Reviews & Musings

Today my blog completes 5 years! Source: The Gospel Coalition Blog 1300 posts - 366 book reviews- 180 author interviews - 150 guest posts and still counting. The journey has been enthralling for sure. This blog is one place where all that I have asked for has come true. From starting it as a hobby to being a reviewer for all leading publishing houses, from growing up reading their books like a fangirl to getting their books for review it is all still surreal. I still jump in air like a kid whenever I get a wonderful book for review. It is like being introduced to a friend for a lifetime, someone who is going to be there forever. To mark this occasion I am sharing some of the best books I read in 2016 with snippets and links to my reviews in no particular order. They are simply put - THE BEST and the numbers next to them are serial numbers and not their ranks. If you have missed any of these please do read them, they are a treasure to dive into. If you have read them w

Introduction ISBN:  978-9384067564 Genre:  Fiction / Anthology Publishers:  Aleph  Price:  Rs.299/-  ( I got the book for review from the  publisher ) A fanatical collector of beetles finds out too late where his passion has led him. A woman out on a shopping spree in a glitzy mall finds she can’t go home again. A servant girl experiences a cruel loss of innocence when she eats something that wasn’t meant for her. In the sweltering heat of Bombay, a schoolgirl finds the ground slipping beneath her feet except when she’s watching Star Trek. Four friends meet for drinks one evening, only to find that their friendship is not what it seems. And, in the extraordinary title story, a student who has worshiped his teacher for decades comes to a terrible realization about him. Meanwhile, his old mentor is planning a cunning legacy of his own. Behind the Book Source: Goodreads.com

Introduction ISBN:  978-9383064038 Genre:  Non-fiction / Adult colouring book / postcards Publishers:  Aleph  Price:  Rs.399/-  ( I got the book for review from the  publisher ) The marvellous art of Venkat Raman Singh Shyam are filled Chachan birds, the Katheli tree, snakes, animals, plants and other images from an illusory world of the Gond people. The illustrations in this colouring book will challenge and draw out the artist in you and will lead you to further explore the extraordinary world of Adivasi art. The trail of Venkat’s magical flute leads to an enchanted Alladdin’s cave of art that goes back to ancient times. His work is radiant and full of enchantment and it will take you over. Behind the Book Source: Amazon.in

Introduction ISBN:  9788129144522 Genre:  Non-fiction  Publishers:  Rupa  Price:  Rs.395/-  ( I got the book for review from the  publisher ) Innovation is now a key goal for organizations and governments, a sure recipe for growth, success and often, survival. But what is innovation? Is it the same as improvisation? And how does jugaad fit into the definition of innovation? Innovation ranges from invention based on cutting-edge technological research to the makeshift jugaad vehicle; from new products to improvisations in music. It has different facets, depending upon one’s perspective, rather like the fable of the five blind men and the elephant, each of whom draws his own conclusion depending upon the part of the elephant he touches. This book looks at the idea of innovation, its relevance for companies in today’s day and age, whether innovation leads to concrete benefits or not and why it is necessary for organizations, governments and even individuals to constantly innovat

Introduction ISBN: 978-1447252252 Genre: Fiction / Thriller Publishers: Pan Macmillan UK Price:  Rs.599/-  ( I got the book for review from the publisher ) This Was a Man opens with a shot being fired, but who pulled the trigger, and who lives and who dies? In Whitehall, Giles Barrington discovers the truth about his wife Karin from the Cabinet Secretary. Is she a spy or a pawn in a larger game? Harry Clifton sets out to write his magnum opus, while his wife Emma completes her ten years as Chairman of the Bristol Royal Infirmary, and receives an unexpected call from Margaret Thatcher offering her a job. Sebastian Clifton becomes chairman of Farthings Kaufman bank, but only after Hakim Bishara has to resign for personal reasons. Sebastian and Samantha's talented daughter, Jessica, is expelled from the Slade School of Fine Art, but her aunt Grace comes to her rescue. Meanwhile, Lady Virginia is about to flee the country to avoid her creditors when the Duchess of Hert

Introduction ASIN: B01M30V1AC4 Genre: Fiction / Young Adult Publishers: Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited Price:  Rs.66/-  ( I got the book for review from the b00k r3vi3ws ) It’s January on the Island of Cats and Lucy is secretly pregnant. Her love for Korian is as invincible as ever. Together, they experience the magic of their baby’s movement for the first time. But the raging Marmara waters and stormy skies match the turbulent state of Lucy’s soul. Isis continues to haunt her dreams. Her aunt’s new ruby ring sends a chill of suspicion up her spine. Scorpions crawl on the edge of her mind… Could Korian be right? Was her aunt involved in his mother’s death? When Lucy is forced to reveal her pregnancy, she discovers she’s not the only one with news, for her mother and her aunt both have astonishing revelations of their own… In a world that wants to pull them apart, Korian and Lucy must do everything in their power to stay together. NOTE TO READERS: "

Introduction ISBN: 978184958904 Genre: Non-F iction / Self help Publishers: Jaico Books Price:  Rs.199/-  ( I got the book for review from the publisher ) 5 Success Secrets Do you tend to buckle under pressure? Do you find yourself losing your cool in stressful situations? Do you find yourself unlucky in spite of working hard? Think and Win Like Dhoni is not just a usual book about cricket, but a book that will help you to beat the odds. Get ahead of your competitors using tips and tricks from the Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s life, shared by the man himself! Everyone says MS Dhoni is lucky. But have you ever wondered why he is so lucky? How does he manage to cash in on opportunities? How does he remain calm in the face of immense pressure? What makes him a great leader and a youth icon? Discover the mind power of the boy who traveled the road of exclusivity, from being a regular Ranchi lad to a world-famous cricketer. Learn how to build confidence, dismis

Introduction ISBN: 9788184959444 Genre: F iction / Literature/ Historic fiction Publishers: Jaico Books Price:  Rs.399/-  ( I got the book for review from the publisher ) The Portuguese captain anchored his fleet near the Calicut port. He fixed his piercing gaze on the shore and stood still. This time, Vasco da Gama made up his mind to take the treasures of the Malabar Coast back with him at any cost. His priority, pepper the Black Gold! Across the sea, the Zamorin of Calicut began to panic. He knew Gamas return meant trouble. Calicuts relationship with the neighbouring kingdoms isnt exactly cosy, thanks to Zamorins exacting trade policy. A failure at this point is not an option and that too, to a foreigner! To add to his worries, theres a spy roaming free in his own turf, plotting revenge. In the center of all this melee is the Zamorins pretty niece, Kunjulakshmi, harbouring her own little secret that could crumble the kingdom and start a war of doom on the coast. Behind

Introduction ISBN: 9789352015474 Genre: F iction  Publishers: Frog Books Price:  Rs.375/-  ( I got the book for review from the author ) 'The Last Bloom' is a story of Priya, her dreams, aspirations and struggles to fit into her new college life and its politics. Priya was ecstatic, as she was admitted to her dream college. All her visions of adventurous rock climbing trips, long night jollification with bosom friends, class bunking in lieu of movie shows, tasting lip smacking street side delicacies with classmates-a new exciting world would now unfold before her! But college is different from Priya's idyllic dreams. In an environment as opposed to that of school, exposed to an educational system, which is controlled by political unions, will naive Priya be able to survive without any political protection? Caught between the college hero Suvo's charming words and her acrid tussles with conceited college dropout Vivek, will immature Priya be able to different

Introduction ISBN: 9788129144515 Genre: F iction / Mythology Publishers: Rupa Price:  Rs.295/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Surpanakha, Ravan’s infamous sister—ugly and untamed, brutal and brazen. This is how she is commonly perceived. One whose nose was sliced off by an angry Lakshman and the one who started a war but was she really just perpetrator of war? Or was she a victim? Was she Lanka’s princess? Or was she the reason for its destruction? Surpanakha, meaning the woman as hard as nails was born as Meenakshi—the one with beautiful, fish-shaped eyes. Growing up in the shadows of her brothers, who were destined to win wars, fame and prestige, she, instead, charts up a path filled with misery and revenge. Accused of manipulating events between Ram and Ravan, which culminated in a bloody war and annihilation of her family, Surpanakha is often the most misunderstood character in the Ramayana. Kavita Kané 's Lanka’s Princess tells the story

Today Behind the Book we have Farhad Sorabjee , author of the highly acclaimed book God on Every Wind. Farhad Sorabjee lives in Mumbai, India. He is the author of several playscripts and two film scripts. Productions of his work have been staged in theaters in India. Farhad's plays have been developed as part of the Royal Court International Programme and at Soho Theatre, London. God on Every Wind is his first novel.  Let's hear him talk about his journey behind this book.

Introduction ISBN: 9789382665809 Genre: F iction  Publishers: Srishti Publishers Price:  Rs.175/-  Would you give up your high-paying job and comfortable personal life to drive ten thousand kilometers across India? Just for fun! Three twenty-somethings dare to do just that! While the two guys take turns to drive, the girl gives voice-over as they record their entire journey on a handycam. Ab, Sasha and Unnati are ordinary youngsters, rendered special by the feat they accomplish. As they recount their adventures, I crave to live their journey all the more. They look at each other with a glint in their eyes, as if refurbishing those memories, as they narrate their spooky time at Bhangarh Fort, strange escapades at Wagah Border and Sundarbans, car breakdowns, wild animals, near-death experiences and highway robbers! It's nothing less than crazy. I doubted if I'd ever have the gumption to create such experiences. So I did the next best thing - I penned a book about

Introduction ASIN: B01IE40CTM Genre: F iction / Romance Publishers: Amazon Price:  Rs.199/- ( I got this book from the author for a review ) What happens when the terrible twos come in threes? Stuti loves being a mother to her triplets, but it can be a harrowing routine. She's even more submerged in the craziness when she takes them and her mom-in-law for a trip to Rajasthan, the land of the erstwhile Thar desert royals and their palaces. After the passing away of her husband, she feels she owes it to her mil to take her to her favourite holiday. In the Amber Palace, her reckless toddler rushes onto a modelling shoot. As she picks up her daughter who has tripped over a gorgeous zardozi sari, her gaze clashes with that of the man she'd hoped never to set eyes on again in her life. A passion that threatens to set fire to more than just her senses Revath was everything she wanted in a man, but six years ago he chose to walk away from her. Now he wants to be back

Introduction ISBN: 978-8129142337 Genre: F iction / Anthologies Publishers: Rupa Price:  Rs.195/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Time passes and yet it doesn’t pass; people come and go, the mountains remain. Mountains are permanent things. They are stubborn, they refuse to move…no matter how hard they try, humans cannot actually get rid of the mountains. That’s what I like about them; they are here to stay. Mountains—snow-capped, green and filled with stories. For decades, Ruskin Bond has lived among them and his writings abound in descriptions of these hills—of life as it is lived here, of animals and birds who sometimes even wander into his room, of the many interesting and eccentric characters who he has met here. From having his roof fly off in a freak storm to becoming the ‘writer on the hill’, Bond has seen it all. Funny, elegiac and filled with beautiful descriptions of people, animals and places, this collection is for every mountain and natu

Introduction ISBN: 978-81-291-4218-4 Genre: F iction / Anthologies Publishers: Rupa Price:  Rs.195/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Between the boy and the river was a mountain. The thickly forested mountain hid the river, but I knew it was there and what it looked like…I had heard of it, of the fish in its waters, of its rocks and currents and waterfalls and it only remained for me to touch the water and know it personally. The snowy Himalayas, where the Bhagirathi, the Mandakini and so many others arise, the towns and villages that lie by their banks, the legends and stories that are as immortal as these waters, all come alive in A Song of Many Rivers. Prepare to get swept away by the tales and narratives about these beautiful, majestic and beloved rivers in this collection of some of Ruskin Bond’s most compelling river stories. Behind the book Source: Amazon.in

