The old man and the Nymph by Vipin Behari Goyal: a review

The old man and the Nymph, the cover and the title itself say it all. A terrific blend of colour and lust brings forth a wonderful cover which is the main attracting feature of the book.


On the back cover- Four Nymphs incarnated as four beautiful nubile girls who are full of passion, enter the life of the old man, Colonel. They love to laugh, dance and find it extraordinarily funny to break the rules of the mortal society. The old man tries to entice each one of them to satisfy his carnal desires. One of them escapes the Colonel and disappears into the underworld. What happens when the rest of the three meet the Colonel under the same roof? Who would escape and who would surrender? A strange story of Nymphs of Greek Mythology set in India...


First of all, I would like to applause the writer, Vipin Behari Goyal for such a wonderful thought. Coming to the plot, I loved the way it was described and narrated. At every point of the story any reader could feel connected to the story.


The introduction to all the characters was wonderfully done. Every scene, every moment was well described. I, personally, loved the character of Melissa and I could connect to her more easily. At one point of time, though I felt one or two scenes were exaggerated a bit and a bit shortened would've been a better read.


As far as the writing is considered, at the end, the writer couldn't keep the flow on through his narrating but the beauty of the plot and the urge to know more can make any reader forget the flaws. After this book, certainly I am waiting for many more such books to come from the writer and would like to give this book 3.75 out of 5.

Mother By Priyanka Bansal

This time…I will choose. Who are they to choose every time? And for everyone. I will have to do it. Once a lesson should be taught to them from someone whom they least expect. This time they will have to beg in front of GOD. But, I will play safe. I won’t let them have a hint of what I am planning.

My elder sisters played the whole day and did nothing. They broke the broom while playing, splashed water at each other while cleaning the bathroom, made noise while cleaning the utensils and spilled water all over the floor while sweeping it. My sisters were beaten up for doing nothing. Bloody idiots, how much work they expect from my sisters. I will take revenge. Idiots think that no one is watching them, but they had no idea, I was.  They will cry like never before. I will make them cry. And this is a promise.

My mother is also keeping unwell. She looks so weak. Has swollen feet and high BP. She eats less and pukes more. Keeps praying and crying .There is nobody to take care of her, instead she alone has to take care of my 3 elder sisters.

One day she was cooking in haste as she had an appointment with the doctor. My father had returned from his work and was pretty angry for some cause. He, for no reason started beating my mother. Two, Four, six……numerous slaps, he did not stop until my mother fainted. It hurt me badly.

After all, I was in her womb. And I am seven month old.

 But the doctor said all is well. My mother was perfectly fine. She has to continue with her old medicines and of course the daily household work. And she did it perfectly without complains. No one bothered for my mother, in pain. This was the time I had to take a decision, to be or not to be a part of this family. I decided, no, I cannot afford to be in such a bad state.

 So, by giving excruciating pain to my mother, I said goodbye to everyone and her 7 month old womb was no more.

My decision to do this was definitely painful for mother. But before doing this; I had a conversation with her.

‘Why do you bear this mamma and why does father behave like that with you?’I asked her

‘What can I do my baby? This is a male dominated society and your father always wanted a son, which I could not give. So, I am treated like this.’ she said

‘Ok mamma, I get it. So you mean if you give birth to a boy this time, he will treat you properly? Are you sure of it?’

‘May be, but I am not sure of it. Being treated so badly is my destiny now.’ She was crying ‘And this time also, I know, you are a little angel not a boy.’

‘So mamma; you are saying if I come, you will again be beaten up, and I also will have to work day and night like my sisters?’

‘My little angel, I promise, I will lay my life for you when you come in this world. But I cannot say about others. Every day you see your sisters working so hard. Will you be able to do this? Are you ready for all this, both before and after marriage? I leave up to you. I will be with you in your decision.’ She said

After thinking for a few hours I told her, ‘mamma, I don’t want such a life. What should I do?’

