Book ReviewReviews

Book Review – Tantra by Adi

by Tina Basu
written by Tina Basu

After some romance and medical fiction I was longing for some high adrenalin action read. Just then Tantra by Adi landed in my hands. An Indian fantasy thriller is quite rare. So I was quite eager to read it. 

Fiction, thrillers are my favorite genres so kept reading it while travelling on bus, at lunch breaks, and I don’t remember where all.


The Story

Anu Aggarwal the New York girl has quite an interesting job – she is a vampire hunter! Decked in her black leather outfit and carrying her ensemble of weapons she lurks around at nights to hunt down the blood sucking vampires. Anu moves to Delhi and joins Amit – a fellow guardian of Delhi (that’s what the world wide vampire hunting organization ‘the center  calls their lead vampire hunters).

Her Delhi sojourn has an underlying motive – to find and kill the vampire who killed Brian – her boyfriend in New York. However, after landing up in Delhi he realizes the situation in Delhi is grave and people are at threat from forces much more complicated than the vampires.

She confronts Chandra, the leader of the ‘Vampire Panchayat’ (this is not how it is mentioned in the book – that’s what I am calling it) who comes across as a powerful & sensible vampire. With children going missing across Delhi Anu & Amit seek to go deeper in their investigation when they stumble across Baba Senaka – the evil tantric who desires infinite power. He sacrifices young children to accomplish his tantric feat.

Will Anu be able to stop the evil tantric? How will she fight Senaka? Who will be the winner – the sattvic power or the tantric evil? You have to read Tantra to get these answers.

Analysis

As I mentioned earlier – fantasy thriller fiction is rare by Indian authors and Tantra is a good attempt at that. To the contrary Tantra is not the first vampire novel in India. Only other novel I have read on vampires set in India by an Indian author is The Company Red by Shantanu Dhar. I have reviewed that as well and you can read it here. I am not sure if there are others.

Adi has quite nicely held onto the essence of Delhi – its street foods, market places, and autowallah’s antics (well that’s not limited to Delhi only – everywhere it’s the same story – Bangalore is just at the height of it I guess).
The first few chapters are tad little slow with of descriptions and the age old story of seeking revenge. However, as you start reading further you get to read the faced paced drama, evil Senaka and as the protagonists say ‘Voodoo mubo jumbo’.

The writing style is simple yet enthralling. However, I have to mention I didn’t understand what this ‘shift’ was. It felt as if the vampire hunters become vampire like. Only after several chapters will you get to know what this supernatural power/technique is. So it was confusing at the beginning.

I would be dishonest if I said I never felt it was going the Underworld track. And when I say Underworld it’s not about the fight between Vampires and Lycans. The character of Anu resembles Kate Beckinsale’s character Selene in many ways – at least I felt that way.

The description of Baba Senaka and his rituals, though good, brought an immediate visual in my mind – don’t know if anyone remembers Ashutosh Rana as Lajja Shankar in Sangharsh. He was very promising as this evil religious fanatic in the movie. And this is what I visualized with the detailed description of Baba Senaka. Well it could have been inspired from them as well and it’s good.

I tried getting to know more about the author but could find only his FB page even with the domain name www.tantrabyadi.com – is that spooky or did he not create a website at all!! I don’t even know whether this is his pseudonym or real name.

My Thoughts

Though it promises to be a good thriller it gets slow at portions and picks up pace at other parts. I would have liked it even faster.

My Rating – 3.5/5
Book – Tantra
Author – Adi
Genre – Fantasy Fiction Thriller
Publisher – Apeejay Stya Publishing
Published in – 2013
ISBN 13 – 9788190863629
ISBN 10 – 8190863622
Pages – 335
Format – Paperback
Price – INR 195

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Book Review – Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai by Rishi Vohra

by Tina Basu
written by Tina Basu

The book from the back-cover synopsis sounds interesting. Though you can get a feeling that it might be about life and times of an autistic patient – don’t think that way – it has much more to offer.