Introduction ISBN: 978-8129142177 Genre: Non fiction / Biographies Publishers: Rupa Price:  Rs.395/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Did Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose die in an air crash in Taihoku (Taipei, Taiwan) on 18 August 1945? Was he sent off to Siberia by Joseph Stalin? Did he die there? Or did he escape? Or was he let off, eventually to make his way back to India? Was he the mysterious Gumnami Baba of Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh? If so, how did he find his way back? Why did Bose leave India when he did? Was it on account of his political approach, which was opposed by the then high command of the Congress party that wanted a quick transfer of power from the British? The past comes alive as journalist and author Kingshuk Nag seeks answers to these and related questions at a time when there is a considerable renewal of interest in Netaji's fate with old records tumbling out, the latest being the declassification of 64 files on the subject by the W

Today we have Aniesha Brahma with us talking about her love for the written word and all other things close to her heart. Aniesha Brahma is an author who realized her passion for writing at the tender age of six. She also happens to be the social media manager for BEE Books. Her debut novel, The Secret Proposal (2012) was published by General Press and was followed by When Our Worlds Collide (2015) by the same. She blogs at: www.anieshabrahma.com and runs an online magazine, BUZZ Magazine . She can be contacted at: aniesha.brahma@gmail.com . She lives in Kolkata with her family and her five super adorable cats! Twitter  *  Instagram  *  Facebook P.S: Do read about my reviews her works and her story behind becoming a writer HERE

Introduction ISBN: 9788175993976 Genre: Fiction / Romance / Mystery Publishers: Fingerprint Price:  Rs.183/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Who doesn’t promise to love the love of their life forever? But how many actually live up to that promise? Nishith Singh, a seventeen-year-old, has shared everything with the virtual world—from the pain of losing his father and being blamed for it to falling in love at first sight and being rejected. But nonetheless, he hasn’t given up on his love. When Aahana Basu, a quintessential wife and a loving mother, comes across his blog, she is drawn deeply into his world, much to her own surprise. But when she wakes up to the sudden absence of the recurring dream the next morning, a dream she sees almost every night, and which ends at the very same point, she is left nonplussed. Are the two connected? As Aahana finds herself falling for Nishith, she realises there’s much more to things than she sees. From comin

Introduction ISBN: 978-8184956382 Genre: Mythology / Fantasy Publishers: Jaico Price:  Rs.350/- ( I got this book from the author for a review ) "A good work of mytho-fiction" -- Anand Neelakantan THE PRICE OF A PROMISE. PAID IN BLOOD. The deadly Halahala, the all-devouring poison churned from the depths of the White Lake by the devas and asuras, was swallowed by Shiva to save the universe from extinction. But was the Halahala truly destroyed? A small portion still remains – a weapon powerful enough to guarantee victory to whoever possesses it. And both asuras and devas, locked in battle for supremacy, will stop at nothing to claim it. As the forces of Devaloka and Patala, led by Indra and Shukracharya, plot to possess the Halahala, Shiva turns to mankind to guard it from their murderous clutches. It is now up to Samrat Vikramaditya and his Council of Nine to quell the supernatural hordes – and prevent the universe from tumbling into chaos! A sweepin

Introduction ASIN: B01HK4DVO0 Genre: Fiction / Romance Publishers: Amazon Price:  Rs.399/- ( I got this book from the author for a review ) “His eyes settled on her…piercing green embers of flame that revealed the ferocity of his pain and passion, yet still shrouded him under veils of ever deepening mystery that made every ounce of her ache to unravel him.” Tegan Lockwood’s dreams were dead, sacrificed on the noble altar of duty before they ever had a chance to live. Her entire existence was disappearing into the abyss of apathy as she labored her days away keeping her family’s struggling business alive. There would be no emotion, no color, no beauty in her life. That is, until a mysterious visitor begins to draw her out of the darkness of her past towards something that will challenge the boundaries of her world, and unlock the most deeply held secrets of her heart. Behind the book Source: Goodreads.com

