Bloodline - Sidney Sheldon

Sheldon's sweeping saga of greed and betrayal, sabotage and danger, and the ties that can kill...

Roffe and Sons is a family firm, an international empire filled with desperate, cash-hungry family members. At its head was one of the wealthiest men in the world, a man who has just died in a mysterious accident and left his only daughter, Elizabeth, in control of the company. Now as this intelligent, tough, and beautiful young woman dares to save -- not sell -- Roffe and Sons, she will have to outwit those who secretly want her power, and the unknown assassin who wants her life.

Sidney Sheldon

Review:

Certainly a good book to read. May not be Sheldon's best, and there may also be claims that the book draws heavily from Sheldon's previous releases but still this book is certainly worth a read. The typical twists are missing but the extraordinary narration makes up for the slow pace. The reader is made to believe from the onset that Rhys is the criminal. Though the climax reveals a different story, it was expected from Sheldon and the familiar mind-blowing twist at the end is missing. I personally liked the characterization of Detective Max Honurang, as a short plumpy bald man, yet very intelligent and efficient. The character certainly gives a different face to a detective. The part where Samuel Roffe's life is narrated is fantastic and is probably the best part of the book. I loved Samuel Roffe's determination and courage. Elizabeth Roffe, young and lonely seeks power from her great great grandfather and the way Sheldon bridged a century gap was amazing.

    The other characters like Ivo, Alec, Walther Gassner and Chris Martel were all well developed. But I felt the author left a few loose threads dangling like the rendezvous between Rhys and Helene. he also failed to explain Alec killing innocent girls. But stiil, the book is complete with all the elements for a weekend read.

Rating: 3.4/5

The Rhinemann Exchange - Robert Ludlum

Autumn 1943. Global espionage elite converge on Buenos Aires. Intense, high-level covert negotiations will soon bear dangerous fruit with the aid of expatriate German industrialist Erich Rhinemann. American agent David Spaulding will be there. His top-secret mission can bring the war to an explosive end. But what happens here in this city of assassins, double crosses, and erotic encounters is to be the most sinister and terrifying deal ever made between two nations at war. Quickly, the game changes, truths darken, hidden secrets emerge. And suddenly Spaulding is the man in between, the man furiously struggling for his sanity, the woman he loves, and his very life...the only man who can save the world from the horrible truth of The Rhinemann Exchange

Robert Ludlum

Review:

A pretty bore read. I don't understand why there was so much hype about this book on Goodreads. I could concentrate and even turning the pages became a burden. The plot is so poor and unrealistic and it is full of confusions and ambiguities that it fails to give the readers a grip. David Spaulding characterisation is so poor and his growth from an actor to a top agent is unbelievable. The book moves along a slop pace and I wondered why the author had wasted so many pages in narrating unnecessary events like the rendezvous at Lisbon etc. No characters are deep enough and the reader does not get a feel of any of the characters except ofcourse, Jean. She is the only saving grace in the book.Overall a pretty ordinary read.

Rating: 2.1/5

The Krishna Key - Ashwin Sanghi

Five thousand years ago, there came to earth a magical being called Krishna, who brought about innumerable miracles for the good of mankind. Humanity despaired of its fate if the Blue God were to die but was reassured that he would return in a fresh avatar when needed in the eventual Dark Age—the Kaliyug.

In modern times, a poor little rich boy grows up believing that he is that final avatar.

Only, he is a serial killer.

In this heart-stopping tale, the arrival of a murderer who executes his gruesome and brilliantly thought-out schemes in the name of God is the first clue to a sinister conspiracy to expose an ancient secret—Krishna’s priceless legacy to mankind.

Historian Ravi Mohan Saini must breathlessly dash from the submerged remains of Dwarka and the mysterious lingam of Somnath to the icy heights of Mount Kailash, in a quest to discover the cryptic location of Krishna’s most prized possession. From the sand-washed ruins of Kalibangan to a Vrindavan temple destroyed by Aurangzeb, Saini must also delve into antiquity to prevent a gross miscarriage of justice.

Ashwin Sanghi brings you yet another exhaustively researched whopper of a plot, while providing an incredible alternative interpretation of the Vedic Age that will be relished by conspiracy buffs and thriller-addicts alike.

 

Ashwin Sanghi

Review:

Reading his first two books,I expected a lot from Ashwin Sanghi.But as it is always the case,I was quite disappointed with this book.Professor Ravi Mohan Saini seems to know almost everything in History.The author's urge to relate almost every world incident to India and his overplaying of the number games spoil the essence of the story.The passage at the beginning of every chapter about Krishna server only as speed-breakers.They severely damage the pace of the story.Tarak Vaakil is shown to be the tenth avatar of Vishnu but as the story progresses,he is sidelined.The climax is the worst I have read and I was longing for the story to complete.The claim that the Syamantaka is hidden in the Taj Mahal is beyond the bounds of imagination.I briefly wondered if I was reading some History lecture book.Such was the case when the professor started talking.Almost everyone in the story lowe a lot in history.Even conspiracies must have some facts behind them but that is not the case with The Krishna Key.
A poor plot with a poor narration.Ashwin Sanghi was much better in his first two books.  

