Love (Try) Angle-Manali Desai

Book: Love (Try) Angle
Author: Manali Desai
Publisher: Self Published

Do you think we can fall in love with more than one person at a time?

Love (Try) Angle by Manali Desai is the story of Ayesha, who has moved to Mumbai to pursue her BA (Hons.) Political Science from a reputed college. Things start on a rough note when she comes across Abhi who is hell-bent on making her life difficult in the college. She manages to calm things down, when Viren joins the college as an ad-hoc lecturer. Things start getting heated up as a love triangle tries to emerge out of the chaos that is the life of Ayesha, Abhi and Viren, but there is one catch. Ayesha is not sure about her feelings for either of them. Is her frenemity with Abhi a start to a love story, or her chance encounters with Viren a precursor to blooming of love? Read the story to find out.

Manali’s debut novel is an interesting read that ticks off almost all the boxes of a good romantic novel. The plot of the story is very well crafted with elements of drama, fights, and even physical altercations! The story moves smoothly, and the plotline does not drop throughout the narration. I loved the fact that the story was told from the eyes of the three protagonists and so we get to understand the feelings and emotions of the characters as it happens. Another thing that I liked about the story was the natural manner in which the events unfold, and none of them seem forced. The detailing of the events and the descriptions are quite vivid, helping a reader imagine the things as they happen. Personally, the Chandigarh part of the story did not seem to be fitting well into the plot and acted just as a filler. A Special mention to the adorable sketches at the end of each story that summarize the chapter quite well. The climax is very filmy and while it was expected, the way it was executed was interesting and good.

Coming to the characters, I loved the manner in which each of the characters-Abhi, Ayesha and Viren have been given their individual identities and quirks. Ayesha’s dilemmas, Viren’s comforting gestures and Abhi’s nonchalant attitude has been captured quite well and adds a good flavor to the plot. Another interesting aspect of the story is how characters like Nalini, Ayesha’s parents etc. have been used to steer the plot and they have not been used just as fillers or to fill plot holes. The relatability with the characters was easy because they seem to be taken from the people around us with teasing parents and nosy friends.

Overall, an amazing debut that is recommended if you like reading romantic stories. This book takes a 4.25/5 from me.

P.S. The titles of the chapters hold an interesting pattern. Do notice them.

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Arzoo Arshan-Mukul Kumar

Book: Arzoo Arshan
Author: Mukul Kumar
Publisher: Self Published

What is your take on love?

Arzoo Arshan is the story of Arshan, an anti-hero who is a neuroscientist in the making, has radically different ideas about love. Blessed with swank, good looks, and a penchant for ladies, and an aversion to commitment. His aversion is tested when love comes to him in the form of Arzoo, a small-town girl who aspires to be a model, and he rejects it with an unforeseen force.  When he is unable to get over the love in him, he decided to create a potion that will ensure his continuing desire for ‘chicks’, as he dismissively calls them, and the ability to walk away from them without looking back. Arzoo-Arshan is a psycho-romantic thriller, an unusual tale of love, lust, obsession, ego, jealousy deceit , and revenge with a gripping suspense.

The plot of the book is crafted quite superficially, and the story actually did not work for me. The concept of the book is based on the nature of the protagonist who seems to be extremely dismissive of women, and while it actually sets the theme of the book for the second part, it is quite derogatory and seems to derive itself from the patriarchal perspective. The conversation between Arshan and Shourya forms a major part of the book, and personally, it did not seem to fit into the overall idea of the story. However there are things that are good about the book. The language of the book is quite good, and the narration is interesting. The tension between Arzoo and Arshan is well developed and adds a good flavor to the plot. The climax of the book was quite sudden, and made no sense to the story, but it seems to be a fitting end to the tale.

Coming to the character, while the author has described the characters physically, their development over the course of the story is almost negligible. There is a long list of characters, but none of them add much to the story in the overall context. We discuss about Arshan’s aversion to love, and attraction to women, and Arzoo’s reaction, but that is all.

Overall, the story could have been treated well, and it did not work for me. The book scores a 2.88/5 for me.

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The Roaring Lambs-Sreedhar Bevara

Book: The Roaring Lambs: A Fable About Finding the Leader in You
Author: Sreedhar Bevara
Publisher: HarperCollins India

What is one quality that you think makes a person a leader?

