Happiness by Danielle Steele

"Happiness" by Danielle Steele - It's a choice!

This book is published by An in 2024 and has 336 pages.

Sabrina Brooks is a psycho-thriller author of best sellers. Her works come from her horrendous marriage with a psycho husband for 5 years. Now divorced and famous, she lives with her two dogs in Berkshire, USA. One day a letter arrives informing her that her uncle (father's brother), a Viscount in England, has died leaving his property and house to her. Her uncle's attorney (Greyson) convinces her to visit before deciding to sell the property off. 

Will she like the property? Will she keep it? Will she be attracted to the handsome attorney? Is he available? Will she meet someone else?

Sabrina is very uncomfortable with the title of Lady Brooks. But in England she deciphers the distant and cold behavior of her dead father. She understands the family background. She finds the roots. Greyson is in an unhappy marriage. He promises to get out but his wife is not going to give up so easily. Sabrina also meets Caleb, a recently widowed screenwriter.

This story is very straight forward without any unexpected twist or turn. It's actually predictable. It's also relatively short. So, when it ends you don't get the satisfaction of having read a complete story. There could have been several possibilities to spice up the things, but author ignites them and delivers a simple and sweet story.

Danielle Steel stories are mostly happy ending and middle to affluent class with strong female protagonist. She doesn't write series, so each one brings something new.

My favorite sentence from this book:

Happiness is not a gift, it's a choice.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What didn't I like?  Too simplistic.

What did I like? Happy ending.

Not a must read.

The lost city of the monkey God by Douglas Preston

"The lost city of the monkey God" by Douglas Preston - True story ! 

This book is published by Head of Zeus in 2017 and has 336 pages. 

Since the days of Spanish conquistadores rumours have circulated about a lost city of immense wealth hidden deep in the Honduran interior. Indigenous tribes warn the legendary city is cursed. To enter it is a death sentence. They call it the Lost City of the Monkey God.

A mission is launched to do LiDAR surveys of potential areas. LiDAR is a technology that can see what's on the ground and below it by penetrating the dense foliage off the tree canopy. The sites (T1, T2, T3) are identified in Mosquitia, Honduras. Now it's time for a physical mission. A team of archeologists, journalists and army personnel is put together. Author is the chosen journalist.

Will there be able to land and survive in the Virgin jungle? What dangers will they face? Will they survive? Will they find the lost city of Monkey God?

It's a fascinating account with encounters with fer-de-lance (a very poisonous snake), Jaguar, sand flies, mosquitoes, insects etc.  It's the story of discovery. Story of a place not visited by any human in almost 500 years. Story of a curse.

When the Spanish conquerors landed in Americas, they brought with them their diseases. Local population had no immunity to these foreign diseases, mainly Malaria and Leash Menises. Local population died en mass and Spanish survived. Local population saw this as wrath / curse of God and abandoned cities. Up to 90% of local population died. This resulted in extermination of civilizations and races. It was the most brutal extermination of mankind, anywhere in the world.

The visiting team discovers a city. It's not established if it's the City of Monkey God, but they find a city. It's neither Mayan, nor Aztecs. It's a mysterious Pre-Colombian civilization. But the curse strikes and some team members become victims of Leash Menises.

By the end of the book, the excavation has just started. So, what is revealed there remains unknown.

It's a good account. Despite being a nonfiction, author captivates you with his account and with the possibilities. A couple of things that didn't sit well with me are:

It is not established if the city the found was indeed the Lost City of Monkey God. Then why give that name to the book?

Author has spent a lot of time in the history of the diseases and their history. Although diseases are essential to understand why the Native American civilizations became extinct, the book delves into it too much in detail. If that was shortened, it would have made the v book crisp.

Why did I read this book? Nonfiction for a change.

What did I like? The account

What didn't I like? As mentioned above.

Read it for a change.

The Bourne Sacrifice by Brian Freeman

"The Bourne Sacrifice" by Brian Freeman - No novelty!

This book is published by Head of Zeus in 2022 and has 385 pages. This is Book 17 of Jason Bourne series.

A German lady is killed in a park. Another lady approaches Abbey Laurent claiming that the lady is not who she is told to be. Abbey investigates and lands in trouble that practically ends her journalistic career. Bourne, who has left Treadstone, has a lead in his mission of finding Lennon. But he needs help and has to partner with Treadstone. An organization called Pyramid is playing behind the scenes influencing policy, government and intelligence.

Will Abbey and Bourne meet again? Will they remain together? Who runs Pyramid? How deep is the rot?

Bourne and Abbey are on the run. They are hunted but need information to become hunters. Their personal relationship is tested. Abbey crosses an invisible threshold. Will she be the same again?

It's a typical thriller. A wealthy individual with the dream of world dominion. An organization that controls the world. Deo roots. A hired assassin. Bourne standing between Pyramid and absolute control.

You can easily imagine how it ends. 

This book doesn't bring anything new to the table. So, although it's not boring, there's nothing special to write about.

Why did I read this book? I am reading the series.

What didn't I like? Lack of novelty.

What did I like? Umm....

Give it a miss.

Soul of the sword by Julie Kagawa

 "Soul of the sword" by Julie Kagawa - What happens next?

This book is published by HQ Young Adult in 2019 and has 384 pages. This is Book 2 of Shadow of the Fox series.

Book 1 ended with Hakai Mono possessing Tatsumi's soul and body. Umeko decides to save Tatsumi at any cost. Lady Hancho, the head of Shadow Clan and Umeko reach an agreement that Umeko will save Tatsumi and Lady Hancho will not order killing of Tatsumi. Umeko and her companions; Taio Daisuke, Rekha-the shrine maiden, Master Giro, Okame-the Ronin March towards the Steel feather temple. So does Hakai Mono in Kage Tatsumi's body. He has formed alliance with Genno, master of demons, the blood mage. Steel feather temple is guarded by Tengu-the crow Yokai. Dragon's scroll is the ultimate prize. Now everyone knows that Umeko is a half Kitsune. Only way to fight Hakai Mono is to use Kitsunetzu ki.

Which of the companions of Umeko die? Does Tatsumi hate Umeko? Is there a sliver of love between them? Can she force Hakai Mono back into Kami Gorushi? What is Lord Segetsu supported by Taka the Okai and Suki the ghost trying to achieve?

The journey continues. The part in Hakame castle is a bit boring. I would have preferred if the battle inside Tatsumi's soul was made more interesting.

The book ends little unexpectedly. You expect the end of the story but the story has a twist towards the end and would be completed in Book 3. Umeko is becoming stranger and takes on Hakai Mono but the battle remains incomplete. She has a new kind of challenge in next book.

Off the book was a little shorter, it would have become more interesting.

Why did I read this book? First book was good. 

What I didn't like? Place of story in some places.

What did I like? Cleaver use of Fox Magic.

Read only if you will read the series.

The Bourne Treachery by Brian Freeman

"The Bourne Treachery" by Brian Freeman - The saga continues!

This book is published by Bloomsbury publishing in 2022 and has 432 pages. This is Book 16 of Jason Bourne series. 

Three years ago Bourne and Nova have tried to exfiltrate a Russian spy but the Russians manage to kill Jim in a boat explosion. Nova, Bourn's partner and lover, has died after that. Lennon is an assassin and master of disguise and is working for Russia. Clark Cafferty of USA and Gennady Sorokin of Russia are going to have a clandestine meeting in London. Tati, a Russian scientist, is invited for a seminar in London. Bourne and back from dead Nova are assigned to foil Lennon's attempt in the life of Cafferty.

How come Nova is alive? Will there be amorous relationship again? Why is Tati invited? What is the objective of the secret meeting? Will Bourne and Lenin meet?

Initial part of the story concentrates on Bourne and Nova and later the attention shifts to Tati. Lennon taunts Bourne that they knew each other before Bourne lost his memory. So Bourne had to find Lennon but not kill him. 

The story is semi complicated. The plot is there, but last part of the book is all about Bourne and Lennon. Nova's actions don't appear consistent with her character. Bourne appears to like Nova s as well as Abbey.

The book ends with a revelation. But Bourne can't say if it's true or a lie.

Why did I read this book? Have been reading the series.

What did I like? Enigma of Lennon .

What I didn't like? Beatles songs.

Read only if you plan to read the series.

Rasputin's shadow by Raymond Khoury

"Rasputin's shadow" by Raymond Khoury - Historical fiction!

This book is published by Orion in 2015 and has 480 pages. This is Book 4 of Templar book series.

A Russian Embassy staff dies by jumping out of the balcony of an apartment owned by a Russian immigrant (Leo Sakharov) in America. The immigrant and his American wife go missing. FBI agent Shane Reilly investigates. There is a connection to the infamous Russian mystic and the adviser to Tsar and Tsarina, Rasputin.

Why is everyone looking for the immigrant Russian school teacher? What does he have? What is the connection to Rasputin? Can Shane solve the mystery?

What appears to be a case of missing school teacher and mystery of death of a Russian embassy staff becomes a full blown crisis. The body count starts increasing at an alarming rate. A Russian special forces operative (Koshe) is on the loose in America. Everyone is after the invention that can change the world. The invention is potent and can be a boon or bane depending on the user.

The story toggles between present time and the time of Rasputin. It uses the mystery surrounding Rasputin, one of the most controversial personalities in Russia. The invention is Perl and can do great damage to the enemies of its possessor.

Character of Sakhalov is interesting. He wants to live a decent life but can't quell his scientific curiosity. Reilly, the hero of first three books, is you against all odds. At the same time he is also trying to find out who from CIA tried to brainwash his 4 year old son. So on one side he is duty bound and on another side he has a personal score to settle.

Book ends with solution to one of these two problems and leaves the readers excited about what's going to happen in book 5 because of what he discovered at the end of book 4.

Why did I read this book? Good series so far. 

What I didn't like? Can a single man outsmart alphabet soup agencies?

What did I like? The  invention.

Read, if you plan to read the series. 

The mistress of Bhatia house by Sujata Massey

 "The mistress of Bhatia house" by Sujata Massey - Misnomer!

This book is published by Penguin in 2023 and has 432 pages. This is second book of Praveen Mystry series.

Gulnaz, Praveen's childhood friend and now sister-in-law has delivered a baby girl, but the arrival has created a rift in their relation. Uma, daughter-in-law of Sir Dwarkanath Bhatia, is collecting donations for a ladies hospital and Dr. Miriam Penkar has scripted to be the Chief Physician. Sunanda, the ayah in Bhatia house is arrested for allegedly attempting abortion. Colin Sandringham is working on updating the maps of Bombay Presidency and Princely States. There is a murder.

Why is Sunanda arrested? Did she attempt abortion? Why are certain Britishers against Praveen? Who is murdered? Whodunit?

The story starts with the hospital, then moves on to Sunanda's arrest and stays there for a long time. Then suddenly it moves to the Nawab of Varunpur and his Australian wife. Then a crime is committed. Then there is the incident of an Englishman grabbing Praveen's bottom. 

In short, the story has no flow. Things appear to be happening randomly. I continued reading the book assuming that although it looked chaotic, probably it will all come together nicely at the end. Alas! It was not to be. The end is even more chaotic and very abrupt. It's also unconvincing.

Author probably wants Praveen to experience motherhood without having her own child, so the character of Gulnaz becomes paranoid and the responsibility of little Khushi comes to Praveen. Again unconvincing.

Even the title is a misnomer. The mistress of Bhatia house is neither a heroine nor a villain and she doesn't even have a significant role.

Why did I read this book? It was available.

What I didn't like? Story. 

What did I like? Umm... 

Give it a miss.

Clive Cussler Fire strike by Mike Maden

"Clive Cussler Fire strike" by Mike Maden - Oregon under attack!

This book is published by Penguin in 2023 and has 528 pages. This is Book 17 of Oregon files series.

A French mercenary commander has set up a base in Eritrea. Dr. Hightower supplies him genetically modified convicts, the super soldiers. Dr. Elizabeth Huxley's friend is murdered along with a native tribe called Poison Arrow deep in Amazon rain forest. Deputy Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia dies in a flying accident, in front of his father. The corporation is assigned a case to find missing brother of former Mossad operative Saray Masala. Someone steals 2 hypersonic Brahmos missiles from India. This missile is the only kind in the world, extremely hard to detect and counter.

Are these five stories connected? What is the common thread? How is corporation involved? Will the Oregon be exposed? Can it survive?

Juan Cabrrillo, a former CIA operative, runs a ship called Oregon. Outwardly it's a tramp steamer - a rust bucket, but belowdecks it's a state of the art espionage vessel with submarines, tilt roter aircraft, moon pool, advance weaponry and highly skilled operatives. The corporation is Oregon based organization mostly working for CIA.

This time Juan Cabrrillo and his team are up against enemy that is superior biologically and equal technologically. It's going to test their endurance and limits. Several of the Oregon staff on combat duty are injured. There is an attack on vulnerable Oregon.

This story is complex and layered but it all comes together. However, the post climax part where the plot is unraveled is covered very briefly.

After the death of original author Clive Cussler, looks like Mike Madden has taken over this series. He has retained the basic style and added his own variations.

There is a James Bond style adventure at the start of the book. But this adventure has nothing to do with the story. Unnecessary!

Why did I read this book? I have read the series.

What did I like? Morris gets his due.

What I didn't like? The Saudi plot is not elaborate enough.

Read if you are reading the series.

Clive Cussler's The Heist by Jack Du Brul

Clive Cussler's "The Heist" by Jack Du Brul - Will dollar survive?

This book is published by Putnam Pub Group in 2025 and it has 449 pages. This is Book 14 of Isaac Bell series.

Issac Bell, Chief Investigator of Van Dorn Detective Agency is traveling on a yacht with his banker father, other influential bankers and President of USA. The occasion is the imminent centralization of banks and launch of new dollar bills. An aeroplane attacks them by dropping couple of bombs, but Bell uses the machine gun onboard and saves the situation. The wreckage of the plane has newly printed 100 dollar bills. He is then summoned to investigate a murder that he proves to be a suicide and Jackson Pickett, the husband of victim, innocent. Someone tries to murder him by locking him in a room in a ship and then sinking the ship. There is a brilliant heist of almost 1 billion dollars at the Bureau of Printing and Engraving.

Why was there an attempt of life of Bell? Who tried to kill the President? How was the heist carried out? Can Bell solve the mystery?

It's a very trickery situation. If the news gets out that the federal reserve was robbed, dollar will lose its credibility and the American banking system will collapse. If the theft is not solved, someone flush with money may try to flood the markets with stolen money and dollar will be devalued as soon as it's launched. Even if the perpetrator is found he/she can't be charged publicly. What a dilemma? Michaelene Riordan, an Irish assassin, is the point man for this operation. But who is he working for?

Like previous Bell novels, this one also has railways as primary means of transport and there is a rail chase. There is also a boat chase. Bell, the brilliant investigator, uses all his deductive powers and intellect to solve the case but the perpetrator is going to walk free despite all his efforts. Can he let that happen?

The story is good. Despite it happening more than a century ago, the story isn't slow. This one, however, is a little short on adrenaline, as compared to others.

Jack Du Brul used to cowrite this series with Clive Cussler. After Cusdler's death, Jack has continued the series in same vein. 

Why did I read this book? Have been reading the series.

What I didn't like? Umm.....

What did I like? The boat chase.

Read if you are reading the series.

Spider by Azma Dar

"Spider" by Azma Dar - Wasted potential!

This book is published by Datura books in 2023 and has 336 pages. 

Book starts with the death of Tarek.  Sophie's Husband. They are British-Pakistani's living in England. But Tarek is not her first husband, neither is her second. He's third. After Tarek's death the flash back starts.

Why did Sophie marry thrice? Are her two previous husbands (Aamir and Faraz) alive or dead? What are her ambitions?

The book starts interestingly. Author peels the layers of the story one by one. Reader's expectations are heightened. How will the story end? What will Sophie do? Can she overcome the odds? 

