Review: Private Down Under by James Patterson & Michael White (Private, #6)

Some writers have lived their entire life churning out books out of blood,gore and suspense. The notable works of them still occupy our minds and leaves an ever lasting impression about their efforts and spirit of keeping the art alive. Author James Patterson & Michael White bond together under the Private series with a new location "Private Down Under" to make people dance to their tunes. So will this new book in the series work it's charm? Let's find out. 

With the best detectives in the business, cutting edge technology and offices around the globe, there is no investigation agency quite like Private. 
Now, at a glittering launch party overlooking the iconic Opera House, Private throws open its doors . . . 
Craig Gisto and his newly formed team have barely raised their glasses, however, when a young Asian man, blood-soaked and bullet-ridden, staggers into the party, and what looks like a botched kidnapping turns out to be a whole lot more. 
Within days the agency's case load is full: from a missing businessman whose latest scheme was a step too far; to a rock star terrified hes next in line for the infamous Club 27. 
But it is a horrific murder in the wealthy Eastern Suburbs and the desperate search for a motive that stretches the team to the limit. Stacy Friel, friend of the Deputy Commissioner of NSW Police, isn't the killers first victim and as the bodies mount up she's clearly not the last

First look at the title and the cover and it oozes class and suspense. The skyscrapers of Australia a woman and a man and the overall glare effect adds to the imposing effect of the book. The blurb talks about Private's latest developments in Sydney and once again how they are engaged in deadly situations. The blurb manages to conceal it all and let the readers decipher the entire mystery of the book. 

The story starts off in Sydney where Private has set up a new office under Chris Gisto. Along with his team they are embroiled in a problem when a body ends up on their doorstep. After that a series of murder occur in eastern Suburbs and a rising star approaches them for help for his probable murder and a Chinese ex-cop also lands up at their doorstep it all becomes complicated. So will Private be able to live up to their reputation and wade off all the cases? Are all the cases connected to each other? Will their be calm or will their be bloodshed towards the end? That's what the story is all about. 

The furious pace is the first noticeable element of the story. The parallel plots another aspect of the entire book. The gore and the bloodshed adding to the mystery and creating an overall eerie in the minds. The ruthless encounters, the tacts, the joint operations, the nosy yet dangerous ventures giving the book much more leverage. The mixture of kidnap, murder and betrayal working in tandem all the time and giving the readers a lot to savour. Private as a team has been given enough space and works overtime in the book with their fancy gadgets and minds. 

The downside of the book is when few of the plot fell short of expectations. Some finishing awkwardly and not providing enough spark and charm to the entire idea. The local dialect of Australia missing except for the scenery. The predictability bit high and towards the end the story falling short of weaving magic in the minds of the readers. Gisto's importance was found more wanting in the book. Other Private members overshadowed Gisto completely which doesn't makes a strong case for the protagonist. 

All in all the book does manages to pull off some inexplicable ideas out of the bag. But the shine fizzles out completely and that doesn't helps the cause. The story has it's ups and downs and could have been dealt with much more severity. The grip loosing at times. But the idea of making people go through a series of maze works and makes momentous leaps before coming to a stop. A bold and a clever book. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5 

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Review: The Unwanted Shadow by Bhaskaryya Deka

Thrillers are the bread and butter for many writers nowadays. Not to forget the twisted ideas which have come forward in the form of the book. Some exciting and some monotonous. Author Bhaskaryya Deka in his book "The Unwanted Shadow" has tried to imbibe some crucial elements of thrill and mystery and deliver the goods. So does it work? Let's find out.  

Mohan, a small town boy, is nothing but hopeful when he moves to Delhi to complete his education. After all, this is what he had always planned to do, to take a leap towards his big dreams. And for once he finds his new life to be absolutely lovely, like he has often pictured it would be.
But this good phase doesn’t last long. His life is soon shattered to pieces when his first relationship meets a tragic end. A sadness like he had never known before overwhelms him, keeping him wide awake at nights. But it is just the beginning, beginning to a terrible chain of events that would lead him to a deadly confrontation with his own dark past.
Will Mohan be able to overcome this darkness? Will he ever get solace? Or will his innocence be lost in the intense colour of blood?

First look at the title and the cover and one can co-relate it to be a shadowy mystery thriller. But appearances sometimes are mistaken and so is the case with this book. The cover image is quite pale though it wants to create an eerie atmosphere it fails to do so. The blurb talks about a man and how his life takes a u-turn when he ends up on the wrong side. The blurb asks staunch questions and keeps the guessing mode on. 

The story starts off from a village where Mohan lives along with his family. But when he opts out to move out of the house for his dreams and ambitions his father stands tall between him and his life. He pays no heed as life suddenly leaps out of his hands and gives him setbacks which take time to heal. Once he moves out unceremonious things await him in Delhi where he learns the tricks of the trade. So will Mohan ever be able to come out of the reverie? What's in store for him in the fast paced city life? Is it love or something which works overtime to make the going tougher? A lot of questions to which the answers are present in the story. 

