Supriya's Banter
Samsara: Enter The Valley of the Gods: Enter the Valley of the Gods (“India’s answer to Harry Potter”)
Author: Saksham Garg
Publisher: Penguin eBury Press (26 September 2022)
Language: English
Paperback: 298 pages
At its heart, the book is a coming-of-age tale tapping into ancient Himalayan folklore, but Garg dresses it up in the garb of a modern YA fantasy. You follow Aman, an awkward Delhi teen brought up by a single mother. The boy harbours deep guilt and shame on account of his missing father (once a decorated Indian Army officer but now labelled a traitor) and is bullied by his classmates for the same. A sleepy bus ride, and Aman finds himself amid yogis, mythical beings, and divine mysteries. The hidden ancient valley in the Himalayas is isolated and steeped in secrets.
Ashrams, chants, and cosmic beings shape the world Aman walks through, challenging his beliefs and demanding a sacrifice that Aman is unwilling to make.
Aman’s transformation from a shy boy to a brave pilgrim keeps you hooked. Supporting characters like Idhika, Prithvi, and Fayza bring the right mix of mystery and spark to the story. However, that raises another problem as well.
With ten “souls” introduced early on, not all of them get the development they deserve. Some feel more like blurry faces—present but not impactful. The plot moves on before you get to know them.
You find a medley of references tying the story to mythology. There are kirtimukhas, honey-like “Madhu,” and divine beings with superpowers earned by dhyana and meditation.
The story takes its time to build. But once the Mahayatra (sacred pilgrimage) kicks in and the secrets start to spill over, the pace shifts into a thrilling adventure ride.
The writing is lush, cinematic, and full of sensory details—one can almost hear the rustle of wind through pine trees or the heavy hush of ancient temples.
Still, Samsara isn’t trying to be your next action-packed page-turner. It’s a slower, more reflective experience.
Would I recommend it?
Yes—if you enjoy layered fantasy with Indian roots and don’t mind a meandering pace before the plot blossoms.
The mythology-tinted YA fantasy thriller promises to reward your patience.
