VP Book Review

Author: Jagmohan Bhanver

Genre: Mythological Fiction

Publisher: Rupa

Pages:378

Price: 295 INR

Blurb:

The man who became a brahmarishi....

The curse that banished him to the hell of hells....

And the revenge that threatens to destroy the three worlds.....

When Lord Brahma, the God of Creation, banishes his star pupil from Swaeglok in a fit of rage, he does not foresee that his decision will alter the fate of the three worlds. Mortally wounded, and anguished at Brahma's unfair punishment, his pupil struggles to survive in Tamastamah Prabha, the hell of hells. In time, he becomes the Dark Lord, the most feared figure in Pataal Lok, who she wears to destiny Brahma.

The power of the Dark Lord soon begins makes its presence felt in the mortal world. Vasudev, the brave prince of Bateshwar, becomes the hunter of Asura assassins; his closest friend, Kansaa, almost dies while trying to save his sister from a group of deadly monsters; and the most valiant kings in Mrityulok turn over to the dark side, driven by forces beyond their control.

Only one person threatens the Dark Lord's well-laid plans - Devki, the beautiful princess of madhuvan, who is destined to give birth to the warrior Krishna.

Will the Dark Lord allow Krishna - the person who has been prophesised to destriy him - to be born?

My Views:

As I got the book for an honest review, the first thing which attracted me, is the superb book cover, this book has. Now let's talk about the story:

This book 1st of the Krishna Trilogy, is basically story up to Krishna's birth, this is not the usual Lord Krishna's life story at all.

As in Indian mythology, we know the story of Lord Krishna, His maternal Uncle the Evil King Kansa, who after listening the prophecy that his sister's eighth son will kill him, imprisoned them and does his best to kill all children of Devki and Vasudeva.

But this novel tells a different hidden story behind turning of noble prince, who loved his sister devki very much, in to an evil king and why such a drastic change?

It tells the story of Amartya, bright pupil of Lord Brahma,

who was exiled by his teacher and who went on to become the most feared evil Lord - See more at: http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2015/11/book-review-curse-of-brahma-by-jagmohan.html#.dpuf

who, after exiled and sent to Pataal Lok by Brahma, changed from a Brahmarishi to the dark Lord Kalyanesu, and plans to seek revenge.

It tells the story of birth and childhood of Devki and Kansa, love affair of Devki and Vasudeva, the sacrifice of Kansa to save his beloved sister Devki, and his rebirth as an Asura, and being played in hand of evil forces.

Overall It completely changes the evil characterization of Kansa, as we know earlier.

It also asks questions about the evil and the good and wonders aren't they two sides of the same coin?

And most importantly it creates curious plot for the next part, hope we will soon have from the author.

Well I have disclosed very much the story line of the novel already. For much detail, grab a copy and read it.

Overall Rating: 3/5

Language & Editing: Readable but needs little tightening in narration here and there.

Story line: New vivid prospective about known characters of Indian mythology, promising, interesting plot full of drama. Some times it feels that novel should have been cut short to engage reader's interest through out the book.

Book review done for b00k r3vi3w

Author: Ankita Sharma
Publisher: Humming Words Publishers
Publication Year: 2015
ISBN: 9789381560266
Pages: Paperback, 138 pages

From the author
This is a collection of 11 tales inspired from various shades and areas of life. Some are real incidents inspired by the observations and life incidents of people. This book is an attempt to get a greater insight about human emotions and how they react when they have to face the situation.

While some stories carry a lighter tenor, others show varied side of human psyche and relationships as seen from a different angle. The collection can be enjoyed by readers of any age group.

Author
Ankita Sharma is an entrepreneur based in Faridabad (Haryana), India. She is passionate about writing, reading and sketching. Her sketch works have appeared on the cover page of a few titles. She loves nature and is fond of animals. You can read her blogs at www.hummingwords.blogspot.in

My Views:

Sincere apology to author Ankita Sharma for very much delay in reviewing of her book "The Wedding Trousseau and Other Short Stories" due to some unavoidable reasons and events.

A book containing short stories of same author has the danger of having stories of same theme, same type content and repetition of thoughts, but Ankita sharma has chosen very different 11 stories which are fresh, of varied themes and taken from our day-to-day life.

The language of the book is much more above than average chick flit books and the maturity in the thoughts makes her different from the league of many newbie authors or wanna be authors.

The Wedding Trousseau and Other Short Stories, the book containing stories of our day to day life, having different shades and emotions, is thought provoking and worth reading and not so happy ending in almost all stories forces the reader to think the so called realities of our society and life.

The build up in the plot of stories are well written and some times you may not be able to guess, where the stories gonna end. Some stories seem like they have unfinished ending, May be author has kept them intentionally.

Overall:

A fresh prospective, quite different from present days novels, in the form of short stories and each one promising enough to bind the reader to the book is not easy work and Ankita Sharma has done quite a wonderful job.

Rating: 4/5

Thank you very much Ankita for sending me the book review for you. I really enjoyed reading it.
All the very best for your book !!!

Buy the book at:

1) http://www.amazon.in/Wedding-Trousseau-Other-Short-Stories/dp/9381560269/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429869939&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Wedding+Trousseau+and+Other+Short+Stories
2) http://www.buybooksindia.com/-the-wedding-trousseau-and-other-short-stories-0-29581267.html

Author: Vinay Mashalkar
Price: Rs. 145/-
Publisher: Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd
Genre: Romance
ISBN- 9789384226442
Blurb:
Falling in love is a beautiful feeling. There is
an enigma in that feeling, which can take a person to a different
world. So many things have been said and written about love, but it
still has a mystic charm that attracts people to read more love
stories. That’s My Story is one such simple, but beautiful love story
of an IT guy named Vikram who works in Bangalore. It talks about his
job, his friendship, his booze parties, his frivolous lifestyle and,
above all, his love and the emotions that a person goes through when
he falls in love. It's a beautiful journey of friendship, love,
breakup, destruction, recovery and miracles. Read this book and walk
the path of this beautiful journey with Vikram, Meghna, and Aditi.

My Views:

This is the first novel of debut author Vinay Mashalkar, who has
presented beautiful love story of a young IT guy named Vikram, his life
journey covering events from final year job interview, selection in
placement, partying after that, doing job in Bangalore, and usual life
of a IT guys, job, party and all.

Then one rainy day, standing on his balcony, he sees a girl named
Meghna, struggling to kick start her scooty. And our protagonist falls
in love with her in first sight. she leave and he do nothing at that
time. but he has a secret wish to meet her. he misses her very much
and when ever he sees a red scooty, it reminds him of her and wish he
could see her again.
But she is lost, some where in this world. Having no information about
her, how can he find her, he yearns for her.

Again she comes in front of him after one year and then he is
determined to do anything for her and they fall in love finally.

what can a person wish for?

But life is not simple as we think.

Different caste issue leads to their separation, after that he self
destructs himeslef through alcohol abuse.

But then enter another girl Aditi, ideal girl, with help of her, he
recovers, about to spend his whole life with Aditi, when again Meghna
enters in his life.
who he will choose? where the story will end?

To know further, go and read this book for one time light entertainment.

Language: Simple, easy to read, lovely story
Story Line: Almost predictable, more description needed, littler bit
slow pace at start but after middle it gains momentum.
Editing: more editing required. Nice effort though of first time
author to present his story in simple manner.
Rating: 2.5 / 5

Over all you can read this book in one go, and will feel like a story
and characters from our real life, and will connect easily with them.
Read it for one time in light mood, mostly for youngsters.

This book has been requested and received from author Vinay Mashalkar,
for exchange of honest review.

Publisher: LiFi Publications Pvt. Ltd.

ISBN-10: 9382536752

Number of Pages: 204 Pages

Publication Year: 2015

Language: English

ISBN-13: 9789382536758

Binding: Paperback

Blurb:

Devastated by floods, Bipin and his little boy Tublu move to a faraway land, where they meet the Sharmas. This marks the beginning of a long and enduring relationship between Bipin and the Sharmas, and the growing friendship of their children Tublu and Maina. The book captures the journey of this friendship through childhood to adolescence and into adulthood. From some interesting school and college humour, the story progresses on and develops into a mature narrative. As years pass, Tublu’s plain and silent crush on Maina develops into deep love and longing, which bears the potential to conquer all of life’s challenges. The story has its share of drama that entertains; humour that makes one reminisce; love, friendship and emotions that define the amazing journey that is, life.

