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  Books   02 May 2018  On wings of fantasy

On wings of fantasy

THE ASIAN AGE. | POOJA PRABBHAN
Published : May 2, 2018, 12:28 am IST
Updated : May 2, 2018, 12:28 am IST

A fantasy thriller connecting the past and present with a blend of mythology, action and suspense.

The Pataala Prophecy — Son of Bhrigu by Christopher  C. Doyle Westland Books  pp. 358, Rs 399
 The Pataala Prophecy — Son of Bhrigu by Christopher C. Doyle Westland Books pp. 358, Rs 399

What if there is more to history than we ever realised? Wouldn’t all our lives be more exciting with a dash of fantasy and adventure? Well, the very train of thought has best-selling author Christopher C. Doyle, of The Mahabharata Quest series, pen interesting fantasy reads, the latest one being The Pataala Prophecy — Son of Bhrigu, another riveting series which creates an enchanting world of fantasy and adventure, blending mythology, action and suspense.

“This is a fantasy thriller set in modern times, connecting the past and present,” begins Christopher, who adds how inquisitiveness to explore egged him on to probe further through his writings. “I’ve always been interested in exploring this possibility: what if there is a past, unrecorded, that we’ve forgotten? Like a collective amnesia. That’s what I wanted to explore. And fantasy allowed me creative freedom to explore freely.”

The book is a gripping tale  featuring two 15-year- olds, Maya and Arjun, who are deeply saddened and shocked by the death of their favourite history teacher, who is found brutally murdered under mysterious circumstances. The police are baffled. Probing the death opens up a whole new world of mystery and fantasy.

Over the years, the pressure to write good stuff has mounted. But the author believes in taking reviews of all kinds (good, bad and ugly) in his stride. “I’m not a public figure as such, writing is a difficult exercise because there will always be people who will be dissatisfied. I used to feel upset about criticism, but now I’ve learnt to take it in my stride. I’m actually grateful for negative reviews. As an author I’m still evolving.”

He is innately passionate about music and reading. “Over the last four years, I’ve been reading a lot for research for my books and also because it’s very relaxing. I also like playing at live gigs with my band The Mid Life Crisis, whenever time permits.”

Despite having penned best-sellers, Christopher doesn’t believe in making a full-time profession out of it. “Writing is a passion which I will continue to pursue, but on the side. I’ve never thought of making a switch to writing completely. Honestly speaking, this is just an interim hobby which is beginning to take me and my imagination places,” he signs off.

Tags: mahabharata quest series, pataala prophecy, mythology