Sceadu

"All this while, Matilda’s shadow had been growing larger and larger. Suddenly, it lunged out of the ground and swallowed her, like a python does its unsuspecting prey."

Nine year old Matilda ends up with a century old book through a series of strange coincidences. And disappears. Her brother and cousins are forced to suspend their hostilities and pursue her to Sceadu, a land inside the human shadow. Once there, the reluctant visitors find themselves chased by the vicious Hefigans, creatures of Sceadu. However, everything changes with the revelation of an ancient prophecy that foretells the doom of the world they left behind.

With the stakes suddenly raised, the children must now navigate the dangerous terrain, overcome grave challenges, and unlock the secrets of the shadow. But can they do it in time to thwart the plans of the treacherous Hefigans? Or will they succumb to the guile of a ruthless enemy who is equally determined to destroy mankind?

Sceadu is a fast-paced adventure which blurs the boundary between the physical and the psychological, the real and the mythical.

BOOK TRAILER

Watch the book trailer for Sceadu at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNLuO-oMWi4

REVIEWS

Though billed as a young adult read, Sceadu, Your Shadow Holds a Secret will easily reach into adult circles as well (despite the ages of its young heroes and heroine), and promises as thrilling, unpredictable a read as any an adult fantasy.

~ Diane Donovan, Senior eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review, 21 Nov 2014

(Read the complete review at http://www.midwestbookreview.com/mbw/dec_14.htm#donovan)

…packed with all the elements essential to keep a young mind intrigued and hooked onto this book till the very end.

~ Gayatri Saharabuddhe, Afternoon Despatch & Courier, 05 Nov 2014

(Read the complete review at https://issuu.com/king001/docs/05_nov_2014)

Sceadu is such a worthwhile and invigorating read that it is quite likely to spawn a cult following…

~ Lois C. Henderson, BookPleasures.com, 22 Oct 2014

(Read the complete review at http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/7247/1/Sceadu-Your-Shadow-Holds-a-Secret-Reviewed-By-Lois-Henderson-of-Bookpleasurescom/Page1.html#.XOtkfFIzaM8)

The book bewitchingly titled Sceadu – a mysterious word for shadow, fully lives up to its promise. The moment you have stepped into this rich, textured tale, it follows you like a shadow. If you pause, as you sometimes have to, when real world interrupts, it lurks in your mind and bring you back to face it again. The journey takes you through a physiological labyrinth that Matilda experiences while holding you in a tight grip never allowing for even a momentary slip. The elements of mystery, fear, fantasy and adventure make for a potion that will appeal not only to fans of this genre but new readers as well. if you are new to this genre and would like to read it with your child, this is a great book to begin a journey into the amazing of fantasy fiction.

~ Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, 15 Oct 2014

Prashant has a gift for describing places in a vivid and elaborate manner which makes a parallel world appear completely possible and even real. The story is filled with twists, stratagems, prophecies, dangers, deceits, and magical powers that keep the plot moving at a fast pace. Some lighter moments ensure that the narrative does not become dark despite the occasional moments of despair.

The quirks and traits of the four central characters make it easy for the reader to relate with them and their changing fortunes and consequent range of emotions – exultation, frustration, fear, hope, and determination. Their evolving relationship with one another and with themselves is subtle and touching.

Sceadu succeeds in delivering a powerful message that every child can relate to – belief in oneself. Without preaching, the writer also conveys the need for balance – between action and patience, intellect and intuition, and at a higher level, the balance of energies that is needed to maintain order in the universe.

~ Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha, Co-founder at Ashoka University, Founding Dean at Indian School of Business, 7 Sep 2014

Prashant Pinge masterfully reels in psychology and mythology to create and validate a shadow land replete with faeries, imps and other fantastical creatures but often in ways that are unusual and not conventional. The novel hooks you from the beginning with the way it moves from the past to the present, from menacing strangers in the dark to the life of a young, bright girl called Matilda. The four children are carefully imagined, each distinct from the other and memorable. Well-crafted and executed, this is a book that is worthy of belonging to the time-honoured fantasy genre.

~ Himanjali Sankar, Editor, Bloomsbury India, 17 Aug 2014