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Book Review –Kansa, Professor Black Triology by Kevin Prassant

Published Year:2016

Publication: Inked Company

Pages: 398

Genre: Fiction/Thriller

Format: Paperback/Kindle

                                                                    Synopsis  

OVER A SPAN OF TEN YEARS, HE KILLED FORTY PREGNANT WOMEN AND THEN VANISHED WITHOUT A TRACE. AFTER FIVE YEARS OF SILENCE, HE IS BACK AGAIN, SEEKING HIS NEXT VICTIM. ONLY ONE MAN CAN STOP HIM - PROFESSOR BLACK. 

Maher was found unconscious in the middle of the highway and later, in the hospital, she revealed that she had escaped from a killer's house. All the details and patterns matched the serial killer 'Kansa,' who had disappeared five years ago after murdering forty pregnant women. ACP Saargi Desai was assigned to the case. She appealed to her department to bring back Professor Black to help her catch the killer. The Professor, who had a haunting past that had kept him away from the world of crime and investigation for several years, was not willing to take on this case. But the ACP managed to convince him to get on board just for this one last time. Soon after agreeing to help, the Professor realized that for the first time in his life, he had met his match. As he dug deeper into the case, everything got dirtier, the stakes went higher, and nothing was what it seemed.

                                                                   My Review

Professor Black series first installment is so thrilling and exciting that I couldn’t stop myself flaunting how much I love this book.  From the very first page to the very end I almost hopped into a conclusion that this very book is worth setting competition to other authors who are writing the same genre. Coming back to Kansa, the book opens up with an astounding blurb which itself is capable of making readers to grab this book. Blurb states about 40 murders of pregnant ladies and it is believed  Kansa, the murderer is back to start the game all over.

Book started with the first hunt by Kansa after years and how his fear has threaten the nation.  Whereas another story runs parallel, soft and beautiful relationship between Viraat and Khushi. They both were born to be together but destiny has planned something else and their story took a dark turn. Story is followed by series of events and would be no less than watching some Hollywood spy movies.  After few chapters the book paced is really very fast and gripping, for some point readers would be compelled to jump to the last page but they couldn’t do that the flow is so fascinating that story cannot be skipped.

It was really tough to choose which character and portion I loved the most because with this book I lived with the story and characters. But personally enjoyed portion was reading revelation part  of Kansa, another the way Professor Black solved puzzle. I cannot miss to mention “Birth of Kansa” and how everything was so frustrating at one point and another moment you loved every bit of the story. Learning about Professor Black and ACP Saargi was just amazing. I always prefer to read strong build female character and Saargi was just I imagined. On the other hand, Professor Black will alone steal the hearts of his readers because this very character is really very different yet interesting to learn about.

Language of the book was just so thrilling; I could take my eyes off once I started reading. Plot was fast paced with so much of thriller, action and suspense. Title of the story is catchy and blurb would alone make readers to pick this book. Cover is decent and relatable to the story line.

Overall I would recommend everyone to go ahead with this book at any cost. Not a second will be wasted in fact one will start reading crime fiction. I would rate this Hollywood- spy- like- book 4/5 stars. Just can’t wait to read another installment of Professor Black series.

Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava

A Team of Extraordinary Bastards by Arka Datta is a beautiful tale of Arya Sen, a footballer, who after zillions of upheavals finally attain everything in his life. This book is something which will inspire you. Paths of happiness cannot be achieved only by walking on spiritual path but one can have or achieve them living in this world also. This is the core theme or message wants to convey with this story.

It is difficult to weave a story using a game and that too an inspirational one but author has succeeded thoroughly. The story beings with a match, football. The sport was magnificently used in the story which makes this book out of the box as well as makes its readers hooked on their edges. The book makes you believe in your dreams again.

This is something which is loved by sports lovers and liked by all. Language was readable and decent. Narration was slow allowing readers to read every bit of Arya and his baffled life. I do not know why such title was choose at first place but at the end I realized its crux. The cover is beautiful and goes with the storyline.

Overall the book succeeds making its reader worth a wait till the last page of the book. I would rate it 3.5/5 stars. I would like to thanks author for sending me a copy of his work. Book is indeed special.  

Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava

Three Wise Monkeys by Jeet Jain is light hearted novel, in which author and story both had intended to laugh out it’s readers. The cover of the book reflects three who sat on a lump of currency notes. Title is witty and would grab the attention and is apt on too.

The plot is something which is gripping where Amar, Akbar and Anotony struggle to pass C.A. first and later to get some pink notes into their pockets. The trio desperately searched from clients make them meet Ashwin Farah, a cunning banker with a never ending greed who indulge the trio  in money laundering business without their knowledge.

Amar, Akbar and Anthony became the national as well as international focuse out of the blue. Three wise monkeys is a story of three unwise monkeys and how they help the trio to settle the scores.

Book begin with brief indroduction about the trio and their not-so-happening life and later the book dwells into dark and humor. The book is fast paced with humon unfolded at every page. High voltage climax.  Author has tried to rib tickle it’s readers, somewhere he succeeds and somewhere he doesn’t.

Overall the book is one time read. Definitely the book is humorus and full of imagination but somewhere it would bore it’s readers.

I would rate 3/5 stars.                          

Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava

Book Review: Dying To Live by Monisha K Gumber

Published Year: 2017

Publication: Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd

Genre: Motivational Teen Fiction

Pages: 229

Format: Paperback

                                                                     Synopsis

Megha, a young super-achiever with a perfect life has all that is needed to be happy. After all why wouldn’t she? A swimming champion, school topper, popular, good-looking girl with amazing friends and loving parents. What more could a girl ask for? A lot, actually. 

Because even when she has it all; she sulks and does the unthinkable. A grave mistake that could take her to her own grave. But survivor that she is, she breaks through the wall of ‘perfections’ and accepts that she is what she is: sad, vulnerable and confused. Oh, don’t get her wrong, as she puts up a tough fight to reach where she is meant to be. And on the way learns some lessons that will take her through this amazing journey called life. A happy kind of life.

                                                                    My Review

“Dying to live” is a story of a teenage girl Megha, who is strong and determined to be the best. She has everything in her life, wonderful parents, cool friends whom she sometimes envies, blue stocking and to be national level swimming champion. But sometimes she too sucks and failed miserably. Something which she was aware of but couldn’t control her rushing emotions on various life events. A year of teenage is very delicate because you have no control on emotions and it tends to drive you crazy. People talk about your benefit but you turn down their requests and start thinking as if you could do the best.

Magha was too trapped in her mind as well as of her surrounding. This book is actually a story of a teenage girl who fights to become best from the worst she did at times. Book will hook you will so many illustrations which makes the book and characters live. We see so many teenagers struggling either to excel in studies or trying to fix themselves with someone from opposite gender. Well that’s what teenage is about. A driven force where your mind and surrounding both tries to hold you or make you weak for taking some  crazy decision . Megha’s story is something which deserves ears because how many if you would wants remember how an all-rounder becomes an average yet happy girl.

Book talks about various issues which we faced or our friends faced and an insight is given by the book how to overcome your biggest obstacles. A supercool Nani  who acts like light at the end of tunnel and a mother who always want her child to be the best. The book is motivational read and would make you to step into Meghs’s shoe.

Characterization is good, illustrations in the book is really very amazing. Language is good almost like reading a teenager’s diary. The cover is beautiful and the title matches the storyline.

Overall the book has justified at all the levels just like the previous one “Sick of Being Healthy”, which I want to read. Book is recommended to both parents and teenagers. I would rate 3.5 stars/5. I wish to read more from the author’s work.

Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava

Book Review: The Quest of the Sparrows 

                                                                    Synopsis

A seemingly ordinary young man forced to become a guru takes a leap of faith and sets off with his followers on a taxing journey that changes their mindsets and lives forever. Inspired by the carefree life of a sparrow, reluctant guru Partibhan takes off on a 600 kilometre expedition on foot to test his theory of practical spirituality. He believes that human beings can become powerful creators, but the desire to secure the future makes them mere survivors. However, survival isn’t the only goal of life. A much bigger role, a higher calling awaits us. Will Guru Partibhan and his disciples complete the journey? Will they discover their true potential and find everlasting joy? Looks at the importance of spirituality in today's fast paced world. A must read for all those feeling burnt out and wondering about the ‘higher purpose’ of their lives. The story of a young man who finds his calling in life, written in a relatable manner.

                                                                My Review

The Quest of the Sparrows is something different from what I read in other motivational and self-help books. The book consists of three people and three different lives- Nikhil, Sanjeev and Partibhan who embarks together in a spiritual journey to discovers the ultimate truth that how can one be free like sparrows.  The journey then became the turning point of their lives and with each day they learn something very acknowledging from simple incidents or hurdles they faced. 

Nikhil who lives in London has a family who is no more with him. He succeed everything in life but never know what family is about or how to be a happy person. Until one day, a newspaper advertisement’s caught his attention and he determined himself to walk on the path of spirituality.

Sanjeev who is a private detective hired to spy on the Guru Pratibhan to prove that he is imposter like other Guru’s we see in television. Sanjeev has gone though worse in his life and he did not wants to believe in something which exists far above from human acceptance, the divine power. His perceptions lead to spy Pratiban but when he knew the truth and power, he too became his follower.

Guru Pratibhan, just like them faced worse in childhood. His father’s leaves him and his mother in search of truth, a sick mother and huge loan amount to be paid and loan sharks who harass him.  In the last days of his father, he offered him to take his place and spread the divine message but Pratibhan was reluctant and blamed his father of all miseries they faced all their life. But something transformed or we better say Pratibhan was a true austere.

