BOOK REVIEW- SCEPTERS OF EMPYREA- A JOURNEY TO THE ANDROMEDA GALAXY BY VIGNESH RAVICHANDRAN

TITLE: SCEPTERS OF EMPYREA- A JOURNEY TO THE ANDROMEDA GALAXY 
AUTHOR: VIGNESH RAVICHANDRAN 
LENGTH: 393
PUBLISHERS: NOVEL NUGGETS 
GENRE: FANTASY/ ASTROLOGY/ FICTION/ HISTORICAL 

SYNOPSIS: 

Scepters of empyrea - a journey to the andromeda Galaxy is a fantasy novel by Vignesh Ravichandran.

The story starts off with Archeologist Hannah exploring the Pyramids of Egypt in search of ancient antiquities and treasures in order to bring them before the Worl and to safeguard it.But as she explores these Pyramids a Finds many secret gateways that lead her to various mysterious places and stories, She finds a stroll Written by King Pharaoh that opens up the portal of a whole new world to her & her team, Pharaoh talks about his and his courtiers journey to the Andromeda Galaxy which is lead by Empreyo a person from that Galaxy who comes down to assist the people in his kingdom. But the happiness of the Andromeda Galaxy is short lived With the death of Its rulers. Will the happiness and harm of this Kingdom every return? Will they get their deserve Heirs? Pick this book up for an action packed and adventurous read!




OVERVIEW/ MY OPINION:  

I had a fairly good time reading this book.
Firstly the concept around which it revolves is very unique and diverse.  It's executed very well.

The writing style was good but it could have been better because during the initial stages of the story the world building takes time & I found it difficult to visualise the scenes before my eyes.

The language was easy going and lucid.
The narration too was done quite well, it kept me gripped while reading this book, though this book is huge I wasn't struggling to finish this book.

The theme of this book revolves around various concepts such as Love, trust, determination, bravery and betrayal.

The storyline was beautiful, unique and captivating.
The plot was fresh and strong enough as I said to keep me gripped.
This a very slow paced read.

So one has to be really patient while reading this book.
The cover and the title are appropriately chosen keeping in mind the interest and curiosity of a reader.

Now that I've spoken about the basic details of this book, I'll be talking about the part that I loved and the parts that required developments.

So firstly I really appreciate the author’s imagination.  He has honestly taken his creativity and imagination to a whole new level & has expanded the horizons of his creativity!

There are many places in which the author proves it for eg. There is a scene in this book wherein Hannah realises that theres something different in that part of a pyramid and it turns out to be that the Pyramids are guarded by Invisible razor blades, there are invisible axes that are guarding the ancient treasure, a place that seems like a waterfall is actually magnesium based! The wars scenes, adventures, weapons, cultures of every species is described vividly and intricately.

Secondly this book is full of illustrations, that enhanced my reading experience. There are many maps as well.

Thirdly this story has a blend of fantasy, fiction,history,astrology and a lot more! But I feel that its blending required minor improvements.
The characters were very well developed.  There are ermaids, apes, dragons, falcons, phoenix, snakes , hybrids and a lot more!

Now the time lapse is where this book required lots of improvements, it was pretty confusing the story starts in the contemporary period, shifts in the BC period and then again in the contemporary period without a strong base.

Secondly, as Hannah reads the letter the story starts unfolding initially the feel of the letter is kept alive but it gradually looses its hold, so the author should have paid attention to that.
The unexpected twists and turns really keep the reader gripped and engaged while reading the book.

Lastly, the climax was something that was so unpredictable but yet so acceptable!


THIS BOOK'S COVER IS BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL EDITION. IF PURCHASED FROM INDIAN STORES YOU'LL RECEIVE A
DIFFERENT COVER EDITION.


MY RATING: 3.5/5

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
YES!



GIVE THIS BOOK A TRY: HERE

I WAS SENT A COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.  VIEWS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE OF MY OWN. NO PART OF THIS REVIEW SHALL BE COPIED/ USED FOR OTHER PURPOSE WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF IT'S OWNER 

BOOK REVIEW: 150 BRILLIANT IDEAS TO KEEP YOUNG MINDS FIT & FINE BY NEERA MAINI SRIVASTAV

SUMMARY:


In a world with increasing stress, lifestyle imbalance, new age challenges and health hazards, 'wellness' is the new God everyone's seeking. While adults have infinite choices and options to course-correct paths, the young adults, though have increasing incidences of mental and physical health challenges, have little or almost no aids to holistic health and wellness. With increasing juvenile obesity and depression hitting the teens, there is a dire need to address the same. The book is based on addressing just that in a contemporary, light-hearted fashion. Split into 3 sections: Mind, Body and Spirit, the book offers truths in each category that seed the idea of wellness in a fun and engaging way. What better than a ready reckoner for young adults to get by their highly stressful daily lives in a more meaningful, healthier and stimulating manner. A companion of sorts, the book aims at delivering well-being to the troubled young souls. “The reason why this book is close to my heart is because as a Life Skills Coach, I work extensively with teens as well as tweens. Doing so requires an understanding of their Mind, Body, Spirit. This is the area in which this wonderful book serves an important purpose. It offers an integrated, holistic approach to every aspect of young peoples' Wellness issues. Neera is an author whom I admire greatly. This exhaustive book is a much- needed compendium of critical information. I have no doubt it will meet huge success.” - Ms Neelam Kumar (Life Skills Coach and Author)








OVERVIEW:

150 brilliant ideas is a simple yet promising non fiction book that I read recently.
This book was a fairly average read for me.
The book revolves around various concepts such as  diet, exercise, confidence,self care, and much more.
The topics are explained in a short,crisp and easy way.
The illustrations enhanced my reading experience.
There are many things/ topics that I agreed with in this book but there were quiet a few that I dint agree with for various & obvious reasons.
The writing style was good. The language was easy going and lucid.
The narration was good but it could have been better.
The title is chosen appropriately but the cover required minor improvements .
It's a fairly quick & easy read which can be read even by beginers.
I'm not a fan of non fiction books, but this one was different!
Overall, a good,easy and a quick read.
MY RATING: 3.5/5🌟


Give it a try HERE

BOOK REVIEW: SAURABH BY NIRMAL ARODA

TITLE : SAURABH 
AUTHOR: NIRMAL ARODA 
GENRE: POETRY
LANGUAGE: HINDI
PUBLISHER: ARTSON PUBLICATION HOUSE 
YouTube video review link :  https://youtu.be/oVMWNTPvFcQ

SUMMARY:

चित्त मिला कोरे काग़ज़ सा, रेखांकित किए चित्र मनभाए जगे प्रेम ज्योति सबके मन में, सबको मनभावन नये अर्थ मिल जाएँ। यही प्रभुकृपा का प्रसाद शिरोधार्य होगा। सरस्वती माँ की अपार कृपा से शब्द, भाव-अनुभाव और विचारों की भावगूंज सुमन ‘सौरभ’ बन पाई है। मानव मन बड़ा भावुक और संवेदनशील होता है। समाज की संवेदनशील स्थिति और अपनी मनःस्थिति या भाव तीव्रता ही अनुभव बनते हैं। वही आचरण, व्यवहार, विचार, दर्शन और संस्कृति को प्रभावित करते हैं। जब समाज का सत्य असत्य, कोमल कठोर, नैतिक या अनैतिक संस्कारहीन परिवर्तन सुखदायक या पीड़ादायक होता है तो वह मौन या मुखरित हुए बिना नहीं रहता। हर घटना या भावों की गूँज उद्वेलित होकर रेखांकित होती है। कुछ ऐसी ही प्रतिक्रियाएं लेखिका श्रीमती निर्मल अरोड़ा के जीवन की जरावस्था में ‘सौरभ’ कविताओं में उभर कर सकारात्मक सांस्कृतिक चेतना के रुप में प्रतिबिम्बित हुई हैं। भौतिक भव्यता के साथ आत्मिक सांस्कृतिक सार्थक परम्पराओं के मूल्यों की भव्य दिव्यता को जागृत करने का भावात्मक प्रयास ही "सौरभ" है। लेखिका की अभिलाषा है कि "सौरभ" की संवेदनशीलता से काव्य प्रेमी देश गौरव का स्वर बनेंगे |


OVERVIEW:   Are you looking out for books that are written in a vernacular yet a simple language? Well then this post is for you.

Today's book review is Entitled SAURABH BY NIRMAL ARODA

This book consists of poems that are written in the hindi language. 

For each poem the author takes into consideration various and simple elements of life and nature.

The author has a good flow in her writing style, i loved her choice of words that enhanced my reading experience.

The language was a little sophisticated and at times hard to understand, I must say that the author has made a good use of vocabulary in her poems.

She narrates the poems in a beautiful way.

The cover and the title are appropriately chosen.

I would like it if the length of the poems would b a lil short n easy to understand.

Some poems are developed amazingly whike some required improvements.

Some of the poems compel you to have an inner reflection of ourselves.

Overall, this was a very interesting and a pleasant poetic read.

I would  not recommend it for beginners as the language is a bit difficult to understand.