‘Just close your eyes and go in a deep sleep, rest I will handle.’ Mother replied

‘But mamma, this will give you immense pain, will you be able to bear it?’I asked.

‘Yes my angel, I will. Because the pain that I will have to face, watching you working and beaten up, will be more than this one.’ she took a deep breath.

And so, with our mutual consent, I closed my eyes and we both were happy.

My father came, pulled her up, saw her condition and then pushed her back against the wall. He was crying like a looser, a beggar as he had purchased everything in blue but my mother kept smiling even after being in so much pain.

My father pushed her along the wall and started begging again in front of GOD.

Author Info- Priyanka Bansal, an eminent Internationally Published Poetess (for the Brain’s Anthology of Winter Collection), a social activist, an Organ Donor, loves to write for a cause! Her faith In “HIM”, she believes, has brought her to what she is now. priyankaagraw@gmail.com is where you can contact her. An interstate Basket Ball player and a trained Kathak Dancer, her motto in life is to be positive and headstrong.

A Night in Paradise by Kumar Kaustubh and Abhinav Kr. Pandey: a review

The tagline perfectly describes the book “shades of 12 beautiful love sagas”. The cover also depicts how a night in paradise is, can also be termed as one of the plus points of the book. The foreword by Dipen Ambalia also adds as the cherry on the cake.

As per the back cover- Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle; love is the essence of war... Starts on ground level and ends with a lot of cherishable memories creating a PARADISE!! “Do you think you will go to heaven after death?” Majority of people would answer as, “I hope so” or “I think so” or perhaps “I think I have a good chance.” Not many people would answer this question in negative. But you’re wrong about your perception of heaven. And you’re going to be wrong after a long, long time. Heaven does not arrive after death. It’s always there, around you, in fact it is everywhere. You just need to have eyes to see and senses to feel the beauty and bliss around you; and that is where you will find heaven too. Heaven is where True Love dwells. It’s a throne with lingering fragrances, angels surrounding it and gracing it with their presence giving you an everlasting feeling fo being loved. A Night In Paradise is a collection of 12 such stories from budding and aspiring authors who have added different strokes of talks to help you get a glimpse of paradise and take you to heavenly Nights.

Now, turning to the first story of the anthology; Just a Dream by Nehali Lalwani and Radhika Harlalka. The pain of one sided love, the longing, the desire is the best thing about the story. However, I was not much satisfied with the narrating style. The USP of the story was its poem at the end and I congratulate the writers for the same.

Next up is, Only for you by Neoni D’Souza and Neha Gupta. A college romance turning into lifetime. Friendship to life long relationship. This story is all about love, friendship and obsession. I, personally Loved the way the writers have described the storyline which keeps any reader hooked to the end.

Ila Garg’s Comfortably Numb is the story of Mishka and Kishlay. This is one story which I find inspiring. The power of love and the truthfulness is what the story shows. Through, I feel the writer could’ve played more with her words and imagination in the story still I like the story very much.

Next is A Journey from I to US by Shrutee Pareikh. The name itself is very beautiful and can inspire any reader to read the story of Kiya and Moksh. The heart whelming tale of Kiya and Moksh can surely attract readers but the only hitch is that it needs proper editing. A proper edited one would’ve been a show stealer.

Kumar Kaustubh’s Light of Love, the story of two school kids Karan and Vandana is next on the list. The innocent yet forever live is something the story speaks of. Another round of editing and a more revised plot would’ve done the trick for the writer in this story.

Vaibhav Varun’s A Me in me is undoubtedly the most mature story of the whole anthology. I loved the way the writer has presented the whole story and described it. It is a must read in the anthology.

After reading Ayeesha Adhikari’s Eternal Love, I know what love is. At times though the story seems a bit known but no one could’ve wondered what’s going to happen in the end. Bringing tears in my eyes, the story is also a must read.

