The India spy by J. S. Monroe

"The India spy" by J. S. Monroe writing as John Stock - Is it possible?

This book is published by Head of Zeus in 2018 and has 225 pages. 

Raj, a doctor of Indian origin from Edinburgh, is recruited by MI6 (British intelligence) and sent to Delhi, India. He makes a few friends in Delhi and meets Priyanka. He is starting to enjoy stay in India when he is sent to Cochin to check health of Macaulay. Here he gets inkling of something sinister,  something secret. 

Why was Raj sent to Cochin? What does he discover there? Who does he reconnect with? Who is Macaulay? Is IPI still active? What is Cardamom club?

The book is divided in three parts. First part is the build-up or preamble and is light,  second part brings the subject on anvil and it starts getting serious,  third part is where all the action takes place. 

The book is based on the idea that some Britishers could not digest that India has gained independence,  that she has made progress,  that she is now equal to Great Briton; even better in some aspects. They are still spinning stories, presenting India in a backward, derogatory way to outside world and are ready to go to any extreme to make it happen. They are against the notion of developed India. How does Britain, a first world country, look at India, a third world country? Do they want India to be known as a regressive,  undeserving nation with snake charmers, elephants, human sacrifices and Sati?

The book also raises two pertinent question. First: Has the British society accepted the migrated Indians and subsequent generations as their own? Are non whites born in Britain still considered outsiders or second class or second choice?

Second: You can take a person out of India, but can you take India out of a person?

Author has created a good story but the climax is not very good. The final act spoils the mood but author makes his point emphatically to conclude the story. 

Author deserves praise for describing India and life around the protagonist in great detail. His keen observation,  the inputs he got and his ability to catch the pulse of India is commendable. Author has captured sights and sounds of India precisely. He sees the county through the eyes of someone who is a foreigner but has roots here. One can't make out from his writings that the author is not an Indian. 

Author,  Jon Stock Monroe or JS Monroe, has worked as foreign correspondent in Delhi. 

Why did I read this book? Blurb.

What I didn't like? Sudden departure of antagonist

What did I like? Sights and sounds of India. 

Read if this review interests you. 

The busy manager's guide to delegation by Richard A. Luecke and Perry McIntosh

"The busy manager's guide to delegation" by Richard A. Luecke and Perry McIntosh-  All about delegation!

This book is published by Amacom in 2009 and has 100 pages. 

Book summary:

Delegation is a process through which managers and supervisors assign formal authority, responsibility, and accountability for work activities to subordinates. 

Delegation is important because it addresses manager's problem of too much to do and too little time, develops competencies of subordinates, reveals capacities and shortcomings of subordinates. Authors warn that failure to develop subordinates may cost you a promotion. 

Determine which task to delegate. Ask yourself what tasks are you now doing that do not require your unique knowledge, skills or authority? Identify entire tasks, not bits and pieces of job. Delegate recurring tasks, rather than onetime chore. Ensure that segregated tasks are not quality critical, to allow for learning curve. Tasks that should never be delegated are hiring, performance review, firing, disciplinary actions and certain tasks delegated to you by someone else. 

Identify the right person for the job. The delegatee should have time available, interest in task, capability and reliability, closeness to the issue, potential to benefit from assignment. Beware the person who can't say no. Ensure you spread the work, don't delegate to same employee. Best to delegate to the person closest to the problem. 

Assign the task. Ensure that the delegatee knows what you want, understands how to do the task, understands how it fits into larger picture, is given authority and resources, is motivated and formally accepts responsibility. Motivators for the delegatee are money, recognition, empowerment and ownership. The more ambiguous the situation, the greater decision-making authority and flexibility needs to be given. Be more specific about outcomes than means. Agree on deliverables and deadlines. 

Monitor progress and provide feedback. Agree and monitor checkpoints. Monitor but don't micromanage. Effective feedback is descriptive - not judgmental, focuses on modifiable behaviour, specific, well timed, works in both directions. Ensure you avoid taking too much and listening too little. Never take back the delegated task. 

Evaluate performance. Fact based evaluation will indicate delegatee's strengths and weaknesses, training and development needs, types of assignments that should be delegated. Evaluation should be based on facts, not hearsay. Evaluation should address primarily completeness, timelines and quality. Secondarily it can address adaptability, effective use of resources, ability to prioritize, self-motivation, initiative and creativity, collaboration, communication, problem solving, leading without authority and professionalism. 

Typical delegation problems are resistance, need to run to the boss, biting off more than can be chewed, inability to effectively collaborate, inability to take charge, miscommunication and inability to handle the job. 

End of book summary. 

At the end of this Book authors have given five-day shape-up plan. This is basically a form to be filled before and after delegation. 

Authors have provided open book quiz at the end of each chapter. Answers to this quiz pretty much sums up the essence of that chapter. 

Authors have made their point in simple language and by giving examples. This helps in clarifying things. The examples they use for making their point are simplistic in nature. In real life, the situation a manager faces, is more complex.

Importance of delegation can't be over emphasized. Delegation is essential for the growth of individual and organization. If you see delegation steps outlined by the authors, they are very similar to Project Management knowledge areas or PDCA cycle. It's applied to a specific activity of delegation. 

Why did I read this book? Was on my wishlist. 

What I didn't like? Simple examples.

What did I like? Easy language and comprehensiveness.

Recommend reading. 

The Fix by David Baldacci

"The Fix" by David Baldacci - Memory man continues!

This book is published by Macmillan in 2017 and has 432 pages. This is Book 3 of Amos Decker series. 

Walter Dabney, a defence contractor,  kills a replacement school treachery in front of Hoover building in day light and then kills himself. Amos Decker witnesses it. FBI team consisting of Amos Decker (The man who doesn't forget anything), Alex Jamison, Milligan, Agent Harper Brown, Melwin Mars and led by Special agent Bogart is on the case.

Why did a defence contractor kill a replacement school teacher? How come this school teacher afford a posh condo? Why did he kill her in front of Hoover building? Can Decker get to the bottom of it?

The story is slow,  sometimes too slow. Even if you miss middle 100 pages or so,  you don't miss much. Author could have made it crispy by doing away with a few pages. 

As the story develops,  the implications become bigger and bigger. The climax is expected to be very exciting but it isn't. It concludes quickly and disappoints. 

This author also uses Russian angle. Russia's ambitions of becoming global power have given a lot of fodder to fiction writers and Russia is now, again, the new enemy number one. 

Decker is special due to an accident that induced Synesthisia (He sees moods as colours) and Hyperthymesia (He doesn't forget anything) but that also made him less social. So despite his brilliance, he is difficult to work with and the team has to bear with him. 

Why did I read this book? Have read 1st and 2nd books.

What I didn't like? Pace.

What did I like? Not much.

Give it a miss.

Develop your leadership skills by John Adair

"Develop your leadership skills" by John Adair-  Leadership decoded!

This book is published by Kogan Page in 2007 and has 144 pages.

