The book Taranauts - The Quest for the Shyn Emeralds by Roopa Pai was released by the author herself recently at the Reliance Time Out in a special event. This is the first book in the Taranauts series of fantasy adventure books for children.
 
Roopa said, “The young adventure fiction is much exciting and definitely fires the imagination of the children. The story is enjoyable. It is all about the journey of Taranauts in search of kidnapped stars. The book is full of fantasy and hence more appealing to kids."
She further added, "This book is the result of three months’ hard work and thinking process. All the elements which entertain the kids are included in the story. And you can expect the second book of the eight series in the month of February."

The book is meant for 8 to 12-year-olds and contains a fantasy-adventure story. All the action in the plot takes place in Mithya, a universe comprising eight worlds — Shyn, Dazl, Lustr, Glo, Syntilla, Shimr, Sparkl and Glytr. These worlds are sustained by 32 stars that make up Tara, the super sun of Mithya. They bob around in the endless ocean of Dariya, around the bad-tempered volcano, Kay Laas.

The real story begins when the 32 stars of Tara have been captured by the evil Shaap Azur and Mithya has been plunged into darkness. The only way to release the stars is to crack the 32 riddles that have been hidden in the eight worlds. But the talented and courageous three taranauts come forward to rescue all the stars. The book launch featured an interactive story enjoying session in which more than 30 kids actively took part. It also included quiz and puzzle-solving contests revolving around the story and its characters. The author Roopa Pai conducted the whole programme lively.

One of the parent at the event said, “I am eager to purchase this book as it comprised plenty of colourful characters and my daughter would definitely love this book.”