Rating: 3.6/5

If Tomorrow Comes - Sidney Sheldon

Lovely, idealistic Tracy Whitney is framed into a fifteen year sentence in an escape-proof penitentiary. With dazzling ingenuity she fights back to destroy the untouchable crime lords who put her there. With her intelligence and beauty as her only weapons, Tracy embarks on a series of extraordinary escapades that sweep her across the globe. In an explosive confrontation Tracy meets her equal in irresistible Jeff Stevens, whose past is as colorful as Tracy's.

Sidney Sheldon

Review:

Sidney Sheldon surely not at his best in  this book.The first few pages of the story promises a lot but the story fails to meet the expectations.Doris Whitney commits suicide at the start and her daughter Tracy Whitney finds herself facing a jail term after a series of incidents that she couldn't quite comprehend. The way Tracy remains strong even after enduring all sorts of humiliation and abuse is a strong message by the author to all women to remain strong amid all problems.But just as we think she is going to resurrect her life,her life takes a drastic turn and again fate turns her into what she did not want to be.But eventually she develops a liking for what she does and goes on to become one of the best con artists moving around.In the process,she finds Jeff who lives more or less the same life as hers.In the end,they get enough money and live a luxurious life.The climax is a joke and it makes one wait for the book to end.

The story is very slow and turning pages becomes a burden.I felt as though it was written by someone else under the name of Sidney Sheldon.Anyway a few parts in the book are a saving grace and stands out.Sidney Sheldon has certainly written many more great books.

Read it if you have no other book.

Rating: 2.1/5

The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner follows the story of Amir, the privileged son of a wealthy businessman in Kabul, and Hassan, the son of Amir's father's servant. As children in the relatively stable Afghanistan of the early 1970s, the boys are inseparable. They spend idyllic days running kites and telling stories of mystical places and powerful warriors until an unspeakable event

 changes the nature of their relationship forever, and eventually cements their bond in ways neither boy could have ever predicted. Even after Amir and his father flee to America, Amir remains haunted by his cowardly actions and disloyalty. In part, it is these demons and the sometimes impossible quest for forgiveness that bring him back to his war-torn native land after it comes under Taliban rule. ("...I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.")

Khaled Hosseini

Review:

A very emotional and heart - breaking novel that explores the depths of human minds.Khaled Hosseini carves a niche for himself in the minds of the readers with this book.The characters are so real that you almost forget if you are reading a novel or a memoir.
The characters Amior and Hassan are developed beautifully and I especially loved Baba very much.he was the kind of dad who lived his life the way it has to be lived.His dark side was also revealed in the later part of the book but still I loved him.The way Amir tries to seek redemption for his sin brings tears.Guilt can cause you to do a lot of things.Afghanistan was very well described and I found myself yearning to live in such a place.but the drastic turn of fortunes after it comes under taliban rule is a sad change.The book was more or less like a family get - together describing Afghan traditions and their cultures.The book makes us respect the Afghans.

Overall I loved the book very much.A fantastic emotional read.

Rating: 4/5

It's first love...Just like the last one! - Sachin Garg

Love stories.

Girl meets boy. Boy eyes the girl.

She is fair, has dark eyes & beautiful hair; the whole college loves her. He is tall, dark and has the cutest dimples.
They are a perfect couple. They fall in love.
Endless phone calls, pointless blushes, constant sweet nothings.
Everybody is jealous of them but they are too busy being in love. .. Right?

Bullshit!

Real love is a lot more complex.

Sachin Garg, opens his heart, and shares the story of the twentieth year of his life.

It s First Love.. is the story of five people and how they end up transforming completely over a period of a year.

Sachin. Kanika, Arshi. Radhika. Zeeshan.

Sachin Garg, a guy freakishly similar to you or a guy next to you. He is a perfect blend of tall, dark and handsome. He is tall, and he is handsome when it is dark.

Kanika Merchant, a fireball of energy on the outside, but a mystery on the inside. On the face of it, she wakes up every morning and thinks what she is going to wear today. But a thousand secrets lay hidden behind that smile.

Arshi, more like a bad mouthing MTV Roadies contestant, than a regular college student. What will make her transform completely as a person, in a single second?

Radhika Merchant, a successful TV journalist, an achiever par excellence and yet so hollow. How will she bring her own downfall?

Zeeshan, a useless man, lives in a dusty broken house in a dingy lane. In reality, he is a doctor who has seen tougher times than most people do. What is his story?

Lose your heart to their story and in the process, get to know everything about your love life you were never able to figure out.

Review:

Sachin Garg

The book was ok.A tale that every college guy can relate to.Infact its a tale that every college student can pen down by himself.Such an easy and simple narration yet vivid.Sachin is a fair guy who falls in love with Kanika who falls in love with Niel.Sachin's friend Arshi loves Sachin and Zeeshan loves Kanika as well! Now that is a real mess and the story proceeds on how Sachin wins Kanika's heart.The only valuable part of this book is when Kanika's mother,Radhika dies of AIDS.The author has beautifully created an awareness about how AIDS can affect you even through infected syringes.

The rest of the story is as usual.Lots of romantic moments are shared between the characters.Zeeshan is showed as a bright guy who fails in love and hence hates life.Kanika is unable to decide on her future - a pretty indecisive girl.Arshi is a modern city girl, Niel - a modern city guy.The author has portrayed characters you see around you everyday.

Nothing so special about the story.Just a good read for a lazy day.

Rating: 2.1/5

Windmills Of The Gods - Sidney Sheldon

She's on the glinting edge of East-West confrontation, a beautiful and accomplished scholar who has suddenly become the new US ambassador to an Iron Curtain country, a woman who is about to dramatically change the course of world events – if she lives.

For Mary Ashley has been marked for death by the world's most proficient and mysterious assassin, and plunged into a nightmare of espionage, kidnapping and terror. Only two people – both powerfully attractive and ultimately enigmatic men – can offer her help. But soon she comes to believe that one of them is out to kill her.

From Wikipedia:

Mary Ashley, a professor at Kansas State University, is offered an ambassadorship by Paul Ellison, the US president. She rejects the offer because her husband, Dr. Edward Ashley, does not want to leave his medical practice, and she is not willing to be separated from him. She also feels that it is harder to find a good doctor for a small Kansas town than an ambassador to a foreign country. When her husband suddenly dies in a suspicious traffic accident, Ashley accepts the President's offer in order to fill the void in her life. She is sent to Romania, behind the Iron Curtain, where she finds that everyone is conspiring against her. She's on the glinting edge of East-West confrontation, a beautiful and accomplished scholar who has suddenly become the new US ambassador to an Iron Curtain country, a woman who is about to dramatically change the course of world events – if she lives. For Mary Ashley has been marked for death by the world's most proficient and mysterious assassin, and plunged into a nightmare of espionage, kidnapping and terror.

Review:

Sidney Sheldon

 

A fast – paced thriller novel that stretches across countries. Sidney proves yet again that he is the Master in story – telling. The way the characters are developed, their innocent portrayal are all typical Sidney style. Mary Ashley, a loving mother and passionate teacher is made the Ambassador to Romania. The series of events that follow make her run for her death as she is stalked by an international group. A cold – blooded killer is on the loose and every page increases the tension of who the killer is. The character of Mike Slade is done with precision and one would never have thought that he is the one who is trying to save Mary. Finally in the last few pages, all the characters show their true faces. Sidney manages to give a feel of what America and Romania are like. Both are completely different countries as far as their Governments and people are concerned. The twists at the end served to increase my passion on Sidney Sheldon.

A must – read novel for everyone. Please don’t miss it

Rating: 3.9/5

The Sky Is Falling - Sidney Sheldon

The Winthrops are America's royal family, and its Prince Charming is the sexy, charismatic Gary Winthrop. Now the man on his way to becoming the Senate's brightest new star is found murdered in his home-the latest in a series of incidents that have killed five members of the family in a single year. One of the last people to see Gary Winthrop alive is Washington anchorwoman Dana Evans. She makes it her mission to investigate these seemingly random tragedies, little realizing that her search will sweep her across several continents, place her and her young son in grave danger, and lead her to a truth that will astound the world.

Sidney Sheldon

Review:

A fantastic read.In a normal book,the suspense is about who the killer is.But in this Sidney's masterpiece,the suspense builds right from the start on whether the consecutive deaths are murders are just a co-incidence.The character Dana Evans is portrayed with a surgeon's precision and I would love to meet such a character in real life.The cute love between Dana and Jeff, Jeff's concern for his ex-wife Rachel while she is in trouble are all simple things that make up this master-piece.The secret Plutonium manufacturing city which is claimed to be 'real' by the author gives the readers creeps.Dana is being followed by strangers without her knowledge and that adds to the tension.There is no way one could find the real criminal till Sasha is murdered.

I feel the end was a bit rushed through and the climax is far-fetched.However the first parts of the book make up for the quick ending.The five murders and the way Dana goes about her investigation,her actions being monitored by some unknown agents are all typical Sheldon stuff.

A must - read novel for everyone.Please don't miss it.

Rating: 4.1/5

If It's Not Forever. It's Not Love - Durjoy Datta , Nikita Singh

When Deb stumbles across a diary in the busy streets of Chandni Chowk, its contents propel him, his friend Shrey and his girlfriend Avantika, headlong into an adventurous journey, one that they’ll never forget.
Cut to the beginning.
The innate peace of the bustling and lively Chandni Chowk is brutally assassinated as a bomb rips through the place, changing many lives in the fraction of a second. Deb, who just barely survives the bomb blast, seeks redemption mainly to heal his emotional scars and shock.
When he ultimately stumbles across the diary of a bomb blast victim, the dead man’s life helps him look into things with a fresh perspective during the course of his road trip.

