Book Review ~ Harsha: The Fearless Warrior of Thanesar by Rajat Pillai

 
 

 
HARSHA: THE FEARLESS WARRIOR OF THANESAR
 
AUTHOR
Rajat Pillai
 
 
Format: Paperback
Publisher : Jaico
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9391019668
 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9391019662

 

 

 
BLURB

Nothing is permanent in politics. Only scars remain forever. Born a royal and surrounded by luxury, Prince Harshavardhan had assumed that life would be easy. But everything changes shortly after his 17th birthday as the young prince is thrust into hostile territory all alone. A grand game of deceit beyond his age is simmering, and Harsha is the central piece. A ruthless invader, a barbaric neighbor, allies with changing loyalties and untrustworthy deputies are all part of the volatile political landscape he inherits. To add to his woes, a pair of bloodthirsty, psychotic twins stalk him across kingdoms, tracking his every move. The only thing that keeps Harsha alive is the desire to rescue his sister imprisoned by a savage rival. Will the young prince defy all odds to counter Bharatvarsh’s two mightiest kingdoms? Where will destiny take Harsha? Will the Vardhana dynasty sink into history?

 
MY TAKE
(Review)

 
Thrown into a stream
Life and death he sees
Odds heavy weigh him down
Will he cross or drown…

That’s ‘Harsha: The Fearless Warrior of Thanesar’ in a nutshell.

A historical fiction with a lot of twists and turns, ‘Harsha: The Fearless Warrior of Thanesar’ is nothing short of a political drama packed with intrigue, deceit, and shattered dreams. It is the story of the young and uninitiated Prince of Thanesar who has never ever been taken seriously by his subjects. Growing up in the shadow of his elder brother Rajyavardhan, the Crown Prince of Thanesar, our protagonist i.e., Harsha is a happy teenager who does not aspire for the ultimate…the Crown. However, fate has something else in store for him. Suddenly, flung into a whirlpool of intrigue, deceit, and political gameplay Harsha finds himself all alone with a choice to either fight to win or face a death violent. With his loved ones gone too early, and his faith in those close to his family shattered, Harsha loses the will to live, but there is one person for whom he must fight against all odds…his sister. Will Harsha be able to overcome his personal hurdles? Will he be able to survive the weapons of deceit that await him in the form of humans? Will he be able to turn the tide of the war to his favor?…These and many such questions are bound to arise in the reader’s mind as the story progresses.

A story of grit and determination, Harsha: The Fearless Warrior of Thanesar is also the story of coming of age of a young prince. It is a story of strategy and survival. It is a story of clever moves and making most of opportunities available. It is a story that is capable of winning hearts and tickling the brain to ponder over some well-articulated thoughts that are truly quotable.

Well narrated and evenly paced, the book scores high in terms of plot, characterization, and language. Vivid imagery and lucid language combined with an element of suspense makes the book a page-turner in every sense.

 
VERDICT
 

A must read for those who love historical fiction. The book scores a perfect 5 on 5.  
 

 

***************************************************************************************
 

Buy the book @ amazon.in
 
 
 
Disclaimer
This review is a part of the Writersmelon Book Reviewing Programme . The thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are my own and have not been influenced by either the author or the publishing house in any manner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review ~ Return Of The Brahmin by Ravi Shankar Etteth

 
 

 
RETURN OF THE BRAHMIN

AUTHOR
Ravi Shankar Etteth
 
 
Format: Paperback
Publisher : Westland
ISBN-10 : 9390679397
 

 
BLURB

After thwarting the devious Lord Suma and becoming the emperor of Magadha, Ashoka now faces a new threat—a lethal foe whose only aim is to topple his empire. By slaughtering imperial officials, kidnapping royal prisoners and infiltrating the palace, the nemesis weaves a mesh of hatred, intrigue and menace. His identity is unknown, yet he breathes such terror that even dying men fear to utter his name. He calls himself the Khandapati. He provokes prison riots. He leads the Resistance. A poison witch and a murderous giant terrorise the people. What is the role of the vishkanya Daarya and the Pretnath? Who is the mysterious prisoner named Nirmukh?
Caught in a vortex of death and deceit, there is only one man Ashoka can turn to. The Brahmin. Years of friendship and fealty lead the spymaster back to Magadha, only to be caught in a violent conspiracy that extends beyond the empire’s boundaries. Will he be able to live up to his role as Magadha’s protector or will the Khandapati prove to be more than a match for the Brahmin?
 

