Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of The Four Horsemen by Arjun Shaji

Every once in a while, you come across a book that grabs you by the collar and pulls you right into its world. The Four Horsemen by Arjun Shaji did exactly that to me. It was one of those reads where you tell yourself, “Just one more chapter,” and before you know it, you’ve inhaled half the book in one sitting. 

This is Arjun Shaji’s second book, and let me tell you, the man knows how to spin a story. He blends mythology, modern-day adventure, and emotional chaos like a seasoned magician. The buzz around this novel? Totally justified.

The story kicks off with three ordinary friends—Aaryan, Janaki, and Deekshith—who stumble upon a mysterious black box. Now, we’ve all read about portals and hidden doors before, but Shaji turns this familiar trope into something intense and refreshing. That box doesn’t just change their lives; it defines their fate. They’re chosen (or cursed?) to become the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Yep, it gets that intense.

From there, it’s an emotional rollercoaster through cursed lands, deadly trials, and layers of secrets that constantly leave you questioning who’s really in control—destiny or the individuals caught in its snare.

One of the first things that stood out to me was Shaji’s prose. It’s rich without being heavy. He gives you just enough detail to build vivid scenes (like the eerie calm of a ghost ship or the shimmer of enchanted lands) without drowning you in long-winded descriptions. You feel like you’re right there beside the characters—running, hiding, and aching along with them.

There’s a rhythm to his writing that makes it incredibly bingeable. And what really impressed me? The emotional undercurrent running through the story. You don’t just read the characters’ struggles—you feel them.

Let’s talk about the trio. Aaryan, Janaki, and Deekshith aren’t your typical fantasy leads. They’re flawed, layered, and so real. Aaryan’s tug-of-war with his identity as a conqueror had me pausing more than once. Janaki’s backstory unfolds beautifully, and Deekshith adds complexity that balances the trio.

Their friendship is the beating heart of this story. It reminded me of my own closest friends—the inside jokes, the quiet understanding, the fierce loyalty. It’s not just an adventure story; it’s a story about us, about how relationships shape who we become when life throws the unimaginable at us.

No filler here. The chapters are tight, the momentum steady, and there are twists that had me gasping out loud. There’s this constant tension between light and dark, hope and despair, that keeps you turning pages at lightning speed.

And the structure? Brilliantly done. Just when you think you’ve figured it out—bam! A new piece of the puzzle falls into place.

One of the biggest questions the book poses is: Are we bound by fate, or do we carve our own path? That theme hits hard, especially in a world where we’re often wrestling with our own versions of destiny—careers, expectations, personal dreams.

 And the friendship theme? It's everything. It’s raw, messy, beautiful—just like real life.

Some moments hit me right in the gut. The betrayals, the sacrifices, the silent moments of doubt. I wasn’t just reading a story; I was feeling it. I had to take a break at one point just to process what happened. And that ending? Oof. It stays with you.

Shaji’s world-building is top-tier, and the emotional depth of the characters makes the story unforgettable. If I had to nitpick, maybe the references to other works might feel a bit overwhelming to readers unfamiliar with those stories—but for many, they’ll actually deepen the experience.

I walked into The Four Horsemen expecting an exciting fantasy. I came out with a lump in my throat, a head full of questions, and a heart full of admiration. This book is a perfect storm of thrilling adventure, layered characters, and emotional storytelling. If you’re a fan of fantasy with real heart—this one’s a must-read.

And Arjun Shaji? He’s one to watch.

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