No man's land by David Baldacci

"No man's land" by David Baldacci - Another super soldier thriller. 

This book is published by  Pan Macmillan UK in 2017 and has 624 pages. This is book 4 of John Puller series. 

Case of John Puller's mother, who went missing when he was eight, was never solved. His father is now suffering from dementia. Their old neighbour sends a letter from her death bed accusing his father of murdering his mother. The case is opened. Puller starts investigating privately. Veronica Knox joins him. Paul Rogers is released from jail. He is incredibly strong for his age. He wants to kill the woman who 'changed' him.

Why did the neighbour accuse? What does the investigation lead to? Who can he trust? Who is Rogers after? Why?

 As soon as Puller starts to make headway, investigation is called off and he is ordered to go to Germany. An unexpected help arrives. He smells a cover up. He is all alone. Can he solve the case? Can he find what happend to his mother?

The story is interesting. Puller is one of the best Chief Weren't Officer (Investigator) for military CID. When he starts investigating, he starts peeling off the layers to unearth new truth. 

The story is decently paced and interesting enough to maintain reader's interest. One thing leads to another and the story goes through a sequence of events. Character of Claire Jericho is mysterious. Puller is living on the edge. It's a story that has mystery, sinister plans, espionage and deception in addition to super soldier who does not know fear.

The questions that beg answers are: Why did Puller Senior return early? How come the sickness frequency of Paul increase upon his release? Where does Veronica really work?

I read two books by two bestselling authors, published in 2017, about creating a super soldier. Is it a coincidence or is it a new trend?

Why did I read this book? David Baldacci. 

What I didn't like?  Loose ends. 

What did I like? 30 year old case. 

Read if you have time.  

Where the rainbow ends by Anurag Anand

"Where the rainbow ends" by Anurag Anand -  Is there a pot of gold?

This book is published by Shrishti publishers in 2013 and has 206 pages. 

Rahul is a divorced professional who lost all his material wealth to his wife in order to retain custody of his daughter, Myra. Avantika, an air hostess, becomes close to Rahul and Myra. One day she vanishes. 

What's the name of their relation? Who is Avantika? Why does she vanish? Who is behind it? Where the rainbow ends, is there a pot of gold?

It's a story of Rahul. His relation with Avantika has no name. His search for her, when she goes missing, is the main story. His past life, his first love, marriage to Shalini, birth of Myra and divorce come to the readers in flash back. 

For most part it's a sedentary story. It ambles along the route keeping the readers mildly interested. Just enough interested to not allow them to abandon. Then comes a twist, an unexpected twist. And then there comes another one. With the two twists the story suddenly becomes interesting. The book ends on a higher note.

I would have liked if both the twists were delivered together in the letter. That would have augmented the intensity and shock value. The story could have been a bit more interesting. 

However, I was not convinced by the reason for Avantika going down the path that she did. In perspective it looks unconvincing. Author has spent way too much time on the flash back.

This book was on my reading list for a long time. I purchased it 2-3 years ago and carried it with me on my travels as standby. But I never came to read it, for no apparent reason. This time I decided to prioritise it and thus read it. 

Why did I read this book? Was on wait list for too long. 

What I didn't like? Avantika's earlier decision.

What did I like? Twist.

Not a must read. 

Puppeteers of Palem by Sharath Komarraju

"Puppeteers of Palem" by  Sharath Komarraju - A noir. 

This book is published by Westland in 2014 and has 312 pages.

A SOS letter from Thatha, who used to tell them stories in their childhood, brings Arvind, Chanti, Ramana, Chotu and Sarayu to Palem (Village of Rudrakshapalem). Something is not right. The village appears dead. People sleep at least 14 hours per day. SHE has returned!

But how is it possible? How can SHE return? How can an entire village go waste? What's happening?

The story is noir, very noir. There is paranormal presence. There are deaths, many deaths.  It's all gloomy. It's mysterious. Concept of being able to give dreams and being able to control ones dreams is interesting.

Story takes place in three time periods. 1984 the story of past, 2001 when the story happened and 2002 the post event diary entries of a journalist, Sonali.

The paranormal entity, it's destruction, it's resurrection, it's influence, its impact and it's relation, real relation to the past is the core of the story.  Who are the puppeteers of Palem?

The story is a bit sluggish. At times readers start to lose interest. For a long time one doesn't understand exactly what's happening. Who is behind it?

If you don't like the genre this book is not for you. Even If you like the genre it may not appeal to you.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? No shock. 

What did I like?  Idea of giving dreams.

 Give it a miss. 

Typhoon fury by Clive Cussler

"Typhoon fury" by Clive Cussler & Boyd Morrison -  A thrilling thriller. 

This book is published by G. P. Putnam's Sons in 2017 and has 448 pages. This is Book 13 of Oregon files.

'The Corporation' is contacted by Beth Anderson, who is an expert art evaluator, to recover stolen paintings. One thing leads to another and they are pitted against a communist leader from Philippines who had an army of super soldiers. 

How did they become super soldiers? What is their ultimate goal? What do they have at their disposal? Can The Corporation fight the super soldiers?

For the uninitiated, The Corporation is a company based on a ship called Oregon. Oregon looks like a dilapidated tramp steamer but in-reality is a state of the art and weaponized fast ship powered by magnetic hydrodynamic engines. They take assignments mainly from CIA but also from others when the assignment does not conflict with American interests. They use technology, deception and dare devilry to get the job done and are led by Chairman Juan Cabrillo.

The story starts in Thailand and happens mostly in Philippines. The drug that turns normal human into Superhuman is called Typhoon. It gives them super strength and extraordinary healing power. They just don't die easily. 

The story is fast. Something is happening all the time. Juan Cabrillo and his team suffer initial setbacks but using the hi-tech gadgets coupled with their grit and determination manage to overcome the odds again. 

The story had several tantalizing action sequences. Landing on to of a running train. Gin fight in the train. Avoiding the drone in hot pursuit of submarine. Saving a ferry with 1200 people on board from going down. Literally riding through the eye of the storm. Flying chopper inside a huge carve. Etc. Each adrenaline pumping action sequence is a cliff hanger and ideal for making a movie. First action sequence also forms the cover off the book. 

Mike Trono was killed in previous book. This book finds a replacement for him. There is also hint of another love interest for Juan.

The title of this Book is ideal one. The drug that creates superhuman is called Typhoon. The climax happens in the eye of real Typhoon Hidalgo.

It's an enjoyable experience. 

Why did I read this book? Clive Cussler.

What I didn't like? Umm...

What did I like? Action sequences, Ideas. 

A very good thriller. Recommend reading. 

Operation Deep Strike by Rahul Badami

"Operation Deep Strike" by Rahul Badami - Thriller all the way. 

This book is Self Published by the author in 2017 and has 289 pages. 

Inamdar, new nationalist Prime Minister of India, authorizes a covert strike, a black op, on the south coast of Pakistan. Target Babur 3 missiles. Strike team of four is led by Arman Ahmed and consists of Baldev, Roshan and Hitesh. The operation soon goes haywire and leads the team deep. Four terrorist groups have come together to launch an attack bigger than 9/11.

