The Red Fiend


Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
446 Pages
Reviewed on 01/19/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Andy Hutchings for Readers' Favorite

I was thoroughly engrossed in the mythological revenge drama The Red Fiend by Ranjit Moore. Telling an engaging and dramatic tale of a demon king set on a path of vengeance against the divine being who killed his mother, this book uses Eastern cultural touchstones and mythological archetypes. In an original tale of meaningful passion and delightfully portrayed action, it all comes together for a fresh and original character study of a figure seeking his own version of justice. Epic in scale, the world-building in this story is impeccably done with nuanced and well-considered concepts to create a vivid backdrop for this compelling tale.

What sets this work apart from others in the genre is the author's willingness to explore big concepts from a more divine perspective such as how the human sense of morality crumbles, what it means to have people willingly follow you, and how the decisions you make determine what you see in your reflection. It explores these ideas without forcing us to a particular conclusion; instead, trusting us to consider what Ranjit Moore has to say as we come to our own conclusions. The scale of the world in which The Red Fiend takes place is counterbalanced by the intimacy with which we explore the life of its protagonist Drumila. The author brings a duality of scope that is the hallmark of quality mythology but never loses a contemporary edge to the narrative voice. Traditional and yet refreshingly new, vast and yet deeply personal, it’s rare to see a text plant its feet in two different places and deliver a narrative as compelling and unified as this one does.

K.C. Finn

The Red Fiend by Ranjit More creates a dark and mythic fantasy world where demon-king Drumila's quest for vengeance against the Creator is complicated by both a serpent invasion and his fateful connection to the mysterious Arundhati. As their destinies become increasingly intertwined, the story explores themes of power, betrayal, and redemption through a lens of mythological grandeur. More's rich world-building draws on mythic traditions while creating something entirely new, resulting in a narrative that feels both timeless and fresh. This complex fantasy narrative operates on multiple levels, with More's ability to maintain the epic scope of the story while keeping the emotional stakes intimate and compelling.

The vivid world-building creates a rich mythological framework for the story, and this enhances rather than overshadows the central relationship between Drumila and Arundhati as it shows where all their attitudes, fears, and ideas are born and developed in the dark world they inhabit. The way Ranjit More develops their complex dynamic brings depth to both characters while raising questions about the nature of love, power, and divine justice. I loved their poetic and emotive dialogue exchanges. The rich prose style captures the mythic quality of the story, but it's also accessible and engaging because of its modern flair. The political intrigue and battles also feel consequential because they're grounded in realistic character motivations and relationships rather than existing solely for dramatic effect. There's a balance of style and substance on every page. Overall, I would highly recommend The Red Fiend to readers who enjoy fantasy that combines epic scope with psychological depth and mythological resonance.

Vincent Dublado

If you're into folklore and high fantasy, you'll love The Red Fiend by Ranjit More. This is an enchanting dive into a tale of love, vengeance, and divine intrigue. It's a tale with a unique premise that introduces a demon king named Drumila. He seeks retribution against the Creator and a goddess on a mission to destroy him. To do that, he needs to find a way to breach a mystic wall that protects the Creator's abode. As if his plan for a vendetta is not challenging enough, the giant serpents of Talatal are rising through the lower worlds. They plan to overcome the capital of Daityas and inject their flaming poison into the body of the demon king. The Creator, however, has plans to thwart Drumila's plan for vengeance. He finds a way to rob the king of his physical strength. By divine inspiration, he sends his daughter, Arundhati, to cause a great loss in Drumila's strength and vigor. Seducing the demon king will put her at high risk, as the guru of Daityas wants to keep her captive.