The Roaring Lambs by Sreedhar Bevara is a fable that tells the story of how situations can bring out leadership qualities in a person. Set in Mau forest of East Africa, the story is about a flock of sheep who are brutally killed by the Lions, led by Kaizaar. With his own interpretation of the Law of the Jungle, the Lions have started harassing the sheep and other animals in the food chain. Ministered by the Shrewd Shaka, a former leader of the lambs who has betrayed his own for selfish gains, Kaizaar wreaks havoc on his subjects. The question is, can a flock of lambs roar, and take on the King of the Jungle? This is a story that inspires, and brings out the qualities of a true leader.

The idea behind the book is very imaginative, and it basically builds on the quote by Alexander the Great which opens the book. Told in an engaging way, the fable is quite inspiring, and I loved the way the author has tried to send his message across. Starting with a problem that seems to have no solution, Sreedhar through the characters, gives us anecdotal evidence that shows how even the weakest of people can face the strongest of they have a proper will. The language of the book is simple, and there are no complex or long words that would confuse you, rather it adopts an approach so that the pace is such that the reader is comfortable while journeying through the forest.

Another good thing about the fable is the way things mirror the situations between the first half and the second half, and how that ties in with the idea of an effective leadership. While Kaizaar is shown to be a leader with an ego, Shuja comes across as humble. Queen Leela is another character who shows remarkable leadership skills, and being a pragmatic character, reacts as per the situation. Other characters such as Kesan, Kaboo, and Akili also impressed me with their stands and stances throughout the fable.

Overall, the story is a definite recommendation for anyone who is a leader, or aspires to be one. Containing some crucial lessons, this fable is a must read and it scores a 4.69/5 for me.

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Once Upon a Reunion-Nithya Sashi

Book: Once Upon a Reunion
Author: Nithya Sashi
Publisher: N K & Co.

What is your take on reunions?

Once Upon a Reunion by Nithya Sashi is the story of Nirmala, who is happily married and living in Chennai. Living with her Husband Sreenivas, she secretly pines for her ex-lover Suresh, and when memories of her past life surface, it does ripple her happy life. Unable to fully love Sreenivas with the insane intensity she had felt for Suresh, she is conflicted and lives in a parallel world, always tormented by the probability of a what-if! When she comes to know of a school reunion which Suresh would be attending as well, she is in facing a dilemma. On one side, she has a chance to close a chapter of her life permanently, and on the other hand she isn’t sure of her reaction on confronting the past. Either way, the events at the reunion would change her life permanently, and changer her opinions of the people close to her.

The story of the book is a bit confusing in the fact that it is not clear as to what is the intention of the author in penning it. A major part of the story focusses on Nirmala, her life, her past and her interactions with the various characters. The title of the book makes a reader think that a reunion would be the focus point of the story, which, though critical, does not form the crux of the story. The storytelling is engaging and keeps a reader hooked to the happenings in the story. the visual cues are quite powerful, and Nithya has tried to incorporate elements that can engage the other senses of the body as well. The language of the story is easy to comprehend and suit the characters. The scenes however seemed a bit disjointed as there were some events which did not seem relevant to the plot, and the events at the reunion seemed quite rushed and hurried. The climax was planned well, but could have been executed well.

Coming to the characters, Nirmala as the primary character is well sketched, and the details about her personality are well explained. Her family life, her professional life, and her equation with her friends has been explored in detail. Sreenivas as a character seemed a bit interesting in the beginning, but his mood swings, though well crafted, did not seem natural.

Overall, an interesting plot that could have been executed well.

The book scores a 3.75/5 for me.

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Her Dark Lies-J T Ellison

Book: Her Dark Lies
Author: J T Ellison
Publisher: Mira

What if the past comes back to haunt you on the day you are getting married?

Her Dark Lies by J T Ellison is set off the Italian Coast, on Isle Isola, a cliff-top villa owned by the Comptons. Claire Hunter is all set to get married to Jackson Compton, surrounded by close family, intimate friends…and a host of dark secrets. As the wedding weekend begins, things take a turn for the worse when an old body gets dug up on the island, menacing texts get delivered, and a ruined wedding dress. Its not just the happenings, people on the island carry secrets, dark secrets that can ruin not one, but multiple lives.

The plot of the book is quite complex, and in a good way. The plot is not a normal and usual run-off-the-mill thriller, rather it is a story that makes a reader turn the page compulsively. The storytelling is quite interesting, and the author has used subtle details in the beginning that become important towards the end. The language of the book is easy to comprehend, and suits the characters quite well. I loved the part of the book where the tensions start building up and the secrets start tumbling out slowly. The author keeps the shadows hidden, and the revelations are done at the time which is just right. The picture that the author paints is quite detailed and vivid, and I could clearly visualize the island, the villa, and the events as they occur. The climax was quite unexpected, and it added to the charm of the storytelling.