 
MY TAKE
(Review)

 
Turbulent times beckon a shadow mysterious
He who sends a chill down the spin
Devious are his ways
Yet, an ally sought after by the mightiest
Silent as a cat he watches
Bids his time in shadows mysterious
Cross swords with him and invite peril
He is the spymaster, a genius

Ravi Shankar Etteth’s spymaster the Brahmin, is perhaps the only one who can withstand Emperor Ashoka’s wrath without a twitch of the lips or flicker of the eyelids. Such is his power and prowess that when Magadha experiences a spate of disturbing events that are strong enough to rock Ashoka’s throne and put his life in peril, it is he who is sought out from his self-imposed sanyas to return and protect the King and the Kingdom. However, the mute question is…Is he still the crafty spymaster? Will he be able to live up to the Emperor’s expectation? Will he be able to solve the mystery of the Khandapati and Nirmukh?

Lucid language and powerful imagery combined with a perfectly crafted plot make “The Return of the Brahmin’ a book worth reading and possessing. Replete with twists and turns the book is a roller coaster ride down dark alleys and mysterious minds exploring motives and fighting a faceless enemy. The style, the language, and the pace add to the thrill that the plot envisages in the reader making it a perfect read for the one who loves tickling the brain to solve a maze intriguing.

While the narrative is riveting enough to keep the reader on the edge, the imagery is so powerful that one can actually ‘witness’ the scenes, the actions, and the characters right before one’s eyes. The characters many of them as mysterious and intriguing as the spymaster, are well-developed and dexterously woven into the fabric of the story.

 
Key Takeaways From The Story

 A bruised snake is akin to a ticking time bomb. You don’t know when or where and in which form he will strike.

 Even the best of chess masters can make a tactical error that has the ability to destroy well-laid out plans.

 

 
VERDICT

A thriller par excellence peppered with the right amount of mystery and action.  

***************************************************************************************

Buy the book @ amazon.in

 
 
Disclaimer

This review is a part of the Writersmelon Book Reviewing Programme . The thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are my own and have not been influenced by either the author or the publishing house in any manner

Book Review ~ Lica by Hitesh Trehon

 
 

 
Lica

AUTHOR
Hitesh Trehon
 
 
Format: Paperback
Publisher : Notion Press
ISBN-10 : 1638508615
ISBN-13 : 978-1638508618

 

 
BLURB

 
Story of three generations of Dev family . Each generation passing through their own journey in life and merging to form an exciting book.

 

 
MY TAKE
(Review)
 

Times change, so too perceptions
Life a wave that sees generations
Travelling through a sea of changes
Adjusting and adapting they move on
Only to build a foundation
For the next that’s waiting to be born

‘Lica’ is a story spanning over three generations. It delves into the personal and professional lives of the main protagonists MulkRaj Dev, Raj Dev, and Inder Dev, and takes us on a journey that is not only interesting but gripping at times. Though a family saga this one has a touch of the paranormal too.

While Mulkraj is a successful lawyer with high connections, his son Raj Dev is his complete opposite. A brilliant lad Raj turns out to be a successful surgeon. Raj’s son Inder Dev on the other hand has an eye for business. The shrewd one Inder turns out to be a high profile hotelier. So, what is common among these three? Their passion and commitment towards their chosen field. All three chart a successful career. However, on the home front things are a bit different. To know more about the Dev family you must get your hands on the book. 🙂

Packed with an interesting plot and riveting narrative the book had the reader in me hooked. Yes, at times I did feel that certain parts could have been cut short without affecting the flow.

