Sinbad and the Trumpet of Israfil-Kevin Missal

Book: Sinbad and the Trumpet of Israfil
Author: Kevin Missal
Publisher: Penguin India

Have you read the story of Sinbad the Sailor?

Sinbad and the Trumpet of Israfil is the first book in the Sinbad series by Kevin Missal which is a reimagination of Sinbad-the fabled sailor from the classic One Thousand and One who faces a myriad of mythological creatures. This book introduces us to the young Sinbad as a young hunter who fell in love. Like all stories, Sinbad had his share of troubles, and to top it up Armageddon is round the corner, and Sinbad has only seven days to save the world, and to kill the only girl he ever loved. As Sinbad sets sail to do the impossible, he has to hoodwink a Greek God, crash a vampire wedding, mollycoddle a giant and face a fallen Angel. Can he save the world, or would emotions overtake him in the decisive moment?

The story has been told exceptionally well with parallel storylines, set 4 years apart as we meet Sinbad as an apprentice, and as a master hunter. Setting the stage for the reveal towards the middle of the book, Kevin maintains the suspense of the cat-eyed girl. The language is simple, and apt for the story as it is told. The author has also taken his time to set the stage for the main plot of the book to unfold and reveal the Trumpet of Israfil and I loved the scene when that happens, and I could almost visualize Ja’far. The description of places and people is quite vivid, and the author is successful in painting a picture of events as they unfold. From the runes on Sinbad’s tunic to the sword, and the “dancing captain”, each of the moments has been beautifully described. Each of the trials that Sinbad and his motley of followers face has been well crafted and well executed, so much so that there is breathing space between events and a reader is able to process the same. Kevin, in his signature style, has added some interesting elements that make the story fun like the scene between the Greek God, or the Baron. The climax, however, was something I did not expect, and specially from Idris.

 Coming to the characters, Sinbad as a character is a wonderfully crafted one, and with his origin story in place, I am now excited to see how he develops over the series. His arc is very well crafted, with proper time being given to events that preceded the book to establish the story and the character. Another character I loved was that of Safeena, and the message the Kevin portrays through her character is very powerful and magnetic. Husayn is another character that surprised me, specially with the events that unfold on the island, given his starting point. Overall, the characters are the essence of this book, and they have been their time in the book to express themselves and tell their story.

The review of the book cannot be complete without due credit going to the team behind the team who designed the cover and the artwork inside the book. The essence of the Arabian Nights, and the idea of Sinbad just jumps out from it.

Overall, a definite recommendation to go and read this tale of a hunter who becomes a sailor!

The book gets a 4.38/5 from me.

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The Spectacular Miss-Sonia Bahl

Book: The Spectacular Miss
Author: Sonia Bahl
Publisher: Fingerprint Publications

Do you believe that love at first sight exists?

The Spectacular Miss by Sonia Bahl is the story of Nira Sehgal, who at eight had only one wish, to be a boy. Steadfast in fulfilling her wishes, she steps into her brother’s clothes and becomes the self-appointed leader of the neighborhood boys. With a family that is filled with oddballs, her personality starts taking shape, and it is all but a poignant relationship with her brother’s best friend that actually shapes the way her life unfolds. A coming-of-age journey of a tomboy from Calcutta to a reluctant woman-in-progress in London, the book is a story of a misfit, always trying to fit in, but fails. Will her trysts with life bear fruit by uniting her with the one person she yearns for, who is always too old, and too married to be hers?

The story is very well narrated, and the plot has been crafted in detail, with the idiosyncrasies of the characters plotted well into the story. Beginning from Nira at the age of 8 to the Nira at 27 years, the story spans almost 2 decades. This journey from a tomboy in Calcutta to a doctor in London is not just a coming-of-age story, but also the story of how love can actually transcend age and time, as it strengthens over small little things one experiences. I loved the manner in which minute details in the initial story played a crucial part in the latter half. Sonia has taken the quirks and whims of a child, a teenager, and a Young Adult as they deal with life and comes to terms with their emotions and feelings. With some very interesting plot points, my favorite one was Nira’s family going to drop her to college, and the events that unfold. Coming to the climax, I almost fell for the pseudo climax that the story leads you into until you turn the page. It is one of the most amazing endings to a story I have come across, and the feeling when the other shoe drops is indescribable.