Christmas Eve by Prashant Rai had surely brought a ray of hope in everyone’s eyes. The love of Ryan and Ayushee and of course a sister’s incomparable love for her sister is something the story tells the readers. I, personally, loved the narrating style o the writer ignoring the few errors the story had.

Next up is Ishani Malhotra’s City Lights. The love of a husband and wife is well retained in the book. I particularly liked the way the writer has narrated the whole story. Looking forward to read more such emotionally filled write-ups from the writer soon.

Till Eternity ends by Khushi gupta is something I loved about the book. The description style and the way its written is something that made me fall for the story, when I read it first. Love has an all new meaning with this story.

Brinda Tailor’s And then I realised her love for me teaches us a very important lesson of life. One should always be with the person who loves you to be happy and that’s the best part of the story along with the fresh description style.

Love Undefined by Abhinav Kr Pandey is next. A narrating style can change the story altogether. This was just a proverb for me till the time I read this story. The wonderful description style has changed the whole feeling of the story and I loved it.

All in all the entire anthology was a feel good anthology and the song at the end of the book leaves all its readers with a smile on their faces. Every story had its own essence in the anthology making it truly a night in paradise. For this successful attempt, I would like to rate this book a 3.5 out of 5.

Maharaja in Denims by Khushwant Singh: a review

The color combination of Yellow ocher and Black, along with the eye grabbing font style and good-to-feel paper quality adds to the glamour of the Maharaja in Denims. Yes, that’s the name of Khushwant Singh’s third book, Maharaja in Denims. The Royal Sword, the Shawl and The Jooti’s along with The Denim is surely the perfect combination one could ever think of and has suited the title to its best.

According to the back cover- Chandigarh: a modern city with all the trappings of the uber-rich – snazzy SUVs, glitzy homes and fast-paced, decadent lifestyles. Hari and Suzanne: a young, lusty, college-going couple. While living the life of a normal teenager, Hari starts getting flashes of his past life – which tell him he’s an incarnation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the mighty founder of the Sikh empire two hundred years ago. And when Suzanne attempts to decode Hari’s past life through regression, their lives change forever as many shocking past lives are discovered! Interwoven throughout the unfolding of Hari and Suzanne’s present-day story are vignettes of Ranjit Singh’s life and loves, valour and conquest. When Suzanne helps Hari uncover the secrets of his past life, they stumble upon people and incidents that link the present day to the turbulent and disturbing history of Punjab. The intense story moves to England and then to Mumbai, with an astonishing revelation at the end, which is set in the future and yet, has a deep historical resonance. A modern tale, Maharaja in Denims is moving, bold and racy.

I might not be wrong if I say that this book is a tribute to the Lion of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Though, while I take Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s name maybe the youth of today’s time won’t pick up this book thinking it to be boring! But, the make love scene and the connection to the present world throughout the book surely shows that the book is written for all age groups and everyone would equally love it.

I would like to call this book a very compact book. While I say compact, I mean, this book has very limited characters but it leaves a very strong impact on its readers! The extensive research done on the characters and content reflects in the book and I loved the way how the writer has even credited the references throughout.

The concept of Reincarnation took a very new and sharp turn with this book giving it a realistic feel! The facts about past life and future life therapy like regression and progression has been very well shown in the book. Along with that, the readers get the chance to divulge into the history and life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in depth.

The narrative style and the usage of words were a treat to the reader’s eyes! The characters of Hari and Suzanne were very well portrayed along with the relationship they share. Creating a youthful yet strong character, Hari to raise the youth from its slumber has done the correct job!

At only a few places, I felt that the book divulged more into the details of Maharaja Ranjit Singh which were a bit unnecessary. Other than that, the double plus quotient of the book was its unexpected ending.

Trust me when I say this but when the book was approaching its end, I felt sad and didn't want the book to end. The ending of the book is sure to leave any reader teary eyed! Waiting to read more of the writer and especially more on the topics the writer touched in the book, I would rate it a 4.75 out of 5.