The imagery drawn up by the author is powerful enough to conjure up the scene of action and the characters right before the reader’s eyes thereby making the reader a part of the narrative as a silent observer. The cast of characters, a good measure, are well-developed and dexterously woven into the story. Karma is also seen slowly entering the portals of the Dev residence and making her presence felt.

A tale of passion and perfection, ‘Lica’ also sees lust and greed play an important role. In fact, ‘Lica’ is a canvas that has varied shades of human emotions splashed across it. The canvas is large, but the detailing is fine making it a one of its kind.

 
Key Takeaways From The Story

 For a successful career ~ Light the fire of passion within you, have a long-term vision, move ahead with focus and determination, strategize and work your way up.

 Karma is a reality. She strikes at the core of the human heart.

 

 
VERDICT

A wonderful read.
 

***************************************************************************************

Buy the book @ amazon.in

 
 
Disclaimer

This review is a part of the Writersmelon Book Reviewing Programme . The thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are my own and have not been influenced by either the author or the publishing house in any manner

Book Review ~ Queen of Mahishmathi by Anand Neelakantan

 
 

 
Queen of Mahishmathi
(Baahubali: Before the Beginning Book 3)

AUTHOR
Anand Neelakantan
 
 
Format: Paperback
Publisher : Westland
ISBN-10 : 9389648726
ISBN-13 : 978-9389648720
 

 
BLURB

Sivagami’s missteps have only deepened her determination to fulfil her father’s wish and stop the despicable activities at Gauriparvat. And so she battles on. Unknown to her, however, Maharaja Somadeva’s challengers have begun to close in on the king, and Sivagami finds herself suddenly at a disadvantage. With a player like Somadeva, though, the biggest mistake you can make is to not immediately checkmate and destroy. The game of chaturanga is not quite over.

As Sivagami takes on the kingdom’s enemies, guided by Somadeva, she finds in her own manoeuvres an echo of the man she has always detested. In her journey to becoming the queen of Mahishmathi, Sivagami must choose between love and ambition, principles and deviousness, selflessness and envy. What does she hold on to, what does she let go? A thrilling, breathless read, Queen of Mahishmathi is the third and final book in the Bāhubali: Before the Beginning series.
 

 
MY TAKE
(Review)

Have you ever encountered hairpin bends? Wondered how it would feel to be hanging from a cliff overhanging a gorge deep? If so, you will know what I mean when I say that this book is in every aspect a thriller that will see you on the edge of your seat. While the twists are sharp and sudden, the turns will see your eyes pop out in wonder.

Out on a mission noble, Sivagami the daughter of Bhoomipathi Devaraya who was a genius wrongly coined a traitor, finds herself torn between conflicting emotions, and adopting ways devious to fulfill her goal. The journey a tough one, sees her wade through the murky waters of palace politics with just her wit and determination to guide her. Stumbling, falling, and rising up she continues on the arduous ‘trek’ only to find new and more challenging obstacles block her way. Will she continue on the path she has set out on, or will she buckle under pressure?…Join Sivagami on her action packed journey in Anand Neelakantan’s Queen of Mahishmathi (Baahubali: Before the Beginning Book 3).

While the plot is interesting, the narrative is riveting leaving the reader in me looking forward for more. The imagery drawn up by the author is powerful enough to conjure up the scenes, the actions, and the characters right before one’s eyes. The cast of characters, a good measure, are well-developed and dexterously woven into the story.

 
Key Takeaways From The Story

 Inequality lights the fire of indignation which in turn is a ticking time bomb. If not addressed on time this ticking time bomb will cause havoc untold, havoc from whose ruins it is difficult if not impossible, to salvage the remnants and rebuild life once again.

 Never undermine your opponent. Even the ‘weakest link’ on the other side can turn the tide against you if he or she decides.

 Loyalty cannot be bought.

 Wars are not won by weapons and men alone. Wars are won by wit, determination, and long-term vision which entails provision for dealing with failures and turning the unexpected to one’s favour. To win a war Strategists, Planners, and Executors need to work in tandem

 
My Favourite Quotes From The Book

 “…The power of civilization is not in some obscure sacred texts or in the croaking of priests. It is in the power of knowledge, in the power of science and technology. ……”

 “…if you want your country to be truly great, believe in knowledge and not in the accident of birth.”
 

