The gilded wolves by Roshani Chokshi

"The gilded wolves" by Roshani Chokshi -  A new old-world!

This book is published by Macmillan in 2019 and has 400 pages. 

The art of forging, powered by fragment of Babel in France is with House of Nyx & House of Kore. Severine, heir to House of Vanth, was declared as not a descendant of the house when he was 10-11 and the house was dissolved. Fourth house was dissolved much earlier because they tried to do what was forbidden. Now Severine runs a hotel and specialises in acquisitions (read theft) with the help of Tristan, Enrique, Zofiya and Laila. One day he is offered an assignment that can restore his inheritance. 

What will Severine do? Will he accept the assignment? Will he make a deal? Will Hypnos betray? Can Laila find the book? Can she become complete?

The cast is interesting. Severine who thinks he is robbed off his inheritance by the matriarch of House Kore and who wants it back at any cost. Laila, an Indian Cabaret dancer who is not complete and is looking for a book whose name she does not know. Enrique, a Historian with Filipina mother and Spanish father who wants to make it big. Tristan, Severin's brother (no blood relation), whose behaviour is somewhat strange. Hypnos, patriarch of House Nyx and Severin's childhood friend, who Severin doesn't trust any more. Zofiya, a brilliant Engineer who is kicked out of school. 

The novel is set in 1878 Paris. Exposition Universelle, for which Eiffel Tower was built, is about to be inaugurated. There are two worlds. One is the world of normal people and another of those who have forging affinity. These worlds coexist. There are two kind of forging affinities: Matter- Influence one of the material states like solid, liquid, gas and Mind - which is banned. Forging is existence hammered into being in the furnace of time. 

It takes some time to get used to this new old-world and understand what forging is. The story is interesting. Readers take Severin's side at the outset. They connect with Laila and also feel for Zofiya. Key to success of this book is in this connection with readers. The old Paris is enticing. Backdrop of inauguration of Eiffel Tower is exciting. There are side stories for Laila, Enrique, Hypnos & Zofiya that the author does not conclude. These may be taken up in the sequel. Severin's story reaches a milestone but will continue in sequel. Author also gives a shock in the very end to pique the readers' curiosity and want them to wait for sequel. 

It's a good book, a little on slower side, but the concept is good and development is also good. It's designed for young readers. 

Roshani, daughter of Filipino mother and Indian father, is an American author. I have read her book 'Aru Shah and the end of time' a few months ago and published book review on my blog. 

Why did I read this book? Curiosity. 

What I didn't like? Pace. 

What did I like? Characters and end. 

Recommend reading. 

Narasimha by Kevin Missal

"Narasimha" by Kevin Missal - Not gripping!

This book is published by HarperCollins India in 2019 and has 320 pages. This is Book 1 of Mahaavtar trilogy. 

Nara was the leader of Simha Tribe (half lion half men) that sided with Deva Tribe against Asura Tribe for control over Illavarti. He comes out of self imposed retirement to save a potent weapon from Andhaka, nephew of Hiranya. Meanwhile, Hiranya is searching for world's greatest weapon. Pralhad is functioning as temporary king when Vishnusena wrecks havoc. 

Why did Narasimha retire? Why did he come back? Which is the greatest weapon? Who is the leader of Vishnusena? What happened to Pashupatastra?

Author has taken the story of Narasimha from mythology and created a story very different from known tale. He has created a new world with Simha tribe, kingdom of Illavarti, the armour etc. Some of these things are contrary to known story like Narad being guru of Asuras, Prahlad being a grown up man etc...

Characterization is decent. Virtuous Nara, deceiving Indra, confused Pralhad, scheming Andhaka, driven Hiranya, meek Narad, cruel Hiloka etc.. Author brings varied characteristics through these characters. Hiranya does not come out as a villain but as one who's situation makes him do things. Objective of characters of Anuhrad, Holika's daughter and her boyfriend remains nebulous. 

The narration is mildly interesting. At times the story slows down and at times things happen too fast. The story does not make you sit on the edge of chair. Reader does not get restless to read remaining book. Dil doesn't mange more.

This is a trilogy and a good amount of story is covered in first book. Is there enough strength left in the story for two more books? Only time will tell. 

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What did I like? Attempt

What I didn't like? Execution

Not a must read.

The stars shine down by Sidney Sheldon

"The stars shine down" by Sidney Sheldon - World of real estate!

This edition of book is published by Harper in 2005 and has 448 pages. 

Lara Cameron is beautiful and successful business woman who has achieved everything in her life. She has created everything from nothing. On her 40th birthday, she is standing on the brink of financial crisis.

What drives her? What sacrifices did she make? Who helped her? Why is she in financial crisis? Is there a way out?

The story starts with Lara's arrival for birthday party and then takes us back into flash back starting from her childhood to present day. It takes us through the life of this ambitious lady, her aspirations, her techniques, her modus operandi. It shows a very interesting character. She makes a name for herself in a man's world. However, at times this ruthless business woman also looks naive and vulnerable. 

The story has a flow. Characterization is good, however, most of the space is occupied by Lara and what remains is shared by Howard Keller, Paul Martin and Philip Adler. The book raises some questions like even if a lady becomes successful, will her beauty and body will be perceived more important than her intelligence,  by the world?

The book also takes us through the world of construction. Leverage, borrowing, making deals, land acquisition, regulatory hurdles, junk bonds (all the words we repeatedly heard during subprime crisis) are integral to the story. 

The convergence towards end, however, appears a bit convenient. Some threads, like Howard's memory loss & Lack of checks and balances in orders etc, remain loose. Nevertheless author ends the book on a fantastic note. Can't imagine any other ending. 

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Lose ends. Convenient convergence. 

What did I like? Flow. 

Recommend reading.