About the Author
Jahid Akhtar is a software developer by profession. He was born and brought up in Assam and resides in Bangalore with his wife Anjali and their little daughter, Jia. Jahid enjoys writing about some unforgettable moments, in his blog tiled 'Flashbacks'

http://jahidakhtar.blogspot.com/

My Views:

It's wonderful to see that a fellow blogger has turned his dream of writing novel in to reality and many thanks to fellow Blogger turned author Jahid Akhatar for sending me his book "Story of Tublu" for review.

As I read the forward of the novel, I felt that there should have been a tag line along with it " Spoiler Alerts", so you may leave this before you read this book.

Our protagonist Tublu (Tanmay) with his father Bipin come to Sharma family in search of Shelters after devastation of their home in Floods, and they got not only shelter but a family in Sharmas, and they help the father son duo to move on from their miserable condition and they become self dependent.

Sharma's daughter Maina (Sujata Sharma) is another important character of the story, as Tublu befriends her from his very childhood, and then she becomes his crush and soon he develops a very intense and deep love for her but he doesn't reveal it to her.
But Maina, knows indirectly that he loves her, but she never reveal it to Tublu, as she has her own reasons to do so, her career ambitions, an ill father to take care of.

Life progresses and along with it, Tublu and maina move from child to adolescent and then adult and their life changes, but Tublu still remembers her.

in the middle of their life, we came to know about Tublu's college and hostel life, the things any one can relate and enjoy these events.

Another character Shilpa free minded girl, who has no bound to enjoy the life comes and goes very soon. she may have been given more space, yet her role how much it is good and keeps the novel more interesting.

So its all about story of a boy and his transformation from a child to a responsible adult who keeps his eye fixed towards his goals.

For complete story, you read yourself and know.

Final Verdict:

Language: Simple narrative, easy to read.

Story line:

1. Not so extra ordinary story, very common story among these fiction novels.

2. Story, twist and turn predictable.

3. Some times abrupt changes in the story.

4. Little bit monochromatic straight forward story.

But, I appreciate fellow Blogger Jahid Akhtar for telling his story sincerely and his efforts to create it as beautiful and interesting as he could have.

Editing:

Editing work needs to be done more carefully, hope author will do it better in his upcoming books.

Overall on a free Sunday or at journey, you can read this book for lighter mood and enjoy the story.

Rating: 3/5

Buy this book at Flipkart and Amazon.

Title and Author: Saved in Sri Lanka by Devika Fernando

Publication Date: March 2015

Language: English

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Indie

Blurb:

Some people are destined to meet. It sure feels that way when Sri Lankan tour guide Sepalika meets Daniel. The mysterious tourist from Ireland steals his way into her heart and makes her question everything her life is built upon. Instant attraction turns to love – but does he feel the same? And what about the secret she’s hiding from him? Follow the two on their quest for a happy ending amid the beauty and wonders of the tropical island paradise of Sri Lanka.

Excerpt:

She bit her lip, afraid she was talking too much, but he was hanging on her every word.

“What an unusual choice.”

Was that admiration in his cultured voice?

Before she had the chance to respond, maybe shoot another question at him, a sudden gust of wind stirred up the landscape. The surprisingly strong breeze whipped her hat from her head. It sailed away for several feet before plopping to the ground unceremoniously when the wind settled as fast as it had risen.

“C’mere, let me get that for you.”

With that, Daniel stalked off on his long legs while she stared at him in surprise. Within seconds, he picked up the hat, shook some non-existent dust off, and returned. She half reached out for the hat, but her arm dropped to her side lifelessly when the power of his gaze hit her.

He was drinking in her face, free of its shading hat. God, was he really scanning every single detail, the way a man would hungrily let his gaze wander over the face of a woman he found attractive? When was the last time somebody had reacted to her like that?