Coming to the characters, Sonia has crafted some very memorable characters in this story. Nira Sehgal is the misfit who wanted completely different things in life, and was steadfast in her belief. Her journey from aiming to pee standing up, to the city of London was nothing less than inspiring. As we see her grow and the nineteen years of her life, the story is not just about love and Nira finding her calling, but the way she matures through multiple events and how they shape her. Bir was another character who stunned me, and I think deserves a standalone novel of his own to tell us the other half of the story. Other characters such as Lucy, Rahil, Nick, and Omer, who though seem like supporting, are in fact one of the crucial ones who shape Nira’s life.

Overall, an amazing read, and a definite recommendation from me which scores a 4.38/5.

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A Forgotten Ambassador in Cairo-N.S. Vinodh

Book: A Forgotten Ambassador in Cairo (The Life and Times of Syud Hossain)
Author: N.S. Vinodh
Publisher: Simon & Schuster India

What is the one book that you find interesting about the Indian Independence movement?

A Forgotten Ambassador in Cairo by N.S. Vinodh is the account of the life of a significant person in the Indian Independence Movement, Syud Hossain. Buried amongst the tombs in the City of the Dead in Cairo, little is known of the man who was a contemporary of Gandhi and Nehru. The book explores his journey from erstwhile Calcutta to Allahabad, London to USA and finally culminating in Cairo. The book is an illuminating narrative of the life of a man who was a part of history, yet relegated to sands of time. Exploring the journey of Hossain, we also see the pages of history from a fresh perspective. Tracing his life’s journey, the story is not just of Syud, but also the events that made him the person he was, and the role he played in the Indian Independence movement.

The book has been written in an interesting manner that chronicles the journey of an enigmatic person who influenced various events in the history of the Indian Independence movement. A detailed account of Syud Hossain and his contemporaries, the book also traces some crucial moments of the movement as they unfolded. While the book focusses on Syud Hossain, and his activities in India and abroad as a speaker, editor and writer, the book equally draws attention to other important people of the time such as Sarojini Naidu and Vijayalakshmi Pandit. The author has gone to great lengths to research and chronicle the life and times of Syud as is evident from copies of letters and photographs, some of them truly enlightening. The book is also an interesting account on the fact that it does not present a single viewpoint, rather than situations as they affected Syud, and sometimes how Syud affected the situations. I loved the manner in which the book has been written, while following chronology, as well as focusing on events, rather than making it just about the person. Vinodh’s account of the burial place of Syud Hossain which starts the book is quite moving, and makes one realise that sometimes history can be cruel to the people who make it.

As a reader, I loved the way the author used the significant historical events to reinforce Syud’s story he was trying to narrate. Touching upon the history of the US immigration laws, impact of WW1 and WW2, and how different leaders thought about the issues of the time, it is a collection of some very extensive research. While a voluminous book, it is a story that deserves to be savored and read slowly as there are facts that need to be understood to take in the point the author is trying to make.

A wonderful account of the independence era, it is a definite recommendation for anyone looking for a book based on the times, specially focusing on activities outside India. The book scores a 4.13/5 for me.

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Lotus Land (Konark Secret Book 1)-Bhuban Patra

Book: Lotus Land (Konark Secret Book 1)
Author: Bhuban Patra
Publisher: Leadstart Inkstate

Have you even wondered about the secrets many monuments hold?

