Book Review- The Shadow of The Dark Soul by Sukhmani Gandhi

Book Name: The Shadow of The Dark Soul

Authoress: Sukhmani Gandhi

Publisher: Cypher Publishers

Price: Rs. 95

Blurb:

Zayesha is a twenty something journalist working in Delhi. Sensitive and compassionate, she is a league apart from her contemporaries, who believes in the mantra of manufacturing or milking news. Cornered by her boss, she fights against time to work on the Nirbhaya case in order to save her job. Synchronicity plays a crucial, life-altering role in her life when a series of events make her question herself. During this phase, Zayesha comes across The Shadow of The Dark Soul, thanks to her next-door neighbor. Nothing stays the same afterwards as Zayesha is made to reassess everything. Will she manage to finish her report on time? How far eill she go to step from armchair activism in to the realities of life? Will she win in the end? The questions are many but the answers lie within The Shadow of The Dark Soul.

Story in a nutshell:

Zayesha, a journalist, has been assigned to work on The Nirbhaya Case by her nagging boss. He has threatened her that if she fails to do it, she would be losing her job. Her mind has been subjected to a lot of mental torture- The Nirbhaya Case, her job, her family and her boyfriend, Armaan. She decides to jog and leaves her home for the park. She meets her neighbor who tells her about The Shadow of The Dark Soul. Her neighbor pesters her to visit the place for once. Her visit to the place changes her life altogether. What changes is the author talking about? Is Zayesha successful at saving her job?

My Take:

Making a debut with such a ‘sensitive-topic’ novel is itself an achievement. I congratulate the author for the same.

The narration has been done in simple English and hence, it easily connects with the reader. Every chapter makes the reader ask innumerable questions to himself. The author has put down thoughts of many on paper. She has done a commendable job.

The Shadow of The Dark Soul is surely a page turner. It’s a must-read novel.

P.S: I really really loved the end.

I rate:

Cover: 3.5/5

Story: 4/5

I rate The Shadow of The Dark Soul with 4/5 stars.

You can book your copies online by clicking on this link.

Book Review: The Hidden Gems – Chronicles of Unsung Heroes

Book Name- The Hidden Gems.

Contributing Authors- Sumeet Gulabani, Smriti Kumari, Pooja Khurana, Sujata Banerjee                                                         Bhattacharya, Dheeraj Mor, Anirban Nanda, Hardik, Aman Garg, Shreyan                                             Laha, Aditi Sahu, Snigdha Jha, Divya R Bandodkar, Faraz Mirza, Akash                                               Shrivastav, Isha Sharma, Jivya Arora.

Guest Author- Supriya Parulekar

Compiler- Abhisar Garg

Editor- Isha Sharma

Publisher- Notion Press

Price- Rs. 175

Blurb-

This book is a tribute to all the real heroes out there.

The book brings you the sagas of those unsung heroes who had done courageous deeds for society but never received the due credit. It takes you on the voyage of seventeen untold and unheard stories of real heroes in the big picture called ‘Life’. They were the ones who gave many people a reason to live. They were the saviours, the warriors and the fighters: they were ‘The Hidden Gems’. This book is not just and amalgamation of fiction and non-fiction. It is a reality. It is the chronicle of real men.

Are you a Hidden Gem? If yes, then this book is dedicated to you. If not, then it’s a must read.

My take-

I have contributed a story named Shigmo 2012 in this book. I am reviewing my fellow author’s stories.

The Blank Slate by Supriya Parulekar

Disability should not be considered as a problem. I have come across many parents who prefer to keep their child with special needs at home. They are deprived of education, fun and enjoyment. ‘Who has the time to keep a watch on their movement? Let them be home!’ They say. If their parents consider them to be a burden, how on earth will society change? Urmi Foundation (from the story) is being doing great work. We need more of such organizations which will make these children feel human and loved.

An awesome read!

Rating: 3.5/5

Days of Her Life by Sumeet Gulabani

I am not a great fan of poetry. I can only say that this poem is lovely.

Rating: 3.5/5

A Friend’s Reward by Smriti Kumari

This story serves as a mirror image to the selfish society we live in. You will find many people who will stay with you in your good days. But the people who stand beside you during your worst days can be counted on fingertips.

A one-time read!