Why target Babur 3? Why does the operation go haywire? Are they captured? Will they succeed? What are terrorists hatching?

There are four main Characters, the strike team. Arman the leader, Baldev his trusted  lieutenant, Roshan who comes highly recommended but does nor enjoy Arman's trust thanks to his past actions and Hitesh, the techie.

The team is patriotic, brave and wants to succeed at all costs. They don't care for their lives for the success of mission. However, sometimes they appear foolhardy and land in the trap laid for them to escape eventually. They are entrapped not once, not twice but thrice. And this is the best team!

Babur 3 missiles can be launched from a submarine. If Pakistan deploys them, it becomes a tangible threat for India as the submarine can even go to the east coast and launch them.  Mission is to install a kill switch on Babur 3, rendering them useless against India without Pakistani's getting any wiser.

The book contains a number of ISRO and DRDO inventions. Vidhwansak (Sanskrit:"The Destroyer") is an Indian multi-caliber anti-materiel rifle (AMR), Ghatak UCAV - the unmanned combat Ariel vehicle or Drone, Video communication device in a magazine, A bug sized silent drone for snooping, Cartosat satellite watching the operation & Live Satcom link with Home base. These make the story exotic. 

Mission in Pakistan is the story of this Book. Generally in such books there is background, there is preparation for mission and then the mission is one part of the book. But here entrie book is mission. So the Acton and climax continues throughout the book. The real climax is a moment of apocalypse. If successful, it would change the history and geography of the world. 

Mission into Pakistan is a tantalizing proposition. When it also contains good story, right amount of tension, high octane action, drama and is garnished with intelligence talk;  the book is bound to be a success.

The flaws in this Book are:

1. Although they have operational names, some times they use real names on phone or Satcom. Even if it is s secured line, only code names should be used. 

2. Indian spies traverse entire Pakistan, terrorists hatch an elaborate plot, missile base is attacked, missiles are launched but there are no swift counter measures by Pakistanis, they don't even know about many of the events. Pakistani government comes out as buffoon. It's a bit too easy for Indians in Pakistan

3. Unanswered questions like: Why they did not ditch the vehicle? Why did they not sense the trap?

Action sequence of Air drop on a submarine in a raging storm is very good. It is also depicted on the book cover. The book cover is good and apt for the story. 

I did not know about the 1946 naval uprising that proved to be the final nail in the coffin of British empire. 

A map of operation would have been helpful. I had to consult the Google maps frequently to understand the lay of the land.

Book ends with the start of a sequel. A mission in China. I would wait in anticipation of the next book. 

Why did I read this book? Mission in Pakistan.

What I didn't like? The flaws. 

What did I like? Intensity of the plot & DRDO gizmos. 

A good debut and very good thriller. Recommend reading.

Homi Bhabha: The father of India's atomic energy program by Alhad Apte

"Homi Bhabha: The father of India's atomic energy program" by Alhad Apte - An easy read for students.

This ebook is published by Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan as study material for their National Talent Search Exam in 2017 and has 84 pages. 

This book introduces us to Dr. Homi  Bhabha, father of India's nuclear program. Homi Bhabha was a multi faceted personality. He was a physicist, mathematician and engineer. He was a sketch artist. He would have become an accomplished painter if he had not become physicist. He used to design stage for plays and he was also good at architecture. He had good knowledge of western classical music and liked Indian classical music as well.

His work as individual scientist, visionary, patriot and driving force behind India's nuclear and space research is unparalleled. Unfortunately Indian kids know more about western scientists than such Indian greats. This book is an attempt to right this wrong. 

Bhabha was interested in' atom for peace' i.e. peaceful use of nuclear energy for electricity production and medical treatments. 

Nuclear program designed by Bhabha had following guiding principles:

1. Development of Thorium based technology. 

2. Adoring closed fuel cycle. 

3. Development of own human resources for becoming seek reliant. 

The book starts with quotes from Dr. Bhabha's letter to his father insisting that he wants to do Physics and not Engineering. The book provides some insights into his vision like: No energy is costlier than 'no energy'. Don't build institutions and look for people, rather chose the person and build institute around him. 

It's amazing to read the latitude of work Bhabha has done and the legacy he has left behind. He has left an indelible mark on the scene of science. C. V. Raman aptly called him 'Modern equivalent of Leonardo da Vinci.

Although it's a moot point, one does not help but imagine where India would have been, scientifically, had he not met untimely accidental death. 

This Book contains old photographs of Bhabha and institutions he left behind. It gives a different quality to the book. Rather than a dry book, it becomes a souvenir. While reading, I had an impression that author was nostalgic while writing this book. The sketches drawn by him, included in the ebook, are of professional quality and amazing.

It's not easy to synthesize the personality in 84 pages. Author has done a good job of trying to cover all the important aspects in this small ebook. Intent of publishing this ebook is very important. 

Although this book introduces us to Bhabha, the personality. There is nothing about Bhabha, the person. His personal life, his family etc. are missing from the book. 

Author is an outstanding scientist and retired as Head of Computer division of BARC and then served as Chief of NTRO.

Why did I read this book? Bhabha and the author. 

What I didn't like? Some repetition.  

What did I like? The personality.

Read if you liked this review. 

Disclosure: I am closely related to the author. 

The Rooster bar by John Grisham

"The Rooster bar" by John Grisham -  why Rooster bar?

This  book is published by Bidder sand Stoughton in 2017 and has 384 pages. 

Marc, Todd, Gordy and Zola are law students,  at Foggy Bottoms, in their final semester. Bipolar Gordy is working on a conspiracy theory about law schools. He commits suicide. Marc, Todd and Zola decide to 'Go legal'.

What influences their decision? Is Gordy's theory correct? What's Rooster bar?

The book addresses the issue of easy student loans leading to mediocre students being admitted to substandard institutes and half of them not able to pass the bar exam; leading to individuals with no future and about 200,000$ debt that they can't repay. 

The book also talks about unauthorized law practitioners practicing law blatantly and no one getting wiser. I remembered a TV show called 'Suits' that handles same issue but at a higher profile.

The Story is ok. Misadventures of law students lead to disgruntled clients, mockery of justice, exposè of legal system cracks, law suits and absconding students. To add to it there is a story of a legal scam that does not necessarily break many rules, makes a lot of money and destroys young lawyers. Senegalese angle appears like an unnecessary attachment.

The bar from which they operate is called Rooster bar. Hence the title of this Book. It could have been Piegon bar, Rock bar, Pink bar any other name and it would make no difference to the story.

Why can't they wait for six more months to 'Go legal'? What happens to the guy who misses statuary limit? Some such questions go unanswered. 

Why did I read this book? John Grisham. 

What I didn't like? Title. Could have been anything. 

What did I like? Concept of student loan scam. 

Not a must read.  

Fairytale by Danielle Steel

"Fairytale" by Danielle Steel - A modern fairytale. 