Review:

Durjoy Datta and Nikita Singh

 If you die tomorrow, what would your last words be?

It's just another afternoon in Deb's life, when a powerful blast rips across the heart of Delhi – Chandni Chowk. He is unhurt, but emotionally scarred. Haunted by the blast for many days, he seeks redemption. One day, while wandering near the blast site, he finds a half-burnt diary, written by someone who died on that fateful day.

The burnt diary entrusts Deb with a strange responsibility - the last words of a dead man.

Shrey, his best buddy since college, and Avantika, his girlfriend, unknowingly join him on his road trip, as he tries to put together the pieces of the dead guy's intriguing story.

Another fantastic love story. I just finished the book at a single attempt without even stopping for dinner.The author has some magnetic power to keep the readers glued to the pages.While reading the pages extracted from the diary, I had goosebumps.The author has really put the story well and has very well worked on the correct timings to put the extraction of the diary.

The main concept of the book is quite tragic and sad as in the bomb blast that happened .Every single line and every single word from the author has got lots and lots of romance and feelings in them,. You can just feel your emotions sprouting out  for the characters.

This book is awesome and a must read for everyone.Please don't miss a big thing in life by avoiding this book.

Rating: 3.5/5

The Rozabal Line - Ashwin Sanghi

A cardboard box is found on a shelf of a London library where a copy of Mahabharata should have been. When the mystified librarian opens it, she screams before she falls unconscious to the floor. An elite group calling itself the Lashkar-e-Talatashar has scattered around the globe, the fate of its members curiously resembling that of Christ and his Apostles. Their agenda is Armageddon. In the labyrinthine recesses of the Vatican, a beautiful assassin swears she will eliminate all who do not believe in her twisted credo. In Tibet, Buddhist monks search for a reincarnation while in strife-torn Kashmir, a tomb called Rozabal holds the key to an ancient riddle. Father Vincent Sinclair, has disturbing visions of himself and of people familiar to him, except that they seem located in other ages. He goes to India to piece together the violent images burnt onto his mind. Shadowing his every move is a clandestine society, which would rather wipe out creation than allow an ancient secret to be disclosed.

Ashwin Sanghi

Review:

This is one of the best novels I have ever read and I am proud that it was written by an Indian. He is India's answer to people who think Chetan Bhagat style is the only style encouraged in India.A thriller right from the start,this book takes you across centuries and continents and traces back to the origin of religion itself.The mysteries are revealed and history - changing truths are unearthed.

A lot of characters,a lot of incidents,a lot of happenings that connect to one another confuse the readers but the confusion only gives way to more suspense.I liked the way he gave detailed references to all his research at the end of the book.

A book rich in world history,philosophy and science.I never expected such a package when I first bought the book.The terrorists and their mysterious resemblance to Jesus and his disciples,the truths unveiled through regression sessions,the conspicious murders make up for a nail - biting finish.

A must - read book for everyone.

Rating:3.9/5

The Howler - R.L.Stine

You hold in your hand the key to a shadow world of shivers and screams. Take a step away from the safe, comfortable world you know. Unlock the door to terror. There's always room for one more in..."The Nightmare Room."

Spencer Turner is a major electronics geek, and he's just purchased a cool new gadget called The Howler. It's supposed to allow Spencer to pick up the howls of ghosts and spirits. Spencer would love to communicate with the spirit world. He can't wait to see if it works. Unfortunately, Spencer soon hears his" own" howls of horror -- because when he turns on The Howler, he opens a channel to" The Nightmare Room."

R.L.Stine

Review:

A horror book every child must read.It will scare the hell out of him.The machine with which Spencer is able to talk to spirits is a bit of imagination but comes out well with the story.

A very good book to read after the darkness sets in.

 

 

 

 

Rating: 2.7/5

Dear Diary , I'm dead - R.L.Stine

You hold in your hand the key to a shadow world of shivers and screams. Take a step away from the safe, comfortable world you know. Unlock the door to terror. There's always room for one more in..."The Nightmare Room."

That's Alex Smith rushing past you, hurrying home to check out his journal. Why? Because Alex has never written a word in his journal, but yesterday, a mysterious entry appeared in te book--one that told Alex about the future. Alex can't wait to read the journal tonight to find out if there's anything new inside. Too bad he doesn't realize that be opening that book, he's opening the door to..."The Nightmare Room."

R.L.Stine

Review:

R.L.Stine is generally known for his 'horror' writings that give you creeps and goosebumps and this book is no exception.You are gripped in your fear right from the first page and the fear lingers even after you finish the book.

Alex Smith discovers a diary in his room that predicts the future.The diary appears to be a miracle in the initial events but in the follow-up to the climax,the diary starts predicting horrific and blood - chilling incidents.Alex Smith is unable to let go of the monster and is caught in a web of desire and fury.

R.L.Stine really has a knack of terrifying the readers and as he said,his secret is ,

"When the lights fade and the moon rises, anything can happen. The world becomes a carnival of shocks and chills. A whirling merry-go-round that never stops, spinning faster and faster, taking you on a frightening ride. I'm R. L. Stine, don't fall asleep... or you might find yourself in The Nightmare Room."
Now that will sure make us cry for our lives!!! 

