The Witch, the Princess and the Tower of Doom by Rajesh Talwar

Rajesh Talwar's "The Witch, the Princess and the Tower of Doom" is a sparkling addition to the timeless tradition of fairytales, yet it feels refreshingly rooted in Indian soil.

- Rajesh Talwar

With echoes of Rapunzel and the moral fables of the Panchatantra, the author creates a story where magic and destiny collide with human longing. The setup is deliciously familiar: a childless king and queen strike a desperate bargain with a witch, only to find themselves bound to terms they cannot escape. But what makes this tale shine is the way it weaves Indian landscapes, food, and lore into the narrative, making the fantasy both otherworldly and grounded. The character of Princess Pihu is