 
VERDICT

A wonderful read that will see you sail through page after page without a hitch ( read break).
 

***************************************************************************************

Buy the book @ amazon.in

 
 
Disclaimer

This review is a part of the Writersmelon Book Reviewing Programme . The thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are my own and have not been influenced by either the author or the publishing house in any manner

Jataka Tales ~A Reimagination – Editor Bijit Sinha

 
 

 
 

AUTHORS
Reina Sagar, Asmee Dewan, Jayaditya Gupta
Shaarav Jhamb, Pragnya Gupta, Liubov Gorejko
Syona Brar, Lalit Kohli, Anika Malhotra
Jonathan Munluo, Lavanya Sharma, Bijit Sinha
 

Format: Kindle Edition
Publisher : Half Baked Beans
ASIN : B08LPRVT8Z

 
 

A weekend scriptwriting assignment for 5th Graders of The Ardee School, Gurugram sees four Jataka Tales re-imagined by eleven young creative minds, to produce a theatre book that is in every sense a reader’s delight. All four stories have one common element i.e. the Bodhisatta (Buddha before attaining enlightenment). People familiar with the Jataka Tales which is native to India, know it as a voluminous literature that has at its core stories involving the previous birth cycles of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. However, in whichever form he may be, he exhibits a virtue worth emulating.

Coming to the four stories re-imagined and presented by the young minds of The Ardee School, Gurugram it is interesting to note that in each of them there is this element of rejection albeit in different forms followed by the acceptance that leads to enlightenment for those around the rejected. Presented in fluid style these stories are not only a source of inspiration but a message to the world at large that what meets the eye may not always be the truth. The truth may be veiled waiting for the right time and the right place, and sometimes to understand it one may have to spend a lifetime. Packed with interesting twists and turns and in some cases, nail-biting action, the Jataka Tales edited by Bijit Sinha offers the readers food for thought. Characterization which is an integral part of any play/ story has been taken care of perfectly in each of these four stories making them ready for successful enactment on stage. While ‘The Bodhisatta and the Master Mariner’ sees a blind son being rejected only to make an appearance years later to make his parents proud and pave the way for the prosperity of his province and those surrounding it, ‘ The Bodhisatta and the Garuda King’ reveals the power of intelligence and how it can make even the seemingly weak win over an opponent without raising a hand.

‘The Bodhisatta and Prince Samvara’ is a tale of a prophecy gone wrong as a result of which a prince has to face rejection from his father throughout his life. However, time and tide take a mysterious turn, and what follows is a tale with a climax that I’m sure you would not have seen coming.

The fourth and final story in the book i.e. ‘The Bodhisatta and the Principal Blacksmith’ is a tale that touched my heart. Though the tale starts like any ordinary tale with a child being blamed for the death of his mother and having to face rejection from the only one he can call his dear and near, it slowly but steadily reveals a tale that is not only intriguing but touching too. Here again one comes face-to-face with the fact that outward appearances can be deceptive and that what meets the eye may not be true. It is also a tale of a son reclaiming his father’s honour.

VERDICT

Tales for all ages meant to regale the reader along with providing food for thought.

***************************************************************************************

Buy the book @ amazon

Disclaimer

This review is a part of the Half Baked Beans (HBB) Book Reviewing Programme . The thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are my own and have not been influenced by either the author or the publishing house in any manner

Book Review ~ Wild Card 3 : Never say Never by Asfiya Rahman

 
 

Publisher : HALF BAKED BEANS
ASIN : B08HDDB6G
 
 

 

A story of grit and determination weaved in a fabric that seems fragile ‘Wild Card 3’ sees family relationships subjected to the test of time, doubt cloud faith, and the rebellious nature generally associated with adolescence find a voice. Protected since birth, Roshni Mehrotra, daughter of tennis champion Karan Mehrotra enters the portals of higher education believing that life there too would be a roller coaster ride like at school only to be disillusioned before long. However, the gritty one that she is, she is far from calling it quits. Instead, once the initial phase of exasperation wears off Roshni takes hold of herself, her emotions, and her life. There are only two things that stand between Roshni and her dreams – her wheelchair and an over-protective guardian, her dad Karan Mehrotra. Will Roshni be able to live her dreams, or will she wilt under the pressure of her disability?…Wild Card 3 is a battle between emotions and aspirations. Ultimately who wins is the big question.

