Scion of Ikshvaku is different from the Shiva trilogy in several respects. At least to me, whereas the Shiva trilogy had been a new revelation, a completely novel interpretation of mythological characters, but maybe the fact that the epic Ramayana is so much familiar that the surprise is suppressed but the interpretation becomes supreme. But there is one similarity rather a repetition of the central theme. Here too a much deeper plot involves two wise sages who orients the events in the way they want. There is conflict between the two whose origin keeps the suspense heightened.
As Ayodhya is opressed by the trade rules imposed by the demon king Ravaan, people look for a saviour. Ram himself also looks to vanquish the Lankan king. As he gets an opportunity to do only that, it must be the daivi astras that he should use. The law maker in Ram thus uses the weapon for protecting the innocents but forces the punishment of being banned from the Sapt Sindhu for fourteen years as per the Vayuputra's laws.
The Malayaputras follow him in their search for the Vishnu but they too seem divided in their ways. It seems that the Vayuputras have also interest in Ram and they send troupes to his side.
Ram and Sita hold their dream of carving an ideal way of life for the Sapt Sindhu. But as they prepare themselves for the great battle there comes a cruel blow as they are faced with Ravaan's interference.
The text is superb but for the conversations that doesn't do justice to the serious research carried out by the author. But having said that it must also be acknowledged that the concept is fantastic as always. The rationale behind the epics have been so clearly explained, though it sometimes seem too simple, that it becomes a valued read. The composition is compact yet complete that makes the episodes gripping. The evenly paced book is thus an apt prelude to the series.
