The Colony Brats-Vineed P. Menon

Book: The Colony Brats
Author: Vineed P. Menon
Publisher: The Alcove Publishers

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Have you lived in an official colony?

Hi, I’m Niv, though my parents named me Nivrutti Nandan Nedumpilly Nair—yeah, I know, what a ridiculous name. But trust me, the name is nothing compared to the ridiculousness of my life. And here’s why we call ourselves brats in Sawalpur, a town dominated by the cement plant. As children of wage board workers, we faced injustice and weren’t allowed to enter the officers’ colony. But I had the guts to sneak into my girlfriend’s quarters—don’t ask why. My best friend, Baiju, had the audacity to have an affair—sorry, a relationship—with the colony’s schoolteacher. Our so-called ordinary life was filled with mischief, adventures, and escapades. Our shift to an ultra-ordinary life came with reckless schemes and acts of revenge, making the lives of the factory officers, who took their privilege a bit too literally, a living hell—just to prove our worth. My problem? I take things to heart and always make sure to get back at those who hurt me. This time, it was the cement company that wronged me, and I made sure to give back royally. Read The Colony Brats to learn how not to screw up your life—and everyone else’s—with vengeance. Get ready to laugh, cry, and rethink everything as you follow our journey from innocent kids to not-so-innocent troublemaking adults. Outrage can turn your world upside down, and our story is living proof of that.

Vineed’s setting of this story in a colony located in a small town is perfect for the story he intends to tell. Through our protagonist, Vineed presents a picture of a social divide that exists in the colony basis the designation of the people working there, and how that impacts the daily life of the residents. The writing of the book is easy to understand and the context has been explained in detail which adds to the overall reading experience. The opening scene of the book is beautifully crafted and that sets the tone of what to expect in the story as you go along, and the divide that is turning into a chasm with the actions of the GM. What I liked in the book was the subtle take on the social divide that exists in any colony. The book takes a dig on how the lives of “officers” and the “wage board workers” differ through the eyes of the children. He also raises some pertinent questions about the living conditions and the facilities that are provided to them. Another important aspect of the story is that of legacy and how our good acts bear fruits even after we have passed on, and that is enunciated beautifully in the story. The writing is powerful and manages to leave its impact on you through the characters and the storyline. While the storytelling and the plot captures you, the editing of the book could have been better. There are instances with grammatical errors which become glaring. Secondly, the writing could have been trimmed a bit because there are places where the story starts dragging and you start losing interest in it. The climax is predictable, but the way it is written is interesting.

Coming to the characters, the character of Niv is very well written and I was quite impressed with the character arc that is provided for him. His story drives the plot and I liked how his character traits are highlighted time and again, right from the childhood. His persistence to prove himself despite everything comes out nicely and his grit to do what he wants, without considering the impacts is something that stands out. Another character that I loved was that of Rao and while he might come across as a negative character, the way his character is written makes you despise him, and I think that is a highlight of good storytelling.

Overall, the book is a wonderful depiction of life in a factory colony and how the lives of its residents change with the changing times. The book scores a 4.63/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon India!

Diary, Deceit and Death-Sonia Chatterjee

Book: Diary, Deceit and Death
Author: Sonia Chatterjee
Publisher: Vishwakarma Publications

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Would you unravel a family secret that could change your life forever?

Detective Raya Ray is riding high on her success as a private investigator when she receives an anonymous call. She takes up the case of dual deaths that shook the peaceful beach town of Saptaparni two decades ago. Raya meets a whole slew of characters with a probable connection to these deaths. The intrepid detective traverses through a web of deceit to encounter a well-guarded secret. As she peels away the superficial layers, she’s shocked to discover veiled connections. Will Raya be able to race against the forces of nature to deliver justice to the departed souls and retrieve the secret from falling into the wrong hands? ‘Diary, Deceit, and Death’ is a thriller about greed, betrayal, and masked identities of two families spanning three generations in four cities over five decades.

