person coming to take a young boy from his single mother(who struggles to survive and refuses to spill the secret about his father), to a school he has never heard of and there is a tree that beats him up with its flowing roots and vines, and there are young students who were born in the Valley and nOt CoMe FrOm ThE OuTsIdE..... You know where I am going with this...

Ps. I will go back and try reading again. May be after reading something else.

I am going to disagree with anyone who says Samsara is like India's Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. It does a great disservice to the efforts Garg has made to craft this universe.

It's a thoroughly well thought out book, and the reader can immediately tell that the author really knows what they're talking about, and aren't (incorrectly) appropriating mythical beings from other cultures, unlike the white person books Samsara is being compared to.

(cough. Nagini. cough)

Some of the scenes are written with such precision that it is easy to visualise them in their possible cinematic forms. I would not be surprised if a studio bags the movie rights, it would be a great decision on their part.

The only reason I am holding back a star is because of the potential I know this story has, and which I hope is fully realised in the next book. I would love nothing more for these characters to gain more depth to their personalities. These are smart young Indians of a generation more aware of the everyday politics than their predecessors. I want them to sit up and question everything they encounter. I want them to challenge every norm imposed on them. I want them to put up a fight against every person, every beast, every God who attempts to play them as pawns in a game they didn't consent to join in the first place. I want them to be characters I can root for in every page.

The next book couldn't come fast enough!

P.S. I have a bone to pick with the publishers;

1. Where's the glossary? How dare you think the book is not going to make waves beyond our borders? Make it easier for the international audience to really engage with the source material, please.

2. Where's the acknowledgement page? How dare you alienate the 1 percent of your readership weirdly nerd enough to live from one acknowledgement page to another?

The book was all over the place. A solid foundation backed by a pretty great magical system and a framework backed by myths was let down by the fidgety nature of the plot. The author was in a hurry to get somewhere and he left the plot halfway through his journey.
But.....but....I really want to see where this series goes. It does have its moments. It's a decent piece of work with all the right ingredients, but just needed more brewing time.

This book held so much promise but the lack of character building and new characters being introduced in every chapter is hard to digest. It’s also easy to lose interest due to the lack of context in the initial pages, hoping the second part redeems the series.

Saksham Garg's writing is absolute master class - one chapter in and you can't help but feel the protagonist's pain for him. Through the sheer vividness of his storytelling, the author makes you want to live the story, rather than just read it. Loved it!

Aman Chandra, a regular boy comes across a truth that changes his life forever. Abandoned by his own mother, he is transported to a hidden valley in the Himalayas. There he comes across weird rituals and meet the other souls of Samsara.

Aman is in the valley only to discover the truth about his missing father but destiny holds a bigger mission for him. Before he along with the other souls, gets any answers, the Gods passed a controversial order and Aman has to make a tough decision which will change the fate of the entire nation.

Written beautifully, the author takes us to the magical world of Gods. A blend of fantasy and mythology, the story will keep you hooked till the end. I loved the detailing of every scene without getting bored.

I loved the cover which has a gold foil embossing which makes the title glow on the front and the spine under the right lighting conditions.
Samsara is at the intersection of YA and adult fantasy fiction - containing themes that may appeal to both younger and older audiences.

Aman having his life turned upside down by entering vanyasa.l, His father who has been convicted a betrayer to the army and has been living alone with his mother. The valley of gods and a the divine kalpvriksha. will AMAN as the eleventh unsolicited soul be able to prove himself and save the people he cherishs.

The storyline with intricate world description takes to the fantasy and enliven the myths .

I loved it and savoured reading it slowly.

