Born to be King by Deepak Thomas

"Born to be King (The Epic of Kautilya)" by Deepak Thomas -  This isn't about Chanakya!

This book is published by Astra Media Opc Pvt Ltd in 2023 and has 376 pages. This is Book 1 of series 'The epic of Kautilya'.

Princess Kautilya and her 5 brothers are children of King Chandragupta Shveta, King of Bharat. They were born by offering 6 birds to the fire god and possess the qualities of the birds. They go to Guruji, complete their education and return. But something unexpected happens after their return that changes all the equations.

How was their education? What happened after their return? Why are Apes and Bears oppressed? Will Kautilya become king?

Kautilya is a strategist and has excellent memory. Hayan can hear and see any distance. Varun is adept with water. Sameer is fast as the wind. Bali is very strong. Dhanush is the crown prince and is an excellent leader.

Years ago, before Kautilya was born, humans and demigods had defeated the Rakshasa-Asura alliance. Apes and Bears once ruled Dandaka. Now Humans have captured most of it leaving only the hills in Ape control. Apes have become secondary citizens and Yama the undying has formed a squad of misfits forming a rebel force opposing human oppression.

It's a complex social system. The concept of the story is very good and execution is decent. Kautilya is a free thinker and a master strategist. How will things unfold and how will Kautilya be embroiled in it? How will the squad treat her? How will her brothers treat her? The story takes us from Kautilya's childhood to the victory in war. There are interesting characters in the story. A half demon half demigod, a demigod who doesn't remember her past, Yama who always wears mask and no one has seen his face, a Yakshi etc. Kautilya makes lifelong friends and mortal enemies.

The book ends but not the story. Kautilya lets the enemy go. Is it a mistake? Or is there another enemy in next book? Book 2 'Way of the Rakshasa' is already published.

PS - This story is not about Kautilya (कौटिल्य - Chanakya). It's about a princess named Kautilya (कौटिल्या).

Why did I read this book? Interesting title.

What I didn't like? Certain portions appeared unnecessary.

What did I like? The concept.

Recommend reading.

Yellow face by David Henry Hwang

"Yellow face" by  David Henry Hwang - Hilariously scathing!

This book is published by Theater Communications Group in 2009 and has 70 pages.

David Henry Hwang is an American Play writer of Chinese origin. He is very successful and writes satires. One day he opposes casting of a white man as a Chinese man in a play. This creates a scandal.

Later when David Henry Hwang writes a new play he has to cast a protagonist, a Chinese man. After a lot of search he identifies Markus and casts him. From his appearance he seems to have Chinese blood, but asking it would mean racism. So he doesn’t.

Is Markus Chinese? What does David Henry Wong do? How can he defend his selection? What would he do to cover up?

Well, as you have guessed, Markus has no Chinese blood. So, David Henry Wong invents using his liberal creativity. His creativity eventually comes back to haunt him. How? Read the book.

This book is hilariously scathing and depicts stereotype of Asian man in America. It has a unique writing style. It’s written in snippets and dialogues like a play. It’s a small book. That makes it crisp, short and sweet.

I liked very much the way this book ends. Author being the author takes the liberty to end the story the way he wants. But the ending is adorable. It leaves one with a question ‘Does your birth make you Chinese?’

Why did I read this book? Curious name.

What did I like? Crispiness. The end.

What I didn't like? Umm..... 

Recommend reading.

The boy at the top of the mountain by John Boyne

 "The boy at the top of the mountain" by John Boyne - Reflected glory !

This book is published by RH UK in 2016 and has 224 pages.

It’s 1936. Pierrot Fischer, son of German father and French mother, is orphaned. His estranged aunt Beatrix, who works as a house keeper at a home on a mountain top in Berghoff, Austria, takes him in. Everyone in the house is afraid of the master who visits the home but doesn't stay for long. Some even dislike him but would never speak out.

Why did he agree to shelter Pierrot? Will Pierrot be influenced by the master? What will become of his friend Anshel? Who is the master? 

Although the identity of the wealthy and strict master is an enigma for a while, it’s revealed that it’s none other than Adolf Hitler who is convinced that Germany was unfairly treated and he should bring Germany back to its lost glory. 

Somehow, Pierrot ends up spending a lot of time with Hitler and slowly but surely he is indoctrinated. He starts thinking that men are superior. Jews have robbed the Germans and they are sub-humans. He ceases any communication with Anshel. Uniform brings entitlement. He is important and his friendship is something that others should covet. He becomes insolent and considers himself very important. He thinks that the reflected glory is his own.

