The Third Eye: Tara Trilogy [Paperback]

“In her first novel, author Mahtab Narsimhan combines elements of classic fairy tales, such as ‘Hansel and Gretel’, with Indian mythology for a highly original and entertaining fantasy adventure … readers will enjoy the lushly described Indian setting as well as the cultural references to Hindu gods and celebrations, making this a solid middle grade read suitable for literature circles or book club discussions.” – Rachel Steen, Canadian Children’s Book News Spring 2008

An excellent introduction to Hindi culture.

(Dryden Observer )

"... an exciting fantasy novel ... a page-turner; and the descriptions of the village, the clothes, the food and the gods lend authenticity and unique interest."

(Penny Draper Times-Colonist, The )

For Tara and her brother, Suraj, the year their mother and grandfather fled the village of Morni in the middle of the night has been a nightmare. Their new stepmother is cruel and deceptive, and the village itself is lacking a healer. What's more, men of the village have been disappearing, often returning in a strange, altered form.

When a new healer, Zarku, a mysterious man with a third eye possessing strange power, suddenly appears in Morni, all are mesmerized by his magic -- all except Tara, who sees through his evil disguise.

With nothing but her own courage and wit, Tara tries to find her missing mother and grandfather, the true healer, in time to save her village. But along the way she must enlist the help of the god Ganesh and the lord of death, Yama, or she, like others before her, will fall victim to Zarku's third eye.

A native of Mumbai (Bombay), Mahtab Narsimhan has always been fascinated by Indian mythology. This comes together with the unique cultural and spiritual energies of her homeland in her exciting first novel, The Third Eye. Mahtab lives in Toronto with her husband, Rahul, and her son, Aftab.