Rating: 3/5

Life Line by Pooja Khurana

We often complain about the things we miss in our lives, about the problems we face, about the disappointments. We label our lives to be pathetic. But do we realize that there are scores of others who lead a life much worse than us? This story gives out a message that no pain in your life is a big deal. Be courageous and fight it. You will emerge victorious.

A good read!

Rating: 3.5/5

He Knocked Me by Sujata Banerjee Bhattacharya

The loss of loved ones in life creates a void and that void can never be refilled. I feel that this story doesn’t go well with the theme.

Anyways, it’s one-time read!

Rating: 2.5/5

Life Changer by Dheeraj Mor

One never realizes the pain of others unless he is placed in the similar situation. Abhi was arrogant at first. His way of looking at life changes after he recovers from depression. The story seemed a bit exaggerated to me.

A one-time read!

Rating: 2.5/5

Aunty by Anirban Nanda

It is a tendency of human to blame the uneducated people for the wrong things even if they are nowhere related to it. Aunty is a victim to such blame. This story cannot be ignored.

A must read!

Rating: 4/5

Vows Conveyed by Hardik

We have never really known the stories of our soldiers, their mental situation, their grief and their suffering. Vows Conveyed is a beautiful poem which will surely touch your heart.

Rating: 4/5

The Missing Hours by Aman Garg

“We are always our own demons and our own heroes who are unsung throughout the lives.” The Missing Hours is a story about hope and faith. It’s about falling down and rising up again.

An inspiring read!

Rating: 4/5

Asha, The Braveheart by Shreyan Laha

Asha is an inspiration. She is courageous. There are very few people in this world who do not lose a pinch of hope during crisis. Asha is one of them.

A must read, awesome story!

Rating: 4.5/5

The Benevolent Driver by Aditi Sahu

Another best read! There are very few people who move out to streets to help others. Rajesh from the story is one among them! ‘Proud’ is what I feel when I think about him.

An inspiring read!

Rating: 4/5

A True Karmayogi by Snigdha Jha

Our history reveals to us about casteism, untouchability that prevailed in our society. Has it completely diminished? The answer is NO. There were a few leaders who attempted to bring a stop to this practice but with little success. If the people don’t change such practices will continue in our society. The great grandfather from the story is one such man who wishes to bring a change. Does he succeed? Read to find out!

A mature read!

Rating: 3.5/5

Second Birth by Faraz Kazi

Another poem which talks about being hopeful and staying strong.

Rating: 3.5/5

Patriotism by Akash Shrivastav

Patriotism is a story which will awaken the love for your country.

Rating: 3/5

The Elder Brother by Isha Sharma

A very touching story. One must never forget the people who have helped him in his bad days.

Rating: 3/5

Nanhe Parinde by Jivya Arora

One mustn’t keep quiet and suffer. Injustice of any kind must be questioned.

An awesome read!

Rating: 4/5

Overall verdict-

• ·        Editing suffers at places.
• ·         The stories should have been thoughtfully ordered.

I rate:

Cover: 4/5

Compilation: 3.5/5

Editing: 3/5

My rating for The Hidden Gems is 3.5/5 stars.

You can order your copies here!

Book Review- Second Spring by Sandhya Jane

Book Name: Second Spring

Author: Sandhya Jane

Publisher: Anisan Technologies Inc.

Blurb:

This is Avantika’s heartfelt journey through love and life.

As a smart, successful, thirty-eight year old single mother, Avantika seemingly has it all: a great career as a seasoned banking professional, respect and admiration from her peers as an able leader, fulfillment as a mother, and so many other things.

What is it, then that drives her towards Rohan, a man six years her junior? He’s a man who ideally would not occupy much room in Avantika’s otherwise sorted mind space.

She has told herself she has no time for love. Then, why does she make the choices she makes? Is it the sameness and banality of every day existence? Is it the emotional vacuum? A need to relive life? A feeling that life as she has truly lived and felt is passing her by?

However, as she struggles with her feelings, Avantika and Rohan part ways… only to meet again. To what end? Why does Rohan want her back… and why now?

So many questions! Very few answers!

Avantika’s journey is as spiritual as it is emotional. Can love give second chances? Join Avantika in the twists and turns of her story, through her ponderings over the mysteries and vagaries of the word ‘love’, the complexities of human relationships and the reassessment of all values she has held dear….

Story in a nutshell:

Avantika is a single, working mother. She is strong-willed, determined, disciplined, intelligent, and beautiful and the list goes on. (I am in love with Avantika.) For her, life has always been hard. Circumstances have made her what she is today. She doesn’t regret her choices.

