Friday, April 27, 2018

Eldritch Chronicles - A New Beginning By Vimanika Comics

I have read around 7-8 comics by Vimanika Comics till now, except Kaged Muscles, others were based on Hindu mythology. Kaged Muscles was not able to impress me as good as mythological ones. Their mythological series are far better. But I was proven wrong when I read Chronicles of Eldritch by them.


Chronicles of Eldritch is the story of a dystopian world, where the war between countries is common. Most of the world is ruled by local warlords. Antagonist organization called Scarlet Syndicates rule these nations by provoking wars & supplying weapons. You can consider GIJoe kind of situation. In that harsh world, there are some magicians who have superhuman powers. Scarlet Syndicate is on a continuous mission to hunt these mages. These mages are the only hope for the world. There are some young mages who join this mage organization know as 'Eldritch Chronicles". To know more check out comic.

Now considering writing style it is written for middle grade4rs & YA. Language is simple & proper (no abusive language). The concept is a mixture of Hary Potter, G. I. Joe & X-men but I didn't mean it is stolen. The plot is still different.

The artwork is always plus point of Vimanika so I don't need to give emphasis on that. Also, the quality of books is also awesome. A sure show recommendation for kids. I would like to know what will happen in next part.

Talking about ratings
  1. Cover - 4.5/5
  2. Artwork - 4/5
  3. Concept - 3/5
  4. Characters - 3/5
  5. Overall - 3.75/5
Book can be found at Amazon
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Samarsiddha by Sandeep Nayyar

Last Diwali I started taking review request in Hindi language but I was not getting up to the mark book in Hindi. I have review 3-4 books ins last 5 months but Samar Siddha was the only book in Hindi which has provided enough fuel to my reader's engine. The books I read till now were lacking interest portion or seriousness portion. Samar Siddha was able to touch them. And I am happy with the reading experience.


Book Blurb
"Love, betrayal, sword battles, supernatural rituals and enchanting beauty of the courtesans Vaishali and Amodini!"
Samarsiddha is a story of complex social dynamics in the land of enigmatic India in 8th century BC. In a patriarchal society ruled by the king and his men, a woman, exploited and shattered, rises from the ground to counter not only the men and the society but also the underlying ailing ideology. Read how she devoted her life to spiritual practices to gain divine powers to counter the mighty kingdoms. Find out how her razor sharp goal of revenge carries her from being a beautiful Brahmin girl to a Chandaal warrior with bloodthirsty soul.


Samar Siddha started with two different stories. One is about a Brahmin girl Shatvari and another about Nishad King Neel. Shatrvari was the daughter of a well-educated & well-respected "Acharya". Her upbringing was done with proper value system & education. She learned (from her father) that anyone with the hunger for knowledge should be given chance irrespective of his/her cast. She encouraged her ox-cart driver a low cast guy to get knowledge of Vedas from her father and musical training from herself. Her life was changed after her marriage. Neel recently accepted kingship after his the death of his father. His kingdom was frequently attacked by neighboring kingdom of Dakshini Kaushala. He went to the capital of enemies in disguise to learn about them but he was caught by soldiers. his army chief who was handling kingdom in his absence got the message from "Uttara Kaushala" about Neel's kidnapping. They agreed with Uttara Kaushala's strategy to get Neel back.

I like the way the author has maintained pace, interest & storyline. I didn't feel bored even for a minute while reading. Some of the lines were worth quoting for. The author has used burning issue of ancient and modern India and showed a wonderful drama around the same. Author has maintained tempo throughout the story. I personally liked the character of Shatvari & Neel.

Talking about the ratings
  1. Cover - 4/5 (I liked the previous cover as well)
  2. Characters - 4/5
  3. Content - 3.5/5
  4. Overall - 4/5
Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

"Agniputr: When Agni First Spoke" by Vadhan

A fiery castle in a well-designed cover, a mythological and full of suspense colophon, but most importantly Bloomsbury  (I still love reading Harry Potter), I set to immerse myself in the book that I wanted to read for a really long time. Indeed, the first three pages were enough to blow me away.


Book Blurb
When ace lawyer, Raghuram Surya, received an order of requisition from the Government of India for his ancestral castle, he was unaware of the Sutram beneath it or his own legacy. 

