Book Review : A Road not Travelled by J. Alchem

Book- A Road Not Travelled: Can the world be a single country?

Author- J. Alchem

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Storymirror

Blurb-

Niorgast Stinvins, Doilin Flenk and Bakintin Lenit are trying to solve the mystery for such sudden summoning at a hotel. They didn’t know that they are going to be really important for someone who has an unrealistic mission.

They found themselves in hard situations while dealing with different people who are influential and powerful.

What will happen to this dream of “Can World be a single country?”? How will the quest turn out to be? Which aspect will turn their lives unexpectedly?

Title-

The name of the book is literarily sound. It says a lot about the uniqueness of the book which can impel anyone to pick this book for having a good look.

Cover-

I felt that the blue background is an analogy to Earth. Then there is an image of earth which has been centrally put in front in all respects, i.e., not only on the cover but also in the story. A heart, signifying brotherly love between the three leads or between the only romantic couple or maybe also for the world, a patriotic love sign maybe. I fell for it.

Characters-

The novel had enough characters of vivid orders. People were divided according to phases and they didn’t intrude the pathway of others, taking complexity away. There were students of college in Nior’s life. Then there were officials from the professional sphere. And most importantly there were these three friends who bonded quickly and thus started a very blossoming tale of friendship.

From the major characters I loved Niorgast.

From the minor characters I loved Mrs. Hamilton and Nior’s mother.

Narration-

The book was in first person narrative. It could have been better if third person was used because I really didn’t get to know the mind-set of many people at different situations, especially Lenit and Frank. The narration was based more on what the narrator Nior was thinking rather then what was required from the viewpoint of the story.

Review-

“A Road not travelled” is an out of box book, with drifting and unpredictable situations of high order. The book was ought to be different because that is what author promised. And I was not disappointed. It was different but was this difference worth it? Well, this can only be answered once the sequel is created. Yes, a sequel and thank God I knew this before writing this review.

The story starts on a very dramatic turn. The mystery is built up in the initial chapters itself. I was very eager to unleash it but sadly I was left with a lot of statements from the narrator. When you read a fiction, the whole responsibility is on the story. But in this book I was left with explanations, theories and one’s outlook over different matters.

Book released some air of freshness only when the lives were dealt in particular of different characters. It was a great change within the story. There were three sections in particular where the flashbacks were in action and it helped the story a lot in respiring.

Some queries were building up but I have to control my nerves till the author is ready with the answers in his second book.

So, I can conclude that the middle portion was better than the starting. I took a day in reading the initial two or three chapters and another day for the rest of the book.

Though the starting had concepts of unimaginable level but things can work only with a proper background. I thought that there was a lot of randomness in the story, of every order. Everything was happening in a jiffy. Things were moving faster than ever and success was touching the leading characters quite easily. Well, at corrupted places such serene movements are inhibited (strictly my opinion).

The scenes of “The Library” and “The Cafe” were well framed. It gave more area to peep in the lives of the characters which were else working in a different dimension.

When the end arrived, I was ready for a sudden change in the plot. Climax has to be great, isn’t it? An extra half point goes to the end. Unexpected tales must-must-must possess an unexpected ending and I was again not disappointed. I was impressed by the middle and totally in shock with the end. I liked the way things edged ahead but again the same thing happened I became a victim of quick movements in the tale. I wanted to grasp more but a showdown was executed. So, that means I was hoping to read more. Kudos author.

Summing up- A road not travelled was an interesting and unusual read. A tale of revolution and revolution is not of normal order; it’s one of a kind. With characters so deeply indulged in the tale, the reading experience became quite radiant. If the start up was equally levelled as the middle and end, the book could have left a great remark.

Eye-catchers-

· “...time never runs fast. It is we who are slow to stand up and achieve all that we want.”

· “When God wants us to do something then he pits strange things in our way, in our dreams, in our imagination so that we can pursue them.”

· “...when something begins with the compliment you have less pressure to impress.”

Turn-on’s-

· The subject matter was unusual and one of a kind.

· Easy language and smooth flow.

