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.

Maelstrom rising by Major General G. D. Bakshi

"Maelstrom rising" by Major General G. D. Bakshi.

This book is published by HarperCollins in  2016 and has 229 pages. 

Major Dushyant (Dusty) Bharadwaj has now become Colonel. He heads special force unit and has a legendary record of success. An Indian passenger jet goes missing. Ayesha is on it. There is a broken arrow.

What Will be Dusty's assignment? Will he meet Ayesha? Does he have feelings for her? Why was the plane hijacked? Who stole the nuke? Can Dusty save the day?

This story analyses an emerging reality. A new front opened by terrorists against India when the Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal routes were plugged. Attack from south. Maldives is an easy base. More than a thousand islands, many uninhibited. Small country. Muslim population. Limited army. It's a dream for terrorist organisations like ISIS.

Terrorists work on radicalization of Maldives with Drugs and jihadi indoctrination. Dusty is trying to find out what's happening in Maldives posing as an arms dealer. He unearths a terrorist camp there. At the same time a broken arrow is on the loose. A Pakistani nuclear war head goes missing. What will the target be?

Author has delivered the story with conviction. It is supported by sound logic and deduction. The terror plot converges with hijacked airliner. The story has pace. Its interesting. Author's knowledge of war on terror is apparent and he leverages it well. However, the story stretches a bit too long after the climax. 

Terrorist leader intending to marry Ayesha sounds far fetched. So does the survival of Dusty in gun fight without cover when everyone in his team is hit.

1st chapter gives a recap of what happened in previous book 'Siege of Warwan'. Those who read this Book first will not enjoy previous one because they would already know the story. 

Why did I read this book?  First book of the author was good.

What I didn't like? Terrorist leader intending to marry Ayesha. 

What did I like?  Probability of use of Maldives.

A good book. Recommend reading. 

Avenger by Frederick Forsyth

"Avenger" by Frederick Forsyth.

This book is published by RHUK in 2004 and has 432 pages.

Calvin (Cal) Dexter is a Vietnam veteran and an attorney at law. Grandson of a Canadian mining tycoon has gone missing in what was then known as Yugoslavia. A discreet agency in London is tasked to find him. The subject is dead. Paul Devereaux is planning something big.

Who is the avenger? What is to be avenged? What is Paul Devereaux's plan? Will the killer be apprehended?

Two stories run in parallel. One of Cal Dexter and another of the American Grandson of Canadian businessman, until they eventually converge. Then a third story emerges and quickly converges into main story. The name of book tells us that this is a story of revenge, but it's not a typical thriller revenge of killing the bad guy. Here the objective is to apprehend the bad guy and bring him alive back to USA.

Author has spent a lot of time in background creation. The story of tunnel rat and boy in Yugoslavia take too long. At times readers are not sure which story is the main story. Curtailing the background stories would have cut the flab and made this story leaner.

Cal Dexter's assignment is the real story. But it starts when you have read half of the book. Entering an ultra secure facility, capturing the criminal and safe extraction form the main plot. CIA's Paul Devereaux is on the other side of Avenger, despite being a good guy. Why? It becomes a fight between good guys. One trying to apprehend and another trying to save for operation Peregrine. 

Story doesn't have a uniform pace. It is entertaining, OK and drags in patches. Cal Dexter is an interesting character. He is the ultimate warrior and specializes in apprehending. He is a lawyer by the day and Avenger once in a while.

Final phase of the book is interesting. The methods employed by Avenger are innovative. Climax is good but could have been better. Although the readers don't get bored, they do not sit on the edge of their seats either. There is a big surprise on the last page that stumps the reader.  But it's execution should have been more subtle for greater impact. Book cover shows an eagle in flight with a serpent in its talons. It is the essence of the story.

  

Trivia: Paul Devereaux, who is a high ranked counter terrorism expert of CIA, and Cal Dexter, the Avenger, also made an appearance in author's another book titled 'The Cobra', a few years later. However, I read that book before this. 

Although it's a good book, Frederick Forsyth has written better ones.

Why did I read this book? Frederick Forsyth. 

What I didn't like?  Execution of last surprise, some flab. 

What did I like?  Plot and Avenger's methodical execution of plan.

A good book.  Read if you like the review. 

Camino Island by John Grisham

"Camino Island" by John Grisham.

This book is published by Hodder & Stoughton in 2017 and has 400 pages.

A gang of five steals five original manuscripts of F. Scott Fitzgerald from Princeton University. Two of them are apprehended but the trail goes cold. An insurance company, that insured the manuscripts, wants to recruit a struggling author, Mercer, to go to Camino island as the manuscripts might have found their way there. 

Will Mercer take the job? Why was she chosen? Who will she meet there? How is the life on Camino island? Will she succeed?

Life on Camino island is quiet. A number of authors and a book shop owner, married to an antique dealer, stay there. They are close to each other. Bruce Cable, the book shop owner is their anchor. Bruce Cable runs the most successful book shop in America on Camino island. He has connections in literary world. He is good looking and is liked by all. 

Mercer has to find her way in this group, befriend the suspect and determine if the suspect is in possession of the manuscripts and if yes, where they are hidden. Mercer has a connection to Camino island in the form of her deceased granny, who lived there until her death. So she has the perfect cover.

The story is fluid. It has a gentle pace, like island life. Life on the island is picture perfect. Narration is good. Story is crisp, there isn't much flab. I should mention specifically that being a John Grisham novel, one lawyer makes only a guest appearance.

Character of Bruce slowly worms it's way into reader's heart. When the difficult moment is impending, readers side with Bruce unknowingly. Credit to the author. Characterization is also very good. Each has it's own characteristics and they appear real.

Mercer's dilemma of helping the good guys or not betraying a friend is also captured very well. Her other dilemma is to determine if it is justifiable for someone to do illegal things to get the ultimate thing back legally. Does the end justify the means?

This book has romance but it's not the main theme. It has heist but it's not the plot. There is a lot of leisure but it's not a vacation story. It has thrill but its not an out and out thriller. And yet it is enjoyable.

Why did I read this book? John Grisham

What I didn't like? Villain fizzles out.  

What did I like?  Story. Execution. 

 A good book. Recommend reading. 

The Veteran by Frederick Forsyth

"The Veteran" by Frederick Forsyth.

This  book is published by RHUK in 2002 and has 464 pages.

This Book is a collection of Five short stories. It was my first time to read short stories of this author. He is known for his thriller novels.

In fittest story 'The Veteran', an unidentified man is murdered in London. There is an eye witness. It's an open and shut case. But a QC decides to defend the murderers. The case turns on its heel. What is the verdict? Will the veteran get justice?

In 'The art of the matter ' Trumpigton, an old actor who has worked as an extra all his life decides to sell a small old oil painting he inherited. Auction house evaluator identifies it as a master piece but the vice president commits a fraud and sells it cheap. Actor gets peanuts and evaluator is fired. Can these two defeated men make an art out of the matter?

In 'The miracle' an American couple visits Sienna to watch Compassi parade and Palio. They meet a stranger and he tells them an incredible story of a nun who lived 500 years ago. What's the miracle?

In 'The citizen ' an insurance clerk is traveling back with his family from Thailand after completing his vacation when he notices two suspicious characters on aeroplane. Will his being a good citizen help?

In 'Whispering wind ', Ben Craig, a mountain man, is captured by US army In 1872 when their party is attacked by Red Indians. In this massacre of Little Big Horn he is the only white survivor. He is captured by Red Indians. He falls in love with an Indian girl named Whispering Wind and elopes. The 'Holy One' asks him to return the girl and prophesies that she will become his later. He sends her back and sleeps in a cave. When He wakes up, everything has changed. Will he see her again? Will he be united with Whispering wind?

In the first story, the way QC ridicules the seemingly water right evidence is horrifying and mockery of justice. The con job, in second story for righting the wrong is very entertaining and enjoyable. There is a major twist in the third and fourth story. However, I could guess it when I got the general direction in which the stories were headed. Nevertheless, the stories were very interesting. Last story is the biggest one and occupies almost half of the book. This is a story that goes beyond logic, is interesting and is narrated with conviction. Readers are left guessing about the end. When it comes, it's completely unexpected.

Author has written the first two in languid style. He takes his own time, sometimes making the reader impatient. Credit to author for stirring emotions in the readers. 

All the stories are very interesting and entertaining. The flow keeps you interested. Author presents a bouquet of stories with a variety. It includes court room drama, art world con, ghost story, drug smuggling drama and ancient love story. All these are short stories, except the last, but they pack a punch.

I started reading this book with some apprehension but it was a pleasant experience. Enjoyable.

Why did I read this book? Frederick Forsyth. 

What I didn't like? Abrupt end of first story. 

What did I like?  Everything else. 

A  very good book. Recommend reading. 

Camp half-blood confidential by Rick Riordan.

"Camp half-blood confidential" by Rick Riordan.

This book is published by Penguin UK in 2017 and has 192 pages.

After his hugely popular Percy Jackson series' author has come up with a new book. A book that is not part of any series but a side dish that tells miscellaneous things about Camp Half Blood. It tells us how it was formed and how it was transformed.

It gives Snippets of various things that happened, Nuggets of information, Gossip etc. In short it is a sneak peak at the life at camp half blood, the less exciting stuff. As a result it's also less interesting. 

It appears as if author has used the ideas that he discarded while writing his books and cobbled them together to create this book. 

Although the camp is in existence for millennia, most of the stories are of the current breed of demigods that the readers know about from author's previous books. Most of the stuff is narrated by the Geyser God and Percy. 

This book makes great commercial sense, though not literary, as it can leverage on the popularity of previous books, thus sales are assured.  We have seen J. K. Rowling do it as well. However, at the end of book, one wonders what exactly was in it?

Why did I read this book? I bought it for my son.    

What I didn't like?  Almost everything. 

What did I like? Author and Publisher's business acumen.

  

Don't buy it. Not worth it's cost. 

Hindustaan by Mainak Dhar

"Hindustaan" by Mainak Dhar.

This book is published by Vitasta Publishing Pvt Ltd in 2011 and has 296 pages. 

This is a fiction that explores alternative reality that Mughals never lost the throne. They won against British. They still rule the country called Hindustaan. Its 1857, Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar is expected to make an announcement of his successor on the occasion of 100th anniversary of victory over British. He is assassinated. Ranveer, adoptive son of, Amir-e-Azam Shameem Qureshi is caught in the thick of action and battle of succession. A mysterious Englishman, Theo, is also in the mix. So are Nanasahab Peshwa, Tatya Tope and Rani of Jhansi.

Who is battling for succession? What role does Ranveer play? What will be the future of Hindustaan?

This is a historical fiction that explores an alternative reality. A 'what if' situation that Hindustaan was still ruled by Mughals in 1857. The country was still called Hindustaan! Hindus and Musalmaans lived in harmony. 

Bahadur Shah Zafar's son usurps power with his Afghan army. In order to ensure that he is not challenged he has given a call of jihad with the help of a fanatic moulavi. Hindu Maughal officers are given a choice to convert or die. Similar fate awaits civilians and the kingdoms attacked by Afghans.

Author has used names of places from Mughal times. So Delhi is Dilli. Yamuna is Jumna etc. Real characters like Bahadur Shah Zafar, Mirza Ghalib, Rani Laxmibai, Tatya Tope, Nanasahab Peshwa play a role in the story. It lends authenticity to the story. 

Author has also used historical events intelligently for the story. He uses proclamation by Rani of Jhansi 'Meri Jhansi nahi dungi', her death, rumour that the cartridges were dipped in animal fat etc. in the story. The use is so perfect that they don't seem like an appendage. Credit to author!

One thing that stands out in this novel is author's authentic description of wars. It is excellent, realistic, stirs emotions and is immersive. Readers live the war with the author. 

At the end, author analyses the changed situation in Hindustaan. This analysis should get a special mention.  Although the things apparently look all well, these are troubled times. Everything is not back to normal. 

Character of Theo is a special one.  He is outspoken, multi talented, speaks fluent Hindustaani, knows Chinese martial arts. He is like a mini super hero. His being a firangi helps in many situations. 

Author has written a very good novel. Characteristics of this novel are: Use of alternative reality, use of historical events and characters, sprinkling of romance, fierce wars, a lot of bravery, fluid story and excellent narration.

Why did I read this book? Blurb and title. 

What I didn't like?  Use of Cigars.

What did I like? Everything else.

A very good book. Recommend reading. 

Tom Clancy's Duty and honour by Grant Blackwood

"Tom Clancy's Duty and honour" by Grant Blackwood. 

This book is published by Penguin UK in  2017 and has 400 pages. This is Book 21 of Jack Ryan universe.

Jack Ryan Sr. is now the President of United States. Jack Ryan Jr. is on a vacation, to determine if he wants to continue his association with covert operations, when a mugger attempts to kill him. He meets a young Belgian reporter with pedigree. They partner tho unearth something. 

What's that something? Why try to murder Jack? Who is behind It? What is the coup?

Jack is running solo. His association with the Belgian reporter provides him help and also becomes a hindrance. A big plan is afoot and Jack is in the middle trying to figure out what is happening. 

This book is strange. Jack does not have a solid lead. Every time he acts on vague clues, hunches and inadequate reasoning. Every time he gets lucky and is proven right. A bit too lucky. There is little action, it's mostly stalking and following leads. I was not sure what exactly was author's intention. 

The story raises a number of questions. Jack, Efram and Renè travel by air but their travel is not flagged by the powerful bad guys. How come? They also carry their cell phones but no-one tracks them. Strange! Why does he not involve the campus or his Dad when he unearths the plot?

The story takes place in America, Europe and Attica.  It is not boring but it is not interesting either. Eventually reader looks forward to the end of book. 

Upon demise of Tom Clancy, Grant Blackwood and Mark Greaney have taken the mantle of Jack Ryan universe. This book is by Grant Blackwood. I have not read Tom Clancy to compare his writing style with Grant, so I will let it pass. 

Why did I read this book? This book was available. 

What I didn't like? Execution. 

What did I like? The conspiracy. 

Read if you have time. 

Kaloot (कालकूट) by Hari Narayan Apte (हरी नारायण आपटे)

"Kalkoot (कालकूट)" a Marathi book by Hari Narayan Apte (हरी नारायण आपटे). 

This edition of the book was published by Sheetal Mehta in 2013 and has 224 pages.

King of Indraprastha had two daughters, married with a son each. His own son is dead. Elder daughter is vindictive and wants her son to succeed her father. Younger daughter is a nice lady. Elder daughter will go to any length to get her way. She takes her son to Aghorghant kapalik.

Can her husband and father save her? Will she return? Will she repent? Will she reform?

The story is patchy. It doesn't have a smooth flow. Narration outs not convincing. Rather than a story it appears like a documentary. 

This book was originally published in parts in a magazine 'Karmanuk (करमणूक)'. Probably that's why it contains book summary at the beginning of the book and it also contains chapter summary at the start of every chapter. It should have been removed while publishing the book. The enthusiasm of reading the book reduces considerably when you read the book summary and come to know the story before you actually start reading it.  

This was one of the three novels that author could not complete in his life time. It remains incomplete. Thus when the story takes a pause it suddenly ends. In movie terminology one can say that the movie ends at the interval. 

Ha. Na. Apte is a well known novelist. He is considered Founder of modern Marathi novel and short story. He rescued the story from the clutches of romanticism and turned it to realism. He wrote 18 novels. These were social and historical novels. He died more than 100 years ago.

Size of this Book is that of pocket book, a rarity in Marathi. However the font is not small and reading experience is good. 

Why did I read this book? Author.

What I didn't like?  Lack of flow. 

What did I like?  Seed.

Give it a miss.

Disclosure: I am not related to the author.