Review: Beaten By Bhagath: A Tale of Two Writers by S.V Divvaakar

Showcasing reality of a professional field is always a tough job. There are a lot of ifs and buts in it. A lot of fingers will be raised. A lot of questions will be asked. Your opinion and judgment is always under scanner constantly. Author S.V Divvaakar in his second book "Beaten By Bhagath" has attempted one such shot on showcasing the reality of our writing industry. So is it realistic enough? Let's find out. 

I m sure you can do a much better job than Bhagath! When BB hears these inspiring words from his sexy lady boss, his staid life as a successful analyst in an MNC goes into a tailspin. Bitten by the ego bug and smitten by her, BB sets off on his quest to write a book thats better than Indias greatest writer Dr. Bhagaths blockbusters. Nothing unusual about this for BB, who likes a good fight. Except that he and Bhagath had been classmates and friends at college. 
What follows is a roller-coaster voyage of the debutant author and his book, with all its twists and cul-de-sacs. Brushes with publishers, celebrities, retailers, book chains, and competition with the alliances among giants, mark the challengers journey, upping the stakes at every stage. Will BB catch up with his famous friend?What will their encounter be like?Written from inside the ring, Beaten by Bhagath is a gripping tale the first-ever about the unseen side of the wonderland of Indian fiction.

First look at the title and readers will get to know the exact theme of the story. The cover image is funny but goes well with the title of the book.The blurb talks about the roller coaster voyage of a debut author and the reality of the writing industry. The blurb supports the title and theme of the book perfectly. 

The story revolves around BB who is inspired by her boss to write fiction and publish it. There are a lot of thoughts in his mind and he sets off to explore an unknown territory probably without thinking about the pros and cons of writing a book and Ketan Bhagath his roommate, his hostel and colleges friend as an inspiration and competition too. What looks easy at start becomes a series of problems when a lot of ups and downs happen during his entire journey of writing and publishing a book and eventually he loses out the competition. His roller coaster fun filled journey is full of problems, humor, dejections, rejections, shocks, surprises and happiness. But will he able to achieve his ultimate goal in the end? That's what the story is all about. 

It's different, it's realistic, it has a methodical approach, it has been blended well with fiction and it has highlighted a lot of problems which one might to face in the industry. It's an eye opener in a way for some and a lot of highlighted issues and behind the scenes scenario are well covered in the book. It's a book within a book. It has a fluid narration and brilliant editing to go with. 

The downside of the book is it's second half where it waivers off from the plot and goes to a completely different track. The focus should have been on the writing industry only. It becomes more business and less about problems and struggles later on which shouldn't have been the case.

It's a book which is healthy in its interpretation and firm on the ground which is quite shaky in the story. It runs with a lot humor and emotions but waivers off a bit. It has conveyed the plight of a struggling and an aspiring author completely with a lot of command and conviction. It's not about dejection and rejection and problems and obstacles it's about how willing you are to stand on a shaky ground and work hard for your book. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5

Review: Hilawi by Ritu Lalit

Fantasy Fiction is never easy to write. It's one genre where your imagination needs to run wild and produce a story which binds the reader with it till the end. It has to hold steady till the end. Author Ritu Lalit in her book "Hilawi" has put to test her own writing skills by producing one such fantasy fiction. So is this book worth fantasizing? Let's find out. 

When the chants rise up, Gigi or Gargi Tamang finds that she has to gravitate to the strange object that they seem to emanate from a disc made of a metal that no one can identify. Could the myths that we've heard from time immemorial, actually be true? 
Yaduvir and Gargi Tamang, twins are nothing like each other; he, a mild-mannered and scholarly youth, and she, a feisty young woman, full of energy. A telephone call from India suddenly changes their lives. They find that they are the designated guardians and protectors of a strange shield that is both co-vetted and feared by their own clansmen. They are completely unprepared for the adventure they are rocked into, where no one around them seem to be who they are, where they are constantly on the sun and where they have been summoned for a task they cant even accept as true.

First look at the title and you'll be intrigued by the mystery surrounding the meaning of the title. The cover image depicts a hissing snake and a sword and a metal object which is enough to entice the readers in picking up and reading this book. The blurb gives very little information about what's going to happen in the story but it's a very good blurb considering the theme of the story. 

