Total Pageviews

Contributors

I blog at Blogadda!

The Book Club Member

The Book Club Blog Tours

Rate me at Blogadda!

Popular Posts

Rishikesh's bookshelf: currently-reading

Siddhartha
4 of 5 stars
tagged: currently-reading
Letters to a Young Poet
4 of 5 stars
tagged: currently-reading
Gitanjali
0 of 5 stars
tagged: currently-reading
Heart of Darkness
0 of 5 stars
tagged: currently-reading

goodreads.com
Flag Counter
Powered by Blogger.
Wednesday, 10 May 2017

 Money Man 21st Century Super Hero by Abhijeet Singh

Published Year- 2017
Publication Year- Notion Press India
Genre- Fiction
Pages- 237
Format- Paperback/Kindle


                                                         Book Synopsis


"I want a helicopter on the roof; will you get that for me?" she said. 

"Which chopper?" the stranger queried without an ounce of doubt. 

Bhavna was on an 'accidental date', with a stranger she just met. She embarked on a journey with this stranger, around the world and to its baffling reality, hidden behind the facade of cosmetic speeches scripted for International Forums. 

Their journey is marred with experiences that leave them with questions like, "Is there any space on this planet where money doesn't have control? What really helps to run this world, Hope or Greed?"


                                                         My Review

Money man 21st century super Hero by Abhijeet Singh is a fiction novel which revolves around a girl named Bhavna and her experiences realizing the hideous truth of this cruel world. Book talks about how money acts like a key to every doorways to see and how it makes everything runs without a single break. Bhavna enters the world of money and untold theories reveals one by one regarding  monetary system. She succeeds accepting the truths or just let it go? For that you got to grab the book and read it.

Before starting detailed review of the book I would love to thanks Goodreads for choosing me as one of their Goodreads Giveaway Winner(I still feel butterflies in my stomach remembering the mail I received form you people).
When the book arrived I couldn’t stop myself admiring the book because the cover was just amazing. After reading the blurb I have had four assumptions:
1.       Being a management student I thought book will be based on various economic tools without which world won’t runs.
2.      Bhavna must be someone who is very precious to the stranger in accomplishing some mission
3.      There may be a love story which will be disclosed at the end of the book.
4.      The book might deals with the world we see in  movies.

But all my assumptions were turned down.

Story begins with when Bhavna went on a blind date with a stranger named Arav and went to exploring the various parts of the world which she has not even imagined. Bhavna who hails from a small town of Uttar Predesh moves to Delhi for her higher studies but fate has already decided something different and unusual for her. Whereas Arav on the other side, a boy which every girl demand’s, a charismatic person who changed Bhanva perception about everything about how the world operates.

When I read the acknowledgement I really thought the book will live up my expectation levels but that did not happen because author could have worked hard in shaping the plot of the story. After few pages I found the plot was very loose and needed much attention rather than an intention of just finishing the book.

Narration of the book was slow but I got confused and hurt with every chapter. First the character building of a small town girl was totally wrong, no girl can be so dumb as it was described  in the book. Like, come on everyone knows what’s the reason behind China market growth in spite of low quality product they deliver. Such things doesn’t need to be mentioned because it is understood. Second, I was very hurt when author mentioned about heinous crime that happened in capital in 2012, author actually changed the year. Whenever you mention any facts don’t dilute the information because it hurts the author. Rest, in the book author talks about various part of the history which every Indian knows and is known to a school going student and the one who is illiterate. I really don’t find the dots drawn to bring the reality closer.

All these things can be skipped when language of the book is beautiful but again the book was not at all edited and full of grammatical errors which again makes me feel worse.

Overall the book is just one time read and I would just give 1/5 star. Author need to work hard very hard.

Reviewed by Aditi srivastava


Monday, 24 April 2017
                The Flame of Anahata by Saranya Umakanthan

Published Year- 2017
Publication Name-General Press
Author-Saranya Umakanthan
Pages-240
Genre- Fiction/Mythology


                                               


                                              Blurb


"They turned to see his tears of love wiping away her blood of agony.."

Diya throws Suraj's proposal back in his face, leaving him broken-hearted. Why would she do so when she loved him desperately?

Suraj finds his Guruji unconscious beside a cave clutching the warrior Indrajith's diary. His heart-rending love story then unfolds. Being trapped in a web of emotions, Indrajith endured the pain of his lost love, hurting himself and trampled Deepali's hope for his adopted brother.. Who was he?

