The Somnath Cipher

"The Somnath Cipher" by Priyanka Pathak Narain is an exhilarating tale that masterfully weaves together Indian mythology, history, and contemporary fiction.The beauty of the book is its narration, which does justice to the historical subject matter.The story begins with a desperate plea for help from a Somnath University professor, drawing Pia and Aditya into a battle of wits and stealth. As they decipher intricate clues and crack baffling codes, they uncover a trail leading back to the day the Somnath Temple was plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni. The staggering truth of what really happened is revealed, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.A perfect book and strongly recommended for thriller and mystery readers. The perfect blend of history and suspense, past and present .The author has done a great job in writing this intriguing story. The narrative is fast paced with well-researched facts and imaginative fiction, creating a story that is as informative as it is thrilling.Pia's character is very well done. She's determined, intelligent, and, despite dealing with panic attacks, she is brave. I loved her character very much. Aditya was also an amazing character. I liked how he had a secret of his own, but as the next inheritor of the secret they were chasing, I wished he knew more.The realistic characters with realistic feelings, dominant plot, and the historical description give the reader the unique experience of reading this novel.It's a fast paced story with a awesome plot twist which leaves reader's wanting for more.The book delves into Indian hidden culture and deep beliefs, making it crucial to avoid any inaccuracies, even in a work of fiction. The author’s writing style is commendable, and the characters are well-developed and skillfully narrated. Overall, the book has a captivating read that will interest every reader

‘The Somnath Cipher’ by Priyanka Narain- Engaging Plot and Historical Depth‘The Somnath Cipher’ by Priyanka Narain is a gripping read that keeps you hooked from the beginning! The fast-paced thriller tells the story of Aditya Narayan and Pia Jani and how they get involved in a mysterious situation due to an astonishing discovery at the historical Somnath Temple. The story tells you about historical invasions, gives you conspiracies and clues to solve, and keeps you on your toes. Priyanka has gone the extra mile when it comes to setting the context of the story, and her meticulous research is visible in the way the story unfolds with its various elements ranging from history, religion and geo-politics.- Strong Character DevelopmentBoth the protagonists are strongly written, especially the character of Pia, and you can see a lot of reflections from Priyanka’s own life in her. Her assertiveness is strongly complemented by Aditya, who is a loyal friend, and approaching the story unfolding from their perspective is vivid to read. The character development adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making the reader invested in their journey.- Structure and ThemesEach chapter starts with mentioning the date, time, and location of the incident, giving you the sense of a ticking clock and the vibe of a Dan Brown adventure. In fact, the entire story takes place between 30 December 2020 to 04 January 2021, and one can imagine the pace this book adopts to keep the ride a solid page-turner. There are puzzles, codes, clues, and a treasure—basically elements of a perfect mystery sprinkled all over, and it’s a delight to pluck them one by one.- Final ThoughtsThe book masterfully intertwines historical events with contemporary intrigue, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that both educates and entertains. ‘The Somnath Cipher’ is a must-read for fans of historical thrillers and those who appreciate a well-researched, fast-paced adventure.

The Somnath Cipher is a thrilling treasure hunt novel where our main characters chase a secret they know nothing of. I thoroughly enjoyed this expedition through the past, through caves, myths, legends and cryptic messages.In plain simple terms, this book is brilliant. The fast-paced writing style was perfect for the unfolding action in the story. The mention of timelines at the start of each chapter keeps readers on edge with the atmospheric tension it imparts.Pia's character is very well done. She's determined, intelligent, and, despite dealing with panic attacks, she is brave. I loved her character very much. Aditya was also an amazing character. I liked how he had a secret of his own, but as the next inheritor of the secret they were chasing, I wished he knew more.This novel was a rollercoaster ride with unexpected turns and rushes of adrenaline. Although keeping up with everything going on in the story might seem taxing at times, with so many characters, locations and actions. Still I conclude everyone who likes history and adventures will definitely enjoy reading it.