‘Love in Siesta’ is a collection of 8 short stories on human psyche, instinct and emotion. The book makes use of different scenarios from changing time periods that meditate on private vision, opinions, passions and hidden motives that often have explicit, drawn out consequences.
The Odyssey of Reunion tells us the story of a man named Murali who was imprisoned in his youth and released from jail in his 60s. Out of the prison, he is like a newborn child lost in this altered surrounding and yet enjoying each moment of freedom, observing and absorbing things afresh.
The Jewel of Vishnu is the story of Arul, a clueless teenager, who has a powerful amulet and must use every means possible to save his village. I would recommend the book to anyone interested in an adventurous and fantastical journey set in an Indian locale.
Loophole Games is a discourse on different Tax Avoidance Strategies at work. Smarak Swain, the author, explores how corporate organizations affect countries through their fabricated mechanisms. He narrates true stories on Profit Shifting, Money Laundering, Sham Transactions, Tax Havens and Base Erosion.
‘The Astral Surge’ is a realization and exploration of the relationship between the Awareness and the Unknown. Well researched and also, thrilling at times, the book ponders on the amalgamation of nature and artificial intelligence, on mutation and formation of Super Humans and, the impact of such a development on the whole of Creation.
Time Guard: The Awakening is recommended to anyone interested in stories which are a blend of sci-fi, mythology and all things supernatural. The author challenges the readers to think outside the box and imagine different scenarios.
Sting in the Tale is a collection of thirteen short stories. The stories are across different genres and perspectives. Each story ends with the aim of a twist in the plot line that may leave the reader in wonder and awe. It is a light read with absorbing tales that can occupy a reader for an evening or two.
Remodel Your Soothsayer is not about why one should believe in Astrology and other similar subjects but it is an attempt to improve and expand one’s perception of the forces at play. Through the book, the author tries to address certain aspects attached to the mystical unseen world.
Heart of the Tiger follows the story of Ella, a brave, resolute, young woman in her struggles and sacrifices to save Oakwoods, an ancestral legacy. This bequest has a precious place in her heart, the heart which will roar like a tiger if any foe dare to harm it.
The Light Catcher is an amusing story of a young artist called Purab who, in search of a comfortable life, enters the competitive corporate world. Living in the fast-paced life of a Metro, he is constantly pushed to fulfil his targets and yet is under-represented and seldom recognized for his hard work.
Kala Ghoda: The Game Begins had a fast-paced narration as events unfolded one after the other, ending with a drastic change in the hierarchy. I liked the overall performance in the book and believe that readers interested in similar premise may read this thriller and enjoy what the author has to offer.
Empty Wallet has a pleasant story, however, the blurb did promise a lot but not much was achieved throughout the book. There was no insufficiency of drama but I couldn’t catch on the blurb’s promise of a corporate thriller. It felt more or less like a corporate drama I have heard or read earlier.
Ashok and the Nine Unknown might just be around 224 pages but the storyline has enough space for action, drama, romance, horror, mystery and magick, mingling with each other and forming notable moments. It is richly grounded on historical facts as we know them and even myths recounted through generations.
A diverse range of poems together form the book called Trials and Tribulations and it is rightfully titled because the poet Dr. Prajwal Kumar tries to convey the personal struggles and experiences that Life presents in front of every individual. It was fascinating to glimpse into the poet’s perception and view the World through his eyes.
For all the science-fiction readers out there, author Sadhna Shanker, through her latest book Ascendance, brings to you a world where the whole setting is foreign and the population segregation bizarre. It has a whodunit factor that answered to the thirst for mystery in me.
With a fresh premise, Skeins is scrupulously and absolutely about womanhood. It is about a group of Indian women with diverse credentials and with their baggage, quite literally! They travel to a new foreign land where they explore different sites as well as themselves.
Half Burnt Cigarette and a Little Love Note is basically the tale of a woman who is torn between two relationships, each important to her. She decides to marry the one who had supported her throughout her graduation and loves her deeply but again, she can’t forget the man she loved and lost, that left her bare and heartbroken.
The Shreds of Character is a contemporary tale of a Sikh family where familial bonds are strained with unending issues of honour and pride. There is a discussion on Indian tradition regarding sex and sexuality and its comparison with western culture from a generalized perspective.