The closed door by Priyanka Bansal

Her doors hardly opened. The bell also remained on the silent mode. There was a hidden eye hole on her door to see who was on the door. Be it anybody and no matter how many times someone banged the door, she won’t open. If once or twice the door opened, it was always a male member that would come out. I am sure of a lady being inside, as sometimes I heard someone working on utensils. I used to try a lot to peep in, out of anxiety but could see nothing. But, I could hear fights, numerous fights and someone crying. I could make out that this is definitely a case of bad marriage. Since that day, the eagerness to know about that house multiplied.

I hardly saw her husband going out or even if he went, it was only for a couple of hours.

One day the door opened and I saw a beautiful woman standing in her gallery. She was very well dressed and from her elegant suit not even an inch of skin was visible. I tried to talk to her but suddenly she ran away inside and I stood there- puzzled. Then I saw her husband coming back from work.

I moved back.

Suddenly some harsh voices started coming from the house together with door banging, pushing tables, falling utensils, I was terrified.

The rest of the day there was complete pin drop silence in their house.

Few days later, I again saw her standing in her gallery. This time she stood there for hours without any fear. I kept on staring at her and tried to read her face. There were so many questions on her face. I could not stop myself and just banged the door to have a word with her.

She cheerfully greeted me. After a few chat regarding the house, the family, I came to the point and asked would she mind me asking a few personal questions.

Even before I started, she had tears in her eyes. As I kept my hand on her shoulder, she broke down and cried bitterly. I came closer to her to wipe her tears and was unable to put my eyes off her beautiful face. She was a gorgeous girl.

Suddenly, I realized she was a top model and I used to watch her in fashion shows.

Gathering herself and wiping the tears , she said that her husband did not like her modeling and so does not allow her to move out or even be in public .He is afraid if someone recognizes her, they will ask her to join back, which he won’t allow. She continued. They came to this place as no one knows her here. She kept on saying and wiping tears. She did not notice that her sleeves were fully drenched in tears and now I could see the blue marks all over her arms. Without her notice, I tried to gaze through her cotton kurta and could see marks all over. Some had faded and some were really fresh. She saw me noticing and tried hard to hide but could not.

There were so many.

She continued and said her husband works as a photographer and clicks for some of the most prestigious brand models. But he never allows his friends to come to his house. His friends don’t even know that his wife was a top model once. He never takes her out or even allows her to go out as he does not want her to be noticed.

 She continued saying as if from years she was waiting for someone with whom she could share her pain. She didn't even do the formality of asking tea or coffee. It was almost 3 hours that she was speaking. Suddenly she realized the situation and asked for water but I was getting late for my houses hold work so I declined. I promised to see her tomorrow if she was free. She agreed and said yes, we could talk as her husband was out of the city for some assignment.

The next day she looked a little better, may be because so much that was  stored within her had come out. As soon as she saw me, her first statement was not to tell anybody about this and she shared to me all this as a neighbor.

I thought that it was the right time to tell her my profession.

I told her, “No darling don’t you fear. I am not going to tell this to a single person, but let the whole world know about this”

She looked like a sheep ready to be butchered and shivered with fear, literally begged.

I told her I was a criminal lawyer and the moment I came back from her house yesterday, I had been preparing notes on her marriage, a bad marriage.

She said that I didn't know her husband. He was a very shrewd person and keeps calling every 1 hour on the land line phone just to check if she is at home or not.

As soon as she completed the statement her phone rang. The other side accurately shouted and said that it was the third ring where was she.

She shivered. ‘Umm…nothing nothing.’

The phone was banged from the other side, without a word.

She told me that I should please leave and that we would never talk in front of him.

I tried to explain her that instead of being afraid of him, she should teach him a lesson and show him that she is not weak. She is tough enough to take a stand for herself. And that, if she is not wrong, she should not be in a cage but instead he should be behind bars.

She looked puzzled but she also wanted to do this. She was ready. Now we both were on for this mission. She was also confident, because she knew that she had a lawyer with her.

