Book Review: The Code of Manavas by Arpit Bakshi

Title- The Code of Manavas

Author- Arpit Bakshi

Publisher- Rupa Publications

Genre- Fiction, Mythology

Pages- 285

Format- Paperback

Year- 2018

Rating- 4.1/5

"When the sole purpose of existence becomes existance itself, does it not defy the very purpose of higher living?"

With this beautiful line from the book lets begin our review

The Code of Manavas , the first installment of the Maha Vishnu Trilogy is a mythological science- fiction set some two million solar years past AD 2050 in the Golden Era (Swarnim Yuga) of Manavas, a highly evolved, immortal successor of the modern human who have developed enormous self-control over their primordial emotions like anger and jealousy.

The name of our plannet earth has been changed to "Bhoomi" a plannet consists of two continents, The "Jambhu Dweep" and the "Purva Dweep". The manavas on Jambhu Dweep who are a firm believer of science and technology, lives in the sole city of Madhavpur, surrounded by Sumeru Hill Range.Some other manavas who follows the Vedic lifestyle live in Ayudhpur, the only city of Purva Dweep.

The Chief Scientific Advisor of Madhavpur, Krishna has developed a special compound called "Bhoomidium" which keeps the manavas healthy and prevents them from ageing.But the problem arises when he discovers that the level of Bhoomidium is shrinking and now the only way to save their species from the upcoming apocalypse is to migrate to another plannet. He has a limited amount of time to complete his project "Cafe Evolution".But there is someone in Madhavpur who doesnot want Krishna to succed in his mission.Besides, the people of Ayudhpur who follows the Vedic lifestyle are not allowed to assist Krishna in his work.

With all these problems will Krishna be able to save them from the upcoming death? What extent will the enemies go to stop him? To know more grab your copy today.

Review-

 What I liked the most about this book is the way the author has juxtaposed two different genres of Mythology and Science-fiction. The story is partly Utopian and to some extent you can call it a loose retelling of Mahabharata. Just like the Scientist Krishna here saves the manavas from the apocalypse, in the same manner Lord Krishna also saved the Mankind from utter destruction in Mahabharata.

When a writer works with so many different genres, sometimes it becomes really hard to keep a balance, but here the author has showed his mastery in the narration. The story is equally interesting throughout the novel.

Secondly, I just love his eye for details.From the major characters and their scientific equipments (Manibandh, Samganak etc) to the description of the cities, there is not a single fault, Everything is neat and well-researched.

Thirdly, The writing style is eloquent and it successfully creates an air of suspense throughout the story.

Now, lets talk about the things that needs a bit improvement.

Firstly, the book would have been much more enjoyable to me if there was a map at the beginning of the story.At times, it becomes hard to remember the locations.

Secondly, though there is a few female characters in the novel like Radha, Meera and Aunt Rukmini, but they don't play any major role in the story. I was hoping to see more of Radha.

Thirdly, I don't know why but it feels like the title would have been better. Though the current title is not entirely bad.

After a very long time I have truly enjoyed a sci-fi novel. I give this work 4.1 stars out of 5 for the intriguing plot, excellent writing and an equally good ending. I recommend this book to all the fans of science-fiction and Indian Mythology. It is a must read.

Happy Reading