The Hundred Names of Darkness by Nilanjana Roy [Hardcover]

In The Hundred Names of Darkness, the sequel to the acclaimed The Wildings, Nilanjana Roy returns to the vibrant Delhi neighborhood of Nizamuddin, where the beloved feline characters—Mara, Southpaw, Katar, Hulo, and Beraal—continue their adventures. After surviving a harrowing battle with feral cats, the group faces new challenges as winter descends, bringing not only cold but also a host of predators: humans, aggressive dogs, snakes, and bandicoots. The scarcity of food puts their survival at risk, and the cats must band together to find a safe haven.

Mara takes the lead, enlisting a quirky ensemble of friends, including Doginder, a friendly stray dog; Hatch, a Cheel (kite) fearful of the sky; Thomas Mor, an easy-going peacock; and Jethro Tail, a courageous mouse. Together, they embark on an epic journey to secure a future where they can live without fear.

The narrative masterfully weaves themes of friendship, bravery, and the search for home, culminating in a breathtaking conclusion to Mara's story. The novel is richly illustrated, enhancing the imaginative world Roy has created. It appeals to fans of fantasy fiction, drawing comparisons to the works of J.K. Rowling, Philip Pullman, Neil Gaiman, and Suzanne Collins.

Interesting Facts:

• The Hundred Names of Darkness is the stunning conclusion to The Wildings, which was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book Prize and the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize.
• The author, Nilanjana Roy, is a prominent journalist and the founder of India's first literary blog, Kitabkhana.
• The book’s illustrations bring the characters and settings to life, adding to the immersive reading experience.