Introduction ISBN: 9789382616740 Genre: Fiction / Drama Publishers: Pan MacMillan Price:  Rs.350/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Single mother Samaira juggles her corporate job and Aksh, her teenaged son, even as she defies society, disapproving in-laws and her own family. But when Aksh is found battered and beaten at school, she finds herself questioning her role as a mother. Faced with a conspiracy of silence from the school, she delves deeper only to discover the murky world of bullying, the secret life of teenagers, and the emotional distance between parents and children. In her pursuit of truth and justice, Samaira ends up challenging the power equations of politics, wealth and influence. It’s Not About You is an urgent, contemporary tale that celebrates the persistence of the human spirit to fight against all odds. Behind the book Source: Goodreads.com

Introduction ISIN: B01HK4DVO0 Genre: Non fiction / Mythological / Business Publishers: Aleph Book Company Price:  Rs.399/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge in Hinduism, as well as in Buddhism and Jainism. Her name is derived from the fluidity (saras) of the imagination. Human imagination enables us to invent and innovate, visualize, plan and de-risk. Yet imagination is a bad word in the world of business and management. It strips us of certainty. We want to control the imagination of those who work for us, prevent their minds from wandering from work. Yet every human being lives in an imagined reality. Recognizing this enables us to work with talent, build strong relationships and nurture people to face any situation with faith and patience. Failure to recognize imagination is why family-owned businesses are unable to manage professionals and how professionally- run companies end up creating ineffective, mechanistic

Introduction ISBN: 9788175993983 Genre: Fiction / Drama Publishers: Fingerprint Price:  Rs.299/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Afia Satar is studious, modest, and devout. The young daughter of a landholding family in northern Pakistan, Afia has enrolled in an American college with the dream of returning to her country as a doctor. But when a photo surfaces online of Afia holding hands with an American boy, she is suddenly no longer safe—even from the family that cherishes her. An ambitious athlete, Shahid Satar has been entrusted by his family to watch over Afia in this strange New England landscape. Having convinced their parents to allow his sister to come to the U.S., Shahid wants only to focus, right now, on the win over Harvard that could clinch a job for him in the United States. He never imagined he’d be ordered, instead, to cleanse family honour with his sister’s blood. Behind the book Source: Goodreads.com

Introduction ASIN:  B01GCWLDJG Genre: Fantasy F iction Publishers: Fighting Monkey Press Price: $0.73 ( I got this book from the b00k r3vi3ws for a review ) He was her destination. She just didn't know it. When Maya leaves Luke to go in search of her blood family, nothing prepares her for the secrets she uncovers about herself.  An intense, shifter romance, set in Bombay. A standalone novelette in the Many Lives universe. Background to the Many Lives Universe The Many Lives series begins in present day Bombay when a tsunami wipes away much of the city. Post-tsunami Bombay of the future is one of the most prosperous cities in the world. On the other hand, successive economic downturns have stripped most Western of its wealth, pushing many to seek a new life in the East. Refugees from Europe now pour into Bombay, into the camp nicknamed the Jungle. And no one is safe from the growing menace of the merciless human-wolf hybrids and vampires. Each book i

Introduction ASIN:  B01LW5YWQF Genre: Fantasy F iction Publishers: Fighting Monkey Press Price: $0.99/- ( I got this book from b00k r3vi3w for a review ) From New York Times bestselling author Laxmi Hariharan, don't miss the next book in the USA Today Bestselling Many Lives Series Aria West: If I get out of here alive, I am never to going to let myself feel so powerless ever again Jai Iyeroy: Everything in my past has lead up to this moment, for I am sworn to protect this city. Three years ago Jai allowed the only woman he loved to walk out of his life. But Aria’s back now. Except her life is in danger, and this time Jai will do anything, even break his vow to protect his city, to keep her safe. Set in a near-future where successive economic downturns in the West have resulted in refugees seeking shelter in the East Background to the Many Lives Universe The Many Lives series begins in present day Bombay when a tsunami wipes away much of the city. Post-ts

