u/Individual-Board8477

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Some books follow well trodden paths. Jahanna: The Rise of Martha, takes the road less travelled. It ventures into a territory that isn't explored extensively in Malayalam literature, beginning with a subject as dark and unconventional as Satanism. What makes the book stand out, however, is not just the subject it chooses, but the unusual journey through which it chooses to tell its story.

The book begins by taking us into the origins and history of Satanism, particularly around the first person to worship Satan. The opening chapters gradually create a sense that we are beginning to understand the direction of the story. We start forming our own assumptions about where it is heading and what kind of narrative lies ahead. Then, quite unexpectedly, the storyline takes a completely different road.

We are introduced to completely different places and times, where we witness and travel along with a group of people visiting an old, apparently abandoned palace in a village. Strange, supernatural and unexplained events begin unfolding around them, and suddenly the atmosphere of the book changes completely. What initially appears to be a departure from the opening storyline soon develops into something far more intriguing.

The story of a girl's revenge, which begins unfolding itself in the present, takes us backwards into the history of the village and the palace, into the life of the girl herself and, eventually, into the reasons behind her revenge. What I found particularly interesting was that this revenge was not simply something that belonged to the past. It feels as though it was never truly quenched and continues into the present, with the visitors themselves becoming part of what is unfolding at the palace. The way the revenge is conceived and carried out is also quite unconventional. It doesn't follow the usual template I would expect from a revenge storyline, and that made this part of the book feel particularly fresh and satisfying.

As the history of the place and the palace unfolds, the narrative naturally incorporates a portion of Kanthamalacharitham: Yuddhakandam. This was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book for me. Having already read Yuddhakandam, I knew the story being narrated. I knew its beginning, its journey and its eventual conclusion. Yet, when I encountered those events again in Jahanna, they didn't feel repetitive. The reason is largely the way they are placed within the narrative. The portion from Yuddhakandam is not brought in merely as a reference or an artificial connection between two books. It becomes part of the history of the place that we are already discovering. The palace and its past provide the natural setting through which this familiar story reaches us, and it becomes relevant to the larger narrative of Jahanna. More importantly, it gave me another perspective on a story I already knew. The events themselves remained the same, but their context and the way they were presented made me think about them differently. I knew what had happened, I knew how the story travelled and I knew where it would end, yet I found myself reading it with the curiosity of someone encountering it for the first time. That, to me, is a remarkable quality in storytelling.

The narrative eventually brings us back to the present and to the palace, completing another part of this unusual journey. What I enjoyed most was this movement through different layers of time and history. The book travels from Satanism and its origins to the present-day events at the palace, then backwards into the history of the place, through another familiar chapter, and back into the present again. Along the way, it even takes us into conspiracy theories surrounding Nazi Germany and Hitler. The journey is certainly not conventional, and that unpredictability kept me engaged.

Interestingly, the Satanism thread that appears to have been left behind at the beginning never actually disappears. As the story progresses, subtle clues and connections begin to reveal that it has been present underneath the other storyline all along. In that sense, I could say that, both literally and figuratively, Satanism was buried beneath the storyline that initially seemed to take the book in an entirely different direction. What first appeared to be a departure gradually reveals itself as another layer of the same larger narrative.

The sections dealing with Satanism and the ways in which people attempt to worship or please Satan are among the darkest portions of the book. The presence of blood, violence and killings is accompanied by a level of gore that I haven't encountered very often. Some of these passages genuinely sent a chill through me. The intensity of the descriptions creates an unsettling atmosphere and gives these portions of the book a particularly disturbing quality.

Yet, for me, the book's strength lies in the fact that it doesn't allow its darkness to overshadow its human side. With a theme this dark and graphic, I have often found that stories of this nature can leave less room for emotional depth, relationships and the complexities of human behaviour. Jahanna gives considerable importance to all of these.

Emotion, drama, love, trust, betrayal and dilemmas are woven into the narrative in meaningful ways. There were moments when the dilemmas faced by the characters seemed to cross the boundary between the page and the reader. I found myself thinking about their circumstances, their choices and what I might have done in their place. The relationships and the conflicts within them add another dimension to the story and make the characters feel more human amidst all the darkness surrounding them.