The story is a casual affair with a laid back narration. It works fine and the sudden momentum it gains takes the story forward. The change in the tone and tempo maintains the sanctity of the entire idea. The turning point being the striking aspect. It gives a scope to the entire narration through it's change of tracks. The language simple and narration on a much simpler path. 

The downside of the story is it's first half which fails to ignite interest. The laid back narration in the second half and abrupt introduction of certain events without any relevant reference to the past gives it an out of the blue feeling. The build up taking a long time and vivid details which could have captured the entire essence more beautifully. 

All in all the story casually nudges along and puzzles with sudden changes. The casualness suited for sometime and later on changing gears. Few ideas have been implemented with goodness and gore but not with panache and command. The concept could have been dealt with more seriousness and strong vocabulary. A story with reluctance and good coverage to the mystery and few thrills to catch readers off guard. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5

Review: Private India by Ashwin Sanghi & James Patterson (Private, #8)

Crime thriller is a genre which has a spike in demand among readers nowadays. Even authors try to give their best while creating a story out of nothing. Author Ashwin Sanghi & James Patterson have collaborated to create the collateral effect of a book under Private series called "Private India" So has their collaboration clicked? Let's find out. 

When a series of seemingly unconnected murders rock the city of Mumbai with the macabre rituals and artefacts found around the corpses, Private India, a leading investigation agency takes the case. Santosh Wagh, the head of the organization, has only one mission. He needs to stop the killers before they strike again. However, in a city of over 13 million people, he finds that the clock is ticking too fast. He finds himself pitted against underworld dons and a Godman who isn't what he seems. However, the worst is yet to come and Private India itself may be threatened with a revelation that could destroy the entire organization.

First look at the title and the cover and one can easily figure out that the book has thriller written all over it. But the catch is change in the setup which brings the Private series to our very own tinsel town Mumbai. The cover image giving the befitting start to the story. The blurb talks about an organization, a series of murders and an ex agent who now is at the helm of cracking one of the most eluding cases of all times. The blurb has been painstakingly kept short for the readers to pick up and go through the entire story. 

The story has been setup in Mumbai where a series of murders across the city brings together the Police and Private India an organization which specialises in solving the improbable. Santosh Wagh the head of the Indian unit is bit ruffled when the entire drama doesn't stops and gradually gains momentum leaving him and his team clueless. But there are more sinister things happening under his nose and it's upto him and Private India to keep their personal lives aside and step up the gas to catch the mastermind behind these planned murders. So will Santosh Wagh and Private India succeed? Will this be a smooth ride or there are obstacles which will jolt them out of their comfort zone? Or is there a twist in the already gruelling tale? Join hands with Santosh Wagh on a not so private journey of him and his organization Private India termed "the best in the world". 

The book has it all which one expects to be there at the time of unfolding the plot and the vice like grip in which the readers succumb along with the story. The precious elements of mystery, furious pace, the highs and lows, a strong leading protagonist and an ever alluring antagonist sets the tongues wagging by the end. The book managing to run the entire drama in a the most vivid and gory fashion. The slips ups are none and it sets the heart thumping once the entire sequence of events unfold in front of the eyes. Santosh Wagh and his organization Private India have been given enough leverage and make them toil hard for the entire book. 

The story has no downside whatsoever. 

All in all if you want to dance to the tunes of a crime thriller this is the one for you. There's hardly any breathing space as the element of surprise will catch many off guard one after the another. It's like a thunderbolt it hits hard and hard enough and then disappears with the blink of an eye. For all the choicest of locations, the numerous disjointed dots and multiple problems for the people to handle there's fun, excitement and above all there's snappy rhythm to it which will not let you keep down the book. Surrender your soul and you'll find solace once the book gets a befitting end. High octane performer under tough conditions. 

RATINGS: 

5 OUT OF 5

Review: Crumpled Voices by Ila Garg & Pulkit Gupta

There are sufferings and then there are lot of sufferings for humans on earth. Some come naturally while some of them are man made. Women have always been an object of desire and scrutiny for many. The oppression continuing and seeping it's way through generations. Author Pulkit Gupta & Ila Garg in their latest offering "Crumpled Voices" have lent out a medium to common people and give the readers something that has not been dealt with for a long time. So is their effort up to the expectations? Let's find out.  

Crumpled Voices – Shades of Suffering is an anthology based on social issues. A common thread of the prevailing societal evils and injustice binds them together. We have tried to weave stories ranging from rape to acid attack and domestic violence to honor killing in this anthology. All of us have witnessed such incidents in our day to day life, our near and dear ones might have experienced them closely too. We have almost grown up among them, felt them following us. We constantly live in fear of the unknown, fear of being the victim to any of the criminal activities multiplying around us. These days when no place is safe, including the web, our voices need to be heard. Protest must begin from somewhere, and we have used our pen which is mightier than the sword to express our anguish. An echo of many unimaginable atrocities lurks within us, engulfing us in its shadow. Through each of the story in this book, we have tried to highlight one such aspect of horrifying crimes.

First look at the title and the cover and it shouts and shouts out loud about the issues the book might take up during it's entire course of narration. There is a deep pain hidden inside the title and the image is a symbol of it. The blurb talks about what is on offer in the book and the editors conceal the very idea on which the whole project works. The blurb is pinpoint accurate with not much to decipher and leaving it for the readers to uncover themselves. 

Poem No. 1:

A beautiful poem indeed describing at length the state of affairs of earth, the joys and the sorrows, the transition of the man from human to beast, the pain and the sufferings and the worst and the best which the living soul had reaped and sowed till now. It's a vivid amalgamation of verses with a lot of depth and intensity.

Story No. 2:

A story about two people and their respective choices which are not respected at all by the society and the fears with which they live in. It's a story with a lot of focus on what happens in real to those who try changing the rules of the society. It's a good story with love and homosexuality being given appropriate space. The story could have been given a lot more edge. It became too straight forward towards the end.

Story No. 3:

A story about misunderstandings and misconceptions and the choices that change the course of the future. The story is a heart felt narrative about two people and the course it traverses leaves the readers amidst mixed emotions. A fruitful and sad story with pent up feelings and curses and cries of few souls.

Story No. 4:

A story highlighting the society's mindset and the misleading faces of man which ultimately wrecks havoc in not one but many lives. The story delves into the devil reincarnate forms of man and his beastly endeavours. The narration is smooth, the sufferings true and the end painful. A soulful story.

Story No. 5:

The mind sometimes reacts violently to a situation and considers nothing. Even the ties and bonds are marked broken with one mistake. The story revolves around honour killing where a girl struggles for life and unexpectedly or expectedly the savagery comes from her very own. It's painful, it's brutal, it's gory but in the end it's all in the name of honour. The story is perfect with brief but hitting verses.

Story No. 6:

The story is a curious case of missing people and how one person changes it all for everyone around him. The story indeed is based on a unique idea and a concept and takes a spiritual as well as a historical journey, even humouring the entire idea at times. The story is fresh from the shelf and has been delivered with ease and confidence.

Story No. 7:

When a woman decides to break the shackles and run amok the entire world around her then it's the bright change which dawns upon. The story is based on this one bright yet cruelly and subdued change and the courage of a woman. The story runs it's course fine and sums up with a good message.

Story No. 8:

For once a cry and howl gets a voice and in turn it leads to the uprising or the sad demise of your opinions or freedom. The story is of the sufferings of a woman in her marital life and the endless beatings and taunts which leave her scarred forever. The story highlights the shortcomings of marriages in our country and it manages to give leverage to the dead relationships which are run in the name of societal pressure and mercy. A nice story.

Story No. 9:

Honesty is the best policy and your little honest gestures sometimes leaves you with content and satisfaction. That is what the story conveys through it's narration. The story's narration is average and it offers nothing new in terms of concept and ideas.

Story No. 10:

The story is of ambitions and riches, the ways of success and the ways to achieve it. The story doesn't pulls up an effective momentum and fades with every paragraph. The end quite predictable and the events very random and vague. It doesn't gives quite the jitters and shivers which should have been associated with it.

Story No. 11:

Strange is love and it's ways. It can make you look completely lost or in control of your senses many a times. The story is of one such couple with an even strange story. The story is quite new contrary to the ideas of love and romance. The story is filled with remorse, strangeness and some invisible hiccups which makes you cringe to read more.

Story No. 12:

What goes around comes back around. What happens when a sin from the past comes back to haunt you and torment you forever. The story with guts,gore and inhumanity. The straightforward and bluntness of the story makes it a cruel yet an eye opening aspect. There's a lot of flair in it to give it the touch it required. The best story of the lot.

Poem No. 13:

A poem on the present conditions  of our country and the dilapidated state which sadly makes it all the more unruly to live and survive. The poem could have been woven in a better manner and words like fucking and bullshit could have been given a miss completely.

Story No. 14:

The story of two people and their horrifying experiences and later on turning them into forte. The story has a start stop kind of presentation which works fine for sometime but gradually it feels incomplete and rather finishes abruptly with not much to cherish or cheer about. The story is devoid of plausible explanations and the the momentum not in it's favour.

Story No. 15:

A young girl and her instincts to learn and grasp new and definitive things about life lead her to believe in the smallest and possible joys of the world. The story has been written well keeping the innocence factor of a child in mind. The grammar stutters quite a lot of times but the story remains good and ends on a positive note.

Story No. 16:

When life has been cruel to you for a very long time then suddenly the ray of hope appears out of nowhere and gives you a thread to cling on and stay put and face the world. The story has been given a glimmer of hope, a touch of love and new found surprises and the bond which never falters come what may. The story has come of age and given the word relationship a new meaning and direction. A very good story.

