25 Tales of King Vikrama and the Vetala

25 Tales of King Vikrama and the Vetala | Indian Fantasy Retold for Young Adults

Format: Paperback
Pages: 284
Date of Release: 2024

Fantasy has always held a powerful place in Indian storytelling, and few collections are as thrilling and enduring as the tales of King Vikrama and the Vetala. Rooted in ancient Indian literature, these stories celebrate wit, courage, moral reasoning, and the power of intelligence over brute strength.

King Vikramaditya, the legendary ruler believed to have reigned over Malwa around 57–56 BCE, is portrayed as fearless, sharp-minded, and deeply principled. In this classic cycle of stories, King Vikrama is repeatedly challenged by a vetala—a mysterious spirit who inhabits corpses and poses riddles wrapped within gripping tales. Each time the vetala tells a story, it ends with a question. If the king knows the answer and speaks, the vetala escapes; if he stays silent, he fails his moral duty. What follows is a tense game of intellect, ethics, and survival, where one wrong move could mean death.

This retold edition for young adults presents all 25 tales in simple, engaging language, making these timeless stories accessible to modern readers. Enhanced with fantastic illustrations, the book draws readers into a world of suspense, riddles, fantasy, and imagination—while subtly imparting lessons about justice, wisdom, leadership, and human nature.

A perfect blend of entertainment and heritage, this book introduces young readers to one of India’s richest fantasy traditions. For those who enjoy this volume, 32 Tales of Vikramaditya’s Throne makes an excellent companion read.

Why this book stands out

25 classic Vetala tales in one engaging volume

Indian fantasy rooted in ancient storytelling traditions

Riddles, suspense, and moral dilemmas that sharpen thinking

Retold especially for young adults and teens

Illustrated to ignite imagination and curiosity

Celebrates the legendary wisdom and bravery of King Vikramaditya

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