We both hid spy cameras in her house and I told her, now everything that he does will be recorded. We will take that tape to the police station and he will be arrested.

The next day, as expected, he came and started slapping, abusing, pushing her and asked what was going in her mind.

He had no idea at all everything was being recorded.

I was feeling very restless to wait in my house and so after about 1 hour, I rang the door bell.

As usual he came out. As soon as he opened the door, the constable with me pushed him inside and I took care of the badly bleeding girl.

Before he could understand what happened I took out the spy cam from under the bed and planted a confident smile on my face. She too did a great act of bravery that day. She gathered all her courage and gave a tight kick in his stomach, a tight slap on his face and a knock down punch on his face.

‘Now you will know, how it feels ’. She laughed loud with tears rolling down.

 

He was arrested and finally put behind bars.

Author Info- "Priyanka Bansal, an eminent Internationally Published Poetess (for the Brain’s Anthology of Winter Collection), a social activist, an Organ Donor, loves to write for a cause! Her faith In “HIM”, she believes, has brought her to what she is now. priyankaagraw@gmail.com is where you can contact her. An interstate Basket Ball player and a trained Kathak Dancer, her motto in life is to be positive and headstrong."

"Writing is my orgasm" - says Abhishek Leela Pandey in a chat with Vanya's Notebook

The readership market gleaming with Mythology based books and different kind of viewpoints of the existence of God doing the rounds; here I take the opportunity to interact with the author of Brahma Trilogy, Abhishek Leela Pandey. A renowned Mathematician, Philanthropist and an Indian writer, Abhishek is also associated with a NGO. In his own words, “Writing is my orgasm- The Pleasure one gets while having sex, even better, reaching the climax, deserves no worth, is no match, to the satisfaction I get while writing. So yes, Writing is my Orgasm”; with this statement from the writer himself, here’s his journey from being a small 12 year old kid who just scribbles to a 27year old soon to be published writer!

Vanya’s Notebook: So to begin with, how did the idea of Brahma Trilogy come to your mind?

Abhishek--- I belong to the lineage is that of Rishi Ved Vyas. In our family, we normally discuss about mythological stuff, thanks to my parents and grandparents. Hindus have a concept of trinity- innovation, preservation and annihilation... Brahma, the creative force was always neglected! I was surprised to know there is just one temple in Pushkar of Lord Brahma and they don’t worship regularly there... This stuck my mind! I needed a proof. I started reading. After a year I had finished the 4Vedas and 18 Puranas. Brahma was mentioned but nothing was clear about him and whatever little was there, was in a coded form! Only if you read between the words you get to know why he was getting neglected. The story is so vast that I knew it won’t fit in one book and now I doubt that it won’t fit in three books also!

Vanya’s Notebook: Having gone through the teaser update you made on the facebook page of your book a few days back, the book surely shows the signs of a flurry of emotions and revelations! If given a chance, how would you describe your book in a few lines?

Abhishek--- My book is not totally based on mythology, it is an anthropological book and it’s a revelation that is being hidden throughout. I have used the concept of Human evolution! Also, I have tried to focus on a society where the economy would be based on intellectualism.

Vanya’s Notebook: After the massive success of Amish’s Shiva Trilogy, every other reader has started reading Mythology and the worst part is that they start comparing the work with Amish’s. In such a market condition, didn’t it ever occur to you how will the readership base treat the Brahma Trilogy?

Abhishek---I write for myself! For serving the literature... I would, like any other writer, like if my book is a bestseller. It’s not about comparing with Amish. I have just written a book and let’s see what happens. The distributors have given a report and they have a statistical analysis that my book would sell around 50,000 to 1, 00,000 copies in the first edition itself.

Vanya’s Notebook: You are a well known mathematician, did being a mathematician help in any ways in coming to or proving the conclusion of any research needed for this book?