Sealed for centuries and holding the Mann-Parivarthana astra, the cave is besieged by evil now. But all attempts to unlock it go futile. Faced with baffling hints, Suraj's intelligence is sorely tested. What is the potent power required to break through that Paanch-Dost-Gupha?

The Flame of Anahata


Will the fire of love ever flicker in the hearts of Diya and Suraj?

                                        My Review

The Flame of Anahata is a historical fiction book written by Saranya Umakanthan, which  talks about an unsettled score between Shaktipur and dark army of Asur. The story begins with a tempting prologue where Asur find himself crushed due to his own foolishness again and he can’t reach it’s destiny. Then the story moves to the present, where Suraj confesses his love for Diya, his best friend. But Diya turned down his proposal leaving him soar and vacant. But then Suraj discover about his past from a diary lying near an enchanted cave. Suraj make up his mind to settle down everything what happened in his past and the  quest of truth and battle begins. The book moves into past and present events but it won’t make you baffled anywhere but will only compel you to go and read further.
                                                                                                                           
Book cover and Title – When you read the title you see a word Anahata. Anahata is a Sanskrit word which means “unhurt, unstruck, and unbeaten”.  Anahata is associated with balance, calmness, and serenity. The title is the most appropriate and goes well with story. After a long time, I read such captivating title. I must say a well researched title. The book cover is just simply beautiful. A female warrior wearing calmness on her face while at the bottom, black hooded army, a dark force. I could not think of any better title and cover for this lucid book.

Language – Talking about the language of the book was the main element due to which reader would go ahead. I was so much engrossed into the book, no grammatical hindrances anywhere in the story and very well edited book. Language was just mesmerizing and magical.

Characters I enjoyed the most –  Book contains various characters and they did justice everywhere, whenever mentioned in the book.  Story starts with the main protagonist Suraj, who is a Bollywood star and fall for his best friend Diya. The best part about reading their love story was, it states the main element of spiritual thoughts we come across that was, unfulfilled quest from previous birth follows you to the present and yes, we meet people who have been with us in previous birth they may be foe or friend according to our deeds in present birth. Karma cycle.

 Suraj was one of the favorite character may be because of his past as Indrajeet, a warrior of Shaktipur. Indarjeet let go his love in previous birth because of his vicious brother and in present Karma hits him back. I enjoyed reading his part and loved his ability was not lost when he took another birth.

Another character I enjoyed was Varun, who is also best friend of Suraj and Diya. The reason behind I love him was the way he helps his friends in thick and thin. I love reading portion where friendship fortifies any turmoil of life.

Diya, was a sweet character, who was epitome of beauty and brain. Diya who too  holds very strong knot in the story and I don’t want to be spoiler here.
    
Portions I enjoyed the most- Starting from the blurb to the very last page, the book was really very enjoyable and I couldn’t keep it down for a second. The book starts with a tempting prologue  which will itself make readers to go ahead with the book and readers will not able to detach themselves  from the moment they starts reading. I personally enjoyed so many portions and one of my most favorite part of the book when Suraj discovered Indrajeet’s diary and the main story begins. The way Indrajeet’s accounts were maintained in the diary was just so brilliant. And another portion was when book talks about “Paanch-Dost-Gupha” I really enjoyed every bit of this portion till the end. Now, just not forget to mention a little tincture of romance added which adds bright petals to the story. There was portion when the secret were revealed about how to stop Asur and how a mystical flower turned into the most powerful and chord of the book. Can’t find words to better describe them. 

Potholes of the story – The only potholes I find in this book was I have to wait to last book of the series (laughs)

Book Recommendation – What? Wait, you really want me to recommend someone who loves mythological book. Well, then I am not going to do any such thing because this book has just entered  “Highly Recommended Book of 2017” and trust me I am going to reread it. Do you hear me, I just said reread. Without further wasting any second go and grab this book NOW…

Overall rating – I am so overwhelmed that I got this book (frankly speaking, it’s a reviewer copy) but I am now going to buy the first book of the Comeback Warrior Trilogy.  I want you to take a mental note here that the book review is not at all prejudiced because trust me I am fallen for this series and the most tiring part reading any series that you got to wait for next installment and I do not know when last third book will come. Dear author, please release the third book of the series as early as possible. So, I’m going to rate this amazing and thrilling book 5/5 stars.  

Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava
Tuesday, 18 April 2017

Shinning India by Alcatraz Dey


Published Year : 2017
Publication Name : Author Paradise Publishers
Genre : Crime thriller
Pages:328
Format : Paperback/Kindle





                                                            Book Synopsis

Shantanu has always let down everyone in his life. He does not think so. For Nishi who had to suffer every single day after Shantanu suddenly left her, he is now the person she hates the most. Unknown to them Nishi's father has left behind a huge secret with her. A trident tattoo on her hand and much more that he never revealed. After years of separation and hatred Nishi is forced to work with Shantanu. Shantanu also has a secret of his own. Powerful men are receiving strange messages from a man called Solomon. He believes there is something very valuable that a geologist has discovered and never revealed to the world. What does the trident mean? Why did Nishi's father disappear with the secret? What is that Solomon wants? Most importantly what is India Shining?


                                                             My Review

Shinning India is a story which revolves around a deep seeded mystery which is hidden under the grounds of capital, New Delhi. The book which on the other side tells us about a hidden scientific yet undiscovered facts about the city and various variations consisting of murders, betray and suspense while on the other side a parallel story blossoms between Nishi and Shantanu. Both the story connects so well that I could not express it into few words. Being a lengthy book, it is really captivating and will rose level of curiosity among it's readers.

Book cover and Title - Ajitbha Bose and his work needs no introduction, he has once gifted us a very beautiful cover which reflects various shades of the book but I felt the fonts colour could have been worked because I couldn't read it at ease. Coming to the title of the book was really catchy and difficult to decide upon. Author has really invested hard efforts to bring this title, and yes, it goes with the storyline. One could easily make mental notes why this title is so apt once the book is finished.

Language - It's really hard to find a book which fullfil both purpose of buying book that is, the story and the language. We often come across about books whose story is fabulous but language hinders the path of the flow please do not add the bestsellers in this point I'm actually mentioning the newbie authors but I really appreciate the efforts of the author, he has actually proved that a story can really be delivered in a simple yet attractive manner.

Characters I enjoyed the most - According to me I found Shantanu, Nishi and Salmon we intriguing characters. Character building of these people stood like pillars to the book. A beautiful relationship shown between Nishi and Shantanu acts like a soothing Carol because lots of thriller and suspense were running parallel in the story. Another character I enjoyed was Salmon, the way he guides the readers to the main story I loved it really.

Portions I enjoyed the most- The opening prologue was very tempting and would insists readers to finish the book in single sitting(I actually took two sittings to finish it). The book also talk about to agencies MISRYTOOL and F.U.C.K. who were after gaining the lost treasure which the book talk about. Reading those portions were like recalling some spy based movies. Another portion I loved the most was historical facts and tidous research author did to make book come alive. Hats off! For the efforts made.

Potholes of the story - The story was bit hazy in the initial chapters, it created some confusion but afterwards the issue resolved and I was actually into book.
Another portion which I did not enjoy much was so many characters author added, keeping pace with all characters and remembering their roles was quiet difficult task though author had not shifted his attention from the main protagonists of the book which turn out to be a positive point.

Book Recommendation - Crime thriller novel lover must read this page turner besides author has beautifully fragmented historical facts so brilliantly that it targets a vast section of readers.

Overall rating -  I would rate this perfect blend of thriller and historical fiction 3/5 stars. Trust  me, book will not disappoint you.

Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava



Friday, 10 March 2017
Silent Invaders by Shree
Year Published : 2016
Publisher : Petals Publishers
Pages : 96
Format : Paperback


Book Synopsis

'Silent Invaders' is a mystery-thriller novel. It revolves round the life of a young woman Sana and the story involves hate crimes which were nurtured due to childhood assaults. Sana develops a horrific mental illness, which impacts her normal life drastically. She remains totally oblivious of what was happening to her and around her. But her near and dear ones finally stir the society to become aware of the reasons and the consequences of the traumatic condition Sana went through.