Rohan is a man in his early thirties who joins Avantika’s workplace. He is caring and adorable fellow. Avantika and Rohan’s friendship blossoms. Avantika feels very comfortable in discussing her personal issues with Rohan and so does Rohan. He has had a huge crush on Avantika right from the day he met her. Avantika too feels her connection with Rohan to be of something more than just friendship. Are they in love?

And then the ‘D’ day dawns. Rohan and Avantika cannot conceal their feelings for each other within their hearts and they give in. On the same day, Rohan receives a message from his sister which changes his life altogether. Rohan leaves Avantika and disappears from her life completely. Why did Rohan exit from Avantika’s life? How does Avantika cope up with this loss? Does Rohan come back to her? Will Avantika take him back?

My take:

When I went through the blurb of the book, I thought it would be the same old, filmy story where the characters meet, fall in love and then an incident occurs which drifts them apart and finally, they meet towards the end of the story. But I proved wrong by Sandhya Ma’am when I was done with the book. The story is one of the kinds. It’s refreshing and a mature read. Each chapter instills in the minds of reader a curiosity and that makes this book unputdownable.

The narration is simple and engaging. The story has been narrated from Avantika and Rohan’s point of view. It gives the reader an idea about feelings of both protagonists. I liked Avantika’s character. She is perfect lady. I have always wanted to be like her. She serves to be my inspiration.

Likes:

• Avantika’s dedication towards her job and family.
• I liked the manner in which Avantika deals with her problems.
• Avantika’s matured behavior
• The climax

I rate:

Cover- 3.5/5

Story- 4/5

Characters- 4/5

Overall, Second Spring is a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Avantika’s journey is worth travelling. A refreshing, touching and awesome read!

I rate Second Spring with 4/5 stars.

You can buy your copies here!

BOOK REVIEW- VOICEMATES BY ANAMIKA MISHRA

Book Name: VoiceMates

Author: Anamika Mishra

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Price: Rs. 250

Blurb:

Tulip Hill is an obedient and intelligent daughter to her disciplinarian parents. She has been a topper throughout her school because her parents wanted her to be. Now, they want her to enroll in one of the best colleges. But Tulip harbors the desire to become a singer, for music is her only passion that helps her see through life’s miseries.

Then there is Sam- witty, easy-going and flirty. Both Tulip and Sam share their love for music. Yet, both dream of a different life.

What are those dreams? What happens when they meet and enter the biggest duet competition together? Will their love blossom during this emotional roller-coaster?

Join the VoiceMates in their musical journey to know more!

Story in a nutshell:

The novel begins with the declaration of results of VoiceMates Season 3. Tulip, a young girl of Std XII, is attentively listening to the host. Music is Tulip’s passion and she wishes to pursue it. But her parents are against her pursuing music. They want her to study well and get in to one of the best colleges. As of now, pursuing music is a distant dream for Tulip. Her daily schedule includes college, tuition classes, and an hour at the fort and studies. She lives a dual life- an obedient daughter and second, a music lover. She keeps her passion for music alive by singing every day at the fort.

It was once during such an evening when Sam happens to bump in to Tulip when she was singing a song to her kiddo friends. He praises her and leaves. Time and again, they bump in to each other and finally, Sam asks Tulip whether she would sing along with him for VoiceMates Season 4. Tulip is skeptical about her parents’ reaction. She buys time from him to think. After a huge conflict between mind and heart, heart wins the debate and Tulip agrees to Sam’s deal.

Sam and Tulip practice every day at fort and at their respective homes. They enroll themselves and get selected in the first round. Their selection boosts up their courage and they pledge to do better for the next round. During the same time, Tulip realizes that she has developed a soft corner for Sam.

Do they make it through the second round? Yes! They do! But Tulip’s happiness is short lived. The selected entrants from the second round need to follow certain rules.

What are the rules? Do Tulip and Sam reach round 3? Are they into the finalists? Does Tulip convey her feelings to Sam? What lies in their future?

My take:

The plot has been well crafted. The flow of the events has been superbly done. However, I found the story very much predictable. The only suspense element in the story was the end. I could almost predict everything. The narration has been done extremely well. Tulip’s feelings have been beautifully portrayed.

Overall, VoiceMates is a one-time, enjoyable read. It’s true that this is the first novel based on music but sad to say that the story did not have any new thing to offer. It did not match up to my expectations.