He will have to choose between the world’s end or his own.
Before long, the lawyer takes on India’s most powerful politician, Kiromal, a man utterly obsessed with power. Kiromal and his sinister Tantric advisor intend to use the evil beneath the castle to play God.
Raghuram finds an ally in Sheila, a scientist who is tasked to investigate the Sutram. Using Quantum science to interpret a Vedic verse, they have to unravel the secrets of creation to stop the destruction. Through it all, they have to be one step ahead of Kiromal just to stay alive. 
Now is the time of final reckoning. Will Kiromal harness the evil to rule the world? 
Or will the Sutram break free to eradicate the planet? 
Or, are Raghuram and Sheila merely pawns in an even deadlier game?
Overall Verdict:- An engaging multi-genre read

“Agniputr..” interweaves genres of mythology, fiction, suspense, political thriller, fantasy, sci-fi and more to give us a story that keeps us occupied throughout the book. 

We have the unspeakable apocalyptic beneath-the-earth evil “Sutram” which is biding its time.   Fear and death surround it, as every now and then someone dies and disappears. Sheila and Raghuram Surya want to destroy it and thwart the powerful politician Govind Kiromal and his Tantric advisor who want to harness it to become all-powerful. 

The book is written in a third person narrative. The pace and the storyline keep you engrossed wanting for more. There are times where the sequences so abrupt and sudden that you might be tempted to see if you have missed something. But going forward everything settles in and you are able to connect the dots. The ending felt rushed and it could have been written at the same pace as with the rest of the book. 

The characters are well written and you are able to visualize them effortlessly. Personally, I felt that the antagonists were comparatively well written than the protagonists. Govind Kiromal and the Tantriks play their part flawlessly. There are times where Sheila’s sudden mood swings hamper the flow. Also, some normal life sequences might seem too rushed, especially when it comes to the chemistry between Raghu and Sheila. An occasional chunk here and there, Raghuram Surya is able to execute his part well. None of the supportive characters are overused.

Overall the author is able to successfully deliver a story that keeps you on the edge and captures your attention throughout.

For Vadhan’s gripping diversified genre combo my overall rating would be 4/5.

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Nautanki Diaries - A Travelogue of Dominic Franks

A really pink puppet show themed cover having a cycling man dangled by strings, a colophon describing the book to be a travelogue, but most importantly the use of word Nautanki (mischief). In times where everyone documents their travel experiences through blogs, I wondered what lay inside, as, on top of it, the genre also mentioned non-fiction yet had mischief in its title.


Book Blurb
Nautanki Diaries sits comfortably in the travelogue niche, yet in the best traditions of travel writing, it does much more than just describe the passing scenery. With candour and a quirky sense of humour, the author carries the reader on a twenty-two-day journey on a cycle from Bengaluru to New Delhi, aiming to reach in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

As a schoolboy, Dominic Franks looked up to his sports coach, Shikaari, as a mentor and inspiration. Shikaari inadvertently planted the seed of a journey that he himself had made in 1982 in his young student’s mind. Eventually, the author decides to use the same sort of ‘doodhwallah’ bicycle and names her Nautanki.
Replete with anecdotes and (un)conventional wisdom gleaned from the conversations he has along the way, Nautanki Diaries is a ‘cycling book’—one that allows the reader to share the intricacies of cycling as a sport, as meditation in motion and as a craft.
As for Nautanki—she plays her role perfectly, in true heroine style, right till her very last act. 

Overall Verdict:- Saddle up and enjoy the Nautanki

“Nautanki Diaries” is a travelogue of Dominic Franks where inspired by his mentor he decides to journey from Bengaluru to Delhi to attend 2010 Common Wealth Games on a cycle who he fondly christens as “Nautanki” along with a crew who documents it as the journey progresses.

Dominic Franks has documented his gritty, colorful and soulful journey in a manner that is simple yet humorous. The manner in which it all starts with a whim, the preparations for the same, the different stages of the journey is written in an engrossing manner where we can relate ourselves.

From his encounters with different people from various cultures to the simple tea and cigarette breaks of the journey, the author is able to describe the same effortlessly. The transition from state to state is seamless. 

“Nautanki Diaries” is written in first person narrative. The chapters are dated well and there exists no dragging throughout the book. Personally, I felt the epilogue was overdramatized as compared to the rest of the book. But other than that the book is a delightful read and we are left mesmerized with the scenic journey that we take along with the author, both outside and inside.

This was my first book in this genre and all in all it was perhaps an adventure for me too. And I am glad and honored that I was able to do the same through the words of Dominic Franks.

For Dominic Franks’ well-written travelogue, my overall rating would be 4/5.

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Friday, April 13, 2018

Book Review - Ravanaleela - The One Who Forced God to Become Human

I have first seen "Ravanaleela" by Radha Viswanath's poster on Twitter by Rupa Publication. I was instantly attracted to the book. I have Asura by Anand Neelakantan which is highly praised work. Somehow I felt that this book is another try to show Ravana as a hero. 

Book Blurb
Ravana, perhaps the most popular Rakshasa in Indian mythology, is known as the villain in the Ramayana and the epic would not have been what it is without this great Rakshasa.
Yet Ravana is much more than a mere abductor. Born out of the union of a Rishi and Rakshasi, a devout Shiv-bhakt and a mighty king, Ravana is no ordinary Rakshasa.
This book attempts to bring out a comprehensive and well-rounded character of Ravana. The various little dots of information about the Rakshasa king as given in Valmiki Ramayana have been picked with care, collated and compared with presentations in several other versions of the Ramayana, and the long, hoary lineage of the demon king painstakingly put together to present this villain of villains as a legend worthy of greater attention
The story started with Ravana or I would say Dashagreeva's maternal grandfather Sumali & his brother. After getting boons from Brahma, they have spread havoc in the world. Due to that, devas have to interfere. On request of Deva, Lost Vishnu fought against them and killed the rakshasa warriors, except Sumali. They have been thrown out of their home, Lanka. Sumali (a lone male survivor of the war) took the family of three brothers and lived in Naga-log for years. To take revenge on Devas & get Lanka back, Sumali sent Kaikashi to Rishi Vishrava to have combine progeny of Brahmana & Rakshasha. She had three sons & a daughter. Gradually Dashagreeva came to know about his mother's tragic past and decided to fulfill his mother's wish. He went for Tapasya with his brothers Kumbhakarna and Vibheeshana. But after Tapasya of 100 years, when they got their boon they felt cheated. Ravana was the only one who got a boon which can be beneficial to his mission, his brother Kumbhakarna got Eternal sleep as a boon. Even with all the odds, he was able to establish his iron-clad rule throughout Bharat Varsha. I would suggest you check the book for more.

Some points which I would like to share
  • Book has portrayed Ravana as a neutral character, not a villain like Ramayana or Victim like Asura
  • The author has given more emphasis on the mental turmoil of Ravana and each of the character from his side (Kaikashi, Sumali, Kumbhakarna etc)
  • The author was able to show how it will be felt to be betrayed by Gods or our own 
  • Though Ramayana is lengthy in size, this book covers only Ravana related incidents.
  • The pace of the book (at some places) & the naration style is slow which could be faster and more interesting.
Overall it is a wonderful experience for me.

Talking about ratings
  1. Cover - 4.5/5
  2. Characters - 4.5/5
  3. Content - 3/5
  4. Overall - 4/5
Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Empire of the Gods & Creation of Universe God or Big Bang

Ever since I read "The Evolution of Gods" I got a liking for this genre specific to the history of mankind & gods. So I took two books in similar line "Empire of The Gods" by Rajendra Kher and "Creation of Universe God or Big Bang" by Keerthi Kumar Patangay. The first one was more towards accepting Gods existence whereas the later one was more towards our Vedic literature's support for the creation of the universe. As both books have similar background I am combining their reviews.


Talking about the content of "Empire of the Gods", it is two third factual & one-third spiritual. The first part "Were the devas Aliens?" talks about myth & fact behind their existence. It has discussed various conspiratory sculptures, idols, patterns spread across the earth to explain some in-humane or hard to believe points. The second section is covering how the universe, earth framed out in brief then book talks about Gods role & formation. In last two chapter content becomes more spiritual and practical self-help in nature than the scientific.