Abhishek--- Yes! Mathematics is a philosophical subject, a language of God in which he tries to define and create everything. Physics, Chemistry Biology, History, Geography and even literature and language subjects, they all have mathematical implications and in life they have a database that needs maths. In this book there are ancient maps, so, to study their authenticity or their geographical location, I needed maths! To calculate the accurate geo plate, I needed maths. I made a few points which were mathematically related. The book talks about a very secretive language of maths.

Vanya’s Notebook: I also have heard that there was a legal case on the content of the book; can you enlighten us the insights?

Abhishek--- I had sent my manuscript, a raw script to an organisation. The book talks about mythology but the thing was they found it offensive because 1)  I have shown God to be involved in lot of shrewd politics, violence and sex 2) I have used some words that are offensive/abusive and I have tried to expose the dark side of society where Brahmins and Kshatria were involved in an outrage. The priests who were supposed to be Brhamacharya were not doing so. I have shown the animal nature of humans, Brahmins to be precise because they are supposed to be one of the purest people 3) I have proved that God doesn’t exist by a hypothesis.Brahma wanted to teach everything to everybody, he was a man but due to failing logics of human beings, they were unable to grasp everything. So, Brahma created a concept based on fear and instilled the fear in human mind, utilised it to his benefit and finally conceptualised it as God! Nonetheless, I was able to prove all my points to the organisation and the court and I won the case!

Vanya’s Notebook: How does it feel to be a published writer?

Abhishek--- Umm... Actually, I had been rejected a lot many times. So I have become more of a stoic. Started writing when I was 12 and by the time I was 19 I had the urge of becoming professional. Now, I am 27. From 8 years I have been rejected! Two of my novels have been rejected already owing to the fact that they were controversial. Though, after facing loads of rejections, the feeling has subsided a bit but the feeling that writing gives me is still the same as it used to give me when I was 12!

Vanya’s Notebook: As I can see, you surely will be one of the most controversial and talked about writers in India.

Abhishek--- Truth has two forms- enlightening and disappointing. But humans have a tendency to get disappointed easily. Therefore they may feel I write controversial but I want to say again, I just write the truth and nothing else. I don’t want to be stereotyped!

Vanya’s Notebook: I guess I have bored you too much. So, before concluding the interview I would like to request you to write a few words for Abhishek! And of course to your readers!

Abhishek--- Not exactly. Your blog is too good to look at. Keep doing this great work of glorifying literature. Love! Readers if there are any, love you too.

We had a great time interacting with you too... Hope you had a great time interacting with Vanya’s Notebook. Wish you loads of luck for this trilogy and many more to come

Talking to the man who took it upon himself to show the world what Brahma is has been a wonderful experience for Vanya’s Notebook. We are humbled to share with our readers what the author of Brahma Trilogy is.

Embers of Light by Abhi: a review

When I first saw the book and knowing that it was a fantasy fiction, Embers of Light and the Sacred Secret (Part 1) of the Embers of Light trilogy; I felt a pang of mystery going down my spine and it was then that I knew that I had to read this anyhow.

On the back cover it was written- It is best when some secrets remain hidden and some stories untold. But is destiny too kind to let this be? A strange Y-Shaped symbol in the sky terrifies the mysterious, alien race living secretly on Earth for centuries, and changes forever the fate of five human beings; a Brazilian street fighter, an American cop, a Chinese Karate instructor, a Russian environmentalist and an Indian ad maker. Meanwhile, a geek in NYC is amazed to see his dreams grow more and more bizarre each day and meets an angel who isn’t conventional in any way. This is the story of how their destinies intervene.They could have had heaven but they did not take it. The demons were against them and so were angels but that did not scare them. Destiny had already ruled against them but they chose to rebel. Embers of Light is the story of five ordinary humans who chose the path of light over and above everything else.

The strange Y-shaped symbol in the sky has been the biggest attraction for me, as a reader to the                 book. This kind of genres, fantasy fiction to be precise, is not my forte but after reading this               book I certainly feel like reading more of this genre and not only this genre, but also am                     eagerly waiting for the rest of the books in the trilogy.

