Love story of a commando by Swapnil Pandey

"Love story of a commando" by Swapnil Pandey - Predictable!

This book is published by Westland in 2019 and has 200 pages. 

Riya literally collides with Captain Virat in an art exhibition. She spends delightful time with him buying paintings for his mess. Then he disappears. Then they meet in Hotel Taj in extraordinary circumstances that lead to questionable actions. Finally they meet in Kashmir and take a stroll in PoK.

Why do they meet in exceptional circumstances? Does Riya fall in love or Virat does? Who is Virat? Why PoK?

The story is narrated by Riya in first person. She has nothing to do with armed forces or arms but quotes the make and model of weapons easily. The story is easy, without many surprises. Book starts with a letter from commando where he gives highlights of what you will read in the book. The book is only detailing of the plot laid down by the letter. Thus the book loses 'what next?' factor. The letter shouldn't have been there. Story is predictable. 

Author has tried to portray the character of Riya as messy and carefree. But it comes out as reckless. Character of Captain Virat is also flawed. He deviates from army protocol, puts lives in danger for love. His actions are highly questionable. His reasons for not calling Riya are also lame. 

Why does trip to jungle happen? Why did they go there? It was completely absurd turn to the story and totally unjustified. However the surgical strike brings some much needed excitement to the story. 

Riya and Virat have three encounters, so one wonders if they really had enough time to really fall in love or was it infatuation?

Author covers college life in one chapter with amazing effectiveness. Author has written some very good one liners like: 'Life begins at the end of your college life and you miss your college for the rest of your life', 'Chaos is the ultimate truth and control is a myth', 'How could someone fight in the name of God when they are challenging his authority?', 'Wherever talked about female mystery should have researched into men's world really!'. Quotable quotes!

Swapnil is a female author. Counterintuitive isn't it? She is an army wife and this is her 2nd novel. 

Why did I read this book? Title. 

What I didn't like? Characterization. Jungle trip.

What did I like? Captures sentiments of millennials. Quotable quotes. 

Not a must read.

Kalki Purana by B. K. Chaturvedi

"Kalki Purana" by B. K. Chaturvedi - God to know!

This book was published by Diamond books house in 2003 and has 88 pages. I borrowed this book from little Sanavi.

In Preface, author says that Kalki Purana was probably written in 5th-6th AD, during Gupta reign which is said to be the golden age of Indian history. That's why it's not listed in 18 Puranas.

Kalki Purana is narrated by Sootaji. Although Kalki awatar is still to happen, it's written in past tense. 

Adharma (Impropriety) married Mithya (Falsehood). They had a son Dambha (Vanity) and daughter Maya (Illusion). Maya and Dambha had a son Lobha (Greed) and Nikriti (Dishonesty). Lobha and Nikriti had doin Krodha (Anger) and Daughter Himsa (Violence). Union of Krodha and Himsa bred Kali.

Chaos reigned everywhere. All noble deeds and traditions remained confined to books. All noble endeavours vanished. Sages and earth in the form of cow went to Vishnu, who agreed to incarnate, as Kalki, on earth to eliminate adharma, end Kali yug and bring Satya Yug.

Kalki was born to Brahmin Vishnu Yasha and Sumati of village Sambhala. He was tutored by Parshuram and married Padma, daughter of King Vrihadrath of Sinhala Dweepa. Lord Shiva presented him his divine sword 'Ratna Maru', a steed and a parrot.

He defeats Raja Jin, Kumbhakarna's granddaughter Kuthodri, Pukkar, Shaiyyakarana, Ushtramukha & Ekajangha. In his final battle with Kali, he is assisted by Kings Manu, Devapi, Vishaakh Yoop, Satya, Dharma, Ritu, Prasad, Abhaya, Sukh, Preeti, Yoga, Kshema, Prashraya, Summati. They fight against Dambha, Lobha, Krodha, Bhaya, Nivaya, Aadhi, Vyadhi, Glani, Jara, Koka, Vikoka and Kali. As can be seen, these are symbolic representations, rather than real men.

Symbolism and allegory form integral part of Hindu mythology and stories, so one should always read between the lines. 

There are some spelling mistakes in the book that could have been avoided by proof reading. 

In past 2-4 years a number of mytho-fantasies about Kalki are published. I expect them to be based on original, at least partially. Now I am ready to read them. 

Why did I read this book? Hadn't read Kalki Purana. 

What did I like? Symbolism. 

What I didn't like? Although it's a Purana, the story narration is less interesting.

Read, if you are interested in Kalki Purana otherwise give it a miss.

Rudragatha (रूद्रगाथा) by Sahitya Sagar Pandey

"Rudragatha (रूद्रगाथा)", a Hindi book by Sahitya Sagar Pandey - Good one!