Story No. 17:

For their are wolves everywhere in human forms and their prying eyes hunting for preys and waiting for that one moment where they can snatch away your dignity and respect but what if you have chosen something else for yourself. The story runs on the lines of dignity and the trust which is is so sacred yet scarred that even it's difficult to fathom the repercussions. The story starts and end on a high and devours on the cannibalistic attitude of man and it's desires. The surprises making it readable and befitting. A very good clash of love and lust.

Story No. 18:

The story is about day to day nuisances which women generally have to face on roads, next doors, lanes, malls etc. The show never stops for the men but for women it becomes an ordeal. The story lends a good voice to the women power and gives them a direction as how to tackle with the leeches of the society. Giving up is never an option for women and it must be the same in reality too is the message conveyed loud and clear. A good story. 

Story No. 19: 

The story of a woman who undertook a journey where she is all alone and some restrictions are forced upon her to make her life more miserable. The story is to break the shackles and do what your mind and heart agree to. The story is fresh and gives a lot of leverage to freedom and voicing of thoughts. The end was bit abrupt but overall the story manages to charm the readers. 

Story No. 20: 

A story about a little girls and her hidden feelings and the doubts on her ability due to lack of appreciation and the touch of her own which is found amiss in the whole set up. The story points out at the very fact that life has become too pacy and people gradually tend to forget to tend to their own kids and loved ones. The story is simple yet touching and helps venting out the inner frustrations of a brilliant yet emotion and care deprived child. 

Story No. 21:

It's the story of a grief stricken lady and a young girl and the visible generation gap and the stark differences in thoughts apparent throughout their conversation. The story runs its course smoothly and gives ample leads to a lot of cruel truths about the society and the people. The story touches the topics with ease and shows the right path to a young child with care and tenderness. A nice story. 

Story No. 22: 

The story is of a woman and a daughter who are out on a mission to fight off the unnecessary evil that has spread in the society and hush up the gossip mongers once and for all. The story is about determination and the inner strength which guides you towards righteousness. For one person standing tall others will come out of the closet and make it a voice to be heard. The story is unique and with grave intensity. A lovely narrative. 

Poem No. 23: 

A poem on the acid attacks on women and the trauma some of them have to undergo afterwards. The poem simple yet pleading with innocence and tenderness to leave the women folk and give their ideas and freedom and their body a breathing space. The suffocation and constant fear being highlighted. The poem ending the book on a high with expectations and experiences shared through this medium. 

The book contains 20 stories and 3 poems, all of them trying to put a point across to the readers. Some touching, few of them gory, some shivering and forgettable experiences and a common factor women. The targeted and a misconception of "weak" being busted through some of the narratives. The stories rendering a voice to the voiceless and giving a platform to the women who have suffered and suffered hard. An eye opener for many and an opinion changing experience. The magic in some of the stories binds you with disgust and anguish yet your soul reaching out to the plight of both the rich and the poor. The stories which leave a shining mark on the mind are story no. 3,5,6,12,16 and 17. 

The downside is the editing part at few places with grammatical mistakes hampering the growth of few stories at times. It's not severe but sensitive books like these need more accuracy. The poems are good but could have been given a better space or given equal weightage in the book in terms of quantity. Few stories lacked the flair and the ideal perception to take the social cause forward. 

All in all the book manages to pull out all stops and deliver powerful societal messages with ease and simplest of manners. The deft touch giving the book lots of hopes and pride. The stories chugging out reality from the deepest and the darkest of the corners. The filth being cleaned up in the form of words. The editors being selective and nearly accurate with their choices of stories. A neat compilation of shades of suffering. The book could have done a lot more by giving some more hard hitting issues "space" but nonetheless it still churns out quite a lot in contrast to what readers usually read. A book to be sailed along with and pondered upon with it's idealistic approach. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5

Review: Cheer Up: The Worst is Yet to Come by Ila Garg

Love remains the most sought topic in a person's life. It surely happens for once and either lives you foxed or makes you a wily fox. Author Ila Garg in her latest book "Cheer Up: The Worst is Yet to Come" tries to give voice to a girl who goes through this routine phase of love and finds herself at crossroads. So will the author be able to do justice to the whole idea? Let's find out. 

Ishani, a young, pretty and multi-talented girl with a carefree attitude, lives in a world of her own. A girl with small, little dreams; she carries a happy-go-lucky nature. Always surrounded by friends, she loves to help people and is a quick learner. When she gradually tries to find a place in this messed up world, everyone around her starts to lure her, as she trusts easily and can't discriminate between right and wrong.She had been wrong a lot many times. She makes efforts to bring a smile on every face and wishes someone would do the same for her. Things come to a halt when she falls in love with an over-possessive guy, Abhay. They part and they meet again. In the meantime, she forms a bond with another girl. Her sole respite is her best friend, Armaan, but then, she already had been hurt, deceived, and broken beyond repair.This book is all about her journey of love and friendship a story of innocence, guilt, pleasure, mistakes, break-ups, success, failure and frustration.Can a completely broken girl emerge as a winner at the end? What surprises life holds in its box for her? Is it ever going to be easy for her to choose or she will continue to stay in her dilemmas?