Likes:

• Tulip’s passion for music.
• The manner in which Sam and Tulip convince her parents.
• Tulip falling in love with Sam.

I rate:

Cover- 3.5/5

Story- 3/5

Characters- 3.5/5

My rating for VoiceMates is 3.5/5 stars.

You can buy your copies here!

Book Review- The Disguised Prince by Shankar MM

Book Name: The Disguised Prince

Author: Shankar MM

Publisher: Dream House Publications

Price: Rs. 175

Blurb:

“You are neither a good warrior nor a good leader.” These words haunt him.

Raksha, a young prince, decides to prove himself and seeks a path not knowing where it will lead him to. However, his destiny has other plans.

On the journey, his life evolves in to a epic quest filed with magic and intrigue, which he never dreamt of.

Set in a fantasy land of Riloriya, this water kingdom is not the same as it was five hundred years ago and its history is a mystery now.

What will be his part in unfolding an ancient mystery? What did he lose? What did he gain?

Story in a nutshell:

The Disguised Prince is the 1^st book of the Raksha Duology series.

Riloriya is sub-divided in to 5 kingdoms ruled by a King. Each of the kingdoms is content with the resources available and they are at peace with each other at the moment. Raksha and Nibhav are Princes of Raniya Kingdom.

It happens that the carts of gold and diamonds need to be brought in to Raniya from the secret mines. Raksha feels it to be a great opportunity to prove his strength and courage to his father. He asks for the permission and leads the troop. The bandits learn about this operation and attacks Raksha and his army. Raksha finds himself in the jaws of death when Prince Nibhav arrives with a group of soldiers and rescues him. They return back to Raniya.

Misamun, Raksha’s father is very furious with Raksha’s irresponsible behavior. He thinks of Raksha to be unfit to be addressed as a Prince. Raksha is hurt. He pledges to become the best warrior and leaves Raniya without anybody’s knowledge.

He wanders around like a nomad and happens to save the Princess of Hasimya from the bandits. Raksha is praised for his bravery by the King of Hasimya. He is asked to introduce himself. Raksha tells the people of Hasimya that he is a wanderer. He also tells King of Hasimya that he wishes to become a warrior. Pleased with his bravery, King of Hasimya appoints him. Shikara is allotted responsibility of training Raksha.

Raksha then learns about the annual tournament and wishes to participate in the same. He expresses his desire to his teacher, Shikara who readily agrees to train him. They move out to jungle for training. Raksha encounters a weird old man. He talks to Raksha in a puzzle. Raksha decides to ignore him. They return back to Hasimya for the contest.

Does Raksha become a skilled warrior? What is the annual tournament all about? Does Raksha win it? Why does Raksha take to jungles after the contest? Raksha talks about some quest. What is it all about? Is he successful at completing it?

My take:

When any author plans to write out a series, he needs to think and craft the plot very thoughtfully. He cannot disclose anything and everything. The author of The Disguised Prince has done this task very well. He has kept certain incidents in the story secret and it generates curiosity in the minds of the readers. The reader constantly feels the need to know more at the end of every chapter.

The narration is simple and the language is easy to understand. However, I feel that a little complex narration would have enhanced the reading experience. The flow of events in the story is steady. The reader doesn’t feel lost at any place. The author has taken his own time to narrate the incidents and that’s what I liked the most. There is no hurry to finish off with the chapter.

Overall, The Disguised Prince is a good read for mythology, thrill lovers. I really liked the character of Raksha. He is brave, strong, stubborn and determined. He is not the person who will give up easily. He is intelligent and witty. The author has worked immensely hard for his debut and I would want to say that his hard work has born fruits.

I am eagerly waiting to read the second book. Do get it published soon!

I rate:

Cover- 3.5/5

Story- 3.5/5

Characters- 4/5

My rating for The Disguised Prince on the whole is 3.8/5 stars.

You can book your copies here!

[Ask and Answer] Online Talk with Mayank Kashyap

Mayank Kashyap, Who is he?

Quite a question to start with.

Well, Mayank Kashyap is a dreamer. I’ve a dream to personify writing one day. Mayank Kashyap is a person, who just wants to read and write entire life. I’m a foodie person though it doesn’t reflect on my body. Apart from this he is an observer and outspoken.

You are out with your debut novel. How does it feel? Had you ever expected that you would be a novelist?

I’m on cloud no.9. I keep looking at my book and sometimes I also sleep with her. Though I have no intention to make love with her but yes, I do sleep with her sometimes. I dance when I get  good reviews about my book. Basically, at this moment I’m a child once again, who is too happy with his toy to look around and find what’s going on.

I always wanted to be a novelist and yes, I was sure that before dying I will get published. But it came quickly. Jai mata di.

Love Bytes was the first anthology in which your work got published. How has your journey from a contributing author to author been?

Love bytes was an overnight affair. I was in touch with Shivam, the editor of the book for some time. One day he approached me for a short story and I was more than happy to give him one next morning. After all, my story was going to get published for the first time on papers.

In love bytes, I also got a chance to work with a very talented writer and a very good person named Divya R. Bandodkar.

It’s been quite a journey. I was motivated and disciplined. When some of the people around me were busy with their “swag”. I was busy with my diary. I wrote my entire novel in my personal diary and then on my laptop. Now, it all feels worth full.

The tough part was getting it published and I think almost every author will give their agreement on this. You induce to be patient, if you desire to become a published writer.

Tell us something more about the time you spent with ‘The Forbidden Line’. Did you craft out the entire plot at once or was it going with the flow affair?

I was living with the story. There was also a day when I woke up around 3 in the night and somehow few sequences came in my mind and I started writing then and there. I was possessed, I believe.

It needed a little more time than I intended to finish this because of my studies and exams and when it did I was glad with the end outcome.

Yes, I did plot the entire story at once or atleast this was what I thought that time.

The time I finished the final draft I realized a lot has been changed for good. Every time you write a fresh draft it changes a bit.

Who is your favourite character from your novel? And why?

Virat, Manya, Saurav, Pulkit and every other character are crafted by me. They all are mine, so it’s difficult to choose. It’s like asking a god to choose his favourite creation. Wow! I just declared myself as a god.

But If I have to pick one I would go with Virat because he believes in everything I believe in.

Is “Romance/Love” your genre? Your story in love Bytes is also a tale of love. Have you experimented with your genre?

My story in Love Bytes is a tale of love because it was the theme of the book.

However, In The Forbidden Line I have strained to cover a love story, a story of brotherhood, a social drama and a tale of redemption. My record is a mix of various emotions which will make you smile in one page and will ram you to cry in the succeeding.

I believe if I stick to one genre, it would be a murder of creativity. A writer must not be afraid to come to different themes. 

Did you face any rejections before?

A lot.

There are many anthologies out for sale in the market. What is your take on anthologies?

The anthology is a “good business”. Most of the publishers charge for anthologies and with that they recover money.  A young writer gets a platform and exposer. But to be honest anthologies has no market.

Only the writes, their friend and family buys a copy.

Are you working on your second novel? If yes, throw some light on it.

Yes, something is storming in my mind. Soon, I will start writing it.

I can’t reveal much, but yes, what I can say is that it is founded on a devil not a ghost but a human monster.

I have known that you are into book reviewing. According to you, how important are book reviews?

Book reviewing is a very crucial part for any book promotions. It doesn’t only spread the words about the book and also creates visibility. I have been reviewing books from the past 3-4 years and that time I don’t believe there were a lot of book reviewer but now there are a lot of book reviewers and a small part of them are reviewing books to get a free copy. In the process they collect a lot of books and hence there are delays in reviews.

Choose a book reviewer who not only post review on their blog but also on facebook, goodreads, amazon and flipkart but never ignore book reviewing. It’s essential, really important. Giving away one free book to a good reviewer will get you atleast 500 visibilities. It's such a good deal.

Enough of book talks! Tell us what you do during your leisure time? What are your hobbies?1

Leisure time is the biggest luxury for me these days. I seldom get it these days but no matter how tight my schedule is I manage to spare time to read novels. I’m a soul who enjoys reading and collecting novels. Aside from that I do love music and watching football. If my stars are very good and I get a lot of free time I prefer to travel and see different places.

I ask you to describe yourself in 5 words, what will they be?

1) Observer

2) Foodie

3) Voracious reader

4) Devotee

5) Outspoken  

Is there anything you would like to tell your readers?

I would like to thank everyone who bought my book. I'm grateful to them for their support.

I would urge every one of you to start standing for the things you believe in. There is a hero inside every one of us, try to find him and spread love beyond limits. 

It's been nice talking to you. I hope we have a similar session with your next novel.

