Reviews & Musings

I know the date of the post and title suggests it is yet another year ending message but make no mistake it is not! Source: www.birthdaymessages.net

Introduction ASIN: B018G20AD0 Genre: YA/ Mythology / Fantasy Publishers: General Press Price: Rs. 199/- ( I got the book from author for a review ) The divine command was from Lord Shiva. So Shaktipurians would do anything to safeguard the 'Taal-Patras' -- the ultimate secrets compiled onto palm-leaves by the yogis that contained everything! Yes, all the do's and don'ts from making of the elixir to reviving the dead! This task was headed by their beloved warrior Indrajith. But destiny brutally destroyed their plans! Their toughest braveheart was to perish in a bloody dual. This ill-fated episode prompted the rise of the nefarious king of Narakdesh -- Asurshasak! Desperate, Shaktipurians recited the revival slokas on the dead grave of their only hope... Would Indrajith emerge and come back stronger than before? And if he comes back, who is waiting for him now with a pole arm in her hands and protruding teeth? With black-magic obstacles barrin

Introduction ISIN:  9788175993129 Genre:  Drama / Fiction Publishers:  Fingerprint Publishing Price:  Rs. 245/- (  I got the book from publisher for a review ) A magical story of forbidden love, spanning three continents and three decades. Set against the Independence struggles of two British colonies, Of Marriageable Age is ultimately a story of personal triumph against a brutal fate, brought to life by a colorful cast of characters . . . Savitri, intuitive and charismatic, grows up among the servants of a pre-war English household in the Raj. But the traditional customs of her Brahmin family clash against English upper-class prejudice, threatening her love for the privileged son of the house. Nataraj, raised as the son of an idealistic doctor in rural South India, finds life in London heady, with girls and grass easily available… until he is summoned back home to face raw reality. Saroj, her fire hidden by outward reserve, comes of age in Guyana, South America. When her to

Introduction ISBN:  978-9382665540 Genre:   Fiction Publishers:  Srishti Publishing Price:  Rs. 375/- (  I got the book from Writer's Melon for a review ) Ajay believes in living for himself; Bhavna teaches him to live for others. Ajay is a planner for life; Bhavna makes him live in every moment. You are the Best Wife is a story of two people with contradictory ideologies who fall in love. It changes them for good. It changes the way they look at the world and the way the world looks at them. Until destiny reveals its plans. This is a true inspiring story of the author and his struggle with life, after his beloved wife left him halfway through their journey. But her last words, ‘you are the best husband’ gave him the strength to live on, and fulfil his promise of love. Told with frankness and doses of humor, this heart-warming tale of a boy and a girl who never gave up on their love in face of adversities, ends on a bittersweet and poignant note as Ajay comes to terms wi

Introduction ISIN: 9781625161543 Genre: Science Fiction Publishers: Strategic Book Publishing Price: $ 10.11 /- (  I got the book from author for a review ) An End to the Thrill is a collection of science fiction short stories, each one totally unique in its own way. The build up to the end of every story has been written in a way that will amaze readers, and each story has its own theme, its own genre, and its own different setting. As you reach the end of every story, be sure to expect the unexpected. The plot twists will appeal to readers of all ages. Behind The book Source: Goodreads

Introduction ISIN: 9789385137211 Genre: Romance / Anthologies Publishers: Author's Ink Publishing Price: Rs. 250/- What is love? The question brews a million different answers. Love is not an entity. It is an emotion that embraces several hues and shades within. 'A Little Chorus of Love – Love through Ages' simply follows the same idea and assembles 24 different writers portraying love in a form they acknowledge the best. Immerse yourself into the most powerful emotion with 24 different stories set in different time periods and feel your heart beat for that one special person in your life.. Behind The book Source: Goodreads