The story is primarily character driven, and it is them who provide the tension needed for a thriller to deliver on its promise. Claire’s character is interestingly crafted, and her past is hinted about in the story, but revealed only in the end, which is quite well done. Jackson’s character has shades of gray which actually set the tone of the book. His loving, romantic side towards Claire is quite opposite to how he reacts towards Elliott. His complex character is something I really enjoyed in the book. Other characters I enjoyed were Ana Compton, and most of all, Will Compton, and the way he adds to the story in the end.

Overall, a definite recommendation for thriller readers that scores a 4.12/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book here.

The post is a part of the blog tour by Harlequin. I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review

If I Could Remember-Vedant Saxena

Book: If I Could Remember
Author: Vedant Saxena
Publisher: Kalamos Literary Services

Do you think the past comes back to haunt us?

If I Could Remember by Vedant Saxena tells us the story of Armaan who wakes up one summer night to find a corpse lying beside him, and there is blood all around him, only to realise it was a dream. This is just one such instance, and his life has actually become a blur where differentiation between reality and dreams has become very difficult, and add to that he has memory lapses. Things were happening like this until the day he discovered the tapes of his classmate Ananya in his father’s office, who is a psychiatrist. What is in those tapes that put the fear of god in her? Things start changing when the tapes go missing, and he starts thinking that there is an underlying fear that something sinister is happening, until Ananya opens up to him that she has a traumatic past, so much so that it has forced her to kill. What are the secrets that the people are hiding?

First things first, the book is not for the faint hearted. The book is excruciatingly detailed and Vedant has explained the physical and mental trauma of Ananya and Armaan quite graphically. The plot of the book is very well written, and the story moves at a pace that is a bit slow, but it actually adds up to the thrill of the story. The revelations are slow, and as they secrets start tumbling out. The events preceding the chapter start making sense. Since the characters are late teens, the language is what a teen uses. It is easy to comprehend, but as a personal recommendation, I would not recommend a sprint read, rather a marathon by taking a break after a few chapters to process the events. Vedant has taken 2 characters and shown how physical and mental abuse of a person can affect them, and change their perspective on life. Another idea that I liked in the book was that of hope, and how proper support can change a person’s life. The last part of the book is exquisitely written, and the twist in the tale was phenomenal. The moment the other shoe drops, I took a moment to process things, and the last scene of the book makes me want to know more as to what happened after that.

Coming to the characters, Armaan as a character impressed me in the manner he evolves through the time. Despite the way he was treated by his peers, he was actually not one to resent. The trigger event was something that changes his perspective, but I felt that Armaan’s condition was a result of the society’s ignorance, rather than his anger. Ananya’s character lies between the black and white and while each reader would have their own interpretation of her actions, I think Vedant drew her as an anti-thesis to Armaan as to how different people react to trauma. Mrs. Rekha was one character I must applaud, and I think she was the one who actually understands Armaan and mental health, and it is my interpretation is that she actually looked out for Armaan, and her detentions were actually a way for Armaan to seek help from her.

Overall, this is one book that I would recommend to everyone. It scores a 4.94/5 for me.

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Corporate Blah Blah Blahs-Sandeep Pawar

Book: Corporate Blah Blah Blahs: (In)effective Ways of Tackling Business
Author: Sandeep Pawar
Publisher: Self Published

What is the one business jargon you hate?

Corporate Blah Blah Blahs by Sandeep Pawar is a satirical take on the jargons that have become a part of corporate life today. Told through the eyes of Samay, a wall clock, the story explores the office life of Corporate Subbu. Subbu has understood that the mantra to succeed is to talk. However, his knowledge of the jargon is half-baked, and so begins a journey that entertains not just his team, but the readers as we explore Subbu’s understanding of some commonly used jargons. This collection of short stories will give you a perfect fun ride of what happens during office meetings and how the confusion can be fun to witness.

The book is very well written as it explores 11 commonly used jargons as to how Subbu understands them, and the comedy of errors that follow. Before each chapter, Sandeep explains two meanings of each jargon-the usual, dictionary meaning, and secondly the corporate speak of the same. Each of the jargon then follows a practical example which is used by Subbu. I liked the satire that the author wanted to portray, and the sheer contempt he has for the terms. The storytelling is engaging, and the author manages to maintain the overall theme of the book in each of the stories. For me, Let’s be on the Same Page, Eyeball it Once, and Gentle Reminder were the best among all. The idea of using Samay as the narrator was quite cheeky, and Samay’s introduction was imaginative.