· Different concept blended with emotions of friendship and love.

· Flashbacks.

· Speech delivered by Niorgast, really inspiring.

· The three way concepts to every problem or theory.

Turn-off’s-

· Fast forward movements.

· Lot of explanations, less of story.

Recommendation-

Bored of old genres, "A road not travelled" can be a refreshing pick for sure.

About the author-

J. Alchem is a voracious reader and a critically acclaimed author. He is the winner of story mirror-2015 (a nationwide writing competition), NaNoWriMo-2015 and superhero storyteller (2014). He has written in several magazines and newspapers and received the appreciation for the same. His stories have been published in numerous anthologies such as Blank Space, Love Bytes, and Mighty Thoughts and on various online channels.

Connect with the author-

· www.authoralchem.wordpress.com

· www.facebook.com/Jalchem

Buy the book-

· Amazon link-  https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/8193237609/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468411062&sr=8-1-fkmr3&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=a+road+not+travelled+by+j+alchem 

Book Review : The Guest by Mitali Meelan

Book- The Guest

Author- Mitali Meelan

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Black Ink

Blurb-

Neha is in shock when she learns that her house will be receiving a guest named Cecelia. 

Her life flips and all her activities cease, though not completely.

What role does this new guest plays in forming or deforming Neha’s life? Will things sort or become more entangled?

Title-

An appropriate title. Working well with the tale. Giving proper insight to peep in the story. Worked for me in all senses.

Cover-

I loved the hue of the book. Lot of baggages on the trolley are added to show the arrival of someone in full form creating extra spice. A perfect segment is shown.

Characters-

There were characters of vivid characteristics. I met dancers, musicians, actors and singers in the book. I loved the way their lives moved according to the role they were playing.

There were many major and minor characters which fitted with the movement of the college phase perfectly.

I loved Cecelia the most from the major characters.

And from the minor ones, I loved Purti and Mr. Ranade.

Narration-

The narration of the book was a first person narrative and thus I could live the life of Neha for some hours. Such was the mood created by the author. I liked the perfect breaks and pick-ups which the author planted. There were no hitches and no flashbacks creating any second thoughts. All in all it worked well.

Review-

The initial inspection doesn’t give any information about the book and thus I started the book on a very happy note. I was expecting a sort of mystery involved in it. Well, there is mystery but of other kind. From the very start, the book was sorted. There were chapters which had incidents of different order, connecting all the strings.

Eye-catchy is the behavioural instincts of various people, a 40 year old and a 17 year old is shown in great depth. I won’t deny that I was losing interest in the book when I reached the middle. But let’s first talk about the starting of the book.

Mitali tried her best to build up an essence for a perfect tale. There were easy conversations, many characters and situations were of high interest. But sadly, that was only in the start. The good part is the simplicity and a clear plan of action which was penned by the author. It demands sheer attention and hold on the story by the creator.

Further, when I reached around the middle portion, I was highly disheartened because things were moving just for the sake of moving. There was no spark. The incidents were getting mundane too. I have heard all these sort of things on various teenage shows. I found Neha very adamant and repetitive. She too showed the expected traits.

If and only if something different would have been planned then maybe there was a hope of an ignition. Nevertheless, I was happy with the end.

Books can either leave you speechless or can tickle you somehow. This book comes in the latter section. The ending was nice but again not extra-ordinary. I was enjoying the speeches which were delivered by Cecelia. It was not new but it was nice to look over the matters which not many notice.

Summing up- The novel made presence in my mind because of its fluidic language. The aura created by the author around some bunch of students was making me nostalgic. There were few ironical phases in the novel which were impactful. If and only if the story could have been moulded in a less casual way then it would have done wonders of all sorts. Still, I enjoyed the easy going reading experience.

Eye-catchers-

· “...every person is the world’s most loyal employees as long as he works for his passion, not his pension.”

· “Beauty is very short-lived and overrated.”

· “It's just how the relationships between parents and children work. It is even more complicated when the child is a girl.”

· “The belief that you belong to someone, that your absence will be felt, is what keeps you going every day.”