Introduction ISIN: 978-9350298459 Genre: Contemporary Fiction Publishers: Harper Collins Price:  Rs. 325/- (  I got the book from The Reader's Cosmos for a review ) Anant, a thirty-five-year-old small-time photographer in Ahmedabad, has a recurring nightmare. In it, a three-legged bitch is chained to his ankle, slowing his step and dragging angrily behind him. Try as he might, he is neither able to free himself of the mongrel in the dream nor the dream itself. What does the dog signify? Raashee, his one-time lover who now exists only in online chat windows? Or Diane Arbus, the legendary 1960s' photographer whose groundbreaking ideas have no takers in Ahmedabad? Or his father, with whom he has a strained relationship? When psychologists and Google fail him, Anant embarks on a Kafkaesque journey through the city to find the answers that elude him. 35 and Sexless in Ahmedabad is a darkly comic story about a lonely man's quest for real connections in times of vi

Introduction ISIN: 9788129137296 Genre: Mythology / Fiction Publishers: Rupa Publications Price:  Rs. 295/- (  I got the book from the author for a review ) Lose yourself in Maya, the divine game of the Goddess! She is the Mother Goddess, Mahamaya the enchantress, the supreme consciousness, the pure source from which all creation emerges and to whom all must eventually return. As Usas, the enchanting goddess of the dawn, she is loved passionately and hated fiercely, leading to a horrific tragedy. As Durga, the invincible warrior, she defeats the savage Mahishasura, whom none of the male gods could vanquish. As Kali, the fearsome dark goddess, she delights in chaos. Yet she is also Shakti, beloved of all, who, when united with Shiva, restores balance to the universe. In this captivating narrative, explore the contrasting facets of the sacred feminine; experience her awesome power, forged on the flames of love and hate; and watch her teach the male-dominated pantheon a le

Introduction ISIN: 9781619636040 Genre:  Fantasy fiction / YA Publishers:  Bloomsbury Price:  Rs. 399/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) The queen has returned. Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past… She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight. She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return. The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world. Behind The book Source: Amazon.com

Introduction ISIN: 978-1408-866-238 Genre:  Fiction / YA Publishers:  Bloomsbury Price:  Rs. 499/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) In a future London, Concentr8 is a prescription drug intended to help kids with ADD. Soon every troubled teen is on it. It makes sense, doesn't it? Keep the undesirable elements in line. Keep people like us safe from people like them. What's good for society is good for everyone. Troy, Femi, Lee, Karen and Blaze have been taking Concentr8 as long as they can remember. They're not exactly a gang, but Blaze is their leader, and Troy has always been his quiet, watchful sidekick - the only one Blaze really trusts. They're not looking for trouble, but one hot summer day, when riots break out across the city, they find it. What makes five kids pick a man seemingly at random - a nobody, he works in the housing department, doesn't even have a good phone - hold a knife to his side, take him to a warehouse and chain

Source: Amazon.com

Introduction ISIN: 978-93-52013-74-6 Genre:  Non-fiction / Self help Publishers:  Celestial Books (Leadstart Corp) Price:  Rs. 199/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) In this third book, the author Gian Kumar has ventured into experiential awareness. His earlier books had shown that in spite of material and digital comforts in the world today, we are still living a life of dualities. Happiness-unhappiness, good-bad, God-devil, all exist side by side. Following spiritual teachings of gurus or masters do not give the much needed solace; there still seems to be something missing. The mind, with its constant chatter and habit of delving into past experiences and anxieties about the future, does not allow to live in the present moment and be aware in the 'now'. By the time our mind can register it, there is already a new 'now' which has taken its place. Here, the author has brought us into a deeper existence, where through experiential realizati

