Book Review - Tantra

Book title : Tantra

Author : Adi

Published by : Apeejay Stya Publishing

Anu is a leather wearing, no-nonsense professional guardian with a reputation for killing the most dangerous vampires in New York City. But when her enemies murder the one person she truly cared about, all she wants is vengeance. The only clue points to New Delhi, so Anu puts in for a job transfer.
In India, she finds more than she expected. For one thing, her fellow operatives have made a truce with the vampires. For another, it’s way too hot to wear leather.
At first, it seems Anu’s biggest challenge will be evading the nice boys her aunt wants her to marry. But when children start disappearing, she discovers forces older and darker than anything she’s faced before. All of Delhi is in danger, especially the sexy stranger who sets Anu’s pulse racing.
To prepare for the coming battle, Anu must overcome her personal demons and put aside years of training. This time, her most powerful weapon will come from her mind, not her weapons belt.




India is more about ghosts and spirits. Those are the thrillers we usually expect. But the author has taken a pretty fresh take here in terms of Indian standards by introducing vampires, that too in a place like Delhi. We have been familiar with the blood-suckers, the human ones here in the capital city, but not the vampire version of it!

The lead Anu is a fearless 'pardesi ladki' who comes to India with a transfer from her Guardian circle to combat the vampires of India. Her own secret mission based on pure vengeance is what she has to hide, while she targets the vampire kingdom in India. All the adjusting that takes for a person on coming to India is well verbalized.

The juxtaposition of mythology that screams India and the fantasy of vampires which is a new territory is mentionable. The idea is pretty fresh and surely attracts readers. I like the way the author has also put in fragments of Indian culture in parts where Anu has to keep mailing her mother, as formal may it be; about her well-being and her aunt trying to get her to tie a knot with an Indian guy.

The dry humor is refreshing and different from most Indian authored-novels. Being a reader who has her own reservations about books like these, i would say the book was different, but failed to grip me to it as i expected. The beginning could have been better to keep the attention of the reader intact because i had to compel myself for the beginning pages.

But overall, an interesting read for readers who are fascinated by the world of fantasy, and vampires in particular, because imagining a place like Delhi we know crawling with vampires, with a lady-hunter set to hunt them down is an adventurous thought!!!

Price : Rs.195

Pages : 335

My Rating : 2 on 5

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Book Review - Words To Inspire The Winner in YOU

Book title : Words To Inspire The Winner in YOU

Author : Dr. Roopleen

Published by : Power Publishers

We all aspire to achieve our goals and fulfil our dreams. But working towards goals is not easy. Enroute to success you will encounter hurdles, obstacles and rough patches. The down times can get really down and dishearten you.Setbacks and disappointments are an integral part of life there is no escaping them. While you cannot change your circumstances or bypass the hurdles, you can brace yourself up against the difficult times by maintaining a positive frame of mind and being determined to keep going against all odds.When the going gets tough and you are overwhelmed by the rough times, all you need is something to encourage you and keep you going. Words to inspire the winner in you will do exactly that. This collection of author’s original motivational quotes will lift up your spirits, inspire you and put you back on track.


We Indians, especially are very prone to falling prey to the herd mentality. Taking risks and following the path less traveled is tougher than it looks for us, thanks to some people who bring us down, intentionally or otherwise. But the generation today is not afraid to go against the usual norms and run that extra mile to achieve their goals and dreams.

In this direction, books like these do help to keep us going. You never know when and which quote will spring you back in action and get you back in alignment with your goal. I personally think every bit of inspiration you can get from any source is worth it and will definitely help in shaping your mindset.

Dr. Roopleen has done a beautiful job of collecting all her positive thoughts into one inspiring bundle. Some of them are pretty common which you hear often, maybe in not those very words. But then there are some quotes which i really liked and it did motivate me.  The liking of the quotes depends on person to person since everybody is in a different situation and going through different phases in life.  Hence each one will relate more to the ones that apply to them in real life.