His aunt doesn’t like the transformation but she is helpless. Then Pierrot takes a step that marks the point of no return. Although he earns Hitler’s trust, his area of influence is restricted to Berghoff. And then the wheel of time turns.

It’s a medium size book. Readers are amazed to witness Pierrot’s metamorphosis. On one side they are amazed and on the other they feel sorry for him. It’s a very pertinent question. What happened to Hitler’s foot soldiers after his death?

Author concludes the book with a beautiful twist. This twist, although unexpected, isn’t out of line with the story. The seeds are already there.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like?  Umm...... 

What did I like? How playable minds work.

Recommend reading.

Samsara by Saksham Garg

 "Samsara" by Saksham Garg - Mythological fiction ! 

This book is published by Penguin in 2022 and has 298 pages. 

Aman Chandra has gone into a shell for 10 yrs after being branded as traitor's son. No friends, no one to talk and practically invisible to everyone. One day a strange Sadhu called Sanaka comes to meet his mother and he eventually lands in Vanyasa. 10 souls from Samsara are admitted to Vanyasa every 10 years. The souls have to undertake mahayatra to find Madhu. But this time there is no Eka.

What is Vanyasa? Why does Aman land there? What is Madhu? What is the destination of the Mahayatra?

Vanyasa or Gyanganj or Shambhala or Shangri-la is the most sought after place. In this book, it's located in the Dronagiri mountains. Location hidden. Nandana the tree that serves as entrance to Vanyasaa with the cowries of a song. Ithika is the daughter of Vanyasa valley. Her father was banished after he stole the most important thing from Vanyasa. Chayan is the enemy of Vanyasa. He should not get hold of Madhu, the life force of Vanyasa.

Arti, Payal, Dhara, Prithvi & Ujal, Ithica, Faiza, Yuvan, Jagrav, Savitri, Dhara are the souls but this time the initiation ceremony of Adwaita has not revealed any Eka, the leader. Guru Ashwini, Mata Uttari, Mata Kritika, Chatwari sadhu are their teachers. There is Mahayana at the end of the year.

Author has tried to write a fiction capitalizing on mythology. It's a novel idea but the execution is poor. There are too many loose ends and open questions. Why the 11th soul? Why the inhabitants of Vanyasa can't find Madhu? What happens to Faisa? What is the logic behind Eka's death? What is the point of the fight with Guru Amrav? How will Indra's plan work if all religions don't follow it? Why kidnap Prithvi?

As a result, although it has some good ingredients it's not credible and digestible.

The sentence I liked from this book:

'She too was fluent in the language of silence.'

Although the book is publicized as India's answer to Harry Potter, it's not an imitation.

Why did I read this book? Recommended by Siddhant.

What did I like? Umm...

What I didn't like? As mentioned in the review.

Give it a miss!

Long shadows by David Baldacci

"Long shadows" by David Baldacci - New partner!

This book is published by Macmillan in 2022 and has 400 pages. This is Book 7 of Memory Man series. 

Amos Decker had a footballing accident that damaged his brain giving him Hyper thymesia (he never forgets anything) and Synesthesia (Associating emotions with color). He is averse to change. But his ex-partner, suffering from dementia, kill’s herself. His recent partner (Alex) moves to another city and his boss retires. Everything changes and Decker doesn't like change. He is assigned a new partner, Frederica White. They are assigned to investigate murder of a Federal Judge Julia Cummins and her bodyguard at her home in a gated community.

Can Decker put up with Frederica? Can he cope with so many changes? Is the case what it looks? Can Decker crack it?

It's a case that turns out to be a very tricky one. There are so many layers to the mystery. The needle of doubt keeps changing from one person to another. The body count increases to five. There is an attempt on Decker's life. Events that happened 40 years ago are also related. Decker can see what no one else can. His perseverance is legendary. But his brusque manner doesn't endear him to anyone. His lack of respect for authority doesn't make him popular.

The story has decent pace but slows down occasionally. There are changes happening to Decker's brain. Frederica is also a tough nut. One thing leads to another. The Soviet angle sounds outdated after so many years after fall of Soviet Union.

Why did I read this book? Have been reading the series.  

What I didn't like? The Soviet angle.

What did I like? Attention to detail.

Not a must read.