· “What matters is whether you smile when you’re with the person; whether you feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders....”

Turn-on’s-

· The ironical situations created by the author were great.

· I loved the part of story revolving around Purti.

· Loved the end. The realizations, the opening of truths and the final segment headed by Cecelia.

· The easy flow of language.

Turn-off’s-

· Found the story to be a lot familiar.

· The pieces were joined properly but they felt a little under-nourished.

Recommendation-

It can be a light read for beginners, worth a try.

About the author-

Mitali Meelan was born in Thane and brought up in Mumbai. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and pursued her master’s in English Literature, while working with a magazine as an editorial coordinator for a short while. She has a couple of short stories published in anthologies. When she is not telling stories, you can find her writing blog posts, reading etc.

Connect with the author-

· Twitter handle- @mitalimeelan

Buy the book-

· Amazon link- https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/819298222X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468408313&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=the+guest+by+mitali+meelan 

Book Review : History Revisited by Nishant Joshi

Book- History Revisited

Author- Nishant Joshi

Genre- Fiction (Sci-fi)

Publisher- Frog Books- An imprint of Leadstart Publishing

 

Blurb-

Sachin, Suraj and Nishant are stuck in thirty-fifth century BC due to a very stupid act. Now they are in the region of Angasak dynasty. Nishant remembers some cruel things associated with the history of two dynasties that are fighting for glory.

Now they are running to help themselves. The reach takes them to the royal rooms where they are all set to move ahead.

Will there quest end on a delightful note? What will happen when the rage of the other ruler is showered? When will they finally reach their home?

 

Title and Cover-

The title and cover went hand in hand. They both suited the tale well. “History Revisited” the name says a lot and opens another level of curiosity. Also, the man on the cover, the hue of glory escaping from the sword comprises of essential information which works tremendously. The cover is a perfect analogy for a sci-fi fictional tale.

 

Characters-

Many people in the novel are from the ancient era and thus the sheen of royalty can be seen in the setting of the background. The main people of any dynasty are the soldiers and the people of royal blood. History Revisited has both the elements in abundance.

Also the characters have very different characteristics and no two people are alike. The two rival rulers, their fighting techniques, their strength and extra powers are shown with excellence.

The characters which shadowed the others are- Nishant (the narrator) and Princess Samriddhi.
From the supporting or minor characters I loved- Ajay and Ananya.

 

Narration-

First person narration couldn’t bring in front the whole aura of magnificence. I feel that whenever a group of people are moving ahead in the story then we need more openness for all the characters. In the chapter “The Library” I felt this the most because at one place where Nishant was busy in exploration, Suraj and Sachin, his other two companions were lost somewhere, though they were playing a very important role there. I felt the author worked according to his ease, or maybe he wanted to keep the narrator up always, which didn’t work.

 

Review-

History Revisited has came out as a surprise package for me. I never expected to read something of this level. Well, at first I thought that the tale would be heard but nothing of that sort happened.

The book has elements of magic, bravery, love, war and an everlasting friendship. The combination was great and it opened new era for me to enter. The start of the book was fine, I was enjoying it too but then came that one phase when I started getting involved in the book a lot more then what happened earlier.

So, I must mention that the author has played his cards well in the middle and also in the end but he didn’t play well with the starting. All this I felt only after reading the middle portion.

The biggest chapters were responsible for holding the book and also for my reviews. I enjoyed the phase when the three protagonists were stuck in the big library. It gave me a feel of shock and enjoyment at the same time. Same type of enjoyment I felt when I first saw Harry potter finding about Nicholas Flamel in the library. I was fascinated with both the library scenes. I am not at all judging or equating the two books. I am just trying to match the level of excitement the hunt in the library creates in me.

The bo-staff, the swords, the balls, the hasth yantra, all made me ecstatic. The lights, the powers and all the magic tricks that were performed held me captive to the core.