The ones i really liked are -

• Constant wishing won't make you successful but sustained efforts will.
• Visualize your life through your eyes, not as others see you.
• Motivation begins in the mind and helps you pull through the daily grind.
• There are no real limitations. Man defines his own limitations.
• Fear ends when faith takes over. Doubts end where determination takes over.
• If you want to excel, you need to go beyond the ordinary.Get out of your comfort zone. Dare to jump your barriers.

I did not find the quotes by the author very catchy. None that will stick to my mind and make me quote it somewhere. But from this book people will definitely take the meaning and motivation with them once they are done with the book. These are words which you can read to be motivated when you are down but not really remember it.

Overall, a good, inspiring read and definitely something you should lay your hands on especially if you're in a rut or so that you don't fall in one!

About the Author - 

Dr. Roopleen is an eye surgeon, motivational counselor and speaker. She is the author of Principles of Success Made Easy - 14 Easy Steps to Climb the Ladder of Success.

A hard core optimist and a firm believer of the power of positive thinking, Roopleen is passionate about serving people and being able to make a difference in their lives. Her vision is to inspire people to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams and live a meaningful life.

Her ideology in life and her blood group happen to be the same: ‘B-POSITIVE!’

Price : Rs.200

Pages :160

My Rating : 3 on 5

This review is a part of the biggest Book Reviews Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books at Blogadda.

 

Book Review - Spicy Bites of Biryani

Book title : Spicy Bites of Biryani

Author : Ashwina Garg

Published by : Srishti Publishers and Distributors

Today's generation has diversified views over the topic of marriage. Gone are the days when marriage was decided by the families alone. Today people need a lot more than just matching horoscopes. People do not just depend on stars for compatibility, but prefer to decide it for themselves.

The author has done justice to all the characters involved in this masaledaar novel. Aditi Patil, the modern day strong woman who is living her dream of being a writer, without giving in to the herd mentality and standing up to do what she believes in. Having experienced a bad marriage incident, she now has only flings with men and does not believe in the sacred bond of marriage anymore. But then enters the US return Telugu guy who changes the way she sees her future.

Sanjay Bolisetti comes back to India from the US to find a girl for himself to settle with. Having had a bad break up after a long term relationship, he has trust issues, which soon disappears as he falls in for the beautiful Aditi and her charming lifestyle, in spite of having to deal with her innumerable ex-boyfriends.

Mayank and Jayshree Arora, the perfect Punjabi-Tamiliam couple who are friends with Sanjay and Aditi have their own company they work in, day and night! Hence having trouble finding time to enjoy, apart from Mayank's conservative family always complaining about it. With Jayshree missing the life she had with Mayank in US, she thinks twice before giving in to her husband's wish to have a baby.

The dilemma a person faces today in deciding his/her life partner is so well portrayed by the author. The confusions messing up the minds of people with the pressure of families and the society is aptly described. Scattered throughout the novel is the chemistry between a happy couple, their disagreements, the hurdles they cross, their attempts to revive the lost passion in their marriage.The mental transformations of Sanjay and Aditi is very interesting and sends the readers a message as to how when the right person comes along, anything is possible.

Over all, a fine book with quite a few spicy bites, but not enough to have you craving for more. The biryani bites were pretty yummy, but the last bite could have been better so that people could recommend the restaurant to more people. A better ending by the author would have done more justice to the novel instead of the abrupt climax. The highlights are however the inclusion of issues that most 'about-to' and 'married-for-a-few-years' couples face in real life. The solutions and the maturity with which it is to be handled is beautifully expressed.

For a light entertaining read, i would say - Go For It...!

                                            

 

  About the author - 

Ashwina Garg lives in Hyderabad with her husband and two kids. She studied accountancy and has worked as an entrepreneur, a German translator and a technical writer.

Price : Rs.150

Pages : 225

My Rating : 3 on 5

Book Review - Law Of Averages

Book title : Law Of Averages

Author : Kshitish Padhy

Published by : Paperclip Books

It is probably the dream of every person involved in the Comics industry to live the fantasy life they strive to write all their lives.They would probably go to any extent if they got a hint of the remotest possibility of experiencing it.