It’s a book which is bound to give you a mixed bag feeling – it has a bullied child, jealous sibling, innocent love and then some super hero moments, super love story twists and turns – in short it’s enough to keep you hooked into it and entertain you. 

I must mention I read this less and almost visualized the story more – thanks to the author.

The Story  
Babloo or Balwant Srivastav was born a special child with special needs. Unfortunately his parents were neither keen in his interests nor were they happy with him. Affection, love and help were all showered on his younger sibling who was born a normal child. From Childhood to youth only thing Babloo was accustomed with was being rejected by teachers, family, society. He had no friend except Vandana.
From getting bullied regularly at his Railway Colony quarters to getting treated as secondary at home Babloo ignored everyone and lived in his own world. His world consisted of him, his dreams and his dream girl Vandana. Only desire Babloo had in mind was to express his feelings to her and make her his lady love.
Things started to change when the secluded yet strong Babloo saved a girl from being raped by a rowdy gang at the railway tracks and with that was the birth of the superhero character of the story – The Railman.
With different twists and turns the story revolves around Babloo’s fight against society, how he wins his parent’s love and people’s respect and of course his lady love.
Analysis
Some good stuffs
Simple yet strong characters – I am particularly impressed with the characterization of Vandana. The simple girl next door who desires for the big yet tries to be aligned with tradition and moral.
Babloo of course is the hero and superhero who expresses his confusion, innocence with grace.
Story writing style of debutant author – Rishi Vohra is very refreshing. He has aptly brought out the character of Babloo well through the monologues. Check here to know more about the author.
Some filmy stuffs
At some points you may feel it’s going a little OTT but I will give it a benefit of doubt of being inclined with the superhero culture that we aware of – thanks to our movies.
It’s always a happy ending with issues falling into place unexpectedly (read heroine waiting for you and turning up in your life unexpectedly).
This I can’t help but have to say I would have liked a better cover design for this novel.
My thoughts
It’s definitely a good read and you will not get bored. The story picks up the pace after few chapters. So it’s definitely on my list of recommendation.
Special Note:
Rishi Vohra had contacted and sent me this book long time back but I am posting the review now – this happened due to some hectic schedule that I was facing over last few months. I have been scattered around different cities and am still living out of suitcase/carton boxes (I still have to settle down in my new house). So sincere apologies to Rishi.
My Rating – 3.75/5
Book – Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai
Author – Rishi Vohra
Genre – Fiction
Publisher – Jaico Publishing House
Published in – 2012
ISBN 13 – 9788184953053
ISBN 10 – 8184953054
Pages – 272
Format – Paperback
Price – INR 175

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Book Review – Chilli Chicks & Heart Attacks by Sanjaya Senanayake

by Tina Basu
written by Tina Basu

Chilli Chicks & Heart Attacks – what a title for a book… and with the cover design you almost start feeling it will be a chick book – naughty n sleazy (you know what I mean).Though it starts with a guy dreaming about making love to Hollywood Superstar and his mother happens to be filming all the action, it isn’t all that.

It’s the ‘misadventures’ of Dr. Manjula Mendis – the intern at a popular Autralian hospital (and if you are thinking Dr. Manjula is a lady then let me tell you – no he is a GUY!)


The Story

Dr. Mendis a Sri Lankan living in Australia joins the popular St. Ivanhoe hospital as an intern along with six others. This year long internship turns out to be a rollercoaster ride for Dr. Mendis both professionally and personally.  As they proceed in their medical duties they come across different situations – some scary situations of dealing with the-not-so-friendly senior doctors (some are also perverts who like to stare at female interns – you-know-where) and some even scarier rendezvous with ‘sugardadiphiled’ ladies ( you need to read the book to decode this)!

Even on personal front Dr. Mendis finds himself in a fix with his over ambitious parents trying to fix him up with various ladies from ‘influential’, ‘well-connected’, ‘rich’ & ‘rice & curry cooking’ Sri Lankan families settled in Australia. Finally when he likes one all hell breaks loose.