Further there is a legendary fight scene and it needs to be the best. And same happened here. The fight scene was well crafted. But I felt that all was left on one person and thus the essence of a brutal war was somehow suppressed. I never need a hero to rule, I need a clan to win. Ajay was mind-blowing with his tricks and the credit goes to the author for thinking such out of the box aspects.

Summing up- The book was a surprise package, containing a story worth narrating to any kid. It had flaws and also worthy things. The sci-fi factor which the author wanted to bring,  came up as the vital element and the whole book was standing erect only because of these images which he produced through his words. The book was a perfect break from romances and thrillers.

 

Turn-on’s-

What I loved about the book was the background. Set in 4000 B.C the story has all the elements of a basic and root level sci-fi novel. The elements used to show the witchcraft practices, all the instruments, the associated rage were really a great turn on.

 

Turn-off’s-

There were editing errors which hindered the smoothness. Also I felt the initial chapters could have matched the excitement of the latter ones. The writing was not as excellent as the story line. The dialogues were used very casually and they lacked the power to sway a being.

 

Recommendation-

Missing a sci-fi novel with touch of Indian roots, History Revisited can be your partner for this adventure. You can pick the book for a light and easy read.

 

About the author-

The author has grown up in an era that was full of science fiction elements be it television cartoons like Shaktiman and dragon ball Z, films like Spiderman and star wars or the never ending list of science fiction computer games. He set out his journey to pen down sci-fi novels since our country is void of it.

 

Buy the book-

Amazon link - https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/9352015908/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467299333&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=history+revisited+by+nishant+joshi&dpPl=1&dpID=51dVF8wmo3L&ref=plSrch

Book Review : Gabriati - Rise of the Preceptor

Book- Gabriati: Rise of the Preceptor

Author- Sreyus Palliyani

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Frog Books- An imprint of Leadstart Publishing

 

Blurb-

There is something which the Brotherhood is facing. Gabriati has moved out from the place in order to execute his plans. Meanwhile, Michael has some other things going on in his mind. Still he moves in the same direction as others.

The journey takes them to different towns of different countries. They meet some barbaric people on the way.

Will the veil from the infected ones be ever removed? When the pages turn, will things move as per the want? Or some other chapter of evil conspiracy will open?

 

Title-

What can be better than the main man ruling even the title? Can I think of something more suitable? No. I found the name perfect in all sense. And if someone can’t judge the book by the name then the sub-title can help with ease.

 

Cover-

The cover of book has less contrast which can confuse the image, with the background in the first look. Some colourful play could have worked for betterment. But on second thoughts, if I think of Gabriati I can relate with what the cover showed. The hood under which Gabriati remained in the book can be related with the way he was shown on the cover. Concealed, behind the scenes, still the powerful one.

 

Characters-

The people in the book are mostly God-men and thus they are complimented with rassons and cloaks all over. Plus, their lives in the brotherhood opened up some really fantastic images in front. The whole new clan is opened up in the book which is very bright and highly powerful.

From the leading ones I loved Gabriati, Michael, and Aurelius. The antagonist and protagonist were very not revealed and the level of anticipation was maintained. Many folds needed to be opened.

There are many minor characters too, without whom the tale wouldn’t have moved an inch. I loved, Azaria, Majid and Beriloni.

 

Narration-

The narration was smooth, easily swaying and highly grasping. The conversations were short and to the point. Well divided paragraphs and proper distribution of importance was given to all the characters. Third person narration added one extra star to the perfectly moving thriller.

 

Review-

Gabriati is a book with many doors and every door opens up to a valley of drama, mystery and suspense. The book had a lot of troughs and crests which made the reading experience a great adventure. From the very start all the characters were in action and from time to time their need to move ahead was felt immensely.

The 50 chapter long ride ended with a feeling of happiness. Right from the start I knew that I have fell in love with Gabriati, the famous person from the Brotherhood but I was taken aback when I was offered a lot more options from the same firm. The bravery of every character is shown in great length and that can make anybody feel Goosebumps without any prior hint or notice.

Tale starts from the search of Gabriati who is wandering here and there because he has a lot on his shoulders, which needs execution. The quest starts with a bang on and the true colours of the characters comes in front. Michael rises from the ashes and turns out to be a rigorous fellow who has compiled the mission of finding Gabriati with his hidden personal agenda.