The story is different like I said earlier and very enlighten.  Book talks about how human tends to run for materialism all his life but then at the end he wants to be transformed.

Though the book is fictional not spiritual guidance or something but proved to be amazing art of reflecting the right path.

I personally loved the book cover and the title. Narration was good and language was smooth and comprehendible. I would rate 4/5 stars.

Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava

The Aravan Head by Arvind Narsima is a ‘well described and the most entertaining thriller”. This book is page turner which revolves around the protagonist Arya the police who tried to bridge between mysterious incidents which were occurring one after the other. This book is complete mixture of action, drama, thriller and love. After reading this book I felt like I was watching movie on television with strong plot and amazing character building.

The plot is something which will surprise the readers page after page. It is totally unpredictable and packed with action. The book commenced with three hideous murders at different places in different locations and in different timing, but everything was in loop which readers will realize at the end.

The plot centers around the title “The Aravan Head” which is said that it might cure disease and a god of transgender communities. The story moves both in past and present which will make its readers on the edge. Somewhere you will find yourself in a fix. The moment you will feel that you have solved the mystery it gets more deepen and darken. Characterization is something which is very strong point I considered about this very book. They actually look alive to me. Every page is like a clue given to you to solve, the more you solve the more it gets complex and ultimately book will leave you in amazement.

Multiple characters which never get mixed with one and the other, is something which I really liked about the book. A personally enjoyed read Arya part, which is cop and hunt to solve the murders. He was type of person who shoot and talk less. Typically what we see in movies.

Talking about the language which was very good and enjoyable. The title and cover justifies the crux of the book whereas the book talks about social topics which didn’t hindered the path of enjoying this thriller action packed book.

I would rate it 4/5 stars. I’m glad that Arudha Club for sending me a copy of this novel.

Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava

Book Review of The 365 Days by Nikhil Ramteke

Published Year: 2016

Publication:Write India Publications

Genre: Fiction 

Pages: 178

Format: Paperback/Kindle

                                                                    Synopsis

This is a story that falls through the crevices of pitiless anonymity, yet miraculously waits to be told. 
Shijukutty, a Malayali fisherman, leaves his tiny hamlet of abject poverty in the coastal village of Vizhinjam on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, that picturesque vignette of searing beauty on the southwestern coast of India. Shiju, like millions of other Malayalis, seeks his destiny in Dubai, that gleaming global hub of fortune on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. What unfolds is a stirring story of distilled hardship, exploitation, identity, and friendship, and the heartbreaking choices Shiju is often forced to make. So what he sees is not what he experiences when he lands in a world of glimmering towers, fast-paced life, and unabashed opulence. For what he was not prepared for was the dark underbelly of Dubai beyond the shimmering mirage. 

Shiju's life is no more the same. But he holds his ground, drawing on ancient instincts of his seafaring ancestry. As things settle down around him, he is inexorably pulled into the canyon of recession... Will Shiju be able to hold on to his dreams? Will he able to pull out himself from the whirlpool? Will he survive against all odds? Will he redeem himself? Nikhil Ramteke unfolds an extraordinary saga about Indian expatriates, their struggles, their alienation, and their dreams. The 365 Days is more than a story of a year in Shijukutty's life. 

                                                                    My Review

Pre or post independence days, India has always emerged as a country with most labor supply or we can say manpower supply across the globe. Legally or illegally, our work force has been sent away from the native land which sometimes leads to luxury definitely by luck but most of the time it had given us sleepless nights.

The 365 Days is one such story which is definitely written in fiction but trust me the storyline remind me of case I learned two years back in economics. This is story of  Shijukutty, a Malayali fisherman, leaves his motherland to Dubai, in search of better opportunity. But does destined has planned futile results or he would be like one of the sufferer?

Coming back to book, when I read the blurb, it was really very comprehendible about the story. Author had has provided more than required which makes readers to guess a lot. Book cover was apt but I felt title could have been worked better.

Story begins, where Shijukutty goes to Dubia for more explorer and opportunity but sooner he realized how he was fooled regarding employment. Author has picked very touchy topic to pen down, human trafficking, where a poor is forced to get lure by people whom he might not be aware of as well as their  background to him are either unknown. Book was easy to read as well as understandable but was monotonous when it comes to lengthy chapters. Author could have worked in this particular portion.

My personally enjoyed portion was when author describes about recession period and its impact on entire country moreover how it creates troubles for the civilians who were living in that problem-stricken country away from the family. This particular portion was really very enjoyable and related to day to day scenario. Character building was decent but somewhere I felt, this section could have been written in a concise way.

Language was good but excess use regional language makes it off a bit. Narration was not fast nor too slow. Overall the book was a light read.

I would rate 2.7/5 stars. Looking forward to read more from the author.

Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava