Vishwamitra by Dr Vineet Aggarwal

"Vishwamitra" by Dr Vineet Aggarwal. This book is published by Penguin Metro Reads in 2014 and has 242 pages.

As the title suggests this is story of legendry Vishwamitra, the man who dared to challenge the Gods, who was born Kshatriya but had a burning desire to become a Brahmarshi.

His hatred for Vashishtha & Devas started from his defeat at the hands of celestial cow Nandini and later Brahmarshi Vashishtha as well as after the Indra-Menaka episode.

Character of Vishwamitra is full of contradictions. He is born Kshatriya but wanted to become Brahmarshi. He leaves material world for penance but falls for the carnal pleasures with Menaka. He is highly intelligent, creative and capable but acts irresponsibly. He achieves highest level spiritually but can not get rid of hatred. He hates Devas, but appeases them with Yagna and sacrifice. A very interesting personality.

Author has used up a lot of page space until Vishwamirtra renounces his kingdome to start his penance. Episode with Menaka is written realistically and is probably the best part of the book. Final transformation of Vishwamitra from a person who wants to avenge Vashishtha to a person who repents happens too suddenly. Author could have spent a few more pages for this part.

Author has narrated the tale in the fashion of historical account rather than a fiction novel. He has also used modern language and scientific terminologies in the book, to explain mystic powers, that did not exist in those times, so the ancient atmosphere is disturbed.

Cover design of the book is good. It shows Vishwamitra in the process of creating new world for Trishanku. But six packs of Vishwamitra are not clearly evident, they should have been prominent (Painters error?).

An OK book. Read if you have time.

Burn by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

"Burn" by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge. This book is published by Random House in 2014 and has 368 pages. This is the seventh book of Michael Bennett series and the first I read.

Michael Bennett is a FBI agent from major crimes division. He is forced into witness protection when his friend, a fellow FBI agent is brutally taped and murdered. He has ten adopted children and their governess Merry Catherine. His wife is dead.

After coming out of witness protection he is assigned to head a squad to help the most needy, a political idea. It's kind of a demotion. Here he meets a rag tag bunch of subordinates. One of his subordinates is murdered. Suddenly biological father of one of his daughter surfaces. Michael lands himself in three cases simultaneously, one of which is high profile.

What is the strange case? Who is murdered? Who is the man claiming to be father of his daughter? What about high profile diamond heists?

Author has used easy narration style. The pace of story is not forced, it's natural flow. Characters of Michael & Merry are portrayed as responsible, caring and silently in love.

Considering the length of the book, has the author stuffed it with to many cases (three)? Probably! But since the cases converge eventually, it's OK.

Elaborate plans of diamond heists to mask something else seems far fetched. It is not properly justified. The very end seemed abrupt and a bit of anti climax.

Although this is the seventh book of the series, you don't feel inadequate or at a loss even if you have not read the previous six books. Credit to the author.

A good book. Read if you have time.

Blue Labyrinth by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

"Blue Labyrinth" by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child. This book is published by  Grand Central Publishing in 2014 and has 416 pages. This is 14th novel of Pendergast series.

FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast is stoically aloof, eccentric, ineffably polite and unerringly intelligent. He is 5'6", has platinum blond hair & ice blue eyes. One night a corpse is left on his door step. The corpse of his estranged and vicious son. A technician is murdered in a museum. Pandergast is tricked and gassed.

Why was his son killed? Why was he left on Pendergast's doorstep? What is in his stomach? Is there a clue in Pandergast family history? Why is he gassed? Will he die?

Although the book is written as fiction, it appears more like a fantasy with elixir of life, rare aquatic plants, rare chemicals, super acids, extinct herbs and near death experience. Author states that Pandergast is master of a Thai art that allows a person to travel and see through minds eye, the things that happened in the past. Don't know if such an art really exists. But sounds far fetched.

Author has given detailed description of autopsy and reconstruction of bones to create skeletons. It's interesting.

It appears that Pendergast is a super hero who can do no wrong. The complete loyalty he commands is amazing. People are ready to sacrifice their career and life to save him. He has unorthodox ways of doing things. An interesting character.

Since this (14th book) was my first book of Pendergast series, I was lost on a few occasions when there was a reference to something in the past, until I caught up. If you don't start from first book, you will also face the same situation. I could not decipher till the end why the book is titled 'Blue labyrinth'? The epilogue appeared little too stretched, could have been concise.

Considering that it was an out of sequence read and that it was not very enjoyable, recommend to give it a miss.

Banquet on the dead by Sharath Komarraju

"Banquet on the dead" by Sharath Komarraju. The book is published by Westland Ltd. in 2012 and has 265 pages. This is Sharath's second novel.

An eighty year old matriarch (Kauveramma) of a well to do house dies by falling into a well within the compound of house in a town named Hanamkonda. But the lady was extremely terrified of water. Autopsy shows that she died before drowning. Her house consists of three sons (one unmarried, one lame and one married with wife and children), one widow daughter with her married son & unmarried daughter and servants.

