Friday, 11 May 2012

The Immortals of Meluha(Shiva Trilogy #1) - Amish Tripathi

1900 BC. In what modern Indians mistakenly call the Indus Valley Civilisation. The inhabitants of that period called it the land of Meluha a near perfect empire created many centuries earlier by Lord Ram, one of the greatest monarchs that ever lived. This once proud empire and its Suryavanshi rulers face severe perils as its primary river, the revered Saraswati, is slowly drying to extinction. They also face devastating terrorist attacks from the east, the land of the Chandravanshis. To make matters worse, the Chandravanshis appear to have allied with the Nagas, an ostracised and sinister race of deformed humans with astonishing martial skills!

The only hope for the Suryavanshis is an ancient legend: When evil reaches epic proportions, when all seems lost, when it appears that your enemies have triumphed, a hero will emerge.

Is the rough-hewn Tibetan immigrant Shiva, really that hero? And does he want to be that hero at all? Drawn suddenly to his destiny, by duty as well as by love, will Shiva lead the Suryavanshi vengeance and destroy evil?


Amish Tripathi

Review :


Felt satisfied that I have read a good book after a very long time.The first book of Shiva Trilogy is a fantastic experience and I suggest everyone to read it as soon as possible. The author has blended fiction and mythology to provide a perfect entertainer . Lord Shiva's portrayal as a rough yet tender hearted barbarian is done with a surgeon's precision.All other characters are well described and they manage to find a special place in the hearts of the readers.


The author has done a good job of integrating all the details known to us about the Indus Valley Civilization and the city Meluha with its perfect rules and regulations invites the readers. I liked the various discussions between Shiva and the Vasudev pandits. The has managed to clear many wrongly understood concepts.His vivid explanation on the drink of Gods - the Somras deserves an applause.The interactions between Shiva and Brahaspathi makes one marvel at the scientist's intelligence.

Positives apart, there are certain areas in the book where the author lacks fire.The Neelkanth character is overdone and it is sad to see even monarchs and learned doctors believe the legend like mad.The character I liked very much was Parvateshwar, who is the only one who asks forgiveness instead of asking excuses. He also stands out in many other places like when he says 'I have opted for life - long celibacy'. Certain places lack pace and make the readers wish it would get over soon. Many mysteries, like who the hooded figure is, why does he try to kidnap Sati without harming her remains unsolved and makes one wait eagerly for the next book.

Overall , a top quality mythology fiction book that makes a fantastic read.

Rating: 4.3/5

Thursday, 10 May 2012

Can Love Happen Twice? - Ravinder Singh


When Ravin first said ‘I love you . . .’ he meant it forever. The world has known this through Ravin’s bestselling novel, I Too Had a Love Story. But did Ravin’s story really end on the last page of that book?

On Valentine’s Day, a radio station in Chandigarh hosts a very special romantic chat show. Ravin and his three best friends are invited as guests to talk about Ravin’s love story. But surprisingly everyone apart from Ravin turns up. As the show goes live, there is only one question in every listener’s mind: what has happened to Ravin?

To answer this question the three friends begin reading from a handwritten copy of Ravin’s incomplete second book—the entire city listens breathlessly, unable to believe the revelations that follow.

This highly anticipated sequel by Ravinder Singh is an emotional rollercoaster that bravely explores the highs and lows of love.


Review :

Ravinder Singh


The much awaited sequel to 'I too had a Love Story'.Its sad to say that this sequel has failed to meet the mountain - high expectations that the previous book has generated.Yet its a good book in its own way and deals with Ravin's second love.Once again,the different incidents during his love life is a treat to read.Simar is brought forth as a modern girl spoiled by her parents and is pursuing her degree in Belgium.Ravin meets her when he goes to work there and falls in love.He is still haunted by Khushi's memories. His dream in which Khushi says 'I'm happy for you , Shona' shows Khushi's big heart.As their love life moves smoothly, difference in opinion creeps between them over Ravin's parents and the climax involves another love failure for Ravin.The climax is almost predictable.The general trend, love failure - girl goes on with her life and boy ends up in a mental asylum is repeated though it is heartening to see Simar come for Ravin after hearing his condition.


The author's simple yet effective style once again stands out and screams for attention.The book makes for light reading and can be finished in one - go.A good book that brings out modern concept of love and the problems the lovers face.


Rating: 2.5/5


I Too Had a Love Story - Ravinder Singh

Do Love stories ever die?

Can modern day gadgets like Mobile phones and the ‘http:\ www’ era of Internet bring you the love of your life?

You haven’t met her earlier, but commit to marry. Will you still call this a love marriage?

And what if on the engagement day while you pull the ring out from your pocket, you realize what you planned was just a dream which never comes true…?

How would you react when a beautiful person comes into your life, becomes your most precious possession and then one day goes away from you…forever?

Not all love stories are meant to have a perfect ending. Some stay incomplete. Yet they are beautiful in their own way. Ravin’s love story is one such innocent and beautiful story. He believes love stories seldom die. They are meant to stay for the generations yet to come and read them. And given that one chance to narrate his love story, this is how he began…

I remember the date well : 4th March 2006. I was in Kolkata and about to REACH Happy’s home. I had been very excited all morning as I was going to see our gang of four after three years.

Review :

Ravinder Singh

 A heart - breaking true love tale that leaves almost everyone in tears. The past tense in the title intrigues the readers. The quote 'To the memory of the girl whom I loved and yet could not marry' and the occasional one liners like 'She died, I survived and since I survived, I died everyday' makes the readers cry for Ravin. Ravin's true love for Khushi is well portrayed.The various incidents during their short but joyful love life can be related to one's life easily.Be it Ravin's uneasiness when he meets Khushi for the first time or Khushi's ecstatic feeling a day before her wedding, the author gets a thumbs - up.The climax moves even the stone - hearted and the final 30 - 40 pages are sure to leave your pillows wet.

The fact that the writer does not make any effort to impress the readers with lofty words and articulations point to the honesty of the writer s feelings. The writer has summed up the essence of his story in the most appealing terms. 'Not everyone in this world has the fate to cherish the fullest form of love. Some are born, just to experience the abbreviation of it.' Those for whom love is the most beautiful feeling above human definitions and parameters the book will make for an ever cherished experience.

Rating :4/5

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