Twilight’s Temptation (Shades of Night Book 2)-Shilpa Suraj

Book: Twilight’s Temptation (Shades of Night Book 2)
Author: Shilpa Suraj
Publisher: Amazon Kindle

Do you think opposites attract?

Twilight’s Temptation by Shilpa Suraj is the second book in the Shades of Night series that explores the story of Manav and Diana. Complicated, surly, and sexy, Manav Apte was probably the only photographer who resented his muse. From the day he’d seen her, there had been no other. Passionate, talented, and gorgeous, Diana Severes refused to give the temperamental ass behind the camera the satisfaction of knowing he got under her skin. Their dislike and distrust of each other is legendary in the fashion industry and yet, the sparks that fly when they come together for work are enough to light the sets on fire. Will the Golden Girl of India’s fashion scene be able to see beyond his hatred to the love he’s desperately trying to mask? And will the country’s most talented photographer realize that his true talent lies not in what he views through his lens but what he sees through the filter of his heart?

The story takes over from the first part where we explored the story of Dev and Avni, and in this book we move on to the second pair in the group, that is Manav and Diana. I loved how the two books are linked, yet it can be read as a standalone book. The storytelling is interesting, and it manages to keep the reader hooked through the journey that the characters take. I loved the way the author uses various methods to keep the story interesting, and I admire the wit and sarcasm that are a part of the story, and it is what keeps the plot moving. Another thing I liked about the story was that there is an undercurrent of tension that builds up the plot and brings the story to a close, and the climax is quite movie-like in the way it gets executed.

Coming to the characters, I loved the mirror image that Shilpa creates with Diana and Manav. With one of the pair as a confident, organized, and feisty one, and the other as a conscious and unorganized one, the comparison is hard to miss, and this becomes a wonderful plot point which propels the story forward. Another interesting thing about the characters is how, while focusing on the protagonists, the other characters are not ignored, and their stories are also touched upon.

Overall, this is a wonderful continuation of the series, and I loved the experience that the book gives. It scores a 4.69/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book here.

Dakhma-K Hari Kumar

Book: Dakhma
Author: K Hari Kumar
Publisher: HarperCollins India

Have you heard about a Dakhma?

Dakhma by K. Hari Kumar explores the story of Anahita and Varun, who move into an apartment in Malabar Hill, eager to begin their new life together. Unfortunately, nothing goes as expected and Anahita begins to witness things she cannot explain. After sunset, a presence makes itself known in a manner that leaves Anahita terrified - but determined to find answers. Her search leads to a window named Parizaad: a woman who was haunted by phenomena she believed to be linked to a tower of silence, or Dakhma, that is deeply affected by environmental changes. As Anahita wades further into the mystery around the life and death of Parizaad, she uncovers a devastating secret that threatens many lives.

There are horror stories, and then there are stories that send a chill down your spine, and Dakhma belongs to the second category. The book is a wonderful experience in storytelling and the art of writing a horror story that is chilling yet is devoid of the conventional bells and whistles. From the very first page, Hari manages to draw the reader in, and keeps them hooked till you turn the last page. The primary plot of the story has multiple threads that keep weaving a tale that has horror, politics, and a side of religion, and yet the endgame is surprising until the moment it comes up in the story. The language is simple, easy to understand, and is told in a gripping manner, that keeps the interest alive. Another interesting aspect that I noticed were the reality-adjacent events that help you visualize places and locations, and that adds a wonderful dimension to the story. The climax is excellent and the way the different elements come together to close this story (I hope), was a surprise and I was in awe in the way things changed.

Coming to the characters, the people who are a part of this story have been created in exquisite detail. When you turn the last page, you realize the amount of work the author would have had to do on the characters to create this complex web that connected so many of them, in so much detail. Anahita’s character is a deeply emotional character, one that has deep ties to the story, and I loved how Hari uses multiple events in her past to set up the character arc and at the same time talk about how trauma affects us. Mehr’s character was another surprise and the way she changes from a side character to a main one was interesting to read.

Overall, Dakhma is a story that I would urge you to read, even if you skirt away from the genre, for the brilliant storytelling and a lesson in how to hook a reader between the pages of a book. Be it the cover, the content, the story, the language, or the overall feeling of experiencing the story, the book hits a perfect score for me on all counts, and so it gets a 5/5 on the chart.

This review is a part of the Blogchatter Review Program. 

Get a copy of the book on Amazon India here.

The Rossogolla Murders-Debeshi Gooptu

Book: The Rossogolla Murders
Author: Debeshi Gooptu
Publisher: Amazon Kindle

What is the weirdest murder weapon you have come across?

The Rossogolla Murders by Debeshi Gooptu explores what happens when a retired judge drops dead at a swish party in Kolkata. The needle of suspicion points to Punjabi mirchi Dolly Luthra. Now it’s up to her friend, the strait-laced Mrinalini Sen, to don the detective’s hat and clear Dolly’s name. Easier said than done when bodies start piling up and there’s a crafty killer on the loose. Will the two be able to put their differences aside and solve the murders?

This story is a finely crafted murder mystery and Debeshi takes us through the lanes of Kolkata as she attempts to solve the mystery and clear her friend’s name. The storytelling is powerful, and the descriptions are vivid, creating a clear visual imagery of the events as they occur. She has taken some authentic items that are an integral part of the City of Joy and woven them into this murder mystery that would enthrall the fans of the genre. Using an unusual murder weapon, she creates a story that has an ending that no one could have expected. Another thing I liked about the book is how subtly she uses a social evil to be incorporated into the plot and how she does a social commentary on it. The climax is nicely crafted and brings a worthwhile end to the story.

Coming to the characters, I loved the diverse set of characters that make up the world in which the story takes place. Be it Dolly Luthra, or Mrinalini Sen, each of the character gets their 15 minutes of fame. The characters have been given certain quirks that make them memorable, be it Mrs. Luthra’s spelling errors or Mrinalini’s steadfastness, I loved how their mannerisms have been depicted and made a part of the story.

A special mention to her for exploring the nook and crannies of Kolkata, and to bring to us the various cuisines that find themselves at home in Kolkata. From the Chinese food at Chinatown and Tangra, to the small sweet shops dotting across the city, I loved how Debeshi brings them to the fore.

Overall, a wonderful story that I would recommend for it is a delight for anyone who loves a good whodunnit. The book gets a 4.69/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon here.

Avishi: Warrior Queen from the Rig Veda- Saiswaroopa Iyer

Book: Avishi: Warrior Queen from the Rig Veda
Author: Saiswaroopa Iyer
Publisher: Bloomsbury India

Is there an unknown character from the epics that has caught your attention?

Avishi: Warrior Queen from the Rig Veda by Saiswaroopa Iyer explores the story of a relatively less known character. Brought up in the pristine forest school of Naimisha, Avishi reaches the republic of Ashtagani in search of her destiny. When Khela, the oppressive king of the neighboring Vrishabhavati, begins to overwhelm and invade Ashtagani, Avishi rises to protect her settlement but at a high cost. Separated from her love, her settlement broken, with a brutal injury needing an amputation of her leg, what can Avishi do to save herself? Will her disability let her continue to be the warrior that she was? Can she fight Khela and save everything dear to her?

The book is an excellent recollection of the story of a character from the epics that is not mentioned in detail. A very well researched story, the author has used her storytelling skills to fill in the gaps nicely to create a seamless narrative. The story of the coming of age of a warrior who overcomes the hurdles of the society, and physical constraints to rise to the occasion is told in an engaging manner. The plot moves smoothly and presents with the reader with a storyline that amazes with its simplicity yet there is a subtle complexity to the story as it is told. Saiswaroopa’s way of highlighting aspects of a story that stay with you until the very end. Secondly, the research that has gone into the story is evident and while it is primarily a fictional story, the mythological references are well woven into the plot. The climax, I felt, could have been better sketched, specially with the point she wants to put across. Another thing that didn’t work for me was that the story felt long and there were parts that seemed to be a bit stretched out, and personally, I think that a shorter version of events could have worked in some places.