By the time the story reaches its conclusion, the different elements begin to feel like pieces of something much larger. The Satanism introduced at the beginning, the palace and its mysteries, the girl's revenge, the history of the place, the present-day events, the connection with Yuddhakandam and even the historical detours all contribute to a narrative that feels considerably larger than what the opening chapters initially suggested.

And then comes the ending. Rather than giving us the feeling that the journey has reached its destination, the book leaves us with the distinct impression that we have only reached the threshold of something much bigger. The ending carries the feeling that what we have just witnessed may not be the conclusion at all, but the beginning of a much larger story.

Jahanna: The Rise of Martha is, for me, a dark, unconventional and unpredictable reading experience. It took me through Satanism, supernatural mysteries, revenge, history, relationships, trust, betrayal and even historical conspiracy theories, while also giving me a fresh perspective on a story I had already read. More than anything, I enjoyed the way the book refused to stay within a familiar storytelling template and kept making me reconsider where it was taking me.

The second part of the saga is already on its way, with pre bookings underway, and after the journey this first part has taken me through, I am genuinely curious to see what comes next.

വായിച്ചു... ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടു.... ഇനി രാത്രി ഈ പാടത്തു നിന്നും തിരിച്ച് വീട്ടിലേക്ക് പോണ്ടേ എന്നാലോചിക്കുമോ ചെറിയ ഒരു ഭയം ഇല്ലാതില്ല... 😂

നാളെ എന്നെ കണ്ടില്ലെങ്കിൽ എന്നെ വല്ല ഗർഭിണിമറുതയോ കുട്ടിച്ചാത്തനോ കുമരനോ മറ്റോ.... 🙂

Finished this book yesterday, and I came away with rather mixed feelings. It’s not that I didn’t like the story—in fact, the core idea on which the book is built is quite intriguing, and I felt it had the potential to make for a much more powerful reading experience.

What slowed me down a little was the prose. The narration is often quite elaborate, with a lot of description and detailing, and that made the book take considerably longer for me to get through than usual. I also felt that quite a bit of time was spent on the journey leading up to the actual core of the story.

Interestingly, once the book reaches the areas that form its real foundation, I found myself wishing that more attention had been given to them. The portions that felt like they should have been the deepest and most engaging sometimes came across as a little less explored than the buildup preceding them. There were some ideas and situations here that I would have loved to see explored with greater depth.

I also felt that a few scenes could have carried a little more emotional weight. The situations themselves had the potential to evoke a stronger response, but at times I felt the emotional aspect wasn't explored quite as deeply as the scenes seemed to warrant.

That said, I wouldn't call this a book I didn't enjoy. There are several interesting ideas at its heart, and I could see what the author was trying to achieve. My feeling is simply that the foundation and the central concept had enough strength to create something even more impactful.

Perhaps my biggest takeaway is that I liked the story more for what it had at its core than for how completely that core was explored. There is a very good story here; I just wished the book had brought out a little more of what was already there.

Madanthuruth revolves around a series of mysterious deaths that take place in and around a village, with Madanthuruth at the centre of it all. The premise itself is intriguing, and the book has a very strong foundation on which the story is built.

The first half was particularly impressive for me. The way the events unfold and the mystery surrounding what is happening in the village kept me completely hooked. I found myself reading it with a kind of excitement that I rarely experience while reading. There was a genuine sense of curiosity throughout this portion, and I was constantly interested in finding out what was really going on.

One thing I particularly liked was how effectively the book builds its mystic and horror atmosphere. The narrative voice gradually establishes this unsettling feeling rather than relying entirely on sudden scares. There are certain scenes where the fear experienced by the characters genuinely translates to the reader. In those moments, I could actually feel the tension and fear that the characters were going through, which I thought was very well done.

The book also weaves together several different threads - Love, family, friendship, folklore, beliefs and horror - without making the story feel like it revolves around just one element. These interconnected threads add different layers to the narrative and give the world of the story more character.

However, the second half was where I felt the execution could have been stronger. This is the portion where the story begins to reveal what has been haunting the place, the events that happened in the past, and the reasons behind what is happening in the village. While I found the way these revelations were narrated interesting, they felt somewhat rushed compared to the first half.

In particular, the sections that delve into the past to uncover the real reasons behind everything could, in my opinion, have been explored much more deeply and darkly. Those revelations had the potential to carry the same intensity and punch that the first half had established. In fact, I felt that this was the part of the story that offered the greatest opportunity to make the book even more compelling and haunting.