And at last thank you for this book

First Indian fantasy I've ever read and it didn't disappoint. Tbh it did confuse me a little and did feel unsatisfying at some points. The story centers around Aman who is the MC, an ordinary guy but infamous for being son of a traitor. One day he taken into this whole new world where he is told he is the 11th soul to join Vanyasa. He goes through Advaita but isn't found worthy enough to be the “Eka” chosen one.

finally...i managed to finish the book. (Pause)…( bit long pause) well, i am actually looking for words to describe my experience( After reading this book i felt robbed) . First Of all i would categories this book as a young adult fiction.

ok , will cut the chase and here we go...i love fiction but this book made me frustrated ( when will it end). when i had begun the book was hoping for some action some plot and twist, something to keep me hooked for the next sequence , the tsunami of characters that were introduced in subsequent chapters was too much, ( don't wish to spoil for others so will keep it minimal). the plot at the end( why?), twist came rapid after long run that to at the end( it was abrupt), perhaps keeping something for the next sequence but wasn't happy the way it ended.

Two stars: one for a story that was quite original per say(trying to be polite), 2nd for the beautiful cover( that was really good ).

Everything felt rushed , Aman's character lacked development and maturity( poor soul till the end), Myth was not handled well( wanna say more but won't), some characters couldn't do justice(didn't fit..Appeasing perhaps..to...

oh! i need to stop.

I'm glad to have met the author of this book Saksham Garg at the Annual Book Fair in my city and got myself a signed copy from him. 😊

The cherry on top was that the book was sooooo good!!! The ending was totally unexpected. I can't wait for part two! ❤️

This book felt very similar to the Percy Jackson Series. It followed the same tropes and even some of the main characters were similar. I liked it and am looking forward to reading the second part.

Really really good.

Samsara is another magnificent representation of how Hindu mythology can be a great element in an excellent fantasy book. Through his marvellous writing, Saksham takes us to the world of Samsara, which is a hidden valley in the Himalayas, a realm of magic and home to immortal yogis, mythical beasts, and Hindu gods. Aman Chandra, a young boy seeking answers from his misty past, is suddenly kidnapped one day and transported here along with the ten other Souls of Samsara, off to learn the art of yogic sorcery and prepare for a perilous journey, with much greater things at play behind all this.

The whole plot is intensely engaging. The characters are also very well built. It has the One Trope which I really enjoyed. The way it was done, the entire focus was not drained on that "one" individual, made it very well balanced. Measured importance was given to all the characters. I really liked the way all the souls who were scattered throughout the plot came together by the end of the book.

The world-building is just amazing. The way all the facts build up the verity is stupendous. A few parts were written with such great precision that one can easily visualize them. I loved the concept of Atmayog being the ultimate magical skill in this world. And also the process of choosing the Eka by Adwaita. Very creative!! The book is heavily laden with astounding plot twists. By the time one reaches Part III, the very spine of the story with which it started gets totally changed.

One thing that annoys me a bit is people comparing it with the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series. First of all, they are a properly finished series. We cannot compare the whole series with this single book that has just arrived. I feel it is simply dishonoring the efforts that the writer has put into crafting this world.

Book 1 in the Samsara series carries a great potential in its plot and has already forged high hopes in the readers for the next book. One thing that I am definitely looking forward to in the second book is the depth of personality in the characters. I want them to be more dynamic in questioning everything happening to them in this world, to challenge everything and everyone they encounter, even the Gods and also take unexpected initiatives, something like Aman did, which was kind of jaw-dropping. I expect more of this from other characters as well. I want to see them deeply involved as well.

Eagerly waiting for the next book!!!

I started this book after reading a review that described this book as India’s answer to Harry Potter. However, it turned out to be a huge disappointment; Samsara is chaotic and colourless. The plot of the story is very loosely constructed and the world that it has built extremely unclear. This book subscribes to a philosophy that is quite relevant in the times of religious fundamentalism but rather than the philosophy being a part of the narrative, it becomes the entire reason for writing this book. The story arcs are unfulfilling which introductions to the various important side characters added on as an afterthought and not woven into the story. I would not recommend it to anybody, it isn’t even close to the league of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.

