Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of The Witch, The Princess and The Tower of Doom by Rajesh Talwar

We’ve all heard the story of Rapunzel — a princess in a tower, a witch who locks her away, and a prince who saves the day. But what if I told you there’s a version of this story that doesn’t follow that script at all? Rajesh Talwar’s The Witch, The Princess and The Tower of Doom takes this familiar framework and turns it into something far richer, more magical, and surprisingly thought-provoking.

Having reviewed several of Talwar’s works before, I’ve seen his versatility first-hand. From hard-hitting non-fiction like Courting Injustice to imaginative children’s books such as The Boy Who Became a Mahatma, he has mastered the art of storytelling across genres. And here, he proves once again that he can take a simple premise and transform it into an enchanting, layered tale.

Set in the southern kingdom of Pandya, the story begins when King Sanjay and Queen Dipika strike an uneasy deal with Churailamma, a mysterious witch. The condition? Their future daughter, Princess Pihu, must live with her in the dreaded Tower of Doom when she turns sixteen.

But this isn’t a dark, hopeless prison. The tower has blooming gardens, magical elements, and even Badlu — a gentle giant who can vanish in an instant. And then comes Prince Sukumar, Pihu’s childhood friend. He’s not the kind of prince you’d expect — frail, sickly, and wearing spectacles — but his quiet determination is far more compelling than any sword-wielding hero.

What follows is a story full of twists, clever surprises, and unexpected warmth.

Talwar’s writing is lucid and inviting. It’s the kind of prose that makes you forget you’re reading and instead feel like you’re watching the story unfold in front of you. His descriptions are vivid without being heavy, which makes this book accessible to readers of all ages. And having read his past works, I can say that his ability to adapt his narrative tone is what makes this story feel so special — it has the simplicity of a fairy tale but the wisdom of a fable.

Princess Pihu is no helpless damsel — she’s curious, brave, and surprisingly relatable. Churailamma, meanwhile, is a fascinating character. Is she cruel? Or is she far wiser than anyone realizes? Talwar never spoon-feeds the answer, and that ambiguity kept me hooked. Prince Sukumar, too, is refreshingly different. His physical frailty contrasts beautifully with his emotional strength, making him one of the most endearing characters I’ve come across in a while.

At its core, this is more than a fairy tale — it’s a story about trust, perception, and the danger of quick judgments. The narrative subtly challenges the way we define “heroes” and “villains,” showing us that life, much like this story, isn’t always black and white.

One of my favourite parts was the late-night conversation between Pihu and Sukumar. It’s tender and heartfelt — a reminder that sometimes, the most magical moments in a story come not from spells or battles, but from quiet, human connections.

The world-building is delightful, with every detail of the Tower of Doom and its magical surroundings coming to life in a way that feels vivid and immersive. The pacing is tight, keeping the story engaging from start to finish, while the characters — each distinct and well-crafted — linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

If I had one minor complaint, it’s that I wished it were a little longer. I wasn’t quite ready to leave the Tower of Doom, its gardens, or its quirky inhabitants just yet — a testament to how absorbing Rajesh Talwar’s storytelling really is.

As someone who’s enjoyed Talwar’s books before, this one felt like a perfect example of why I keep coming back — his stories may be rooted in fantasy, but they always leave you with something real to hold on to.

The Witch, The Princess and The Tower of Doom is whimsical, warm, and unexpectedly wise. If you love fairy tales with fresh twists and meaningful layers, this one deserves a spot on your reading list. ★★★★☆ for me — and I can’t wait to see what Rajesh Talwar dreams up next.

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