Guardians of Dharma series: In a literary landscape overflowing with mythological retellings and fantasy adventures, Ashish Goyal’s Guardians of Dharma series emerges as a refreshing, youthful, and deeply meaningful addition. Blending Indian mythology with contemporary school life, scientific curiosity, and spiritual depth, this two-part saga—The Hidden Resonance and The Flame of Silence—creates a world where ancient wisdom is not just remembered, but actively lived by today’s generation.
Part I: The Hidden Resonance – A Bridge Between Teenage Life and Timeless Dharma
The first book, Guardians of Dharma: The Hidden Resonance, begins with the most unlikely catalyst—a cracked kitchen tile. What follows is a story full of intrigue, discovery, and the slow unveiling of a reality far greater than the four protagonists could have imagined. Set in the vibrant corridors of Saraswati Valley Academy, the novel captures the raw energy of teenage friendships, school banter, exam pressures, and the simple joys of hostel life.
Prisha, Raghav, Navya, and Manas are believable, relatable characters. They are not superheroes, but ordinary students who find themselves at the center of an extraordinary journey. When they discover a strange humming disc beneath a broken tile, their world shifts from academic routines to one where silence itself becomes a living force—something that listens, responds, and guides.
Goyal masterfully weaves the teachings and tales of the Shrimad Bhagavatam into a modern teen narrative. Stories like Dhruva’s unwavering penance, Matsya’s cosmic rescue, and Parashurama’s righteous vow become mirrors through which the characters—and the readers—explore ideas of duty, resilience, and moral clarity. The book does not preach but gently nudges young readers to reflect on deeper truths embedded within engaging adventures.
Fast-paced yet reflective, The Hidden Resonance carries the appeal of popular YA fantasy, inviting comparisons to Percy Jackson and Aru Shah, while remaining firmly rooted in Indian culture. It is not just a story; it is a gateway for teens, young adults, and even parents to rediscover Indian values in a language the new generation understands.
Part II: The Flame of Silence – When Mythology Meets Science
If the first book is about awakening, the second—Guardians of Dharma: The Flame of Silence—is about transformation. The sequel expands the universe dramatically while retaining the charm and chemistry among the four protagonists.
Set during their vacation, the story begins innocently enough with plans of relaxation. However, the peaceful forests of Simlipal soon reveal a labyrinth of mysteries—echoes of forgotten manuscripts, encrypted signals, and ancient symbols etched into mossy stones. The recurring triangle-with-flame symbol hints at a cosmic connection stretching far beyond their initial discovery.
Here, the narrative becomes richer and more complex, skillfully merging mythology with eco-science. Goyal integrates the spiritual echoes of the Bhagavatam with scientific clues that feel both intriguing and intellectually stimulating. References to J.C. Bose’s lesser-known experiments, spectral scans, encrypted patterns, and mystical energy signatures blur the lines between mythology and modern science.
What makes the sequel especially compelling is how each character’s individual strength evolves. Prisha’s intuitive understanding of scripture, Raghav’s musical connection to resonance, Navya’s bond with nature, and Manas’s logical mind all contribute to the unraveling puzzle. Silence, once simply mysterious, becomes a powerful force—alive, conscious, and deeply interconnected with the cosmos.
The book maintains a tight pace, balancing suspense, humor, friendship, and wonder. It stands as an excellent YA eco-fantasy, urging readers to reflect on our connection with nature, the universe, and the unseen forces that shape life.
A Series That Speaks to All Generations
What sets Guardians of Dharma apart is its ability to engage multiple age groups. Teenagers will relate to the school life, friendships, and adventures. Young adults will enjoy the deeper interplay of mythology and science. Adults, especially parents, will appreciate how beautifully the series brings the wisdom of ancient scriptures into a modern narrative.
The writing is clear, vivid, and thoughtfully structured. The pacing remains steady across both parts, with enough twists to keep readers hooked and enough spiritual depth to leave them thinking long after the last chapter.
Conclusion
Ashish Goyal’s Guardians of Dharma series is more than just a YA fantasy—it is a meaningful, entertaining, and culturally rich contribution to contemporary Indian literature. With memorable characters, engaging mysteries, and a seamless blend of myth and modernity, the series sets the stage for an epic saga that promises to only grow stronger from here.
A must-read for fans of mythology-inspired adventures, young readers seeking relatable heroes, and anyone interested in stories that blend ancient wisdom with modern imagination.
