He was the son of the fierce Durga and three-eyed Shiva. He was born, he lived, and he would die, if need be, for a divine purpose--to kill the Soul Stealer Surapadma's reign of terror flourishes and the fate of all creatures--mortal and immortal--hangs in the balance. Shiva's son, Kartikeya, must destroy several formidable asuras before he can confront the Soul Stealer and savethe dying, gasping universe. But Kartikeya, whisked away by mysterious forces to live amidst birds and beasts on a bleak mountainside, is ignorant of his destiny, and struggles to learn his identity. Not even the gods--Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva--come to his aid. He can win the final battle only if he can discern his enemy's weakness and his own inner strength. Will Shiva's son rise to the challenge before it is too late? The world waits with bated breath. . .