Her throat went dry, and Sepalika was frozen into place. Daniel prowled closer, until he wasn’t standing more than a foot or two away, and she had to tilt up her head to look into his eyes, wanting to drown in their greenish-grey depths.

They stared at each other, and she wondered why a small frown was forming a vertical line between his eyebrows. In slow motion, he lifted his arms and gently placed the hat on her hair, pushing it down until her eyes were in the shade again. His hands never touched her, but the deliberate slowness and strange intimacy of the gesture had her pulse fluttering in her throat. His gaze strayed to its frantic movement beneath her caramel-colored skin.

“There you go now,” he said softly.

The air between them was charged. She expected him to touch her any moment. She wanted him to do so.

“Tell me your name again.”

His voice was husky and barely more than a whisper.

Where was her voice? Swallowing and resisting the urge to wet her lips with her tongue, she said, “Sepalika.”

His gaze traveled to her mouth and back up to her eyes.

“Right. Sepalika.”

My Journey with the book:

As i got a mail regarding book review and with it came the soft copy of the book Saved in Sri Lanka by Devika Fernando. I was little bit disappointed, whether I would be able to finish this book or not, as I am not very comfortable with E-books. But on a nice relaxing Sunday, after doing all my pending works of the week, I became free, opened my laptop, and thought, why not give it a chance.

so I opened the E-book, and saw that the writer through Smash word has self published the book.

I started reading the book and soon i was on to the journey of beautiful beaches and historical places of Sri Lanka with a beautiful Sri Lankan tour guide, Sepalika, who loves history and has dream of living in England but she has to live in this place under some circumstances, yet she loves her job very much, ie:- being a tour guide, and it involves meeting a lot of people from different culture, color, country and each one of them has a story to tell, and she welcome every one with her million dollar smile.

we are on tour to different historical places and all of sudden, i see Sepalika lost, lost in her thought, something is intriguing her so much. Then i checked all my tour mates and then Sepalika and she is looking towards an Iris tourist named Daniel, mysterious, quiet and the intellectual type, who doesn't give a reply to her smiling gaze. He seems alone, lost, sleepy head, and curiosity of our lady has increased hundred folds.

He is behind every one, thinking something, but what, she wants to know. Then I see her approaching him, and trying to break ice with him. she tells the tiny details of all the history of those places, monuments, and Daniel, being a history professor on his way to Australia to take up a position there, has a keen interest to know them , becomes mesmerized with her knowledge and her beauty.
thus the beautiful romantic love story amid of beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka starts, flies, and soon the relationship between these two gets stronger and stronger.

But she is engaged to a wealthy man Mahesh, under family circumstances, who she doesn't like.
Daniel and Sepalika,and their great romantic love story will get its happy ending ? What will happen to Mahesh? How she will cope of with all the circumstances?. will they live happily ever after?

I don't want to disclose very much to spoil the interest of future readers.

My views:

Language:
Simple, lucid and makes you read more and more pages.

Story Line:

1. Romance is in the air. Love between them starts, grows and we feel like we are watching them and they are with us. A must read for romance and love story readers.

2. Wonderful description of Sri Lanka, a small island , and descriptions of the many places of interest in Colombo; Pinnawala; Kandy; Sigiriya; Nuwara Eliya; Yala; Galle; Ambalangoda; Bentota and Anuradhapura; the museums; the gardens; the temples; the ruins; the Buddha viharas and you will want to visit the country. No need, read the book, have a virtual journey and meet Sepalika, talk to her, see through her eyes, feel what she feels, and i am sure without visiting the place, you will be in love with the Sri Lanka.

Rating:
3.5 out of 5
I would love to read it again and recommended it to everyone. Read and enjoy this romance and take a wonderful trip to Sri Lanka.

VP Book Review

Book Review: The Curse of Brahma by Jagmohan Bhanver (Krishna Trilogy #1)

Book Review : The Wedding Trousseau and Other Short Stories by Ankita Sharma

Book Review: TMS: That’s My Story by Vinay Mashalkar

Book Review:- Story of Tublu - Jahid Akhtar

Book Review: SAVED IN SRI LANKA by Devika Fernando

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