Introduction ISIN: 978-1-4088-6474-6 Genre:  Fiction / YA Publishers:  Bloomsbury Price:  Rs. 399/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) From the author of the acclaimed bestseller "Holes, " winner of the Newbery Award and the National Book Award, comes a new middle-grade novel with universal appeal. Combining horror-movie suspense with the issues of friendship, bullying, and the possibility of ecological disaster, this novel will intrigue, surprise, and inspire readers and compel them to think twice about how they treat others as well as their environment. "Be careful. Your next step may be your last." Fifth grader Tamaya Dhilwaddi and seventh grader Marshall Walsh have been walking to and from Woodbridge Academy together since elementary school. But their routine is disrupted when bully Chad Wilson challenges Marshall to a fight. To avoid the conflict, Marshall takes a shortcut home through the off-limits woods. Tamaya reluctantly fol

Introduction ISIN:  B0127Z73IC Genre:  Fiction / Series Publishers:  Read Out Loud Price:  Rs. 49/- (  I got the book from Book R3vi3w for a review ) His family is being held to ransom by a deadly mastermind. Vikram never should have left his family, but when Vikram's father bring his half-brother Vishal home, life will never be the same. Vikram thinks things will be better now that he's gone. He's met the love of his life, his future looks bright and then everything is shattered. Now, his family's life is hanging in the balance, and only Vikram can do what needs to be done to save them. " A killer ending and the pacing of the story and the build-up is really good. I related to Vikram, really liked it. " Richard Sheehan, Author and editor " I raced through the book... And the killer ending! Oh my God! It left me with a hangover, and makes me want to physically push the author to write the next book in the series faster. " Ritesh

Introduction ISIN:  978-81-931666-3-5 Genre:  Fiction / Anthology Publishers:  Shades Publishers Price:  Rs. 200/- (  I got the book from the editor Saravana Kumar Murugan for a review ) True friendship is defined as a natural and spontaneous reaction towards a person with unconditional love and ultimate support to a person in all areas of life. A true friend is the one who is always with you when the entire world rejects you. A true friend is like a mirror who reflects the real you to you. In this unpredictable world of twists and rough roads, a true friend is a blessing, a rejuvenating factor, and is always fresh. Friendship- Bonds Beyond Time by Shades Publications, cherishes such true friendship, and this collection of 25 short stories on Friendship is a dedication the all true friends in this world. Amazon Paperback  | Amazon Kindle  |  Flipkart The kindle version is available worldwide. If you are an Amazon Prime Customers and Kindle Unlimited customers, then you gr

Introduction ISIN:  978-93-52013-73-9 Genre:  Non-Fiction / Spirituality Publishers:  Celestial Books (Leadstart Corp) Price:  Rs. 199/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) The second book of his 3-volume series, is based upon his learning about life and existence derived from ancient Indian philosophy. Spiritualism is defined in the East as the science of higher consciousness and explains Oneness and the harmonious coexistence of Man with the Universe. These pages are about understanding the divine within us; how to live spiritually, moment to moment, and enjoy every aspect of life without assistance from any external source. The niceties of life which we all crave, also create many struggles and conflicts. We reach for books on spiritual development or join spiritual classes or religious centers, hoping for clarity and salvation, only to realize we are more confused than before. In fact, our confusion has been compounded by complexity. This is where this simp

Introduction ISBN:  978-93-82665-50-2 Genre:  Fiction / Drama Publishers:  Srishti Publishers Price:  Rs. 195/- (  I got the book from the PR agency for a review ) When the superstar diva of the past decade doesn’t want to play the hero’s mother on screen, she insists that she be reshaped into the most beautiful woman in the world…by any means. This is just one of the many odd situations which plastic surgeon Dr. Dhruv faces in Mumbai. He has dealt with tyrannical bosses and finicky patients while undergoing his training, during which he has also won over a stunning doctor as his life partner. But satisfying the movie stars is a different ball game, because every girl wishes to have bee-stung lips, and every guy wants to flaunt a six-pack abdomen without working too hard. And all this while, he has to resist losing his balance over his ravishing female clients. Dr. Dhruv’s journey surpasses even a masala movie for humour, drama and action. In debunking many a myth about cosm