Narrated in fluid language, Wild Card 3 is a short and sweet read. It is a fine sketch of a bundle of conflicting emotions that every teenager experiences at some point or the other in those years when both their physical and mental state undergo a sea change, a change which for many is akin to a challenge. The author must be complimented for her wonderful portrayal of the protagonist Roshni and her mental state.
 

VERDICT
 

A read that is bound to take one down memory lane and re-live the adolescent period, Wild Card 3 is a book for both the young and old alike. Not a drop of tear is shed nor a smile masked right from the beginning to the end.

***************************************************************************************

Buy the book @ amazon

Cover Reveal The Wrath of Hellfires by Shatrujeet Nath

 
 

Patience is a Drawn Bow.
Rage, its Relentless Arrow.

Shukracharya’s plan to break the unity of Vikramaditya’s Council has borne bitter fruit. Friends have become sworn enemies, and brother has turned against brother, setting Avanti on the path to self-destruction.

Even as Vikramaditya prepares to counter a Huna invasion, a rebellion brews within Ujjayini, while a devious conspiracy is hatched to humiliate him. With Indra’s spies swarming the palace and Shukracharya making a bold bid to take the Halahala, the king is dangerously close to the brink of defeat.

Alone and abandoned by those dear to him, fighting to protect his wife and his people, trying his best to keep his promise to Shiva, will the Samrat rise one last time to defend his love, his city and his honour?

As the asura and deva forces muster in a final, desperate gamble to claim the Halahala, The Wrath of the Hellfires brings an explosive conclusion to Vikramaditya’s epic tale of action and adventure.

Other Books in the Series:

About the Author:

Shatrujeet Nath is the creator of the runaway national bestseller series Vikramaditya Veergatha, a four-book mytho-fantasy arc which comprises The Guardians of the Halahala, The Conspiracy at Meru, The Vengeance of Indra and The Wrath of the Hellfires. Described as “a new face to Indian mythology” by DNA, Shatrujeet writes for movies and web shows as well. His also the author of The Karachi Deception, an Indo-Pak spy thriller.

Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Book Review ~ Along Came A Spyder by Apeksha Rao

 
 

 

Paperback : 266 pages
Publisher : TreeShade Books
ISBN-10 : 9389237122
ISBN-13 : 978-9389237122
 

 
 

It’s in her blood… yet can she be one? Meet seventeen-year-old Samira a bubbly teen who has just one dream…to be a spy. She’s a natural-born spy, has been trained since she was a kid in the nuances of the game, yet suddenly she finds her dreams encounter rough weather. Will she make it to the spy ring? Will she be welcomed into the secret sisterhood – The Spyders?….Don’t hesitate, pick up this thrilling read, a read that’s bound to see you smile all the way.

Action-packed and racy, ‘Along Came A Spyder’ is a virtual tour of the spy world, a world that is both dangerous and rewarding at the same time, a world that sees wits clash with emotions, and where only the best can survive.

Evocative and engaging, ‘Along came a Spyder’ is not only high on suspense but is also laced with some good moments of humour which is a plus point in that it offers the reader a relaxed yet addictive read. While the characters are fleshed out well, the pace is racy as one would expect an espionage thriller to be. There is neither a moment of lull in the narrative nor is there an iota of doubt that the book has been crafted after thorough research. Each little detail has been taken care of, and there are no loose ends.

Waiting for the next in the series…for I’m sure the author already has one in mind.
 

