by Suresh and Jyoti, the Guptara Twins

The series is divided into sub-series to make the demanding plot and changing chronological order easier to follow.

Conspiracy of Calaspia forms a comparatively simple introduction to the multi-volume Insanity series, which has a world of intrigue, with an iceberg-like plot that broadens as you go deeper with each book in the series: The Conspiracy of Calaspia, as well as the subsequent books, are seen in a different light by a reader after each layer of truth becomes clear, and as a reader re-evaluates the characters, the story and the world.

The first such subseries, a quartet titled Bryn, follows the adventures of Bryn Bellyset, a thoughtful young Barue who, although heir to the Swigny (commercial) empire, grew up secluded from the fame and fortune of his family until he is of age - tradition decreed it.

But these rosy prospects are darkened by the stench of illusion and deception in Conspiracy of Calasia, which soon gives rise to danger of a far greater scale ...

All of the Insanity books (so far) are set in Calaspia, a fictitious world set in an alternate universe, as pertaining to the Guptara Twins' complex portrayal of their Multiverse.

They say that obsession is the root of genius and insanity
What do they know of Insanity and reality?
Heed not the words of the Wise, my son
Shield your ears from their foul lies
Avert your eyes from what they have done

- Brogan
(Roughly translated into English, from the original version in the High Tongue)


What is Insanity?

Nobody really knows, "although they liked to think they did". However, one thing everyone (sane) knows is that Insanity generally messes everything up, and is responsible for the madness of the Multiverse...


''A tale unknown to the masses, subtly influencing them throughout the ages, and yet one which remained undetected. Carefully hidden by a myriad of motivations for millennia, and in its turn revealed but disbelieved and scorned. This threat rarely surfaced in such a manner that you could see it, let alone do something about it, but when it did emerge, the faithful few fought bravely for Calaspia: you had to act both quickly and wisely, when both the wise and the quick seemed to have deserted you.
      Rulers knew nothing of the cosmic drama, although they liked to think they did; the wise, even the learned of Itrim, were as fools in the matter. This was indeed the story of Insanity.''

~
'' The countryside was agreeable, but he [Bryn] shivered when he imagined Ostentum crawling through the bushes and shoots being trampled by the Nurgor’s hoofs. The unbelievable contrast between last night’s horror and the untouched beauty of the landscape clashed in his mind. The scenery appeared surreal. Whether his imagination was playing with him or his eyes were simply so tired, everything appeared paler than it should have done. Nature looked ghostly, uninhabited as it was in the Season of Snow. Bryn couldn’t help thinking that the powers of Insanity had stolen over the land, leaving the appearance of life in a sallow imitation but killing the spirit; preserving the shell and corrupting the substance. ''

- Conspiracy of Calaspia (Bryn: Insanity, Book 1)