A good detective story is one where you, as a reader, are invested along with the detective in solving the mystery that is in front of them. In Diary, Deceit and Death, the storytelling compels you to solve the mystery of the deaths along with Detective Raya Ray. The plot is very engaging and at no point do you have a moment where the plot gets boring or predictable. The high point of the story is when the true colours of the characters are revealed and you are presented a picture that is a complete opposite of what you have been led to believe till that point. Another aspect of the story that I really liked was the setting that goes perfectly well with the story, be it the hills or the sea side town. As a sign of a good thriller, the author holds the cards close to her right till the end and you are left guessing who was in the wrong and who was right until the author chooses to reveal the truth to you. The writing is easy to read and does not distract you from the plot of the story and you are focused only on the events and not the words, which elevates the reading experience. The climax takes its time to unravel, considering the tangle of the family ties, but the wait is worth it. I would highly recommend that you take notes while reading the book to understand the climax because the family connections are myriad.

Coming to the characters, Raya Ray’s character as a detective is quite good and I loved the zeal that she displays while solving the case that is in front of her. Right from the first page where she is given the documents to the very last page, she is quite dedicated towards solving the case. I really enjoyed her thought process and the way she gathers the clues to crack the case was fun to read. Another thing I found interesting in Raya’s character was that she never shies away from asking for help, and thus the entire gamut of characters in the book also do not lose their place in the overall scheme of things. The supportive husband, Krishanu, was a delight to read, and almost akin to Watson to Holmes, helps the thinking process of the detective. On the lines of Lestrade we have Inspector Sudhir who appears just at the right time and is quite instrumental in Raya Ray’s involvement in the Ghoshal family mystery.

Overall, if you have a love of reading a good detective fiction and are fans of Feluda or Sherlock, then pick up this book. The book gets a 4.94/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book from your nearest bookstore or on Amazon India.

Chicanery-Timeri N. Murari

Book: Chicanery
Author: Timeri N. Murari
Publisher: Olive Turtle (An Imprint of Niyogi Books)

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

What if you lived in a world where you were under complete surveillance?

After twenty years in exile David Richelieu returns to his homeland where an execution warrant awaits him for unspecified crimes. At the border, the AI cameras identify him as Cyomared, the ex-Prime Minister of that once democratic nation, and he is arrested at the border by the young assistant to the Minister of Culture. Cyomared ends up in prison. Cyomared’s interrogator, the Minister, has just one question, “Why did you return knowing you will die?” before carrying out the execution. Cyomared’s answer, that he returned for the woman he still loves and wishes to meet for one last time doesn’t convince the Minister. He suspects that Cyomared has been helping the Others to overthrow the despotic government in the general Elections that are just a few days away. How the Others manage to break the surveillance and control of the oligarchs and restore their people’s freedom, liberty and dignity, and how personal ambition, internecine rivalry, and betrayal lead to the downfall of the men in power, is revealed in a racy, gripping tale of intrigue, dreams, hopes and commitment to a greater cause.

The book is a wonderfully written story of how an authoritarian state functions and the role of AI in subjugating the populace. The story of how hope can revive the people to rise against tyranny is told wonderfully through the plot. The writing of the book is simple and easy to understand. The storytelling is quite interesting and it keeps you hooked. What I loved in the book was how the author has blended a dystopian future that awaits us along side the basic requirements of liberty and freedom. The aspect of AI and its role in enforcing the state’s agenda is also very well established and I loved that technology is central to this book. Another thing that I loved about the book was that how small and seemingly irrelevant red herrings are put in multiple places in the story that come out just at the right time and you are truly in for a treat when it happens. The idea of family and love stands at the core of this book. The author presents a multitude of aspects of love-be it for your family, your partner, your friend, and most of all your country. The climax of the book is quite good and while it is predictable, the path it takes to the end is quite interesting and fun to read.

The character development in the book is descriptive and the author has taken his time to build the characters and the world they live in. Right from the protagonists to the President, each of the character in the book is intricately penned and the connections have been meticulously planned. The character arcs and the “show-not-tell” method of character introductions was quite fun to read as well. I also liked how his characters were operating in the grey and there is no good or bad, just people reacting to situations and the way they were treated.

Overall, a book recommended to people who love to read dystopia and science fiction. The book scores a 4.88/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon India or a bookstore near you!

Pronounced Guilty-Monica Singh

Book: Pronounced Guilty
Author: Monica Singh
Publisher: Readomania

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Do you believe that people convicted of crimes deserve a chance at redemption?