The story revolves around Gigi & Yaduvir Tamang, the twins who are leading a comfortable life in London but a call from their daadu in India makes them visit the hills of Shambhuthal hastily and their visit soon becomes the talk of town. They have a mysterious past as their daadu unveils the story of Hilawi and it's association with their family. Truth dawns upon them as a lot of other family members are after the precious object. Gigi & Vir are tied to this object by destiny and they have to protect it's existence and their bloodline from the evil clutches of Dr. Ng & Gopal Ojha the powerful CM of Himachal. It's an adventurous journey of two young bloods coming together and accepting their fates with time in order to pull out a task which demands a lot of sacrifices and blood. It's a story of a gruesome past and some good old revenge. 

Fantasizing about objects of historical interest always keeps the curiosity level of the readers high. This is one story where it'll remain high all the time courtesy Hilawi and the mystery surrounding it. The story is fast paced, thrilling, full of surprises and unexpectedly a capturing story line to keep readers hooked till the very end. The roller coaster ride of Vir & Gigi Tamang will enthrall the readers in every possible way and mixed up with a bit of imagination it's quite a head turner. The characters in the story have been utilized in a perfect manner and no one seems to be out of place in the story. 

The only downside of the book is it's abrupt ending which needed a bit more from the author. It felt incomplete. Apart from this there are no other flaws in the book. 

It's an interesting journey from London to Himachal via Punjab and other places along with Tamang twins and others. There are a lot of ups and downs and lots of excitement as the readers keep turning pages. It's a story which will enchant with it's narration and daze you with it's shine all throughout. A sequel will do a world of good to this book. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5. 

Review: Stuck In The Moment by Shradha Nanchahil

A lot of love stories are being written nowadays. It's an all time favorite flavor for seasoned as well as upcoming writers. Some end on a happy note and some of them on a sad note. Author Shradha Nanchahil in her debut book " Stuck In The Moment" has tried her hand on penning down a love story. So is it different from the others? Let's find out. 

It is not always he left you or you left him, it's simply some times, destiny left us. There comes a time in relations that you just *don't* or *can't* be together. There may be family problems OR there can be future insecurities OR when you have had too much of each other OR fading trust OR even long distance troubles. The reasons of breaking apart are a lot more than one can imagine. Love is a wide term, where in you may still love the person but you just cannot opt for being together with them, for the betterments in future of lives the departure seems better. Those make as incompletely, complete love story. Where you are still in love but just not together. You have an assurity that the other person will listen to all that u say, you still know just a text and all would be back on track, you still know how late it gets in night your one call and they'll receive, you still know the restrictions would still be accepted, you still know how hard it gets they'll still care. But you know an extra point, that you still have lost all the rights over that person.
At this point it's better to back off for the happiness of the other and a complete belief that the love was so pure. Those all love you's were the most honest and from the bottom of the hearts. It's better to part with a feeling that no one could love you the way he did and vice versa than to face the destiny's call. The more you'll be together the more tough it will get to move on. Not that this reduces the moving on *pain* but it surely gives you courage to know you cared more for his happiness then your happiness in him. True love never dies. And its all fine to have a ending where its not happily ever after but happiest for whatever you shared together.

First look at the title and the cover and readers will instantly fell in love with with it. It's a beautiful title for a love story and a lovely cover image too. A couple as a cover image is apt for a love story. The blurb describes emotions when you are in love and if something goes wrong that moment too. The blurb could have been kept a bit more short and mentioned a line or two about the characters. 

The story revolves around Shivi & Paras and their love at first sight which transforms in to love and then with a promise of life time commitment to each other. But things don't go as planned and some old beliefs separate the two from each other and one incident which changes everybody's lives. It's about incessant love for each other, strong bond and commitment as someone dreams of when they arrive on earth. It's about pain and moments which haunt you for life when the person you love the most leaves you altogether. 

It's probably the shortest book present around. It has some beautiful poems in the start to compliment the love story describing each and every happy or sad moment aptly. The love story has some tense moments towards the end and the pain associated with it has been portrayed wonderfully well. 

The biggest drawback of the book is editing. The book has a lot of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors too. It becomes a sore for the eyes. The poems could have been easily spread out at various places in the book.The conversation could have been handled a lot better in the book. The story should have been more long as some more details could have helped it end much more beautifully. 

It's the shortest novella with some sparkling chemistry and beautiful poems to go along with it. It's not the best love story present around but it explores human emotions with a lot of conviction. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5

Review: You Adored, Me Ignored by Ambalika

A few books have the knack of making your head spin right from the start. They have this unconventional touch to it which the readers are not able to grasp in the first look. Author Ambalika in her debut book titled "You Adored, Me Ignored" has chosen one such way to keep the readers off trail for sometime. So is she successful in sending off the readers on a wild goose chase? Let's find out. 