My Thoughts

It’s really funny how the story starts – just when you start feeling cheesy it turns out to be a dream – I should rather say a nightmare – where you find your mother filming your bedtime actions which she wants to show the relatives!!!

Sanjaya Senanayake has made sure that this book, though written in a diary entry style, doesn’t remain as another medical diary of a medicine intern. The twists and turns are nice and it ensures the readers are never bored. Be it the carrot contraceptive case or the pig’s heart or unraveling the truth of a cheat this book offers you plenty.

From Hollywood celebrities, to football king, from hot love making to bonds of friendship you will come across many emotions as you read along. Though it’s like a diary which captures the ‘misadventures’ of Dr. Mendis only by the end you can figure out the fiction part of it.

Sanjaya Senanayake happens to be in the medical profession and a Sri Lankan having lived in Australia & New Zealand – so is this book his biography? He denies it but you never know.

Things I liked – well crafted characters specially Dr. Manjula – who is as excited to be interning in a hot shot hospital and is as confused on his actions in personal life. And some good humor. Sometimes you want to just pick up a book and feel the fun while reading. It’s worth giving a read.

PS: If you can’t handle some amount of sleaze and cheesiness then you might not like it

My Rating – 3.5/5
Book – Chilli, Chicks & Heart Attacks
Author – Sanjaya Senanayake
Genre – Fiction
Publisher – Westland Limited in India, 
                Perera-Hussein Publishing House in Sri Lanka (2010)
Published in – 2013
ISBN – 978-93-81626-88-7
Pages – 312
Format – Paperback
Price – INR 250

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Book Review – Wrong Means Right End by Varsha Dixit

by Tina Basu
written by Tina Basu

After a series of thrillers and crime stories this was a refreshing break. All thanks to Blogadda again. Sometimes you get in this mood for a light read and I was exactly in this mood when I got this book.


The Story
Sneha the single mom is enjoying the new phase in her life, with her little son Advey, after her divorce.  Nandini, Sneha’s BFF tries hard to fix blind dates for her but in vain.

Poor Sneha is almost forced to meet an ‘eligible‘ suitor at every party that Nandini throws. The two friends have been together through thick and thin and are protective about each other. Sneha comes across Nikhil with whom she shared an unpleasant past and comes to know about Gayatri – ex flame of Adiyta, Nanidi’s husband. Time brings a tough situation for Sneha and she needs to keep aside ego, history and opinions to save her best friends.


Analysis
Wrong Means Right End is all about relationships and emotions. Very heart-warming at some moments to see such close friendship and bonds. Though a light read you find twists and turns throughout the story. However, it sometimes gets predictable. It’s like you are reading about matured relationship ala M&B Moderns, where you have filthy rich lovers ( husband in this case) showering love OTT.

Sneha is a free-spirited woman and her character is well sketched. I would have been disappointed if she was made a stereotyped divorcee woman. She is smart, independent woman taking up responsibilities for her son as well as taking care of her friend when she needs the most.

Certain things that didn’t go down to well with me are the cuss words – why would I refer my best friend as ‘Kulta’. For God’s sake no – my BFF will kill me for that. Anyway, the deliberate mispronounced cuss words also doesn’t help much – at least for me.

Bust the two high points in the book are the strong and deep bond between the friends and the raw chemistry between Sneha and Nikhil.

My Thoughts
It’s those kind of quick of reads which you like when you are spending hours between a flights at the airport or are travelling long hours. There’s a feel good factor.

My Rating – 3/5
Book – Wrong Means Right End
Author – Varsha Dixit
Genre – Fiction (Contemporary Relationship & Love)
Publisher – Rupa Publications
Published in – 2012
ISBN – 9788129120465
Pages – 320
Format – Paperback

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Book Review – The Bankster by Ravi Subramanian

by Tina Basu
written by Tina Basu
Two back to back thrillers in two weeks has made me very happy so firstly a big thank you to Blogadda. This definitely is a more adrenalin pumper than the previous book. I have not read the previous books of Ravi Subramanian and this is my first but after reading this I’m quite keen on reading his other three works.
 