First look at the title and the cover and there's no hiding that the book is a chic-lit one. The pinkish image along with a girl ready to take off is like a fresh energy being effused in the entire book. The title probably too long yet simple and too open tells a reader a lot about it's going to be about the good and bad of the life. The blurb talks about a girl and her tryst with life at appropriate and unexpected junctures and the way she wades off to make a path for her own. The blurb could have easily been toned down. It's unusually too descriptive. 

The story is of a young girl Ishani who wants to leads life king size. She takes admission in D.U and from there on begins a journey of turmoil and joy. The friendships keeping her life balanced and love making it all the more troublesome and insane. In between all this she tries to make it work between her love, friends and career and prospers and stumbles at times. But the human spirit in her begins to wane and remain unresponsive even to brightest of the situations. So will Ishani ever be the same girl again? What role will love and friendship play in her life? Will this life give her blessings and joy or take away everything from her? That's what the story is all about. 

Life's hard and sometimes it gives you the toughest of times to deal with. It's the test of your patience and character and that is what the character Ishani goes through in this novel. Most of the times making her plead with guilt and giving her laughable moments. The story is chirpier with chic-lit effects and revolves around friendship and love. The stress more on love. The story catches the emotions in a nice manner and keeps it steady during the entire length of the narration. The second half being more receptive. The ups and downs evident throughout and dilemma of a girl to live and survive in a mad world and to urge to scramble and reach the top gets the story going. 

The downside of the book is it's repetitive introduction of numerous characters. It could have been toned down easily. The abruptness of the love dying a slow death from one side and not giving enough space to the other makes it one sided and and clichéd. The events too remaining the same after a point of time like college festivals which doesn't lends a vivid set up to the whole idea. 

All in all the story is like a cool breeze for a girl who struggles to sustain love in her life. Her wrecking and suffering making it difficult for her to live and let live. The story is not polished and demands more drama and less repetition. The lack of freshness in terms of narration and ideas marred the book's storyline. The suddenness of many things hampering the narration sometimes. The story demanded more angst and emotions from both sides rather thriving on one person's narrative. The poetic verses a saving grace in the story giving good let out to the feelings of a girl who is distraught and in despair. It's the tell tale of a girl with less hope and more cries.


RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5 

Review: Bad Romance By Harshita Srivastava

Love is a an ancient potion which is quite a mystery. It might not play true to you at times and sometimes it might turn out according to your wishes and desires. Author Harshita Srivastava in her latest book "Bad Romance" catapults the readers to yet another journey of love which is filled with a lot of passion and desire. So will it be able to live up to the expectations? Let's find out. 

Life is a bitch and I am one of its victims. I had the perfect life. I was blessed with the perfect boyfriend, a perfect best friend, the perfect set of girlfriends and perfect choice of career. There were some loopholes but then they went beyond my perspective. Overall, I had the kind of life people would ideally like to have but happy times aren't meant to last forever.
Sometimes we feel that we have figured life but that’s something that is never going to happen. You know why? It’s because it has this habit of kicking us right in the middle of ecstasy. No wonder, it did the same with me.
This is my story, my story of that exploration within, my feelings, my emotions, my thought process, my priorities, my conflicts and my journey into the temptation of love, lust, lies and betrayals. This is the story of Kritika and a man who gave her life another dimension, Tanishq. This is a story of the complexities of relationships and the trap that a simple idea of sensuality, pleasure and euphoria can put you into. This is a story for everyone who has loved, lost and fought for survival and love, together.

First look at the title and the cover and it mesmerises with it's blend of colours and a lone figure which has been cut out staring at waves. The hidden expressions of the woman add curiosity in the mind as what to expect from the book. The title hinting at something bad about to take place in someone's life. The blurb talks about life and it's ways of making you work for yourself to survive. The blurb's length is too long and should have been kept short for the readers to get hold of more of the story from the book. 

The story is of Kritika Mathur, a young girl who lands up in Greater Noida to chase her dreams and ambitions of becoming a RJ and to pursue engineering. The freedom soon engulfs Kritika and she enjoys every bit of it breaking the monotony of her home as she falls in love with Vikrant. Gradually love blossoms and along galore problems which are too dominant to be ignored. With friends by her side especially Tanishq a guy who doesn't leaves much of an impression the first time they meet in the college becomes her life saviour. So will Kritika be able to live a fairy tale romance? What role Tanishq and Vikrant play in her life? Will life ever be same again for the young girl with soaring ambitions and love in her heart? That's what the story is all about. 

When it comes to justifying the tagline love, lies and betrayals the book scores some serious brownie points. It manages to skim out balanced effects of love i.e both positive and negative and imbibed in the story line with great effect. The struggle of a girl and her transition from a girl to woman has been given a lot of limelight and manages to capture the best of the moods and emotions and enthral the readers. The story embarks on a turmoil yet captivating love story which keeps the heart beats pumping all the time. It has that ticklish effect as well as the glaring dungeon dark side and the twisted human psyche which adds and lends voice to the whole idea. The physicality of love too barbaric and sometimes too cosy and has been shown with diligence. The emotions cropping up at the right places with the right mix of joy and sorrow which one experiences while being in love. 

The book lacks in capturing the mental aspects of  love fully. It fails to encourage the characters to grow along with the story rather than choosing to leave them in a limbo at times. The story has some abrupt events and incidents which don't quite add up and shades the progress of the story. Editing turns out to be another big blemish with glaring mistakes being made grammatically, character name goof up, a spelling mistake and entire repetition of two paragraphs describing love in one of the chapters which had already made an appearance in the chapter before. The book towards the end feels out of place as it wounds up without the thoughts of the other characters being expressed or given voice. 

All in all the book does manages to show a girl's courage to fight and live on her life with dignity and respect shedding appropriate light on the delicate subject of trust and commitment. The book manages to shed the tag of a typical romance saga and delves into the inner turmoil of women when they are in love which is felt largely nowadays in the society. But it lacks the punch at times and leaves a lot to imagination which doesn't quite leaves a glaring impact. A book to be read and pondered upon with some nasty and some heartfelt romance. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5 

Review: Fusion: A Mingled Flavour Mocktail by Dr. Rachit Bhushan

Anthologies are a classic case of curiosity nowadays. There are many out there in the market, some by individuals and some given shape with the help of young and experienced lot. While it might have turned out to be a bitter-sweet affair but these compilations still try to offer various moods and emotions in limited words. The constraint testing a writer's patience. Author Dr. Rachit Bhushan in his latest venture "Fusion" has put together 25 such stories which not only create spark but add various elements from all walks of life to woo the readers. So does the collaborative effect works? Let's find out.

It is an anthology which consists of 25 such stories that will steal your heart away. It is not just a book but a journey of emotions that will take you for a roller coaster ride. With every page you turn, words will strike the chord of feelings and emotions will grip you in a manner that you won't feel like keeping the book aside till you reach the end.

First look at the title and the cover and it won't come out as an eye catchy affair. The tagline though comes as a saviour and gives some direction to the whole idea. The blurb has been kept short and an anthology often doesn't requires one. It gives you a faint idea as what to expect from the book and how it can offer a colourful experience to the readers.

Story No. 1:

It's a story of a young man and how he is left to make choices so hard which is going to affect not only his but other lives too. So will he be able to make the right decisions? That's what the story is all about. It's a god story imagining the fact that it turns out to be a bit of surprise when it starts. Later on it finishes off too soon which could have been elaborated a bit more than what is present right now.

Story No. 2:

The story is of grief stricken young girl who is not able to fathom and collect her thoughts and decipher what life means to her. An angel in disguise though wants to her overcome her fears and be her own. So will this happen? That's what the story is all about. The story starts off splendidly with beautiful verses adorning the whole story. The story reflects pain and suffering and captures it with honesty. Though towards the end it feels incomplete yet it mesmerises with lesser words and more emotions.

Story No. 3:

It's the story of a random conversation with a random stranger and talking on random topics. The story is not that random as it adds meaning to the word life and it's implications on the society. The story has a hint of hiccup at first and needed a fine touch to it. A simple yet enjoyable story.

Story No. 4:

A story of a young girl who against all the society norms falls in love with a person who is not going to live up to the expectations of many. So will they be able to wade off the menacing society? Will her family accept the alliance or will love fade away with time? That's what the story is about. It's a wonderfully woven story challenging the limits and boundaries man has set for himself. The story rekindles the meaning of word "hope" by delivering the perfect message in a perfect fashion.

Story No. 5:

It's a story of a college going lad who gets addicted to facebook and falls for its charm and the world of lure and love. So will he be able to detoxify or will there's a twist in the tale? That's what the story is all about. The story starts off in a known manner and later on builds on to the momentum. It does offers some real life visibility but with a fair amount of predictability. It needed more fine tuning and better finish.

Story No. 6:

Few things are not in your hands and same is the case with destiny. You never know what happens the next moment in your life. This is what the story is about. It starts off with a bang and ends with an explosion. The story never falls flat and rekindles a lot of old lost emotions in the wave of time. Beautiful narration lends an apt voice to the whole story.

Story No. 7:

Love makes you do silly things and makes you feel a lot of emotions in form or the other. Sometimes it takes you for a ride and sometime it makes you feel contented. So what's the end to this story? The story is as beautiful as one can imagine it to be and draped in words which can make one feel loved. There's a lot to be poured but it remains stuck in the insides and the story grasps and depicts it well. Mesmerizing narration.

Story No. 8:

There's always a reason to smile and life throws you those reasons. It's up to you whether you grab it or not? That's what the story is all about. The start was a bit off but later on a little surprise in the story made it look smarter and wittier. The narration was fluent and the story held it's own along the way. It's a good story.

Story No. 9:

The story of two young boys and the initial infatuation and it's repercussions. The story is simple yet lacks approach or intensity. It falls flat with a regular tone and nothing new to offer. There is no hard push to make it look more desirable and noteworthy.