Rating:3.7/5

Morning Noon and Night - Sidney Sheldon

A power revered by presidents and kings, a fortune unsurpassed by few people on earth: all that ended for Harry Stanford the day he mysteriously-and fatally-plunged from his luxury yacht into the Mediterranean Sea. Then, back home in Boston, as the family gathers to grieve for his memory and to war over his legacy, a stunningly beautiful young woman appears. She claims to be Stanford's long-lost daughter and entitled to her share of his estate. Now, flaming with intrigue and passion through the glamorous preserves of the world's super rich, the ultimate game of wits begins, for stakes too dazzling and deadly to imagine.

Review:

Sidney Sheldon

Wow!! One of the best Sidney Sheldon I have read.The book is a classic.You never know what to expect as you keep turning pages.The plot is a good old one - a wealthy father cruel to his children and the children trying to get hold of their father's wealth.But Sidney has made it a refreshing tale filled with twists and turns that make you feel if riding in a roller coaster is better.The witty and cold - blooded Judge Tyler Stanford, the soft Kendall Stanford, the drug addict Woodrow Stanford make a great combination and add to it Julia Stanford! now thats what I call a family.

The dreary life of Woodrow and Peggy Stanford and the blackmail letters received by Kendall add spice to the central plot.The character of Julia Stanford is a thing of beauty.She could have been portrayed a little more deeply.The various crimes committed by Tyler Stanford eventually dig his grave.

A perfect entertainer that keeps you glued to the pages.A must - read for all ages.The master story - teller has stood up to my expectations again.This time in an even better way.

Rating: 4.1/5

Honor Among Thieves - Jeffrey Archer

Spring 1994, Washington, D.C. - While the Clinton Administration grapples with its domestic policies, a sinister plot is being masterminded six thousand miles away in Baghdad. By using $100 million as bait and spinning a deadly web of corruption, forgery, and terror, Saddam Hussein seeks to embarrass the U.S. with the ultimate revenge: to steal a treasured historical document and then destroy it before the world's media-on July 4, 1994.

As the countdown to Independence Day begins, two agents stand in the way of his nearly flawless plan: Scott Bradley, a rising star in the CIA who is desperate to prove his patriotism, and Hannah Kopec, the stunning Mossad operative who has already lost so much that she fears nothing and trusts no one. Their unrelenting quest to prevent what would undoubtedly be the most humiliating day in U.S. history takes them across four continents and climaxes in a dramatic, triple-twist ending.

Ingeniously plotted and as up-to-the-minute as today's headlines, Honor Among Thieves resonates with the brilliant pace that is the trademark of master storyteller Jeffrey Archer.

Jeffrey Archer

Review:

Well thats surely a worth a fortune.Found this book in a old book store and couldn't resist buying it.The story takes off from the word 'go' and never once lacks pace.Scott's adventures in Baghdad and Colonel Kratz's skills are a treat to read.The selfless Cohen and the Kurd Aziz sacrifice their lives to get the 'American Declaration of Independence' safely back home.To think that all such sacrifices and blood shed are just for a fake copy makes you feel helpless and pity.

Archer had done well not to go deep into Scott - Hannah love story and hence losing the plot.He has kept it simple and crisp.The scene where Hannah poisons Scott and then realises her mistake,only too late, is an epic.The earlier scenes where the Cavallis come up with a near perfect plan to steal the 'Declaration of Independence' and also execute it perfectly are something special.

Brilliant portrayal of Saddam,the Iraqi President, and his cruel rule and the sufferings of the people even instils fear in our minds.

Well written and easy to get carried away for hours at a time.

Rating: 4.3/5

A Matter of Honor - Jeffrey Archer

It seems innocent enough. A disgraced British colonel bequeaths a mysterious letter to his only son. But the moment Adam Scott opens the yellowing envelope, he sets into motion a deadly chain of events that threatens to shake the very foundations of the free world.

Within days, Adam's lover is brutally murdered and he's running for his life through the great cities of Europe, pursued not only by the KGB, but by the CIA and his own countrymen as well. Their common intent is to kill him before the truth comes out. While powerful men in smoke-filled rooms plot ever more ingenious means of destroying him, Adam finds himself betrayed and abandoned even by those he holds most dear.

When at last he comes to understand what he is in possession of, he's even more determined to protect it, for it's more than a matter of life and death-it's a matter of honor.

Jeffrey Archer

Review:

My first Jeffrey Archer book.The 400 pages of this book hardly seems big enough.The pace of the story is so fast that you wonder how you have read so many pages in just a few hours.Wherever Scott goes, Romanov follows and he is such a cold - blooded agent.But not good enough for Scott. The furious pace of the story makes you wonder if you are actually seeing a movie.

