Inkredia: The Luwan of Brida by Sarang Mahajan
Series: Inkredia #1
Published by Gloryburg on 28/05/2017
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy
Pages: 436
Format: eBook
Goodreads

Inkredia: Luwan of Brida is the first book in the series of four. Written by Sarang Mahajan, it is a fast-paced fantasy novel. Written in the fashion of tell-tale fantasy, this book takes the reader on an adventure that has knights, magic, mystery, and questions that need to be answered.

From start to finish, the plot revolves around the two characters of both siblings. One is a seventeen-year-old Luwan and his sister Meg who live in the mountain village of Brida. Both of them are orphans since there is a little reference for their father or any other relative. The book cover might not seem an attractive one but believe as I started reading it, I could not keep my hands off it. The storyline unfolds at an interesting point. Luwan is facing a penalty, probably one that includes his death as he fails to pay the tax for the first time. He makes a daring choice to flee from the village along with his sister in a world that is full of danger.

His embarkment of the journey nearly gets them killed. Evil assassins called Ghork Riders are chasing him. He possesses a mysterious book given by his mother that is magical in nature. In the form of riddles, the magical book guides Luwan outside of his village where he comes across a drunkard name Kiliarn who is a merchant by profession. Now, I can tell you all about Kiliarn in this review since I found him the most likable character in this book, but I do not want to spoil anything for you. All I can say this, Kiliarn agrees to take responsibility to travel with them to The City in exchange for some silver coins. It is a thrilling adventure until the destination arrives.

The plot is well constructed and organized. There is so much suspense that surrounds these characters which makes it hard to keep an eye off them. A reader who is fond of traditional fantasies will be indulged in this book. Another thing I want to mention that both the storyline and Sarang’s creation of the world of its own seems closer to Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings rather than modern fantasy writers.

There are not many characters revealed in this edition. The character of Kiliarn is my favorite so far. I am sure, I can expect more interesting characters like this in the rest of this series. The author has taken the time to introduce us to the main cast as well as let few others develop along the adventure. Written in third person narrative style, the overall writing style is just amazing and professional.

This book, even though is a start in the series of Inkredia, seems to have a strong foundation established. I managed to finish this book in two sittings. I will definitely be looking out for the next part. Fantasy lovers and fans of Lord of the Rings check this out. I am sure you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended!

5 out of 5!

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Super Me by Jessica Dazzo
on 20/07/2018
Genres: Fiction, YA, Supernatural/Paranormal
Pages: 327
Format: ARC, eBook
Goodreads

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The Book of M by Peng Shepherd
Published by William Morrow on 05/06/2018
Genres: Fiction, Dystopia
Pages: 492
Format: eBook
Goodreads

When I came across Peng Shepherd’s debut work, I was foremost attracted by the mysteriousness of the cover of her book. There is no drug that can give you that much high than a book’s beautifully designed cover on which you set your skeptical eyes.

Imagine if you lose your shadow today, somehow. How will you respond to that? What will be your reaction? Will you overreact? Will you have thought that you have lost something close to you? The storyline of this dystopian novel toys with the idea of human beings losing shadow due to some vibe. This doesn’t sound creepy and weird at all, does it?

After losing the shadow, an individual’s memory starts to fade. For some, it takes weeks to be completely reborn in their mind for some, it happens overnight. I found this concept fascinating and dark enough if you think about it. The storyline revolves around multiple characters majorly Max and Ory, a wife and her husband who are trying to escape the Forgetting disease. Yes, they have the name for it. Heights of creativity! This Forgetting disease is spreading out like the plague and wiping the memory of all those who are affected. Until one day, Max’s shadow disappears.

Knowing that she will forget everything, Max runs away Ory refuses to give up on her and tries everything in his possession to find her before her memory completely disappears. The adventure starts and a series of events unfold. The history of the disease Forgetting is told to us, about its origin, whom it affected first and how it is related to elephants. Ory’s attempt to find Max is another adventure in itself that runs parallel to the background of the theme.