Introduction ISIN:  978-81-8495-767-9 Genre:  Fiction / Drama Publishers:  Jaico Price:  Rs. 250/- (  I got the book from the author for a review ) Tulip Hill is an obedient and intelligent daughter to her disciplinarian parents. She has been a topper throughout her school, because her parents wanted her to be. Now, they want her to enroll in one of the best colleges. But Tulip harbors the desire to become a singer, for music is her only passion that helps her see through life’s miseries. Then there is Sam - witty, easy-going and flirty. Both Tulip and Sam share their love for music. Yet, both dream of a different life. What are those dreams? What happens when they meet and enter the biggest duet competition together? Will their love blossom during this emotional roller-coaster? Join the VoiceMates in their musical journey to know more! Behind The book Source: Amazon.in

Introduction ISIN:  978-93-52013-72-2 Genre:  Non-Fiction / Spirituality Publishers:  Celestial Books (Leadstart Corp) Price:  Rs. 199/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) In the First Of his Series of 3 Books Gian Kumar answers our questions related to spirituality in a simple and seamless manner. From time immemorial, people have searched for definitve responses to questions such as: Who am I? Where do I come from? Does God exist? What is the essence of my relationship with Him? Gian's thoughts are an amalgam of Science, Spirituality and Philosophy. He Believes that once we discover our true selves, our lives can be fred from stress, depression and misery. The core of this series is based upon the absolute reality of life - Oneness between the Self and the Universe. Knowing oneself is the most challenging task. It involves accepting our alter ego or shadow-self. When we understand and accept who we really are, in totality. We have a better chance of

Introduction ISIN:  978-93-84-3150-61 Genre:  Fiction / Anthology Publishers:  Half Baked Beans Price:  Rs. 199/- (  I got the book from Writer's Melon for a review ) 'Le Siffleur' and his magic. Vampires, guardians' adventures at night. Coffee, love and a new couple. Imli and her mother in a complex web of darkness. A small town girl confused about virginity. Michael Jaikishen and his writing endeavours. Child adoption by a gay couple. Mahabharat - a modern tale in an epic form. The spine-chilling tale of Tina and Uncle Joe. A juicy love story by our guest author Sujata Parashar. These and many other unputdownable stories in this book. Behind The book Source: www.writersmelon.com

Introduction ISIN:  978-81-7869-348-4 Genre:  Fiction / Drama Publishers:  SNAB Price:  Rs. 250/- (  I got the book from the PR agency for a review ) 'Grow Up Moon!' traces the struggle and strife in the file of Moon who relocates after marriage. She confronts the delimmas of living in a city bustling with oppotunities that are the forbidden fruit for her enthusiastic and ambitious soul. Behind The book Source: Goodreads

Introduction ISIN:  978-1-943851-14-0 Genre:  Non-fiction / quotes / self-help Publishers:  White Falcon Publishing Price:  Rs. 199/- (  I got the book from the author for a review ) The virtual world we live in has given us the freedom and power to express everything without saying anything. The status messages we write on chat messengers and facebook are the manifestations of our inner voice which was waiting for all this time to be heard. Over the years based on numerous experiences, I have composed some of those messages and penned them down in this book. They are honest, blunt and straight from the heart. It's an attempt to bring them into existence in the physical world too. Behind The book Source: Amazon.com

Introduction ISIN:  978-1-4088-6311-4 Genre:  Free Verse / Fiction Publishers:  Bloomsbury Books Price:  Rs. 499/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) Tippi and Grace share everything—clothes, friends . . . even their body. Writing in free verse, Sarah Crossan tells the sensitive and moving story of conjoined twin sisters, which will find fans in readers of Gayle Forman, Jodi Picoult, and Jandy Nelson. Tippi and Grace. Grace and Tippi. For them, it's normal to step into the same skirt. To hook their arms around each other for balance. To fall asleep listening to the other breathing. To share. And to keep some things private. Each of the sixteen-year-old girls has her own head, heart, and two arms, but at the belly, they join. And they are happy, never wanting to risk the dangerous separation surgery. But the girls' body is beginning to fight against them. And Grace doesn't want to admit it. Not even to Tippi. How long can they hide from the trut