I'm not saying that the current execution of these portions isn't good. Rather, I felt that there was considerably more potential in them. With more depth, atmosphere and exploration of the past, these sections could have had a much stronger impact and perhaps matched the level of engagement that the first half created.

Overall, Madanthuruth has a strong premise, an engaging narrative voice and a genuinely effective horror atmosphere. The way the mystery develops in the first half and the manner in which certain scenes make the reader experience the characters' fear were among the things I enjoyed most. My main feeling after finishing the book was that the story had an excellent foundation and several genuinely compelling elements, but some of its most interesting ideas could have been explored further.

I just finished reading this, and unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me.

The theme and the premise had a lot of potential. The story had a very good base to build something genuinely dark, unsettling, and impactful. But somewhere along the way, I felt that the execution went a bit off, leaving the overall experience feeling undertuned.

One of my biggest issues was that several of the revelations were quite predictable. There were moments where I expected the story to surprise me or take a darker turn, but I could see where things were heading well before they were revealed.

More importantly, there were certain parts of the narrative where the story really needed to grab the reader harder, especially considering the darkness of its themes and the potential impact of those moments. Instead, those sections often felt surprisingly plain. The ideas were there, but the writing didn't always give them the weight or intensity they seemed to demand.

The pacing also didn't work particularly well for me. Despite this being a relatively short story, I took considerably longer to finish it than I usually do with books of this length, or even considerably longer ones. That, to me, reflected how difficult it was to become fully immersed in the narrative.

And that's what makes the book somewhat disappointing for me. The foundation was genuinely good. There was enough in the premise and themes to create something much darker and more gripping. But the execution didn't quite capitalize on that potential.

Overall, I'd say this is a case of a very good base being let down somewhat by its execution. The story had the ingredients for something much more disturbing and memorable, but the final experience felt like it was holding back when it needed to go further.

A strong premise with plenty of potential, but an undertuned execution that ultimately kept the story from having the impact it could have had.

I was a little late to pick up Kanthamalacharitham, mainly because I already had a few books waiting to be read. Once I got the three parts, I started the first part the very next day, and I was hooked almost immediately. The first part was extremely gripping and engaging. The pacing kept me turning the pages, and I ended up reading almost the entire book in a single sitting.

At that point, I thought I had a fairly good idea of what the story was going to be about and where its importance lay. But I was very wrong.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this series is how what initially appears to be the core of the story gradually turns out to be only a small part of something much, much bigger. The events happening around it were far larger in scale than what I expected while reading the first part. The scope of the story kept expanding as I moved through the books.

The second part took me considerably longer to finish. I felt that it didn't quite maintain the pace that the first part had established. Especially around the middle, there were quite a lot of Egyptian historical portions, and at times I felt they slowed the story down considerably.

However, I don't think those historical portions were unnecessary at all. Quite the opposite, actually. They were important for understanding the characters, how they became what they were, their backgrounds, their character arcs, and how the different pieces of the story connect. They also help establish the relationship between the past and the present.

My issue was more with the amount of historical information packed into certain sections. There were places where it felt like I was reading through a historical log rather than following the main story. At times, I even felt that the Egyptian historical portions had enough depth and material to become a book of their own.

Then came the third part, and this one hooked me almost as much as the first. Especially after reaching the second half, I became completely invested in the story. It was also the longest book in the series, but once I got into it, the length didn't matter. I ended up finishing it in just two sittings.

One particular highlight for me was the battle sequence in the third part. I found the way it was written incredibly engaging. It is probably one of the most memorable battle sequences I've encountered in Malayalam literature. The other ones that immediately come to my mind as having given me a similar experience are the war sequence in MT Vasudevan Nair's Randamoozham and the Battle of Helm's Deep in The Lord of the Rings.

I also liked the way violence was handled in the series. I've read books containing plenty of violence and gore, but something about the way violence is portrayed here felt different to me. It wasn't just there for shock value; it felt integrated into the situations, characters and the story itself.

Another aspect I appreciated was the way emotion is woven into the storyline. There are several moments where the emotional weight of a scene comes through without feeling detached from the larger plot. Emotions, relationships, dilemmas and personal choices become part of the larger narrative rather than simply existing alongside it.