The lost temple by Vishwesh Sharma

"The lost temple" by Vishwesh Sharma - Shiva's weapons!

This book is published by Educreation publishing in 2016 and has 260 pages. 

Dr. Ela Sen, an archeologist, gets a call from her ' more than a friend' Prince Surya after 4 years asking her to come and help to decipher clues and find something. Shivnetras call Aghori's to help because a secret that was revealed. A secret they were guarding for centuries. Russians are involved and so are French. Even Chinese are involved. Government of India sends Marcos (Martin Commandos) on the mission led by Rudra aka Rudy also known as Hunter.

What did Surya find? Can Surya and Ela reconnect? Why are there foreign nations interested in something from ancient India? Can Rudy counter the foreign mercenaries? What is the secret?

Ela is a beautiful, intelligent and determined archeologist. She likes Surya when they were in college. But one day he left without saying goodbye. Now years later he calls her and asks for help. He discovers some ancient artifacts in his old family Haweli. Rudy is the best commando and even better leader. He is tall, handsome and intelligent.

The book is written in amateurish way. The clues and the tracking don't appear authentic, they appear shallow. The attraction between Elsa and Rudy seems artificial. The characters other than Ela and Rudy are underdeveloped. Several threads are left unattended like what happens to French? Where did the Chinese go? Why rescue the neckless? Why kill the General?

I had high expectations from this book, but it fell short on all counts.

Why did I read this book? Subject.

What I didn't like? Writing.

What did I like? Umm....

Give it a miss!

Crisis by Robin Cook

 "Crisis" by Robin Cook - Medical thriller! 

This book is published by Pan Macmillan India in 2019 and has 533 pages. This is Book 6 of Jack Stapleton & Laurie Montgomery series. 

John Stapleton (Jack) is the ophthalmologist who retrained as medical examiner after death of his wife and daughters in plane crash. He loves his fellow medical examiner Laurie Montgomery. Jack the courage and proposes her. The marriage is set one week later. Dr. Dr. Craig Bowman, a brilliant physician who runs a concierge medicine practice, gets a call from his hypochondriac patient Patient Stanhope's husband. He rushes to her residence and takes her to the hospital. She doesn't survive. Craig is slapped with a medical malpractice suit. Alexis, Jack's sister calls him for his help and emotional support. She is the wife of Craig.

Will Jack go to Boston to be with his sister less than one week before his marriage? How will Lorrie take it? Can Jack be of any help? Does Jack's penchant for trouble surface? Is Craig guilty?

The story happens in 2006. Tony Fassano, plaintiff's lawyer is street smart and makes a connection to the jury. Defendants lawyer, though articulate, doesn't make the same impact. Proceedings are going against Craig. But Jack comes with an idea of performing autopsy by exhuming the corps. Jack being a medical examiner, autopsy has to feature.

Jack has a risk taking defiant personality. His dry sense of humor and his penchant for sarcasm, even in serious situations, annoys everyone. But he also comes out as honest, expert and no nonsense guy. His perseverance pays off. Alexis is a calm woman with a lot of courage who stands with the husband who left her and hooked up with his secretary. Her three daughters are complete strangers to Jack, but he gets to know them a little bit. Character of the sidekick of Tony suddenly disappears from the story leaving the reader wondering why the character was introduced in the first place.

The story is interesting although it gets slow in patches. There is little action and limited excitement. So although you don't abandon the book, you also don't sit at the edge of your seat

There is a twist at the end of the book. I didn't see it coming, although I was wondering what happened to the pills. One issue is resolved but another pops up. That would be the subsequent book.

Why did I read this book? Author.

What did I like? Mexico-Legal angle.

What I didn't like? Lack of excitement.

Read if you plan to read the series.

The Outcast by Taran Matharu

 "The Outcast" by Taran Matharu - The battle!

This book is published by Holder Children's Books in 2019 and has 400 pages. This is Book 4 of Summoner series. It's a prequel.

Arcturus, an orphan in the northern town of Hominum, steals a scroll from a noble and reads it. He summons a demon, a Canid who he names Sacharissa. He is the first commoner with summoning abilities and although the nobles want to kill him, the King sends him to the Academy to be formally trained as Battle Mage. 

Can Arcturus become a Battle Mage? Will he be accepted by the nobles? What is the social atmosphere? Why is he considered Outcast?