Lotus Land by Bhuban Patra is the first book in the Konark Secret Duology which is a fictionalized account set in 1200 CE when a small kingdom in the Eastern part of India was entering its golden period. While being a maritime superpower, Kalinga remained secluded and reclusive to the other nations in the subcontinent. The book tells us the tale of Bishnu Maharana, the chief architect of the Konark Temple. The story traces his journey as he became a master architect, and the various hurdles he had to overcome. Not a simple take of creation, but the story explores the idea that behind the temple. The techniques used in the construction were not that were not common, and this raises a number of questions. Was Bishnu Maharana just an architect, or was he something more, and what is the secret that hide behind the walls of the temple?

The book is an interesting tale which chronicles the mythology of one of the most famed temples of India. Bhuban has taken the story and penned a plot that is rife with secrets, one that can interest people who love mythological retellings as well as people who have a keen interest in the field of architecture. The details in the book, be it human or structural, are well crafted and explained and that helps in visualizing the scenes as they unfold. The element of mystery in the book has been well preserved, and the things revealed are quite interesting as well, with enough left over for the second book. however, this detailing also became a negative aspect of the book, as a lot of details seemed irrelevant in the context of this book and could have been reduced. There are a couple of places where the plot actually lost pace because of the details. The grammar also needs one round of editing as there were issues, though nothing that cannot be sorted after a round of proofreading. The climax is interesting, and I would wait to read the second part of this duology.

Coming to the characters, Bishnu’s character is quite interesting in the manner it is told. I loved the aura of mystery that he carries, and how various aspects of his character, both strengths and weaknesses, are shown. Another character I admired was of Guru Silpy, and I hope to see more of him in the second book as he presented an interesting character in terms of plotline. Nara was a surprise element for me and the way his arc panned out was quite interesting and specially the reveal in the end was astounding!

Overall, a book with a potential to be more, and I await the second part of the book to unravel the mystery! This book scores a 3.69/5 for me.

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The Death of Me-Chitrangada

Book: The Death of Me
Author: Chitrangada
Publisher: Self Published

Do you think love can drive you to take extreme steps?

The Death of Me by Chitrangada is the story of Sukanya Swaminathan who committed suicide by jumping off the terrace of her apartment, while her son was asleep in his room and her husband was at the office. All signs point to a suicide, except for one; her face was burnt with acid. As SI Nair and Inspector Raman investigate the case, things start unravelling, the complexity of the case startles them. Was it a suicide as it looks, or is it something more than what meets the eye?

The book is a short novella that explores the human nature and the basic human emotion of love and jealousy. The plot is tightly knit, and the storytelling is quite powerful. Narrated in parallel timelines of past and present, the suspense is maintained till the very end. The concept of the story is very well thought of and the execution is good. I liked the conversations that Nair and Raman have, making it an interesting aspect in the plot. I would have like a bit more suspense in the plot and the unravelling could have been delayed for a bit. I also would have liked to see a bit more of the story of Sukanya and Sangeetha as well. The climax is good and well executed.

Coming to the characters, Sukanya as a character has been sketched nicely, with some very unique elements of her character inbuilt which add the edge to the plot. The parallels between Sukanya and Sangeetha were quite eerie, and I loved how that culminates into the plot. Nair and Raman each have their own quirks that add a flavor to the story with a little dance that they do while investigating.

Overall, a well-crafted thriller, that is a recommendation for me if you like the genre. The book scores a 4/5 from me.

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Ghanshyam Shashtri-Saras Azad

Book: Ghanshyam Shashtri
Author: Saras Azad
Publisher: Redgrab Books

Do you think Indian Detective stories are becoming popular?

Ghanshyam Shashtri Case 1: Investigation Begins by Saras Azad is the story of the namesake who aspires to be a detective, but has been largely unsuccessful. When he had almost given up under pressure from his family, he gets his first case, a suspected suicide. Vikram Patel, the son of a prominent jeweler in Ahmedabad allegedly shot himself on the night of Diwali. The police closed the case stating that all the evidence pointed to suicide, but unsatisfied, his fiancé hires him to find out the real reason behind the events that unfolded. Would Ghanshyam be able to solve the case, or would he have to bite the dust?