Ranjit More delivers a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. The larger battles are juxtaposed with the deeply personal struggle between Drumila and Arundhati. Their relationship swings between love and betrayal. The pacing balances the storylines effectively and ensures that no thread feels neglected while maintaining a sense of tension throughout. The interplay of mythological undertones, moral dilemmas, and raw emotion creates a story that lingers long after the final chapter. More’s vivid world-building, complex characters, and the tension between loyalty, passion, and duty make this a standout addition to the genre. From battles with giant serpents to the intricate dynamics of forbidden love, The Red Fiend captivates readers from the very first page. It’s a testament to the power of love and identity in the face of divine and mortal challenges. Whether you are a fan of epic fantasy, romance, or tales of cosmic conflict, this novel offers something unique to savor.

Doreen Chombu

The Red Fiend by Ranjit More is an epic fantasy that follows the story of Drumila, the king of demons from the underworld. In his quest for justice for his deceased mother, who was killed by the Creator from the heavens, he embarks on an exodus to Earth’s surface. He is joined by his duplicitous stepmother and stepsister, despite knowing that their loyalties do not lie with him. Drumila builds a capital on the surface with the help of his allies, which attracts the attention of the Creator. In response, the Creator sends his daughter, Arundhati, disguised as a human girl named Nandini, to seduce Drumila and drain him of his power. However, Nandini finds herself drawn to Drumila and begins to question her mission. The Drumila she encounters is entirely different from the bloodthirsty tyrant she was led to believe he was. Furthermore, Drumila's kingdom is on the verge of war, and Nandini must choose a side before it is too late.

The Red Fiend takes readers on an adventure through different worlds and introduces them to captivating characters. The story incorporates Indian traditional folklore and explores themes of forbidden love, destiny, and betrayal. Arundhati's struggle between duty and desire, and Drumila's quest for vengeance, are compelling and relatable for anyone who has ever had to question what they have believed in for a long time or felt anger at someone who caused them pain. I found myself rooting for this couple because their love for each other was passionate. The book includes some steamy scenes, as well as genuine moments of connection that highlight the strong emotional bond between the characters. Apart from the romance, the narrative also delves into the power struggles between the gods of various realms, showing the race for dominance and the different tactics employed by both heavenly and demonic forces. I could not put this book down due to Ranjit More's engaging writing. From the first chapter to the last, every scene is meticulously thought out. The battles are detailed, the dialogue feels natural, and the worlds are beautifully crafted. This is a memorable tale and a must-read for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy filled with rich lore, emotional depth, and complex characters.

Luwi Nyakansaila

In The Red Fiend by Ranjit More, the daitya king Drumila is on a quest for vengeance following the death of his mother. To exact revenge on the Creator, he must find a way into the Heavens. After surviving a great battle against the serpents who seek to conquer the lower seven worlds, Drumila moves to Earth, bringing him closer to his ultimate goal. On Earth, Drumila encounters a mysterious human girl named Nandini, who captivates him with her seductive charm. He keeps her close, believing she is the key to crossing the mystical wall that protects the Creator. However, as he becomes increasingly entangled with her, he grapples with unexpected feelings of love. Unbeknownst to Drumila, Nandini is no ordinary human; she is on a mission from the Heavens to weaken him, rendering him vulnerable to attacks from his enemies.

The Red Fiend is a captivating tale of Indian mythology, exploring the stories of deities from various realms. The narrative delves into themes of love, lust, vengeance, power, and greed, highlighting moral dilemmas and the ongoing struggle between good and evil. The complexity of Drumila's character makes it challenging to label him as either a hero or a villain; while he seeks vengeance for a personal loss, he also demonstrates kindness and love. This duality prompts readers to reflect on their own desires and how these motivations shape their actions. The romance between Drumila and Nandini is both beautiful and complicated, with various conflicts creating tension between them. Their relationship adds suspense, leaving readers eager to discover the outcome. Additionally, the story features intriguing side characters with unique abilities and questionable motives. Ranjit More incorporates moral lessons, making it not only an entertaining narrative but also a meaningful one. The story concludes on a cliffhanger, suggesting the possibility of a sequel. I look forward to seeing how Drumila's journey unfolds in future installments. Overall, this is a fantastic work.