Unfortunately, author fails to maintain the tempo. When the book is about 80% complete, the story fizzles out. The story dies a sudden death. A lot of potential goes waste. The character of Sophie goes from victim to vindictive to plain stupid.

Why did I read this book? Book by Pakistani British author.

What did I like? Initial story. 

What I didn't like? The end and later part of the story.

AVOID.

Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa

"Shadow of the Fox" by Julie Kagawa - Japanese fantasy !

This book is published by HQ Young Adult in 2018 and has 464 pages. This is Book 1 of the series.

Umeko, a Kitsune or Fox girl, half human and half fox, lives with the monks of Silent winds temple on a mountain. Lady Satomi, concubine of the king, is a blood witch. She has summoned Yaburama anOni and 4th General from Gikoku, the horned demon and his army of Amanjaku, little demons to retrieve the dragon scroll. Chief of The shadow clan, Lady Hancho, orders the assassin of the clan Shinobi Kage Tatsumi to retrieve the first part of Dragon scroll from Silent wind temple. Tatsumi wields the sword called Kamigorushi, the Godslayer. It has the spirit of demon Hakaimono. A series of events sends Umeko and Tatsumi on a journey together as reluctant accomplices.

Why was Umeko abandoned at the temple after birth? Why Tatsume, the loner, is accompanying her? Where is the other temple? Will the dragon rise?

They encounter Jurogumo the spider, Kamaitachi the magical Wezels, Wind witch Kazekira, Kibasama a demon bear, Gaki - spirits of greedy humans, who are punished and are always hungry, Omukade a giant man eating centipede. 

On the way they are joined by Okame the Ronin, Onino Mikoto the demon Prince or Taio Daisuke, ghost of the daughter of the flute maker. They need to find Master Isao of Harare shrine to find another temple.

Dragon, god of tides and harbinger of change rises every 1000 years. It has Fushino Tama, the jwel of immortality. Everyone is after it and Umeko is the last hope to safeguard it.

The characters are rich. There is Lot of variety. Magic makes it exot sub plots but the journey is kind of predictable.

Book 2 of the series titled 'Soul of the sword' and Book 3 titled 'Night of the dragon' are already published.

Why did I read this book? Wanted to read N Japanese fantasy.

What did I like? Rich characterization.  

What I didn't like? Predictability.

Read if you want to continue the story.

If an Egyptian cannot speak English by Noor Naga

 "If an Egyptian cannot speak English" by Noor Naga - Something different!

This book was published by Graywolf Pr in 2022 and has 186 pages.  

Afer her graduation, a shaven headed American young girl of Egyptian origin comes to Egypt. She is a foreigner in her own land. She befriends Samy and Reem (a lesbian), two misfits and starts teaching English at British Embassy. A man, fed up with poverty, runs away from his village in Egypt and moves to Cairo. He becomes a drug addict photographer. Expectedly, they meet.

What happens next? Will they become friends or enemies? Will the two opposite cultures clash? How will it end?

Title of every chapter of this book is a question. The questions are very intelligent and make you think. For example: If you play to lose, what do you win if you win? Is a country boy trading country stories for city stories from city girl, being ripped off? If a city is trying to kill you actively, should you take it personally? Is it arrogant to grieve the loss of something you never had? If the beast is already in your house, does that make the wilderness safer?

The boy and girl have no names. They get introduced, struck up, start living together, bliss, relationship turning toxic The story is nostalgic, cryptic, surreal at the same time.

It's a slow story. Not much happens. It's a story of Conflict between haves and have nots, suffering and comfort, Egyptian and foreign culture, orthodox and liberal.

The book ends with a book club discussion of the memoirs of the girl where the girl participates. This discussion provides the readers multiple possible ending reader choose whatever they want.

It's a different kind of book.

Why I read this book? Curious title.

What did I like? Something different.  

What didn’t like? Place is slow.

Read if you liked the review.

Those horrific 15 days by Vilas Vare

"Those horrific 15 days" by Vilas Vare. Translated from Marathi to English by Prof. Vikram Apte- COVID days!