My Review
I remember how curiously I was searching on internet from past few days any novel catering psychological horror or thriller genre but realizing loads of books are there it was really hard to pick one and read it, thus it was such a difficult task though they didn’t match my anticipation but trust me this book came like a bliss. It actually fulfill my thirst of reading something really out of the box.  Silent Invaders revolves around horrific murders and a single thread which binds everything going around. Book is just a perfect mixture of crime, love, child abuse and suspense. Just loved the concept, so fresh.
Story begins with multiple murders in Durham, a country in north-east of England whereas another parallel story goes on about a girl named Sana. The narration of the book was fast paced but author has really worked hard in penning down emotions into short and crisp chapters. As stated in the author’s bio, she loves travelling and yes her wanderlust was seen in the book.
I couldn’t afford to think any other apt title of this book because it says a lot. Story title was really catchy and will compel the readers to go ahead and read the book. Talking about the cover design, the cover design is just so spooky. A girl who is standing alone in the dusk and blowing wind played with her hair as if wind was intentionally blowing so that she can disguise herself. Beautiful cover, goes with the storyline. The language of the book was really very simple yet very lucid, foreign expression adds more flavor to it. Simple and readable.
I do not know whom to call my favorite character because I loved every part of this book. Starting from Sana, the protagonist who earlier had had very depressing childhood and then gradually she had a lovely family. Sana, is a girl who strongly believes in justice and wants every child to have a beautiful and memorable childhood. Can anyone imagine such person as threat or spooky? To know more, go and grab your copy. Strong built character.
Another character I enjoyed was Rita, the attorney-at-law who brilliantly solved the mysterious murders and stood by what is right. Coming back to Sana, I really loved her parents. They are so lovable.
Portions I enjoyed was when the story commenced, the brutal multiple murders, literally enjoyed the crime scenes. Next, I enjoyed all the medical sessions added into the books, some of them was no less than feeling you might be the one. Another, which caught my attention was the very strong yet neglected topic of child abuse, believe me author has really written and experimented on such an issue outstandingly.
I would love to recommend this amazing work to everyone because you won’t regret it for a second. Once you start reading you will be hooked till the last page and book will leave you with curiosity what will happen next.
My verdict- 4/5 stars. I couldn’t help but I have to wait to hear from the author about her upcoming books.
Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava

Wednesday, 8 March 2017

Sinister Series 1 – Chromozone Flesh and Blood by Paul Roberts

Year Published : 2015
Publisher : Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
Pages : 258
Format : Kindle Edition



  
                                                 Book Synopsis


The first book of The Sinister Series features Sara Greene. A mother to an adorable seven year old who is deaf from birth. Straight away their world is thrown into turmoil when a contagious infection is spreading across the United Kingdom, turning the living into a new breed of zombie like no other. Fearful for their lives, Sara has no choice but to build up the courage to protect her only child one way or another. She learns the hard way that the rules have changed. It’s kill or be killed. 

Just how far will Sara go to protect the one thing that means everything to her? Can she put all her instincts aside and become a killer? 


                                               My Review
Chromozone Flesh and Blood is a story which every Zombie lover would love to read. Ya, you heard me right, the book revolves around a group of survivors running to save their life and trying every second to get rid off Zombies who captured the whole United Kingdom. For a second. I thought that I am going to read the same plot of Resident Evil luckily author saved me and yes, it was different though somewhere I found the plot similar but that’s obvious they are after all Zombies and you cannot befriend them or they cannot pass through the walls like ghosts. The book is full of scary portions and human fight against odds. But what happen? Did they survived or they too were turned into Zombies and for that you need to buy and read the book.

Narration- Narration of the book was fast paced and very gripping. I completed the book in a single go and yes it does not ends what happened in any Zombie featuring movie.

Language – Language of the book was crisp but somewhere I felt disappointed due to grammatical errors but its okay sometime we just need to feel the book rather than being a Grammar Nazi.

Characters I enjoyed the most

Sara – Sara, one of the main character, strongly built and really was inspiring virago. Sara who was having everything perfect in her life but suddenly one call from her husband turned her world upside down. Sara who keeps on fighting and experienced the most horrible picture of human destruction, no matter what she keeps her head high and just reminded herself that she needs to be with her son, Harry.

Harry – Harry, was undoubtedly very cute but deaf boy (this could be avoided it made the book resemble like the movie). In spite of being challenged he managed to be very careful and behave like a good boy. Mumma’s boy!

Libby – Libby, woman who was a hard nutshell to crack, not so friendly and loud mouth character. But I loved how she remain true to her new found friends in disguise and stick around and helped others. Libby was just so enjoyable part. Loved her!!!