Introduction ISBN: 9780143424963 Genre: Fiction / Young Adult / Romance Publishers:Penguin Price:  Rs.299/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Siddharth and Veera have a connection they refuse to acknowledge. There is more to Kavya than her snooty social-butterfly act. Mahir is the heartbroken heart breaker. Aslesha has built all her friendships on a foundation of lies. Nikhil has spent his entire life learning how to shut people out.All Aakash wants is a second chance. And then there's Ananya. The one who was born to raise hell and change the world. Behind the book Source: Goodreads.com

Today we have Santosh Srivastava with us at Behind the Book. He is the co-author of a book called "The Gita Way" along with Shweta Chandra. Santosh Srivastava, 38, an MBA from S P Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, is a marketing professional, currently heading marketing services in H & R Johnson (India) based out of Mumbai. He found himself fascinated about science of spirituality from early childhood. Along with maintaining consistent focus on professional priorities, he actively writes on various topics ranging from management to spiritualism through his blog www.santoshsrivastava.com. Besides writing, he enjoys playing chess and cricket..

Pan Macmillan are delighted to reveal the cover for Ken Follett’s new novel A Column of Fire, which will be published across the world in September 2017. Ken Follett’s first Kingsbridge novel, the masterful epic The Pillars of the Earth, enchanted millions of readers with its compelling drama of war, passion and family conflict set around the building of a cathedral. The sequel, World Without End, was a number one bestseller in the UK, US and Europe, taking readers back to medieval Kingsbridge two centuries later, as the men, women and children of the city once again grappled with the devastating sweep of historical change. Opening in Christmas 1558, A Column of Fire will take readers back to Kingsbridge once more. Jeremy Trevathan, Publisher of Macmillan Adult Books said: ‘Publication of a new Ken Follett novel is always a major event, but a new Ken Follett Kingsbridge novel, set in the fictional town that readers first encountered in The Pillars of the Earth,

Introduction ASIN: B01LDIXCR0 Genre: Fiction / Thriller Publishers: Amazon Price:  Rs.66/- ( I got this book from the b00k r3vi3ws for a review ) A Dante-ish descent through a sinister world of decadent shadows and woeful souls… Seven years ago, he shattered her life. The town eventually forgot the headlines and the nightmares. But 23-year old music student Angelica hasn’t forgotten. For the past seven years, she’s contemplated payback with as much intensity and unwavering faith as she puts into her violin playing. Finally, all the pieces are in place. Over the course of one night, disguised for a masquerade ball, Angelica orchestrates a journey of revenge. Behind the book Source: Goodreads.com

Introduction ISBN: 9788129142146 Genre: Fiction Publishers: Rupa Publishing House Price:  Rs.176/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Hi, I'm Radhika Mehta and I'm getting married this week. I work at Goldman Sachs, an investment bank. Thank you for reading my story. However, let me warn you. You may not like me too much. One, I make a lot of money. Two, I have an opinion on everything. Three, I have had a boyfriend before. OK, maybe two. Now if all this was the case with a guy, one might be cool with it. But since I am a girl these three things I mentioned don’t really make me too likeable, do they? Behind the book Source: Goodreads.com

Introduction ISBN: 9789386141 Genre: Fiction Publishers: Bloomsbury India Price:  Rs.299/- ( I got this book from the author for a review ) Many years ago,an extraordinary cripple disappeared from a remote village, ending a time of terror. Not many knew that he gave his life to confine a malevolence, the Sutram, to its subterranean womb or that in doing so, he had prevented the apocalypse. Deep beneath the Earth the evil has lurked, fraying its shackles and plotting its escape, all the while gathering immeasurable power. Until now. When ace lawyer, Raghuram Surya, received an order of requisition from the Government of India for his ancestral castle, he was unaware of the Sutram beneath it or his own legacy. He will have to choose between the world’s end or his own. Before long, the lawyer takes on India’s most powerful politician, Kiromal, a man utterly obsessed with power. Kiromal and his sinister Tantric advisor intend to use the evil beneath the castle to play Go