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Written from multiple POVs the book shows feelings and emotions of a being so intense that it gave me goosebumps in between. The overall theme of the book makes it interesting to dwell but the characterization is the core of this book. Everything revolves around them. The start, the ending and even the MAJOR climax in the book.

The writing style is mesmerizing and surreal. The genre of dystopia is well displayed here. The organization of the novel along with ever-changing narration is perfect. Various perceptions make it more thrilling and chilling at the same time. There are twists and turns that caught me off the guard and I am sure, on reading it, you will experience them too.

I read this book in two sittings in one day. I could not keep my hands off it. It is gripping, surreal and a delight for fantasy/urban fantasy/dystopian audience. The reason I am giving it 4 stars is that it could have been more mysterious. Sounded like Mad Max in the end.

4 out of 5!

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Sitanshu by Anita Shirodkar
Published by The Write Place on 01/06/2018
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Mythology
Pages: 314
Format: Paperback
Goodreads

Sitanshu is the second book in the series of Guardians of Blue Lotus in continuation to the first book Aryavir. Set in ancient India, it tries to provide a perfect blend of Indian mythology and fantasy fiction. Does it succeed in that? To find the answer to the question, please continue to read the review.

The plot revolves around Sitanshu, an Ashtradhari and a friend to the protagonist of the first book, Aryavir. In their kingdom, it is considered an omen, a sign of danger when a Blue Lotus Indivara springs. Sitanshu and his friends are harbored on the border of Kalipura for a war against Chandraketu King Divyendu. With hidden secrets of its own, the Old World is in danger. It is now in the hands of Sitanshu’s army to face the consequences and save their own lives as well as their kingdom.

The storyline starts with a prologue and it continues to develop the characters from the first page in order to help the reader to get him to familiarise. In some cases, this might not work, as some fantasy authors try to introduce the main cast in parts to provide an element of surprise. That element of surprise is rare to find in this book but nonetheless, the method author of this book has adapted works well enough. The story shifts between different characters to provide a complete outlook of the happenings of the Old World. The theme of war zone used by the author also leads to a few bold female characters. This is a bigger improvement itself for the Indian literature. Overall, the storyline is well thought and constructed.

The characterization is a strong point of this book as they drive the plot further. Switching between the context of many characters is actually an advantage I find this book to move ahead and it does make things interesting in the end. Since it is fantasy, there are hardly any dragging elements and the book constitutes of a little above 300 pages. The narrative voice is in the third person and the writing style is at its peak.

If you are a fantasy lover or interested in mythology, you must grab a copy of this series.

4 out of 5!

If you want to learn more about the author Anita Shirodkar, you must check the Interview with her.

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The Inheritants Saga by K. M. Mackmurdie
Series: Inheritants Saga
Published by Burton Brown Enterprises on 01/05/2018
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy
Format: ARC, eBook
Goodreads

Kristy Mackmurdie’s latest trilogy, The Inheritants, an urban fantasy, is her debut work. The book is divided into three parts namely: The Funeral March, Invisible Man and The Offering. I recently got the chance to read all three parts.

My experience as a reader with urban fantasy is limited and I am glad I could get my hands on The Inheritants Trilogy. The plot revolves around Meredith Earl who is an Inheritant orphan. Her lover is recently found dead and now his corpse is missing. Meredith is recently feeling lonely after his death and gets obsessed to find the dead body. She embarks in the journey of cruelty, backstabbing, loss and a struggle that needs constant sacrifices from herself. Moreover, her is past is explored and many secrets are revealed.

The storyline in this book starts on a slow note. We are introduced to the main set of characters in the first part and a mystery starts to loom. However, the mystery can soon be solved by the reader as the events inside the novel advances and then starts a journey of a chase and run and hide and revenge. This adventure picks up speed and we as a reader get more insight into the lives of different characters, especially the Meredith and her lover Sloane.

The writing style in this trilogy is excellent and is flawless. The narrative voice sometimes did get in my head comfortably and made me realize that it might leave an impact at the end of it. The main characterization is deeply explored and is given proper time for the reader to absorb the information. Another thing I like about this novel and want to point out is that the constant back flashes provide immense details about these characters. There is R rated content and that upon completing the trilogy, I think to define the nature of some characters is important and also fulfills the nature of a modern day fantasy writing style. I could not find any drag elements that are just there to fill up the pages and a common practice in this genre but I do think supporting characters could have been a bit better.