The premise of the story is very well defined, with a character that has a potential to span across books. The story is well-told with twists and turns at multiple places, and the plot is not that easy to guess. Saras has kept the premise relatable with simple characters, along with a parallel love story. The red herrings in the story are very well inserted, and merge well with the story. The one thing that did not work for me was the language of the book, which could have been written well, as well as edited well. Ghanshyam, despite being a detective, is too submissive, and the use of salutations makes the story quite boring. The climax is well drafted, though could have been executed well.

The characters of the book are very relatable, as they have been drawn from the usual, day-to-day life. Ghanshyam is the usual mid-20s guy who wants to succeed in his endeavor and also be together with the girl he loves. Govi as a sidekick was well drafted though it could have been better utilized in the story. Rajni was quite a complex character, and I am impressed the manner in which her story unfolds. If the series continues, I would love to see how Ghanshyam’s story unfolds.

Overall, a book that is promising, but can be improved a bit more. The book scores a 3.44/5 for me.

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The Cinderella of Karnal-Reecha Agarwal Goyal

Book: The Cinderella of Karnal
Author: Reecha Agarwal Goyal
Publisher: Self Published

Do you think the stigma around mental health still exists?

The Cinderella of Karnal by Reecha Agarwal Goyal explores the story of Diya, who is considered inauspicious by the people around her, and blamed for her father’s death. She endures the barbs of the society, facing them all as she makes her way into the world. Faced with an impossible decision one day, she decides to run away from home to Chandigarh where she enrolls herself in a college to pursue her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. She dreamt of learning how to manage mental health, and come back to her hometown to repair things. However, in life, things are not what they seem, Diya finds herself entangled in a web of murders, mysteries, secrets, deceits, and life. Would she be able to fulfill her purpose, or is there something that can change the lives of the people around her?

The storyline is quite well crafted and there are multiple red herrings that keep the climax of the book hidden till the last page. The book brings to fore the stigma attached to mental illness and how society perceives them to be. The book also explores the social evil of child abuse that forms a critical aspect of the book. The incidents in the book are detailed, and the fillers in the book are kept to a minimal. Reecha has also brought up the importance of friendships in a person’s life, and how that can help a person stay mentally as well as physically healthy. The climax of the book was chilling, and yet seemed very apt for the plot.

Coming to the characters, the protagonist Diya is one of the most complex yet well-defined characters I have seen in a while. There are multiple shades to her, and her will to face life as it comes, and never ducking down despite all the resistance and the barbs of the society was fascinating. Kanika as a character embodied the true spirit of friendship, and from college to life, she was one support system for Diya who never wavered, and this is something to be truly admired.

Overall, it is a recommendation of you love a well-crafted psychological thriller. It scores a 4/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book here. 

The Tiger Gets New Teeth-Amit Bagaria

Book: The Tiger Gets New Teeth
Author: Amit Bagaria
Publisher: Self Published

What happens when the top echelon of a prominent political party gets wiped out in a matter of minutes?

The Tiger Gets New Teeth is a short novella by Amit Bagaria that traces the incidents that take place after an explosion occurs at the house of the interim president of NP, a political party that had won the elections in 4 states of India and a celebration was underway. Faced with a situation that could backfire, the Prime Minister turns to ISSCO, a privately-owned, but government funded, elite agency created just a few months back which integrated all the powers of the various intelligence agencies India has. Faced with a daunting timeline, will ISSCO succeed in its maiden mission?

The plot of the story is very well crafted, with a pacy storyline that keeps the reader on their toes as things unfold at a rapid pace. Amit has very succinctly explained the nitty-gritties of ISSCO and the team, while moving the story forward. There is never a dull moment in the story, and the suspense is maintained till the very end, specially in the manner of the crime detailed. The research is quite extensive with details of firepower, interrogation, people, and technology. The climax is quite imaginative and adds to the thrill of the story. The only thing that I would have wanted improved was a bit more on the procedure part, as it seemed to be too easy, and the development of the “hero” was a bit incomplete. I would probably want to read more stories set in this universe.