Romance novels. They bring a smile on my face. Yes, it’s my favourite genre, but even though I am an avid reader, I can’t read any random romance. Even your favourite genre cannot guarantee entertainment, sometimes.  Source: romance.fictionfactor.com

Introduction ISBN: 978-9383064250 Genre: Non-Fiction / Travelogue Publishers: Aleph Book Company Price:  Rs.399/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Nothing prepared Murray Laurence for India when he first traveled through the country in the 1970s. His first impressions were of its ‘surpassing weirdness’ but it soon cast a spell on him, and for the next forty years he kept returning to India over and over again. His early journeys in the crowded third-class compartments of slow trains or in rickety buses to obscure towns and villages in the great Indian hinterland often led to strange encounters and travel disasters. Honey-tongued tricksters assailed him, bizarre locals and foreigners tried to explain the country to him, pompous officials waylaid him with impenetrable assertions and mystifying rules, and a myriad other picaresque entanglements with outrageous characters ensured that every trip he made was memorable. In all the chaos and quirkiness that su

Introduction ISIN: 9788175993761 Genre: Fiction Publishers: Fingerprint! Publishing Price:  Rs.251/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) There will come a time when it will talk to you.’ ‘The Darkness?’ ‘Yes. And when that time comes, do not answer.’ Cat and mouse. Hunter and prey. A desperate flight, in sun and moonless night. A country succumbing to the weight of its politics, bleeding in the shadow of its history. Frozen Bombay, a city of thieves and pirates. Zaleb Hel, an island of secrets. Nemen Sui, the black place. Rajasthan, a burning desert waste where the heart eaters roam. But the sound of hooves. They grow ever near. The beating of drums. The end of days. The Four Horsemen. The Apocalypse. You are powerless to stop this, siblings. You have lost much. Your innocence. Your love. Your greatest ally. All you have now is the blood that ties you. All you have now is each other. Behind the book

Introduction ISIN:  9781910124765 Genre: Fiction Publishers: Rupa Publishing House Price:  Rs.299/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) ' Blood had begun to trickle down Asha’s starched cotton salwar, and once more she tried to will herself to stay calm. It was nothing. These things happened. ‘ But these things haven’t happened before. It’s August 1947, the night before India’s independence. It is also the night before Pakistan’s creation and the brutal Partition of the two countries. Asha, a Hindu in a newly Muslim land, must flee to safety. She carries with her a secret she has kept even from Firoze, her Muslim lover, but Firoze must remain in Pakistan, and increasing tensions between the two countries mean the couple can never reunite. Fifty years later in New York, Asha’s Indian granddaughter falls in love with a Pakistani, and Asha and Firoze, meeting again at last, are faced with one more – final – choice. Spanning continents and generation

Introduction ISIN:  9781910124765 Genre: Non fiction / Young readers Publishers: Red Turtle Price:  Rs.150/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Books are like best friends—always there for you when you need them. And it’s not just you; your favourite authors also feel the same way. In this collection, find out which are the books that inspired Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam; what is Ruskin Bond’s favourite book series; Subhadra Sen Gupta’s favourite reading spots; and how Sudha Murty’s longstanding relationship with libraries continues to this day. Plus, Roopa Pai talks about her love for Enid Blyton, Jash Sen narrates how reading detective fiction in a spooky old house only added to the fun, Arundhati Venkatesh reminisces about her childhood spent in the company of books and Anita Nair fondly describes the ‘place of enchantment’ a book provided her. Plus, there are more delightful anecdotes by Satyajit Ray, Tanu Shree Singh, Jerry Pinto, Nilanjana Roy and Deepa Agar

