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

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

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

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

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

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