I enjoyed first 11 chapters. From 12th to 20th chapter, I felt a little bit bored due to my disliking for said genre. Overall an average read for serious readers. Talking about ratings
  1. Cover - 3/5
  2. Content - 3/5
  3. Overall - 2.5/5

Book can be found at Amazon
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads


Unlike the previous book, "Creation of Universe God or Big Bang" is more prepared with help of Vedic literature starting from Rigveda, Upnishada & Samhitas. Author has also taken some portion of Bibel and Quran in context of Universe Creation. My personal favorite was the chapter where the author has discussed 10 mysteries that we are scientifically not able to solve fully.

I enjoyed this book more than "Empire of the Gods". Talking about ratings
  1. Cover - 3/5
  2. Content - 3.5/5
  3. Overall - 3/5
Book can be found at Amazon
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Moorehaven Mysteries - Book 1 - Smugglers & Scones by Morgan Talbot

I have received the copy of "Smugglers & Scones" by Morgan Talbot from the author in exchange for an honest review.


Book Blurb
Pippa Winterbourne runs Moorehaven, the Oregon Coast’s quirkiest bed-and-breakfast and former home of world-famous mystery writer A. Raymond Moore. Guests come there to write their own crime novels. When a real-life murder takes a local’s life and washes a handsome boat pilot into her arms, Pippa is yanked into a deadly plot of her own. A tangle of secrets crashes past into present, and Pippa must uncover clues dating back to Seacrest’s Prohibition days, including a secret Moore himself hid from the world.

Juggling her book-writing guests, small-town intrigues, secret club agendas, and a possibly fatal attraction, Pippa must sort fact from fiction to know who to trust before a desperate killer claims a final revenge nearly a century in the making.
The protagonist of our story, Pipa, is a hostess cum manager of Moreheavan Bed & Breakfast in a small town Seacrest. It is a unique hotel where only authors can reserve rooms and work on their book. The place was previously owned by a famous thriller writer Raymond More. It had many of his first book copies, diaries & manuscripts. Things were normal until one night Pipa rescued a tour pilot Lake from a blot near the sea. Things became interesting as a dead body of Lake’s boss was found in the same boat. If that was not enough another murder taken place in next two days. From normal boring life, Pipa & her inn’s author guest entered into shoes of Sherlock Holmes.

The book is written in a unique style. It was formed so casually you won’t feel like reading a thriller book (except climax scene). A light read which can give you company on lone evening or travel. I didn’t have to give much efforts to continue the book.

Talking about ratings
  1. Cover – 3/5
  2. Characters – 3.5/5
  3. Concept – 3.5/5
  4. Overall – 3/5

Book can be found at Amazon USA & Amazon India
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Kaged Muscle – Action Packed Comic

Till now I have read only mythological comics from Vimanika comics. So I was considering them as mythological comic maker, but Kaged Muscle has completely changed my perception.


Kaged will take you to dark action thriller set in USA underworld kind of situation. While taking out his drunkard friend from bar our protagonist (A star/celebrity trainer) met with street thugs. A small fight started with abusive conversation converted into a big mess which took many lives. Though I was considering our hero as martial arts expert only but the author has kept something under sleeves at the end of the volume.

Somewhere I felt that content was missing, scenes were full of action sequences only. Not recommended for kids below 16. Overall I liked it.

Talking about ratings
  1. Cover – 3.5/5
  2. Artwork – 3.5/5
  3. Concept – 3/5
  4. Content – 2/5
  5. Overall – 3/5
Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - Khwaabon Ka Safar with Mahesh Bhatt

The biggest benefit of reading is “it will leave you informative”. "Khwabon ka Safar" is one such book. It left me with many facts about Indian film industry called as Bollywood.