Same goes with Ritvik, the character around who this whole novel revolves. Smitten by Shubhangi, his love interest who is daughter to an eccentric man obsessed with hunting for treasures, Ritvik goes all hands and feet for winning her hand and pleasing his prospective father-in-law.

The law of Averages is according to me an average novel and a simple read. I personally would like to read a more refined version in terms of the choice of words and construction. I feel the sentences could have been crafted in a better way.

The creativity and the competition involved in the comic book industry was well brought into awareness by the author. The fact that e-books and memes and trolls seem to have taken up places of the simple comic stories that we have grown up with is alarming. The author succeeds in reminding us of those beautiful times back then when comic books were a craze. Collecting them and showing them off was one of the many obsessions people had towards it.

Anyway, the book is a light quick read with an unusual storyline, but the story telling could have been better. Not something i'll suggest for a fresh serious read, but ok for people who like to read light stuff.

About the author -

Kshitish Padhy is a scriptwriter, novelist and translator working on various genres like mythology,superhero fantasy, teen fiction and fiction for young adults.

Price : Rs.140

Pages : 248

My Rating : 2 on 5

Book Review - RIP by Mukul Deva

Book title : RIP

Author : Mukul Deva

Published by : Westland Ltd.

R.I.P. The Resurgent Indian Patriots. Self appointed guardians of a nation seething with anger at the endless scams and scandals rocking its very foundation. Vigilantes who vow to stop corrupt politicians and colluding civil servants. Even if it means killing them. Colonel Krishna Athawale and his team of Special Forces officers rally to protect the country from the enemy within. They call themselves the K-Team. And no one is safe from their deadly intent. Hellbent on stopping them is Raghav Bhagat, rogue para commando, gun for hire and Krishna’s bête noir. Caught in the crossfire is Vinod Bedi, Special Director CBI. Reena Bhagat, a glamorous news anchor, embittered by her husband’s betrayal. And two young boys, Sachin and Azaan, torn apart by the loss of a parent. It doesn’t get bigger.

In a country where corruption and dirty politics have become like a given, an unacceptably accepted scenario, a read like this was so refreshing. Just the thought of having a clean country with a good stable government, though at the cost of the lives of the corrupt was so very welcome. Makes you wish something like this really happened in our country. Made me wish Colonel Krishna Athawale was real.

The personal turmoil the people involved in defense might face has been portrayed very delicately. The acute qualities they develop, the amazing sensory abilities they possess is just amazingly described. The angst of losing a beloved, the anxiety of a bad relationship, the joy of finding new love, the blind trust shared between the team, the connection between true friends, the stress even kids go through is all excellently rendered by the author.


The dirty roots of corruption is so wide-spread in India, when dug you unearth so many filthy people with their hands soiled with the blood and sweat of more than one innocent common man. We need books like these to alert the people who still have not realized the gravity of the situation and inspire those who have.

Mukul Deva

This is my first read of a novel authored by Mukul Deva, and i must say i'm a fan already. A literal page-turner. It did compel me to keep the midnight oil burning. The characters are so well described. As you read on you tend to share their pain, their excitement, their joy, their frustration, their success and their mission!

The work is so professional and the scenes and characters so thoroughly described. You can feel the storm rise within you. His words succeed in making you a part of the rebellion. The silence pricked, the intensity felt and the war waged. I, for one, enjoyed this thrilling, race-pulsing, realistic fiction a lot and would surely put in a word to all my fellow readers to not miss it and grab a copy ASAP!

RIP ASAP!!!!!

Price : Rs.200

Pages :286

My Rating : 4 on 5

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books!  

Book Review - Once upon the tracks of Mumbai

Book title : Once Upon The Tracks Of Mumbai

Author : Rishi Vohra

Published by : JAICO Publishing House


It's not about the place Mumbai, or the railway tracks that spread like veins throughout the hands of this city. It's more about the fact that a lot can happen over the tracks of Mumbai. The world from the eyes of an autistic person is very well illustrated in this debut novel by Rishi Vohra.