This book is published by Redgrab books in 2018 and has 240 pages.

Book starts with an intense war between 8 lakh soldiers of Karnadhwaj, King of Veerbhumi kingdom, and 5 lakh soldiers of army of Rudra. When the war reaches its pinnacle, story jumps into flash back. 

Son of an upright Brahmin, exiled from Veerbhumi kingdom, for speaking against unjust tax rules, Rudra is a strapping youth who is equally adept in books (tutored by his father) and weapons (tutored by his Kshatriya kaka). His favourite weapon double bladed axe (फरसा or परशु).

How does a brahmin become the leader of an army? Why is he revered? What terrible oath does he take? Why? Does he succeed? What does he lose?

Rudra takes a terrible oath of revenge. The book reveals the reason of the oath at the end, but smart readers can guess it easily. He completes his oath, but at what cost? Does it give him peace?

Rudra collects friends like Vinayak, Viplav, Kaustubh and followers like Pratap. He is an inspiration to the downtrodden. He is strong, handsome, thoughtful, fierce, brave and just. 

The story has war, war tactics and formations (व्यूह). Wars are integral part of the story. They could have been made more interesting. There is even a fight between man and tiger to save damsel in distress. 

Rudra's character appears to be based on various Indian personalities. He is like Parshuram, wielding Parshu and killing adharmi Kshatriya kings. He is like Arjun, who rues loss of loved ones while completing his oath. He is like Samrat Ashok who asks himself 'was it worth'?

Why does kaka leave Rudra? They don't fight, they have no disagreement. They live rach other. Reader doesn't get the answer to this question till the end. It is unconceivable that a person is your good friend and either you don't know his name or he doesn't tell it to you. This mystery remains unsolved. 

Author has created a good story. The flow is good. The pace doesn't slow down. Reader remains with the story. The book ends with a big twist. A twist that you can't imagine. This has to be the preamble to a sequel.

It was good to read a Hindi book after years.

Why did I read this book? Hindi, for a change. 

What did I like? Story, ending.

What I didn't like? Some things could have been more interesting or entertaining. 

Recommend reading, if you don't mind Hindi. 

Seducing Simon by Maya Banks

"Seducing Simon" by Maya Banks - A misnomer!

This book is published by Maya Banks in 2017 and has 214 pages.

Tony lives with her brother Matt and their two friends AJ and Simon since the death of Tony's parents. They are very close to each other.  Tony loves Simon but never gets him to notice her that way. The boys treat her like kid sister and take great care of her. Tony becomes pregnant. 

Who is the father? How will it impact the relationship of four of them? Can Tony get Simon to notice her? Will the pregnancy be a hurdle? Can Tony and Simon unite?

It's a small town where everyone knows everyone. So there are gossips. There is scandal. There are whispers. There is help. There is friendship and there is love. It's a love story where friendship blossoms into tender love. Love that is put to test. 

Character of Matt is poorly conceived. Other two care for his sister more than him. He is the last one to know anything. He is judgmental. He is not there for his sister when she needs him most.

Simon's reaction, when Tony reveals identity of her baby's father, appears knee jerk and not in sync with Simon's character in the book. But, I suppose, author had to do it for climax

The boys, in this book, are fire fighters. It's a good change. Rather than they doing a mundane job, this adds a little novelty and excitement and helps the climax. 

While I decided to read this book with such title and Maya Banks as author, I expected it to be an erotica, but fervently hoped that its not. I was pleasantly surprised that it isn't. Actually it's a love story. So the title is a misnomer

Read if you like romance. 

Why did I read this book? Curious about title. 

What I didn't like? Title, behaviour of certain characters. 

What did I like? Concept of post pregnancy love story. 

Simply the quest by Maz Evans

"Simply the quest" by Maz Evans- The story continues!

This book is published by Chicken House in 2019 and has 368 pages. This is Book 2 of 'Who let the Gods out?' series.

In first book Elliot collected first chaos stone, the Earth stone. Now it's time to acquire second stone, the Air stone. He needs all 4 stones to defeat Thanatos, the Daemon of Death who is sleeping, strike that, was sleeping and is now released by a mysterious lady with black wings. Virgo won't get her immortality back unless she proves to be a hero. 

What quest will make Virgo hero? Who released Thanatos? Where is the Air stone? Will Elliot accept Thanatos' offer? Where is Elliot's father?

Zeus, Athene, Aphrodite, Hermes, Hephestus and Virgo are staying with Elliot, confined in his house by the constellations. Some past heroes make a cameo. Hercules is party arranger, Thesus runs a restaurant, Jason makes music. Character of Hermes blossoms. Virgo keeps creating humor.  Queen of England makes another appearance. A lot of action happens in Natural history museum in London.