This book is published by Scion publications in 2025 and has 254 pages. 

Deshmukh, co-editor of ‘The Janaswarajya’ is detected with Corona during second wave and is admitted to ‘Girija Mata Hospital’ for Covid patients. The hospital is run by an honest politician, Lankeshwar. Author spends 15 days in the hospital ward and meets other patients, people from various walks of life.

Who will he meet? How many will survive? Will the author survive? What happens in those horrific 15 days?

It’s an interesting collection of characters. Nilesh is true social worker. Selfless. Interested in service of downtrodden. Digambar is a Varkari. Dada Karnik, a Brahmin by profession who has a change of heart. Ahmed sells chai at vari going to Pandharpur. Tarachand is a teacher and a poet.  Madhu is the idealist school teacher. Akshay is a Tamasha artist.  There is an aboriginal graduate youth, who works on daily wages. Author Deshmukh, the journalist who fights for people and has left many jobs because he refused to compromise. Then, there are characters like Sadhana and Vidya, who author never meets. Also, there is Sister Jagdale, Ward boy Ithape, two doctors etc. 

Author takes us through the story of each patient. His life, aspirations, emotions, sorrows and suffering. Author has collected a good set of characters from all strata of society and life. None of them is rich or well off. Each one has a life story to tell. The common thread binding them is their sorrow and suffering exacerbated by corona. It’s the central theme of this book. 

One by one the patients leave either due to death or because they are cured, leaving author alone for one night. When the author is alone, there is a free flow of thoughts. Although they are free flowing thoughts of the character of the journalist, author should have written it in a more structured manner. Instead, it’s messy. It’s full of contradictions, oxymorons, jumps from one subject to another and irrationalism. In one paragraph he is extremely critical of government and in next he praises them. In one para he rants about not having enough vaccines, in the next he praises for the vaccine production. By the time you are aligned with authors way of thinking he has jumped to another line of thinking. Agreed that these are the thoughts of author and need not be orderly. But there should be some semblance of order for the readers to follow them. This last section is messy and unorganized. He is all over the place. Or may be it was by design. 

It’s a good book. You keep reading. 

Author Vilas Vare is known for writing books that address social issues and highlight the sorrows and suffering of the affected people. His books, however, are not dark or dystopian. They are realistic with a ray of hope. That is his USP! Author has done huge social work in his real life and real life experiences make his story telling authentic and honest.

Translator has remained true to his role. He has translated what was written rather than trying to improve it or tweak it.

Why did I read this book? Interesting and current topic. 

What I didn't like? The last section.  

What did I like? The characters. 

Recommend reading.

Disclosure: The translator is my father. 

Oath of loyalty by Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills

 "Oath of loyalty" by Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills - Mitch Rapp continues! 

This book is published by Simon and Shuster in 2022 and has 368 pages. This is Book 21 of Mitch Rapp series.

The situation between Mitch Rapp, the most successful CIA operative and assassin and Anthony Cook, the President of USA has worsened beyond repair. Mike Nash, Friend of Mitch and Irene tries to entrap Rapp with an intention to kill, but Rapp turns the table forcing Mike to commit suicide. A special operations team storms Rapp's Home with an intention to eliminate him, but Rapp escapes. Irene Kennedy is unceremoniously sacked from position of Director of CIA and replaced by Cook loyalist. 

Why does Cook want Rapp eliminated? What will he do to get it done? Who will Irene side with? Will Cook succeed? Is it good for America?

Now the fight is not for the country. It's personal. To take on the most powerful man on earth is no small feat. Rapp takes a series of measures to safeguard himself and his family. But a new threat emerges as soon as previous one is neutralized.

Rapp has aged but he is still angry and trigger happy. But he is also thinking of avoiding conflict and living peacefully. It's a yin-yang within him. Irene is still in control of what she does and reads the situation better than anyone else.

Book ends with resolution of the conflict but the story will continue. The end is unconvincing.

Why I read this book? Author.

What did I like? The planning.  

What didn’t like? Relatively easy capitulation.

Read only if you are reading the series!