New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) An ancient desert city, enigmatic ruins, the ongoing cosmic struggle between good and evil, a potent yet forgotten talisman that could alter its fate, and a young heroine grappling with her undiscovered powers but caught in the whirlwind - all these elements serve as dazzling components for a captivating urban fantasy.

In her debut novel, author Sunali Singh Ranaa delivers a compelling narrative that sets the stage for an enthralling sword-and-sorcery series, infused with a distinctive Indian flavor and an unexpected twist.

In 'Whispers in the Cursed Desert: Inked in Blood', the initial installment of 'The Enchanted Dunes Saga' (Readomania/pp244/Rs 399), Ranaa, who specializes in sustainable energy at the industry chamber CII, narrates the story of Layla, a resident of the ancient desert city of Zephyria who embarks on a graduate program in archaeology at a university rumored to be in Egypt.

While both her hometown and her university, along with the people therein, possess more than meets the eye, Layla is still grappling with the unresolved disappearance of her father from years ago, alongside the peculiar events that begin to unfold around her. Among these, the most straightforward appears to be a budding romance, yet complications abound for our spirited heroine.

Revealing further details of the plot risks spoiling the experience for potential readers, from the foreboding prologue to the cliffhanger conclusion and the mysterious epilogue. Instead, it is wiser to examine some overarching themes in Ranaa's saga.

Urban fantasy has long been a rich genre, predating the popularity of series like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. However, Ranaa, who melds her professional knowledge with a keen intuitive perspective on life, forges her unique path.

Comparisons to the boy wizard's adventures are inevitable, given the recurring themes of magic, familial trauma, an institution where magic is embraced, and a rather unique instructor whose quirks echo a beloved Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher from Hogwarts!

Yet, Ranaa's narrative is far more intricate.

Though there are moments when her work seems to tread close to becoming a “fantasy sink”, with an apparent overload of magical elements, it is essential to recognize that the first volume of a series is not the place for final judgments, as numerous threads await resolution.

What truly distinguishes Ranaa's writing is the universal appeal she weaves into this narrative.

Urban fantasy or sword and sorcery are not foreign to Indian literature, with numerous examples to cite. Yet, a common challenge in modern works, such as Anuja Chandramouli's gripping retellings, is that drawing inspiration from Indic mythology tends to constrain character and storyline. Ranaa navigates this territory carefully, akin to Samit Basu with his 'GameWorld Trilogy', by constructing an entirely new universe while incorporating elements and motifs from established mythologies.

Thus, Ranaa's Zephyria and Antara possess an air of familiarity, yet a subtle mystery prevents them from being directly likened to real-world locations, even the mystical lands of The Thousand and One Nights, with characters drawing from a broader pantheon beyond just the subcontinent or Arabia.

The outcome is clear — the atmosphere is well-developed, characters are thoughtfully crafted, and scenarios are skillfully constructed. While there might be an occasional misstep in the narrative, the overall impact remains cohesive.

Ultimately, Ranaa presents a gripping tale that not only intrigues its audience but also leaves them eagerly anticipating future installments.

(Vikas Datta can be reached at vikas.d@ians.in)