Introduction ISIN:  978-93-85152-38-2 Genre:  Romance / Drama / Thriller Publishers:  Westland Books Price:  Rs. 295/- (  I got the book from the author for a review ) Paperback king, Aditya Kapoor’s life is straight out of a modern man’s fantasy. His literary stardom is perfectly balanced by a loving wife and a spectacular career. With everything he touches turning to gold, Aditya is on a winning streak. Shreya Kaushik is a student with a heart full of ambition. Young, beautiful, and reckless, Shreya speaks her mind and obsessively chases after what she wants. And what she wants is to be a bestselling author. What happens when their worlds collide? Is it possible to love two people at the same time? Can real ambition come in the way of blind passion? Can trust once broken, be regained? Master storyteller Ravi Subramanian, delves into the glitzy world of bestsellers and uncovers a risky dalliance between a superstar novelist and his alluring protégé. The Bestseller She

Introduction ISIN:  978-93-81836-72-9 Genre:  Non fiction / Zodiac / Astrology Publishers:  Celestial Books Price:  Rs. 399/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) What if what you thought all your life to be your zodiac sign was Wrong? People who think they are Arians, could actually have their Sun in Pisces. More than three quarters of the world’s population have been assuming the wrong zodiac sign. Can 12 types capture the mind-boggling diversity of personalities in the world? Astronality-186 systematically demonstrates that the various permutations and combinations of Sun, Mercury and Moon, correctly placed, create 186 distinct personalitytypes, not just 12. Which of the 186 types are You? Narendra Modi is not just a meticulous and hard-working Virgo, but also a zealous and decisive Scorpio, aka VirScorp. Salman Khan is not a stuffy, politically correct and conservative Capricorn, but an outspoken, passionate and rebellious Scorpio-Sagittarius-Aquarius ie,

Introduction ISIN:  978-93-80925-29-5 Genre:  Non Fiction/ Essay Publishers:  Beebooks Price:  Rs. 500/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) The students' diligent teacher, the nation's gifted scientist, the humble 'People's President' - an indefinable name he is. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. A man who dedicated his life and work to the betterment of a nation, and his time and energy to the billions of young minds he wished to ignite. He has left back dreams in everyone, and the undying inspiration to make those dreams come true.A surfeit of contents has been interwoven to give this book a shape. To read through the pages will mean a journey through his life in entirety. Besides Kalam's own speeches and quotes, it also contains literary tributes by scientists, academicians and students, the interviews of his family members, and a real-time anecdote of his interment ceremony at Rameswaram. This isn't just a tribute, but a world beyond

I don't remember how and when I got in touch with Aham Bhumika, all I remember is falling in love with its name.  Unique in its own sense, the name in itself stands for what it is trying to convey. When translated it means important role and that is what it wants all of us to play in this society by giving back to it what we have gathered till now in this beautiful journey called life.  Source: Copyright Aham Bhumika

Go to Book No. 88 Check all the Books Here   Name of the Book: 28 YEARS A BACHELOR Author: Rasana Atreya Read some reviews: 1. Rachel Boling   2. Patricia Velapanur 3. Suneetha   The Story: It is a truth universally acknowledged, that an Indian woman in possession of a son with an engineering degree, must be in want of a daughter-in-law with an outsized dowry. Which can be a problem when said son is vehemently opposed to dowry. He is also opposed to city living, to meddlesome neighbours, to wacky grandfathers and to caustic grandmothers. But when he’s blessed with all of the above, what’s man to do? From the author of 'Tell A Thousand Lies'. Shortlisted for the '2012 Tibor Jones South Asia prize'. UK's Glam magazine calls this novel one of their 'five favourite tales from India.' Also, author of 'The Temple Is Not My Father.'