Anam wants to be...well...Anam. But as an unmarried and unemployed member of the Acharjya family, that is not something she has the liberty to be. Especially when The Clan - as she refers to them insists on living like ministries of a government and is head over heels in love with Polly, Anam's cousin. Not believing in competing with Polly, Anam busies herself with her newfound work at the film festival. Life seems to have settled, until murder strikes, and fingers are pointed - at - who else but Anam.
Anam finds herself dragged down by the question 'why me?' and in answering it, leaves behind quite a number of broken hearts...and heads. 

First look at the title and the readers will get a feel of a mushy-2 romance coming up. The cover image of a girl adds up to this feel. The blurb talks about a girl and her family issues and the comparisons drawn with others. The blurb unravels a little bit mystery behind the title and the image. It's a good blurb not giving out the main idea of the book. 

The story revolves around a jobless and an unmarried girl Anam who heads back home and is under constant scrutiny of her parents and relatives collectively called as Acharjya Clan. Comparisons are drawn with one of her cousins Polly who has got everything perfect in her life. Her desperate attempts to find something suitable for herself lands her up in a mess which leaves a lot of questions unanswered in the process and some question marks too about her existence. It's a story of a girl who will come out as a winner or loser in the end and put all the speculation to rest in her own crazy little manner. 

The story has a fluent narration and witty conversations which make it very interesting for the readers. The story runs it's course smoothly and has a twist in the tale too towards the end which again will excite the readers. It's not a regular normal romantic story. The idea behind it to convey a person's lean period and helplessness in some situations and then getting back up has been covered well. The strong family values and the some prevalent practices in families till date have been highlighted perfectly. 

The book could have had a few chapters more describing Anam's struggle. It's the only downside of the book. 

It's a story which will foll you at first and then will settle down on your nerves and then take you on a roller coaster ride and then suddenly will come to a halt. It's all quick breezy and the ease with which things happen will keep the readers enthralled till the end. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5 

Review: The Dumb & The Dumbfounded by Prerna Varma & Abhinav Shrivastava

Friendship just like any other relationship has to be handled with care and can be only maintained if both the parties are interested. Till the time selfish motives are out of it, it blooms or it turns towards doom. Author Prerna Varma & Abhinav Shrivastava in their novel "The Dumb & The Dumbfounded" have tried their hands on showcasing the essence of friendship. So is the book strong enough to portray such a relation? Let's find out. 

For few, college is the temple of learning, for some it is their ticket to romance, for others it is a place to make new friends, creating countless memories!What does 'college' mean to you?Does it remind you of your 'best friend?'The friend who has been there, shared your dreams, acted as an advisor and an agony aunt!But what if this same 'friend' betrays you, tries to sabotage your career and threatens to reveal every single detail of your life?Would you sit in a corner and sob? Or would to stand up and retaliate?'The Dumb and the Dumbfounded' is a tale of two friends- Aarav and Dhruv, who embark on a thrilling ride of life.But soon the thin line between thrill and fright starts to dissipate.Aarav begins to lead a 'dual life.'Dhruv gives a new meaning to IIT.And one of them discovers other's plans.Would they forgive and forget? Or would they seek vengeance? But first, they have to make the ends meet, without actually making them meet!This is a journey where there's nothing right or wrong.

First look at the title and the reader will be attracted to it as it's one of those modern day titles where titles tend to gain the attention of the readers. The cover image is dull when you look at the title. Perhaps a better cover image would have done justice to the book. The blurb talks about the journey of two friends where it takes all to maintain it. The blurb might not be the best representation of the title but it represents the story well. 

The story revolves around two friends Aarav & Dhruv and their exciting journey of friendship where everything is put to test. It's a story of their relationships, the trust, the lies, jealousy and the bond which will ultimately either overcome all the obstacles or succumb to the human emotions. Their lives though tread on two different paths but they are bounded by fate to help each other out in trying circumstances. So will they be able to hold it till the end? That's what the story is all about. 

Though the story is based on a very common theme of friendship between two people but still it has a lot of freshness in it when the reader goes on reading it. Their personal problems and rivalry take center stage in the story and sets the tone for a thrilling experience for the readers. The witty narration and some twists to the plot keeps it thrilling till the end. The goof ups and lies and unexpected situations make it an interesting proposition. 

The downside of the book is the diary portion which could have been handled in a better manner. There are a lot of chapters marked as diary entry which shouldn't have happened. A few spacing mistakes in the book could have been avoided too. 

The book with a modern day attractive title and friendship theme is not a regular college type story. It has a lot of emotions which can be associated with the real life and surprise and baffle the readers from time to time. It's a story to learn a thing or two about friendship. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5. 