Coming to the characters, Samay was the showstopper for me with his introduction. Corporate Subbu was created as an interesting character, a corporate dreamer that each of us would have encountered at one point or the other in our lives. Each of the story help us understand him, and towards the end make us a bit emphatic towards him as well.

Overall, I would highly recommend the book in case you are in a corporate setup, or are planning to be a part of one. The book scores a 4.5/5 for me.

P.S. Don’t forget to read the post-its at the beginning of each story.

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When Strangers Meet-K. Hari Kumar

Book: When Strangers Meet
Author: K. Hari Kumar
Publisher: Srishti Publication

What if you could relive a particular moment of your life?

When Strangers Meet by K. Hari Kumar is the story of Jai, who is stranded at a Metro station with a stranger called Iyer, and a mysterious Pathan. The story revolves around the three characters, and the idea of the father-son relationship, and how each of our characters figure that out. The question arises, why was the Pathan looking at Jai strangely, and people stare in disbelief when he narrates the events that take place in the resting room of the station. What happened in the room, and how is it connected to Pathan and Jai is the story.

The story is very well conceived, and the entire plot is quite gripping in the way it unfolds. The storytelling is engaging, and the reader is motivated to turn the page, and not stop until the story ends. I loved the way the story has been structured, and how we see the lives of 3 people and the struggles they face over a period of time, and how fate conspires to bring them together. The language of the story is simple, and easy to comprehend, as well as suits the characters quite well. Iyer shows a typical Tamilian accent, whereas the staff at the metro station and the hospital have the Haryanvi touch. Apart from the story, I liked the surprise element that unfolds in the latter part of the book, altering the narrative significantly. There are some editing issues in the book in terms of grammar and spelling, though nothing critical. The climax was quite interesting, and a fitting closure to the story.

Coming to the characters, the story is primarily driven by Iyer and Jai, and their life. The mysterious Pathan and his family do play a crucial role, but it is the former two who actually lend their life to the story. I liked the way the character arc was set for them, detailing their childhood, letting the anger simmer and bubble and then come out to set in motion the events of the story. I would have loved to see the Pathan’s story in a bit of detail as well, because in the current situation, he felt more of a supporting character, rather than a prominent one.

The book scores a 3.88/5 for me.

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Dwandv-Dinkar Goswami

Book: Dwandv: The Battle for The Gate
Author: Dinkar Goswami
Publisher: Self Published

Do you think that all of us have power that can be harnessed?

Dwandv: The Battle for the Gate is the first book in the series that takes place in the upper reaches of the Himalayas on and around K2. An Ashram exists on the mountain, shrouded in secrecy, where masters of a powerful Vital Knowledge live, and the mastery of this knowledge bestows immortality and siddhi. On the other side lives Bubba, a sinister master tantric had accessed this Vital Knowledge partially, and now controls a variety of supernatural beings. Asuras, looking for the Vital Knowledge, partner with Bubba to look for it. To save the world, Gerua is identified to receive the knowledge, and she along with her son Danta are trained at the Ashram to find the cosmic gate. Would she be able to fulfill her destiny, or would the dark forces win the battle for the gate?

The plot of the story is very well conceived and plotted. The timelines are crafted in an interesting manner, and the events take place sequentially, helping the reader connect with the story in greater detail. The author has taken time to explain the scenes on detail and it helps in creating a visual story to connect with the plot and the characters. The concept of the book has laid down the foundation of an interesting series that promises to be a gripping ride. I liked the idea of how ancient concepts have been given a scientific twist and included in the book. This lends an aura of authenticity as well as relatability to the story. Another interesting thing about the story is the alternative perspectives of events between Bubba and Gerua, which helps quite a lot on character development. I liked the way the book ends, and keeps the interest up for the next book in the series.

Coming to the characters, Bubba’s character, though antagonist, has been developed and plotted with extreme care. He has been described in detail, and through the course of the story, we see threads of his past unravelling. The second character that impressed me was that of Gerua, and the resilience she shows in the face of adversity. From the very first moment till the last page, we see Gerua battling her emotions, and her struggles are very well detailed and described.

Overall, an amazing start to a series that promises to be a roller-coaster ride!

The book scores a 4.25/5 for me.

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Zoravar (Bollywood Saga 1)-Maharsh Shah

Book: Zoravar (Bollywood Saga 1)
Author: Maharsh Shah
Publisher: HarperCollins India

Do you believe life comes a full circle?

Zoravar by Maharsh Shah is the story of the namesake, Zoravar Cheema, set in the early years after Independence, when the country as well as the film industry was developing itself. All of sixteen years old, Zoravar is in love with the magic of the screen, and dreams of becoming a movie star. As the dust settles on the events post 1947, he has made a choice to leave his family and go to Bombay, even if it means working with one of the most feared gangs of the country. Beginning his journey without any idea of what lies ahead, Zoravar struggles to find his break in the industry, until one incident changes his life forever. This story is not just of Zoravar alone though, set in the background of the Hindi Cinema, it tells a story of the industry as it came up.

Zoravar has an engaging storyline, almost as if a movie is unfolding in front of the readers’ eyes. Maharsh has captured a very inherent dream of a common man to be popular, and to be loved by millions and molded it into Zoravar as he struggles to find his footing in the film industry. The plot is well developed, and the storyline moves without hiccups or drops in the pace. Maharsh has also focused on detailing the scenes so that the visual picture is complete, and it can be seen across the book when the events are described. Superimposing his fictional Zoravar with real-life personalities and events can almost make a person think that Zoravar is the story of a real actor, and I think that is the best thing about the story. The language is very relevant to the story and the character, and the author has taken care to insert colloquial words wherever important. The story has set a solid foundation for the books to come, and I am intrigued to see how Zoravar’s journey continues. The point where the book ends is really a cliffhanger.

Coming to the characters, Zoravar’s character arc is quite interesting as it moves up and down as the story proceeds. We see a boy who dreams of becoming an actor, who then falls into the pit of crime, and then rises to again work toward his dream. Even when he gets his first break, we see that the wave of his life continuously bobs up and down. He is sketched in detail, with characteristic mannerisms, and facial expressions. I loved the never-say-never attitude he has; despite the hurdles he faces. Another character that impressed me was that of Pasha, and the importance he places on friendship, and the lengths he goes to help his friend. The sneezing cop is a character I am excited to see in the future books, and the role he would play.

Overall, Zoravar is an excellent read that will engage you to read it in a single sitting, and each page makes you turn the next one. The story scores a 4.63/5 for me.

P.S. Do take note of the titles of the parts in which the book is divided. It is something to take a note of.

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My Little Book of Love-Priya Kumar

Book: My Little Book of Love
Author: Priya Kumar
Publisher: BooksThatInspire

What is your favourite quote about love?

My Little Book of Love is a collection of original quotes on love by Priya Kumar. A reminder of love, the quotes imbibe the feelings and expressions of love, and of warnings of what it is not. Divided into 9 parts, the quotes explore the various facets of love, and help the reader understand the very concept and the meaning of the feeling called love.

The quotes are quite well done, and are easy to remember and understand. Each collection of quotes is grouped under a common category, starting from the meaning of love to the expressions of love. The one think I liked about the book was that each chapter is prefaced with a small introduction that explains what the quotes are supposed to represent, and how to interpret them. The book is interspersed with wonderful doodles and artwork that enhance the reading experience as well. The book does not stop at giving out Priya’s quotes, but each section has a space for the reader to jot down his/her quotes, and doodles, which makes it a two-way communication rather than just a collection of sayings. Out of the 9 sections, my favourite was the one titled, “I Love You Means…”

I am awed by the concept that Priya took to pass on her message, and rather than using fables, or lengthy sermons, she uses simple examples and quotes to send her message across. The cover and the artwork is very well done, and it ties with the overall idea of the book excellently.

A recommendation from me if you like collecting quotes. The book is a 4.25/5 for me.

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Confessions of an IT Employee-Shalini P. Sawkar

Book: Confessions of an IT Employee
Author: Shalini P. Sawkar
Publisher: Kalamos Literary Services

How was your first corporate experience?

Confessions of an IT Employee by Shalini P. Sawkar narrates the story of 3 people working in the same company. Sanchita, a fresh college graduate, and an employee who is misunderstood, she spirals into depression when she fails to impress the people around her, and slowly her childhood dream of becoming a writer becomes to surface. Bhoomija is a village girl who comes to the city, and starts losing her inhibitions to fit into the crowd, and is almost on the verge of losing her own identity. Alisha aims to move to the USA with her long-time boyfriend, but life deals her cards in a different way than she intended. The book is a story of horrible bosses, mundane routine and matters of the heart.

