The Wrath of the Hellfires - Vikramaditya Veergatha Finale by Shatrujeet Nath

Before I start the review, I would like to apologize not only to the author, Shatrujeet but also to the eager fans of the Vikramaditya Veergatha series for delaying my review. I know when I got the book, I had planned to finish it within a week. But due to some unforeseen reasons, it took me around 3 weeks to finish it and another week to complete the review of the book. For a regular person, my apologies look like a drama but only a true fan can understand my gesture. 

The last part ended with Vikramaditya cornered on multiple ends, his council of 9 was divided, his family was shattered, his city was almost crumpled, still the Samrat was strong-willed. He didn't budge on any duty. His unnerving loyalties to his subjects and his promise to omniscient gave him fruits in the finale. Read the book to know how multiple attacks on the city were handled by Vikrama & his counselors. The book brings us new characters some as allies and some as foes to the king. Read the book to know how Vikrama dealt with Devas, Asuras, Human (including his vessel kingdom as well as Huna & Saka), and finally Veshaada's Dagger.

I recommend reading previous books before taking this one. This book should not be read independently. Even I refreshed few things from previous parts. Coming to the storytelling as the finale, Shatrujeet has woven all loose threads in tight nodes to make a grand platform. They say even the smallest gesture of kindness can bring unexpected help to you, the same way the author has sprinkled multiple virtuous deeds of Vikrama over 4 parts which came back as a blessing. 

The writing style was as usual smooth and intriguing, and randomness in plot jumps always hooks you to the page. I can remember multiple instances where I was determined to read till a certain incident get finished, but due to jumps, by the time that indecent was concluded my mind was tracking another one. 

The usage of language is easy, and it can cater to a larger reading population. Though the plot demands multiple characters (more than 100 given in index only) I was able to track them through out the story. 

I feel that books should be translated into vernacular languages and also should be adapted for series. If I get time I will make a video on the series covering why it should be adapted. 

I am concluding my review with ratings of 5/5 and a tag of must-reads.

Myths and Legends from Around the World by Sowmya Rajendran

I remember growing up listening to Hindu mythological stories from my father. We did the same with our kids but nowadays he has developed taste for more than Hindu gods and goddesses, even panchtantra. So we shifted to different genres. Recently I was recommended the book "Myths and Legends from Around the World". 

The very first impression of the book cover was that of Maa Bahuchara & her sister deities. I am not sure whether your guys know it or not, but in southern Gujarat, many goddess shrines & temples have similar decoration to the one in cover design.

The book contains a little over 20 short stories, from different cultures and civilizations. Even theme of the stories is also divided into three parts just like of Hindu belief of creation, organization, and destruction. You will find stories based on deities and animals. I read one story per day to my kid for the last month and he enjoyed it.

The language is easy for kids. The story length is also aa per child's interest not too long not too short. If parents read it to a child it will take roughly 10-15 minutes which is adequate for them to get sleepy with a nice story. 

I love it and currently second round is going on with some of the favorites of my child.

The book deserves 4.5 out of 5.

Book links - Amazon & Goodreads

The Battle of Belonging: On Nationalism, Patriotism, And What it Means to Be Indian by Shashi Tharoor

How can you judge a person just by prejudice passed on by others? In the same way, I heard a lot about Shashi Tharoor and his writing style. I wanted to have a first-hand experience of the same. And though I strongly believe in the need for strong leadership and think a persona like our current Prime minister must be there on top, I wanted to read the veteran's thoughts. So I took the book to know his views. 

Frankly speaking, the book changed hands twice before it came back to me. After reading a few pages, I became reluctant to review the book, so I gave it to my teammate. She returned the book with the same feedback, so the ball again fell in my court. So here I am to give you a brief of the book.

As per the title, one may feel that Mr. Tharoor has tried to present his thoughts of Nationalism and Patriotism, and his dream of being a true Indian. But I found content more of a collection of editorials. Also some topics he beautifully (also with vocabulary) explains and shows how the current government fails in achieving so. Those who don't know about Mr. Tharoor's political affiliation may find the book a good work that presents underlying problems of government. 

But for those who are aware of his alliance with the Congress party, can easily identify his use of this book as a platform to loathe the current government. I don't mind if his allegations are just opposed to BJP, but by doing so he became forgetful of his party's misdeeds in the last 50 years. Also, I found it difficult to digest when he bombarded the country at large because it is not in line with his idea of freedom and Nationalism.

As usual, the language of the book is at a higher level. It demands full attention. And the book is not on a neutral note. You can find bias.

Overall I will give 2.5 out of 5.