• ISBN13: 9780143442844
• Binding: Paperback
• Subject: N/A
• Publisher: PRH India
• Publisher Imprint: Penguin Ebury Press
• Publication Date: September 30, 2025
• Pages: 520
• Original Price: INR 599.0
• Language: English
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 280 grams
• BISAC Subject(s): Science Fiction / Action & Adventure

In the lost archipelago of Kumarikandam, Queen Devi rules a thriving kingdom--until an alien invasion descends on Earth. Driven by ambition and armed with advanced science, the alien leader Naqta unleashes a terrifying creation: Mahishasura, a half-beast, half-alien warlord who seizes control of Kumarikandam.

As the ancient prophecies of the sage Agastya begin to unfold, Devi finds herself at the center of an intergalactic war. To save her people, she must confront Mahishasura and his overwhelming forces, battling enemies who wield powers far beyond her world.

Set 70,000 years ago, Mahishasura reimagines the cosmic energy of the Devi Purana, bringing the fierce feminine force of Parashakti into a sweeping clash of mythology, science, and futuristic technology. In Anand Neelakantan's visionary retelling, ancient legends collide with AI, alien science, and high-stakes adventure--reshaping Indian mythology for the modern reader.

Anand Neelakantan is often mistaken for an asura--he jokes it's because he has curly hair. After enduring enough pranks from mischievous little asuras disturbing his sleep, he decided to get even by writing this book.

When he's not being tormented by imaginary troublemakers, Anand is the bestselling author of some of the most popular modern retellings of Indian mythology, including The Rise of Sivagami (Baahubali: Before the Beginning, Book 1); Asura: Tale of the Vanquished; Ajaya: Roll of the Dice; Ajaya: Rise of Kali; Vanara: The Legend of Baali, Sugreeva and Tara; and Chaturanga (Baahubali: Before the Beginning, Book 2).

He also writes widely for television, contributing screenplays for major series such as Siya Ke Ram, Ashoka, and Mahabali Hanuman, and his columns have appeared in The Hindu, Indian Express, The Washington Post, and the Sunday Express Magazine.

At home, Anand spends his free time fending off the antics of more "little asuras"--his children, Ananya and Abhinav, along with Jackie the Blackie, under the tolerant supervision of his wife, Aparna.

To learn more about Anand Neelakantan--and the naughty asuras that inspire him--visit www.anandneelakantan.com or follow him on Instagram and Twitter at @itsanandneel, and on Facebook at Anand Neelakantan.