The Krishna Key Posted by Drac , Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 2:49 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Westland

Title: The Krishna Key

Author: Ashwin Sanghi

Publisher: Westland

Genre: Fiction

The Krishna Key by Ashwin Sanghi follows a historian, Ravi Mohan Saini, as he races to discover the truth hidden by Krishna thousands years ago, against a serial killer who thinks himself as the reincarnation of Krishna. Interested already? ‘The Krishna Key’ does not follow the current trade of retelling mythology in a fictional manner, but leave it far beyond by creating a perfect blend of mythology and fiction. This intertwining is bound to start a new trade among Indian authors as we have an endless supply of mythological chronicles. 

As they say, God lies in the details, or is it Devil? I am not sure, but whoever it is, the author has obviously met him. The places, antiques and traditions of different civilizations described in this book are highly comprehensive.  Don’t be surprised if you start Googling lexis from this book after reading it. The spiritual take of the author is also penetrating to the core. Ashwin Sanghi has developed his writing a lot since his first book ‘The Rozabal Line’, which used to give an expression as if you are reading something on the Wikipedia. 

Unlike other reviewers, I won’t compare this book with works of Dan Brown. Where both the writers have similarity of mentioning facts and meandering them into a thriller, Ashwin Sanghi shows much more reverence towards the religion and much less attention towards the grip of the story. No doubt this book has an amazing story flow and the unfolding of events will keep the reader spell bounded, but at many a times, the fictional parts gets sabotaged by the facts author trying to convey. One can find the trivia forming the backbone concept of the story getting repeated two to three times throughout the stretch of the book, but whenever an imaginary incident is taking place, the author just rush through it without giving the reader a proper time to dwell upon the moment or feel for the character. A blunt narration does work for thrillers but at the end its emotion you are left with when the book ends; this book provides just the enlightenment part wrapped in excitement. Climax, as supposed to be, is the peak part and how it strikes you depend only on your expectation, so no spoilers here. 

The references given at the end of the book reminds the reader again about the extensive research done by the author, something he is famous for. Apart from various articles and religious texts, books by Devdutt Pattanaik can also be found in this list. Being acquainted by these books already, I have to thank the author for doing a very impressive justice with such concepts. Again, the way he blends different words or worlds, to create a new for his reader to stand in awe is applauding. 

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Fractured Legend Posted by Drac , Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 3:01 AM, in Labels: book, fiction

Title: Fractured Legend

Author: Kranthi Askani

Publisher: APK Publishers

Genre: Fiction

Fractured Legend by Kranthi Askani tries to illustrate different aspects of women’s suffering in the society with crude and gothic elements and hope in the form of illuminating change for the betterment. 

The book is broadly divided into three sections, each depicting a story of a shattered woman. A slave, a killer & a daughter, each struggling with their dark pasts, clinging to the only thing they have: hope. Priyambada, a temple slave, is longing for her freedom from the past. Nandhini, a professional assassin, finds herself in the crosshairs for her interest in a mystifying manuscript. A grieving daughter Pravalli is drafting a long letter to her mother encompassing her feelings and anticipation. Making this a spoiler-free review, I will avoid giving any further details; because, at the end, it’s not the destination which really matters but the journey. 

Almost every time I read a book or watch a movie, I like to share my thoughts with friends, have a discussion over it for hours. But this book turns out to be an exception. After I finished reading this one, I didn't know what to say about this book and especially how. There were many things I liked about it and many that I hated. As usually let me count the pros first; being a debut, writing of the author is most appreciated. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself quoting lines of this book in your daily discussion or to your loved ones, words from the author have this effect embedded. The genuinely intertwining phrases with literal references and gothic rudiments are the best part of this book, in fact the only best part. Contents of the book are lagging and somewhat irritating. Characters don’t really connect with the reader either. Even with the ghastly backdrops and heart wrenching characterization, the untidy story flow fails to melt your heart. And most of the time, you end up cherishing only the brooding verses without any feelings attached to them. 

Leave this book out if you are a reader of those cheap Shrishti publication books of railway stations (which however won’t make you a reader at all) as this is far beyond that. Even after pointing out all the bad things, I would highly recommend this book to all the wannabe writers as in to learn a few things about writing techniques and avoid the mistakes of the story flow. I would love to see more gripping work from the author in future.

Rating: 3/5

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogadda.com as part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Govinda Posted by Drac , Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 3:32 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Hachette

Title: Govinda (The Aryavarta Chronicles #1)

Author: Krishna Udayasankar

Publisher: Hachette India

Genre: Fiction

Govinda: Aryavarta Chronicles #1 is the debut novel of Krishna Udayasankar, reinventing Mahabharata, the longest epic ever. 

Govinda Shauri, a cowherd-turned-prince of Mathura and now the commander of armies of Dwarka will use all his astuteness to make Dharma the emperor of Aryavarta against The Firewrights. Even with the well known plot, the realistic characterization and few twists here and there make this book a delicious page-turner. 

Even with 470 pages, this book is not a drag but fast-paced. Sometimes, a bit too fast. Being first in the series, lots of characters are introduced in very short duration. The fans of B.R. Chopra’s series might find it inconvenient that all the characters are grey shaded, mortal beings without any supernatural powers, even Govinda. With amazing scenic descriptions, action pours out of the pages, but just don’t expect any miracles. I would like to congratulate author for presenting the legends in such life-like way. Also, a piece of advice would be to slow down on feminism. Everyone knows Panchali was the reason behind Mahabharata and she is the lead protagonist. 

The moment I read the name Syoddhan, I was sure that the author has done a splendid research work. All the details of scriptures are applauding along with fascinating scientific knits provided for The Firewrigths. Just like Mahabharata, even with all the panic of a budding war, the writer does not miss the philosophical creed concealed in the subtext. 

Though in comparison to such a great epic, holding a series of enormous events weaving larger than life characters, this book does not contain even a minute portion. But hey, it is just the beginning. If the author slows down a bit and gives out five or six books instead of three, we might be looking at an Indian version of A Song of Ice and Fire. 

Yes, this book belongs to the same category as of Kaal and Shiva trilogy, but the writing is of more expertise and somewhat more real.  Overall it was a joyous ride and I am looking towards the sequel ‘The Firewrights’ keeping my fingers crossed for what the author holds up in her sleeve. 

Rating: 5/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”