Maithili, Minotaur and the Mystery of the Misshapen Monsters [Review]

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Name: Maithili and the Minotaur: Dolls of Despair (Book 3 in the Outlandish Graphic Novel Series)
Author: C.G. Salamander
Illustrator: Rajiv Eipe
Publisher: Puffin; Penguin Random House India
Pages: 88 pages
Type: Paperback
Recommended Age: 10 years+

‘Dolls of Despair’ delivers another thrilling installment in Maithili’s adventures. Blending mystery, fantasy, and a dash of horror, Salamander and Eipe provide a fantastic flight of imagination that we have come to expect from the duo. From the opening pages, the readers are quickly plunged into a shadowy world where an enigmatic figure, claiming to be the vessel of “The Voice of All Beings,” sets the stage for Maithili’s next quest.

The story quickly immerses us in Maithili’s unsettling visions of a young boy surrounded by ominous clay figurines and rhythmic sounds. Despite the eerie atmosphere, Maithili’s determination shines through, propelling the narrative forward.

Meanwhile, her friends – led by the impatient and enthusiastic Nagesh, have already embarked on the quest with the map Mathili’s mother left for her. The quest leads them to the Cave of a Thousand Eyes, where they meet misshapen monsters that seem all out to devour them. These horrifying creatures, with their multitude of eyes and teeth, present a paradoxical nature – appearing simultaneously as many distinct entities and as a single, unified monster.

The illustrations by Rajiv Eipe are captivating. The written word and the graphic frames are just seamless in the way they narrate the story. But like any other good story, the standout element is the character development. Even the monsters in this book are hauntingly real, painted in complex shades of grey. The writing prowess shines in the portrayal of the vessel of “The Voice of All Beings”. Introduced with a blend of menace and melancholy, this character’s depth and sadness evokes unexpected sympathy, showcasing the authors’ skill. And it took them just three pages to do so. Also, the twist to the character and its identity was quite chilling.

Nagesh continues to be our favourite, with his imaginative translations of Wolfhound’s grunts and his boundless enthusiasm for adventure. I also particularly enjoyed the banter between Maithili and Minotaur where Maithili compares Minotaur to her mother for being super overbearing!

While the book takes on a slightly darker tone than its predecessors (you can read the reviews of Book 1 & Book 2 on our website), it maintains the series’ trademark blend of quirky characters. The story of the innocent boy, feels just too close to the truth of class. The conflict of the haves and the have-nots is quite dark, and yet the authors never lose focus that this is a book for children. Maithili remains an admirable protagonist, showcasing resilience, compassion, and quick thinking in the face of increasingly challenging obstacles.

And then the Xtra at the end of the story. Nagesh as the leader of esh. And of course they decide to take over the world. After all, esh does mean “Lord”

‘Dolls of Despair’ proves to be an engaging read for both young readers and adults, offering a mix of horror, fun, character growth, and imaginative storytelling that will leave fans eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

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Disclaimer: Mandira and her daughter are part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher. Mandira is the author of the award winning book Children of the Hidden Land. Her new release Muniya’s Quest for middle graders is getting rave reviews!