This book is published by Pan Macmillan UK in  2017 and has 400 pages.

Christophe & Joy Lammenais run a renowned winery in Napa valley. Their daughter Camille, grows up learning wine making as well as managing the business. Their family friends are Sam & Barbara Marshall, who run the largest winery in Napa valley and their son Philip. Upon Joy's death Christophe marries Countess Maxine. But she is not what she seems. 

Who is she? What is her objective? Can Camille defend herself? Will it end like a fairy-tale?

Well, as the title suggests, it's a fairy-tale. Rather a modern retelling of fairy-tale. Fairy-tale of Cinderella.

Story of Cinderella is modernized and situated in Napa valley. There is kind father, wicked step mother, instead of step sisters here there are step brothers, there is a fairy godmother too, to top it up there are glass sandals and finally there is a prince in shining armor. 

However, in order to fit the fable in modern settings, author had to make some compromises in the story. The glass sandals look like an appendage, climax is clumsy, Camille's father is little too blind to wicked mother's pace of changes and Camille's marginalization, why Camille does not take help of police early is incomprehensible.

Colour combination of book cover is not good. Yellow letters on white background are hardly legible.

Despite all it's flaws, it's a easy story and a known story. You do not get bored. Although you know the ending you enjoy the journey. There is no foul language and no inappropriateness. It's a straight forward family story.

It also has an element of nostalgia associated with it. So it's an enjoyable experience. 

Why did I read this book? Decent flow.

What I didn't like? The flaws. 

What did I like? Background of wine making.

Read if you liked fairytales in your childhood.

Puppeteers of Palem by Sharath Komarraju

"Puppeteers of Palem" by  Sharath Komarraju - A noir. 

This book is published by Westland in 2014 and has 312 pages.

A SOS letter from Thatha, who used to tell them stories in their childhood, brings Arvind, Chanti, Ramana, Chotu and Sarayu to Palem (Village of Rudrakshapalem). Something is not right. The village appears dead. People sleep at least 14 hours per day. SHE has returned!

But how is it possible? How can SHE return? How can an entire village go waste? What's happening?

The story is noir, very noir. There is paranormal presence. There are deaths, many deaths.  It's all gloomy. It's mysterious. Concept of being able to give dreams and being able to control ones dreams is interesting.

Story takes place in three time periods. 1984 the story of past, 2001 when the story happened and 2002 the post event diary entries of a journalist, Sonali.

The paranormal entity, it's destruction, it's resurrection, it's influence, its impact and it's relation, real relation to the past is the core of the story.  Who are the puppeteers of Palem?

The story is a bit sluggish. At times readers start to lose interest. For a long time one doesn't understand exactly what's happening. Who is behind it?

If you don't like the genre this book is not for you. Even If you like the genre it may not appeal to you.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? No shock. 

What did I like?  Idea of giving dreams.

Give it a miss. 

The store by James Patterson & Richard Dilallo

"The store" by James Patterson & Richard Dilallo -  Big brother is watching. 

This book is published by  Random house UK in 2017 and has 304 pages. 

The Store is an online shop that sells anything and everything online and delivers through delivery drones. Jacob and Megan Brandice are writers cum investigative journalists. They decide to take up a job at The Store to get the inside story. When Brandice family (Jacob, Megan, Lindsey, Alex) move to Newberg they discover unimaginable things. 

What does The Store do? What is the real story? Can Jacob expose?

It's a modern version of George Orwell's 1986. I remember, I have read a book with the theme of 'Big brother is watching' by John Grisham about a law firm. Here its 'The Store'. The Store watches everyone and everything. Law's are being rewritten to suit The Store. It's very powerful and no one knows the truth behind it. 

Jacob's crusade against The Store causes him to lose his job, his family and almost his sanity. He turns from an author to a fugitive during the course of the story. 

The story is good. But it has it's own flaws. If The Store knows everything, how come it misses out on one vital thing? If there are cameras everywhere, how come they don't detect the conspiracy?

The story is set in near future. Story gets more marks for the concept than for execution. The end is abrupt. It's not an ascending graph.

Why did I read this book? James Patterson    

What I didn't like? Holes in the story

What did I like? Concept

 Read if you have extra free time. 

Things that can and cannot be said by Arundhati Roy & John Cusack

"Things that can and cannot be said" by Arundhati Roy & John Cusack - A sudden death.

This book is published by Juggernaut in 2016 and has 132 pages. 

This book consists of Essays and conversations. Participants are Arundhati Roy, John Cusack, Dan Elseberg and Edward Snowden.

Dan Elseberg became famous when he made the Pentagon papers public in sixties during Vietnam war. Edward Snowden's disclosure revealed various surveillance programs run by NSA in 2013 and he had to seek asylum in Russia. Arundhati calls him saint of liberal reforms.

In this book the authors touch various subjects. They talk about Corporate over-reach and privacy rights. Authors accuse big foundations like Ford, Rockefeller and Bill- Melinda Gates for domesticating radicals (NGOs) by providing them financial help and thus controlling them. 

They claim that America tried to topple or did topple states that were not radical Islamic states like Iraq, Syria and Libya under the guise of fighting terrorism. Arundhati terms Women being sent back to Burqa in Afghanistan and Iraq as nothing but non physical violence 

About power they say Physics of resisting power is as strong as Physics of accumulating power. Success of a country is proportional to moral degradation of the country.

Dan claims that during sixties when the number of continental missiles (ICBM) of Soviet Union were estimated from tens to hundreds to up to thousand, in reality, the number obtained by American spy agencies was FOUR. But it was never made public and America developed it's arsenal by deliberately overestimating Soviet Union's arsenal.  Something similar happened in Iraq.

The fire and smoke from an atom bomb can kill hundreds of thousand (This is in addition to thermal and radiation casualties) and the subsequent reduction of sunlight can kill crops and starve millions to death. 

Arundhati has grown up in communist Kerala and has socialist ideology. She doesn't forget to criticize Modi, give unsolicited advise to his party and reminds readers of Gujarat riots.

Discussions between Arundhati, John, Dan and Snowden is the high point of the book but the discussion suddenly ends and so does the book. This sudden death of book leaves a feeling of incompleteness in readers mind. Why end so suddenly?

It's neither a fiction, nor is it a story. So don't look for a flow and continuity. It's a reflection of thoughts and voicing of opinions of the authors. Snowden, however, plays only a cameo. 

Why did I read this book?  Snowden. 

What I didn't like? Sudden death.  

What did I like? Different viewpoint.

Read if you liked this review. 

The ship of the dead by Rick Riordan

"The ship of the dead" by Rick Riordan - a Matryoshka doll. 

This book is published by Puffin in 2017 and has 528 pages. This is book 3 of Magnus Chase series. 

Loki is going to set sail at mid summer on his ship of nails (Naglfar). Percy is giving Magnus a crash course in sea survival. Magnus and his friends have a quest to stop Loki and avoid Ragnarök. 

Will Loki mess with the Einherji? Can Magnus and team stop Loki? What does Magnus require to win flayting contest?