Book Blurb
Relive the golden era of Hindi cinema with Mahesh Bhatt as he recounts the Khwaabon Ka Safar (the journey of dreams) of iconic film studios in India.
Did you know that German filmmaker Franz Osten partnered with an Indian studio on some of India’s earliest blockbuster films in the 1930s? Do you know which production house invented the Hindi ‘formula filmmaking’ style in the 1950s that still drives big budget Bollywood films?
Khwaabon Ka Safar with Mahesh Bhatt takes us through the incredible journey of Bollywood’s landmark film studios which gave us iconic stars and cinematic masterpieces. This book provides the captivating stories behind Bollywood’s top thirteen studios—from Prabhat Film Company (1929) to Filmayala (1958) with which the studio era ended.
The book weaves in various interesting anecdotes about our erstwhile studio system, the great entrepreneurial skills of the forefathers of Hindi cinema, their iconic films and the superstars they created.
A must-read for all film aficionados
Talking about content, book covers around 10 studios/production houses of India from 1930-1960. Those were the times when films were produced inside studios. These studios had most of the things required to make a film, starting from shooting sets, orchestra/music department, processing lab etc. Those were the times when people working in the studio starting from janitor to actor-director were on fix wages. Each studio had a great dependence on its founder’s philosophies which can be seen in types of films they make.

It was good to know that compare to today’s commercially successful movies directors/producers wanted to make more impactful movies. Many such movies got/won awards at international level. They created the stage & platform of today’s Bollywood & regional cinema. Bollywood Indian Cinema today makes more movies than another part of the world. It also generates an equally big number of job & respect. I liked the book.

Talking about rating
  1. Cover – 3.5/5
  2. Content – 3.5/5
  3. Overall – 3.5/5
Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review "Yamraj Number 5003" by Mrinal Chatterjee

A well built, but bored Yamraj in its cover and a colophon saying that he gets emotional which causes a cosmic chaos so much that even Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar feel jittery; my curiosity was piqued by this thin read which already is a translated version of an Odia best seller.


Book Blurb
What happens when a clone of Yamraj, the Lord of Death, gets emotional and upsets the power structure in Devlok, the realm of Gods?

Yamraj Number 5003 is the story of one of the thousands of cloned Yamrajs in Mrityuloka. The Yamrajs are supposed to carry out their duties like robots, but by some fluke one Yamraj—code-named #5003—has a ‘manufacturing defect’ by which he can think and feel, making him ‘different’. He begins to question the status quo, shaking the very foundation of the power structure in Devlok, making the divine trinity—Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar—jittery. What happens when they decide to take action against the erring Yamraj? Woven with humour, this multilayered novel will move the readers as well as entertain them. Originally published in Odia and translated into Assamese, this hugely popular novel is being published in English for the first time.
“Yamraj Number 5003” is a simple plot story where Yamraj 5003 (a clone of original Yamraj) spares one life and it causes a modern media like scandal uproar amongst the Gods. 

The book is written in mostly third person narrative but there are times a second person narrative is used as well. It felt like a modern-day remake of the movie “Lok Parlok” which I had watched many years ago which dealt with a similar situation.

The author has given the Hindu Gods a human touch. The Gods here behave like office employees. Narada plays his role well as a nosy journalist. Be it the human characters like Sumati and Subrata or be it the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, no role is overused. Mrinal Chatterjee has given apt justice to every character.

There are times especially in the first half where the storytelling becomes too much and the plot is paused too often. But overall this book is enjoyable and considering it was written around 20 years ago no wonder it was a best seller.

For Mrinal Chatterjee’s humorous short read my rating for “Yamraj” would be 3/5.

Overall Verdict:- Simple, humorous and worth a read

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review "Gurgaon Diaries Life, Work and Play in Drona’s Village" by Debeshi Gooptu

A "Malgudi days" like cover, an abstract description of Gurugram/Gurgaon in its colophon, a need to read a different genre book (I had been reading modified Indian mythological fiction for way too long) and a friends recommendation for the same was all that was needed read “Gurgaon Diaries”. 


Book Blurb
Modern-day Gurgaon was Guru Dronacharya’s village, a gift from the Pandavas and Kauravas for training them in military arts. While the legends of the mythical village are woven around the warrior mystic, the Millennium City, as it stands today, owes its rapid growth to globalization, outsourcing and the BPO boom.
From swanky malls and skyscrapers to pot-hole-ridden roads where gleaming Mercs vie for space with rickety rickshaws; from voluptuous North Indian aunties and brawny local men to rotund Bengali mashimas; from designer stores and Starbucks coffee to roadside vans peddling chole bhature; Drona’s village is riddled with contradictions, both hilarious and poignant, irreverent and bittersweet. Gurgaon Diaries is a humorous peek at the workings of this modern-day village and how the Millennium City is a paradox in itself
“Gurugram diaries” is a diary of a wimpy aunty who (like most of us) has a problem with everything and resorts to humor and hypocrisy to engage us with her 19 years of (probably true) life experiences to keep us entertained. 

