Ashok Banker

Ashok Banker seems to love the underdog. This becomes evident when the Byculla-born, US-based writer tells us about his just-signed seven-figure book deal for the Young Adult (YA) reader, with Random USA. Titled The Rise Trilogy, the plot is set in the future, in a Panchala - an island kingdom separated by a strait from the continent of Euland. It follows the adventures of a young thief and her gang as they plot to overthrow a tyrant in their democratic world, who suppresses minorities and lower classes and castes. Demons, deities including a transgender god, and tyrannical rulers in a democracy make for a spellbinding saga that Banker is looking forward to. Excerpts from an interview: