With a stunning cover and a bold new voice, The Turning by 19-year-old Shannaaya Chopra carves out an Indian niche in the world of high-stakes werewolf fantasy.

The First Impression

A mesmerising cover, the smell of freshly bound paper, and superbly crafted black-and-white sketches, this book makes you feel that sometimes it’s fine to judge a book by its cover. As yet, Indian authors haven’t carved out a major niche in the world of fantasy, especially related to mythical, horrifying, shapeshifting humans and werewolves, but this book brings about that turn.

Written by 19-year-old college student Shannaaya Chopra, the book is designed to change the way young adults in India view fantasy fiction. Adding to the charm of “a teen talking about teens” are the illustrations by acclaimed Bollywood director Omung Kumar, known for designing artistic sets of movies like Saawariya and Black.

The Plot

The premise is classic: a villain, a good heart, and a group of teens finding their footing as werewolves. Of course, the “werewolfing” happens only on full moon nights, but these are deadly transformations with grim results. Friends are hunted and killed as beastly instincts take over, defying the cautious, self-disciplined human side.

Young Kiara Sharma leads a fairly homely life until she turns 18. She loves art, is raised by her widower father, and her best friend, Krish, is the college heartthrob. She lives in the heart of bustling Mumbai, the city of dreams.

The book opens on an ominous note when Krish takes Kiara to an unknown location for her birthday. What she suspects is a surprise party turns into a shock that lasts three days and changes the course of her life forever. She discovers she is a Katrol—a rare, highly destructive species with the magical power of fire. It is extremity at its zenith.

Themes & Characters

The debut author has crafted endearing characters bound by unconditional loyalty. The co-existence of species is a high point, as are themes of sacrifice, self-destruction, and patriotic fervour toward their unique community, Ordenia, which lies hidden behind the veils of Mumbai’s Aarey Colony.

The core themes include the strength found in unity, working for a greater good, and “love in the times of werewolfing.” There is a fascinating internal conflict as the heroine realizes the potential villain lies within her; as a Katrol, she can cause more damage than any external threat. Her journey ultimately centers on choosing dharma over self, surrounded by an inexpressive but loving mother, protective friends, and a newfound love, Aidan.

Strengths

• Moral Complexity: The novel explores whether a hero should sacrifice themselves for the greater good, not just for their loved ones.
• Visceral Imagery: Vivid descriptions of Kiara’s physical changes add a cinematic flair to the prose. The city of werewolves is another high point. The full page illustrations by Omung Kumar along with motifs of the dagger, named Dawn and Dusk, are powerful stimulating visual cues for the reader.
• Authentic Voice: Having worked on the book for five years, Chopra’s characters evolved alongside her own growth, lending them authenticity.

Limitations

• Familiar Tropes: The paranormal YA genre may feel familiar to seasoned readers. If you’ve seen Twilight or The Vampire Diaries, or played supernatural games, some elements, challenges, obstacles may feel incorporated from those worlds.
• Usual Lore Elements: From memory orbs and portals to mirror necklaces, alongside the deep psychological themes of shadow integration and dissolution.
  (Memory Orbs: Physical manifestation of thoughts. Portals & Mirror Necklaces: Conduits between Mumbai and Ordenia and during other far-off travel challenges. Shadow Integration: The psychological battle of the Katrol.)
• Cinematic Comparison: While it gains momentum through character depth, if you have watched recent Indian films like Bhediya or Thamma or series such as The Witcher, you might find the plot occasionally predictable.

Verdict

The Turning is worth exploring if you enjoy YA fantasy with a twist, more so if you’re looking for stories that are grounded in native protagonists. Chopra’s debut shows promise as a fresh, culturally rooted fantasy that incorporates action and philosophical depth.

About the Author: Shannaaya Chopra

Shannaaya Chopra has spent nearly a third of her life crafting the world of The Turning. Having started the manuscript at the age of 14, this five-year journey of writing and refining is evident in the book’s authentic YA voice.

The Visual Visionary: Omung Kumar B.

Adding a layer of cinematic grandeur to the novel are the illustrations by Omung Kumar B. A renowned Bollywood director and production designer, Kumar is the creative force behind the visual aesthetics of iconic films, and the director of hits like Mary Kom and Sarbjit.

Book Details
Publisher: HarperCollins
Language: ‎English
Paperback: ‎276 pages
Price: INR 599

This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program.

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