The power of the story lies in the hands of characters who have indulged themselves so much in the present scenario. They can easily connect with the reader very strongly, with this power to pull you with themselves. The novel was rich in imagery which made the scenes innovative, like Michael’s vision from the airplane window. It was powerful and highly creative. It added to the mood perfectly.

The confusion that is created between Azaria and Michael has a lot of pain within. The helplessness which Michael feels makes him stand out of the box and that is the reason why he finds a place above others. He has that power, that craziness which has reserved the place for him of high order. The concept of Omnipotence Paradox, the question which Michael raised was enough to show the level of the book. Terrific.

The fighting sequence adds up in the mood of the thriller and the showdown can surely blow away your mind.

Summing up- The author had a well-planned outline of his book otherwise “Gabriati” wouldn’t have been possible. Every turn was taken care of and no place came where I could question the expertise of the author as an unmatched story-teller. He infused so many things in this really long suspenseful thriller that it became easy to handle, without any hint of boredom while reading it.

 

Eye-catchers-

· “He was removed from the world by his grief.”

· “For he is called omnipotent on account of his doing what he will, not on account of his suffering what he wills not.”

· “Whenever man has come across something he couldn’t explain, he has classified it under the category of the divine. And each time he cracked it, he would set it aside as science.

 

Turn-on’s-

What I loved the most are the layers in the book. Very well divided in all terms. Also the book has very symmetrical approach in terms of serenity, ease and perfect flow. The reading was easy and without any hindrance.

I also loved the way Michael was recalling Montelli and his older days. The lessons which he learnt were well thought of by the author.

 

Turn-off’s-

Nothing stopped my reading in between. I couldn’t spot any flaw.

 

Recommendation-

Looking for a perfect thriller recipe with a punch of mystery and lot of courage ruling all over? Gabriati can be your next pick. Also any thriller lover can surely give it a try. It is worth your time.

 

About the author-

Sreyus Palliyani was always the artistic kind immensely drawn towards customs, traditions and myths. However, logical and rational reasoning was pivotal for him to accept any of it. He graduated from the Government Engineering College, Thrissur and later obtained his masters from the National University if Singapore, where he also works as a Research engineer.

 

Connect with the author-

· Twitter handle- @sreyuspalliyani

Buy the book-

· Amazon link- https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/9352015460/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467297443&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=gabriati+rise+of+the+Preceptor+by+sreyus

Book Review : The Crossbow Code by MC Raj

Book- The Crossbow Code

Author- MC Raj

Editor- Sanjeev Mathur

Genre- Fiction (Historical/Saga)

Publisher- Panther House Paper and Digital Publication LLP

 

Blurb-

Kris is a handsome boy, a bit lonesome and in the need of shelter. His journey takes him around the globe. But his travel always brings him under the spotlight. He is associated with the biggest names and is part of hasty advancements.

He reaches the ashram of Mohandas and his findings make him question things beyond the comfort zones of the others.

What happens when the big game turner is out? Will Kris move on the path he has chosen with ease? Who all are creating chaos for Kris and others?

 

Title and Cover-

The title promises a lot but doesn’t deliver the requisite meaning and greatness. It is just a small part of the story, though it delivers important results. It fails to tickle the nerves.
The cover has some important images like that of Jesus Christ on the Holy Cross, a city in the background, dice and a concealed face. All the elements bring together the whole concept very nicely.

Characters-

Abundant amount of characters the book has. From the very start it was clear that the book was no less than a saga of old times. There were rich and quite different characters. Antagonist and protagonist were clear from the very start and it made me quite judgemental in a good way.

From the major protagonists I loved Kris. He had all the qualities of being the lead; he had a strong and opinionated voice which made him stand above all in the hierarchical order.

The minor characters had lot of potential too. I loved Rhea and Fatima, they had very different traits still they seem going hand in hand with perfection. Also, I liked Bhim, Alice, and Mataji. They opened another world of thinking for me in the book.