Take any Indian city that suddenly goes on a development spree (in this case Gurgaon) bringing its own set of problems due to the sudden urbanization. To that add a gym-hating, Gaurakshak fearing, foodie aunty with a not-so-good Hindi who is being driven to the walls by her obnoxious neighbours and a society that wants to give a convenient desi flavour to western culture (a one devoid of its politeness and responsibility I might add) and wants her to be a part of it in spite of her tremendous dislike in some cases. The familiar confusion and frustration of adjusting with all of this and an occasional delight of finding the known amongst the unknown are all explored with the excellent use of witty jibes throughout the book.

The book is written in first person narrative. The chapters are short, sweet and non-related. The book is mostly written in a light vein but there are some dark parts which feel forced, misplaced and disconnected. There were a lot of favorite relatable moments especially from “Horrors of Halloween” and “Mind Your Language” to name a few.

Debeshi Gooptu truly proves to be a master of dark humor, using simple language to engross us with the familiar experiences and outbursts that we encounter every now and then. 

For Debeshi Gooptu’s engrossing, simple,  but well written humorous banter, my overall rating would be 4/5.

Overall Verdict:- Simple, funny, overdramatized sprinkled with a good sense of humor

Book can be found at Amazon
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Review of The Girl Behind The Glass

I picked up "The Girl Behind The Glass" by Sumit Pramanik because of its interesting cover. From the cover of the book and the name of the book I had really high hopes for this book and I am disappointed to say that I am not satisfied.


Book blurb
Just-married Neelabh and Shakshi arrive at Hotel Infinity, desperate to take cover from unknown pursuers. Next morning, a police inspector appears, enquiring about a car that hurtled off a bridge nearby. The girl who was in the vehicle is missing. 
As the eyes of the hotel-dwellers turn to each other, tragedy strikes again, this time much closer. 
Can Neelabh and Shakshi escape alive from Infinity? They soon learn that the devils inside them are no less dark than the devils outside. 
When secrets are peeled off like skin, people bleed.
The girl behind the glass is a thriller. The story of the book circles around a couple who had run from their city after committing a crime and are staying at a hotel in Kalikhal but this hotel have some twisted minds and so does the inspector in Kalikhal.

Now the second half of this book was really interesting and exciting but the first half was really boring. In my opinion, if the book 's first half is boring than chances are reader will leave the book midway, luckily for me, I didn't leave the book, and found another half quite compelling.

So lastly if you like a serial killer/murders mystery like "Race" and "Race 2" movies from Bollywood, then in spite of the boring first half you should read this, cause the second half will make it worth it.

Ratings
  1. Cover : - 4/5
  2. Content : - 2.5/5
  3. Character : - 3/5
  4. Concept : - 3/5
  5. Overall : - 3/5
Book can be found at Amazon and Flipkart
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Monday, April 2, 2018

Book Review - Warjuna Book 1: Mrithasu Rising

A video-game like cover and not so descriptive colophon, these were the first impressions that the book gave me before I opened it. I was expecting another one of those Mahabharata tales that were being told from a different perspective (The title had Arjuna after all!!).

That’s where I was wrong, gladly I might add.

"Warjuna" by Krishnaraj HK is a well-narrated story where Krishnaraj engages us with familiar Mahabharata characters but in a lusher Mother Nature’s picturesque description. 


Book Blurb
Civilizations have once again emerged from the ruins of Pralaya, and with a new dawn arrive new ambitions. Ordained by fate, several legions of a ruthless clan have been reported to be seen marching into the boundaries of Bharata. The origins of the Hayacree are unknown, yet their intent is evident: to create a new world order.