Written by debutant author Abhishek Gupta aka Abhi, this fresh narrating style is a feel good for every reader. The way the characters are introduced and the flow of the story commences makes every reader crave for the ending.

It surely has all the features necessary for a good book and it goes without saying that it can keep any reader hooked till the last or at least till the secret is revealed. The wonderful description style has the capability of making the reader flow with the content of the book.

It makes the reader go “waaaooo....” “oh noo...” “sshhiitt... nooo...” “yeesss” all in just a single turn of a page. Giving it all the needed spices and condiments, the book comes out to be one perfect recipe for the readers’ taste buds.

But, along with so many positive points of the book, there are a few grammatical and spelling errors in the process but the flow of the book certainly makes the reader forget the errors. The ending with the special teaser of the second book in the trilogy makes the readers more interested in reading happens next. I would love to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 and keep my fingers crossed for the second book to come!

Ebbs and Flows by Amitava Chaudhuri: a review

A simple yet bold cover; very unlike the colorful ones every book has nowadays, Ebbs & Flows by Amitava Chaudhuri stands out among the lot. It is a collection of short stories by the author himself portraying what life is about.

On the back cover- Imagine. A person you have wronged years ago suddenly returns to haunt your life or-you are faced with a situation where fate challenges you to dare to follow the lofty things you had so openly preached. Or- a man who shamelessly boasts of his achievements suddenly finds his lie turning into a beautiful reality. Or- you discover a rather sinister side of the person you had secretly worshiped. These situations can be faced by any of us. Correction- probably by none of us. That is because we are common people, destined to lead an ordinary life. However, no power in the world can stop even the most common of common men from imagining. The answer to these imaginations is a tide of emotions-some joyful, some slightly depressing. But then, that is life- ebbs and flows of emotion.

With every story of his, in this book, the author very powerfully narrates the ebbs and flows of emotions that every common man or maybe no common man faces in life. Every story is written in its own way, teaching us something or the other at the end of the story.

Every common man has one power which they utilize and it is proved in this book. The power of imagination. The writer, in this collection of short stories has very well used the power of imagination to teach something or the other to all kinds of readers who reads the book.

Coming to the drawbacks of the book, I , personally couldn't find any other than the fact that there shouldv'e been more stories added in the book. After reading one story after another, every reader wants to read more from the writer and thus, a few more stories would've complimented the book very well, adding to the merit of the book.

The writing style was very simple and straight forward or rather to the point which made the book an overall interesting read. Wishing the author best of luck, I would like to rate this book a 4 out of 5.

Baramulla Bomber by Clark Prasad: a review

The Svastik Trilogy- Eka by Clark Prasad is one book I loved by the first look at its cover. The eyes on the cover can attract any reader to itself and can keep any reader glued to it.

On the back cover- An Ancient weapon from the Vedas and Bible Once Hunted by the Nazis Powered by the Sound of the Universe reborn with the help of Quantum Physic Going to be Unleashed onto the world and Kashmir Hold it’s Secret. The only way- Multiple intelligence agencies are tracking Mansur Haider, a god-fearing aspiring cricketer from Kashmir. His girlfriend, Aahana Yajurvedi, is trying to locate her missing mountaineering team, which vanished after a mysterious earthquake struck Shaksgam valley. Investigating Mansur and the Shaksgam valley incident is Swedish intelligence officer, Adolf Silfverskiold, whose only relationship to god consists of escorting his girlfriend to Church. To save the world- A dual China-Pakistan battlefront Scenario facing the Indian Home Minister, Agastya Rathore, whose ancestors carry a prehistoric secret linked to the stars. He is faced with the challenge of finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir crisis. Is to challenge one’s faith- Which Biblical Weapon was Tested in Shaksgam valley? Why is Mansur Haider Importent? Is there a solution to the Kashmir crisis? Can Destiny be controlled? Does a Cosmic Religion Exist?