I was wondering what the story would be, because Fletcher won in Book 3. When I started reading this book, I realized that this is a prequel. Arcturus, not Fletcher, is the hero.

Arcturus isa batters son of a Noble. At the academy, Arcturus makes friends and enemies out of the nobles. We have already met the older Arcturus in the first three books of the series. Now third book takes us back to his childhood or rather the time when he enters adulthood. Here he becomes friends with Fletcher's parents (Edmund and Alice) who are yet to be married, Prince Harold and Elaine Lovett. The enemies are Isadora and Zacharias Forsyth, Rook and Charles Faversham (his half brother).

The times are bad. Unrest about exorbitant spending by the King is rising. General Bancroft has rebelled. When on a vacation in the estate of Edmund Raleigh, the students encounter Orcs, are captured by rebels, are imprisoned, escape and play an important role.

This book is mainly about Arcturus and somewhat Elaine. Author has used this book to tie up a few loose threads from the original trilogy. For example how Harold became King? How Zacharias knew about the secret passage. How was Phantaur captured by Orcs? Why Arcturus defends Fletcher Etc.

The abdication of power and conclusion of the rebellion is a little hastily written. A few more pages would have eased the story into soft landing.

This book is obviously less exciting than the trilogy. But once you have read the trilogy you can't not read it.

Why did I read this book? Have read trilogy. 

What I didn't like? Accelerated abdication.

What did I like? Tied up loose threads.

Read only if you have read the trilogy.

An unexpected gift by Ajay Pandey

"An unexpected gift" by Ajay Pandey - Different subject!

This book is published by Shrishti publishers & distributors in 2024 and has 192 pages.

Abhay's wife Kanika, succumbs to brain tumor after child birth. Abhay doesn't get a good baby sitter and that affects his performance at work. His boss recommends Sheetal. Sheetal turns out to be an excellent baby sitter. But later Abhay realizes that she is a transgender woman.

Can Abhay accept her? Can his family accept her? Does the society accept her?

Ayush, the baby, is very happy with Sheetal. Sheetal loves him like a mother. They are dependent on each other. But the tongues wag.

There is a professional rivalry between Sheetal and Mohan, the house help. There is an acceptance from unexpected quarters. Abhay is upset after realizing that Sheetal is a transgender, but for a very different reason.

The book is mostly narrated by Abhay and occasionally by Sheetal.

The story is a little too simplistic with no major complications. So on one hand it's an easy read and on other hand it's not that exciting. On one side it's realistic and on another some opportunities of making the story more interesting.

The end of this book was very curious. As the name of book suggests, Abhay's parting gift to Sheetal is unexpected.

Why did I read this book? Subject.

What I didn't like? A little too simple. 

What did I like? Author's choice of subject. 

Read if you like the review.

The Battle Mage by Taran Matharu

 "The Battle Mage" by Taran Matharu - The battle! 

This book is published by Hoover Children's books books in 2019 and has 416 pages. This is Book 3 of Summoner series.

At the end of last book, Fletcher and his friends entered the ether. First half of the book is their journey and adventures through the ether. Here he briefly encounters the white Orc. Her house Salamander demon undergoes metamorphosis. They successfully return to their world. However, they are accused of murder and have only a tacit support of their king. Fletcher takes a mixed bunch of humans, Dwarves and Elves to make Rayleighshire habitable when Orcs attack and everything seems lost.

Will this be end of the human realm? When everything seems lost and death stares them in the face, who will come for help? How many friends will Fletcher lose? Will he survive?

The part in the ether is interesting but a little stretched. The masked party is very slow. Rebuilding of Rayleighshire takes a lot of time leaving very little time for the final war. If the book has been paced differently, it would have made an interesting read.

Author has taken great efforts to create his world. He has given attention to details. The social structure with Dwarves as second class citizens, the demon world, the noble Vs common divide, forbidden love between races. I loved it.

At the end of this book, the battle is over and one side is triumphant. There's a Book 4 of this series. I wonder what would happen in that book.

Why did I read this book? Good series so far. 

What I didn't like? Gets slow.

What did I like? Character of Persis. Flow.

Recommend reading if you plan to read the series.

House of Wolves by James Patterson & Mike Lupica

 "House of Wolves" by James Patterson & Mike Lupica - American football politics! 

This book is published by Penguin in 2023 and has 395 pages. 