Loki is about to set sail in his ship of nails (Naglfar) for Ragnarök. It means end of world is close. Magnus, gender fluid Alex, Mallory now called MAK, half born Gunderson, TJ, Valkyrie Samira, Elf Hearthstone and Dwarf Blitzen have to stop Loki. In order to stop Loki, Magnus has to challenge him and win. A flayting contest between Magnus and Loki would decide the fate of the world. To win it, he needs Kvasir's mead.The team travels from Midgard to Jotunheim to Niflheim to reach Naglfar.

The story is like the Matryoshka doll. One thing leads to another and Magnus and other Einherji seek one thing to get another & another to get that and so on. However, the flow is good, there is not much slack. Hearthstone, the elf, has to return to his home and face his father, who turned into dragon in last book. 

What is the twist in this Book? Well, a love interest for Magnus is introduced in the story. Who is she? You will have to read the book to know it. 

The flayting contest between Magnus and Loki does not turn out to be what we expect it to be but author gives it a positive spin, a good one. Win of good over evil, positive over negative. 

It is paradoxical that Jack, the talking sword of Magnus who can act on it's own when instructed, can't kill the dragon without Magnus stabbing Jack into the dragon. 

Book ends with a phone call between Magnus and Annabeth. There is a bad news at Annabeth and Percy's end. You don't come to know what, just that there is a bad news. Looks like a curtain raiser for next Percy or Apollo book. 

Why did I read this book? Rick Riordan. 

What I didn't like?  Dragon kill. 

What did I like? Courage for choosing Magnus's love interest. 

Read if you are reading the series. 

Baramulla bomber by Clark Prasad

"Baramulla bomber" by Clark Prasad - Almost good.

This book is published by Niyogi books in 2013 and has 315 pages. This is Book 1 of Svastik trilogy. 

World believes that China and Pakistan have tested a secret weapon in Shaksgam valley. 

The weapon has it's origin in Vedas and Bible. It's an ancient weapon. Both deny. India, China, Pakistan and Sweden are all interested in Mansur Haider, a Kashmiri cricketer. His girlfriend is Ahana Yajurvedi. 

What happened in Shaksgam valley? What is the weapon? Who is Mansur? What is the league of guardian's? Who is Baramulla bomber?

The story has a flow. A number of things are unclear during the course of the story but most of them are sorted out by the end.  Some like 'How did The defence minister die?' remain unexplained. Probably we will have to wait for sequel. The build-up is very good, climax is almost good but the end is tepid. One expects some thing even more climactic, but it turns out to be ordinary.

Characterization is interesting. Mansur, the cricketer. His Haider family has some secret but it will be revealed in Book 3. Ahana Yajurvedi, a girl who is envied in corporate world, a mountaineer, a paratrooper, a beauty. In short she has everything. Agastya Rathore (impressive name), home minister of India, the master mover whose family has ancient links. Adolf, the Swedish intelligence officer. Samir, whose true leanings remain unknown for most part of the book. Carina, head of Swedish intelligence and classmate of Agastya. They are supported by other characters.

At the beginning of each chapter the place where it happens is shown with a cross-hair on the world map. Simple ingenuity! Creative.

Oppenheimer's famous words after the first nuclear explosion have become a inspiration for a number of fictions. This novel falls in this category. 

Book name and cover may lead the readers to believe that this book is about terrorism in Kashmir, but it isn't, although Kashmir issue is on the backdrop. Let me tell you a secret. Baramulla bomber has nothing to do with fidayeen attack. Book cover is interesting. 

Clark Prasad, alter ego of Suraj Prasad, an unknown author has written a good book. He has a style of his own. This being a trilogy, second book is expected soon.

Why did I read this book?  Blurb, cover.

What I didn't like? The end. 

What did I like? Story. 

A good debut. Recommend reading.

The revelation code by Andy McDermott

"The revelation code" by  Andy McDermott -  Typical Nina Wilde book. 

This book is published by Headline in 2016 and has 496 pages. This is Book 11 of Nina Wilde - Eddy Chase series. 

A man, who is addressed as Prophet by his followers, kidnaps and tortures Eddy to force Nina to do his bidding. His belief, The book of revelation, last book of the new testament. The four angels are to be released, the seventh trumpet will sound and God will reveal all his secrets. Eddy enlists help from an unlikely source.

Who is this Prophet? What are the angels? What does the Prophet want to do? Who helps Eddy? What happens to Nina's unborn child?

Andy McDermott books have a set formula. There are ancient puzzles. No one can solve them, but Nina does. She discovers an ancient legend and proves it to be a fact, not myth. There are maniacs trying to destroy the world or secret tribe trying to protect the secret. There is a lot of adrenaline pumping action and a lot of bloodshed and death. Eddy's awesome and awful timing of jokes, which is his specialty, and his Yorkshire accent bring smile to readers.

Maureen Rothschild, nemesis of Nina in 'The cult of Osairis' and Ostwald, who is now chief of UN, help Eddy and Nina to overcome the threat and save the world. In previous books Nina solved the ancient puzzles and she and Eddy found the secret. Here she is pregnant and kidnapped. So she solves the puzzles but the bad guys find the angels. Nina swings into action only for the last angel. This time the action is cross Atlantic flight in supersonic jet and saving the world's leaders in a helicopter & a huge advertisement blimp.

The story is decently paced and becomes faster as it progresses. The climax is full of action. It is probably the longest climax in the books I read recently. 

Why did I read this book? Author.

What I didn't like? Arc of covenant remains unattended. 

What did I like? Action and Eddy.

Read if you like Andy McDermott books. 

Origin by Dan Brown

"Origin" by Dan Brown -  Not wow. 

This  book is published by Random House in 2017 and has 544 pages. This is Book 5 of Robert Langdon series. This book was at number 1 in the best sellers list recently at Kinokuniya, Dubai mall.

Edmond Kirsch, former student of Robert Langdon, a scientist, an atheist, a computer genius and expert of game theory, is about to announce a scientific discovery that will shake the very foundation of all religions. While he is about to announce it, an incident happens. Robert has to work with beautiful Ambra Vidal to get to the bottom of it.

What incident happens? Who is Ambra Vidal? Who is behind the conspiracy? What is the discovery? Can Robert solve the mystery?

The idea of discovering something that will shake foundation of every religion is intriguing. What's it? Reader gets interested but the answer comes towards the very end of book. 

We all know Robert Langdon's character from four previous books. He is an expert of religious symbology and an intelligent professor. Ambra Vidal is a thirty something, stunningly beautiful curator of Guggenheim, museum of Bilbao, and fiancee of Crown Prince of Spain. Prince Julien future King of Spain. Bishop Valdespino head of Church in Spain and a good friend of the King. Winston, a computer with AI completes the cast of important characters.

There is international politics, palace politics, conspiracy theories, theology, religious politics, substantial art, futuristic concepts, advanced science and artificial intelligence is also thrown into the mix. In short this book has it all. 