The book Baramulla Bomber by Clark Prasad is an interesting fiction where Science marries history and Religion, and the results could be devastating. The story is a journey of an ancient secret that travels from the age of Vedas, Bible to the reign of Nazis and is now all set to create a new terror.

The book is an interesting read for the science fiction lovers. However, the uniqueness in narration may attract readers of other genres as well. The events take place in various locations, yet the author manages to connect them aptly so that they can give a good climax and a great ending to the story.

A story that is more than just a science or a thriller and surprises its reader’s page after page. Illustrations and the facts or fiction page makes it a more interesting read. It gave me goosebumps while reading just the fact that it needed to be a bit more compact. I would love to give it 4 out of 5.

P.S. - This review is a part of Reader Cosmos book review program.

Impulse by Reekrit Serai: a review

The bold yellow and white colour and the glasses on the top (hearts and heart break in each lens), well yes! This is one catchy yet bold combination for a book. Praises from top authors, journalists made me pick up the book at the first sight and this is how I started Impulse by Reekrit Serai.

An amalgamation of 18 short stories by Reekrit Serai teaches its readers what India is all about.  Quoting the verses, teachings from the holy book, teachings of Babaji; the author makes it a point to teach something or the other with every story he has written.

Crisp and to the point short stories with a moral is the plus point of the book. The stories include whatever happens in our day to day lifestyle making the stories more relatable to the reader of every age group.

Along with these there were a few downsides of the book too. The first few stories were a bit “heard of” and it felt exaggerated and stretched. Though till the reader scrolls to the middle phase of the book, it keeps the reader glued.

Though, according to me, the book could’ve been awesome with a few changes as in, some stories could’ve been a bit shortened while a few could’ve been a bit extended. With all these pros and cons, this book surely grips the reader and so I would rate the book 3.5 out of 5 expecting more from the writer in the future.

Chapter eleven by Amit Shankar: a review

“Kissa corporate bankruptcy ka” well yes, this is one tagline that calls you to the book. After Flight of Hilsa and Love is Vodka, Chapter Eleven is the third book of best-selling author Amit Shankar.

On the back cover- Feeling suffocated within the confines of Udaipur, his past and inconsequential job, Virendra Vikram Singh aspires to be a part of an MNC. However, with dreams having a nasty habit of going haywire, the day he joins his dream company, it files for chapter 11-bankruptcy. First of its kind, Chapter 11 is a bold and honest portrayal of corporate sleaze, dejection, love and self-discovery.

Chapter 11, what is the first thing that comes in your mind when you first read out the title?  There are so many things that come in mind, just about anything. But I am sure; this book would turn out to be unexpected. No, it’s not a love story. Chapter 11 is nothing but corporate bankruptcy. It is an honest portrayal of what happens when a MNC goes bankrupt? What happens to their members when the company files for Chapter 11?

Yes, I can proudly say that it is one of its kind, showing the world the true feelings of a company which files for Chapter 11 through the eyes of Virendra Vikram Singh (VVS). How a small town guy aims to work for a MNC, flaunt a laptop and a blackberry and then when the dreams come true then the company goes bankrupt.

It is the story of struggle; it is the revelation of truth of the corporate world. It is the story of dejection, love and finally how after all this the person finds himself.  This story is also about honesty, trust and life. How any member of the company is sacked ruthlessly and how contacts can help you stay there forever.

I, personally, loved the way the author has tried to bring forth the reality of the corporate world through simple words. The glossary at the end of the book acts as a plus point for all those non-corporate readers. The cover is also very catchy. But, I would've loved it more if the book had a bit more elements of family life or rather the life of VVS rather than totally focusing the storyline towards the chapter 11 company.

Nonetheless, the writing style is good and the content too and it keeps the reader interested and caught till the end. Rating it a 3.75 out of 5, I would wish the author luck and wait for many more books to come!