The humour of first book is here too. It makes you smile. Elliot has a very difficult choice to make. On one side is the world and on other side is what he wants most. This conundrum is what sets this book apart from run of the mill Greek mytho-fantasy.

In this book too, Gods continue to be enamored with earthly things. They are full of drama, they are jerks, they are caricatures. They find doing earthly daily chores difficult. But here they unconditionally support Elliot. 

One would expect the book to end when Air stone is acquired. But there is a lot of story after that. Narration style is similar to Book 1, but now it becomes predictable. 

Why did I read this book? Liked Book 1

What I didn't like? Predictable narration.

What did I like? Elliot's conundrum. 

Not a must read. 

Dhandha by Shobha Bondre

"Dhandha" by Shobha Bondre - Gujju succes stories!

This book is published by Random House India in 2013 and has 300 pages. This book is translated from Marathi to English by Shalaka Walimbe.

Its a book of five success stories of Gujarati businessmen. Shri. Narendra Modi has written foreword for the book when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat. Amitabh Bacchan provides introduction to the book. 

First story is of Bhimji Patel who started as a day labourer and went on to become one of the most successful diamond merchants in India.

Second story is of Mohanbhai Patel who pioneered collapsible tubes in India. After retirement he established SUPA farm and did wonders to the local community and economy. 

Third story is of Dalpatbhai Patel who established himself as motelier in America and then went on to become Mayor.

Fourth story is of Jaydev Patel, who reached America via Nairobi. A Master of Science, who could not hold a steady job decides to try his hand as insurance broker and becomes the top insurance broker in America. 

Final story is of Hashu and Hersha Patel who start as moteliers and go on to become one of the largest hoteliers.

This book highlights the unique Gujarati spirit and entrepreneurship, their traits and tricks. The reasons of their huge success are their sharp intellect, will power and very hard work. It's in their blood. 

However just earning money is not their motto. All of them have discharged their responsibilities towards society. They have contributed time and money towards the society, be it in America or back in India.

Shobha has used unique narration style. All the stories are mostly narrated by the protagonists in first person. Some times author uses more than one person to narrate the stories. Shobha Bondre is a well known Marathi author. Shalaka does justice to the translation.

Read of you like success stories or biographies.  

Why did I read this book? Curiosity. 

What I didn't like? Sometimes it sounds like a report rather than a story. 

What did I like? The idea of telling success stories of Gujju's by a non Gujju author. 

Hiranyakashyap by Kevin Missal

"Hiranyakashyap" by Kevin Missal - Re-envisioning the myth!

This book is published by HarperCollins India in Jul 2020 and has 264 pages. This is Book 2 in 'The Narsimha trilogy'.

Earlier Hiranya has acquired invincible armour of Brahma, Holika has killed leader of Vishnusena (Narad) and ordered execution of Pralhad. Narasimha is on his way to Kashyapuri to find Pralhad. Chenchen decides to accompany Parvati in search of Skanda. Garuda is poisoned. Hiranyakashyap is out to win the world. Andhaka has plans of his own.

How will Narasimha meet Pralhad? Will Parvati find Skanda? Can Pralhad stand against his father? Is Hiranyakashyap invincible? Is Narasimha an avatar? Can he control his anger? Will he lose to adharma?

Author depicts the non humans of mythology as tribes. So, Naga, Garuda (who have flying machines), Simha (who are strong and drape lion skin and mane), Asura, Deva, Kimpirushas, Yaksha are all tribes. And then there are manav's. He also takes the story of Pralhad and tries to reason it in a realistic manner. So the incident of Pralhad being sentenced to death by elephant, by burning and eventually Narasimha appearing out of a pillar are re-envisioned. Book ends with the death of Hiranya.

Narration is decent. Neither very exciting not boring. Just about keeps you interested. Some loose ends remain. If Narasimhan can smell Andhaka, how can he not recognize original from duplicate?

In the review of first book of this trilogy I had opined that there is not enough story left for three books. And so the known story ends in second book. But third book 'Pralhad' is still to be released. I expect this to be a new story. Character of Narasimha undergoes a transformation in the very end and it raises the curiosity about Book 3.

Author admits that the previous book was not fast paced and justifies it as it was all about building the scene. This book has more action. 

Why did I read this book? I had read Book-1: Narasimha.

What did I like? Re-envisioning.

What I didn't like? Loose ends.

Read if you have read Book 1.

Sinbad and the trumpet of Israfil by Kevin Missal

"Sinbad and the trumpet of Israfil" by Kevin Missal - Something is missing!