Review: Chakra: Chronicles of the Witch Way by Ritu Lalit

Fantasy Fiction has caught the eye of many off late in the writing industry. Sometimes it's mingled with reality and sometimes its sheer imagination. Author Ritu Lalit in her latest offering "Chakra: Chronicles of the Witch Way" has chosen the path of fantasy fiction set in modern day to fantasize the readers. So is she successful in her attempt? Let's find out. 

The Japas are a race so secretive that their existence is dismissed as a myth. Tales of them abound in our mythology, telling of these men and women, possessing physical abilities beyond belief, playing with elements, with the power to curse and cure. They exist among us, mingle with us, ride our metros, visit our malls, and even go to the same schools and colleges as us.
Parineeta Mohan is a powerful Japni who has turned her back on The Witch Way. She has even brought up her niece and nephew as ordinary people, unaware of their heritage. 
Their life changes when the kids disappear along with their cousin Roma.
A shocked and desperate Parineeta has to find them before enemies of her family do, and has no one to turn to but Jorawar, a man she is attracted to but can’t trust since he belongs to the sinister organization Pax.
The only way she can fight, win and survive is to embrace her heritage, return to The Witch Way.

First look at the cover and the title and as a reader you'll get the feel of a fantasy being presented to you. The mysterious yet gleaming eyes on the cover does adds up to the curiosity of the readers. The blurb talks about a clan and their ways of living and some untold secrets which is enough to fantasize a story in mind. The blurb does well in terms of what the book has to offer a reader. 

The story revolves around Japas & Japnis and an old feud which has quite a bearing in modern day on some people's lives. Parineeta Mohan a powerful lady of the Mohan clan is responsible for the upbringing of two children who are talented and unique in their own way but they have been kept away from the Japas traditional system altogether. Sami & Deep along with Roma their cousin spark a little incident in the school which catches the eyes of the clans and then an all out war in between various people to protect and kill them breaks out. Their sudden disappearance and a series of events turns around the life of Parineeta taking her back to the old witch ways which in the end helps her in ensuring the safety of Mohan clan. So will she be able to repel the attack of the powerful forces? What will happen to Roma? It's about loyalties, old customs and a clan which is powerful enough to rule the world and their threat causes a uproar among the existing clans. 

For a fantasy fiction to be set in modern day Delhi along with some modern touch and human element to it, makes the plot interesting. The fantasy, the imagination and the plot thrills the readers a lot as it paces along with fluid narration and a lot of old mythical history to go along with in the plot. The characters and the clans have been sketched to perfection. The story is a mix of ups and downs and fair bit of secrets in it to keep the readers hooked till the end. 

The downside of the book is haphazard narration and a lot of characters in the first half which makes it difficult to grasp the exact motive behind the plot. A flowchart to describe the clans and their generations in the start would have done a world of good to the story. There is a page where the character is introduced as Hemant Rawat but twice it has been mentioned as Hemant Ratra. The  non-clarity in the plot is quite evident as Roma takes the centre stage towards the end and the end of the story is not sparkling enough to make it a mesmerizing plot. 

It's a fantasy fiction with fair share of thrills and a vivid imagination of the author to keep the readers excitement up but the time it takes to build the story around the characters and a few of them emerging out of the blues makes it a difficult prospect to grasp in one go. It's not easy to switch from one thing to another in the book which acts as both advantage and disadvantage, but it's fantasized enough to make the readers dance to its tunes. It's not the best fantasy fiction out there but definitely worth reading one time. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5 

Review: Uff Ye Emotions by Vinit K Bansal

An anthology based on love is a risky prospect considering there has to be a lot of considerations going in chalking out stories to suit the reader's taste. The theme might be the same but there has to be some difference in each and every one of them so as to satisfy a reader's quench. Author Vinit K Bansal in his latest book titled "Uff Ye Emotions" tries to bring out the best of what love has to offer to each and every person in life through different short stories. So are these love stories magical enough to spellbound the readers? Let's find out. 

