Review by kanjisheik (2007-04-29)
Ashok Banker continues Rama's tale with typical flair in Armies of Hanuman, the fourth part of his Ramayana series, after Prince of Ayodhya, Siege of Mithila and Demons of Chitrakut. Banker fulfills all the expectations by churning out a novel that is even better than the previous parts. For those who dint know, this book was selected as one of Blogcritics' Top Reads of 2005.

The war against the 14,000 strong rakshasa regiment finally ends after 13 years of incessant battles, with Rama securing a decisive victory in Janasthana after a momentous last stand. Hanuman, who has been observing the way Rama and his people fight the rakshasas against tremendous odds for several years, meets Rama and expresses his admiration for the way Rama behaves- as a champion of dharma. Later, Rama decides to return to his home on the banks of the Godavari with Sita and Lakshmana and they spend the rest of their exile in idyllic bliss.

Meanwhile, under Mandodhari's rule, Lanka undergoes a transformation from a prison in hell to a city as beautiful as Indraloka, the capital of the gods. After 13 years of inactivity, Ravana is miraculously revitalised by Supanakha's return to Lanka, and he immediately begins his plans to destroy Rama. Banker concentrates on the narrative in Lanka, giving it far more prominence than the previous books and thus making the characters there more rounded, especially Vibhisena, Mandodhari, and of course Ravana himself!

Ravana decides to abduct Sita and enlists Mareecha's help. The abduction of Sita forms the most riveting sequence of the book. Rama and Lakshmana have no other choice but to approach the vanaras for help. They meet the vanaras engaged in a war council and Rama agrees to slay Vali in single combat and make Sugreeva king of the vanaras, in exchange for Sugreeva's support and the vanara armies to get Sita from Ravana's clutches.

Armies of Hanuman is an extremely entertaining read and confirms Ashok Banker's abilities as a story teller par excellence. All the characters continue to mature with time, thus making the story interesting; hell, even the rakshasas are multifaceted and enigmatic. The story flows seamlessly, and one can just sit back and admire Banker's handiwork. His style of writing works out well- his metaphors and descriptions give the book an amazing vitality.

The book ends at an interesting stage, with Sugreeva keeping his part of the bargain and assembling the enormous armies of the vanaras. Now, the stage is set for Rama and Lakshmana to head towards southwards to Lanka. Truly, Armies of Hanuman is worthy of the tag "epic". So people, if you've finished the first three parts, then you are in for a sumptuous treat. Go check it out!

Armies of Hanuman scores 9 on 10!