Joe Wolf I'd the owner of American Football team 'The wolves'. He raised his children in cut throat 'kill or be killed' spirit. He has 4 children. Jack runs the family publishing house. Danny is Joe's second in command. Thomas is an ex drug addict. Jenny is the daughter who has walked out in her father and family.

One day while on his boat, Joe is killed by an unknown assailant, reported as accidental drowning. In his will, Joe gives the publishing house and football team to Jenny. Jack and Danny don't like it one bit and the war begins. Then there are two more murders. 

Why did Joe give everything to the daughter who walked out in him? How low will the brothers stoop? Who is backing them? Who is the mysterious uncle giving helping hand to Jenny when the odds are stacked against her?

It's an interesting story. Readers get some insights in the world of NFL and the politics of the sport. Jenny is in deep trouble. It appears as if entire universe is conspiring against her. But she is a fighter. Her never giving up is her USP. Then there are other characters like Ted Skyler, team's quarter back and ex husband. Detective Ben Cantor. John Gallo, Joe's long time nemesis. Michael Barr, an uber rich guy. Etc. All these characters play their role but the real character is Jenny.

The end of this book, though not bad, is not keeping in line with the story line. Suddenly the uncle and his son appear. Then there is a revelation. Then the book ends. A better ending wouldn't have hurt.

Why did I read this book? Author.

What did I like? NFL background.

What I didn't like? The end.

Recommend reading.

The Inquisition by Taran Matharu

"The Inquisition" by Taran Matharu - The quest into Orc World! 

This book is published by Hoover children's books in 2019 and has 448 pages. This is Book 2 of Summoner series.

Despite winning the competition, Fletcher was arrested at the end of previous book. He remains incarcerated in a small cell for one year with just Ignatius, his salamander demon for company. He is accused of trying to murder Didric, who has become a summoner, a result of magical attack by Ignatius. There is a trial and Fletcher is represented by Arcturus, who proves his innocence. But he is arrested again for killing soldiers. It is then revealed that Fletcher is the sole surviving heir of Raleigh clan. He is a noble. The king tells him that the power still rests with his father who abdicated the throne and he is the king for namesake. The Orcs are creating new beings called goblins, a hybrid of Gremlin and Orc. They have thousands of Goblin eggs in a pyramid in the heart of their lands and those need to be destroyed. For teams of the Vocans graduates are deployed. Fletcher, Sylva, Othello and Cress are in one team with Jeffery, the cleaner, as their guide. Forsyths have found a large deposit of scrying crystals, so now all of Hominum can watch the quest.

What happens in the quest? Do all the teams work together? Do they destroy all the goblin eggs? Is there a traitor? Can they be evacuated?

This book can be roughly divided into two parts. First part is two trials of Fletcher and second part is the quest. Several revelations happen in this book. Fletchers leadership qualities are put to test. A hint of possible romance between Fletcher and Sylva is there. 

There is a hostage, an old woman, mother of Rufus, to be rescued. There is a traitor. Fletcher and his team are trapped in a tunnel with demons and shamans battling on them. There is no escape, unless ........

The story continues with all its magic, demons, secrets and fights. The fantastic created by the author is not a copy or a mashup of the work done by others, it's original. Its spellbinding.

This is a book and book series that can be made into a movie. I could see the scenes happening in my minds eye. 

Why did I read this book? First book was good. 

What I didn't like? Umm..... 

What did I like? The world. 

A must read series.

The novice by Taran Matharu

 "The novice" by Taran Matharu - A magical world! 

This book is published by Turtleback in 2016 and has 355 pages. This is Book 1 of Summoner series.

These are old times, the age of Orcs, Elves, Dwarves and Humans. Fletcher, an orphan, is raised by Berdon Wulf (a blacksmith) in a northern village called Pelt near the Eleven borders of the Hominum kingdom. An old soldier (Rotherham) comes to their village and Fletcher befriends him. The soldier gives him a gift, a book of a dead Mage, that has spell to summon a demon. But only an adept can summon a demon. Fletcher reads the scroll and summons a rare salamander demon. He inflicts severe wounds on Didric, the local bully and son of Rich money lender Casper, tries to kill him and has to run away. He comes to the city and due to the turn of fate joins an Academy for Battle Mages.

How can Fletcher summon? Although there are few commoners who can summon, it's nobles who have inherited the summoning powers? What does he learn at Vocans? Does he make friends? Does he make enemies? Why are there two standards, one for nobles and one for commoners? Why do certain nobles hate Dwarves and Elves? 