Is redemption possible behind bars? Dushyant Dave, a disillusioned advocate, spearheads a radical mission: Bandi Mukti Morcha, India’s first open-prison dedicated to rehabilitating criminals serving life sentences. Joining him are Vijendar Singh, a reluctant ex-convict, and Dr Anusuya Savarkar, a seasoned psychologist, both harbouring their own demons. As inmate resistance and political agendas mount, secrets unravel and trusts shatter; the project teetering on collapse. Can this unlikely trio bridge their differences to make the program a success or will Bandi Mukti Morcha crumble under the weight of its own ambition? Will society ever embrace a second chance for those it has pronounced guilty? Pronounced Guilty is not just a novel—it’s a reflection of the world we live in. Step inside the courtroom of conscience and explore the price of justice, the weight of guilt, and the echoes of redemption.

The book focuses on an important question of the possibility of redemption and the root cause of crimes. The book opens with a heart wrenching scene where Vijendar is arrested just because he has had a criminal past, and from there starts a journey to change the lives of people who have completed their sentences. The second part of the book is when the Bandi Mukti Morcha is created and the process of rehabilitation is shown. The courtroom part of the book is quite well written and I liked the detailing that the author has put in while describing those scenes and the emotions of the people while sitting as the arguments were being parried. What I liked about the book was the flow and the narrative that keeps you turning the pages. What did not work for me was the second half of the book where the entire setup of the open prison is shown and the writing lacked a bit of research and execution on that end. A book that focused on the redemption of convicts could have shed a bit more of light on the open-prison part of the book, but sadly there are glimpses, but not much of spotlight on the open prison. The sub-plot involving the female prisoner was good to show that corruption can breach lines everywhere, but it felt a bit unnecessary and its role in the climax was also a bit sketchy.

Coming to the characters, Dushyant Dave’s character was very well written and his scenes in the court were quite wonderful to read. Another character whose writing impressed me was that of Vijendar and his character arc throughout the story. I felt that Dr. Anusuya’s character could have been a bit more detailed and contributory to the plot, rather she felt more like a side character in the bigger scheme of things.

Overall, Pronounced Guilty is a book that I would recommend to people to understand the concept of redemption and the idea of open prisons. The book scores a 4.63/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon India or your nearest bookstore!

The Unforgettable Woman-Pankaj Giri

Book: The Unforgettable Woman
Author: Pankaj Giri
Publisher: Bee Books

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

How would you react if a long-time secret came to light?

Abandoned by his wife and daughter and living with his cousin’s son, senior doctor Adarsh leads a lonely life . . . until he begins glimpsing someone in the streets of his hometown, Ilathang—a woman he knew once, a woman who had long disappeared. As Smriti starts working as a teacher at Ilathang Government School, she develops an affectionate bond with her PG owner’s teenage son—who is suffering from drug addiction—which fulfils her childhood craving for a brother. But one day in the summer of 2007, a dramatic turn of events unveils a devastating secret, a secret that turns her life upside down. Will Adarsh be able to discover the mystery behind the curious glimpses of the woman? Will Smriti be able to recover from the trauma of the shattering secret? Set in fictional towns in the beautiful state of Sikkim, The Unforgettable Woman is an inspirational, heart-touching story that explores the themes of regret, love, and forgiveness and shows how a single secret can influence several lives.

The book is wonderfully written and the plot is so engaging that you keep turning the pages. As the story progresses, you are pulled into the plot and it keeps you hooked. The writing is quite impressive and the plot threads are extremely well connected and the idea of how relationships can stand the test of time. Pankaj explores the idea of love and how the different aspects of love manifest in the relationships we have with people around us. The book also explores the idea of fate in a beautiful manner and how interconnectedness of life binds us all. The writing in the book is quite powerful and makes you think of how one impacts the people around us as well. What I loved about the book was that the author has left crumbs to the climax all through the book but only when you reach the end do the bits make sense and you get to see the whole picture. Pankaj’s mix of love, regret and forgiveness in this story make the entire reading experience a delight. Another aspect of his writing that shines through is the simplicity and honesty. As a writer, he stays true to the core storyline and slowly lets the story unfold as you live and breathe with his characters. The climax has been given its due and the author takes his time revealing the thread connecting his characters and the core idea of the story. The way he reveals how Smriti, Dr. Adarsh, Shobha, Savitri, and Mr. Sharma were connected is quite magical.