Book summary:

Author cautions in the introduction that nobody can teach you leadership, it's something you have to learn. You don't have to be a born leader, you can learn.

You should possess, exemplify and perhaps even personify the qualities expected or required in your working group. The generic qualities of leader are Enthusiasm,  Integrity,  Toughness,  Fairness,  Warmth, Humility and Confidence. Then there may be qualities required for a particular situation or job.  There are four types of authorities: position,  knowledge, personality and moral. A leader needs a blend of all of them. In matters involving leadership there are three variables: the leader,  the situation and the group. Once the group comes together a group personality is formed. This group has following kind of needs: Task needs, Team maintenance needs and Individual needs. You can learn these functions by practice, study, experience and reflection. 

The task of an individual and team should be clear, concrete, time limited, realistic, challenging and capable of evaluation.  Planning requires that the what, why, when, how, where and who questions are answered. Briefing is effective communication skill. One has to be prepared,  clear, simple, vivid, natural. One should also listen. Controlling is ensuring all the energy and resources of team are making things happen. Management implies efficient use of resources as well as their effective use. High performance team has clear realistic objectives, shared sense of purpose, best use of resources, atmosphere of openness, handles failure, rides out the storms. A leader should motivate by understanding inner needs in individuals and how they operate. Key principles of motivating others are: be motivated yourself, select people who are highly motivated, set realistic and challenging targets, remember that progress motivates, provide fair rewards, give recognition. Good leaders respect and work through the systems but they are not bound by them. Leader needs to delegate part of administration so that she has time to think and lead. Administering that scarce resource, your own time, is the priority for any leader. Humility is rarest of all qualities in a leader. 

Be prepared, door into leadership has 'Confidence' written upon it. Experience is a compost heap of success and failures. Be proactive and reflective. Take a 'helicopter view' from time to time. Never let it be said of you what the Roman historian Tacitus once wrote of Emperor Galba: 'No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.'

To be a strategic leader you will need awareness, understanding, skill and personal qualities like enthusiasm, Integrity, Fairness, Toughness, Calmness, Humanity, Resilience, Prudence and Humility. You also need to be able to think clearly and reason cogently. Sir Terry Leahy, CEO of Tesco says 'There is a simple recipe for leadership: to find out the truth of situation, paint a picture of where you want to get to,  make a plan and go and do it. 

Leadership key to achieving sustainable business success is to have excellence in leadership at three levels: team, operational and strategic. Leadership development strategy should have importance, long term and multi factored. 

End of book summary. 

In the qualities of strategic leader, vision remains conspicuous by absence. Author also does not speak about Charisma being an important ingredient in leadership. He touches the topic of feedback but does not elaborate it.

Author has provided checklists at the end of topic  to assess the readiness and ability of the reader.  In the appendix of this Book, author has provided a Leadership Checklist. This is a comprehensive checklist that every leader should review regularly to ensure that she is on the right path. He also promotes his other books in the 'Further reading' section. 

Author uses international proverbs, strategically,  to make his point. The proverbs are good and they are used very appropriately. I have listed them here for the readers of my blog. 

Chinese: What does it matter if the cat is black or white,  as long as it catches mice. 

Zulu: I cannot hear what you are saying to me because you are shouting at me. 

Japanese: A manager will take 6 months to get to know his staff, but they will take only 6 days to get to know him. 

Chinese by Lao Tzu: A leader is best when people barely know he exists. 

Hungarian: You cannot put into yourself what God has not put there. 

Chinese: It is very easy to find thousand soldiers but difficult to find a general. 

This is a good book by John Adair. It's not a one time read. A leader should read it at regular intervals as he progresses in his career to ensure that he is doing what his current position demands and he is doing it right. It's a useful book. 

The Sunday Times has called John Adair, the first professor of leadership studies in the world. 

Why did I read this book? Was on my wishlist for long time. 

What I didn't like? Nothing.

What did I like? Author guides, does not preach.

 Recommend reading. 

Aru Shah and the end of time by Roshani Chokshi

""Aru Shah and the end of time" by Roshani Chokshi - Why Roshani why?

This book is published by Scholastic in 2018 and has 320 pages. This is Book 1 of 'A Pandava novel' series. 

Aru Shah, a seventh grader girl of Indian origin,  stays in Atlanta with her mother who is curator of a museum of ancient Indian artefacts. She studies in an expensive school for rich kids and to hide her "poverty" spins tall tales. One day her classmates (Ariel, Poppy, Burt) dare her to light a cursed lamp in the museum. Outs said that this lamp will awaken the sleeper who will invoke Shiva, the God of destruction and that will be the end of time. It's the duty of reincarnated Pandavas to save the world. 

Who is the sleeper? How can he invoke Shiva? Can he be stopped? How far is his reach? Who is Subala or Boo? Why is it the duty of Pandavas? Can Aru and Mini save the world? 

So Aru is a reincarnated Pandav, a demigod. The sleeper has awaken and he can stop time. Vehicles (mounts) of Gods have gone missing. Council of guardian's (Urvashi, Hanuman, Jambuvant, Subala  etc.) gives Aru and Mini a quest. With Boo as their guide, they have to succeed in the quest. 

Author uses 'Palace of Illusions' of Pandav's to good effect. The idea is brilliant. We will encounter the Palace in subsequent books. For a change it's an all female demigod cast. Pandavas are reincarnated as girls. But there are only two of them. It's a welcome change.

Author has developed the story nicely using Hindu mythology as the base. Hindu mythology is rich and has a lot of variety and ideas. But, rather than using this opportunity to create a unique and original story, author chooses to be the pale imitation of Rick Riordan. She has simply used his ideas and style of narration,  put it into Indian context (Rather in the context of Indians who don't reside in India - NRIs) and presented it to us. There are too many similarities in the Rick Riordan authored Percy Jackson series and this book. There is claiming of the child by Gods, there is quest, time runs differently in mortal world and other worlds, Council of guardians watches 'Game of Thrones', Valmiki wears glasses, bright shirt and uses typewriter, powerful Seasons take selfies and have Instagram account, Seasons have their shop in Costco, Gods and Godly beings wear t-shirts with something written on it etc. Why did Roshani do this? She had enough material to create an original but she missed the opportunity. Why Roshani why?

The danger is averted but it's not over. The fight will continue. Other Pandavas will join in subsequent books of this series. 

This book has a blazing colourful cover. The name appears to be innocuous initially,  but it includes the action of hero (or heroine as Mini would put it) and villain. 

Why did I read this book? Blurb, Goodreads rating.

What I didn't like? Imitation. 

What did I like?  Use of mythology.  

I would recommend my daughter to read. 

Shadow tyrants by Clive Cussler

"Shadow tyrants" by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison-  Ashoka's nine unknowns!

This book is published by Michael Joseph in 2018 and has 480 pages. This is Book 13 of The Oregon Files.

