Kochery C Shibu’s Amongst the Believers is a gripping, multi-layered thriller that seamlessly intertwines themes of love, betrayal, espionage, and suspense. Known for his compelling storytelling in his previous works Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar and Faith and the Beloved, Shibu takes readers on an emotionally charged and action-packed journey, blending complex characters with intricate geopolitical situations. The book has been awarded with Sahitya Sparsh Awards 2025 under Thriller category.
The novel is set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan and Ukraine, with shifting narratives that span across international borders, pulling the reader into the heart of global tensions. The story introduces three main protagonists—Nanda, Khusru, and Rekha—whose fates become intertwined in the most unexpected and dramatic of ways.
Plot Summary:
The book opens with Nanda, a man wrongfully accused of murder, who faces a dilemma that could cost him everything. He is offered an opportunity to join RAW, the Indian intelligence agency, and carry out a mysterious mission in Pakistan. This decision forces him into the precarious situation of creating a family only to destroy it as part of his covert assignment. Nanda’s character is marked by a sense of sacrifice, duty, and moral conflict as he grapples with his own conscience while navigating the labyrinth of espionage.
Meanwhile, Khusru, a disgraced terrorist on the run from his former handlers at the ISI, is caught up in gang wars in Karachi. His mission to escort the warlord’s daughter Miriam to Bosnia leads him through an intense series of events, taking him from Iran to Armenia and into Russian prisons. His journey is fraught with danger, and as he flees from one perilous situation after another, his story deepens into a personal exploration of loyalty, survival, and self-doubt.
Rekha’s narrative adds a layer of tragedy and obsession. A former dancer, she is entrapped in a toxic and obsessive relationship with Khusru. Even after her marriage and the birth of two children, she remains fixated on him. Her story takes a horrifying turn when she is kidnapped and ends up as a sex slave to teenage terrorists in Afghanistan. Rekha’s suffering serves as a poignant commentary on the devastating effects of terrorism, both on individuals and on the broader society.
At the heart of the story is a mysterious video, which links an Army officer to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, sparking a race among global intelligence agencies—ISI, Mossad, CIA, Russia’s FSB, and RAW—to capture it. This video holds the power to change the course of history, and it becomes the catalyst that drives the intertwining of these three characters.
The suspense escalates as the story delves deeper into the murky world of intelligence operations, terrorism, and international intrigue, leading to shocking revelations and a thrilling climax. The narrative constantly keeps the reader guessing, with multiple twists and turns that make Amongst the Believers an intense and captivating read.
Character Development:
One of the book’s strongest elements is its character development. Each character is fleshed out with their own motivations, flaws, and emotional journeys, making them deeply relatable and compelling. Nanda’s internal struggles, Khusru’s battles with loyalty, and Rekha’s tragic obsession form the emotional core of the novel. Shibu skillfully uses these characters to explore larger themes of love, sacrifice, duty, and the personal cost of war and violence.
The relationships between the characters are equally complex. Nanda’s moral dilemmas, especially when his duty to his country conflicts with his personal desires, adds an emotional weight to the story. Khusru’s pursuit of survival and Rekha’s desperate longing are painted with nuance, showing how love, or the absence of it, can drive individuals to extremes. The tragedy of Rekha’s character, in particular, becomes a powerful metaphor for the destructive nature of terrorism, not just on the societies it affects but also on the lives it ruins.
Writing Style and Structure:
Shibu’s writing is evocative and sharp, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the diverse settings of the novel. From the bustling streets of Karachi to the desolate warzones of Afghanistan, the author brings the geopolitical landscape to life. His background in defense and extensive travel are evident in the accuracy and depth of the settings, creating a world that feels both real and frighteningly plausible.
The narrative structure of the novel is complex but well-executed. The book jumps between characters and locations, with Shibu expertly balancing the multiple storylines. This approach may feel disjointed at times, but it adds to the suspense and drama, creating a sense of urgency and tension as the plot unfolds. The twists and turns are unpredictable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Themes and Messages:
At its core, Amongst the Believers is a meditation on the cost of war and the moral complexities of espionage. Shibu delves into the impact of terrorism, both on the global scale and on the personal level. The characters’ lives are shaped by forces beyond their control, with their actions often having far-reaching consequences. The novel explores the intricacies of loyalty, love, and betrayal, as well as the fine line between right and wrong in the context of espionage.
Moreover, the book touches on themes of identity and survival in a world where allegiances shift constantly, and where personal desires often conflict with national interests. The ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonists are particularly poignant in a world where loyalty to one’s country can sometimes come at the cost of personal values and family.
Conclusion:
Amongst the Believers is a thrilling, well-researched, and emotionally resonant novel that tackles complex issues such as terrorism, espionage, and the personal toll of global conflicts. Kochery C Shibu weaves a tale that is not only filled with suspense but also rich with human emotions and dilemmas. His ability to create intricate plots and multifaceted characters makes this book a standout in the genre of international thrillers.
For readers who enjoy fast-paced action, deeply emotional character arcs, and explorations of love, duty, and betrayal, Amongst the Believers is a must-read. It is a powerful, thought-provoking narrative that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
Buy Book: https://www.amazon.in/dp/8196370407