 

Narration-

Being in third person, the complexity was handled well by the author. The chapters were crafted well and the layers were opened with ease. All the phases were in great symphony with each other. The author was clear-headed and the result was this book.

 

Review-

The book covers three phases; number one is around the Pope of high esteem and the lead Kris. This particular part of the book made my advancement and grasping power slow. There was a lot in author’s mind when he was penning this particular sequence. I wasn’t expecting all that I read but I won’t say that it was not beneficial. The topics which the author has picked are interesting and very deep. The dialogues hold the book till the very end. Kris is the man of words and it is his worthiness which makes the whole scene very lively.

Small advancements were often made in different chapters which were of great help to relax my mind a bit. The book was literary sound. I could inspect some elements of high order like the details which are hard to hold on. The whole aura was created with great care and thus the usage of peculiar things and the addition of foreign language added a lot of beauty, in accordance with the place which was mentioned in the story at that time.

I was highly impressed with the way author has made a background of the story. The connections were neat and unexpected and I was often drifting from different cities with the characters. One important thing which is highlighted in every section was the different treatment to different classes of people. The vintage quality can be sniffed easily through this, which adds some brownie points.

Much involvement from my side happened when the story shifted completely to India in the second phase. I could feel the things closely and thus I was indulged more and more with every moving chapter. The way author has impregnated the story with certain tones is harsh yet blissful. It was not another blabbering version of what all say about the condition of India before partition, it was different.

The dialogues are very energetic and you can feel the rage rising from your cheeks to your eyes. The life in the ashram with Mohandas (Bapu) is the high point for me. The details and the hidden meanings are well pointed. I was amazed beyond normalcy.

Finally the third phase takes Kris to Germany and again what holds it immensely are the dialogues. I loved the way the concept of Buddhism was kept in front. There were many jaw dropping factors in this phase, like the speech of Kris, the realization of Bhim and the unexpected end.

Summing up- The novel touched the rims which were unthinkable. The theoretical approach which author picked was unusual. He played with his words quite well in the form of strong dialogues, verdicts and speeches throughout. The book had a unique and strong flavour which is not seen much in the midst of casual tales which are narrated these days.

 

Eye-catchers-

· “Soul is the truth and body is only an illusion.”

· “Your unusual silence is very loud in my ears.”

· “Heavy atmosphere in a simple ashram. Enclosure without fences! Boundaries without walls! Closed without doors!

· “Truth exists by itself objectively and does not belong to anybody.”

· “Great men have greater weakness and greater reasons to hide their weaknesses.”

· “When you go below the ordinary than you are an extraordinary being from below.”

Turn-on’s-

I loved the things which Kris spoke. He had that charm which made every chapter fantastic. There were many moments when I had to stop and re-read the whole thing because it made sense. The conversation between Pope and Kris, Mohandas and Kris were the best part of the book. Vast and deep study which the author has done can be seen in the precise chapters which are penned by him.

Also, I loved the rage of Mataji, it was unusual and I had no idea that something of that sort would be waiting for me as I will advance.

The small phrases which author used at the end of the paragraphs were a complimentary treat.

Turn-off’s-

Well, I was really impressed by the cover, title and blurb of the book and that is why I said yes to this book without second thoughts. But sadly I completed this book with great difficulty. It was a heavy mixture of History, Religion, Spirituality, Social Dogmas, with a little bit of story here and there.

 

Recommendation-

Need something strong and powerful to read, The crossbow code can be your pick but only if you have a lot of time to devote.

 

About the author-

Winner of the Ambedkar International Literary Award, MC Raj has authored 21 books to his credit. A notable social activist, he was bestowed with the prestigious Ambedkar award from the Karnataka Government and also prompted a German filmmaker to make a film on him that was telecast in Austria. Part of the Writers’ Retreat in New Zealand, Raj has also featured on CNN, Newsweek and NDTV for his brilliant work.

Buy the book-

Amazon link- http://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B01CCHV33Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467037296&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=the+crossbow+code+by+mc+raj