Based on the ancient Indian epic, The Ramayana, this is the third volume of Ashok K. Banker's gripping saga, following 'The Prince of Ayodhya' and 'The Siege of Mithila'. The original Ramayana was written three thousand years ago by a reformed thief-turned-sage named Valmiki. Now, with stunning imagination and wonderful storytelling, Indian writer Ashok K. Banker has recreated this epic tale for modern readers everywhere.

Rama has quelled the demon invasion. He has thwarted the demonlord Ravana. And he is wedded to the enchanting Sita. But the young prince's problems are far from over. For Rama has been challenged by the fabled axe-wielding brahmin Parshurama - a warrior of such power he has never been defeated.

And should he survive the confrontation, a greater crisis awaits him. Accompanied by his beloved Sita and loyal brother Lakshman, the prince must travel deep into the heart of the dead forest of Dandaka-van. There he will be pitted against the vengeful survivors of Ravana's rakshasa hordes. And in the tiny outlaw settlement of Chitrakut, surrounded by blood-thirsty demons, he must prepare to face fourteen long hard years of exile.

Ashok K. Banker is 38, a full time writer living in Bombay. Book Four of the Ramayana will be published by Orbit in February 2005.

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