Author has created a magical world where the adepts can harness demon from ether. Once harnessed the demon forms a bond with the summoner. The demon can be infused within the summoner and can be summoned when needed. The bond gives them magical powers and they learn the spell craft and war craft at Vocans. They are taught by Secolder the weapons master, Provost Skipio, Secolder the weapons master, Captain Arcturus, Major Goodwin, Captain Lovett, Librarian Same Rose Fairheaven and Investigator Damien Rook. Fellow commoners studying with Fletcher are Rory, Genevieve, Atlas, Seraf, Othello the first Dwarf summoner, Sylva the first Elf summoner. Fellow Nobles studying with them are Tarquin and Isidora Forsyth the twins, Rufus Cavendish, Malik Saladin, Penelope.

Fletchers strikes good friendship with Sylva and Othello and enmity with the Forsyths. He also strikes friendship with Othello's twin Attila.

It's a rich characterization. Several characters. Each with its own story and shades. Their interrelations. Author has taken great efforts to create this world and he has done a fantastic job. It's a majestic world of humans, Dwarves, Elves, Gremlins and Orcs, their beasts and demons. The politics, the love, the hate and the intricacies. Lot of attention to details. I loved this world.

Now, do you see some parallels? Vocans is like Hogwarts. Tarquin is similar to Malfoy. Magic is there. But despite the similarities, it's not a copy, it's original.

The book ends with great accolades for Fletcher. But that's not the end. He is arrested at the end for attempted murder. A big twist that makes you want to read the next book.

Why did I read this book? A western novel by an author with Indian name.

What did I like? Everything. 

What I didn't like? A little more about their education would have been nice.

A must read.

Fractal noise by Christopher Paolini

 "Fractal noise" by Christopher Paolini - The journey! 

This book is published by Tor in 20 and has 304 pages. This is Book 1 of the FractalVerse series.

On the planet Talos VII, an anomaly is detected: a vast circular pit, with dimensions so perfect that it could only have been the result of conscious design. So a small team is assembled to learn more. Their mission takes them on a hazardous trek to the very edge of existence. For one explorer, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. For another, a risk not worth taking. And for xenobiologist Alex Crichton, it’s a desperate attempt to find meaning in an uncaring universe.

What is there in that hole? Is there another intelligent life form on Talos VII? Why is Alex on this mission? What will they find?

This book is prequel of his famous series 'To Sleep in a Sea of Stars' that I haven't read.

This book is about landing on Talos VII and reaching the hole. Just the journey of four persons. They start with sledges and then continue in foot. During this journey there are differences within them. Groups are formed. Violence erupts. All kind of things happen due to stress.

The book is boring. It's only the journey, there is no story, it's not happening. Even at the end one wonders what it was?

Why I read this book? Author.

What did I like? Umm.....  

What didn’t like? Lack of story.

AVOID!

Into the moon garden by Shveta Thakrar

"Into the moon garden” by Shveta Thakrar- A modern fable! 

This book was published by Audible in 2023 and runs for 4 hours 18 minutes. This is a Novella.

Rashmi is a microbiologist who is on the verge of making a breakthrough on cure for dementia. She has an analytical mind but she also has a poetic fascination for Moon. Her Mummy has told stories of Moon Garden in detail to little Rashmi and that is where fascination comes from. She still mourns her mother and doesn't let anyone into that space, not even her famous film star boyfriend Darsh. Kaplan Joshi, a poet, whose first book "The Moon Garden" was published only 50 copies, has disappeared.

Is the Moon garden real? What's in there? Can Rashmi go there? Can anyone accompany her? What will she discover there?

Rashmi reaches the mythical moon garden and although she and Darsh are on the verge of a breakup, Darsh tags along. Moon Garden is where Rashmi wants to get her dead mother back. Can she? Is that what she wants?

The book is not a typical novel. It's a story in a different plane where reality merges with myth. It's a fascinating story. It's not only about getting her mother back magically but it's a story of self realization.

The moon garden is designed like a video game where the player has to pass a test to reach the next level.

The book is interspersed with stories from Greek, Hindu, Aztec, Norse, Egyptian, Chinese, Polynesian, Nigerian, Shinto, Mayan mythologies, all of them regarding moon concluding with the moral of the story.

Why did I read this book? The title. 

What I didn't like? Similarities with video game.

What did I like? The story. 

Recommend reading.