The characters seem to be drawn from real life, though they are heavily masked. Each of them has been defined as required, and no words have been wasted. I specially loved the detailing done for the ISSCO team, and how that plays out as a part of the plot.

Overall, a recommendation if you like thrillers and are looking for a quick but engaging read. It scores a 3.75/5 for me.

Grab a copy here.

The Inside Story of Indian Banking-Sandip Sen

Book: The Inside Story of Indian Banking
Author: Sandip Sen
Publisher: Rupa Publications

The Inside Story of Indian Banking by Sandip Sen is an account of the Indian banking system that traces its journey from the pre-independence era to the world just recovering from a pandemic. In the book, the author interacts with over 5 dozen bankers, lawyers, and journalists to understand the issues that plague the system and the reforms that have been undertaken to get out of the issues. As it brings to fore the story behind the NPA scams that came to light, and how those came along, the book also details seven key steps needed to reform a sinking industry and open up credit lines without having to resort to mass privatization, which is anyway difficult with bleeding balance sheets. A tell-all story of Indian banking, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the system that holds our money.

The book is a very well-researched and data focused as it traces the journey of the Indian Banking system. From the times when it was completely unregulated to the current regulatory regime, and everything in between, it is an interesting read for anyone who is interested in the story of how our economy functions. The book is a chronological account, though it also takes up the explanation of points through cases well-documented in the news, which make it an even interesting read. While it has data and numbers, it is not a boring non-fiction read, but an enlightening study of the planned vs impacted results of various policies. Sandip has unabashedly discussed both sides of many policy measures such as mergers of PSBs, demonetization, IBC etc. The last chapter that details the possible solution is a very apt closure as it fits in with the overall theme of the book, and it is not just a narrative of the problems, but a well-discussed and analyzed study that brings out solutions as well. The narration is lively, and while it tends to stretch out in some places, it makes it up with the presence of graphs and tables. The chapter division is quite apt and makes the entire theme come together, specially the one about the PSB mergers.

A definite recommendation from me if you are in the financial sector, or have an interest in public policy, do grab this one. It scores a  4.06/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book here.

Why Not Me?-Anubhav Agrawal

Book: Why Not Me?
Author: Anubhav Agrawal
Publisher: HarperCollins India

Have you ever come across a story of unrequited love?

Why Not Me? A Feeling of Millions by Anubhav Agrawal is his own story in which he narrates his tryst with his love for Zoya, and how they met online in the age when Facebook has just come to India and people were transitioning from Orkut. We see how Facebook messages turned to text messages and how feelings matured between them. From being friends, to being in a relationship, the book traces Anubhav’s journey from falling in love as a young man, to the point where he realizes that Zoya leaving him was the best gift ever. It is a book that chronicles the journey of a person who finds love, but more importantly, understands the true meaning of love, and how a broken heart can make you a stronger person.

The book is based on the true story of Anubhav’s life and tells us the story of how as a student he craved for a romantic relationship. The book also explores the transition that the 90s generation made from Orkut to Facebook, and how that changed the way we look at relationships. The book also explores the basic tenet that young adults face when they look for relationships, and Anubhav has touched upon the idea of young love and the mistakes that one does in it. The storytelling is good with the emotions well detailed, and Anubhav’s perspective on the events are quite interesting. He has shown his journey with Zoya through some major milestones. While it cannot be said for all people, this story will resonate with a lot of people who have faced or lived through such a situation, and might prove to be an interesting perspective on their situation. I loved the fact that Anubhav has detailed on friendships and family as an important aspect of one’s life.

Anubhav’s character is well detailed and his emotions are well-penned. I loved the way his character matures through the book and displays a range of emotions. His actions do not seem far-fetched, and the basis of the story does seem realistic.

With an interesting perspective, the book scores a 3.75/5 from me.

