asian literature
The Caspian That Flies by Dhruv Dhakad is an imaginative, ambitious, and deeply layered fantasy novel that will appeal to young readers and fans of mythical superhero adventures. Spanning 31 chapters, the book presents the thrilling journey of Franklin, a senior editor and bestselling author, whose life transforms overnight when he discovers his hidden identity as a Caspian – a powerful creature with dragon-like wings, tiger claws, eagle eyes, and supernatural abilities including super speed, shape-shifting, memory absorption, and teleportation.
The novel opens with an ordinary Monday in Franklin’s life, subtly hinting at his love for mythical creatures and books on legends. Dhakad’s writing captures this transformation from mundane reality to magical grandeur with remarkable clarity. Franklin’s accidental discovery of his powers – from running faster than a taxi to lifting dumbbells with a single finger – is narrated with wit and authenticity, evoking child-like wonder.
As Franklin’s powers grow, he discovers he is destined to rule the Caspian Land, a hidden world in the sky inhabited by Caspians like him. The author skilfully builds this parallel world with sagely guides, floating lands, elemental guardians, powerful enemies like the Power Hurlers and Black Monsters, and a rich Caspian language that adds depth to the lore. Dhakad’s imagination flows freely in these pages, evident in the detailed description of the Caspian school, sword fights, training sequences, and philosophical conversations about power, responsibility, and destiny.
One of the strengths of The Caspian That Flies lies in its episodic, game-like storytelling structure. Franklin’s quest involves overcoming multiple guardians representing elements like fire, water, ice, earth, wind, and thunder. Each chapter brings a new boss fight, reminiscent of fantasy video games, which maintains engagement and excitement for young readers. His encounters with characters like the elemental brothers, werewolves, dragonsmiths, and the sorcerer protector of the Spear of Harmony, add layered complexity to the narrative.
The writing style is simple and direct, making it accessible to middle-grade readers. Dialogues are crisp and frequently peppered with humour and quick comebacks, adding relatability. The scenes are described vividly, whether it is the terrifying roar of a giant tiger, the tactical Caspian sword moves, the mind games during teleportation duels, or the philosophical teachings about peace and power by the sagely guides.
However, the book occasionally suffers from a lack of narrative restraint. The episodic structure, while exciting, becomes repetitive towards the end, and some battles feel rushed, lacking emotional depth. Additionally, while Dhakad’s world-building is robust, character development beyond Franklin remains thin. His friends, trainers, and allies often function as plot devices rather than deeply explored characters. A stronger emotional connect with supporting characters could have elevated the stakes during battles and personal struggles.
That said, The Caspian That Flies is an impressive achievement for Dhruv Dhakad. The final chapters culminate in a powerful climax, as Franklin confronts the monstrous five-element wielder with his evolved identity as a Haripen Caspian – one who possesses multiple elemental powers. The moral undertone about courage, teamwork, ethical leadership, and standing up against evil runs consistently across the narrative. Moreover, Dhakad’s use of Japanese, Chinese, and fictional Caspian scripts in describing powers and creatures gives a multicultural feel to the lore, making it relatable to Indian fantasy readers exposed to anime, manga, and global fantasy franchises.
Overall, The Caspian That Flies is a delightful read for teenagers and young adults who love stories of transformation, hidden powers, epic battles, and fantasy adventures rooted in self-discovery and responsibility. Despite minor structural repetitions, the sheer creativity, detailed fight sequences, and the moral fabric make this book a worthy addition to contemporary Indian fantasy literature for young readers.
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Recommended for readers aged 12+ who enjoy fantasy quests, superhero journeys, and imaginative world-building with an Indian-English narrative touch.
Book Title: The Caspian That Flies
Author : Dhruv Dhakad
Book Purchase link: Amazon