Balwant Srivastav, aka Babloo, the autistic guy who tries to live his everyday life with a hope that it would change any moment. His very existence in the house next to the tracks, where he lives with his parents and a pampered brother, was neglected conveniently by them. His frustration and his love for the movies leads him to believe that someday his life would change and things would never be the same again.

Amongst the weirdness of the narrow minded society around him, Vandana is his only solace. The only friend he has who seems to understand the few words he manages to utter. The whole story revolves around him trying to be a better man so that he can live his dream life in future with her on the beach.

The rage, the frustration, the love, the thirst for serving justice, the drive to achieve something in life of a neglected, independent person who is not understood by the so-called 'well-wishing' members of the narrow-minded society is put forward very nicely by Rishi. The attempt to illustrate the lines on which most Indian people walk, willingly or unwillingly is appreciable. Imagining the world from an autistic person's perspective is very disturbing. The things they have to go through every single day, just because people do not support/understand their plight is a shame.

The book was kind of a drag in the beginning, but it catches pace after almost half of the book with the advent of the Rail Man, which is an interesting concept, but kind of reminded me of the SpiderMan. The explanations are very detailed and helps you visualize everything as though a movie is running in your head simultaneously. A one-time read for sure, but not a book for keeps though it succeeds in showing a lot of reality bites.

A good novel for a debut author, and would certainly love to read more by him in future.

About the Author...

Courtesy

Rishi Vohra recently relocated back to Mumbai after completing a Green MBA from San Francisco State University and a Masters Diploma in Environmental Law, prior to which he had a successful career in the Indian Entertainment Industry. After featuring as a guest columnist for various newspapers in India, he currently writes for delWine and is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW). 'Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai' is his first novel.

Do visit Rishi Vohra for further insights on this book and the author himself.

Price : Rs.175

Pages :266

My Rating : 3 on 5

Book Review - Wrong Means Right End

Book title :Wrong Means Right End

Author : Varsha Dixit

Published by : Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd.

After a failed marriage, Sneha, a single working mom, has no time, or inclination, for love. She resists every matchmaking attempt made by the overzealous Nandini, married to industrialist Aditya. But then the past intrudes in the form of the gorgeous and rich, Nikhil, who brings along Gayatri to break-up her ex-fiancé, Aditya’s marriage. Sneha enlists Nikhil’s help to salvage the situation. But how does she even talk to a man who clearly loathes her? As Nikhil and Sneha try to grapple with their egos and combustible chemistry, love blossoms.

Wrong Means Right End is a sequel to the bestselling novel Right Fit Wrong Shoe, with the same memorable, relatable and engaging characters. It is an exuberant story about love and friendship, filled with surprises and a wicked twist at every turn.

Every love story is different. And this one's too. People support second marriage, and is now a common phenomenon. But not many believe they can fall in love after a failed marriage. The past memories, the hurtful heart shuts tight letting no access to even the possibility of a hint of something comforting and genuine. 

The character of a divorced Sneha, who is a mother of a wonderful little kid Advey and that of divorced Nikhil are the most interesting ones. The tension, the chemistry between these two banks of the river is so intense. Will these banks ever meet is something you should read this book to find out for yourself. The friendship Sneha shares with her best friend Nandini, is so heart-warming that you feel like picking up your phone and abusing 'Kulta', 'Kameeni' to your best pal.

The author, Varsha Dixit does full justice in expressing the anguish and phases these people go through. The characters involved in this novel are those you can relate to in your everyday life. There's surely a face you can attach each character to, which makes you connect to it. The book comes alive with the way the author has described each and every situation, giving little scope to your imagination. Reading this book is like watching a good movie in your head.