A freight ship launches missile on America's Diego Garcia base in Indian ocean. Ashoka's Nine Unknowns exist. There is a traitor in the Nine Unknowns. Project Colossus will shift the balance of power. Vajra can render the electronics useless in the target zone. The corporation has to fight on multiple fronts. 

What is Project Colossus? What is Vajra? What is the aim of Nine Unknowns? Who is the traitor? Can The corporation save the day?

In ancient India, Ashoka the great was distraught after winning a war of Kalinga and realised that the knowledge in his possession, if fallen in wrong hands,  can be devastating. So he called nine persons and gave them scrolls containing nine areas of knowledge and asked them to save it from the world. Their descendents carried the tradition forward for more than 2000 years. This secret society was known as The Nine Unknowns. This is probably worlds oldest secret society. 

The story is interesting as all Clive Cussler stories are. Authors have churned out another thriller with the fantastic idea of Oregon, the spy ship. Those who have read the series and those who haven't will remain attracted to the book till they complete it. There are no new characters introduced that will continue in subsequent books. 

Oregon, Spy ship disguised as tramp steamer and it's occupants led by Juan Cabrillo are The Corporation. The Corporation takes assignments,  mainly for CIA, and carries out the assignments with a combination of deception,  technology,  courage, planning and creativity. 

So what's new in the book? The team splits up for separate assignments thrice in this book. There is a gun fight onboard Airbus A380 plane in air.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the next big thing. What can AI do and what are the consequences of empowering AI when it reaches singularity? Singularity means it becomes conscious and able to improve itself thereby becoming independent. So is AI boon or bane? This subject was explored by Dan Brown in his book Origin recently. This book also addresses the subject.

This story has Vajra, a tool to render all the electronics in the world useless. This will bring the humanity back to old age, billions of people will die of starvation. Similar concept on a smaller scale (a country instead of world) was used by Bill Clinton and James Patterson in their book 'President is missing.

Apparently these two topics have caught the imagination of fiction writers. Over time,  fictions tend to become reality. Is this what humanity will be staring at in future?

There are numerous fictions by Indian authors about Nine Unknowns. Despite this being the oldest secret society legend, it had not drawn attention of international authors. I was wondering how long will it take?

Why did I read this book? Author and series

What I didn't like? End of Nine Unknowns.

What did I like? AI and No computers idea.

 Recommend reading. 

Sitanshu by Anita Shirodkar

"Sitanshu" by Anita Shirodkar -  The blue theme continues!

This book wash published by The Write Place in 2018 and has 330 pages. This is Book 2 of 'The guardians of the blue lotus' trilogy.

Jabali's kidnap king Chiraksh's grandson. Eshan & Ishwari land in Jabali temple. Chandraketu's have declared war. Aryavir is assigned the task of waking Keshkuta warriors before time. Sitanshu meets a semi senile man asking for help. Indivara had sprouted a red petal. Arrival of Padmaketu is around the corner.  Maharshi council decides to make an appearance. 

Can Sitanshu find his mother? Are Jabali's savages? How will Keshkuta's be impacted after waking early? Will Rewa meet Aryavir? Will Padmaketu strike Aryavir? What is Sitanshu's destiny?

The story picks up from where it left. Here unlike Book 1, although the story is fast,  it does not appear as if author had run out of page space. Author manages to keep the readers very interested. Murchit dravya, the huge bird,  kaalastra, Padmaketu etc. enhance the mysticism and allure. 

The war that was around the corner in Book 1, happens in Book 2, but the readers are in for a minor shock as that is not supposed to be the real deal. Readers get a second surprise with the arrival of Padmaketu. However,  I guessed this surprise very early. Author could not keep it under wraps very well. 

The Jabali's, who were a predominant factor in Book 1, suddenly become secondary in this book. Character of Raashan, who appeared important becomes a tertiary character. Will he even appear in next book?

Book ends at a new turn. A new danger is around the corner and this is much bigger than Chandraketus. Next book,  the final one, will address this challenge. The chosen one is the saviour. 

Author has created a new world and a fascinating story. It would be interesting to see how she completes the story in next Book. I feel she will either fall short of page space, or increase the size or look for Book 4. It's a challenge for her. 

Book 1 cover showed Indivara, the blue lotus and Aryavir. This Book cover shows Indivara with a red petal and a sword.

Why did I read this book? Liked first book. 

What I didn't like? Jabali's drop out.  

What did I like? Author's imagination. 

Recommend reading.

The spear of Atlantis by Andy McDermott

"The spear of Atlantis" by Andy McDermott- Out of ideas?

This book is published by Headline in 2018 and has 576 pages. This is Book 14 of Nina Wilde, Eddie Chase series. 

Nina, Eddie, Macey and Nina's grandmother are on Ship Atlantia, on its maiden voyage, upon invitation of the Emir of Dhajan, owner of the ship. An important Atlantis artefact is stolen from the ship. Nina is accused of theft. This artefact can point to location of Atlantian spearhead, which by Nina's theory may be an antimatter bomb. If so, the spearhead contains power that will make largest atom bomb look like a fire cracker. Nina and Eddie have to prove their innocence and find the spearhead before the bad guys and save the world. 

Is Nina involved in the theft? Is there a traitor? Who is behind this? Who are the bad guys? Is the antimatter theory a fact? What can this antimatter bomb be used for? Can Nina and Eddie save the day?

This book follows the pattern of previous books. An ancient secret. No one,  but Nina, can decipher and find it. Booby traps. Many parties trying to lay hands on it. Someone wants to cause large scale destruction. Nina and Eddie in action, going solo. Lot of blood shed and deaths. The world is saved. 

Author has created a fictitious emirate squeezed between Saudi and Bahrain called Dhajan, it's Emir Fadil, his twin sister and minister of security Halula and biomedical billionaire Gideon Labato. 

Nina, as usual, finds what no one can. She continues with her characteristic of attracting danger and a lot of people dying around her. Eddie continues with his awesome and awful jokes,  especially of Titanic and Speed 2. Macey their daughter and Nina's grandmother also participate in a mission. Macey is showing inclination towards adventure. Will her Atlantian genes come into play in future books? Have Nina and Eddie acquired an assistant for future adventures in the form of the traitor?

So what's the new high octane action in this book? A chase with cruise liners  one chasing another at more than 30 knots.  Fight with and on cruise liners. Destruction of one of them. 

Author has resorted to an Atlantis artefact again. Why does he keep going back to Atlantis? Has author run out of other good ideas?

Why did I read this book?  Author.

What I didn't like? Atlantis again. Set pattern. 

What did I like? Fight on cruise liner. 

Read if you have read the series, otherwise don't bother. 

The other woman by Daniel Silva

"The other woman" by Daniel Silva -  Kim Philby?

This book is published by HarperCollins in 2018 and has 400 pages. This is Book 18 of Gabriel Allon series. 