Three days to live by James Patterson

 "Three days to live" by James Patterson - 3 stories. 

This book was published by Penguin (Cornerstone) in 2023 and has 448 pages.  

3 days to live

Samantha Bell was recruited by Quinton for CIA in her teens. Now, in her late twenties, she has retired. Kevin Drexel has sold his shareholding in his company to his partner, Bill. They have married and are on honeymoon to Germany. An unknown nerve agent kills Kevin and causes hospitalization of Samantha. Doctors tell her that she has three days to live. Samantha needs to find out who is behind this.

The story has a good buildup. Things start to get interesting and then suddenly, the story reaches the climax. It's so sudden that the anticipation of what Samantha can do in 3 days suddenly dies.

Women and children first

Chase, ex special forces, runs a security consulting firm that has a staff of two. He himself and his daughter. His wife is a lawyer in Avalon communications. With her connections, he lands a contract with Avalon. A series of deliberate accidents happen with Avalon facilities and Chase gets a ransom call. Owner of Avalon, Gillian, refuses to believe him and fires him. The random caller forces him to shoot his wife.

This is a good story. The offs are stacked against Chase. The story starts with Chase shooting his wife and then takes us back. Although the story is interesting, the downfall comes a little too easily. For a plot of such proportions, the downfall is not complex enough.

The housekeepers

Masha Poplov is an illegal Russian immigrant and works as cleaner at the house of Dr. Elizabeth Parks, a surgeon who runs a facility for terminally ill. Dr. Parks is divorced and has a son in rehab. Marsha's cousin Sofie is also an illegal immigrant and lives with her sons. 

The story is thoroughly confusing. Readers don't understand where it's going. First it appears like it's about data leak, then it is about Masha - the thief, then it's about illegal immigration, then about housebreaking and finally about philanthropy. Probably even the authors didn't know what they wanted to write. I wonder how this story made it into a published book.

Why I read this book? Was available in hand.

What did I like? 2nd story.  

What didn’t like? Third story.

Not worth reading just for one story.

Countdown by James Patterson & Brendan Dubois

"Countdown" by James Patterson & Brendan Dubois-Lady protagonist thriller!

This book is published by Century in 2023 and it has 480 pages. 

Emy Cornwall has joined CIA to avoid dishonorable discharge from army when she killed several Mexican drug cartel members to save her husband and daughter. She is on a mission in Lebanon in collaboration with British special services when she realizes that the British team has another secret mission planned without CIA knowledge. Amy bring Amy joints in uninvited and against orders. A terror plot is in the offing.

Why does Amy join? Why does she go against the others? What is the terror plot? Who is the mastermind?

Apparently a Saudi businessman, bastard child of a prince, Rishad Hussein, is going to be killed. He is an American asset.

The story takes us from Lebenon to France to England to America. MI6 and CIA are at loggerheads. Amy and Jeremy become persona non grata. It's up to them to stop the terrorists. Count down begins.

The terror plot appears to be too complicated. There are too many variables for the success of it. Author has realized it and shows the villain thinking that he will use a simple and direct plot next time.

The story is a typical thriller. However, author introduces a twist at the end to make it interesting. The story also ends at a turn where a sequel is imminent. But the author has stopped at such a point where several possibilities open up for the sequel. He can use the same villain, same protagonists, a different villain, new protagonist etc. This basically tells us that the author is undecided about how he wants to take the story forwarded.

Why did I read this book? James Paterson. 

What I didn't like? Deaths of Tom and Denise.

What did I like? The twist.

It's an OK read.

Tress of the emerald sea by Brandon Sanderson

"Tress of the emerald sea" by Brandon Sanderson - A new world! 

This book is published by Gollancz in 2023 and has 384 pages. This is Book1 of the Secret Projects.

Tress (a name she got due to her unruly hair) lives in an island made up of a single rock on a planet with 12 moons. She's a window washer. The island is ruled by The Duke and Tress loves Charlie, Duke's son. Not happy with this Union, Duke sends his son into midnight sea in the area of a wicked sorceress. The sorceress kidnaps him. Tress decides to rescue him.

What can a window washer do? Does she even know where midnight sea is? Who does she encounter? What does she learn? Does she get her love back? Will the journey change her?