The tides of war will bring forth valiant men and women of great fortitude and a divine force to unite them all against the strong will of the enemy. While the matters of kings and kingdoms are to be shouldered by a young prince of Wagharr, a supernatural alliance of Mahayogis and Suparnas will need to travel beyond the realm of man to discover the architect behind the Hayacree invasion.
The hunt for the real enemy will lead them to an expanse invisible to the human eye.
In its depth lies an evil waiting to be discovered, waiting to rise
We have a mysterious/intriguing Sauron like villain Mrithasu who wants to capture, destroy and rule by channeling Hayacree forces to do his bidding. There’s chaos amongst the Indian Kings as they have been promised immortality if they join. Arjuna is a mercenary prince of Wagharr who is going with-the-flow and fighting the Hayacree in whatever kingdom he finds himself in. Kanha,  the prince of Dwarka, who also happens to be a Mahayogi provides him the not-so-direct but helpful guidance he requires whilst he himself is engaged in a bigger proxy battle with Mithrasu in other realms as well to prevent his rise; trusting Arjuna will take care of this one.

The book is written in a third person narrative. The flow of the story is good where the scenes are described in extraordinary detail capturing the reader's imagination. But yes, there are times especially in the first half of the book where it feels that the scenic description is way too much, leaving a limited space for the plot. The chapters are short and well arranged which provides a relief for people to take a breather or two and keeping them interested in what comes next.

Kanha as a character is well narrated. But, alas, the same cannot be said Arjuna whose name the novel bears. He feels lost most of the time, but Krishnaraj uses this to his advantage to channel the same in the readers as well. The character of Draupadi seems better narrated but less used as compared to Arjuna. The other numerous supportive characters have been tried to give justice as well which sometimes makes it difficult to maintain the plot.

It's amidst such confusion that we reach the ending, which feels a little bit disconnected and rushed. A lot of questions feel unanswered, but we let it slide as more is yet to come.

I personally felt that the humor content was less throughout the book. However, 
Krishnaraj successfully creates an ancient India which is mesmerizing, magical and filled with the mysterious. 

For Krishnaraj’s well-imagined maiden effort, my rating for “Warjuna” would be 3.5/5. Wishing him a best of luck for his book two.

Book can be found at Amazon
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Overall Verdict:- Engaging one time read

Book Review of The Geek's Guide To Date by Eric Smith

I have taken "The Geek's Guide To Dating" by Eric Smith because of its very unique cover. Being a geek myself I was curious about book content and what would I find in this book.


Book Blurb
Boldly Go Where No Geek Has Gone Before! You keep your action figures in their original packaging. Your closets are full of officially licensed Star Wars merchandise. You’re hooked on Elder Scrolls and Metal Gear, but now you’ve discovered an even bigger obsession: the new girl who just moved in down the hall.
What’s a geek to do? Take some tips from The Geek’s Guide to Dating. This hilarious primer is jam-packed with cheat codes, walkthroughs, and power-ups for navigating the perils and pitfalls of your love life with ease. Geeks of all ages will find answers to the ultimate questions of life, the universe, and everything romantic, from First Contact to The Fellowship of the Ring and beyond. Full of whimsical 8-bit illustrations, The Geek’s Guide to Dating will teach fanboys everywhere to love long and prosper.
SELECT YOUR CHARACTER What Kind of Geek Are You? 
  • RELEASE THE KRAKEN!
  • How to Ask Someone Out
  • READY, PLAYER ONE?
  • Preparing for Your Date
  • THE QUICKENING
  • During the Date
  • THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
Exclusive Dating and Beyond
Talking about context, if you're wondering what kind of geek this book is written, then let me tell you, my friend, it is written for all kinds of geek whether you are pop culture, techno or academic geeks it will work. Though written mostly is for boys, the book is written in such a way that being a girl I still enjoyed reading this book. The language of the book is pretty easy to follow. It was a fun and interesting read. Especially, if you're a gamer then this book is a must-read for you guys.

Lastly, for all my geek friends out there trying to date, I am telling you from a girl's point of view follow this book and you will have a date or at least confidence to go on a date at the end of this read.

Ratings
  1. Cover: 4.5/5
  2. Content: 4/5
  3. Concept: 4/5
  4. Overall: 4/5
Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

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