Fact or Fiction?
...the truth behind The Indus Star
Dear Adventurers,
As the excitement from the launch of The Indus Star continues to build, I wanted give you a glimpse into something that often intrigues readers—what in the book is rooted in reality, and what is purely a product of my imagination. The Indus Star blends historical facts with creative fiction, drawing from actual historical and cultural details, while weaving in elements of myth and adventure.
Over the next few newsletters, I'll be taking you behind the scenes, highlighting the real-life history, archaeological discoveries, and cultural details that inspired the story, as well as the creative liberties I took to bring the narrative to life.
And if you haven’t already done so, check out the “fact vs fiction” behind The Imperial Alchemist and The Golden Khan here.
SPOILER ALERT: PLEASE DO NOT READ ON if you haven’t finished The Indus Star, as the following will spoil the story for you!
🤔 Fact or Fiction 1: Did the Indus Valley Civilisation really invent the world’s first toilet? 🚽
Yes, the Indus Valley Civilisation, which thrived around 2500 BCE, is credited with creating one of the world’s first known toilets. Their advanced urban planning included sophisticated drainage systems and indoor flush toilets connected to an underground network of brick-lined sewers. These innovations highlight the civilisation's remarkable engineering skills and emphasis on hygiene, setting them apart as pioneers in public sanitation long before other ancient cultures.
🤔 Fact or Fiction 2: Was India as wealthy as described in The Indus Star, prior to colonisation?
Yes, India was incredibly wealthy before the arrival of colonial powers. The region was known for its prosperous trade in spices, textiles, and precious stones, including the fabled wealth of its empires like the Mughals. India’s cities were centers of culture, learning, and innovation, contributing significantly to the global economy.
If you haven’t yet, check out the newsletter I wrote about the different Global Superpowers Through the Ages, highlighting how the largest economies of the world have changed significantly throughout the centuries.
🤔 Fact or Fiction 3: Did the diamond, the Indus Star, really exist?
The diamond The Indus Star is a product of fiction, inspired by the legendary gemstones that have played significant roles in India's history, like the Koh-i-Noor. Even so, the story of the Indus Star is woven from real historical and mythological narratives of precious jewels that were symbols of power, wealth, and intrigue.
What did you think of these 3 intriguing details from the book? Are there other aspects of The Indus Star that you're curious about? Let me know, and I'll dive into them in the next email! 🤓
📚 Discounted Paperbacks & Hardcovers
If you missed this last month, check out the discounted paperback bundle and hardcover bundle, now available exclusively on my website. Use the codes below to get your bundles for 25% off:
📚Georgia Lee Adventure Series Paperback Bundle (Books 1-3)
US$57.48US$43.11- use this 25% off coupon code at checkout: 37R6V2JSFJ📚Georgia Lee Adventure Series Hardcover Bundle (Books 1-3)
US$85.97US$64.48- use this 25% off coupon code at checkout: 6XHBWACI9V
Of course, you can also get single print copies of each of the books, and there’s also a 25% discount on The Imperial Alchemist:
📖The Imperial Alchemist Paperback
US$17.50US$13.12 - use this 25% off coupon code at checkout: 8MOQBP0OQB📖The Imperial Alchemist Hardcover
US$25.99US$19.49 - use this 25% off coupon code at checkout: F3S69E7Q41
Something to Read:
“Until the discovery of diamond mines in Brazil in 1725, with the sole exception of a seam of black diamond crystals found in the mountains of Borneo, all the world’s diamonds came from India.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating story of Koh-i-Noor (something discussed at length in The Indus Star), check out William Dalymple and Anita Anand’s Koh-i-Noor: The History of the World’s Most Infamous Diamond. This meticulously researched book traces the tumultuous history of the Koh-i-Noor, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world.
Dalrymple and Anand dive deep into the diamond’s origins, its journey through the hands of various rulers and empires, and the legends that have surrounded it for centuries. From the Mughal emperors to British royalty, the Koh-i-Noor's story is steeped in drama, conflict, and symbolism.
For anyone interested in the darker side of history, imperialism, and the enduring allure of treasure, Koh-i-Noor offers a captivating and enlightening read.
Until next month,
A. H. Wang
This Month’s Book Promos
Latest Instagram Posts
Come visit me on Instagram or Facebook to have a look at some of the behind-the-scenes pics and stories!
Follow
Follow me on Bookbub
Follow me on Amazon
Find me at www.ahwangauthor.com