"True knowledge outlasts all time and hatred"
"We are animals. Trivial in the eternity of time"

The way the author has unfolded the (Aman) protagonist's character from having a poor self esteem to one who is determinant to act rationally is commendable. The author has tried to create a mythological fiction in the present age. While the idea to blend the Army with a spiritual journey seems off the track and impedes the whole plot. Nevertheless, the concept of Atmayog was engaging.

" All the pleasures of the world - psychological, physical, ephemeral were his and his alone."

However, the later half of the novel seems more engaging but the climax was wrapped quickly and was disappointing. Maybe the sequels would clarify things better. Despite all this the author has addressed important issues such as communication barriers in reality as seen in the case of the confrontation between Aarti and Idhika which shows how nepotism and misunderstanding or lack of empathy can trigger severe consequences. Cruelty of Dictatorship (Sanak), Bullying at school(Aman), desire to be loved( Prithvi) pain and despair due to societal outcast (Aman's Mom) etc. are some issues discussed in brief. Those interested in mythological fiction can give it a try.

Amazing book!! Waiting for the next part!!

DNFed at 50%. Could not keep up with multiple POVs. Loads of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson references.
Randomly sprinkled Hindu mythology references. Make a stereotypical villain out of a 'brahmin' girl.
Tortured underdog hero..

This was a confusing read at times with the author assuming that we have information that we don't. But it is a good premise and story.
This is a debut and I'm hoping his next offering is more polished. :)

2.5 rounded up to 3 stars. This book had so much potential, but I felt like it fell flat. The story was paced differently at parts which made it "bumpy" to read. The lack of character development caused a detachment of sorts to the story itself.

Imagine a secret valley in the Himalayas where every decade 10 souls from the plains are secretly recruited and given the task of performing a maha yatra in search of a magical syrup that is required to keep a magical tree alive. However, this journey is not easy and not everything that meets the eye is true. Seeking inspiration from several elements of ancient Hindu mythology, #Samsara by @sakshamgarg94 is a mixed work of fantasy and YA.

This is a fast-paced book with an upcoming second part, which means the story does not end with this book. Using a third-person narration the author has surely demonstrated his command of the language and his knowledge of basic Hindu mythology. However, a need for more work is evident from the plot and story structuring perspective. Several times I was confused and wondered where a particular twist in the story is coming from or where it is going or if it was really necessary. A few characters seemed unnecessary and under-utilized. The elements of suspense seemed ok. The fight scenes have been narrated brilliantly. The concept of Atma Yoga is interesting and has been used as an important tool in the story where a person meditates to an extent where his soul leaves the body and occupies the body of another living being. The cover has been designed beautifully and thoughtfully.

Though the book did not impress me much, if asked whether I would read its sequel, my answer would be yes. I would be interested in knowing where the story culminates in the end.

It is sad how some book couldn't live up to the hype. This was so hyped and reviews from authors like Anand Neelakandan. India's answer to Harry Potter. Honestly, I struggled with this one I had to stop at page 2oo/298 I couldn't carry forward. It felt like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson mixture.
The writing was decent. The story and plot was messy and everywhere. Title was "Enter the Valley of the Gods", however we got to only witness one God Lord Indra which I feel was mistaken for Lord Vishnu given the description. Speaking of Gods I expected more than one God, example Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga or Ganesha or on of Lord Vishnu avatar.
Vanyasa is really beautiful world. If it is true I would really want to visit it. I feel the author created this world but gave it little life. There was not much engagement. There was lack of magic and power.
The author's effort in creating this book, hats off. The cover is really pretty. The design and artwork sets the mode of reading. I had a high expectation while reading this book. I expected Gods, strong magic and power and strong characters.
Suggestion to the author:
1) Listing of character - I got mixed up with some of the character.
2) Glossary - For reader who are not familiar with some of the terms being used.
3) Vanyasa map - The map is two pages. Could have put it as one page. Easier to refer.

Samsara:Enter the Valley of the Gods by Saksham Garg is an Indian fantasy book inspired my mythology. The story follows Aman Chandra,who is kidnapped and transported to the hidden world high up in the Himalayas. Ten other souls picked from
various parts of India have to undertake an arduous journey after a year of training on which the fate of mankind depends.