Upon request of a family member police inspector seeks help of Mulla Hamid Pasha (An ex criminal who has 'gone clean' for 15 years) as private investigator. When the investigation starts skeletons start tumbling out of closets. Every family member seems to have something to hide.

Was it an accident? Or was it a murder? What was the motive? Whodunit?

It is evident that the story does not take place in present times. Author has placed the story in indeterminate recent past.

I found a lot of similarities with Agatha Christie mysteries. Rich lady murdered, big house, number of relatives, meticulously laid out plot, slow pace, polite detective, too many clues and lot of sub plots, revelation of murderer at the end etc. Sharath has demonstrated a completely different style of writing from his previous book. He has shown his versatility.

The book has a noir title, but it's a murder mystery, a classic whodunit! How ever I was able to guess the murderer early enough.

It would have become more interesting if author had provided map of the house and property around.

Author has left a few loose ends and minor mysteries unresolved like why Swami and Karuna hate each other? What was the tipping point about decision of murder? What is the mysterious illness troubling the doctor? Why book is titled the way it is? These may not be significant things but would have tidied the story.

If you like Agatha Christie mysteries, you might like this.

Mahabharata Quest - The Alexander secret by Christopher C. Doyle

"Mahabharata Quest - The Alexander secret" by Christopher C. Doyle. This book is published by Westland Ltd. in 2014 and has 355 pages. This is Christopher's second book.

Vijay, Colin, Imran and Radha (who featured in the previous book Mahabharata Secret) are drawn into a new mystery. A medical facility conducting unauthorized trials on patients is discovered near Delhi. An ancient Greek tomb is excavated in Greece. Directors of excavation try to kill all involved, but a lady archeologist survives and reaches India to join hands with Vijay and team.

In 391 AD Alexander the great decides to conquer Persia. After his victory he decided to invade India. Troupes are told that Sindhu river is the end of the world and they will conquer the world. But Alexander has a mission, a secret quest.

Are the unauthorized trials and excavation in Greece related? What is Alexander's quest? What is it's relation to Hindu mythology in general & Mahabharata in particular? What is the objective of the organization known as 'The Order'? What is Alexander's secret?

Since the last book by author was a very good book, one can not help but compare the two. I think this book is not as good as the previous one. Some of the tricks and ideas from previous book are used here again. The clues that people could not decipher for 2400 years are deciphered by Vijay and team easily.

The story keeps you interested but does not entice you. Pace of the story is on a slower side. Narration is good with lots of medical, geographical & mythological details. It shows efforts and research that has gone into making of the novel.

The story has all the ingredients to make it interesting. It has ancient riddles, kidnappings, lost documents, an ancient secret order, cavern full of snakes, bacteria and viruses, cave with two openings etc.

The book ends without conclusion of the story. At the end of book, there is author's note saying this is the first book of the series. I felt cheated. It is unfair of author to declare this after reader had read 348 pages. The book cover does not say that it is first of the series. Whether to read a series or not should be the decision of reader, not author. Unfair !!!!

Avoid; because, dear reader, author has deceived you.

Unreal Elections by C. S. Krishna & Karthik Lakshman

"Unreal Elections" by C. S. Krishna & Karthik Lakshman. This book is published by Penguin Books in 2014 and has 298 pages. Both the authors have done their management education from IIM Ahmedabad. This book was Ravi's recommendation.

It's a political satire, parody and fiction about 2014 general elections in India and buildup to the elections. Authors have taken the real events and presented them with the imaginary and fictionalized reasons, behaviors and behind the scene drama to make it a riveting read. Authors have used real politicians, bureaucrats and TV personalities as characters in this book. Although we all know the outcome of general election (BJP's win), it's the journey that authors have charted is immensely enjoyable. They have also introduced a superhero V-man who fights against corruption.

How is it fictionalized? Who is the mysterious V-man? What is Modi's secret? Who is the unrecognized savior of India?

Some of the incidents make you laugh, some tickle you and you salute the authors for some. Authors have used the personality traits and exaggerated them to create humor. Manmohan Singh is mistaken for a wax statute. Sonia conducts musial chair for cabinet reshuffle and to drop ministers. Manmohan Singh does not attend office & meetings for 6 months and his absence is not even noticed. Modi and Amit Shah open Champaign to celebrate victory in Gujarat upon hearing that Rahul will campaign for Congress. Sonia's innovative punishment to Railway minister Bansal for getting involved in a mini scam.

Authors have demonstrated their command over English, their keen observation, witty commentary, vivid imagination. Even the featured personalities would not help chuckling if they read the book.

In order not to make the end mundane, authors have given a big twist to the tale in the end. This would please all the aggrieved parties.

A thoroughly entertaining book. A must read.

The Seal of Surya by Amritanshu Pandey

"The Seal of Surya" by Amritanshu Pandey. This book is published by Pirates in 2014 and has 225 pages.

