Book Description

This is the epic story of a man who defied all odds and rose to become the founder of the mighty Mangkunegaran dynasty - a kingdom whose power rivaled that of the largest kingdoms in all of Java. Raden Mas Said was a boy born into political intrigue, as an outcast in the Palace of Kartosuro in 1728. But he was not one to be held down by his circumstances. With the unwavering support of his grandmother and uncle, he fought to carry on his father's legacy and prove to the world that he was destined for greatness. However, greatness would not come easily. With his small force of army, Said had to face three archenemies at once: the powerful kingdoms of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, as well as the formidable Dutch trading company, VOC. With each victory, his might more undeniable that his enemy named him pangeran samber nyawa, the prince of soul snatcher. And then there was the matter of Rubiyah - the wife who held the “light” to Said's path to become the king of Java. Their union was anything but simple. Twisted between lust and political interests, he made her entangled in a battle for his love and attention where she had to go against the Javanese woman expected to be. This historical novel draws on the transcription of the Babad Lelampahan written by Raden Mas Said, as well as the insights of influential Javanese historians, to vividly bring to life the epic story of this legendary figure.