Story No. 10:

Some choices we make in our lives don't gives us the desired end results. We might regret it later but the wide variety of options which we choose to ignore at that moment come back to haunt us. This is what the story is all about. The story had a lot of potential to turn into a page turner but gradually it becomes monotonous as the repetitive story line doesn't adds any spark to the already diminishing effect. The narration saves the day but the set up doesn't offers anything new.

Story No. 11:

When revenge takes over then there's hardly anything that can stop an enraged soul. That's what the story is about here a lost love and a deranged soul. The story has gruesome and gritty narration and keeps the flames of love and revenge alive till the end. It has been crafted with care and handles the innocent love of two unknowns with greater intensity. A rejoiced gory story.

Story No. 12:

Whenever there has been a divide of rich and poor it has always resulted into chaos. The collateral effect heard and felt by many. A commoner who rises tall to claim what's theirs. That's what the story tries to negotiate and narrate through this ordeal. The story packs a punch and intensity and let be specific about the poor and rich divide. The entire drama and set up brings the best out of the narration as it gives glimpses of power and helplessness both. A story with guts and will to fight for your own rights.

Story No. 13:

The story is of two gentleman, some misunderstandings and one-sided love which comes at a great cost. So will they be able to support each other? That's what the story is all about. The story has some curiosity factor in it which is quite surprising. There are subtle hints dropped but the main drama leads the readers to the end giving it a good and unexpected ending. A good story with a lot of maturity.

Story No. 14:

A painful transformation from a loving soul to a hard hearted one never comes easy. Though you can switch back to your normal self again there's a limit to each and everything and there's a certain entity that stops you in your tracks. This is what the story is about. A strange hesitation and the urge to ward off all the evil from the world. The poetic verses are exemplary. The story smooth yet marred by the use of cuss words like shit or fuck which could have been completely avoided. A story with meaningful transitions of life .

Story No. 15:

The story of a little girl and her ambitions which lead her to the city of dreams only to see everything vanish. So will there be turns in her fate again? That's what the story is about. A heart rendering story seeing the immense struggle and helplessness of a soul in a different city. The story lending perspective to the word humanity and adding a lot of flavours of joy and sorrow and a bleak distant future in this whole package. A beautiful story indeed.

Story No. 16:

It's a classic story of tussle of life with the living and the dead. Not much matters as the narration engulfs and encapsulates you with the desire to read on and find what happened in the end. The story's depth protruding and visualizing the entire scenes making it look more apter and effective. A well balanced expression of emotions.

Story No. 17:

The story of two lost souls in the world of love and then nasty developments which derail their life completely and push them to take decisions which are going to have serious repercussions. The story has been woven with extreme care and diligence. The unspoken words, the longing and the love felt for each other has been given befitting spaces. The story touches the heart soothingly and whispers a lot about how it feels to be in love. A very good piece of work.

Story No. 18:

What happens when you are on the verge of losing something or someone which is of the utmost importance in your life. Will you be able to hold yourself or let go and squander off everything? That's what the story is about. The story jumps into action straight away and gets touchy and touchy by the time it ends. It leaves a hopeless trail of love and desire behind stirring up the emotions with great effect.

Story No. 19:

The story of a soldier and his loyalty towards his duty and the country. The story starts off on an aggressive note and eventually rakes up a lot of drama but fails to deliver the goods towards which turn out to be too plain and simple. The story could have been given a more meaner effect which was reflected more in the character's actions rather than the narration.

Story No. 20:

Sometimes the fault is not in our stars but its the fault of the way society looks at you or detests you for what you have done. Second chances are rare and in few cases none. That's what the story is all about. The demented truth, the fear, the detesting nature of the society and the resentment to showcase your feelings makes the story a treat to read. Not faltering for once it delivers the exact message for the society which one needs to understand and adapt. An eye opener for many.

Story No. 21:

The society calls for a change every now and then and someone or some people always come together to make it happen. It has happened in the past too and it'll happen in the future too. The story is about one such change which jolted the people out of reverie and bring upon the change themselves. The story delves into the politics and then the innovative ways of delivering the promises and connecting their ideas and ideology to the people with the means of music. The story lacks punch and fails to enthral after the initial burst of patriotism. The finesse and the magical touch to it found wanted and missing most of the time.

Story No. 22:

There's a lot of things that happen in haste and a person needs to fathom how to handle it and open up their pent up emotions so that a sense of clarity prevails and peace is attained. The story revolves around love of two people and tries to touch the chords of hurt and despair. It is successful up to an extent but fails to offer something new in terms of narration. The abrupt end also doesn't suits the entire set up and adds up to charm the readers and sparkle their eyes and minds.

Story No. 23:

A classic story of love, lust and betrayal. The story has all the right elements to make it a thrilling affair but alas the shoddy editing work and severe hiccups in the momentum and abrupt coverage of the incidents leading up to the whole affair makes it a mess. The story becomes predictable and gives up too soon on the suspense and drama it tries to create and manipulate the readers mind. A story not living up to it's title.