MY RATING: 4/5 🌟

Special thanks to artson publication house for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase the book: Here



I  received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Views expressed herein are of my own.  No part of this review shall be copied/ used for other purpose without the permission of it's owner  (content and image hold a copyright)

CURSE OF ANUGANGA book review

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
GENRE: HISTORICAL FICTION/ MURDER MYSTERY
PUBLISHER: TREE SHADE BOOKS


SUMMARY: Curse of anuganga is a historic murder mystery. The story revolves around the life of this young boy who is forced to join his father's jewellery  business .  One day he receives a very important and expensive jewellery project by the rulers of the town, amidst all the chaos he's found dead, who killed him? Why was he murdered? Pick it up to know more.

OVERVIEW/ MY OPINION:I had a really wonderful experience with this book.  Firstly the concept around which it revolves is executed quite well.

The writing style was excellent and the language used was easy going and lucid.

The narration was good but it could have been better.

The cover and the title are appropriately chosen.

The characters were very well developed, I could connect with the protagonist very well.

The scenes, places etc are described intricately and it brings alive the picture of archaic India, with its dialogues and choice of words.

Truly it's a very well researched book.

The story starts off nicely and smoothly, but it takes a slow pace in the between, I found it to be dragged at times.

The storyline was captivating and intruding. The plot was fresh and strong. Until it took a slow pace in the between.

Lastly the climax was something that was so unpredictable.

Overall, this was a very interesting and a captivating read.  Definitely recommended if you're looking for books that'll give you the feel of archaic India!

MY RATING: 4/5🌟

BOOK REVIEW: SNAKES IN THE MEADOWS by ayaz kohli

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH 
GENRE:REALISTIC FICTION/ POLITICAL / ROMANCE 
LENGTH:288
PUBLISHER:Rupa Publications 
PUBLISHED: 2019

DESCRIPTION:


Jammu And Kashmir, 1987. In the hilly village of Pathri Aali, where legends appear true, Aslam and Ashwar, two young lovers, dream of marriage and of good things of life. But that is not to be. Unable to cope, Aslam leaves Pathri Aali forever. Years later, as men migrate to Saudi Arabia for employment, Pathri Aali is populated mostly by women and children. Soon they realize the Mujahideen, who guise themselves as their liberators, are the worst perpetrators, and misery seems inescapable. Ashwar refuses to be cowed down by this reign of terror and is determined not to let it devastate the once-peaceful village. The only one she can bank on is Aslam—and she calls out to him across the distance of time and space, to return and live up to the legends of their village. Snakes in the Meadows is a saga of the onset of militancy, and the suffering and the resilience of Pir Panjal—the ‘And’ of Jammu And Kashmir.


OVERVIEW/ MY OPINION :


Snakes in the meadows by ayaz kohli is a realistic fiction that throws light on the lives of the people living in the pir panjal range and the phatri ali village in Kashmir. 
The scenic beauty, brotherhood, culture and traditions flourish in the valley however the so called liberators on Kashmir are Disguised as perpetrators and the harmony along with the lives of the people is put at stake.

In the very small village lives Ashwar an ambitious girl and Aslam the son of the village head who dreams about marrying Ashwar.
But will their love story ever be complete?
Will the harmony of phatri Ali ever return?

I had a really wonderful experience with this book.  Firstly the concept around which it revolves is very deep and thought provoking. 
The writing style was good and the language used was lucid and crisp. 
The narration too was done quite well as it kept me gripped till the core while reading this book. 
The cover and the title are appropriately chosen keeping in mind the interest and curiosity of a reader. 
The storyline was beautiful and captivating, the plot was fresh and strong enough to keep me gripped till the end. 
This book is truly a very emotional read, my hear cried everytime a rape or an abusive scene came up in this book. 
The character development was good I could connect with the protagonist very well. 
Every emotion is expressed beautifully and presented perfectly. 
Im in awe of Ashwars bravery, dedication and patriotism. Along with Aslam's love for her.

This book has a story that paints the picture of Suffering, bravery and endurance before your eyes.

Overall, this was a very interesting and a fantastic read.  Definitely recommended (but not for beginners)


MY RATING: 4.5/5🌟


Incase you wish to give this book a try you may do so HERE

Special thanks to @bookscharming and @ayazkohli for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.


I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Views expressed (including the image (s) presented)
herein are of my own. No part of this review shall be copied/ used for any other purpose without the permission of it's owner. 

Author spotlight \\ THEY GO TO SLEEP BY SAUGATHA CHAKRABORTY

Hey! So i recently read the book they go to sleep by SAUGATHA CHAKRABORTY and here's a special author spotlight series.  Check out the full review HERE

Book spotlight- They Go To Sleep by Saugata Chakraborty

Published by Notion Press

Also Buy the book from

AMAZON  & FLIPKART

Product description

A young widow of a drug overdose victim disappears from Goa. Three years later, a British National claims to know her whereabouts minutes before departing for London Heathrow. The Police of two states is pressed into a joint manhunt. 'They Go to Sleep' is a racy thriller on police procedure and criminal psychology.