Introduction ISIN:  978-9384180195 Genre:  Romance Publishers:  Write India Price:  Rs. 111/- (  I got the book from the author for a review ) When Ananya, a bubbly twenty-year-old engineering student, reaches her Grandmother's house in Sreepuram on a month long vacation, romance is the last thing on her mind. However, she meets Dr. Arjun there and falls head over heels in love. As it often happens, the path of true love never runs smooth. Circumstances force them apart even though they were madly in love. She becomes a victim of depression. When everything fails to return her to normalcy, help arrives from an unexpected source. Will she ever find happiness again? Will time allow her heart to heal and forget Arjun? What indeed is true love? What is that strange secret that locks all the circumstances together? Travel with Ananya to the picturesque Sreepuram, face the chaos of Bengaluru, and relish the warmth of magical Dubai in this heartwarming tale of love, betrayal,

Introduction ISIN:  978-93-84052-67-6 Genre:  Non Fiction/ Business  Publishers:  Bloomsbury Price:  Rs. 499/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) Money Mania is a sweeping account of financial speculation and its consequences, from ancient Rome to the Meltdown of 2008. Acclaimed journalist and investor Bob Swarup tracks the history of speculative fevers caused by the appearance of new profitable investment opportunities; the new assets created and the increasing self-congratulatory euphoria that drives them to unsustainable highs, all fed by an illusion of insight and newly minted experts; the unexpected catalysts that eventually lead to panic; the inevitable crash as investors scramble to withdraw their funds from the original market and any other that might resemble it; and finally, the brevity of financial memory that allows us to repeat the cycle without ever critically evaluating the drivers of this endless cycle. In short, it is the story of what makes

Go to Book No. 79 Check all the Books Here   Name of the Book: THE DOVE'S LAMENT Author: Kirthi Jayakumar Read some reviews: 1. Rubina Ramesh   2. Usha Narayanan   3. Arpita Banerjee   The Story: The Dove's Lament is a journey that takes you around the world, bringing to life the human side of conflicts that tear people apart. From the genocide in Rwanda, to war-stricken Bosnia, from child marriages in India to prostitution and drug trafficking in Colombia, these stories traverse a microcosm of reality. Be it the manifestation of Bacha Baazi in Afghanistan, or the fight for paradise on Earth, Kashmir, the repertoire of stories lend a soul to what otherwise remain a muddle of news reports and statistics. Through these stories, Kirthi embroiders a tapestry of the unvanquished human spirit in varied shades, and shakes you up to the reality that surrounds you.

Introduction ASIN:  B00NB3CP9C Genre:  Fiction / YA Publishers:  Amazon Price:  Rs. 59/- (  I got the book from Books are Magic  for a review ) This novelette is a companion book to The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer. A peek into the soul of an angry, young girl, who will come of age in a city on the verge of total annihilation. Ruby kept a diary from the age of ten till she ran away from home at sixteen. It is from here that I picked out a few diary entries for The Ruby Iyer Diaries. This short series of vignettes from Ruby's life, tells you more a little more about Ruby Iyer's origins. Behind The book Source: Goodreads

Go to Book No. 70 Check all the Books Here   Name of the Book: ALL ABOARD Author: Kiran Manral The Story: When Rhea Khanna is dumped just days before her wedding, by her boyfriend of four years, the only thing she wants to do is to get out of the city to clear her head. The opportunity presents itself immediately when her aunt, a retired school headmistress, invites her to accompany her on a Mediterranean cruise. As Rhea struggles to cope with her grief of being dumped at the altar, she finds herself getting attracted to the seemingly unavailable Kamal Shahani—the infuriatingly attractive ex-student of her aunt and a hot shot entrepreneur.  To add to the confusion, Sonia, Kamal’s very attractive ex-girlfriend boards the ship in a bid to win him back. Will Rhea heal her broken heart, or will she end up even more shattered than she was when she got on this cruise? Read, to find out.