And then there is the sheer complexity of the plot.

The story weaves together threads of history, folklore, emotions, battles, violence, dilemmas, love, elements of science fiction, relationships and their depth, valour, friendship, and a lot more. What I liked is that these aren't simply separate elements thrown into the same story. They gradually become interconnected, making the overall narrative much larger and more layered than I initially expected.

I also noticed the seeds the author has planted that could potentially connect this story to the Era Universe. There are also elements that feel like they could grow into entirely new storylines connected to Kanthamalacharitham itself. I particularly enjoy this kind of world-building, when a story leaves enough threads behind to make you wonder what else might exist beyond what you've just read.

The connection to Sabarimala and Swami Ayyappan was another thing that stayed with me. Whenever I think about Sabarimala or Swami Ayyappan, there are certain things that naturally come to mind because of the stories and beliefs surrounding them. Kanthamalacharitham gave me a very different perspective and reasoning for some of those things. Whether one accepts that perspective or not, I found the approach very interesting.

Looking back at the entire series, what fascinates me most is the transformation in scale.

What started as what seemed like a relatively small story in the first part ended up feeling like an epic by the end of the third.

And perhaps the most interesting thing about that ending is that it doesn't really feel like an actual ending. It feels like it could be the beginning of something much more.

Overall, Kanthamalacharitham was a very memorable reading journey for me. It had its slower portions, particularly in the second part, but the ambition and scale of the story kept growing, and by the end I was left thinking about how much larger this world could potentially become.

I'd really like to hear from others who have read the series.

I’ve mostly been reading in English, but since May 2025 I’ve been making a conscious effort to read more Malayalam. These are the Malayalam books I’ve picked up and read (most of them) since then. Sharing my English books here too.

The story starts like a conventional horror mystery which gradually unfolds into something much darker and more intriguing. The story blends horror, mythologies, occult beliefs, ancient mysteries and supernatural elements to create an atmosphere that keeps you curious about what lies behind the events unfolding in the story.

The mythology, supernatural and occult elements are woven into the narrative in a way that makes the story feel much larger than a simple horror tale. The references to Lilith and various mythological and religious beliefs add another fascinating layer to the plot.

The author's research for this should also be appreciated. Different beliefs, legends and occult concepts are brought together and connected with the story rather than being included merely for the sake of it. At times, the book feels like listening to an old, mysterious tale passed down through generations, while at other moments it takes a much darker psychological or horror turn.

There were a few moments in the book that completely blew my mind, like the Highway-Innova incident. There are certain revelations and turns that I definitely don't want to spoil here, but they genuinely left me stunned for a while and made me rethink everything I had read up to that point

The strongest aspect of Anahi for me was its atmosphere. Instead of relying solely on conventional horror, the book builds a sense of mystery and uneasiness gradually, making you want to keep turning the pages to understand what is really happening.

Some of the mythology and occult-heavy portions can feel a little dense, especially if you're not familiar with or interested in those themes. But if you enjoy Indian and world mythology, conspiracy theories, occult mysteries and supernatural horror, this is something that will excite you.

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This is a book that seamlessly blends Indian mythology, conspiracy theories, folklore, and modern storytelling into an interesting and gripping narrative. It feels like listening to one of your grandmother's bedtime stories, filled with ancient secrets, forgotten legends, and mysterious beliefs, but retold with a modern and contemporary pace and style that keeps you hooked.

The author has done a fantastic job of bringing together mythological references and conspiracy theories without making the story feel far fetched. Instead, he creates a world where the impossible seem plausible, constantly making you question what is fiction and what might actually have roots in history. The storytelling is immersive, with each chapter revealing new layers that deepen the mystery.

What stood out the most for me was the atmosphere. There's a nostalgic charm in the way the folklore is presented, yet the narrative never feels dated. The modern setting, engaging characters, and well-paced plot ensure that the novel appeals to today's readers while preserving the magic of age-old tales.

It can also be seen that the author has put in a decent or reasonable amount of research on the topics he tries to cover through the story. The depth of information on mythology, history, and various conspiracy theories adds authenticity to the story and makes the fictional elements even more compelling.

Also they could have gone with a better Cover Design for the book. 🙃

Thank you u/i_like___space.