Varsha Dixit

Every emotion is covered so beautifully here, that most people experience with the bunch of people they spend maximum time with. There's love, friendship, gossip, jealousy, revenge, pity, gratitude, guilt, kindness, loyalty, anguish, lust, want, need, hunger and what not! True love and true friendship has been dealt with such finesse it only makes you want to read more of it. The sexual tension between Sneha and Nikhil is really something and the author manages to capture your full attention and succeeds in running your imagination wild in a beautiful way. The unexpected roads taken by these people, and the crossroads where they meet and separate again, only to meet at yet another junction is a game you would enjoy being a part of immensely.

Over all, this book was a refreshing read after a long time. The style of writing can be related by the audience which makes it all the better. Grab a copy, i would suggest to all you suckers of romance and friendship before you hear everyone else talking about it! You don't want to be left out now, do you? 

Price : Rs.140

Pages : 311

My Rating : 4 on 5

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books! 

Book review - Zombiestan

Book title : Zombiestan

Author : Mainak Dhar

Published by : Duckbill Books and westland Ltd.

The War on Terror just took a terrifying new turn. It began with stories of undead Taliban rampaging through Afghan villages, and faster than anyone could have anticipated; the darkness spreads through the world.
In a world laid waste by this new terror, four unlikely companions have been thrown together- a seventeen year old boy dealing with the loss of his family, a US Navy SEAL trying to get back home, an aging, lonely writer with nobody to live for, and a young girl trying to keep her three year old brother safe.
When they discover that the smallest amongst them holds the key to removing the scourge that threatens to destroy their world, they begin an epic journey to a rumoured safe zone high in the Himalayas. A journey that will pit them against their own worst fears and the most terrible dangers- both human and undead.
 

The author, Mainak Dhar has succeeded in keeping you glued to the book by revolving the story around real life situations as well as spunking it up with a pinch of fantasy. The characters are diverse, which makes sure people from every age group relate to the book. The brave foreign soldier, the scared Indian teenager who turns into a Hero overnight, the helpless-yet-brave girl with her cute adorable mischievous little brother and the old lady who is a sucker for romance. 

As unrealistic as the name of this book screams, it's not hard to put yourself into the shoes of the characters in it. As you read the terror-struck state of India and the world, you begin to relate it to your present scenario, only worse. The word 'Zombie' which begins as a part of a game, takes no time in turning into harsh reality.


It's a perfect combination for a thrilling novel. There's bravery and vulnerability, there's love and hatred, there's humanity and violence, there's unity and diversity. The name of the book did not appeal to me at first, but the read got interesting right from the first few pages. The Zombies - the undead- the biters have been very interestingly and mysteriously presented in the novel. An idea never been read by me before. The whole journey of the changes seen in the Zombies as well as the people facing them has been worth the read.

Mr. Mainak Dhar has wonderfully captured the flavor of where the world is leading to in a fictional story. The book is a gripping read, but the idea of where our present worldly situations is leading us to, is not left untouched in the minds of people. I would say it's surely a different book with a unique take on zombies who wear black turbans and scream 'JIHAD' and bite people who turn into zombies in minutes! Outrageous, but interesting at the same time.

Similarly once someone sets hand on this book, it's surely gonna spread in the friend circle by the word of mouth or by literal passing of the book by hand!

Price : Rs.199

Pages : 248

My Rating : 3 on 5

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books! 

Book review - The Bankster

Book title : The Bankster

Author : Ravi Subramanian

Published by : Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd.

Bankers build their careers on trust, or so everyone thinks, till a series of murders threaten to destroy the reputation that the Greater Boston Global Bank (GB2) has built over the years. Who is behind these killings, and what is their motive? Is the banker at GB2 fast turning into a bankster? Or he was always one?

When Karan Panjabi, press reporter and ex-banker, digs deeper, he realizes that he has stumbled upon a global conspiracy with far reaching ramifications a secret that could not only destroy the bank but also cast a shadow on the entire nation. With only thirty-six hours at his disposal, he must fight the clock and trust no one if he is to stay alive and uncover the truth.

Spinning an intricate web of lies, deceit and treachery, bestselling author Ravi Subramanian, a master storyteller of financial crime and winner of the Golden Quill Readers Choice Award, returns with his most gripping thriller yet.