The characters in the story are well crafted, and despite having diverse set of characters, the focus is not just on the titular character, but also on the other characters which have a direct bearing on the actions of that character. Be it Gautam, or Jatila, or Satya, each of them get their time in the plot and the character arc is nicely developed. Another interesting aspect of the character development in the story is that while she takes the inspiration from the epics, she gives them her personal touch to make them an authentic part of the plot.

Overall, the impression that the book gives that it is a very well researched story of a woman who braves all odds to rise to the occasion. The book scores a 4.25/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon here.

His Accidental Princess (The Royal Guard #1)-Kyra Seth

Book: His Accidental Princess (The Royal Guard #1)
Author: Kyra Seth
Publisher: Self Published

Do you like reading sweet & spicy romance stories?

His Accidental Princess (The Royal Guard-1) by Kyra Seth is the story of Sona, who was abandoned as a baby & raised in an orphanage, and of Maj. Samar Deshmukh, who wants redemption and a chance to break free of the memories that still hold him prisoner. Sona believes that her life can’t get worse than it already is. And then, she discovers that she is the long-lost princess of Nagaur. Which would be a good thing, if not for the fact that someone is trying to kill her. In this incomprehensible world of snooty royals and their stuffy protocol, Samar is Sona’s only link to reality. And safety. But when she falls head over heels in lust with the surly ex-commando, she realizes that a threat to her life might be the least of her problems. Can Sona ever find happiness with a man who refuses to love her for fear of losing her? This is an exciting, passionate and funny royal bodyguard romance about love and redemption.

The story has a wonderful storyline in the terms that the author is absolutely clear about the path she wants her characters to take. The plot is neatly defined, and the storyline moves with a constant pace, which makes it a comfortable read. Kyra’s writing is a mix of literary sense and a liberal sprinkle of sarcasm that makes you laugh and cry at the same time. From the very first page, the reader is sucked into the world that she creates and believe me, it is a world that has flying food and badly aimed bullets (more than once!). The story is told from alternating viewpoints of Samar and Sona, and as a writer, she manages to bring out the vulnerabilities of each of the characters that drives the story. Another positive about the book is that the love story of the characters is electric as well as subtle, and I loved how the sexual and romantic tension between our protagonists is explored through fleeting moments. The language of the book is simple, and easy to understand. The thing that stood out for me is the element of humour that Kyra effortlessly builds into the story. The climax, though, could have been a bit better as I felt it was a bit rushed and the suspense that was building up came out all of a sudden, but that does not take away the overall impression of the story.

Coming to the characters, Samar and Sona have been sketched nicely, with enough information provided as to understand the reasons behind their actions throughout the story. Sona’s character development and character quirks are nicely written, and the same holds true for Samar. A special mention to Jim Jam and his theatrics that kept the moments interesting. I would have loved a bit more information about the Royal Family and the reasons for their actions, which would have added a nice layer to the plot.

Overall, a book I would recommend if you love reading good, old romance, with a side of a suspense story. The book scores a 4.88/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon Kindle here.

Lahore (The Partition Trilogy-1)-Manreet Sodhi Someshwar

Book: Lahore (The Partition Trilogy-1)
Author: Manreet Sodhi Someshwar
Publisher: HarperCollins India

Have you heard stories of the partition through your family?

