“Journey to the roof of the world with an enthralling tale set in one of India’s most splendid destinations.”

NO MAJOR SPOILERS

This is the second in Deepak Dalal’s Vikram-Aditya series after Ranthambore. Set in the high terrain of Ladakh, the adventure involves a mysterious young Tibetan boy called Tsering who has been kidnapped. Vikram and Aditya run into the kidnappers and luckily they have walkie-talkies so they can communicate with each other across the Changthang plateau where one is birdwatching and the other riding, Readers of Ranthambore will realise that Dalal is into thrilling car chases though this particular book does not dwell on the landscape and animal habitat takes a backseat barring a reference to a fledgeling crane and a snow leopard. Instead, it focuses on Tsering and getting him out of the clutches of danger.

For those familiar with the Tibetan situation, Tsering’s identity and the reasons for his kidnap can be guessed at. However, Aditya’s shenanigans and fits of derring do attract most of the attention. Dalal throws in the fiery Ladakhi girl Dolma to lend some spice to Aditya’s quest. Vikram remains the quieter member of the duo the one who loves the environment and concentrates on tracking and trailing or keeping to the rules.

 

Reviewed by:

Anjana Basu

Added 21 October 2020

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Anjana Basu