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Usha Narayanan’s book Pradyumna is a mythological work based around the events that took place when the world was on the threshold of Kali Yuga. The years span across the time when Lord Krishna was reigning over the kingdom of Dwaraka, India. Pradyumna is the son of Lord Krishna. Pradyumna’s destiny forces him to fight it out with the asuras from the monster kingdom.

There are plenty of characters in the book that are described so well by the author. It is apparent Usha Naryanan has done her research on all the characters of her book very thoroughly. The plot turns into a gripping saga as the events spread a canvas of different hues and scenes – from the glittering palaces to the bloody battlefields. The beauty of Rati, the grace of Rukmini, the jealousy of Jambavati, the rage of Samba, the calm wisdom of Lord Krishna, the demonic nature of the asuras – all of this and more are brought out in the most enchanting manner by the writer.

Narada, the devarishi, is playing an important role in the book, and through his narratives, the book lover is able to imbibe the true flavour of Hindu mythology.

The numerous adventures of the hero have the vivid structure of a fantasy thriller. The novel superbly narrates tales through Narada, who reasons on karma, rebirth and why we are reborn with certain twisted relationships. The commanding forces of cosmic law will neither spare any gods or mortals – everyone must be humbled, or rewarded by the individual act of his free will. All of them have to pay for their actions.

It is appropriate to mention that the story, in spite of so many characters with different backgrounds is able to retain the attention of the reader – right from the start to the end of the novel.