Portions which I enjoyed the most – Penning down the best and the loved portion I enjoyed is tough because the book hooked me till the last page, giving me Goosebumps and scaring the hell out of me(I love reading and watching horror but I do get scared!!!) Right, so I was saying I was experiencing creepy pasta and the book just not spared me. The book had very intense and spooky portions like when Sara and Harry found their neighbor woman thrown herself out of the car. How the maniacs run carelessly on the road searching for living cell around them.

Once, done with the book I realized it’s not Resident Evil’s story. The author has perfectly added gamut of feelings into a book and it does work very well. There was part where I found my hand on my mouth, it was scary to think who else can join Zombies and makes everything worse. Right, readers you got to read it book to know what I am talking about.

Negative Punch – The book will give Goosebumps to its reader but it will disappoint them when it comes to grammatical errors. Author could have worked in this particular section otherwise a little tip to readers, avoid such errors and enjoy the story. Later, I felt the story could be more twisted and blended because I was reminded of Resident Evil and Zoombieland but what else I can expect from Zoombies other than tearing out the shit of the living.

Book Recommendation - I’m not going to ask readers to be specific this time because we all love watching movie thus, this book will do fulfill your expectations, just go and grab the book and read it. It’s worth reading for all of you.

Overall Rating - I would rate the first installment of Sinister series 3.5/5 stars and would be looking forward for next book in the same series packed with haunting yet powerful content which will again send shivers down the spine.


Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava



Monday, 7 November 2016

Title: Ashwamedha, The Game Of Power
Writer: Aparna Sinha
Publisher: Shristi Publishers
Genre: Political Thriller
No. Of pages: 224 pages
Average reading time: 3 and 1/2 hours
Rating: 4/5
My Take:
Book Title and Cover- Cover and title both are intriguing and provides us, the readers, a subtle hint of the contents within. Background image is captivating and the fonts are clearly readable. Blurb is catchy and apt.
Language- Language used is simple, though topped with a few grammatical errors.
Narration- The flow is good. The quotes and poetry pieces used are artistic, and the author deserves an applaud for using right elements at right places.
Characters- Characters are relatable. Every character has got his own space. And the character details are great.
Theme- Though the story is a political thriller but it does have toppings of love and friendship on its political crust.
Plot- Though the plot is a cliché, but the way it's been told is unique, and this makes the book a page turner. The author had told the stories of Ashwin Jamwal and Hades simultaneously showcasing her art of storytelling. Through the twists and turns in the plot authoress had spiced up a page turner. The climax is good and satisfying.
If you love thrillers, then this must be in your to read list. You'll get something worth your time and money.
Reviewed by: Satyam

Thursday, 27 October 2016
The Last Relic Of Love by Chentanya Kapoor


Year Published : 2016
Publication : Vishwa Hindu Sahitya Parishad
Author:  ChentanyaKapoor
Genre: Romance/Fiction
Pages :104
Format : Paperback



                                                             Book Synopsis

Zahir, a ruler with a vicious heart started a hateful era of war. In this hateful era Farhan and Amber two lost orphans began their pursuit for love and freedom. Will unexpected encounter with Marineth and sabrina bring their pursuit to an end? Or will the shackles of hate wither the flower of love?


                                                            My Review

Let me begin with something amusing about the book which will catch attention as soon as your flip the cover. When the book arrived I almost thought the book must be written by someone who’s in twenty’s; as soon as I read about author I realized he’s just in class eleventh( youngest writer book I have read and reviewed on my blog) so without delaying I completed the book in a single setting.

The Last Relic of Love is a story about post war which drifted the landmasses and civilians in 2050 but in all these turmoil love keeps the few lives alive. The book dwells into where world in spite of modernity turned into a war zone and once again blood fills the drains, dark clouds witnessed the horrifying sight.

The book cover goes with the storyline but I found the title bit misleading. Cover which reflects the dawn after a dread night where as title depicts the lost and found relationship though the story does have romance part yet I feel the title could have been better.

Story begins with the war time and end up on a love note.  In spite of living and surviving in the ruthless world of future post war the characters somewhere meet their soulmates where as somewhere they loose. Apart from the story I found the poems incredibly attractive.

Language of the book was simple and readable but I strongly feel there’s scope of improvement in future.

The book which was a light read till the end but on the other side the grammatical errors and the editing errors creates a hindrances in the flow of book.

I would rate the book 2.5/5 stars, I am looking forward to read more further writing project of the  author and considering the facts I mentioned above, author would take my review as an encouragement instead of criticism. I hope the next book will definitely blow mine and readers mind.

Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava