Pralay: The great deluge by Vineet Bajpai

"Pralay: The great deluge" by Vineet Bajpai -  Trilogy? not until last page!

This  book is published by B&B Performance LLP in 2018 and has 315 pages. This is sequel of Harappa. 

The story picks up from where Harappa ended. 1700 BC: Manu has been asked to go to the Black Temple towards east with the corps of his mother. He meets mysterious Matsya. His father, Vaivaswan Pujari, is blinded by rage and revenge and joins asuras to destroy every human, plant and animal in Harappa. Present day: Vidyut starts to understand the intrigue, secrets and mystery of the tantrik world in Dev-Rakshas math. The New World Order collaborates with the aghori maha tantrik Trijat Kapaalik.

What is the secret of Black Temple? How low will Vaivaswan Pujari fall? What is the curse? Who is Matsya? Why is the The New World Order afraid of Vidyut? Will Maha tantrik Trijat dare to take on Param tantrik Dwarka Shastri? Is Vidyut a Devata?

The story takes us on a roller coaster ride. Two stories are told at the sane time. By now this type of story telling has become very popular. Story of injustice to Vaivaswan Pujari, the Surya of Harappa and a Devta himself. However even this Devta is not infallible. When he falls, Gods are displeased. Pralay is guaranteed. Second story is of Vidyut who is reincarnation of Vaivaswan. He starts to understand the dark forces and their design. His great grand father Dwarka Shastri is still not ready to tell him the secret of Black Temple. 

A few new characters come in. Matsya, Brahmanand, Trijat and a number of Pishachinis, Dakinis & dead souls are introduced.

The story is narrated in an interesting manner. The times of Pralay, Manu's arc and Matsya's guidance along with revenge of Vaiwaswan Pujari take half the book. Character of Matsya seems to be modelled on Lord Krishna. Math, supernatural powers, agoris, the looming epic battle form other half. The odds are stacked against Vidyut. How will he face?

However the looming epic battle does not happen. That will happen in Book 3. When I read the first book, I had an impression that next book will be the conclusion. This book does not mention anywhere that this is a trilogy. The readers come to know on the last page that Book 3 'Kashi' will be the conclusion of the series.

First book was good. So author had a responsibility to ensure that this book keeps up the tempo. Well, although not as much as the first book, this book doesn't let it fall too much. Hopefully third book will turn out to be a crowning glory. 

Why did I read this book? Harappa was good.

What I didn't like? No mention that its a trilogy. 

What did I like?  Book 2 doesn't falter. 

Read, if you have read Harappa.

Keepers of the Kalachakra by Ashwin Sanghi

"Keepers of the Kalachakra" by Ashwin Sanghi - More theory than story.  

This book is published by Westland in 2018 and has 420 pages.

A number of world leaders and influential figures start dying. Nobody approaches them, there is no security breach. Symptoms? Swelling of limb and face, kidney failure, blood coagulation and death. All of them are liberals. A group of for intelligence agencies (IG4) of USA, Russia, India and China is formed. Vijay Sundaram, an orphan and a PhD, is offered job at Milesian labs in Uttarakhand. Ahmed Al Mafraqi is rising to form a Caliphite.

Why are the world leaders dying? How are they killed? Who is Brahmananda? What is the objective of Milesian labs? What is Minerva?

This book has a story. But it appears that the story is secondary. Akashik records, Quantum entanglement, Quantum twins, String theory, Kalachakea mandala, Sriyantra, Tibetan Buddhism / Vajrayana Buddhism / Tantric Buddhism, Shambhala, Golden ratio 1.618, binary system first propounded by Pingala  and quantum theory is the core of the book. So instead of these things supporting the story, story serves the purpose of binding them together to retain reader's interest. As a result in the battle of story and quantum theory, story loses the battle along with the reader.

There is a lot of quantum theory and philosophy in this book. It becomes too heavy for average reader. Reader started thinking 'What am I reading? A novel or a text book?" 

There comes a twist in the epilogue. But it  is too little, too late. 

There are a couple of things that I could not digest. If entangled twin really exists then there would be hundreds of thousands of people dying every day without reason. Logic of Brahmananda for his actions is also lame. 

Kalachakra system believes in the correlation between the body, mind, consciousness and the universe. Simply put it's the Buddhist wheel of time. This system is followed by Tantrik Buddhism which is a product of Hinduism and Buddhism. The Kalachakra mandala is explained in detail. 

Book cover shows the union of Kalachakra and Vishwamata or Shiva and Shakti.

Why did I read this book? Ashwin Sanghi. 

What I didn't like? More theory than story. 

What did I like? Theory.

 Give it a miss. 

The Sculthorpe murder by Karen Charlton

"The Sculthorpe murder" by Karen Charlton -  A period murder mystery. 

This book is published by Thomas and Mercer in 2016 and has 306 pages. This is Book 3 of Steven Lavender series. 

William Sculthorpe (86), is killed in Middleton village in Northamptonshire, beaten to death. One of the witness is dead man's cretin son.  Inspector Lavender and Constable Woods are invited to investigate upon Doweger countess Fitzwillams' request. 

Why was the old man murdered? What was the motive? Who was behind it? Can Lavender solve the mystery?

It was a time when Catholics were treated like pariah and were forbidden from holding public office in Protestant England. Call for Catholic emancipation was getting stronger. A gang nicknamed Panthers was on the loose. 

The story is set in year 1810, old England. Horses are mode of transport. The inn culture of village is vividly shown. Pace of life is slow. Story takes place in a village where everyone knows everyone else. Lavender and Woods have a task to find the murderer and they have no leads. 

The story is developed with leisure. There is no hurry. I was able to guess the identity of murderer as well as their location. 

I enjoyed reading this 3 book series. May be there are more. Don't mind treading of there are. It's a good change. 

Why did I read this book? Have read 2 books earlier.

What I didn't like? Murderer can be guessed. 

What did I like? Old times. 

A good change. Recommend reading. 

The vengeance of Indra by Shatrujeet Nath

"The vengeance of Indra" by Shatrujeet Nath - Vikramaditya veeragatha continues. 

This book is published by Jaico publishing house in 2018. This is Book 3 of Vikramaditya Veergatha, a four book series. 

The story starts where Book 2 ended. Kalidas is on way to join Hunas. Ghatakarpara is kidnapped by Sakas. Vikramaditya and his council is in search of Danavas. Devas and Asuras have joined hands to defeat the human king and get Halahala containing Vishada's dagger. Indra, upon Shukracharya's advice, visits Avanti with a secret that would break Vikramaditya without war. It's a heinous plot. Shukracharya discovers the location of dagger. 

Can Vikramaditya rescue Ghatakarpara? Can he contact Danavas?  Can he stop Hunas who are helped by Kalidasa? Will there be a rift between Vikrama and Vararuchi? What secret does Indra reveal? 

Vikramaditya is surrounded by danger and enemies from all sides. His only support is his council of nine, but two of them are not with him any more. A revolt has initiated. His sister makes his life miserable with her acidic tongue. His wife is still in a vegetative state. 

There are plots and sub plots. There is intricate politics and blatant side switching. Vikramaditya appears to be in a situation that is destined for his doom. 

This book is used by the author for build up of next book. He does a lot of preparatory work in this book. So the story is on the slower side. It contains limited action. However, author has managed to maintain reader's interest. 

Avanti is in danger. Hunas and Sakas from East, Shoorasena from West, Devas and Asuras. Can Vikramaditya save Avanti and Halahala? The story is poised for a grand finale that would happen in the concluding Book 4.

The cover shows a bearded man with sword in his hand. The guy looks westerner rather than Indian. 

Book 1 was published as first book of trilogy. Second book was published as Vikramaditya Veergatha. I wondered why the change, while I read Book 2. Author gives the answer in this book. He started it as a trilogy but by the time he wrote second book, he realised that the story won't finish in three books, it will be a four book series, hence the name change.

Why did I read this book? First two books were good. 

What did I like? Plots and subplots. 

What I didn't like? Slow pace. 

If you have read first two, you better read this and wait for the final book. 

Bourne enigma by Eric Van Lustbader

"Bourne enigma" by Eric Van Lustbader -  Another in Bourne series. 

This book is published by Grand central publishing in 2016 and has 432 pages. This is Book 13 of Jason Bourne series, 10th by EVL.

Bourne receives a coin from his friend Boris Karpov, when he was about to go for Karpov's wedding. During the wedding ceremony Karpov is assassinated and his bride is raped. A dreaded terrorist is suspected to be behind this. Sara, the beautiful Israeli spy is seen in Moscow on the same day. 

What is the identity of this terrorist? Did Sara kill Boris? What is the mystery of the coin? What is afoot? Can Bourne save the day?

Sara and terrorist have an old score to settle. Bourne has tender feelings for Sara. Karpov's deputy wants Bourne dead. FSB and Mossad don't see eye to eye. 

The story takes us from Russia to a number of places including Egypt and Cyprus. A great plot is hatched and only Bourne can stop it, but not by combating.

Story is good in patches. One thinks that the terrorist is the main plot but he isn't. Angle maker, who plays a key role in next book is introduced in this book.

The story contains a lot of deaths. When reader starts thinking that a character is turning out to be a key character for the story, it dies. Reminded me of The Game of Thrones. 

Why did I read this book? Bourne series.

What I didn't like? Deaths break the flow. 

What did I like? Umm...

Not a must read.  

The women's war by James Patterson and Sean Serafin

"The women's war" by James Patterson and Sean Serafin - a neat story.

This book is published by Random House UK  in 2017 and has 144 pages. It's a Bookshots book. 

Colonel Amanda is a special force operative in war on drugs. She leads team of women.  She has been tracking Diego Correra, a Mexican drug lord, who has killed more than 2900. One day she returns from a mission to find her husband and two daughters murdered. A man using named 'Fat man' starts giving tips to Amanda.

Who killed her family? Does she want revenge? Will she take any action on Fat Man's tips, after retirement? Who is Fat Man? Can she get Diego?

The story is narrated by Amanda, the protagonist, in first person. It takes us through her life from the murder of her family till mission accomplishment. But does it end there?

The story is well paced, has action and has drama. However, it is not a nail biting cliff hanger. Who is Fat Man?  To know answer to this question, readers have to wait till the very end. That's good. 

Authors have also made a provision for sequel. Weather they write a sequel or not remains to be seen bit I won't mind a sequel. 

Why did I read this book? Bookshot. 

What I didn't like?   Could have been more reciting

What did I like?  One of the better Bookshots.

Read if you have time. 

Sweet and Salty by Jaideep Barve

"Sweet and Salty" by Jaideep Barve - A promising debut!

This book is self published by  the author.  This edition was published in 2016 and has 68 pages. It's a collection of short stories. 

'The last station' is story of a high flying executive who suddenly encounters a big void in his life. Will a journey in a train to last station lead to opportunities?

'It happened on a Father's day' takes Ram into flash back. He remembers his father and the bond he shared with him. Would he be seen by his daughter in similar light?

 In '379' three prisoners booked under Penal code 379 (theft) get a chance to escape prison. How would they utilize the opportunity?

'Mehta uncle' is the story of a truly happy man who's philosophy of looking at life is very simple but extremely effective. Can he maintain his smile?

'Gokhale & Gokhale' is the story of Prasad who encounters two personalities who are polar opposites but share the surname. 

The stories are short. Sometimes too short. At times it seems that more matter would have been healthy for the story. Even a couple of more stories would have been welcome. Author has chosen small things in life that we all encounter every day and has created a story out of it. Not everyone can do it. The stories show us the sweet and salty sides of life. Hence the title. 

It's a pocket book, has large font and has only 68 pages. It appears that author has self published the book as a passion. He is a keen  observer, he should take his writing more seriously and get his book published commercially to reach a larger audience. 

Why did I read this book? Jaydeep's first book.

What I didn't like? Length. 

What did I like? Potential of author.  

A promising debut. Recommend reading.

Disclosure: Author is a close relative. 

End game by David Baldacci

"End game" by  David Baldacci - Assassins investigate!

This  book is published by Pan Macmillan UK in 2017 and has 352 pages. This is Book 5 of Will Robie series. 

Blue man has gone missing. Will Robie and Jessica Real are tasked to find him. They reach the town where Blue man went for vacation and then disappeared. It's a strange place. The town has blue man's high school sweetheart, some unsavoury groups like Skin head neo Nazis, Kings apostles, White supremacists etc. Nothing seems to be straight. 

Can Will and Jessica find Blue Man? Would they be supported or opposed by the groups? Is there a possibility of the distance between Will and Jessica to reduce? What is the reason of this distance?

Story starts with separate missions of Will and Jessica, James Bond style. 

Robie, who has been put back together after his body was damaged in previous book, is not able to understand why Jessica has distanced herself. They are assigned a mission and they diligently follow the leads.

Here they meet various characters like Bender siblings, Sheriff Meloy, JC Perry etc. Every lead the get turns into a dead end or turns up dead. Something big is afoot, but what is it? How can anything big be hidden in rural Colorado, where everyone knows everyone and everything?

The book handles two stories. Main story is that of finding Blue Man. But there is an undercurrent of tension between Robie and Real.

The story is decent. Pace is OK. Lout ood bloodshed and deaths. Robie and Real use their real names in the story. Reader knows that someone who had made an innocuous appearance in the book has to be the mastermind. But who is it? When the mastermind is revealed, even after the lame justification, reader is not convinced about the logic of why the mastermind chose this path. 

Why did I read this book?  David Baldacci.

What I didn't like?  Masterminds logic. 

What did I like? Tension between Robie and Real. 

Read, if you have read the series. 

The Romanov Ransom by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell

"The Romanov Ransom" by  Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell -  Sudden death.

This book is published by  Penguin UK in 2017 and has 480 pages. This is Book 9 of Fargo adventures. 

When Bolsheviks imprisoned the Tsar, the dowager empress (his mother) paid a huge ransom for the release of ruling Romanov family. The ransom went missing. Fast forward to present time. Sam and Remy Fargo are following the trail of Romanov ransom. 

Did the Bolsheviks get Romanov ransom? Where is it? What is the intended utilization? What is Wolf guard? What is Operation Werewolf?

The book takes us from the time of Bolshevik uprising to the present day.  The Romanov ransom has gone missing. Fargo's happen to catch the trail. Wolf guard is looking for it. A German and a Russian crime boss is looking for it.

Characters in the book are: 

Philanthropists and treasure hunters Sam and Remy Fargo assisted by their reliable assistant Salma. Mysterious Russian crime boss Tatiana and her bodyguard Victor. German crime boss Rolf and head of Wolf guard Leopold. 

Trait of Fargo's not abandoning the person accompanying then is predominantly displayed in the story. They do not lose their sense of humour in the adversity. 

The story builds up. It takes us from Russia to Argentina. The plane is found. Fargo's are close to the discovery when tables turn. Afight back from Fargo's is expected. But then the climax finishes in less than a minute. It's a sudden death. Author had lost the opportunity to create drama. 

Why did I read this book? Clive Cussler. 

What I didn't like?  Sudden death.  

What did I like? Fargo's attitude.

Read if you have time.