It is interesting to choose a setting of another planet for the story. It gives the author a lot of latitude and lets his imagination run wild. So we have a sea without water. It's filled with deadly spores that explode when they come in contact with water. Salt and silver suppresses the spores. Waves in the sea come from natural air vents at the bottom. There are 12 moons and twelve seas. There's a dragon and a talking mouse. Etc. Author creates a new world.

The setting is exotic. However, despite the exotic setting, author has chosen to keep the things very simple. So Tress is fond of collecting cups. She is a window washer. Things are not said out loud, they are implied. She doesn't mind when she isn't treated well. She has a hidden talent that she discovers.

The story starts on her island in emerald sea and takes us on a boat ride through crimson sea, midnight sea and back to emerald sea. Majority of the story happens on the ship. The pirate ship has interesting crew. An evil lady captain. A mute man. A lady who is searching her father from one port to another. A vampire doctor. A stupid cabin boy. This stupid fellow is also the narrator of the story.

It's an interesting yet simple story. But it's not the end. This is just the first book of the series. Tress will continue her adventures.

Why did I read this book? It was available in hand.

What did I like? Authors imagination.

What I didn't like? Missed opportunity to make certain scenes more interesting.

Recommend reading.

Nano by Robin Cook

 "Nano" by Robin Cook -  Medical thriller continues! 

This book is published by Pan Macmillan India in 2019 and has 440 pages. This is Book 2 of Pia Grazdani series. 

After completing medical school, instead of doing internship, Pia has joined a research laboratory called Nano in Boulder - Colorado, doing research in Nano Technology. She finds a Chinese runner with cardiac arrest in the woods, she takes him to the hospital but her boss and a heavy security detail arrives and whisks-off the runner. Pia begins to get suspicious and she can't stop, when something bugs her, until she gets to the bottom of it.

Why is the runner sick? What is the Chinese connection? What is Nano doing? What is the real deal behind it?

Pia has a troubled childhood in foster care despite having a gangster father. She has no friends and can't love anyone. She is very intelligent and gorgeous. George Wilson, her friend from medical school, loves her. He is also her closest friend. Paul Coldwell is Head of ER at Colorado memorial hospital. He and Pia develop friendship. Paul is the only one ready to help Pia in her investigation. Zachary Berman is Owner of Nano. He is attracted to Pia and can't digest her refusal. Mariel Spallak is Pia's boss and head scientist. 

Well, as the title suggests, this story is about nano technology. It's about unauthorized human trials. What nanotechnology can do is limitless and has minimal oversight.

The story is not very interesting but you also don't lose interest. There are twists and turns. The Chinese connection is ominous.

Why did I read this book? First book was good.

What I didn't like? Sorry not very interesting. 

What did I like? Use of Nanotechnology.

Simply lies by David Baldacci

 "Simply lies" by David Baldacci - Thriller with a difference !

This book is published by Macmillan in 2023 and has 432 pages.

Mickey Gibson, an ex cop, is now working for a company called Private Eye, mainly sleuthing online. After her divorce, she has to look after her two kids (Darby, Tommy) and work from home. One day she gets a phone call from a new lady from her office asking her to visit a property. Here, she finds a dead body of Daniel Pottinger. It turns out that the lady, who called, didn't work for her company and doesn't exist. Then starts a series of phone calls with a mysterious lady, Clarice.

Why does Clarice get Mickey involved in this? Who is Pottinger? Who killed him? Who is Clarice? What is her motive?

Clarice is a con artist and a proficient blackmailer. She is manipulative, beautiful and adept at disguise. She can weave a web of lies like no other. She is also meticulous and insecure. Mickey is sharp, relentless, patient and doesn't give up. She gets involved in the mess of Clarice against good advise of her ex-cop Dad. She has to wade through the lies to get to the bottom of the mystery. The only way to ensure the security of her family is to solve this mystery.

It's an elaborate plot with several characters and their back stories. Author uses the disguises and technology to execute the jobs effectively. The story doesn't let you get bored. Something keeps happening. Although it appears to be a run of the mill thriller, it's a thriller with a difference. There is no espionage or government agency that protagonists work for or against. There is little action. Both protagonists are females.

Character of Clarice undergoes a transformation midway into the story. This transformation appears a little abrupt. Author should have created background to ease her into the transformation. There is a death at the end and that too appears unnecessary because although brief, the dead character had a lot of potential. 

Book ends with a definite hint of a sequel. Will it come? Let's wait and watch.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? As explained above. 

What did I like? Character of Clarice, before transformation.

Recommend reading.