If you are into fantasy reading or its subgenre urban fantasy or have never read one, this can be a great start.

4 out of 5!

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Keshava by Bhawana Somaaya
Published by Fingerprint! Publishing on 20/04/2018
Genres: Fiction, Mythology
Pages: 240
Goodreads

Bhawana Somaaya is a journalist and an author of 14 books. Her latest book, Keshava – A Magnificent Obsession. Lord Krishna is one of the many gods in Hindu religion. He can be identified in various forms and his identity is spread in a variety of cultures all across the nation. That said, he has been a significant part of Indian Mythology.

This book does not have a significant plot that concentrates on character building with twists and turns. This book is something altogether different. It is divided into nine different chapters in which the lord is himself represented as different entities. These entities vary from being an obsession, lord of knowledge, cows and trees, love, guardian to royalty, and other materialistic things. The fascinating fact I learned from reading this book is the popularity of Lord Krishna among different cultures and he is recognized in them through more than hundreds of names.

There is no wonder why his popularity resides outside the boundaries of Indian culture over the past few decades. In each chapter, he is representing himself and telling tales or observations from the different point of views. The writing style is smooth, clear and I appreciate the author’s effort in creating them out of nowhere.

Though the absolute religious mythology is not for me I will still recommend this book to various mythology lovers out there.

3.5 out of 5

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Age of Azmoq - The Valantian Imperium by Rajamayyoor Sharma
on 17/01/2018
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy
Pages: 479
Format: eBook
Goodreads

Reading a highly imaginative tale can go either way, the good or the bad. Out of the imagination comes the plot and the characters which form the complete story. The effort of the writer does not diminish itself, but these are the two main factors I look in every fantasy novel.

Age of Azmoq – The Valantian Imperium by Rajamayyoor Sharma is a fantasy novel. Azmoq is a rare metal found on the planet. It’s the ultimate source and symbol of real power, and the Valantian Imperium controls it all in Valantia. It is a tale that consists of magic and sorcery. and adventures that fill all 470 plus pages.

The storyline of the book is divided into forty-eight chapters. The quest begins when a youth living in the village of Villasboro, Devrath, the protagonist of our story is asked by his master to inquire about a stranger who is staying there for almost a year and a half. This quest then leads to further adventures such as the unveiling of the truths and secrets for the first time. I would not say the plot makes this novel exactly a page turner but yes, it is fast-paced.

There are subplots that consist twists and turns which both adds an advantage and a disadvantage to this novel. The advantage is that these subplots are intriguing and important. That is how a fantasy tale is told. The disadvantage is that sometimes it did get out of the track and was baffling.

The characterization is vast and it is hard to keep track of it. Though I guess it can be a challenge for the reader. The writing style is appreciable as the author has put a lot of effort in terms of that. I would not declare this book an absolute epic fantasy since it needs to improve few things I have mentioned. But yes, it is close to one and is a delight for the fans of fantasy.

3 out of 5

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Maps Are Lines We Draw by Allison Coffelt
Published by Lanternfish Press on 20/03/2018
Genres: Travel, Memoir, Nonfiction, Autobiography
Pages: 144
Format: eBook
Goodreads

Maps are Lines We Draw is Allison Coffelt’s travel memoir. The book that is actually a novella, deciphers the culture of Haiti. I picked this book because of the cover and the title mainly. They both compliment each other and is a good attraction. Little did I know of Allison’s writing style at that time.

The blurb of the book describes author’s visit to the beautiful island, where beautiful means beautiful for the people of Haiti, as she recalls in the starting pages of her memoir. She is accompanied by a local doctor Jean Gardy Marius is the founder of a public health organization OSAPO. She tries to explore the island itself and everything it constitutes of, the people, their culture, recalls in between which I found very helpful as I was unfamiliar with the tumultuous history. Along being the ordinary travel memoir, it also spotlights the reality in which how aid organizations are trying to help the local economy. This makes this book unique and interesting.