Like his previous books Dan Brown provides description of places in great detail and in an interesting way in this book as well. After reading the book, readers want to visit places like Casa Milà, Palace of Zarzuela, Palmarian church and Basilica of Sagrada Família.

Previous Dan Brown stories took place in Italy, France and USA. This one takes place in Spain, mainly in the cities of Bilbao and Barcelona. 

I had written about the pattern of Dan Brown novels in review of his earlier book. This book also follows the same pattern but the big surprise in this Book is not big enough. It does not completely change the perception of the reader. 

In my review of last Robert Langdon book I  said that I was a bit disappointed because the story turned sci-fi at the end. Well, this story is a sci-fi right from the word go.

Why did I read this book? Dan Brown. 

What I didn't like? Blandness. 

What did I like?  His descriptions. 

Read if you have read the series, but it's not wow! 

Ministry of utmost happiness by Arundhati Roy

"Ministry of utmost happiness" by Arundhati Roy - A lyrical prose. 

This book is published by Penguin Random house India in 2017 and has 464 pages. This book was recently at number 6 in the best sellers list at Kinokuniya, Dubai mall.

This book tells us two stories. Story of Anjum, a hermaphrodite, who was born as Aftab. Her internal struggles of a female trapped in a male body. Her beauty and fame. Her wish to become a mother. Her accumulation of characters to Jannat guest house. Story of Tilottama, a character eternally drifting from one thing to another. Her love for a Kashmiri. What she observes and imbibes in Kashmir. Both stories span several years. 

Is Anjum happy? Is Tilo happy? Do they meet? What is the common thread? What is ministry of utmost happiness?

Anjum's story is narrated on  the backdrop of India's changing political landscape ranging from emergency, unstable governments, Gujarat riots, meek Prime Minister's government, Lokpal satyagraha and emergence of the man from Gujarat.

Tilo's story begins half way down the book narrated by the character in first person. It's the story of S. Tilottama, a Malyali, beedi smoking girl who is loved by a Kashmiri, a Bengali/Oriya and a half south Indian half north Indian boy, since they were in college. It takes us through the life of Tilo on the backdrop of Kashmir issue. She tells us numerous stories of sufferings and atrocities on Kashmiri Muslim population.

Start of the book is lilting and poetic. In fact entire book has a lyrical quality. Feels good to read this kind of narration. Sounds special. You have to read it to know it. Author soaks readers in sights and sounds of the city and seeps the readers in the atmosphere of Kashmir. She sees what many fail to notice.

  

Author's views on some things are very different from common folks like us e.g.: TV anchors had a longer mourning period than the victims. Kashmiri's are businessmen by nature and businessmen want status quo, that's why Kashmir has not deteriorated like Pakistan. Sleep came to them as readily as money comes to the millionaire. The boy squatted like a comma. Etc.

This novel has two stories. Both of them are powerful stories. One addressing issues of eunuch and other addressing Kashmir issue. The two could have made independent novels, but author has preferred to combine them. Although it doesn't look like a forced convergence, it does not sound imperative either. 

It's a big book. Author veers off the main story to tell us numerous small tales. Although it appears like a dilution or digression, it's not. This book is not about the main story and it's conclusion, it's about the journey. The experience. That's what you enjoy. 

Author's left leaning tendencies are evident. She does not miss a chance to take a dig at right wingers. Is it acceptable to let your political views interfere in an otherwise good story? Author tells about sufferings of Kashmiri people at the hands of army but fails to tell the other side of story, atrocities on Kashmiri Hindus and exodus of Kashmiri pundits, world's largest religious displacement. That's why the account sounds one sided and biased.

Why did I read this book? Good feedback. 

What I didn't like?  Interference of author's political views. One sided story. 

What did I like? Lyrical delivery.

Read if you liked this review. 

No safe zone by Adite Banerjie

"No safe zone" by Adite Banerjie - Not as good as the name. 

This book is published by Harlequin in 2016 and has 176 pages. 

Qiara Rana works for an NGO, abroad, specializing in Girl welfare. Situation makes her travel to Delhi where she has worst memories of her life. Kabir, An investigator with IB, is trying to investigate a money laundering racket. 

What is the connection between Qiara, money laundering, child trade, Kabir and the Prince? What is the meaning of tattoo on Qiara? Why does her father behave so badly? Does Qiara dislike Kabir?

The story revolves around money laundering, child adoption racket, sibling rivalry, horse polo and lost love. It takes place in Delhi and Rajasthan. 

Characterization is not very mature. In reality although there are many characters, there are only two important ones. Qiara despite being grown up behaves like a child. Kabir behaves in a mature manner but is not developed enough as a character. Qiara's father is also an important character but does not get due page space. He is a nobody for the entire book and suddenly comes to predominance in the end.

Why does Kabir let Qiara wander alone? Why does Munim marry the girl? Why does villain want to send the child for adoption? Such question come to mind but are not satisfactorily answered. 

The climax was expected to be full of action. But it turns out to be a placid affair and concludes almost without any action. Author relies on trickery rather than action. So it is not very effective. 

Author has not been able to decide if it's a love story on a thriller background or a thriller laced with love. In reality neither gets prominence. 

The book title looks interesting. What is the significance of no safe zone? Well not much other than the fact that trouble follows Qiara after the story starts.

Why did I read this book? Blurb. 

What I didn't like?  Character maturity.

What did I like? A bit different story.

 Not a must read. 

Vince Flynn - Enemy of the state by Kyle Mills

"Vince Flynn - Enemy of the state" by Kyle Mills - Recycle of characters. 

This book is published by Atria/Emily Nestled books in  2017 and has 400 pages. This is Book 16 of Mitch Rapp series. 

ISIS, headed by Mulla Halabi, is becoming stronger. It wants to incite American Muslims against America. A Saudi Prince decides to provide financial assistance. American President sends Rapp on blackest of black operations. Rapp assembles a team of his ex nemesis. He is chased by intelligence agencies in the world. Chief of Saudi intelligence has an agenda. 

Will ISIS succeed? What does Mulla Halabi want? What is the black operation? Who constitutes Rapp's team? Who is he pitted against? Will Mitch Rapp deliver?

The characters are reassembled with fan fare. They play their part. However, when the main job is done, these characters depart meekly. However, we might not have heard the end of them. 

The black operation opens floodgates for a bigger conspiracy. But why Rapp decides to follow it up instead of handing it over to CIA is beyond comprehension. President Alexander's new personality trait comes to light.  Bond between Mitch and Irene strengthens further. 

Rather than creating new characters, author has reused characters that played their part in previous books and went into oblivion. These recycled characters are: Grisha Azarov, Mitch's nemesis who injured Scott Coleman in previous book. Kent Black, in who Mitch had instilled fear of life. Donatella, An ex assassin with whom Mitch had a brief relationship. Claudia, wife of Louis who killed Mitch's wife. They form his team. His American enemy is FBI man Joel Wilson whose life he just spared and who was demoted as a favour. Saudi intelligence chief Nasser is his main enemy.