I have always thought of bankers to be those having a very boring professional life, but reading this book opened my eyes to those aspects of the field that i had no clue existed. Banks are associated first with money, and where there is money, there is deceit, fraud, competition, jealousy, greed and what not. Murder? Yes, that too! The fact that money is the root cause for all evil is portrayed excellently in 'The Bankster' by Ravi Subramanian.

The novel covers diverse topics. The scene of the story varies from amchi Mumbai to the peaceful Cochin to the beautiful Vienna and the dusty Angola. From high corporate parties to large scale village protests, the author manages to capture all the flavors of Indian brains beautifully while keeping the plot of the story very mysterious and brain-tickling right till the very end. Infidelity and commitment seems to be an irony at the end of this book somehow. The presence of non-Indian entities looting India, through Indians, of its deserving success is heartbreaking!

The story in most part of the book revolves within a web of many stories and you begin to wonder how all these are ever going to be related. As the story unfolds, slowly everything makes sense, things steam up and you can't wait to know what is up. This book starts a little slow and i had to struggle a little to keep the interest alive, but as it proceeded, i was hooked, and towards the end i was gripped and couldn't wait to finish it.

Mr.Ravi had a very good command over his knowledge in Banking and it certainly shows in his work. The whole book is a compilation of  intelligent and tricky moves and is also an eye-opener to people stepping into the corporate world today with whom-and-how-do-we-trust issues. Over all, a very interesting and intellectual read and definitely a book to grab from your nearest book store.

Price : Rs.250

Pages : 358

My Rating : 3.5 on 5

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books! 

The Devotion of Suspect X - A book review.

Book title : The Devotion of Suspect X.
Author : Keigo Higashino
Translated by : Alexander O. Smith with Elye J. Alexander.

Nothing quite makes sense, and it will take a genius to understand the genius behind this particular crime. One of the biggest-selling Japanese thrillers ever, and the inspiration for a cult film, The Devotion of Suspect X is now being discovered across the world. Its blend of a page-turning story, evocative Tokyo setting and utterly surprising ending make it a must-read for anyone interested in international fiction. 

Courtesy

A beautiful woman, Yasuko, who worked as a hostess in a nightclub before was now employed at a little lunch home called Benten-tei. She led a quiet life with her daughter Misato, after her past strenuous marriages. Everything seemed perfectly normal until her ex-husband Togashi comes looking for her to patch up things with the only motive of having her for the money she made. When she refuses to get back, he threatens her involving his step-daughter Misato, which somehow leads to his death, whose blood is now on the hands of Yasuko and little Misato.

Out of nowhere, Ishigami, a very quiet mathematician who lives next door comes knocking to find out if something's wrong. They get rid of him saying it's nothing, but soon they receive a phone call from him to inform them of his willingness to dispose the body. Yasuko is flabbergasted as to how he found out. So thus begins the whole story revolving around the three, and also the main detective Kusanagi, his assistant Kishitani and Yukawa, the Physics Professor who was also a college friend of Ishigami. The puzzle of the whole mystery is a total hit with a totally unimaginable mind-boggling ending.

The story is totally gripping from beginning to the end. And so cleverly plotted. It makes you wonder how normal people follow the herd mentality and the importance of thinking out-of-the-box. I could not find absolutely any loop holes in the story and was an extremely juicy read. You won't keep the book down until the last page. A definite page-turner, keeps you awake all night wondering what might happen next. The characters are well described making you feel as though you're actually a part of the scene and invisibly watching everything going on.

Also, the beautiful aspects of this novel are the way the beauty of science, the mutual respect among fellow geniuses, the spirit of competition has been expressed. The love a man can possess for a person. The flavor of love expressed here is one of a kind. The way the love is given, the way it is received, the way it is shared is really commendable. The struggle of a single mother, the affection and support of the people in her lives is brilliantly expressed. I personally would suggest everyone to lay their hands on this book as soon as possible.

Cost : Rs.199
Pages : 374
My rating : 4 on 5



This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books!