The Bankster is that thriller which you can be easily addicted to. Set in three cities you find three different stories unfolding. Being a banker himself the author kept banking as the backdrop of this global conspiracy and crime thriller.

 

The plot – In the African country of Angola Joseph Bragnanza, a CIA covert agent is involved in blood diamonds and arms dealing. From there it jumps to a small town in Kerala, Devikullam where a 75-year-old man finds himself fighting the government in Gandhian way for clarity in the nuclear program being commissioned in his area. And again, in Mumbai the Greater Boston Global Bank or GB2 unveils the banking rigour, manipulations and power struggle which brings out the various shades of the bankers. All the three plots converge to show the darker side.
Ravi keeps the momentum going and unfolds the dark global conspiracy and the world of financial crime. However, I don’t want any spoilers here – so you need to read it to find out about this conspiracy.
Analysis – Ravi Subramanian is a banker himself, and thus you know where the sound knowledge and the details of behind the scene banking are arriving from. It gives you moments when you realise though we are surrounded with technology everywhere for efficient/ impartial work it’s finally a human being behind the machines. It’s the human emotion which cannot stay unprejudiced or neutral all the time.
From murders to forensic tests the novel creates quite a captivating time. And I truly applaud the author to create this want in me to read more. That’s what makes any book enjoyable. The characters are well thought and well built. Some of the parts are closer to life and seems real. The second half of it is even better. I can see it becoming a Bollywood potboiler in near future.
I quite like this writing style as it keeps wading from one plot to another yet not losing the stream. It makes it pacier.
My Thoughts – It is a good read and will recommend it. And yes you might also be tempted to read his other works after finishing this.
My Rating – 4/5
Book – The Bankster
Author – Ravi Subramanian
Genre – Fiction, Thriller
Publisher – Rupa Publications
Published in – 2012
ISBN – 8129120488
ISBN-13: 9788129120489
Pages – 364
Format – Paperback

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Book Review – JFK by Jhangir Kerawala

by Tina Basu
written by Tina Basu

When you have a thriller or a murder mystery with you, you know you can never get bored. This is definitely my favorite genre because they keep you engrossed most of the time. And when you have two back to back murders in the first 5 minutes then I am really happy. JFK (and no it’s not related to John F Kennedy) opens up with two murders happening at two different places in the City of Joy – Kolkata (yeah that’s even another candy for me). 

Superficially looks like two different murders but it’s the same gun’s bullet that killed both.


Jatin F. Karunamoi best friend of the murdered person Manish finds himself in a fix when he realizes the last work of Manish were to him which were ‘Jatin JKF’… Aided with Montu, their long-time friend Jatin seeks to decode JFK and find out why his friend had to lose his life. With the city under the dark clouds of serial murders the pressure is mounting on them to even out the complexity. I will not spoil the thriller by telling you how he found or what he found

Analysis – Manish the unusual hero – is a well etched character. The different characters show different shades of white, black and grey. Friendship, complexities of relation, and complexities of society are what you are up for in JFK. Though I believe some characters could have been just done with.

I absolutely enjoyed the descriptions of places in the book, helps you to visualize with ease, and for me almost as if revisiting streets of Kolkata.

You figure out it’s not just murders that you are dealing with there are deeper layers of society that holds mystery.

As for the debutante author, it isn’t a bad start. Though the twists are turns are good at some point of time you feel you know what might happen next. Again it will be unfair if you try to compare JFK with a classic thriller book. So I will also treat it as a debut work. Thus, as a quick read it suffices. You can finish the book on the go – and i really like these kinds of books when you don’t have to wait to long. You can read one of Jhangir Kerawala’s interview here.

My Thoughts – It is a nice and easy read, with good descriptions. As a debutante author Kerawala has done a decent job.

My Rating – 3.5/5
Book – JFK
Author – Jhangir Kerawala
Genre – Fiction, Thriller
Publisher – Grey Oak Westland
Published in – 2012
ISBN-13: 9789381626733
Pages – 225
Format – Paperback

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