Story No. 24:

What power lies in our body to overcome the odds? When you are thrown in a dungeon from there's no stipulated return and the scars of it will be visible throughout? Is it easy to handle the pain of letting go or the pain of suffering? That's what the story is about. It manages to deliver the power punched narration along with the most heart felt emotions along with the choices of words and some beautiful verses. The story manages to pull a reader out of reverie and builds up anger and sympathy together. The go-getter story penned down with a lot passion and fire. 

Story No. 25: 

Life has different shades and people get served by it. Some by chance or some by destiny. While some end up compromising with their fates, others fight hard to alter it. That's what the story is about. The story starts off on a dramatic note and maintain a neutral tone throughout. The narration could have been better and glaring spelling mistakes hamper the fluidity of the story. The message delivered is good but the finishing touches are missing which makes it look pale at times. 


The book has 25 stories and warms up to the reader in different ways. The positives that come forth after reading the book is it's range of touching different topics with narration praise worthy and ideas raising up the bar of thinking and approaching it. All walks of life somehow have found space in the book and the readers won't feel uncomfortable or find it monotonous. The stories have both the dark and light and have hopes and despair, joys and sorrows and many more emotions which are associated with us in our lifetime. The chords produce melodious tunes translated into words and woven into stories to make it appealing for the readers. The concept is so heart warming it makes difficult for the readers to pick up the best among the lot as many stories heat up the entire scenario and bask in the glory of glorious writing and vivid thinking.The stories which in particular are worth mentioning are story no. 4,6,7,12,15,16,17,20 and 24. 


The editing needs fine tuning as in some stories it's found wanting. Not all the stories are perfect and few fail to live up to the expectation or falter at crucial junctures. Added attention should have been given to spelling mistakes which have happened at places across the book and don't add up to create a ripple effect. 

All in all the book manages to secure and hold it's place and making inroads in to the minds of the readers. The editor has done commendable work in sorting out the best among the lot a near perfect anthology. The duller effects at some places have been covered with smooth transitions and the stories manage to touch hearts and make you feel among the mix. The fluidity and wide approach giving great leverage to all the stories and doubling up as a meaty substance to make the book deliver it's promises. It won't bore or make you feel unsatisfied. The anthology gives life and love a new meaning and adds flavours and colours like nature has to offer us. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5 









 

Review: When Only Love Remains by Durjoy Datta

Love will never be out of favour as everyday a new story will rise from the ashes and give it a new meaning. It's a hard choice to make for everyone but eventually if it is suppose to come out good it will. Author Durjoy Datta in his latest book "When Only Love Remains" tries to pull out all stops to maintain the sanctity of love in the heart of the people. So is he able to lend a new perspective to the whole idea? Let's find out. 

I’ve imagined this in my head so many times.I’ve always thought about what I would say;what I would do, and how it would all turn out to be.And every time I would remove some detail …She’s a flight attendant—young, bright and living her dream. He’s a heartbroken singer on his way to becoming big.She’s an ardent fan of his. He can’t imagine why and yet seems to find comfort in her words.It’s the first time they are together and in their hearts both are wishing, hoping and praying that the night would never end. That the time theyare spending together lasts and lasts …In the world of imperfection, there is always someone just right for you.

First look at the title and the cover and it has love written all over it. The blooming red hearts won't make sense with a piece of earphones but its significance is deciphered in the story. The cover could have been a bit more exciting. The blurb has few lines which tries to convey the thought process of two young people. The blurb restricts itself to few but meaningful lines and makes the readers all the more excited to look out for the story. 

The story is of Avanti a young flight attendant who is die hard fan of a young upcoming brash singer Devrat. She restricts spilling out her feelings to him and Devrat is immersed in his own world of music and irresponsibility. But gradually when she gets to express herself in front of the very man she loves there's no looking back. So will Devrat ever come to know about Avanti? Will Avanti ever be able to confess her love? Will this yes-no situation lead them anywhere or will they continue living life as strangers? That's what the story is all about. 

The times have change and so do have the way of expression. Elaboration is still not the forte but fewer words become more meaningful with time and renders a touch of optimism and makes you feel at home. This story too undertakes this journey of optimism and pessimism, love and hate, hope and hopelessness. The story has not been devoid of any emotions and has been constructed with passion involving love as a major element. The narration is slow but it suits the needs of build up and helps the readers get acquainted with the scenario. The book weaving it's charm through laughs and tears together. There's simple yet captivating moments for die hard romantics to rejoice. 

The book has no downsides in it. 

All in all the story manages to capture love like a moment and seals it with command. The ups and downs chugging along and keeping it alive for the readers. There are moments of pain and glory in equal measure and readers won't feel discomforted about this idea. The out of the box thinking helps in painting a vivid picture for everyone to read and talk about. It lends voice to the boxed feelings of many and rejuvenates hope for whom the journey has turned out to be sour. The story with minimal of efforts and maximum of effects. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5