In the year 2043, when nobody sends a letter anymore, an unlikely candidate decides to write about his springtime memories that are soon going to be erased. When his identity gets revealed, the impact on several individuals and the society at large assumes epic proportions. 'A Man of Letters' is a science fiction with humane emotions at its core.

A promising poet meets his muse on board a train. They share a captivating conversation but forget to ask each other's name. Will they be able to meet again in an Indian metro? 'What's In a Name?' is a humorous look at everything Bengali: gossip, fish, cutlets and the Kolkata Book Fair.

These three stories are joined by nine equally exhilarating tales of ordinary people and the choices that they make under extraordinary circumstances. The compilation will surely compel the readers to keep their midnight lamps burning.

Author Bio

Brought up in the Calcutta of 1980s, Saugata was bitten by the storytelling bug quite early. Narratives by a retired Royal Air Force pilot took him through places that today's kids watch on Nat Geo. From exchanging letters to his school friends from Siliguri to editing their in-house magazines at University College of Arts and Commerce, University of Calcutta and the 2005 batch of RBI Probationers, his bond with creative writing has only strengthened in the past three decades. A traveller, conversationist, photography enthusiast, and a career central banker, Saugata prefers to be called a storyteller.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE AUTHOR

TWITTER- @twitsaugata

INSTAGRAM- @saugatathechakraborty

BLOG- Saugata The Story Teller

The spotlight is a part of the Review program by OUTSET

 

BOOK REVIEW: BORN TO BE KING by DEEPAK THOMAS

Title: BORN TO BE KING 
Author: DEEPAK THOMAS 
publisher: WHITE FALCON PUBLISHERS 
Genre: HISTORICAL FANTASY 

SYNOPSIS: 
Born to be king by deepak thomas is the 1st book in the Epic of Kautuliya series.
Kautuliya is the only daughter of king Chandra, the ruler of Bharat, she’s born with the qualities of her parrot unlike her brothers who are born with the qualities of the falcon, the eagle, etc. Life is treating them well until their family is betrayed and now its upto Kautuliya to restore the legacy of her family,but will this simple girl who has the qualities of the parrot be a do so?
Grear up for an action packed read with the perfect saga of love, trust, determination, bravery and betrayal.
 This book belongs to the fantasy genre and everyone here knows how picky I am about this genre, I've read fantasy books, there are very few that I actually seem to like, but hold on because this book has my heart!




OVERVIEW/ MY OPINION: 
I loved the way the story is developed right from the beginning till the end, every element of the story is answered the reader is not kept clueless while reading this book.
The concept behind it was really fresh and unique, it was amazingly executed.
I liked how the book also focuses on women's education and women's empowerment.

The writing style was excellent, It does not take time for the reader to build the fantasy world that the author has portrayed in the book before their eyes. Every scene is described very vividly I felt That I was watching a movie as I was reading this book.
The author has very well explained the birth of Kautuliya along with her brothers, this was definitely a plus point of this book.

The language though being nice, simple and unsophisticated It was really engaging.
The narration too was done quite well, It kept me gripped till the core while reading this book.

The cover and the title are appropriately chosen keeping in mind the interest and curiosity of a reader.

The storyline was beautiful and captivating.  The plot was fresh and strong enough to keep me gripped.  The best part about the story was when these siblings are sent to the gurukula to learn archery, sword fighting, hunting, yoga, philosophy etc. Also there's a scene on pg. 54 wherein Kautuliya defines the duties of a king by combining it with the 4 varnashrama stages, this part truly has my heart. The
2 drawbacks of the story are that when Kautuliya plans a second attack, the just explains the 1st phase of it not the remaining 2, so i really wanted to know about it.
Secondly I would have truly loved it if suddenly During the final battle somebody could have used a different astra which was never spoken about in this book, this would give it that Oh-I-Dint-expect-that-to-come kinda movement.
I loved the way the author has described the sibling relationships in this book.

Speaking about the characters, each and every character be it the apes, the rakshas, the bears, the protagonists, the demigods, the supporting characters, all were very well developed. I could connect with Kautuliya very well. Every emotion is crafted beautifully and presented perfectly.
The war scenes, the astras, the places all were described very intricately.

Overall, this was a very interesting, innovative, fantastic and a fast paced read. Definitely recommended if you want to get into reading fantasies and also if you love fantasies, you can't skip this one!

MY RATING: 4/5🌟

Go ahead and give this beauty a try  HERE

Special thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I WAS GIVEN A COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW, VIEWS EXPRESSED IN HERE ARE OF MY OWN. NO PART OF THIS REVIEW SHALL BE COPIED/ USED FOR OTHER PURPOSE WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF IT'S OWNER.