The characters are well - developed and the mystery well - maintained.Adam is running from everyone and doesn't know who to trust as the book continues, and halfway through we are finally allowed to know the full significance of what he has in his possession. No wonder the CIA and the KGB are after him! (This is June of 1966.) So not only does he not know who to trust, the readers are kept in the dark while English, American, and Russian agents come at him from all directions. He survives because of his military training even though he had to re-sign because he early on found out it was going nowhere.

Rating: 4.2/5

Tell Me Your Dreams - Sidney Sheldon

Ashley Patterson is a beautiful, shy, lonely computer whiz, and is convinced she is being stalked. Coworker Toni Prescott is a gorgeous Brit with a penchant for internet dating and little time for anyone else. And Alette Peters prefers her weekends quiet and in the arms of a beefcake artist. They know virtually nothing about each other -- until the three women are linked by a murder investigation that will lead to one of the most bizarre trials of the century.

Review:

Sidney Sheldon

Lovely young ladies who work for Global Computer Graphics in Silicon Valley are charged  in the brutal murder and mutilation of five more or less nice men. Although confusing, the evidence against them seems perfect and by the time the case goes to trial we know who done it, but not until the story is nearly finished will we understand why.

Considered to be one of the first books to touch on 'MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER' and the way the author has gone about with an entirely new concept deserves an applause. A must - read book for everyone.

Rating : 4.4/5

Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition - Chetan Bhagat

Once upon a time, in small-town India, there lived two intelligent boys.
One wanted to use his intelligence to make money.
One wanted to use his intelligence to create a revolution.
The problem was, they both loved the same girl.

Welcome to Revolution 2020. A story about childhood friends Gopal, Raghav and Aarti who struggle to find success and love in Varanasi. However, it isn't easy to achieve this in an unfair society that rewards the corrupt. As Gopal gives in to the system, and Raghav fights it, who will win?


From the bestselling author of Five Point Someone, one night @ the call center, The Three Mistakes of My Life and 2 States, comes another gripping tale from the heartland of India. Are you ready for the revolution?

Chetan Bhagat

Review:

A bad plot from Chetan set in one of the most holiest places in India.The story is about triangular love and the corruption that is slowly sucking the life force out of the country. Students' pressure to meet their parents' expectations is well brought - out. Chetan tries to prove the point that the best way to make money in India at present is to open an engineering college. But Chetan seems to lose the plot when he tries for an unnecessary and unimaginable twist at the end.Aarthi's character is ill - developed and its not a wonder if Chetan loses some of his girl fans after this book. Gopal is a typical Indian rural guy who is burdened by his father's expectations though he really has no interest in engineering.Raaghav is a geek and manages to clear IIT entrance and joins BHU. Arthi's pendulum mind swings from Gopal to Raaghav and keeps swinging as the story progresses. The Revolution that Raaghav talks about is not well - defined and makes one think if it has been crammed into the book just for additional spice. The book or the characters have nothing to do with the Revolution that Raghav tries to bring in 2020. The final twist, as they call it is peak madness and I put down the book in disgust.

Rating: 1.4/5

2 States: The Story of My Marriage - Chetan Bhagat

Love marriages around the world are simple:

Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy.
They get married.
In India, there are a few more steps:
Boy loves Girl. Girl loves Boy.
Girl's family has to love boy. Boy's family has to love girl.
Girl's Family has to love Boy's Family. Boy's family has to love girl's family.
Girl and Boy still love each other. They get married.

Welcome to 2 States, a story about Krish and Ananya. They are from two different states of India, deeply in love and want to get married. Of course, their parents don’t agree. To convert their love story into a love marriage, the couple have a tough battle in front of them. For it is easy to fight and rebel, but it is much harder to convince. Will they make it? From the author of blockbusters Five Point Someone, One Night @ the Call Center and The 3 Mistakes of My Life, comes another witty tale about inter-community marriages in modern India.

Chetan Bhagat

Review:

The best from Chetan Bhagat so far.Finished the book in just one - go.So beautifully written and the characters of Krish and Ananya are well brought out.Chetan's claim that its his trus story has only helped to increase the market - value of the book.The diverse culture and people of different states in India  are great to read.Krish's experience in Chennai would have been a super - hit scene if it is taken right out of the book and placed in a Bollywood movie.So humour filled are these incidents that you almost laugh out every few seconds. This book is a light, quick, fun read and is certainly infinitely better than Three Mistakes of My Life.

Bollywood masala is oozing in every page.Krish, a Punjabi and Ananya, a Tamilian fall in love with each other.Their romance makes readers wish they love someone so deeply and truly like them.The numerous hurdles they face and their strong will to overcome them and marry each other forms the core of the story.Once again Chetan's easy style makes for an easy - read and you do not need to have a dictionary by your side.

Chetan could have omitted the unnecessary taboo words used all over the book.


Overall -  "Welcome to the world of Indian Marriage System".