The story is set more than 4000 years ago and narrated by Suryavanshi King Bhagirath to Bharatavanshi Crown Prince Sudas (who later fought the war of ten kings) in flash back. Marichi was the last king of Suryavanshis. His son abdicated the throne and for two more generations there was no king. This is the time when Suryavanshi and Somavanshi tribes were living in a scattered manner with no single person as leader or king. Ikshavaku, great grand son of Marichi, decides to become a king and succeedes at the age of 14. His father tells him that the Seal of Surya, a chunky gold pendant, that symbolizes the authority of his family has gone missing two generations ago. It's the symbol of authority and power. Rakshas Narantaka is King Ikshavaku's biggest enemy.

Ikshavaku decides to track Seal of Surya down and wear it. What does he do? Can he find the location? Can he secure his kingdom? Who are the enemies? Does he loose his dear ones? How will he be remembered?

The book is full of wars, blood and gore. Such was the way of life in those days. Survival of the fittest! This is the period when most of the human population lived nomadic lives, save a few like Suryavanshis and Somavanshis. Raiding and pillaging was the main business of tribes like Rakshasas, Gandarvas and Yakshas. Suryavanshis and Somavanshis were at the receiving end and had to defend from the invasions.

Amritanshu Pandey, a name never heard before, has woven a beautiful tapestry for the readers. To recreate a period of more than 4000 years ago is not a simple task. The vivid narration brings the characters to life and audience watch the movie on their mind's screen. Author is also candid in confessing that this is a fiction.

The book ends with provision of the sequel called 'The ring of Soma'. We have a sequel or probably a series in the offing. It's a brave endeavor to chronical ancient fiction and make it interesting. Author has succeeded in both.

Although it's a book of 225 pages, it had a small font size. Had it been done in a more larger font, the count would have exceeded 300. Cover design of the book is also very good. The website of this author is also interesting. I purchased the book without having any background or knowledge about the book but it turned out to be a good read.

An good book. Recommend reading.

Operation Fox-hunt by Siddhartha Thorat

"Operation Fox-hunt" a debut novel by Siddhartha Thorat. This book is published by Shrishti Publishers & Distributors in 2014 and has 188 pages.

ISI, Pakistani intelligence agency, plans a daredevil attack on a strategic target in India. The target is an airport and primary base for 3 squadrons of Air superiority fighter SU 30MKI & HQ of southern command of Indian army. Two teams are formed for attack lead by SSG commandos.

RAW, IB and Military Intelligence of India get the whiff of the attack. But where is it planned? What is the target? What will Pakistan gain? Can India stop the attack? The hunt begins.

This is a good thriller. Attack by Pakistani's on Indian territory and chase by Indian intelligence agencies is sure to entice the readers. Since it is also narrated in an interesting fashion without over dramatizing, you have a good book. Story is woven neatly around the central theme. Characterisation is apt. Author has been able to entice the audience.

Author had provided detailed information about various army and special forces units, their background and history. A lot of research must have gone into writing the book. Amount of support Pakistanis get in India is simultaneously unbelievable and saddening.

Why the attack team does not consider using sea route is inexplicable. Another thing that I did not like is that all the army, special services and bureaucrats are shown smoking. There are more than 20 smoking scenes. There are editorial mistakes in the book like mis-spelling. This could have and should have been avoided.

I purchased this book on impulse hoping that it would prove readable. It proved to be a good impulsive decision.

It's a  good book. Recommend reading.

Saving Faith by David Baldacci

"Saving Faith" by David Baldacci. This book is published by Pan Books in 2003 and has 453 pages.

Saving Faith is an interesting name. And it's neither about philosophy nor about spirituality. It's a thriller and 'Faith' is name of the female protagonist.

Danny Buchanan is a lobbyist in Washington DC. Over a period of time he develops empathy towards poor children in Africa and starts to use his money for them and use his lobbying to get grants for Africa. Being a lobbyist he regularly bribes lawmakers. Faith Lockhart is his partner and is like a daughter to Danny. Faith decides to expose Danny to FBI. Someone tries to kill her but she is saved by Lee Adams, a private detective, by chance.

Why does Faith go to FBI?  Why does she betray Danny, who is like a father? Who tries to kill her? How does Lee happen to be there? Why CIA is involved? Can they save Faith? How long?

The book is gripping. Although it's a thriller, it's not action packed. The story takes place in America circa 2003. The book contains corruption, good cops, good and bad politicians, traitors, chases, love, deceptions, betrayal and solidarity

Can a person in America hide from FBI & CIA at the same time? Looks impossible isn't it? Read the book to know more.

It is surprising to read that the secret audio and video recording was done on tapes rather than hard disks and that it was done locally and not remotely. Sophisticated agencies would not be using that in 2003.

The trick used by the protagonists towards end to win the final battle seems relatively elementary. One wonders why the villain can not foresee it.

Narration is decent. One does not sit on the edge of his chair but does not get bored either. Character of Danny is a unique one and everyone would like to meet such a man in real life. But does such a man exist?

A good book. Read if you have time.