RAMAYANA: THE GAME OF LIFE – RISE OF THE SUN PRINCE

TITLE: Ramayana: The Game of Life – Rise Of The Sun Prince

AUTHOR: Shubha Vilas

PUBLISHER: Jaico Books

ISBN: 978-81-8495-530-9

GENRE: Folklore/Fantasy

PAGES: 252

SOURCE: BlogAdda

RATING: 4.5/5

BACKCOVER SAYS:

Epics like the Ramayana have been recounted infinite times. Is there a need for another chronicle in the presence of so many? How is this one different? And is it relevant to our ever changing modern lives?

Yes, there is a need; yes, this is different; and yes, it is most relevant! This new series of books, each following one volume of the original Ramayana, decodes the eternal wisdom of that poetic scripture through gripping narrative and thought-provoking instruction. In the time-honoured custom of spreading wisdom through tales, every fascinating story in the epic is retold here and every character unfolded to captivate your heart and open your mind to life’s deepest questions.

The narrative closely follows Valmiki’s Ramayana, gently weaving in folk tales as well as the beautiful analogies of the Kamba Ramayana. The first of this six-volume series, Rise of the Sun Prince, takes you through the divine story of Lord Rama from His birth upto his marriage.

Through these pages are revealed the tales of Dasaratha’s leadership, Vishwamitra’s quest for power and the intriguing story of a little-known stone maiden, Ramayana: The Game of Life has all of this and much more- food for contemporary thought drawn from an enduring masterpiece.

RAUMALI’S VIEWS:

I am always been a huge fan of Indian mythology and this book has become one of my favourites.

The Rise of the Sun Prince by Shubha Vilas is essentially the part one (Bala Kanda) of the Indian scripture Ramayana as written by the sage Valmiki, mixed with a few anecdotes and embellishmens from the Kamba Ramayana (another version of the sacred text).

The book is simple yet elaborate, the story is decomposed just enough for the casual reader to understand and yet it is sophisticated enough to prevent itself from being turned into another soulless recital.

The saga of Ramayana was written by Valmiki and the current volume – The Rise of the Sun Prince takes its readers through the birth and pre-birth era of Rama to the marriage of Lord Rama with Sita. 

The book tells the purpose of Ramayana in a very simplified manner.

The book is written very simply yet the narration is very exciting and perfect. Shubha Vilas has led us through various aspects of Lord Rama’s birth, his journey with Lakshmana and Vishwamitra and his respect for elders. Through these pages, the tales of Dasarathas leadership, Vishwamitras quest for power and the intriguing story of a little known stone maiden are revealed.

Shubha Vilas has beautifully penned down the mythological story of Ramayana and lucidly described the various characters.

Overall this book is a good read. I would definitely recommend this book.

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

The Hunt For kohinoor - Book Review

TITLE: THE HUNT FOR KOHINOOR

AUTHOR: MANREET SODHI SOMESHWAR

PUBLISHER: WESTLAND LTD.

ISBN: 978-93-83260-60-7

GENRE: FICTION/THRILLER

PAGES: 425

SOURCE: WESTLAND

RATING: 4.5/5

BACK COVER SAYS: A spine-chilling ninety-six hour hunt through the world's most dangerous terrain where history collides with gunfire – will Mehrunisa get out of this one alive?

One morning on her way to work, Mehrunisa gets a call that will change her life forever. The truth about her missing father is at her fingertips – but it will take her on the most desperate chase of her lifetime.

A chase that will pit her against hardened jihadis plotting the deadliest terror attack on India, that will test her mettle against history's deep secrets, that will teach her that the price of love can mean bloodied hands...

The Hunt For Kohinoor hurtles from icy Kashmir to snow-clad Hindukush, from the sinister corridors of a military hospital to the warrens of Peshawar, even as the clock counts down to the impending catastrophe.

RAUMALI'S VIEWS:

Thanks to Westland Ltd. For giving me the opportunity to review this book. I must say this was the fastest 425 pages book I ever read- took me around 3 hours. The description is very simple yet crisp and vivid. I could feel the events unfolding in front of my eyes as I kept turning the pages.

This is the first book of Manreet Sodhi Someshwar I have read and I am really amazed by the amount of research she puts into her work. The book was a sweet and sour experience for me. Sour, because I have read a lot of thrillers before and I didn't feel completely satisfied with this one. It was kind of a 99 out of 100 for me. Sweet because I am always a fan of Indian authors' book and this one kept me hooked to it for an entire 3 hours until I finished it. I really loved the narration, the plot and was amazed by the hard work 

Manreet Sodhi Someshwar has put into it.

The Hunt For Kohinoor is the book two of the thriller series featuring Mehrunisa Khosa. The first book of the series is The Taj Conspiracy. The story begins with parallel tracks featuring the lives of the protagonists of the tale and later it is shown how it all combines as one. The story revolves around Mehrunisa's ninety-six hour chase through India, Pakistan and the AFPAK border with her own life, people she loves, and thousands of more at stake.

This is a different kind of thriller than what I have read before. The characterization is very real specially the transformation of Mehrunisa from a historian to a spy on a special mission of national importance. It is deftly shown in the book how Mehrunisa is used for national security. I really loved the fact that the theme of the book didn't deviate from a thriller to a love story even though I thought it might be.

The book is a light read, and the suspense is intriguing. I can definitely say this is one more book which increases my love for Indian Authors. I would definitely recommend this book to all.

Tantra By Adi

TITLE: TANTRA BY ADI
AUTHOR: ADI
PUBLISHER: APEEJAY STYA PUBLISHING
ISBN: 978-81-908636-2-9
GENRE: FICTION/THRILLER
PAGES: 335
SOURCE: BLOGADDA
RATING: 4/5

BACK COVER SAYS:
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 had 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 sends Anu's pulse racing.

To prepare for this 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.

RAUMALI'S VIEWS:
As I picked up the book, I thought it would be another supernatural Vampire story, the same blood sucking demons fall in love with a beautiful girl, a place where everyone is supernatural except one or two and other crap. But a few pages later, I realised it was different. As I reached the end of the book, I was left mesmerised and hungry for more.

This is a thriller finally worthy of India's rich traditions and philosophy while still keeping connection with the modern reader. And most interestingly, the book showcased an Indian woman as a superhero who instead of falling in love with the vampires, goes out and destroys evil. Anu Aggarwal is shown as a strong woman who even left the men behind.

Anu is shown as a guardian (that is what they called vampire hunters) settled in New York. Circumstances lead her to New Delhi, where she stumbles up to stuffs she could never imagine of.

This book is totally different from the normal vampire hunter novels you have read before. Set in India, it integrates an Indian version of magic called tantra. It is an exciting read as we accompany Anu on her journey till the end as she braves many dangers lurking around her as well as the who arranged marriage business. The vedic knowledge and those of historical astras and mantras are really commendable.

The author has done his research really very well. Each and every page turned out to be a surprise. Truly speaking, I couldnot keep the book down even for one second. Each part of me kept me mesmerised and wondering what would happen next. Specially the rich Indian vedic history caught its hold on me.

Though sometimes in the middle it got a bit boring, I would still reccomend 'Tantra by Adi'  a must read.

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

The Bankster

TITLE: THE BANKSTER

AUTHOR: RAVI SUBRAMANIAN

PUBLISHER: RUPA PUBLICATIONS

ISBN: 978-81-291-2048-9

GENRE: FICTION

PAGES: 358

SOURCE: BLOGADDA

RATING: 3/5

Back cover says:

In Angola, a covert CIA agent is about to exchange weapons for blood diamonds.

In Kerala, an elderly man will do whatever it takes to fulfil a promise made to a dying son.

In Mumbai, an international bank is stunned by the mysterious death of its key employees.

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 was he always one?

When Karan Panjabi, press reporter and ex-banker, digs deeper, he realises 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 has 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 2008 golden Quill Reader’s Choice Award, returns with his most gripping thriller yet.

Raumali's views:

When I received the book first from blogadda, I was thrilled by the concept of a mystery thriller revolving around a bank. Flipping through the pages, I was really engrossed by many subplots in a single story. I was hungry for more, to reach the end. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

The book is a combination of three stories set in three different cities.

Joseph Braganza- An immovable force. A High flyer, yet six feet under. Smart, Suave, efficient, Resourceful, secretive yet hostile. He is a covert CIA agent who comes to Angola with a deal of blood diamonds.

Krishna Menon- A middle class elderly, who lost his only son to an radioactive accident. It was at this point that he decided to go to any means to keep his hometown safe from the upcoming nuclear power plant.

Greater Boston Global Bank Mumbai- An International Bank, fallen prey to serial murders and an intricate web of conspiracies. A place where everyone’s a victim but no one is innocent.

The main book is based with the story of GB2 with the first few stories just popping in between. How do they connect?

Krishna Menon- who lost his son in the Chernobyl nuclear accident, made a promise to his dying son, to do everything possible to keep the residents of his hometown safe from the upcoming nuclear power plant. He shakes hand with Jayakumar, in a protest against the government, to come clean and transparent about the plant. His protest in on the Gandhian principle. But can Jayakumar be trusted? Is he using Menon?

Vikram, Tanuja, Nikhil, Anand, Indrani, Harshita, Zinaida, Raymond- The employees of the bank who are supposed to build their careers on trust. But can they go to any extent to reach their targets, even while keeping the trust of their colleagues and customers alive without thinking about any of them or the repercussions on the bank. Is power meant to be misused? Who is deceiving whom? Can anyone be trusted? Why are the employees being murdered?

When Karan Panjabi, press reporter and ex-employee of GB2, searches the roots of these murders, he finds himself stumbled upon a global conspiracy which combines all these three stories.

The story lacks intricate detailing. The plot is strong but none of the characters are detailed. Also the main protagonist of the tale comes in only the last 100 pages and what seems like a hasty end. All his characters lack depth.

Nonetheless, the story is good, the mystery is thrilling and I would recommend giving it a try.

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

The Clockwork Man

TITLE: The Clockwork Man
AUTHOR: William Jablonsky
PUBLISHER: Grey Oak Publishers in association with westland ltd.
ISBN: 978-93-81626-53-5
GENRE: Fiction
PAGES: 231        
SOURCE: Blogadda
RATING: 3.5/5

BACK COVER SAYS:

Karl Gruber, a world-famous builder of automated clocks, has reached the pinnacle of his art in Ernst-a man constructed entirely of clockwork. 

Educated and raised in the Gruber household to be a gentle caring soul, Ernst begins to discover a profound love for his master’s daughter, Giselle. Just as their relationship becomes intimate, however, tragedy strikes and the family falls apart. Abandoned, knowing no other life but the one he has led, Ernst allows himself to wind down in a kind of suicide. 

Over a hundred years later, he awakens in a strange new land, the world he’s known now long gone. Along with his mentor and guide, a well-meaning if slightly unstable homeless man, Ernst attempts to piece together the events that brought him to his new home- and to let go of the century old tragedy that still haunts him.

RAUMALI’S VIEWS:

I have never read a Science fiction before. As I started reading this book, I thought it was some kind of Sci-fi. After going through a few pages, I realised I was wrong. The book is much more than that.

As I started reading the book, I thought it would be boring. But as I traversed through the pages, it grew more and more interesting and a time came when I just couldn’t put the book down without completing it.

The book is basically the diary of Ernst, the main protagonist of the tale, a clockwork man built by the world famous clockmaker Karl Gruber. Gruber educated Ernst in theoretical subjects, language, history and geography as well as raised him to be gentle and caring. Ernst helps Gruber with his projects and also takes care of his family. He cannot stop himself from falling in love with his master’s daughter. Soon tragedy strikes the family and the course of events lead to the family falling apart. Unable to cope with the pain and loss, Ernst winds himself down to some kind of suicide.

He wakes up a hundred years later in a strange unknown land and his wish to know about the trail of events that led him there triggers his instincts for survival. But he is not really able to forget the century old tragedy that still haunts him.

The main attraction of the story is the character of Ernst. He is humble, gentle, caring, patient and with a conscience. Jablonsky very deftly portrayed Ernst’s character which makes the book all the more interesting.

The best part about the book I liked is that the author makes the readers think. Sometimes it seems as all of it is real and I really had to turn back to check whether it was a work of fiction. The narration seems real and the events flash before our eyes. At some parts, it even made me cry. The sentiments, the feelings said by the mechanical man all seemed real.

The only disappointment I faced was that even though the book was interesting, some parts were so boring that I didn’t feel like continuing to read. But then again it regained it’s former glory. Also few incidents are too real to be true for a mechanical man.

Nonetheless it’s a great read for sure. 

This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com

A Book I Love

I can't be really specific about the types of books I like, it depends on my mood. Sometimes I love to read mystery, detective novels, thrillers, sci-fi or just plain simple over the coffee reads.

One book I recently read which touched my heart was LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT by PREETI SHENOY

I remember picking up this book from crosswords stall at Junction Mall in Durgapur while returning to college after Holi with my dad. I was in a mood for some light reading and I wasn't sure what to take when I saw this one. I took this book as I liked the title and the review on the back cover and thought this would be something I might like. Also I found the price affordable.

Needless to say, I wasn't dissapointed. As soon as I started reading it I was glued to the book until I finished it, even forgetting the fact that I had a lab viva the next morning for which I wasn't even prepared. *oops!*

Coming to the story in brief-

The book revolves around the life of a girl Ankita Sharma who is talented and is a much sort after girl in college. She is already committed to Vaibhav whom she sends letters talking about her daily life, emotions and experiences. Under the company of her friends, she gets into a relationship with abhi, at the same time continuing her love for Vaibhav. After completing her graduation, she gets into one of the top MBA colleges of the country, while abhi couldn't make it. This leads to a end of her relationship with abhi and then she meets Joseph.

Within six months, Ankita lands up in a mental hospital.

What happens to Ankita next? What about Vaibhav, Abhi, Joseph? The book revolves around the breath-taking mystery of these people's lives and Ankita's story!