Welcome to my corner of the ancient world. I'm Jay Penner — bestselling author of historical fiction set in ancient Egypt, Rome, Mesopotamia, and India.
A thrilling Adventure in Mauryan India
4.7/5!
🙏🏽 Namaste India.
🇮🇳 Not many novels are set in ancient India, and even fewer in an exciting era a few years after Alexander the Great’s death when Chandragupta Maurya ascended the throne. With “Maurya” come on an epic journey in this ancient historical fiction that pits clever adversaries against each other. Featuring Seleucus, Chanakya/Kautilya, and Chandragupta Maurya, come on a diabolical adventure where deception is at every turn. This is an adventure you do not want to miss! Read. Tell your friends too.
Background
The Mauryan empire of ancient India is an epochal moment in Indian history. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya after the overthrow of the Nanda dynasty ruler Dhana Nanda (Augrasainya), the empire reached its zenith under his grandson Ashoka (Ashoka the Great), spanning from Afghanistan, to the eastern borders of India, and all the way to the South to the modern state of Karnataka. Taken together, the Mauryan empire’s geographical coverage at Chandragupta’s time was greater than the combined approximate size of modern Iraq, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Greece, Macedonia. And it became even larger during his grandson’s time.
Further Reading
- Chandragupta Maurya in Greek and Roman Historical Sources — What did Strabo, Plutarch, Arrian, and Justin actually say about Chandragupta Maurya? Examining the real ancient sources on India's first emperor.
- Cleopatra - Queen of Egypt, and Her Unfortunate Portrayal — Cleopatra ruled Egypt for 21 years, had children with two Roman generals, and survived constant palace intrigue. A timeline-based rebuttal of the seductress myth.
- Hiranyakashipu and Narasimha: An Ancient Indian Myth — A demon king made himself nearly unkillable with divine boons—but Narasimha, the lion-man avatar of Vishnu, found every loophole. A retelling from Hindu mythology.
- Wait, What? — Bust some wild social-media claims about the ancient world.
Whispers of Atlantis ● Book 3 of 7 ● Also in paperback
Lost cities. Buried armies. Ancient secrets. Seven thrilling tales where fact meets fiction.
Maurya ★★★★★
Who's lying?
When a powerful Indian emperor threatens the Seleucid dominion, Deon and Eurydice must venture into a perilous, unfamiliar land where wit is as lethal as the sword—and a single miscalculation invites terrible ruin.
About the Author
Jay Penner's highly-rated books regularly feature Amazon's category bestseller lists. Try his Spartacus, Cleopatra, Whispers of Atlantis, Hannibal or Dark Shadows books.