It was a very good experience getting these from you at the steal of a deal. The books were in excellent condition as well. They came in with excellent packaging. And totally got surprised seeing these goodies you added. Thank you again 🖤

This should be one of the best horror novels I've read in Malayalam, and I honestly enjoyed it even more than its first part, Urakkapisashu. While the first book focused on building suspense and introducing the mystery, this sequel takes everything to another level.

What impressed me the most was how much more detailed the story is. The characters, folklore, and the supernatural elements are explored with greater depth, making the world feel far more immersive. Every chapter adds something meaningful, and the pacing keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

The horror is also much more effective here. Instead of relying on cheap scares, the author creates a constant sense of unease that shadows over you even after you're done with the book. Several scenes genuinely gave me chills, and the atmosphere remains dark and unsettling throughout.

Author has done a wonderful job expanding the universe established in Urakkapisashu while delivering a story that easily stands on its own. If you enjoyed the first book, Varathupokku is a must-read. In my opinion, it's darker, scarier, more detailed, and an overall stronger novel than its predecessor. What made me even happier was the closing note, which hints at the possibility for another sequel. I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing where this story goes next.

Books I bought from u/kmr2209 arrived today, and I just had to make an appreciation post.

This has to be one of the most professionally and securely packed orders I've received from a seller here. The care that went into the packaging really stood out and deserves appreciation.

The books were very reasonably priced, especially considering the excellent condition they were in. The entire buying process was smooth from start to finish, making it one of the best experiences I've had on this sub.

I initially reached out only because I was looking for some Stephen King books, but we ended up talking a lot about books, my reading preferences, and different authors. He gave me some great recommendations, which eventually led to me placing another order that's still on the way.

And honestly, it was a genuine 5/5 experience.

Urakkapisachu is a gripping psychological mystery that explores the thin line between sleep, fear, and the human mind. Rather than relying on jump scares or constant twists, S. P. Sharath builds an unsettling atmosphere that slowly pulls the reader into the story.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its mood. The suspense develops gradually, making you question whether the events are supernatural or rooted in psychology. That uncertainty keeps the pages turning and makes the story all the more engaging.

Sharath's writing is immersive and vivid, creating scenes that linger in your mind long after you've finished reading. While the pace is deliberately slow in parts, it complements the eerie tone of the novel and allows the tension to build naturally.

If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller, this might not be exactly what you expect. But if you enjoy psychological mysteries with a haunting atmosphere and well-crafted suspense, Urakkapisachu is a rewarding read.

Was randomly scrolling through Reddit when I came across a post by u/kamalikamali69 . I've been buying used books from Reddit quite a bit lately and had already picked up most of the books on my wishlist. But in his post, I spotted a few John Grisham novels that I'd been meaning to try for some time.

What caught my attention even more was the pricing, it was easily among the lowest I've seen for these books. I didn't think twice and placed an order for the books above.

The books were shipped via Amazon Logistics and arrived quickly and safely. The packaging was excellent; secure, neat, and easily one of the best I've come across from a Reddit seller. Condition of the books were also as discussed, which I'm very satisfied with.

Overall, it was a smooth, hassle-free experience with this guy from the start to finish.

And it was only later that I came to know that I was the first person to order from him. Though it was his first order, the way he dealt with me through the entire process was appreciable as well.

And this is gonna be my next read.

Scrolling through Reddit, I came across a post by u/21_Me_Dee with a collection of books for sale. A few of them immediately caught my attention, so I sent her a message with a list of the four books I wanted. She quickly confirmed their availability and guided me through the entire process with remarkable ease.

From sharing multiple photos of each book to honestly explaining their condition, everything was handled with complete transparency. The books that arrived today were exactly as described, and I'm genuinely happy with their condition

What impressed me even more was the way she kept me updated throughout the process. She shared photos after the books were packed, informed me when they were shipped, and sent the tracking details as soon as they were dispatched. The books were packed exceptionally well, ensuring they reached me safely and in perfect condition.

While we were chatting, we ended up talking about books and reading in general. During that conversation, I had an idea, I asked her to include one book of her own choice along with the four I had selected. I had no idea what it would be until I opened the package this evening. To my surprise, I absolutely loved her choice. It turned out to be a book that had already been on my reading wishlist, making the experience even more special.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience. I hope our paths cross again over more books in the future. Happy reading! 📚