***************************************************************************************

Buy the book @ amazon.in

Disclaimer

This review is a part of

The thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are my own and have not been influenced by either the author or the publishing house in any manner

Book Review ~ The Passionate Princess by Sundari Venkatraman

 
 

The Passionate Princess: A Historical Romance
(The Princess Series Book 1)

 

Format : EBook ( Kindle Edition)
ASIN : B08HSNF6GT
Publisher : Flaming Sun (Indie published)
 

 
 

Cupid strikes the very instant Princess Hemangini falls into Prince Devendra’s arms. It looks like destiny is in favour of weaving a ‘lived happily forever’ story when the two royal families of Mahendrapuri and Indrapuri happily give their consent to the young couple to tie the knot. However, things don’t turn out to be that simple once the wedding rituals are over. Devendra’s mother Queen Kanchana Devi has other plans for the couple. If that was not all fate plays spoilsport. Princess Hemangini feels deceived. Why?… That’s a secret that only a reading of the book will reveal.

Crafted well, the story starts on a note of intrigue. As one meanders down the path that Princess Hemangini and Prince Devendra tread from the day destiny throws them together one can’t help but smile. The twists, the turns, the mischief, and the crafty plotting by the Queen Mother as well as the intelligence of Princess Hemangini add spice to a story that is presented in the author’s unique style, a style that makes even a steamy romance seem simple and sweet, devoid of vulgarity. Vivid with imagery, the story as it unfolds transports the reader to the age of Rajahs and Maharajas and offers a chance to live the sequence of events through words woven with finesse into its fabric.
 

VERDICT

A short yet engrossing read, ‘The Passionate Princess’ sees the power of love and patience take a relationship that could go sour, to its logical end. The book ends on an interesting note.
 

***************************************************************************************

Buy the book @ amazon

Spotlight ~ I Am The 10th by D.R.Downer

 
 

 

 

I Am The 10^th
(Navruts series- Book 1)

  

 

Genre:

 

Historical thriller

  

 

Blurb:

 

Based in modern times, ‘I Am The 10^th’ is the
story of one of the oldest, and arguably the mightiest cults that originated during
the 3^rd century BC in India.

 

Sarah, a happily married lady from New Delhi, India,
wakes up one fine morning in an unknown place. It’s not her home, not her city;
it’s not even her country.

 

What is she doing there? How did she reach there? Where is
her family?

 

Her search to all these questions takes her on a journey,
a long journey that had started way back in the 3^rd century BC. She
finds out that everything she thought she knew about her- her marriage,
husband, family, home, India, even her name- was a lie.

 

Will she be able to find out the truth? More importantly,
will she be able to handle the truth if she finds it out?

 

Come and join Sarah on her journey that will take you to
300 BC, through the Mahabharata era, and back. Witness the biggest and the
deadliest battle ever in the history of mankind that could well spell the end
of humanity and the end of this world. Experience the might of the ancient
Shastras and Astras, like Naag Pash, Brahma Kavach, and Narayan Astra.

 

 

 

 

Grab Your Copy @

 

Amazon India

Amazon UK

Amazon U.S.A and Rest of the world

 

About the author

 

 

D.
R. Downer is a writer, author, editor, and a ghostwriter. He has penned more
than 39 books so far, 20 of which have been published under his own name, with
the rest being ghostwriting projects. Although he has written books in varied sub-genres,
his favorite genre is thriller and almost all his books have that as the main
genre.

After completing his B.E. (Mechanical) and MBA (Marketing), DD started his professional journey as an Executive in the Sales department of a UK based organization. Since then, he changed over and handled many roles and responsibilities in the Marketing and Customer Service departments across industries. Later, shifted over to Advertising and spent a good 11 years in the same. He finally found his true calling in writing and now spends hours glued to his laptop conjuring up fictional worlds, and wonders if his wife can sue him for cheating on her with his laptop.

 

Other
books by the author

 

Stalk the author

 

Facebook |  Goodreads
| Website | Amazon page

 

This Tour Is Hosted By

Facebook
I Website I Blog Tours
I Twitter I
Linkedin

 

We Promote So That
You Can Write