Rating: 3.2/5

The 3 Mistakes of My Life - Chetan Bhagat

In late-2000, a young boy in Ahmedabad called Govind dreamt of having a business. To accomodate his friends Ish and Omi's passion, they open a cricket shop. Govind's wants to make money and thinks big. Ish is all about nurturing Ali, the batsman with a rare gift. Omi knows his limited capabiltiies and just wants to be with his friends. However, nothing comes easy in a turbulent city. To realize their goals, they will have to face it all - religious politics, earthquakes, riots, unacceptable love and above all, their own mistakes. Will they make it? Can an individual's dreams overcome the nightmares offered by real life? Can we succeed despite a few mistakes?

Chetan Bhagat

Review:

Another flopper from Chetan Bhagat. Things that are considered taboo in India are written without any hesitation claiming that is the reality. Why do authors always look at negative India and develop their plots around such things? Such ingredients are fast - becoming tools for effective marketing among readers.This book traverses the life of three friends Govind, Omi and Ish trying to make their lives a success, with what they like and know the best, cricket.

Vidya, the love - interest of Govind is Ish's sister.The way Govind approaches Vidya and their subsequent developments in their romance makes you throw the book and scream,"All guys are not like that".The worse portrayal of a character Ii could ever imagine. To look at the few positives, the present condition of the heart of India is well brought - out. Communal and religious riots , thugs with dangerous weapons, murders - they all happen like morning breakfast.The religion parts are contrived, the way Bhagat examines the Hindu- Muslim problems, the Ayodhya issue etc, is pathetic. He seems to think that a few swear words, a few wise words, a few mob fights finish the picture.And the three mistakes - well thats just a way to make readers grab the book.After I finished the book, I don't even remember what the three mistakes are!To be honest, its just worth a Bollywood entertainer.

The worst book from Chetan so far.Waste of time! Please do not read this book unless you don't have any other choice. 

Rating: 1.3/5 

One Night @ the Call Center - Chetan Bhagat

In winter 2004, a writer met a young girl on a night train journey. To pass the time, she offered to tell a story. However, she had a condition: that he make it into his second book. He hesitated, but asked what the story was about. The girl said the story was about six people working in a a call center, set in one night.
She said it was the night they got a phone call.
That phone call was from God.
Welcome to one night 2 call center, another witty, dark novel from the award-winning author of the national bestseller Five Point Someone.
Are you ready to take the Call?

Chetan Bhagat

Review:

 An utter disappointment from Chetan Bhagat.I was quite carried away by Chetan's reputation that I never realized it was the worst book I had read, till I completed half the pages. Well, to begin with,the characters were quite ordinary.The novel revolves around a group of six call center employees working in Connexions  in Gurgaon, Haryana. It takes place during the span of one night, in which all of the leading characters want their lives to change.Told through the eyes of the protagonist, Shyam, it is a story of almost lost love, thwarted ambitions, absence of family affection, pressures of a patriarchal set up, and the work environment of a globalized office. Shyam loves but has lost Priyanka, who is now planning an arranged marriage with another; Vroom loves Esha. Esha wants to be a model, Radhika is in an unhappy marriage with a demanding mother-in-law, and military uncle wants to talk to his grandson; they all hate Bakshi, their cruel boss.Apretty - good corporate environment.

Though it is a fiction novel, a phone call from God is something beyond that and makes one wonder if he is reading a fairy tale.The good thing is that the phone call had opened the eyes of all characters and they get to solve their problems on their own.Again school - boy grammar employed by Chetan and the nasty four - letter words sprinkled everywhere.

A disappointing novel but can make a good - read for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Rating: 1.8/5

Five Point Someone: What Not to Do at IIT - Chetan Bhagat

Set in IIT, in the early '90s, Five Point Someone portrays the lives of the protagonist Hari and his two friends Ryan and Alok. It explores the darker side of IIT, one in which students- having worked for years to make it into the institute-struggle to maintain their grades, keep their friends and have some kind of life outside studies.

Funny, dark and non-stop, Five Point Someone is the story of three friends whose measly five-point something GPAs come in the way of everything-their friendship, their love life, their future. Will they make it?

Chetan Bhagat

Review : 

A refreshing tale for Indian youth.Set in the IIT campus, the story effectively portrays the pressure ,students are subjected to, in reputed educational institutions.The easy - read school boy grammar employed by the author has won him many fans around the country.The college atmosphere, the thick friendship between the three main characters, their different attempts to get rid of the pressure and enjoy college life, the so - called professor's likeness to assignments are all beautifully written and almost all age groups can relate this story to their lives at one point or the other.

The author has managed to cover each and everyone and has made Indians read like never - before.However his easy narration has come under criticism for diluting the standards of books but at the end its winning readers' hearts that matters and I would say Chetan has done that quite well.

A good read especially if you have been a college graduate at some part of your life and wanting to cherish back the memories. If you are a serious fiction aficionado, then this book is not for you

Rating :3/5

Chanakya's Chant - Ashwin Sanghi

The year is 340 BC. A hunted, haunted Brahmin youth vows revenge for the gruesome murder of his beloved father. Cold, calculating, cruel and armed with a complete absence of accepted morals, he becomes the most powerful political strategist in Bharat and succeeds in uniting a ragged country against the invasion of the army of that demigod, Alexander the Great. Pitting the weak edges of both forces against each other, he pulls off a wicked and astonishing victory and succeeds in installing Chandragupta on the throne of the mighty Mauryan empire.

