#Review: A Hoysala Adventure by Nitin Kushalappa

Reading Devaki’s Journey was like opening a window into twelfth-century South India—dusty roads, temple towns, and political unrest all came alive through the eyes of a brave young girl. The premise itself is compelling: a teenager stepping into a man’s world, defying expectations to save her family and possibly the kingdom. I appreciated the historical setting—rarely do we see children’s or YA fiction set in the Hoysala era—and the author did a commendable job bringing it to life with rich descriptions of places like Dwarasamudra and Shravanabelagola.

Devaki as a character is earnest, headstrong, and relatable, even across centuries. Her emotional connection with her ailing father anchors the story with warmth, and her interactions with pilgrims and strangers along the way subtly reflect the social fabric of the time. I found myself rooting for her, especially when she begins to uncover layers of political intrigue. The book does well to balance the personal with the political—something not always easy in historical fiction aimed at younger readers.

That said, I did find the pacing uneven at times. The beginning builds up beautifully, but certain stretches in the middle meander a bit with too much detail and not enough momentum. The rebellion subplot, while intriguing, felt slightly rushed near the end—I wished there had been more depth or suspense leading up to the resolution. At times, the dialogue also leaned a little too modern, which pulled me out of the period momentarily.

Nonetheless, the book is an engaging blend of adventure and history, offering younger readers (and curious adults like me) a rare glimpse into a fascinating chapter of India’s past. The inclusion of real places and historical references adds authenticity, and it would be a great companion read alongside a history lesson. For anyone interested in strong female leads and lesser-known Indian history, Devaki’s story is a worthy and memorable journey.

Find this book here.