Introduction ISIN:  9788184958874 Genre: Fiction / Mythology Publishers: Jaico Publishing House Price:  Rs.350/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) VICTORY IS TEMPORARY. THE BATTLE IS ETERNAL. Vikramaditya and his Council of Nine have fought valiantly to repel the rampaging hordes from Devaloka and Patala – but Avanti has been brought to its knees. Ujjayini lies battered its citizens are scared and morale is badly shaken. Meanwhile, the barbaric Hunas and Sakas are gathering on the horizon and cracks are emerging between the allied kingdoms of Sindhuvarta. The only silver lining is that the deadly Halahala is safe. For now. Bent on vengeance, Indra is already scheming to destroy Vikramaditya, while Shukracharya has a plan that can spell the doom for the Guardians of the Halahala. How long can the human army hold out against the ferocity and cunning of the devas and asuras? And will Vikramaditya’s love for his queen come in the way of his promise to S

Introduction ISIN:  9788175993907 Genre: Non-Fiction / Self help Publishers: Fingerprint Publishing House Price:  Rs. 250/- ( I got this book from the author for a review ) Open-eyed Meditations is a beautiful compilation of thoughts wherein each meditation takes you on a journey to the past, bringing a secret herb to heal a problem of the present. A true distillation of ancient wisdom tips for modern lives, this unique self-help book uses the wisdom of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata to solve your everyday problems. Beyond the story-line, something deeper is waiting to be discovered from these ancient texts. This book is an attempt to uncover the hidden layer of wealth that is cleverly packaged within the commonly known story lines. Behind the book Source: Goodreads.com

Introduction ISIN:  9789352589708 Genre: Non-Fiction / Self help Publishers: Books that Inspire Price:  Rs. 125/- ( I got this book from the author for a review ) The Calling is a spiritual adventure. It is an encounter with the truth, the wisdom and the force that is innate to us all. At the brink of a divorce and personal breakdown, Arjun took a trip into the heart of the Himalayas, on the insistence of a sadhu, who predicted that the journey up to Hemkund Sahib would align him to his purpose and change his life forever. At every turn the mountains holds secrets and tests that urge Arjun to evolve into the person he had denied to be - himself. Pretenses, falsities, confusions and untruths fall apart as Arjun is forced to confront the mess he had created in his life. What started off as an opportunity to escape reality, turned out to be an opportunity to escape from the dwindling spiral of self-created misery. Filled with spiritual insights and sprinkled with light humor,

Introduction ISIN:  9788129141972 Genre: Fiction / Romance Publishers: Rupa Publishers Price:  Rs. 195/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) Love is in the air again…and this time it’s steamy, bold and manipulative! Gayatri, a rich, spoiled diva, is fighting to establish herself even as her tyrant father pushes her into a life not of her choice. Viraj is a genius and a con who shuns society and its hypocrisies. Gayatri sees Viraj only as a means to an end. For Viraj, Gayatri is the epitome of all that he despises. So when their paths cross, it is a battle of feisty wills and desire. Will Gayatri and Viraj prove to be each other’s salvation or annihilation? From the best-selling author of Right Fit Wrong Shoe and Wrong Means Right End comes Rightfully Wrong Wrongfully Right. All the unforgettable characters of the earlier two bestsellers make a comeback in this unforgettable story of hurt, hearts and hope. This is a tumultuous journey of two Wrongs

Introduction ISIN:  978-8184958966 Genre: Non-Fiction / Self help Publishers: Jaico Publishing House Price:  Rs. 250/- ( I got this book from the publisher for a review ) A world-class manual on why and how to pursue your dreams. Do you aspire to be successful in life? Do you work hard but rarely get the desired outcome? Do you fear your aspirations will expire before you realize them? In his book Aspire before You Expire, bestselling author Dr. Ujjwal Patni shares hard-hitting insights on topics like why people kill their aspirations, how to design your aspirations, mantras of image management, companionship scan, success habits and how to create an ecosystem to fulfill your aspirations. Behind the book Source: Amazon.in