History knows him as the brilliant strategist Chanakya. Satisfied—and a little bored—by his success as a kingmaker, through the simple summoning of his gifted mind, he recedes into the shadows to write his Arthashastra, the ‘science of wealth’. But history, which exults in repeating itself, revives Chanakya two and a half millennia later, in the avatar of Gangasagar Mishra, a Brahmin teacher in smalltown India who becomes puppeteer to a host of ambitious individuals—including a certain slumchild who grows up into a beautiful and powerful woman.

Modern India happens to be just as riven as ancient Bharat by class hatred, corruption and divisive politics and this landscape is Gangasagar’s feasting ground. Can this wily pandit—who preys on greed, venality and sexual deviance—bring about another miracle of a united India? Will Chanakya’s chant work again?

Ashwin Sanghi

Review:

A tale full of 'content' exhibiting the diplomatic skills of two similar people - the great Chanakya and Gangasagar Mishra. One could not help but notice their quest for power and how they use their wits to become a successful kingmaker.The numerous quotes such as 'The early bird gets the worm, but its the second rat that gets the cheese' stand out.The characters like Chandini , Chandragupta are mere puppets in the diplomats' show.

But,after a while,the frequent mentioning of their cunningness and diplomatic skills through a lot of incidents starts boring.Yes,they are witty but why overdo it? The characters apart from the two protagonists are not developed properly.They seem shallow and it seems the author had forgotten that its the side - characters that lend the main - characters their substance.The story loses its element in a few places and its just like reading a newspaper, full of information. The book efficiently portrays today's condition in politics.All you have to do is bring a glamour actress in your election campaign and you are almost sure to win.


Chanakya's story is a little better handled than Gangasagar's.I found myself wishing Chanakya's story would never end.The way Chanakya plans every moves,the way he overthrows Paurus,the way he makes Alexander fall into his trap are just a treat to read.Gangasagar's place,the heart of India,Uttar Pradesh is shown just like any other Indian city with both the extremes.The author could have shortened his descriptions and omitted many unnecessary events to make it a gripping read.


Negatives apart, Ashwin Sanghi is certainly developing as a master in historical thriller after his twin success with 'The Rozabal Line' and 'Chanakya's Chant'. Its really nice to say that Dan Brown has an Indian competitor.


As far as 'Chanakya's Chant' is concerned,not a bad book to read if you are looking for some change from the usual mystery, romance and thriller.

Rating: 3/5

The Secret of the Nagas (Shiva Trilogy #2) - Amish Tripathi

Today, He is a God.

4000 years ago, He was just a man.

The hunt is on. The sinister Naga warrior has killed his friend Brahaspati and now stalks his wife Sati. Shiva, the Tibetan immigrant who is the prophesied destroyer of evil, will not rest till he finds his demonic adversary. His vengeance and the path to evil will lead him to the door of the Nagas, the serpent people. Of that he is certain.

The evidence of the malevolent rise of evil is everywhere. A kingdom is dying as it is held to ransom for a miracle drug. A crown prince is murdered. The Vasudevs Shivas philosopher guides betray his unquestioning faith as they take the aid of the dark side. Even the perfect empire, Meluha is riddled with a terrible secret in Maika, the city of births. Unknown to Shiva, a master puppeteer is playing a grand game.

In a journey that will take him across the length and breadth of ancient India, Shiva searches for the truth in a land of deadly mysteries only to find that nothing is what it seems.

Fierce battles will be fought. Surprising alliances will be forged. Unbelievable secrets will be revealed in this second book of the Shiva Trilogy, the sequel to the #1 national bestseller, The Immortals of Meluha.

Amish Tripathi

Review :

As usual , the sequel disappoints to meet up with the expectations generated by its prequel.The book vividly describes the journey of Lord Shiva, through various parts of the country. Various mysteries including Lord Ganesh and Kali are solved.Though the book lacks intense subject, the author manages to keep the readers engaged with his plots and mysteries.Lots of characters like Bhagirath, Uttanka, Anandmayi add spice to the story. Lord Shiva continues to get different premonitions for which there are no explanations still. Lord Daksha's mask is unveiled as the emperor is forced to commit sins due to circumstances.Sati's heroics withthe lions is note - worthy. The relationship between Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh after Shiva learns about his true identity is a treat to read as Ganesh throws all he has to impress his dad.


The narration could have been more clear and descriptive. Certain places could have been trimmed as it accounts for lack of pace and makes the readers feel bored.


The explosive attack on Shiva's troops rises suspicion on the Nagas though the Nagas help in Shiva's counter - attack.The end as usual is a cliff - hanger as Shiva learns a surprising secret in the Naga territory.A must - read novel though not upto the expectations.Hope he makes up with his third book as a lot of mysteries have to be solved.

Rating: 3.7/5