What more unique I found in this book is Allison, the author’s writing style. The way she spread words for the reader has lasting charm. It is because of her writing style I could not put this book down and had to read it in one go. In the end, it left me a feeling that I can best describe as a longing for a travel and weave my own memories.

4 out of 5

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Daughter of Shadow by Tyler Sehn
Series: Spiritbinder Saga #1
on 2015
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy
Pages: 338
Format: eBook
Goodreads

I have started this year with an addition of a pure fantasy novel. Tyler Sehn’s first book in the series of Spiritbinder Saga, Daughter of Shadow. You know you are going to read something deep when there is map of a kingdom or a location where most of the plot takes place. Daughter of Shadow follows the traditional way in the fantasy world of Rua.

The plot revolves around a warrior, Melea, considered as the greatest in the world of Rua. She serves the Lord of light and his empire’s mission is to attempt a global conquest. Melea is young, sharp, smart and has all qualities suitable for a warrior and the protagonist of fantasy.  However, in the starting pages a reader can clearly observe the power of author’s imagination in combination with his effort in organizing the storyline which is vast in number of chcaracters and introduces sub plots from time to time. It does not take long for a reader to realise that the cause she is fighting for isn’t a good cause for other nations and she realises that. What happens when she is caught in the middle of all the mess and chaos?

The storyline is a complex one but that is the fun of a fantasy novel. From the start a reader can observe strong signs of solid sub plots and characters. The theme of good and evil are the basis of most fantasy novel and so of this one. The journey a reader will take upon reading this novel, as I did, is going to be full of vividness imagery throughout the book.

The characterisation could be the foundation of any solid novel in this genre. It is all about how an author manages the amount of vast characters possessing different personalities and traits. Tyler does this very well. He tries to create a  balance between providing depth to important characters and that is enough for a reader to judge and fall in love with one or many of them. I loved the character of Melea for these reasons. Her life seems a tragedy and the author does a good job in  showcasing it. The writing style is satisfying and has pace of its own.

This book is perfect read for you if you are fan or fond of reading epic fantasies.

4 out of 5

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Work That Matters by Maia Duerr
Published by Parallax Press on 26/12/2017
Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Entrepreneurship
Format: eBook
Goodreads

Maia Duerr’s new book is all you want to read before this year ends. Why? Because her book holds that element of getting you enthusiastic to start the New Year with an authentic perspective of how to keep living and do what you want to do.

After having multiple jobs in her life and feeling trapped by her intuition of what she wants to do and struggling in the wage slave economy, in this book, Maia advices on how stop living a meaningless life. She defines that a career for an individual is an expression of one’s life and its core intention, we must take necessary steps that are practical enough with vivid reality we are all part of. Work That Matters: Create a Livelihood that Reflects Your Intention is all about that. Author starts from some pragmatic tips like being self-aware with some well known mindfullness practices, shares her own vision and experience with them and concludes in first few chapters how highly beneficial they are when adapted as a habit.

Work is one of the primary vehicles for expressing our deepest selves.

When I picked her book, I wasn’t so sure that it will have such a deep influence over me. Well there I said it. Her words are soothing, pragmatic and visionary in terms of creating livelihood and fill all the gaps by doing what you want to do for living rather than what you do not. In this book, she has covered anecdotes from own life and few others like her and do provide tools to create a joyful work that embodies love and compassion for self. In the book, she examines emotional, psychological and cultural barriers to create work as the driving force of one’s life, after wandering through a dozen jobs in a period of a decade. She does provide few steps that I would not call it a roadmap, but it does make sense and entitled under “Liberation-Based Livelihood”.

The writing style is smooth, with steady in pace and I’d recommend the only way to get something out of this book is to read and be self-aware about what you are reading. Some of the pragmatic tips she provides are really helpful if one decides to constantly mingle with them. This is one of the greatest wisdom holding book I have read this year. The perfect audience for this book are freelancers, digital nomads and the person who want to pursue a career opportuinty on their own terms.

5 out of 5!

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