This story sows seeds of two stories for the subsequent books. One is capture or killing of Mulla Halabi and second is of someone from Russia trying to kill Grisha Azarov and Mitch standing by him. Possibility of other recycled characters making a reappearance is also there. 

Kyle Mills has taken the mantle to carry on this highly successful series after death of Vince Flynn. He is doing a decent job. The character of Rapp has undergone subtle changes under new author. The character has become even more reckless and impertinent but a little more tactful. On the whole Kyle has maintained the integrity and balance.

Why did I read this book?  Mitch Rapp series.

What I didn't like?  Character recycle. 

What did I like? Tactful  Mitch.

Read if you have read the series. 

Robert Ludlum's Bourne initiative by Eric Van Lustbader

"Robert Ludlum's Bourne initiative" by Eric Van Lustbader - A waste of time. 

This book is published by Head of Zeus in 2017 and has 352 pages.

Boris Karpov, head of Russia's FSB and best friend of Jason Bourne, was killed in last book. He has initiated a secret project, a Cyber weapon, with a complex algorithm before he was killed. A shard of it has appeared on dark web. American intelligence agencies think that the initiative of Karpov is now Bourne initiative. Bourne is unaware of it. 

What is the Bourne initiative? Who is after it? How can Bourne find out what it is? Is the clock ticking?

Bourne teams up with his enemy Keyre, Somali pirate and the girl he possesses, Mala. Soraya Moore has inserted an unlikely agent in the field. Russians are in it up to their neck. 

Characterization  of this Book is shallow. The characters lack depth and conviction. A desk agent suddenly turns into a successful field agent. A number of important characters are killed. Bourne suddenly trusts Russian minister and tells him what he knows. Mala takes Bourne to Keyre. Head of NSA is easily snagged. 

The story is not Compact. It's scattered all over the place. Bourne is chasing the Bourne initiative to know what it is. Others are chasing Bourne to find out what it is. Two brothers are fighting for power in Russia. FSB is going after NSA. A desk jockey suddenly becomes an experienced field agent overnight. Everyone knows where to find Bourne. Keyre sends Bourne, he kills many people to find out that what he is seeking is in Somalia.

It appears as if the entire cast of the story is running around like a headless chicken. I understand that a thriller should have action but it should also have story.  Otherwise it appears more like a circus. 

This is third book in last two months that I read which pursues the idea of stealing from terrorist's bank account for counter terrorism activities. Its a good idea if it is really applied by intelligence agencies. Is it?

This book is a waste of time. No story, poor execution, senseless bloodshed and no logic. 

Why did I read this book? Bourne series.

What I didn't like? Everything. 

What did I like?  Umm.....

Stay a mile away from this book. 

The king within by Nandini Sengupta

"The king within" by Nandini Sengupta - A promising debut.

This book is published by HarperCollins publishers India in 2017 and has 216 pages. 

Its year 373 CE. Darshini, a beautiful courtesan actress, is rescued by Deva from bandits. Both of them, Virasena and Kalidas form a beautiful friendship. Deva is destined to be remembered for generations. 

Who is Deva? What is his destiny? Will the friendship last the threat of time? Who is the king?

The story is set in the period of Gupta dynasty. Samudragupta is the reigning king. The tussle for succession ensues. New king wants to bring in reforms and leave a lasting legacy. He will be a King without. But will he be the king within?

Characters are resplendent. They are varied, colourful, fierce, wise. Samudragupta, undisputed Emperor of India

Ramgupta, first born of emperor and heir apparent. Chandragupta (Deva), second born of the emperor, the protagonist who is in love with his brother's wife. Darshini, Nagar Nati and protagonist who loves Deva. Virasena, the warrior. Kalidas, the famous poet. Dhruvasena, wife of Deva and later Queen.

The build-up of the story is very interesting. Narration is also interesting. The story remains fluid for almost three fourth of the book. However, there after it suddenly slows down to crawling pace. The reference of 'KIng within' comes in the very last pages. If the author has chosen this title, she should have given more emphasis and page space for this subject. It comes almost as an afterthought. 

Nandini Sengupta is a journalist and currently works for Times of India. She seems to be a promising prospect. 

Why did I read this book? Blurb. 

What I didn't like? Minimum space for the king within. 

What did I like? Story, delivery. 

Read if you have time.

Lanka's Princess" by Kavita Kané

"Lanka's Princess" by Kavita Kané - The unloved one!

This  book is published by Rupa publications India in 2016 and has 280 pages. 

Story starts with the birth of Surpanakha, real name Meenakshi, to Rishi Vishrawas, grand son of Lord Brahma, and Kekasi, daughter of Asura Sumali and Taraka. Meenakshi and her three elder brothers had Brahmin father and Asura mother but they were more Asura than Brahmin. She had strong nails and used it in fights in childhood. Name Surpanakha was given by Ravan after one such fight and it stuck.

Who was Surpanakha? What kind of a person was she? Who was she? What role did she play in Ramayana?

Author portrays Surpanakha as an unwanted girl child for mother, ignored by father, not taken into confidence by brothers, considered not beautiful, loved by grand mother Taraka, cloistered in Lanka, lonely without friends, vicious, bored and vengeful.

There is a special bond between Surpanakha and her nephew Meghnad, Ravan's first born. She is his second mother and he is her first son. 

Meenakshi falls in love with Vidyujiva, king of Kalkeyas and Rawan's nemesis. She blackmails Rawan to agree for their marriage. Against her wish her husband and brothers decide that the couple will stay in Lanka and Vidyujiva will be a predominant courtier of Rawan. Many years later Rawan kills Vidyujiva. Surpanakha refuses to believe that Vidyujiva was a philanderer and was conspiring to overthrow Ravan. Later in Dandaka she loses her only son.

Surpanakha wanted revenge on Ravan and wanted him dead because he killed her husband. First she wanted to seduce Ram and Lakshman. When it did not work and she was disfigured, she uses her condition and Ravan's unfulfilled desire for Sita to instigate the war. Where she went wrong was assuming that Ram and Ravan will fight as soon as war begins and Ravan will die. Instead they fought last and before that she lost all her family. Her brother, her cousins, her nephews and uncle.

She was always an outcast. While in Brahminic culture of her father's ashram, she was considered unfriendly, too aggressive and uninterested in education. When she came to Lanka she did not like the excesses and talk of war and wealth of Asuras.

She is angry at her mother, Rawan, Ram and Lakshman. In reality she is angry at the whole world. She yearns for acceptance that she never gets. She is burning with desire to see Rawan dead. She is ready to bring war on her family and country to get her revenge. She goes to Ayodhya after the war to exact her revenge on Ram and Lakshman as well. But finally she repents and wishes to go back to her family.

In the initial part, Surpanakha gets a marginal role, but later she comes into predominance. In the early part you feel sorry for her and sympathize with her need of recognition and attention. In later part of the book she is consumed with only pine thing. Revenge! Pace of the story is patchy. Surpanakha is shown in a different light. Good thing is that the book has no war. It is covered briefly as news arriving from battlefield.

