Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

Land of Seekers written by Triveen Nair is a historical fiction novel based in India in the year 1766 which, as the author states, was one of the most important but widely unnoticed years in the history of India. There are many different takes on the events, and since records are recorded by humans, who have their own sways and takes on things, they never provide a true picture. Only by looking at the picture as a whole can an impression of events be discerned, and to do so one must follow the path and tale of many to accumulate the facts. Adam Weishauft’s story begins at the end of one journey. He had ended up in Hunza Valley following a long and difficult cross continent journey from the west of Bashgal Valley, but his journey was far from over. His is not the only tale we follow, and each of the wide cast of characters has their own trials to face and understandings to gain.

Having lived and worked in India myself, I couldn’t resist giving this book a go. Triveen Nair certainly sets a visual scene for location and life-style of the era. The inclusion of simple maps to help the reader picture the layout of the world and land, including markings for paths traversed, was a nice touch. The author pays attention to details, such as how spirits and temperaments were affected by a poor monsoon season and the depleting funds from worship and temples, and includes information about how such things were used for means perhaps other than those intended, such as the payment of armies. I don’t know a lot about the history of this time, but the author has done a good job in keeping to the historical facts and key events of the time and integrating them to provide a well-rounded feel to the plot. This is a story of greed and betrayal and clearly a lot of time and research went into the creation of this book.