Book Review: Shadowbound

Book Name: Shadowbound
Author: Nikhil Sampath

Publisher: Self-published

Genre: Supernatural Thriller, Indian Urban Fantasy

Shadowbound by Nikhil Sampath is a debut novel that explores various themes following through supernatural settings and serious themes like weight of secrets, burdens and also portrays the sweetness of friendship and its value.

Review

The plot is set in a village in Tamil Nadu called Kattur, introducing Kadhir, a student who is shown struggling to settle in the college campus amidst ragging, hostel food, and his recently uncovered secret powers. More than just Kadhir, the story is about the Kattur and Poochi Kaadu. The essence of the five scrolls sets the mood of the story and the fate of the people. Apart from that, there is a glimpse of good and evil, yet that is only a small part, but this tale is about how symbolism and strength could change the lives of people living in a certain geography, just like in this story, the lives of people living in Kattur are dependent on the panther. People shut their doors as the darkness falls because of the fear, while the shadows take over in the night. Even when the panther is killed by an unknown hero, the lives remain the same, though things change later in the end when the potion comes to life after attaining information from the five scrolls. It has to go through the deaths of multiple innocent people.

Readers would relate to characters as they are flawed and express raw emotions. Kadhir, a college student, is depicted as someone who is struggling to cope with college life and his secret, which keeps him in his shell. The other character, Surekha, who is behind Kadhir to accompany her in unveiling the dark secrets of Kattur, or precisely Poochi Kaadu (the forest behind the admin block), for her, there was a personal reason, which readers would find as they read the story, portrays a determined human who can go to any length to protect her loved ones. There are other characters who are vulnerable and also running behind the power to control the world, which is a threat to society. If I continue writing more, I won't stop talking about the characters now.

The writing style might initially feel distracting, as so many things are happening, and it might appear challenging to connect the dots, but once readers are a few pages in, they won't be able to put the book down until the last page is turned. The imagery, visuals, and places explored in the story appear alive, making it feel like readers would be watching the scene happening in front of their eyes, just like a black-and-white scene where incidents are happening and a soul is watching from far away.

The author's portrayal of the ancient and abandoned temple is magnificent. It feels like the temple could be imagined in its literal element. The fight at that temple between good and evil to protect the idol was intense and engaging. Readers would stay on the edge of their beds while reading the next twist and unraveling events. Though the death of Surekha was a little underwhelming, the action did not stop till the end.

Readers who love exploring stories that have superheroes in the Indian version will love this book. It will keep them hooked and address the human psyche's depths and obsessions for power.

Buy From Here: Shadowbound