The world building is pretty good and there are a lot of descriptions which allow us to visualise the story come to life. There are several mysteries within the plot and we get answers to a few later on in the story. Other than the main characters there are several supporting characters too. The pace is medium and there is a twist at the end which warrants book 2.

I felt the ending was a bit abrupt and some parts were a bit predictable and the plot was loose at times. However,the author has done a pretty good job for a first book inspired by Indian fantasy. I hope the second book will be even better than the first book.

My first Indian Fantasy read didnt disappoint me overall. But the hype with which this book is getting sold in Indian market in the name of Indian Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is not at all true. Its no where close to such masterpieces.
I feel that the story had much more potential than it was framed in the whole book. The pace is so different in different parts of book with so many loose ends, one might lose interest in middle. Any attempt to establish an emotional connect with the characters was also missing.
Still, a good attempt at recreating the fantasy vibe of Hindu mythology with a modern twist, more suitable for YA genre lovers. I really liked the Shangri-La part which hasnt been explored much yet. New young age readers will definitely find it interesting. I will actually the follow this series because i am interested to know the end of this story.

4.75 ⭐

It was wonderful! The world of Vanyasa was well crafted and the complex interconnectivity between the plots were well thought. The only reason I hold back giving 5 stars is that I didn't really connect with the writing style. Most of the time, I glazed over words, not understanding how it was connected to the previous scene.

Also, the versions of the Purana mentioned in the book wasn't really what I've had learnt from my childhood, and that made me kinda... judgy, I guess. But this is a Mythological Fiction, so the author is allowed to tinker with the stories according to his need.

Overall, it's an amazing book and I'm excited to read the next one.

An average book.the concept is good. Twists in the books are very good. I dont like harry potter so much but samsara is very good. It deserves the title of indian harry potter.
The concept of atmayog is very good.

The book is very once you start reading, you can't stop it.
Eagerly waiting for the next part

A good attempt at recreating the fantasy vibe of Hindu mythology with a modern twist, more suitable for the young adult audiences. The narrative definitely reminded me of Percy Jackson, but, the writing lacked the wit, and it's not a criticism on my part, as the author tried to infuse the value of ethical philosophy and secularism in to a story that has religious signifiers, which worked quite well.

The world-building was strong, and I expected more of the nuanced culture of the world the author tried to depict, as it was referenced to Shangri-la, Shambala, an earthly paradise motif found in world myths, but, apart from the general mythos which the author definitely takes liberty with, I didn't find enough novelty. However, the magic system is intriguing, and I wanted to author to utilise it more in ingenious ways, but that didn't happen, rather what we get is spirit-jumping! Also, the bestiary could've been developed more in regards to the human and non-human dichotomy entangled with ecological implications. Vanyasa could've been an interesting magical world, but it gave the impression of a normal secluded village in the hills which I believe many have had the experience of visiting.

The characters were also flat, and I didn't like the protagonist Aman at all. I'm an introvert, and although we get his family history, the author failed to make it genuine, as this trope of a traitor's child is overused across genres. The romance angle was subtly explored and well done. However, I feel that the girl/woman characters could've been given more agency. Idhika was depicted as a powerful yogini, but I didn't feel the aura of mystery around her, and may be it was so, because she is a teenager. Also, the antagonist appeared to be quite a caricature for me, which was another letdown. His motives are quite vague and didn't resonate well enough with the plot, and the dictate of the King of the Gods.

The action was okay. There were some deaths whose sacrifice didn't carry any larger significance in the cosmic scheme of things. The ending of the novel is a cliffhanger which hints at a sequel, and perhaps we will get a more intriguing story. I'll recommend this book to teenagers and young adults, but experienced readers who are looking for a complex, layered, epic mytho-fantasy should search elsewhere.

Samsara by Saksham Garg is centered around the Rig Veda, set in modern world embedding ancient Indian culture and traditions. The story, plot, world-building in this book is so original and fresh that it made this book a page turner.