Grab a copy here.

Blogchatter #TBRChallenge: My Target

I plan to read 75 books this year as a part of the TBR Challenge by BlogChatter! Do keep an eye out for my reviews!

More Details here

The Boundaries of Sanity-Mira Saraf

Book: The Boundaries of Sanity
Author: Mira Saraf
Publisher: Readomania

Which is the best psychological thriller you have read?

The Boundaries of Sanity by Mira Saraf is a collection of 5 short stories which explores the limits to which 5 distinctly imperfect people can go to as they battle their demons-guilt, anxiety, alcoholism, and others. Each of them faces a situation they have created themselves, and how they cope with it. In Solitary Confinement, we see Mrinalini facing her demons in a setting she would have never imagined herself in. Spilling Over the Edges tells us the story of a woman, wracked with guilt as she considers her emotions as she comes to terms with her life, and imagines the consequences until reality hits her. In Senseless Worries, Tanya finds herself on the wrong side of the day as she lives her life with a throbbing arm, and with a possible chronic disease. The Mirage is a chilly tale that tells us how things that seem real, can be unreal, until the other shoe drops. The Storyteller is a perfect story that closes the book with a story that transcends time, yet feels eerily real.

The stories in the book are very well crafted and the title of the book justifies each of the 5 stories that make up this book. Mira has taken five very different situations and characters to drive home the point that sanity is truly a state of mind we control, and that an external locus of control is just a part of that illusion. From a lonely island, to the hustle-bustle of the lanes of old Delhi, the locations differ, but they play a very crucial role in the unfolding of events in the book. Despite being a collection of short stories, the details are explained to the core, with the texture of the coconut to the carved elephant, and the routine of an obsessive husband. The storytelling is quite imaginative, and as the story moves, the reader is pushed into a trance, so much so that he/she becomes a part of the narrative, living it. If I had to pick my favorite from the lot, it would have to be The Storyteller for the simple fact that I could relate to it. The climax of each story was unexpected, well-crafted, and well-executed.

Coming to the characters, each of the story had a distinct character, who had their own secrets and demons. Each of them was very detailed, and had their own quirks that made them unique as well as interesting. There were just enough characters to move the stories, and no fillers were introduced, which was something truly commendable.

Overall, the book is a definite recommendation from me with a rating of 4.13/5 from me.

Grab a copy of the book here.

The Numinous Personage-Rukhsar Shafi

Book: The Numinous Personage
Author: Rukhsar Shafi
Publisher: Pblishing.com

What is the best fantasy book you have read?

The Numinous Personage by Rukhsar Shafi is based in Beaumont Valley where some strange events have started occurring. Jenay Lambert was living a perfect life until her mother remarries. And things started happening in the town. Her bestfriend’s boyfriend disappears, and a new boy with golden eyes comes to town. As the truth starts unravelling, she realizes that it is just the beginning and secrets start tumbling out from the annals of history.

The plot of the book is quite promising with mythical creatures, romance, and teenagers. The concept of the book is well thought of, with a fantasy series in the making. The problem in the book is that a lot of filler has been used, and the actual story starts forming only after almost half the book is over. This creates a blurry plotline and hence the experience gets diluted. The events in the book could have been better sketched which could have explained the Celtic mythology and their significance in the book. There are some grammatical issues in the book as well, which again dilute the overall experience of the book. The climax is quite pacy, and while I felt it was a bit knee-jerk and confusing, it does establish the book and I hope that the further books are better.

The characters in the book are almost half-sketched with their backstories not very clear the manner in which they are told. Jen and Ace, according to me, were the best sketched in terms of detailing and the story of why they do the things they do. The same cannot be said for the others, though. Shay, Grace, Peter, etc. had a great potential, and that could have been explored a bit to strengthen the storyline as well. The mythical creatures make fleeting appearances, though that should have come in the forefront.

Overall, a good book that could have been better. It scores a 3/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book here.