The Pleasure was all mine. Thank you.

You can book your copies here!

Book Review- Dream Castle by Ridzee

Book Name: Dream Castle

Publisher: Ridzee

Price: Rs. 175

Blurb:

Dreams are the memories of the soul. We all have a dream that makes us one in a million. No one before has ever been us, no one in centuries will ever be the way we are. Reveries, the popping bubble in our minds that comes up day in and day out. It takes courage to stick by your dreams for you have to keep up equilibrium with your passion, loved ones and society. Beware of these people who dream with open eyes, they are the ones who will cheat on their fears and doubts just to marry their dreams. Dream Castle will take you through a journey of passion, experiences, strength and assorted hues of life. Revive and relish this stimulative, rousing compilation of short stories and be inspired to hold your ground!

My take:

The Guardian Angel by Ruchi Rai

There are certain people who walk in to your life to make you feel loved, to make you feel good about yourself. When their aim/ goals are complete, they leave. This is what this story is all about.

My rating- 2.5/5 (Overall, one-time read)

The Knack of Present by Kavya Shah

The very word ‘Alzheimer’s disease’ made me feel scared. Arjun’s emotions are beautifully expressed in the story. ‘Today’ is the most valuable gift given to us by God. Make the most of it. è This is what I learnt from this one.

My rating- 3/5 (A good read)

Breeze of Love by Priyanka Bose

Breeze of Love is a love story. Life can surprise you at any times. The story more or less focuses on it. No relationship is perfect. What makes it perfect are the imperfections.

My rating- 2.5/5 (One-time read)

Esperanza by Akash Rumade

An inspiring story which gives the reader a lesson of not giving up.

My rating- 3.5/5 (Motivational)

The New Beginning by Rohit Sukhwani

How far will you go to meet your favorite actress? Rohit, an ‘aam’ guy like you and me falls in love with Deepika Padukone at first sight. This story is about his struggle and his stubbornness to make his dream come true.

My rating- 3/5 (A good read)

Dream it. Destiny will follow by Isha Sharma

Engineering and Medicine are the only career options in the eyes of most of the parents. They fail to see the interest of their child. This story tells a similar scene. A must read for parents as well as youngsters!

My rating- 3/5 (Simple story with inspiring message)

Gateway to Happyness by Swatii

One never realizes the importance of things when he has them and takes them for granted. Only when he loses it, he understands its value. Similar is the case with people who walk into your life. The story sends out a message to treasure people. You never know when they might exit your life and you have just memories and regrets.

My rating- 3.5/5 (A good read)

Reunion by Aabha Pandey

Very few people get second chances. Rahul gets one at his school reunion. Does he make most of it? Simple narration and sweet story.

My rating- 2.5/5 (One-time read)

Light in Nightmares by Vipul Dhingra

Whenever you are in darkness, always remember that there is a faint light glowing out somewhere. You will reach that place soon. I really liked the name of the protagonist- Rooh. Nice story!

My rating- 3/5 (A good read)

I wish our roads cross someday by Hemant Shardul

This story is that of teenage love. The story is basically a dream sequence which is revealed towards the end of it. I feel that it could have been presented in a better way.

My rating- 2.5/5 (One-time read)

The Bicycle Ride Moments by Aishwarya Kamath

The story reminded me of my childhood. I really liked the narration style. ‘Your life changes when you change’ è Favorite line from this story.

My rating- 3.5/5 (Awesome read)

The Fabler by Akash Rumade

The Fabler is a story of an author who is booked for plagiarism. The narration is done like an interview session. I loved the end. It was a surprising one.

My rating- 3.5/5(Awesome read)

Dreams or craziness? By Ankush Gupta

This story is inspiring one. I feel that the author could have written more about Drishti’s struggle. The title did not match the story.

My rating- 2.5/5 ( Inspiring read)

Love by chance by Manas Jomraj

Love by chance is a story of Rohan and the girl whom he met on the train. There has been excessive use of indirect speech which grows disinterest. The story doesn’t come straight to the point- the girl and the reader will wonder as to what he is reading. It seems like a desperate attempt to increase the word count of the story.

My rating- 2/5 (A good attempt)

A Mysterious Dream by Kajal Lalwani

‘Karma’ story. I do believe in karma and hence, I likied reading this one. The narration is simple and touching.