Coming to the characters, each of the primary character in the story has been written in painstaking detail. There are no loose ends that seem frivolous or unnecessary at any point. Each character that has been introduced is integral to the story. The author also does not waste time in describing our protagonists, but lets the scenes take over and you have a picture of them. The book is driven primarily through the interactions between the characters and each of the interaction gives you something to think about as you keep turning the pages.

This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone looking to read a story of love, regret and forgiveness, and one that is heartwarming, perfect for a winter evening to pair with a cup of hot chocolate. The book scores a perfect 5 from me.

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon India.

Embraces In Ink: Notes from the Soul-Manali Desai

Book: Embraces In Ink: Notes from the Soul
Author: Manali Desai
Publisher: Amazon Kindle

How would you define gratitude?

When was the last time you said 'thank you'? Be it to your parents, siblings, friends, the books that made you smile, the movies that made you laugh, or anyone and anything else? Was it today? Was it so long ago that you can't even remember? How often do you feel blessed or perceive a sense of gratitude for the simple joys that every day brings? We generally take the people around us for granted, failing to appreciate their contribution in our daily happiness. The same goes for things too; right from a sunny day during winters, to a rainy day after the long summers, or from the perfectly cooked dish, to the comfort of a quilt. The pages within, Embraces in Ink, make you look at these very things and people, by tapping into your feelings about them; emotions you may not even have realized you had for the smallest of gestures, words, and blessings, whether manmade or natural. Come, take this journey, where these, Notes from the Soul, will make you feel grateful towards life and everything that it has to offer.

Embraces In Ink is a wonderful collection of letters that explore how one can be grateful for the little things in life. The book is divided into 6 sections that explore gratitude to things, self, family, friend, everyone and walls. Each of the pieces included in this collection is a wonderfully written piece that forces to look within you and think of someone or something to thank. The writing is extremely relatable and as a reader, you are bound to find some pieces that resonate with yourself and that is what makes this book a great read. Manali also explores our dark sides as well when she writes letters to “Dear Aggravator” and “Dear Backstabber,” but in the same tone also addressing “Dear Artists” and “Dear Domestic Help.” This shows the spectrum in which she writes and that is evident throughout the book. “When Socials Become Anti Social” deserves a special mention because it is a mirror to what we have become today and how social media has become a part of our lives.

The book is an easy read, but in no way a simple read because the pieces help you look within you, focus, and explore facets of your life that have become hidden somewhere. The book also helps you identify the people and things that make our lives better and shows a path to being grateful for their existence and support. From the animate to the inanimate, the pieces have a life of their own and I am sure that some of them would find mention on your social media stories, or snaps or maybe snippets on your wall.

Overall, the book is a definite recommendation in case you like reading letters and poetry. The book scores a 4.94/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon Kindle.

The Blogchatter Book of Love-Multiple Authors

Book: The Blogchatter Book of Love
Author: Multiple Authors
Publisher: Readomania

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

What does the idea of love mean to you?

What if love isn't just a single, defined emotion? What if it's a spectrum of feelings that transcends borders and defies societal expectations? This is where the magic of romance lies, and our journey begins. A woman who had to leave her motherland behind but passes on the legacy to her granddaughter, a sister who has to prove her love and worth on an impossible mission to save their kingdom, a husband obsessed with his wife's dreams, a woman navigating motherhood in the times of AI, star-crossed lovers with love blossoming anew among books—be prepared to traverse different worlds in these pages. Love beyond marital ties, borders, acceptable gender norms, social structures, age, beyond distance, or the realms as we know them; dive into 18 stories from Blogchatter's community writers that celebrate the many hues of love and life.

The book is a collection of 18 stories that explore various aspects of love. Right from the love for self, or a pet, the stories cover a wide array of relationships and what can love mean to different people. Each story is well written and fits perfectly into the overarching theme. The stories are heartwarming and make you believe in love all over again. The community writers have explored some interesting concepts and the stories keep you hooked and into the book. Each of the stories have been written wonderfully, and I loved that no two stories were similar. The stories that stood out for me were One True Love, A Cry for Love, A Pawsome Love Story and Janmabhumischa. Each of these stories explore Love from a perspective that really made me smile. The other stories were also good, but somehow felt undercooked. While the emotions that they covered were nicely though of, the writing needed a bit more of editing.

Overall, the book is a nice collection of stories and the various ideas of love. The book scores a 4.25/5 from me.

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon India or your nearest bookstore.

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