This book is published by Penguin Random House India in Jan 2021 and has 336 pages. This is Book 1 in the Sinbad series. 

Sinbad is a Seid (monster hunter), but lives in Baghdad as a commoner. He belongs to the Ninurta guild and is pupil of Master Reis, the eldest Seid of the guild. Something happened 4 years ago, when Sinbad was 12. He met Safeena Umair and lost his master.  Israfil, Mal'ak (angle) of music, gave the Trumpet to Nuhrad. If blown, it would put the Beast to sleep. It's stolen by Safeena Umair. Sinbad is on a quest and he has a babysitter.

What happened 4 years ago? Who is Safeena? Why did she steal the trumpet? Who is Sinbad's babysitter? Who will accompany him in the quest? What is Lord of Dawn's (Iblis) weapon?

Accompanying Sinbad on the quest are Husayn - Sinbad's friend and a sweet talker, Ashrafiyah - a lady vampire, Idris - a lady Seid, Markus - a mercenary and Pressa - a 13 year old Chinese girl seer. Their nemesis is Azrael, the fallen angle, doing bidding of Iblis. Between them is Safeena, a girl with great powers. Additionally there are otherworldly creatures like Jinn, Marid, Qutrub, monsters, witches, vampires, Ibbur, Dybbuk, Nephilim etc...

Author narrates two stories of Sinbad alternatively. One is the present day story and other is a story that happened 4 years ago. Needless to say that the two stories are intertwined, just like everyone's past and present. However when you deliver a story in two time periods you have to be careful not to mix events, one with other. Author and his team is not vigilant in this aspect. There are continuity issues like Azrael reminding Sinbad how he broke out of Cain's prison 3 years before the actual event happened or Sinbad undoing the bindings on his hands when they were not tied at all. 

In such an adventure, climax is expected to be an action packed thrilling event. Climax of this book has little action and even less thrill. As a result it appears anti-climactic and insipid.

All in all the seed of the story had a lot of potential but execution does not exploit the potential fully. Something is missing. I expected more!

The book is over, but not the story. Wait for next voyage. This should be a series. 

Author has dedicated this book to Rick Riordan and advance praise to this book is written by Anand Neelakanthan and appears on the cover. 

Why did I read this book? Sinbad.

What did I like? Use of myths from Arab and Jewish cultures. 

What I didn't like? Continuity, climax. 

Not a must read. 

Queen of Mahishmathi by Anand Neelakantan

"Queen of Mahishmathi" by Anand Neelakantan - Trilogy concludes with crescendo. 

This book was published by Westland in 2020 and has 560 pages. This is concluding Book 3 of 'Bahubali: Before the beginning' series. 

Last book ended with Shivgami being arrested by Mahadeva. This book takes off from there and hits the deck running. Bijjala and Shivgami March towards Gauri parvat. Mahadeva is tasked with another responsibility. Both missions go horribly wrong. Shivgami ends up marrying Bijjala and there is a big change at Mahishmati. Achi Nagamma has achieved an impossible feat. Shivgami starts relying on Katappa. Shivappa is declared king of Vaithalikas. Pattaraya has caused upset in Kadrimandalam. Mahishmati is attacked by two enemies simultaneously. Shivgami's intellect, courage and endurance is put to test.

Why do missions of Bijjala and Mahadeva go wrong? Why does Shivgami marry Bijjala when she loves Mahadeva? What happens at Gauri parvat? What has Achi Nagamma achieved? Who attacks Mahishmati? What will Shivgami do?

Unlike first two books this book is fast paced. Something is happening all the time. The story happens over multiple years. Author demonstrates his grip over the story. The real Anand Neelakanthan in visible in this book. The story is gripping. It's a page turner. 

Author makes use of war machines like mahashila yantra, missile launcher, garud pakshis, ships etc with dexterity. The war comes to life through pages. 

Bijjaldeva's character is shown as virtuous initially, then he appears shrewd and later he appears out right asinine. These changes are not in sync with his traits in previous two books and do not appear convincing. Did the author do it only to justify Shivgami marrying him?

Since this is the prequel to Bahubali, all the characters that aren't in Bahubali die or vanish in this book. The characters that appear in Bahubali are given background and history in this series. e.g. How did Bijjaldeva lost his hand? Why Katappa can't be conquered and why is he loyal to Mahishmati? Why did the brothers fight in Bahubali? Etc. Author also ends the book with a sequence that establishes reign of Shivgami in Bahubali.

Why did I read this book? Book 1 & 2 were interesting. 

What I didn't like? Achi Nagamma's last act, trick to stop lava, changes in Bijjaldeva's character. 

What did I like? Everything else. 

Recommend reading.