Word Count: 489 | Reading Time: 2 min
Escapism is often the core premise of fantasy literature. Many fans of the genre are familiar with the tropes it employs, and with that comes a certain expectation from new works featuring the fantastical. But that isn’t the case with Ayasi: The Wandering Death, which seeks to distinguish itself by offering a mix of a unique Himalayan setting where folklore and history intertwine in an exploration of belief, survival, abuse, silenced voices, guilt, and humanity itself.
Tanvi Singh, the author, takes inspiration from Eastern rather than Western culture, meaning that there are no knights in shining armour slaying dragons, no wizards in pointed hats, or any other trope one might expect from traditional fantasy. The result is a resounding success, with a distinct, creepy atmosphere that delights in gore and bloodshed every so often.
At the centre of Ayasi: The Wandering Death is a failed ritualistic sacrifice and its repercussions on a mountain kingdom, but that’s far from the only plotline. There are multiple strands to unravel, and this is done through a nonlinear storytelling structure where perspective and time shift frequently.
There’s a surprisingly large cast for what is a 300-page novel, with the standout being Michewah. She isn’t a chosen hero destined to save everyone from calamity; rather, she is just an average herbalist trying to get by in a harsh world. That world is made all the more difficult by the spread of a mysterious disease, and the wandering of the titular Ayasi, a demon goddess that terrifies the populace.
However, the book is not just about demons and gods. It’s a poignant exploration of how myth, folklore, fear, and history shape human society, traditions, and beliefs, and how these further create a never-ending cycle of violence. Ayasi herself is also explored in multiple ways, as are the themes of silenced or forgotten voices, guilt over past actions, and how humans and monsters are perhaps not so different from each other.
In terms of the prose, the writing style is adaptable: it can be downright chilling with its description of blood and gore on some pages, creating a powerful sense of dread and horror, while also offering something very real through its insights into human thought and emotion. Michewah in particular shines when her innermost thoughts are shown to the reader.
With all that said, there are some drawbacks to the novel as well. The nonlinear structure can be tough to follow at times, and it feels highly fragmented every now and then, especially with certain changes in perspective. Additionally, some fairly inconsequential characters are given a little too much time on the page, which can work in instances where it’s a long book or a series, but not in this case.
On the whole, though, Ayasi: The Wandering Death is an easy-to-recommend work of dark literary fantasy and horror, set in a unique, atmospheric world with a strong protagonist.