As the book progressed, many new characters (students/teachers/etc) were introduced to the readers which made it difficult to keep a tab on after a point. I personally wasn’t able to relate/connect to half of them. But given that the next part is to be followed soon, I am guessing that they might have their own share of story going ahead.

Moving on, the book, Samsara, specifically stood out after I finished ~60% of it. Without giving any spoilers, the book somehow offered a very different perspective. Samsara is more than just a mystical or a magical adventure. It talks about something greater. It makes one question the idea of God, the idea of living this life, it makes you question the creation, traditions and religions.

The last 70 pages were a game changer and a tear-jerker for me. Few characters felt more personal than ever. A part of me is still at Vanyasa with Aman, Idhika, and Prithivi among others souls.

As I finished reading the book, a certain type of calmness drew over. I still have many questions about characters, plots, etc, but am only hoping that the second part answers them all. I already am looking forward to read the next part of this series!

Samsara is an easy to read, page turner, thought provoking, heart-breaking, original debut work which I am sure everyone will love reading! If you are looking for a book to gift to a non-reader friend, this book might be a perfect fit!

Read the entire review here - https://kinjalparekh.in/samsara-by-sa...

Star Rating: 3.5

So this was the first book in audio book that I completed. So I can safely put this one up as an interesting one. The story picks up around the ancient Indian practices like a Gurukul, a mysterious place where children are taught about ancient arts and an adventure to embark on.

This book is mostly the world building and the series is yet to follow. This book just introduces us to the world and characters. The narrative is good and it goes about fluently. I liked the sound effects used in the audio book as well as the narrators. The changes in the voices definitely helped a lot in enjoying the scenes this book described.

There were certain points towards the end which I felt were not that well developed and the ending was also somewhat disappointing or me. May be disappointing is a strong word that I used but more work could be done on it. The book ends in a cliff hanger but it is slightly predictable that what are the results that are to follow. I just hope to see some wonderful turns in the story of the protagonist. I hope Mr. Garg picks up the hint without revealing the spoilers :p

Overall it's a fun and light read. People looking for fantasy thrillers can definitely pick this one up. I will put this up in YA segment. Looking forward to the upcoming sequels of the book. :)

Samsara is a unique and exquisite display of how Hindu mythology and fantasy can be the best partners for an excellent book. Saksham is a mastermind in executing the amazing breakthrough journey of an 18 years old adult, Aman who seeks answers from his life the past, from his mother. There's simplicity, precision, and honesty in what the author displays. It also does show how delicately he took control of Samsara to refine for ten years.

Samsara is set in the secret Valley of the Himalayas amongst yogis and magic where Aman and other souls are kidnapped from the modern life of India to discover a life change forever.
The 1st part gives an amazing build to the story. Part 1 patches upon the fantasy essence describing each character with nuanced curiosity, and flaws.
Saksham has interested to dwell on such an untalked concept with firm perfection. His 10 years of hard work is bleeding throughout the book.
The world built in Samsara is fascinating with the visuals that the reader gets through continued reading. The environment feels fresh, familiar yet new. Saksham merges pasts and presents seamlessly.
The storytelling has a pace not fast enough to not understand. It's rather a page-turner that wouldn't give you peace until you finish the end.
Samsara has the tenderness of human emotions - love, fear the feeling of missing, morn, loss bullying, and extraordinary display of strength and bravery.
From multiple characters to distinctively narrating about Aman, Saksham builds a realistic experience of adventure for the characters. I'm just blown by how distinct imagery is built in Samsara's storytelling.
It's a sheer joy to read someone who was and is spiritually knowledged. Samsara is a thought-provoking tale with humane emotions expressed in the most imaginative influences possible. The book just flows and has a weird sense of relatable effect. It has a homely feeling with every characteristic of the Himalayas. The book has twists and turns with the soft essence of soulfulness. A book that has a firm place, a unique identity.