Surpanakha manipulates Vibhishan to join Ram. Although that scene is a fine piece of literature, is Vibhishan fool enough to not see through Surpanakha, who actually instigated all this?

Why did Vidyujiva agree to become Rawan's vassal? Why Surpanakha never met her beloved Nani, Taraka, after she was cursed? Why did Malyavan, Vibhishan, Mandodari, Kumbhakarna, Indrajit and Surpanakha individually think that they were fighting a losing war? This book shows that they lost the war psychologically even before it started.

Surpanakha's ultimate revenge on Ram appears far fetched and shallow. Author should have made it more authentic and convincing.

Kavita has made a niche for herself with her portrayal of historical but less important characters and narrating the story from their view point. She started with Uruvi in Karna's wife, Menaka in Menaka's choice, Urmila in Sita's sister and now Surpanakha in this Book. From the stories that we have heard in our childhood we know very little of these characters. Kavita delivers stories through them.

Although it's a good book, it's not as good as previous ones of the author.

Why did I read this book? Kavita Kane. 

What I didn't like? Patchy pace, revenge on Ram. 

What did I like? Story of lesser character.

Not a must read. Read if you have time. 

Operation Jinnah by Shiv Aroor

"Operation Jinnah" by Shiv Aroor - A military thriller. 

This book is published by Juggernaut books in 2017 and has 295 pages.

India conducts a covert operation inside enemy territory and no one is the wiser. An operation by Indian navy, to destroy Pakistan's Jinnah naval base, is aborted seconds before missiles were to strike. Ten years later daughter of navy chief Rana is abducted in Kashmir.

Why was Operation Jinnah aborted? What was the covert mission? Why daughter of navy chief, and not of any minister, was kidnapped? Will India strike back?

Its a military thriller with a lot of action, high octane scenes, international tension, mission inside enemy territory, national pride, nail biting sequences and a decent story.

This book is a very good thriller. The thrill, enticing events, nail biting climaxes, technical knowledge of weapons and aircrafts, crisp story, authentic narration and adrenaline pumping action make this a pleasurable reading experience.

Characterization is good.  Admiral Nirbhai Rana, the maverick patriot. Varuna, his only daughter. Lieutenant Commander Akeela Thomas, an orphan girl turned navy commando. Lieutenant Vikramaditya Singh, another navy commando. Lieutenant Saraswati Subramanian, born as a boy but transformed to a girl and navy commando. Prime minister, who wants to give a fitting reply to Pakistan and is ready to handle international pressure. Each of them add value to the story. 

Author has given rough sketches of various weapons and flying machines for the reader in This book. This is a novelty, welcome change and the USP.

Author, however, fails to tie some loose ends like why does the 'contact' assists Indians? How was the contact recruited? Why India did not go all the way when opportunity presented? Had he tied the loose ends it would have eliminated this flaw. 

Shiv Aroor is a well known TV journalist and anchor. This is his debut novel.  He has displayed finess that does not betray that this is a debut novel. We should see more of Shiv Aroor in future.

Why did I read this book? Title and blurb. 

What I didn't like? Loose ends. 

What did I like? Delivery, knowledge.

 A very good book. Recommend reading. 

The Devil's alternative by Frederick Forsyth

"The Devil's alternative" by  Frederick Forsyth - An international political drama with action. 

This book is published by RHUK in 2011 and has 496 pages.

An English man, motivated by his Ukrainian father's hatred of Russia, decides to travel to Ukraine to do something spectacular. USSR is going to experience a massive food grain shortage. Only America and Canada can cover the deficit. An English spy is sent as leave replacement in USSR. But he has a secret. A captain working for one of the largest shipping companies is informed by the owner that he will be the captain of biggest commercial ship in the world. 

Will America use grain shortage as bargaining chip? What are Russia's plans? Does it tilt the balance at Kremlin?  Will the Englishman play spoil sport? What is the devil's alternative?

What is the devil's alternative? It is either to let the largest ecological disaster to occur or to let the power balance tilt perilously to push the world into a war. Who is facing it? How is it resolved?

International politics is ruthless. Whereas readers understand that what was done was necessary, they can't help but sympathize with Ukrainian nationalists. 

The plot is complex, a number of things happen in parallel. It's not easy to run parallel stories simultaneously, but author handles it with ease. There is a traitor. There is a hijack drama. There is international politics. There is power struggle. There is love angle. Narration is good. Characters are distinguished. 

Why someone else can't think what Munroe thinks? Why Rudin can't handle revolt in Politburo earlier? These questions linger in reader's mind. 

Why did I read this book? Frederick Forsyth

What I didn't like? Lingering questions. 

What did I like?  Drama.

 A good book. Recommend reading. 

"Harappa: Curse of the blood river by Vineet Bajpai

"Harappa: Curse of the blood river" by Vineet Bajpai - Interesting.

This book is published by VB Performance LLP. This edition was published in 2017 and has 316 pages.

In 1700 BCE Harappa, Vaivaswan Pujari - half man half God, decides to avenge Harappa. Saraswati river, the giver of life turns to blood river. In 2017 Vidyut Shastri, an entrepreneur, marital arts champion and a very handsome man, receives a phone call from Dev-Rakshas math of Benares. He must meet his great grand father. 'The Order' wants to kill 'The Aryan boy'.

What is' The Order'? Who is Romi? Why is Vidyut summoned? What is the impending battle? What is the curse of blood river? What secret of Harappa is being protected?

Story of Vaivaswan Pujari, his Son Manu, Wife Sanjana and dearest friend and brother in law Chandradhar in 1700 BCE Harappa is narrated alternately with story of Vidyut, his fiancee Damini, closest friend Bala, his childhood friend Naina, great grand father Dwarka Shastri and warrior monks of DevRakshas math in modern day Benares.

It's a clash of good and evil, light and dark, Dev Rakshas math and 'The order' from Rome. 

This book counters the theory purported by west that Harappans did not know horses and were defeated and displaced by horse riding, fair skinned, blue eyed Aryans from West. Author says that this was the theory propagated by British deliberately to subjugate Indian populace through psychological warfare to impress on Indian minds that Indian race was an inferior race and requires civilized and superior race for their salvation. That's why they destroyed the excavated Brahminnabad, before formal discovery of Harappa, and used it's baked bricks for constructing Lahore-Karachi railway line. Author says that Aryans were none other than local Harappans.

The section where Purohitji explains to Damini how, in Sanatan Dharma or Hindu Dharma there is male female equality or rather how female is considered superior, is very interesting.

Narration is interesting. Story is gripping, research is adequate, characterization is good, ancient mysticism is omnipresent, reader's interest is piqued but powers of Devta sound unreal. 

Cover depicts ancient ruins during thunder storm and flowing river against backdrop of sun. It serves the purpose of catching the eye of a potential buyer in a book shop. This book was predominantly displayed in Crossroad.

When I reached last page of the book I came to know that this is a Book 1 of the series and Book 2 'Pralay' will continue the story.  Author does not reveal this to the readers anywhere on the front page, blurb or introduction. I believe that reader should be the one who makes the decision if he wants to read a series or not and it's author's duty to inform potential readers that this book is first of a series. Not doing so is tantamount to cheating. Why would an author or publishing house do such a thing?

