Book Review – The Immortals of Meluha

Author: Amish Tripathi

Series: Shiva Trilogy (Book 1)

Published: 2010

Overview

The Immortals of Meluha is the first book in Amish Tripathi’s celebrated Shiva Trilogy. It reimagines Lord Shiva not as a distant god but as a human tribal chief whose choices and actions elevate him to divinity. Set in 1900 BC in an alternate-history version of India, the novel blends myth, philosophy, history, and fantasy into a fast-paced narrative.

Plot (Spoiler-Free)

The story begins with Shiva, a tribal warrior from Tibet, migrating with his people to the near-perfect land of Meluha — a highly organized kingdom ruled by King Daksha. Meluha follows the principles of Lord Ram, and its people live by strict rules and moral codes.

When Shiva consumes the sacred Somras, his throat turns blue, marking him as the prophesied Neelkanth, the savior destined to protect Meluha from its enemies, the Chandravanshis. What follows is a journey where Shiva grapples with love, war, politics, and his own destiny.

Strengths

• Fresh Perspective on Mythology: Instead of blind reverence, Amish portrays Shiva as a relatable human with flaws, humor, and doubts. This makes the legend feel accessible.

• World-Building: The descriptions of Meluha — its order, architecture, military discipline, and ideals — create a vivid, believable alternate civilization.

• Philosophy & Morality: Through Shiva’s journey, the novel explores good vs evil, destiny vs free will, and the grayness of morality.

• Engaging Pace: Despite philosophical undertones, the book reads like a thriller with battles, conspiracies, and mysteries.

Weaknesses

• Writing Style: The language is straightforward but sometimes simplistic; literary purists may find it lacking polish.

• Predictability: Readers familiar with Indian mythology may anticipate some plot turns.

• Exposition: At times, conversations are heavy with explanations, slowing down the narrative.

Impact

This book marked a turning point in Indian popular fiction. By blending mythology with accessible storytelling, Amish attracted both young and traditional readers, sparking a wave of mytho-fantasy novels in India.

Verdict

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4/5

The Immortals of Meluha is a compelling start to the Shiva Trilogy — a unique take on mythology that makes ancient legends feel alive and human. While not flawless in prose, it more than makes up with imagination, pace, and philosophical depth. A must-read for anyone curious about mythology told in a modern, relatable voice.

Happy Reading!