My rating- 2.5/5 ( A good read)

Gusty “She” by Aditi Srivastava

Gusty “She” is an inspiring story, no doubt. But it has a number of drawbacks. First is the confusion with tenses and second, the confusion in the flow of events.

My rating- 2/5 (Okay-ish read)

Reminiscence by Kavya Shah

Reminiscence talks about the idea of marriage before and after few years of wedded relationship. Excellent narration and awesome story.

My rating- 4/5 (A must read)

Black and Blue by Anirban Nanda

Incredible story! I loved every part of it. I prefer not going in to details. Just read this one! You wont regret reading it.

My rating- 4/5 (Awesome story)

Anecdote- An Incident of Life by Priyanka Bose

A love story! Diary entries have always been special. This story became special one too!

My rating- 2.5/5 ( A good read)

My Fairy Tale by Dishi Kriplani

Cute story with pictures. The pictures are really really cute. I loved this one too!

My rating- 3/5 ( A good read)

Overall Verdict:

• There have been numerous occurrences where the editing suffers.
• I felt that a few stories were completely against the theme.

I rate Dream Castle with 2.5/5 stars.

You can book your copies here.

Book Review- Khel – The Writings by Vishal Goswami

Book Name: Khel – The Writings

Author- Vishal Goswami

Publisher- Frog Books

Price- Rs. 145

Blurb:

The abandoned Haveli in Bhramdev, a hill station near Mumbai, is known amongst the local population to be haunted. People keep away from it. A group of youngsters decide to explore it and what follows is a horrifying reality they do not live to relate.

Sanya Sharma is an investigative journalist, with a shattered life and a grieving past. Having lost her husband and little daughter within a span of six months, her once perfect life is a distant dream. Depressed, unable to concentrate on work and barely paying attention to her ten year old son, she takes help in alcohol and regular visits to her psychiatrist.

Her last chance at redemption is a case of mysterious deaths on small hill station. What follows is a series of mysterious, eerie and horrifying events that Sanya cannot understand and finally with the help of a local police inspector turned friend, it dawns upon her that the Haunted Haveli is not just a small town hocus-pocus but a reality that had turned on her. The evil that she encounters slowly affects everything around her and she knows that it will finally consume her.

But why? What were the deep, dark secrets of the Haveli’s past? What was the Nawab family’s past? Who is the old woman haunting her? What are the cards and what is the card game? How is such a horrifying situation merely a game and how is she to play it?  Why do the writings on the cards come true and people die? She has to find a way to save herself and her son from the evil and the game of cards that makes everything come true. People around her are dying one by one making her wonder why she is spared. Will she play the final KHEL- The Writings – or will it be the evil that will end the game?

Story in a nutshell:

The story opens up with a filmy scene of group of youngsters going to the haveli to prove that it is not haunted. A number of frightening incidents occur and ultimately the youngsters are killed one by one. The news makes to the headlines next day.

Sanya Sharma works as a journalist. Her life has always been with ups and downs. She lost her husband and her daughter in the span of six months. She is grieving and is in to depression. She has lost interest in her work and her surroundings. Her boss sends her to lead this unusual killing of youngsters. He feels that it could loosen up her stiff mind and help her recover.

Sanya arrives at the haveli only to find that the case had been shut. The local inspector, Kabir advises her to complete the report and leave Bhramdev as early as possible. But Sanya is determined to find out the truth. She resorts to the haveli at night and ends up with the cards. She realises that things happening to her aren’t normal and hence returns to Mumbai. But the cards follow her.

What will Sanya do to get rid of cards? What is the card game all about? Does she get any success in finding out the truth? Who helps her? Will the game ever end?

My take:

The story begins with a filmy scene and it kind of lessens the interest in the minds of the readers. The narration is simple and engaging. The flow of the events throughout the story is smooth. You will never lose the track of what is happening. There are many instances where the incidents have been unnecessarily stretched. For example- the description of the haveli. I felt that explicit description could have been avoided. The blurb of the book is long. It could have been made short and crisp. Changing the font color to a bright one would have been better. (Black appears unreadable). The story line is quite predictable. However, I must say that the end is surprising one. It is the end which steals the show and makes this book better.

The story lacks those ‘fear’ elements. There were no goose bumps and heart-racing incidents. I was not terrified reading it.

I rate:

Cover: 2.5/5

Story: 2.5/5

Characters: 3/5

My overall rating for Khel- The Writings is 2.5/5 stars.

You can buy this book here!