Perhaps, emotions are the most beautiful things in the world which cannot be seen or even touched. Interestingly, they can only be felt with the heart. Love is the purest and primary among them with its various shades. We all have our own definitions of this magical word, but, its beyond explanation. It is always around us. The very existence of this beautiful universe is founded on love only.
Love has been the most talked about subject since ages and has always come to us through stories and became a part of us. Almost each of us has experienced the magic of this emotion in one form or other in our lives. 
Uff Ye Emotions is trying to recapture the magic of love through 12 beautiful award winning stories which were selected after a nation-wide contest..
Stories in this anthology are soaked with intense emotions: Adoration, affection, love, friendship, fondness, attraction, caring, compassion, sentimentality, desire, lust, passion, longing, infatuation, envy, jealousy etc. which truly complete our lives. Love stories from diverse age groups, from different corners of the country and containing different shades of love. 
Selected and edited by Vinit K. Bansal, this anthology will certainly enthrall readers and will make them feel the tenderness of this magical thing, called love.

First look at the title and the readers will get to know this is one anthology where all the stories will be high on emotions which a person undergoes during their entire life. The cover image highlights some words which can be associated with love. Both the title and the cover have been well designed. The blurb talks about love and its aspects which is the central theme of the book too and highlights the fact that there are stories for each and every emotion to gauge and judge for the readers. It's a well compiled blurb in terms of the book's theme and title. 


Story No. 1:

The story is about love at first sight between two strangers and then culminating into a stronger bond between the two but then destiny has a part to play through sacrifices made by one for the other and bearing the brunt of a so called crime which the person didn't commit. The story is strong on love, emotions and sacrifices but weak towards the end as it becomes predictable.

Story No. 2:

A dark love story with a number of twists in it to fool the readers till the end. A heart touching and an agitated experience for the readers. The story is high on hopes,love, revenge & justice but served in a manner which nobody will ever believe or talk about. It's true in this case that 'whatever you do in this life good or bad, you'll reap likewise too".

Story No. 3:

Two people meet. The boy unable to confess his feelings for her and then one fine day he does and he gets what he wants but then it boils down between career and love. Sometimes it matters what choices we make and how they shape up our future. It's a plain and simple love story. I won't call it as one of the best stories of the book.

Story No. 4:

Sometimes in life few things are better left unsaid and later on when realization dawns upon the sufferer and the truth unfolds it either makes or breaks a person. This is what is the story all about. It's predictable in the start and quite a shocker towards the end. A beautiful story.

Story No. 5:

It's a story of careers at stake, best times spent together and support of each other in bleak times. It's a realization of what wrong you committed by letting that one thing go which you loved the most. It's a story which makes you realize the importance of people in life.

Story No. 6:

When a person has gone through a horrible ordeal and trust is a thing which doesn't comes naturally anymore it tends to spoil a lot of relationships and loneliness becomes a best friend. It's a story about love, trust hanging in balance and love which has more meaning to it than ever. It's a story which is serene and impact worthy to jolt readers out of their minds. A story to be read and felt with calm.

Story No. 7:

If there's love present in the world, then so be it. This is the love story of two souls separated by cruel fate yet a sacrifice made by the one which people will remember forever. A few things which can never be argued upon. It's a mesmerizing and enchanting story of love and sacrifices.

Story No. 8:

A story where a person loves another with heart and soul and in return gets a rude shock which becomes a wound with time which cannot be healed by any medicine. Then life makes you head strong and a few decisions keeps your life on a steady track. It's a story of love, forgiveness, will power, understanding and trust which once broken cannot be win back easily. It's predictable yet an empowering story.

Story No. 9:

This love story starts on a similar note of boy meets girl, falls in love and then can't gather strength to convey his feelings. But the best part of the story lies ahead when some confusions and an incident turns everything around. It's a love story with some beautiful unexpected twists which will make the readers jump out of their seats.

Story No. 10:

It's a sweet story about school romance where a girl falls in love with a boy but is scared about pouring out her feelings to him. A few misunderstandings and unnecessary fear and a late realization brings the story to a happy ending. A story with a lesson about love and friendship. 

Story No. 11: 

An unusual story where love comes later in the picture. But when it comes, it arrives with full force and charging up all the human emotions. The story is about the brutal past, the pain, the uncalled for love & life after that. It's an unusually beautifully compiled story. 


11 stories and the emotions are strong in each and every one of them. The stories that stand out are 6,7, 9 and 11. These stories leave a powerful impact on the reader's mind on how to look at the various aspects of love and human emotions. 

The downside of the book is editing. A lot of spelling mistakes are there which has marred almost each and every story. It could have been way better than this. The weak links in the book are stories 3 and 10. They are predictable and plain in their narration. The blurb talks about 12 stories but there are only 11 of them in the book. 

An anthology which has enough power to touch the deepest wounds of a person and make them cry or laugh on the situation that arises in all the stories. All of them are full of emotions but not all of them are enchanting enough to woo the readers. If you have to experience unselfish love and sacrifice then this is the book you can look forward to. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5