Why did I read this book? Harappa.

What I didn't like? Nowhere it says it's Part 1. 

What did I like?  Drama, narration. 

A good book. Recommend reading.

House of spies by Daniel Silva

"House of spies" by Daniel Silva.

This book is published by HarperCollins in 2017 and has 715 pages. This is Book 17 of Gabriel Allon series. 

Christopher Keller has become a good guy and is recruited by MI6. Gabriel is trying to balance as head of Israel's secret service and his family. When Gabriel and head of Alfa task-force of French DGSI investigate a French tycoon an attempt is made on Gabriel's life. Vengeance on Saladin is in order. 

Where is Saladin? What's the connection of French tycoon? Will Gabriel lead from front or from control room?

Saladin escaped in last book. He is wrecking terror in Europe with multiple bomb blasts. Gabriel hatches an elaborate plot, costing half a billion dollars, to snare JLM and reach Saladin.

The story takes place mainly in England, France and Morocco. Its a rare case of collaboration between Israeli, American, British and French intelligence agencies. A lot of emphasis is on humint (human intelligence) and sigint (signal or electronic intelligence).

Story is interesting.  Narration is good. Characterization is decent. When the main objective of the mission is achieved, a secondary threat, and a major one, is unleashed. Gabriel and Christopher deal with it. But would Britain allow as Israeli spy to operate on it's soil officially and agree that it does not have good agents, in reality? 

The book also fails to reveal who exploded the bombs to kill Gabriel, what the motive was and how did they pull it off? The title of this book has very little relevance to the story. The name could have been anything else.

It's typically Israeli philosophy of elimination without mercy. Remember the revenge of Munich Olympic killings? Gabriel has to get to Saladin to kill three birds in one stone. In reality he kills many birds in one stone. 

When the story ends, book doesn't end. It continues and drags on and on unnecessarily. This overshadows the effect of a good climax. Deleting these pages would have done a lot of good to this book.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Dragged end.

What did I like? Character of Gabriel, spy with a conscience. 

A very good book. Recommend reading.

In the name of God by Ravi Subramanian

"In the name of God" by Ravi Subramanian. 

This book is published by  Penguin Random House India in 2017 and has 405 pages. I pre-ordered this Book (prior to release).

A number of stories run in parallel. A robbery in Dubai. A court case against king of Travencore to relieve him of overseeing the affairs of Anantha Padmanabha swamy temple. Opening of temple vaults and assessment of wealth inside. Blasts in Mumbai. Acceptance of a boy, selected by his daughter, by an influential trader of Jhaveri bazar. But they quickly converge to theft and black market trade of idols of Gods from south India.

What is the conspiracy? Who runs the racket? Can ACP Kabir Khan solve the mystery? How much wealth is in the vaults?

The story is evidently inspired by the unbelievable wealth found in the vaults of Anantha Padmanabha swamy temple. Author has added black marketing in antiques, diamond bourse politics, murder and investigation to the mix and created an intriguing story.

Kabir Khan from CBI, Madhavan from Tamilnadu police and Krishnan from Kerala police try to wade through the tangle of mystery. At Times they seem lost, most of the time they are. But they don't give up. Suddenly a deadline arises that puts everyone on a time line.

This story is like a Banyan tree. A lot of offshoots, complex, reader doesn't know which of the story is the main story. Narration is mysterious, complicated and cumbersome. Author had juggled balls one too many this time. 

In  order to make the plot complex, author opens a lot of threads and leads. However while closing the book, a number of them remain unattended. Kannan's Swiss bank account, Dharmaraj Varma's real involvement, Construction site and secret passage, sand truck mastermind, why would a decent boy get involved in a heist? Etc. One would expect an author of Ravi's stature to plug all such things.

What I found objectionable was that instead of using the word "idol" of God author uses word "statue ". Why?

Why did I read this book? Ravi Subramanian. 

What I didn't like?  Complexity. 

What did I like? Same complexity 

 Not a must read. 

The pretender by James Patterson and Andrew Bourelle

"The pretender" by James Patterson and Andrew Bourelle. 

This book was published by BookShots in 2016 and has 98 pages.

Logan Bishop, an ex thief, is leading quiet life in Lake Tahoe basin. He meets a newspaper reporter, Hannah, and a beautiful blond, Claire, within a space of few days. He also gets unwanted publicity. Instead of retrieving his diamonds from lake Aloha and disappearing, he decides to stay. 

Will his real identity become known? Will he be interested in either of the two ladies? Where had he hidden the diamonds? Can he keep pretending?

It's a BookShot book. So the story is short, fast and book can be read in one sitting. It's a focused story. 

Old enmity is revived when Logan becomes famous. The diamonds are a strong attraction for his old partner. Two beautiful ladies form integral part of the story.

Logan is a thief but wants tho leave that life behind and start a new life. He is good looking, well built, fit but an introvert. He does not seem female company due to this shyness. But he is decisive, intelligent and has nerves of steel. 

Narration is good. Story is crisp. Plot is limited and hence focused. However, why Logan does not change his name when he is in hiding is incomprehensible. End of the story is predictable.

Why did I read this book?  BookShot.

What I didn't like?  Predictability. 

What did I like?  Focus.

Read it, forget it. 

Agniputr: When Agni first spoke by Vadhan.

"Agniputr: When Agni first spoke" by Vadhan.

This book is published by  Bloomsbury India in 2016 and has 364 pages.

An aghori tantrik has released Sutram, God of agony, in Gudem village in Andhra Pradesh, when it was the seat of Surya dynasty. Last Surya descendant is now an advocate in Delhi. Home minister of India is after unlimited power. Scientist Sheila from CISR has found something that science can't explain. Sutram has to be destroyed. Raghuram Surya has to wield Agniputr, it's the only way. 

Who is God of Agony? Why is it dormant? What is the specialty of Surya dynasty? What is Agniputr?

The story is scientific and mystical at the same time. Quantum physics and meta physics go hand in hand. An anomaly is born. It's contained, but not for long. Onus is on Raghu and Sheila with the help of mysterious P. Eshwar. They have to fight the Home Minister of India and his Tantrik guru, who are in search of Sutram for unlimited power. 

The story is narrated in an interesting manner. The build up is good. Pace is good. Climax is good but with lesser excitement. There is a big twist towards the end of story. It brings alternative reality and parallel universe into play. But it's not over, there's more to come. Next book is in the offing.

Author puts forth a theory of how the universe was created. It was not the big bang but a syllable, a sound, a vibration that shattered the silence, the nothingness and created the universe. The theory sounds plausible.

Some questions remain unanswered. How come the villains don't know location of Sutram despite the powers of Tantrik? What's special in Govind as a sacrifice? Who killed Rathaya and Shastri?

Why did I read this book?  Good rating by Goodreads. 

What I didn't like?  Blunt tip of climax. 

What did I like?  Final twist. 

Read if you have time.