Israel has a low level mole in SVR (former KGB). While trying to exfiltrate him from Vienna in collaboration with British, he is assassinated and the needle of suspicion is wrongly on Gabriel Allon. There has to be a mole in British or Israeli intelligence for this operation to blow. Someone very high. Gabriel and his British counterpart dig deep into half a century old files and find out that the legendary British defector Kim Philby had a love interest in Beirut and the association might have led to birth of an illegitimate child. A child who has treachery in the blood.

Was the child born? Is it a boy or a girl? Where was this child raised? Is this child the mole? Who is this child?

Author has taken a leap of imagination. With the revival of Russia as the arch enemy, Kim Philby and his offspring make a mouth watering idea. What if it was possible? Is this Philby's revenge from his grave?

So Gabriel unearths the ultimate mole in British system. A mole very high, with access to almost all the secrets. Onus is on him to catch the mole to clear his name. The story thus becomes interesting. But with such a seed,  author has refrained from making it a high octane thriller. Rather, he has adopted Forsyth type writing style for this book. 

Most of the book is good. In attempt to catch the mole, Allon takes a leap of faith. This is too coincidental. End of book is very interesting. Although the mole is caught,  it's not over. The snake will rear it's head in one of the subsequent books,  probably even the next one. 

Why did I read this book? Author.  

What did I like?  Idea.  

What I didn't like?  Allon's leap of faith. 

Recommend if you have read books in the series. Don't bother,  if not. 

Aryavir by Anita Shirodkar

"Aryavir" by Anita Shirodkar -  A new old world!

This book was published by The Write Place in 2017 and has 346 pages. This is Book 1 of 'The guardians of the blue lotus' trilogy. 

Kamalkunda, a kingdom blessed by and home of a huge indestructible blue lotus called Indivara, is ruled by Kamalakshi clan. Aryavir is the Crown Prince and Sitanshu is his best friend. Jabali tribes from west are trying to avenge Kamalkund. Step brothers of current king Chiraksh and their neighbouring kingdom of Chandraketu's have decided to wage a war with Kamalakund as their children (2 princesses and a pair of twins) have escaped from their respective parents to go to Kamalkund for various reasons. There is a curse that will kill Aryavir at 18. Keshkutas must be awaken before the completion of their sleep cycle. 

What is the curse? Will Indivara protect Kamalkund? Why do Jabali's want revenge? Who are Keshakutas? Will the run away children reach Kamalkunda? What will the evil Mayakari do?

Author has created a new 'old world'. Kamalkund is the kingdom of Kamalakshi clan, who have blue lotus eyes. Indivara is the humongous blue lotus in existence for 999 years and Lord Padmaksha is believed to reside in it. Chiraksh, despite being born out of wedlock, is made king by queen mother thereby distancing her own three sons. All people in the Old World pray to Ishv, the formless one. 

Chandraketus rule adjoining kingdom of Kalipur. Chandrabha, the queen mother of Kamalkund, comes from this family. But her decision to make Chiraksh king had estranged the two kingdoms again. 

Jabali are wandering tribes from Drakkar, desert in the west. They have flaming red hair and pray to The blazing one. 

A number of children run towards Kamalkund. Eshan and Eshwari, seven year old twins, run from their Mayakari mother. Princess Reva runs from her tyrant maternal grandfather who is trying to marry her to an old prince. Chitrangada and Ahren run from Chitrangada's irascible father King.

The story is interesting. A lot of background had to be created and the story also had to be narrated. It was a tough task. Author tries to do both but she has to hurry through a lot of things briefly. I believe she should have increased the number of pages in this book and taken more time to establish the characters,  history,  inter relations and to let the story blossom. 

Characters are good. They have human touch and mysticism attached to it. Maheshwari masters are all enigma. Aryavir and Sitanshu are the main protagonists. The colour them of the series is blue. Indivara is blue lotus. Kamalakshis have blue eyes. There is blue energy. Aryavir has a blue bead around his neck. The palace is called Neelmahal. The throne is a sapphire throne and so on.

Author has given three family trees (Kamal akshis, Chandraketus and Jabalis) and map of old world at the beginning of the book. This was a much needed accessory to correlate all the names,  their relations and the geography. 

Nevertheless, she has created a good story. The book is interesting. It is poised at an interesting moment when it ends. Book 2 'Sitanshu' is already published. 

Why did I read this book? Blurb. 

What I didn't like? Length of book.  

What did I like? Author's imagination. 

Recommend reading.

The President is missing by Bill Clinton & James Patterson

""The President is missing" by Bill Clinton & James Patterson - President Vs Virus.

This book is published by Century in 2018 and has 528 pages. 

Book starts with American President, Jonathan Duncan, facing a congressional committee hearing that can refer him to the judiciary committee to impeach him for aiding and abetting a terrorist. A young lady utters most secret code words in the ears of President's daughter. President goes missing.

Is President in the wrong? How does the lady know the secret code words? Why is the president missing? Is he running from impeachment? Is he dying? Is he trying to save America?

'Sons of Jihad', a non Islamic, anti west organization specializing in computer hacking, led by declared terrorist Suliman Cindoruk has done something that will bring America to it's knees.

The story is not about assassination or espionage. It's about hacking and computer virus that will take America literally to dark ages. Authors paint a very grim picture of 'Dark Ages'. On one hand President is fighting a war to save the country, on other hand there is a traitor within his circle of elite and he is also fighting failing health due to blood condition. To add to it all,  there is an assassin called Bach who is trying to kill the defected hacker. 

It appears as if it's a fight between President and terrorists instead of America and terrorists. Book portrays the impression that what no agency could do, President did. America comes to know about this deadly virus only because Nina and Oggy defect from the virus team. Otherwise America would not have known what hit them. 

The story is interesting and retains reader's interest for most part. It's narrated in first person by the President. The mitigating actions, in case the virus detonates, are sweeping and severe.

Jonathan Duncan is a good President who puts his country above himself. Caroline is his chief of staff and epitome of efficiency with political acumen, Catherine is his Vice President who he beat to presidential nomination. Oggy is the hacker who does not want the intended devastation. Bach is the pregnant assassin who intends to retire after this assignment. 

Who is the traitor in President's inner circle? Although it becomes a moot point in the end, I was able to guess the traitor. Formula of the least doubted being the traitor applies here. 

I thought that the Saudi angle appeared brought be brought forcefully and unnecessarily. End of the book is dragged a lot. All the loose ends could have been tied through presidential speech. That would have made the end crispy. 

There are typical statements of American arrogance like 'If America is vulnerable, so is every other country'. But that's ok.

In such books,  it's hard to know the contribution of individual authors. James Patterson writes almost all his books with a co-author. So contribution of Bill Clinton is unknown. But we can assume that the presidential inputs came from him. 

Why did I read this book? Bill Clinton. 

What I didn't like? Dragged end, President is the lone fighter.  

What did I like?  Story 

Read you have time. 

The fox by Frederick Forsyth

"The fox" by Frederick Forsyth - Short of author's standard.

This book is published by Corgi in 2018 and has 352 pages. 

A hacker has penetrated Fort Mead database, most secure database of America, but hasn't changed or stolen anything. The hacker is difficult to trace and good at hiding and is hence dubbed as The Fox.  A long pursuit leads to detention of a British teenager with Asperger Syndrome. Russia's president is controlling government, oligarchs and mafia. He wants to restore Russia as superpower. A plot is hatched. 

What are Russian ambitions? How will UK teach Russia a lesson? What weapon is at their disposal? What role will The Fox play? Is there a traitor?

Sir Ardian, retired Deputy chief of MI6 and now adviser to British PM, leads the British initiative. Yevgeny Crilov, head of SVR (Russian intelligence), leads the Russian initiative. The story takes place in 20129Mar future, in year 2019.

They play a battle of wits, hacking,  sabotage, assassination and international politics. Russia, Iran and North Korea are the rogue states that need to be warned and nowadays the war is not fought on ground, sea or sky. It's fought in cyberspace. 

The story is decent but not exciting. There is limited action and very limited emotions. Cyber war and it's impact on international politics is the main theme. Russia's attempts to regain the status of super power are central to the story.  Russia is the new villain. Character of President of Russia is based on Putin and made darker and vicious. 

How would one end the story? By making The Fox invincible? Na! By killing him? No! Then how? Well you will have to read the book to know it. 

Frederick Forsyth is a master of thrillers but somehow this one, though good of looked at absolutely, falls short of his own standards. 

Year's ago all the western thriller authors had communist USSR as enemy. Later on Islamic terrorists became favourite villains. It was China's turn next for a brief period. Recently Russia is re-emerging as favourite antagonist again. Is this an indication of changing political scenario in world politics?

Why did I read this book? Frederick Forsyth,  bas naam hi kaafi.

What I didn't like? Lack of thrill. 

What did I like? Use of The Fox.

Not a must read, but you can read. 

Kashi by Vineet Bajpai

"Kashi" by Vineet Bajpai - Something's missing!

This book is published by TreeShade books in 2018 and has 407 pages. This is part 3 of Harappa series. 

This book starts where previous book 'Pralay' ended. 1700 BCE, Manu is constructing the largest ark ever built by human beings, a technological wonder, with an objective to preserve all life forms. Present day, New World Order wants to obtain the secret of Black Temple. They have sent Maschera Bianka to Banaras. Dwarka Shastri is explaining the history and prophecy to Vidyut. Vidyut has to unfurl the secret of Black Temple. Final showdown is about to begin.

Is Pralay the only threat to Manu? What does New World Order want? How can Vidyut fight an international organization? Where is Black Temple? What is the secret of Black Temple? Where is Ratna Maru?

Like the previous two books author narrates two stories. One of Satyavrat Manu in past and another of Vidyut in present. The former is fascinating. The Ark, it's construction,  the team work, threat posed by carnivores led by Nara-Munda, battle for the Ark,  Pralay, Matsya  etc. is depicted vividly. Uprightness of Manu is exemplary. 

Story of Vidyut is also interesting. The start of Rohini nakshatra, arrival of designated hour, the last Black Temple, secret of Black Temple, Maschera Bianca's arrival and the showdown is good,  but the much awaited final showdown between New World Order and Dev Rakshas math does not happen. The series ends with the showdown between Vidyut and Maschera Bianca.

Author has saved the final showdown between Dev Rakshas math & New World Order, Light and Dark,  God and Bad for a new series. This leaves the readers with a feeling of betrayal. A feeling that something's missing. 

Sometimes the book uses the word statue instead of idol of God. Strange!

I completed the book with single unanswered question in mind. Why is it necessary for the Devata to know the secret of Black Temple? If it was not known to anyone, there would be no bloodshed to protect or reveal it and destiny would have been fulfilled anyway. 

Why did I read this book? 1st and 2nd books were good. 

What I didn't like? Final showdown between two organizations doesn't happen. 

What did I like? Manu's story.

   

Read of you have read first two books. 

Cleopatra by Jacob Abbot

"Cleopatra" by Jacob Abbot - Informative.

This Audiobook was a Librivox recording. 

Cleopatra was Egyptian by birth and Greek by ancestry and origin. Alexander annexed Egypt to Greek empire. After his death,  the empire was divided between his generals. Ptolemi took over Egypt. The line of Ptolemi ruled  Egypt for many years. Cleopatra was 11th in the line. 

What was she like? What were the circumstances then? What was her relationship with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony? What role did she play in world politics? What kind of a person was she?

The book takes us through the story starting from the time of Alexander. Establishment of the line of Ptolemi. Savagery, viciousness,  violence and warring in the line of Ptolemi. Incest in the line of Ptolemi for generations. Birth, marriage to brother, ascendance to throne of Cleopatra. Her banishment. Murder of Pompei and arrival of Caesar. Caesars mediation. Cleopatra- Caesar liaison. Fickle alliances. Alexandrian war of 3000 Vs 30000. Assassination of Caesar. Battle of Philippi, two years after Caesar's assassination. It happened between the triumvirate of Antony, Octavian and Lepidus leading the Caesar camp and Brutus & Cassius leading the other resulting in victory of triumvirate. It led to ascendance of Mark Anthony. This culminated in Cleopatra-Anthony liaison, final war and deaths. 

In later part of the book, author paints Cleopatra in shades of dark grey and black. He singles her out for making Mark Anthony her figurative slave and diverting him from his ambition, making him kick his wife and children out of his home. He accuses her of leading Antony into naval fight against Octavian instead of land war and then making him abandon the war and run. She then took to studying poisons and experimented the effects, suffering, time to death on captured soldiers or slaves. Although she lived royally,  she died miserably. 

Author describes the Valley of Nile and explains why there are no forests or animals on the banks of Nile that one can find on the banks of Amazon.

Author writes about the great efforts and expenditure undertaken by Ptolemi Philadelphus to build and stock the famous Alexandria library.

Caesar was charismatic, brave and ambitious. Caesars over indulgence and arranging navy and military wars between captured soldiers for entertainment leading to enormous loss of life divided Rome in two camps. One led by Caesar and another by Brutus and Cassius. This led to Caesar's assassination. 

Mark Antony was very generous and magnanimous. He was recklessly generous. He indulged in excesses when alone and then with Cleopatra. He went completely under her control and made tactical blunders.

Timid, shy, child like & beautiful young Cleopatra becomes vivacious, beautiful and bold lady used to extravagance. Then she transforms into insensitive & heartless queen and then wicked, brutal woman. 

I did not know that Cleopatra was of Greek ancestry, that she was married to her brother, that she had one son from Caesar and three children from Mark Anthony. 

This book is written more like history than story. It could have been made more interesting. 

Why did I read this book? Cleopatra    

What I didn't like? Narration is more like history than story. 

What did I like? Information.

 Not a must read. 

The mystery of three quarters by Sophie Hannah

"The mystery of three quarters" by Sophie Hannah -  Hercule Poiroit resurrected. 

This book is published by  HarperCollins in 2018 and has 400 pages. This is 44th Hercule Poiroit mystery and 3rd by the author.

Four different people come to Hercule Poiroit accusing him of writing a letter (that he did not write) alleging each one separately of murdering Barnabas Pandi. 

Who wrote the letter? Why was Poiroit's name used? Was Barnabas Pandi murdered? What is the mystery of three quarters?

There was no complaint of murder. The death was recorded as natural. Poiroit could have just ignored it as a prank. But Poiroit's vanity and curiosity does not allow him to do that and the investigation begins. 

Author has used the analogy of church window cake with four quadrants with the four accused. Out of the 4, inclusion of one does not make sense. Accusing other three quarters of the cake (3 persons) is understood as they had some sort of connection to the deceased. Hence the title of the book. 

This novel has all the hall marks of Agatha Christie. A large house, a rich man, murder,  many suspects, slow story, Poiroit's vanity & grand revelation at the end. However,  Hanna has given her touch too, to the story. For the first time Poiroit has declared the day and time when he will reveal the murderer without having solved the mystery. Usually Agatha mysteries end with revelation or apprehension of murderer. Here the story ends when murderer is sentenced. 

The story is narrated by Inspector Catchpool including the scenes in which he is absent.

The end (revelation of the mystery) is, however, stretched. Author takes long time to tie the loose ends. 

Why did I read this book? Hercule Poiroit. 

What I didn't like? Dragged end.

What did I like? Agatha's inheritance.

Read if you like Hercule Poiroit mysteries. 

The Stranger by Albert Camus

"The Stranger" by Albert Camus - Strange!

This book is published by Vintage in 1989 and has 144 pages. This edition is translated by Matthew Ward. 

Mersault, a young man loses his mother, who was in an old age home, in Algeria. His behaviour at the funeral, his detached response, his refusal to open casket and see his mother one last time, his watching comedy movie and making out with his girlfriend the next day perplexes the readers. Then one day he commits a murder. 

Why is Mersault behaving strangely? Is he mentally alright? Why did he kill? What will be the outcome of trial?

First half of the story raises a number of questions in the mind of reader about the protagonist. It appears that his behaviour is the main theme when the story suddenly veers to a different track with the murder and trial. However,  Mersault remains the enigma throughout. 

Author depicts the relationship between Salamano and his dog in a very interesting manner. They can't stand each other but can't live without each other, much like old husband and wife. His friendship with restaurant owner & Roland and his relationship with his girlfriend is also interesting. 

Mersault is strange, absurd, detached & withdrawn. There is no apparent reason for what he does and think, or at least there is no reason reader can see. Even the verdict of the trial is like the protagonist. Strange. 

This entire book ranges between strange and absurd. Mersault is a peculiar character. His behaviour is perplexing and weird at the same time. At times reader wonder if this man inhibits the same world that we do. To be like this he has to be either completely devoid of emotions or he must be an enlightened soul and has gone beyond emotions and material world. This book,  thus,  is not for everyone to like. 

Some of the interesting statements in this book are: 'She wanted to know if I loved her, I answered the same way I had the last time, that it didn't mean anything but that I probably didn't' or 'Condemned man is forced to morally  collaborate, that guillotine will work perfectly the first time.'

It's a very different writing style. He writes only what is essential, doing away with necessity of fillers, descriptiveness and background text. Direct cut to chase. Separating wheat from the chaff!

Albert Camus was born in Algeria and worked in France. He was part of  resistance to German occupation of France. He is winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. 

Albert Camus once said 'Novel is nothing but philosophy put into images'. How apt!

Why did I read this book?  Author.

What I didn't like? Strangeness unexplained. 

What did I like? Directness

 Read if you liked this review.

As a man thinketh by James Allen

"As a man thinketh" by James Allen -  Timeless!

This audiobook was by Librivox.

This book that was published in 1903, more than a century ago. It talks about the power of thought and how to apply thoughts. In essence, the book says that you shape your own destiny and your thoughts are instrument, stimulus, impetus and cause of your actions and destiny. Don't underestimate the power of thought.

In the foreword author clarifies that its not a treatese. It's suggestive rather than explanatory. 

The book is divided into 7 chapters and the essence of each chapter is as follows:

Thought and character: Man's character is sum of all his thoughts. Act is blossom of thought.

Effect of thought on circumstances: If man doesn't cultivate pure,  good thoughts in his mind,  all kind of unwanted thoughts will be sowed and they will produce it's kind blossoming into acton. Circumstance does not make a man, it only reveals him.

Effect of thought on health and body: Body is servant of thoughts. Sickly thoughts leads to sickly body. Thought is fountain of life.

Thought and purpose: Thinking with purpose makes one strong. He who has conquered doubt and fear has conquered failure.

The thought factor in achievement: All that man achieves or does not achieve is because of his thoughts. Oppressors and slaves are collaborators.

Visions and ideals: He who cherishes beautiful vision will realize it. To desire is to obtain,  to aspire is to achieve.

Serenity: Calmness of mind is beautiful jewl of wisdom. Calm man knows how to adapt to others. Strong calm man is always revered. Serenity is last lesson of culture.

Title of the book is inspired by a verse in bible 'As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he'.

Author has written this book more than a hundred years ago. His writing rings true even today. It's timeless wisdom. 

It's a small book with a lot of information packed into it. As a result at times author appears to be preaching. It's a bullet. Small but powerful.

Why did I read this book? Heard a lot about it. 

What I didn't like? Bit heavy. 

What did I like? Concise

Recommend reading

Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar

"Thief of Corinth" by Tessa Afshar - Biblical fiction!

This book is published by Tyndale House Pub in 2018 and has 379 pages. 

Areadne, a young beautiful girl, escapes (with her foster brother Theo) from the house of her tyrant maternal grandfather,  to escape unwanted forced marriage, and goes to her father, Galenos, in Corinth. Here she discovers a secret of her father. She meets a young man Justus in Corinth. Years after,  Areadne's brother Diyonisus brings a Jew, Paul, to the house. This Jew preaches love. His thoughts are very different from Greek religion of that time. When everything seems to be coming together, an unwelcome person comes to know about the secret.

What is the secret of Galenos? Does Areadne have feelings for Justus? Who is the thief of Corinth? What ground breaking ideas does Paul preach? Can Areadne's family survive the unwelcome person?

It's a story set in 1st century Greece when Greek Gods and Greek religion were prevalent. Author creates the atmosphere of old times. She brings the world of bible to life. Every household had slaves. Some treated them well, some didn't. The thief of Corinth operates in those times. He robs the corrupt officials and distributes a portion of stolen wealth to the needy and poor. Sort of ancient Robin Hood. Here he is also called Honourable Thief. 

The society has become decadent and materialistic. Lives of family of Areadne too are on the same path. Areadne lives a life of defiance and rebellion. She is on a moral decline. Time is right for a saviour. The saviour comes in the form of the Jew and his religion. He preaches the message of love and peace. Unconditional love and unconditional forgiveness. Sequence of events lead Areadne towards confession and realization. But the test doesn't end here. With the entry of unwelcome person, resolve and faith of Areadne and her family are put to test.  It's a riveting story of adventure, bravery and self realization. 

Characters are interesting. Areadne is an athlete. She is winner of the sprint race. Yet she does not get the deserved recognition because of her sex. This makes her rebellious and makes her do the unthinkable. Theo is berated as foundling by others but is loved by his foster family. He craves for legitimacy. He accuses his father of sacrificing him for the rest of his family but wants to be claimed legally by him. Justus is ideal, virtuous young man. Diyonisus loves his father but one secret alienates him from his father and as collateral damage,  his sister. Galenos is alienated from his wife but loves his children fiercely. He is ready to protect them at the cost of his reputation. The character of Areadne appears towards deficient towards the end. For most of the book,  she is portrayed for her virtues but suddenly she sees herself full of flaws. If the same flaws were also shown subtly in the book earlier, it would have justified the character. 

Although it's 1st century Greece,  author has avoided falling into trap of over specifying the times and lifestyle. She has described the surroundings and lifestyle only as much as the story demanded. 

The Jew in this book is not the Jew that we know today. He is follower of Jesus Christ, today's Christian. Jesus Christ was a Jew. His followers named the religion Christian. Until then they too were referred as Jew.  

Tessa Afshar is born in Iran,  educated in England and settled in USA. She is award winning author of historical and biblical fiction. However, surprisingly, I could not find her on Wikipedia. 

Why did I read this book? 1st century tale. Highly rated by Goodreads. 

What I didn't like? Deficiency in the character of Areadne. 

What did I like? Story.   

If you are interested in biblical fiction,  read it. 

Family lawyer by James Patterson et al

"Family lawyer" by James Patterson et al - stories.

This book is published by RHUK in 2017 and has 496 pages. 

Family lawyer

Matthew Hovanes and Debra are both criminal lawyers and run their own firm. Matt has a wife Janet, a son Danny who has been in one trouble after another and a beautiful daughter Hailie who is a star soccer player. One day Hailie is arrested for being responsible for suicide of a girl she was mentoring. Lawyer Dad decides to represent her.

Is Hailey guilty? Is it a good idea that her Dad represents her? What does Danny think? Will family lawyer save the day?

The story is built up very well. The courtroom drama, the numerous little surprises in the courtroom poise the story nicely. The tale of and flight is good but the landing is not graceful. Author has attempted clumsily to give a twist to the tale. It's a bit hurried and not in sync with the story. Why Hailey's friends turn on her remains unknown. However overall effect of the story is positive. 

Night sniper

A serial killer, dubbed night sniper, is killing random people in early morning hours, one bullet through heart, no witnesses. Detective Sheryl Mayburn, who has solved a serial murder case, is in a medical facility voluntarily, after accidentally shooting a teenager. Randy Haw, her partner brings her back to the task force to solve the case of night sniper. 

Can Sheryl think like a serial killer? Can she anticipate his move? Will they face off? Will she catch the night sniper?

The story is good. The inspiration for night sniper is interesting. Plan to trap him is also good. What is not so clear is exactly why does the night sniper become serial killer and why does he enter the trap. Story is interesting. 

Good sister

Melissa calls her sister,  Danny, to her house. Melissa's philandering husband is dead and she thinks she poisoned him. They hide evidence. Police unravel that he was shot. 

Who killed Melissa's husband? Will hiding the evidence land the sisters in trouble? Who is the good sister?

Experienced readers can deduce the identity of murderer. A little twist is introduced to strengthen the motive. However, it's the end that scores. There is a twist, an unusual one at that, to conclude the story. 

So,  what are the commonalities in these stories? They are from same author. They are all crime thrillers. They are all narrated by the protagonist in first person.

Why did I read this book? It was on hand.

What I didn't like? Hardly wow. 

What did I like?  Not boring. 

Read of you have spare time and inclination. 

Murder on Olympus by Robert B. Warren

"Murder on Olympus" by Robert B. Warren - A unique fictional world. 

This book is published by Dragonfairy Pt in 2013 and has 376 pages. This is Book 1 of Plato Jones series.

It's a modern day mythological fantasy. Humans, mythological creatures and Gods live in the same world. Plato Jones runs a private detective agency in New Olympia. Someone is murdering Gods. Yes, you read correctly, Gods. Plato is coerced to investigate the murders.

Why do Gods want Plato? What's so special about him? Who is murdering the Gods? Why? Can the Gods die?

Goddess Eileithyia and God Hephestus are murdered. Another Goddess is killed. All the Gods vouch that there is no weapon that can kill a God. Then how were they killed?

Author has created a unique world in New Olympia. Gods, Demigods,  Satyrs, Minotaures, Spirits, Humans, Vampires,  Gorgons, Hydras, Cerberus, Cyclops, Sirens, Vampires,  Shape shifters etc. cohabit and are friends, colleges, strangers and enemies. Humans, obviously, are disadvantaged as they don't possess any powers. Yet Plato is coerced into investigating the case. 

The concept is fantastic. Author deserves full marks for conceiving the idea of such a world and then writing a murder mystery set in this world. Story is good. Execution is decent. Pace is also good. However, author could not help but bring in Hades and Poseidon (two of the three big Gods) in the story,  although that portion was completely unnecessary for the story line.

A new love interest emerges for Plato towards the end of the book. It doesn't end here. Sequels of the book are already published. Plato's adventures will continue. 

Like Rick Riordan, Maz Evans and other modern fantasies about Greek Gods, Gods in this book are not portrayed as divine but as jerks. They are shown as lying, conniving asses.

Why did I read this book? Title, of course.     

What I didn't like? Entry of Hades and Poseidon. 

What did I like? Concept.

Read for a change. 

The Leadership Sutra by Devdutt Pattanaik

"The Leadership Sutra" by Devdutt Pattanaik -  An Indian approach to power.

This book is published by Aleph book company in 2016 and has 149 pages. 

This book is filled with lessons and insights into management,  business and the creation of wealth and success. However the key differentiator is that rather than using modern theories and models,  author has used tales and anecdotes from Hindu mythology to make his point. 

Lion is a symbol of power and domination. That's why it has been a symbol of kings from England to India to China. Leaders often equate themselves with lion,  but the real leader is the one who outgrows the lion within. 

Author makes key differentiation:

1. Shakti & Durga: Shakti is inner power. Personality, resilience,  personal skills are your Shakti's. Durga is external power, either acquired or conferred. Rules against discrimination, position in hierarchy, authority are your Durga's.

2.Aukat and Izzat: Aukaat is status and prestige, Izzat is respect and acknowledgement. We seek izzat of what we believe is our aukaat.
3. Maya and Satya: Both are truths. Maya is a comparison with or measurement of something, it can be judged. Satya is truth by itself, it's absolute. 
4. Prakriti and Sanskriti: Prakriti is materialworld, where rules do not apply and Sanskriti is culture, where rules apply. We control Prakriti with Sanskriti. Eventually, Prakriti wins over Sanskriti and new civilization is born.
5. Property and Territory: Property is something you possess, something you can bequeath to children and loved ones. Territory can't be stolen. You have to fight for it. That's why there is territory in jungle and property (supported by rules) in civilization.

He discusses how material things are coveted because they establish social hierarchy and pecking order. That's why Kaurav chose Narayani sena over Narayan. Tangible over intangible. 

Author gives examples from stories from Purana as well as modern day corporate examples to explain his points and concepts. Thus he easily connects with the reader. This makes the book unique. It is a confluence of modern Leadership and ancient Hindu principle of Leadership, essentially, emphasizing that the principle is same,  only the context has changed. Author stays true to the book title which says it is an Indian approach to power.

The book is interspersed with signature sketches, tables and mind maps hand drawn by author Devdutt Pattanaik. It's a good compact book. 

Why did I read this book? Author, Context.  

What did I like?  Concepts.  

What I didn't like?  Nothing really. 

Recommend reading if the subject interests you.

The four patriots by Sumit Agarwal

"The four patriots" by Sumit Agarwal -  Idealistic fiction. 

This  book is published by Rupa publications in 2016 and has 296 pages. 

Naya Bharat party led by Dr. Sabarwal comes to power on promise of good governance, development and eradication of corruption.

Aditya, Varun, Salman and Raghav are his most trusted lieutenants and are called Four Patriots. 

What challenges will they face? What are their backgrounds? Why are they called four patriots? Will they succeed in their mission?

Aditya comes from a business family, Varun leaves his job abroad, Salman leaves his job in India and Raghav is from the family of politicians. These seemingly diverse youth leaders are driven by one thing alone; patriotism.

The story takes us through the early lives of the protagonists and their struggles, difficulties and battles to make India the superpower; that she deserves to be. The challenges include arrest, kidnapping, murder, assassination, public shaming, corruption and what not.

Although the idea is good, author has spent too much time on the lives of the protagonists before they are elected. Although that part is important, too much of it leaves author short of space for the measures taken to improve India. As a result the second part is very fast. It is unheard of that one person holds more than one important portfolio (Defense and Home etc.), but here each of the four patriots holds multiple important portfolios giving the impression that the party lacks talent pool. The changes they achieve in four years are also unprecedented and hence seem idealistic not realistic. 

Thus, although the story is good,  it does not take grip of the reader. It took me almost two months to read this book. 

Author Sumit is an IITan. The list of IIT and IIM graduates venturing in writing keeps getting longer. It also brings quality and variety to literary world. 

Why did I read this book? Blurb. 

What I didn't like? Idealism,  not realism.  

What did I like? Seed. 

Give it a miss. 

The strange disappearance of a Bollywood star by Vaseem Khan

"The strange disappearance of a Bollywood star" by Vaseem Khan -  After child trafficking and theft, now it's kidnapping. 

This book is published by  Mulholland books in 2018 and has 384 pages. This is Book 3 of 'Baby Ganesh agency' series.

Retired inspector Chopra, now proprietor of Baby Ganesh detective agency, attends a concert of Bollywood star Vicky Verma. The star disappears during the concert. Chopra is entrusted to solve the mystery with discretion. An unknown rich person invites a group of eunuchs to a haveli and asks them to dance and sing without revealing his identity. Chief of eunuchs engages Chopra. Rangwala is assigned the case.

What happened to Vicky Verma? How did he disappear? Can Chopra find him? What is the mystery of the eunuchs? Are the two cases related? Will elephant calf Ganesh play a role?

For the first time Chopra finds himself behind the bars, for life, without anyone knowing about it. His nemesis Suresh Rao has the last laugh, or does he? Poppy reveals a pleasantly surprising side of her personality.

The story is in the pattern that author has created by now. Baby Ganesh plays a crucial role as always. The identity of kidnapper is hidden till it is revealed towards end. I was not able to guess it. However, the reason why kidnapper kidnapped appears to be lame. In this book too, the character of Suresh Rao disappears, never to surface, til then book ends.

The mystery of eunuchs is solved by Rangwala. Readers anticipate a connection between the two, but there is none. They are two stand alone mysteries. The story would have become leaner if this story of eunuchs was given a miss.

The end of book is dragged unnecessarily. The final chapter of making Ganesh a film star appears like an appendage.

Why did I read this book? Light mystery. 

What I didn't like? Little to no investigation.

What did I like? Hidden identity of kidnapper.

Read if you have read the first two books.

Son of Bhrigu by Christopher C. Doyle

"Son of Bhrigu" by Christopher C. Doyle - India's answer to Percy Jackson and Harry Potter.

This book is published by Westland in 2018 and has 360 pages. This is Book 1 of 'The Pataala prophecy' series.

Arjun and Maya are best friends. Arjun lives with his uncle and mom, Maya with her dad. One day their world, as they know it, come to an end. They reach Panna national park and from there to Gurukul. Son of Bhrigu wants to take over the Bhu-lok using the creatures of nether world. Scion of Yayati has to lead a team of seven to fight Son of Bhrigu, as per a 5000 year old prophecy.

Who are the seven? What is Gurukul? Who is Son of Bhrigu? Is the prophecy a fact or fiction? Who is scion of Yayati? Is Maya a Sadh?

Story starts with two murders and two escapes. A powerful being is looking for someone and that someone needs to be protected. The story is very interesting. It has a natural flow. It hardly slows down or allows time to ponder for the readers. Author had used Indian mythology and it's characters wisely to carry the story. Entire story happens in 13 days.

Patala, Powerful Mantras, Ancient netherworld creatures, Atma travel, Mythical creatures, Gandharvas etc add to the allure of the mysticism. Theory that Devas and Saptarshis are neither effective nor accessible in Kali tug is interesting. 

Characters of Arjun, Maya, their Gurukul friends, Virendra, Mahamatis, Satyavachan Gandharva king etc. are rich, varied and properly developed. As the story goes on more characters should be introduced. 

However,  one can't but draw similarities of this story with Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. Gurukul is like Hogwarts or Greek camp.There is a prophecy of seven. The doors of hell are going to be opened.There is a quest. Despite all of this the story appears original.

If the author works on avoiding similarities to Percy Jackson and Harry Potter and makes his work sound more original (I believe there are enough ideas in our mythology), it will be a very successful, satisfying and unique series.

This Book, if made into a movie, will be a super hit, provided special effects are of high quality. 

Why did I read this book?  Title, author.  

What I didn't like? Similarities with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.

What did I like? Story, delivery, ideas and characters.

 A must read. I will wait for Book 2.