The plot of the book is well developed, and the struggles of a corporate employee have been captured in minute detail. Shalini has picked up anecdotes that would resonate with most of the people who have experience in the corporate world. The second aspect that the book tackles is that of one’s own dreams, and how as a society we have made suppression of those dreams in pursuit of money a norm, rather than an exception. Another aspect that is explored in the book is that of friendships and relationships, and important they are to a person’s life and sanity. The language of the book is quite simple, easy-to-understand, and context specific. I loved how situations were used to propel the story forward, though at some places I felt that a connect between scenes was missing. The title of the book is a bit misleading though since there are no confessions or any IT-specific incidents. The climax is quite imaginative though expected.

Coming to the characters, Sanchita’s character has been given proper time to develop, and she is the one who steals the show, specially in the latter part of the story. Bhoomija’s character was well done, and her development from a village simpleton to an urban girl was interesting, though I feel that while she was a part of the story initially, her character got sidelined in the middle of the book. Nishant as a character appeared only intermittently, though I would have loved to see more of him during the course of the story.

Overall, a story well-told, and one that captures the pulse of the corporate world. It scores a 4/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book here.

The Call-Milan Vohra

Book: The Call
Author: Milan Vohra
Publisher: Amazon Kindle

What is your take on novellas?

The Call by Milan Vohra is a bite-sized novella that tells us the story of how one phone call can change multiple lives. Shyamali is a new mother, trying to adjust to motherhood. As she receives a phone call one night, she is tempted to take a decision that might impact her life, and change a few more of those around her. The events, as they unfold, help her develop a sense of realization about the people around her, and the decision she is contemplating has to be taken before the morning. The question, however, is what would you have done had you been in Shayamali’s place?

An extremely short story that explores a concept that is way deeper than it seems to be. Told in a fast-paced narrative over the period of one night, the plot is quite interesting, and almost seems to be inspired from real life. The story explores ideas such as motherhood, sexual abuse, and the very basic idea of how women are treated in a highly patriarchal society of today. The twists of events that happen in the story are swift, and one that are not easily anticipated. The climax was intelligently done, and the last line of the story is moving, and painful at the same time.

Since it is a short story, the characters do not get too much of space, but I liked the manner on which Milan has taken the people from the everyday life, and woven them into this story. Shyamali is an interesting study as a character, along with Rosy who appears briefly, yet manages to hold the narrative.

Overall, a recommended read, just in time for Women’s Day and scores a 4.5/5 for me.

Grab your copy here.

The Tantric Exorcist-Ashwin Mudigonda

Book: The Tantric Exorcist
Author: Ashwin Mudigonda
Publisher: Juggernaut

Do you read horror stories?

The Tantric Exorcist by Ashwin Mudigonda is a terrifying journey into the world of tantra. A retelling of the story of Vikram-Vetal, the story is set in Chennai. The story begins when Vikram, a college student, gets possessed by a vetal. Looking at the things, a great tantric Chaturvasi was summoned to free him, but soon they realise that it is not an ordinary possession. Chaturvasi realizes that the key to the exorcism lies in his past, and to save Vikram, it would take all his learnings.

The story is excellently plotted with the things unfolding slowly, revealing the entire picture only towards the end. The first part of the story is quite engaging which the details of possession of Vikram quite detailed and graphic. As it moves ahead, the chills start getting to you when the scenes near the library unfold. I loved the part at Vikram’s house when the transformation happens, and the first scene in his parent’s bedroom was truly horrifying. The language is quite interesting, and the author has taken the pain to be authentic to the shlokas and the translations so that the reader does not get lost. However, the story starts to slack in the second half when multiple events are taking place in the story and there are loose ends that reduce the experience one is having with the context of the first part. The horror element of the book is virtually missing in this half, and it focuses more on Chaturvasi. The climax was interesting, and I have a mixed opinion about it. I loved the manner in which it began, but the end did not do much justice to the overall story.

Coming to the characters, Chaturvasi’s character arc is intelligently drawn and unfolds slowly throughout the story and is the thread that holds the plot together. An interesting character, his being a dentist-cum-tantric is quite innovative, and his activities lend a certain level of intrigue to the plot. Ranganathan was another character that was interesting, especially his loyalty and belief in Chaturvasi.

Overall, an interesting book that could have been treated better. It scores a 3.88/5 for me.

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