Lahore (The Partition Trilogy-1) by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar is set in the months leading up to Independence. In Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel are engaged in deliberations with British Viceroy Dickie Mountbatten over the fate of the country. In Lahore, Sepoy Malik returns home from the Great War hoping to win his sweetheart Tara's hand in marriage, only to find divide-and-rule holding sway, and love, friendships, and familial bonds being tested. Set in parallel threads across these two cities, Lahore is a behind-the-scenes look into the negotiations and the political skullduggery that gave India its freedom, the price for which was batwara. As the men make the decisions and wield the swords, the women bear the brunt of the carnage that tears through India in the sticky hot months of its cruelest summer ever. Backed by astute research, The Partition Trilogy captures the frenzy of Indian independence, the Partition, and the accession of the states, and takes readers back to a time of great upheaval and churn.

The partition of India in 1947 is something that has affected a lot of families and even after 75 years, the wounds are still fresh in the minds of the people who experienced the horrors. This book explores the events that take place since the arrival of Lord Mountbatten up until a month after the independence day. I loved how using two parallel storylines in Delhi and Lahore, Manreet compares and contrasts the mindsets of the people in the two sets-one driving the partition, and the second being affected. The scenes are compelling and the thing that drives the story are the vivid and detailed descriptions, of both the scenes and the emotions. The language that she uses to build up the narrative, incorporating the local words and interweaving them with the main plot was something that did amaze me. It brought to the book a sense of ownership, a feeling that broke the walls and humanized the characters. As a masterful storyteller, her description of the pain and the sufferings of the people as they crossed the border in the second part of the book, helps you visualize and empathize with the events. Ending the book, the way it does, make you want to move on to the second book quickly.

The characters in the book are drawn from History, at least some of them, and while the book is classified as fiction, I am amazed by the level of research that must have gone into to create the people we see in the story. Be it Nehruji, or Vallabh Bhai Patel, or for that matter Lord Mountbatten and his family, each of them has an individualistic identity, one that makes them stand apart and the attention to detail is uncanny with cigarette brands and character quips being built up into the plot. Due attention is given to each characters’ mindset and their discussions with others and with themselves to set their characters.

Overall, a book I would recommend to anyone who wants to read about the partition and loves to read historical fiction that enthralls. The book scores a 4.81/5 for me.

This review is powered by the Blogchatter Review Program.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon here.

Cold Cock-Mukul Ranjan

Book: Cold Cock
Author: Mukul Ranjan
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing

Do you think show business is competitive?

Cold Cock by Mukul Ranjan is set in the world of television channels where Ashwin, a software engineer, comes to the unpredictable reality when he joins a fledgling Bhojpuri channel, Birha, but Mynah, a supervising producer in the channel is like a designer label. Birha’s office has quirky and eccentric people leading the organisation. One flip flop after another, conflicting ideas of leadership, ego hassles, cat fights, leg pulling amongst the various employees puts a. Question mark about Birha’s launch. This office is a heaven for bumbling idiots. People are hired here not just for their talents but for their extraneous abilities too. A hilarious story spiked by some unusual dramatic moments keep unfolding. What happens when all this comes together?

The premise of the book is interesting as Mukul puts a series of situations that make you feel a variety of emotions. The storytelling is easygoing and linear, and the overall impression is that of a set of a complex plot. Mukul has used the technicalities of starting a new channel, combined with the complexities of an office romance and the corporate competition. A good aspect of the book is that the book has a graph that goes up and down, keeping the interest in the story alive. Another interesting aspect is that the author has used a lot of elements that use most of the characters and provide a nice flavor to the story. The thing that didn’t work for me in the book was that some of the scenes in the book seemed to miss a link and the situations seemed to haphazardly happen, and a few of them felt unrealistic.

Coming to the characters, the story is focused on the life of Ashwin and how he copes with the things unfolding in front of him. His character is nicely sketched, and I loved how his actions drive the plot. Mynah’s character is something I would have loved to see explored a bit more, and her mood swings were something I would have liked a background on.

Overall, a book is a nice read, but a second round of edits could have been helpful. The book scores a 3.75/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon here.