Book - Twenty Twenty: A Fast Paced Thriller

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Title:  Twenty Twenty: A Race Against Time

Author: Anuraag Srivastava

Publisher: Srishti Publishers

Pages: 224

Price: Rs. 110

My Rating: 3.5/5

Blurb:

Life is a fast-paced Twenty20 game and you need to keep playing to win. Abhi and Aditi are siblings who want to realise their dreams in the ever upgrading world. In the midst of all the struggle and success, they get entangled in a strange web. If they are not able to resolve the crisis in twenty days, their very existence can come under threat. In short, they have to hit sixes on every bouncer thrown at them. Not just with the world outside, this ordeal is also a fight with one's own character and principles.

Unwanted situations, unexpected turns, money and sex push them deeper into the web. Manipulations and treachery become the order. The hunter becomes the hunted. A vicious circle of betrayal and debauchery is created. 'Twenty Twenty' is a story of betrayal, deceit and relationships, where a master planner devises games, to get to his own ambitions.

Review:

While reading a thriller, first thing you want it is that it should be fast... Slow and dragged thriller books are real turn-off and 'Twenty-twenty' doesn't disappoint. 

Cover is rather simple, to me it doesn't raise that curiosity that book demands. But yeah, it is decent.

Talking about story, it revolves around siblings, Abhi and Aditi and how they have to come up with twenty lacs in mere twenty days. Everyone knows it is not an easy and simple task and yet they manage it... How? Using tricks, sex and other 'non-ethical' practices of course. The book strongly talks about women and their preferences for physical pleasures. Many say, if men can, then why can't women. It is very well said point and yes, our society is biased. But to me, anyone - be it a man or a woman, indulging with multiple partners is non-justified. And hence, it proved to be a disappointment in the story.

Characters are well narrated, especially of the leads. There are many others and I felt author has done justification to each. Some could have been a elaborated bit more, but as per story, they are perfect.

Overall it is a decent read. It is simple, well narrated book that will keep you on your toes.

My rating - 3.5/5 (a pretty good read)

You can grab your copy below.

Love and Cheers

Words Watch #6

#WordsWatch  #HindiShayri

Chronux - Past, Present and Future

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Title:  Chronux

Author: Sagar Kamath

Publisher: BecomeShakespeare.com

Pages: 462

Price: Rs. 475

My Rating: 3.5/5

Blurb:

During our more ‘Philosophical’ moments…we have all wondered about ‘Time’…its true nature…and its impact on us! But what if?...‘Time’…had similar concerns…about us? For the people of Aruhu, a tiny Himalayan village, deep in India’s ancient past, what begins as a visitation by a mysterious entity, quickly morphs into an inescapable trap…one that has left its imprint on all of human history…and the future! This is a trap that has seduced hundreds through its lure of absolute power, including the Nazis…who mount an epic expedition to unearth the source of God’s power on Earth…only to discover that the cost of absolute power…is also absolute! This is the story ‘Time’ wants to tell us…this is the story of Chronux!

Review:

Time is the most valuable commodity today, if you have time you can conquer anything. And book Chronux has showcased the same. The importance of time...

The book starts with the beautiful mysterious place called 'Aruhu', and how its life changes with the appearance of a strange visitor. People there learn all sorts of things from him and when they are getting used to him, he just vanishes into the thin air. However what he leaves behind are not some simple relics but the most precious items that may turn the tides of time.

The story jumps from one place to another. Author has divided book into multiple episodes and all link wonderfully. The narrator has done a good job while binding them together. Each episode is written in favor of one major incident from history like bombing of Hiroshima-Nagasaki, Hitler, Nazis etc. The way certain events have been described, you tend to feel 'did it really happen this way?'

The linkage of 'past, present and future' is also very impressive. And while reading you can feel the level of research author must have done to make this book a reality. It is commendable.

What I didn't like about the book are two things - firstly its cover. It simply puts the book under 'ordinary' category and doesn't do justice to what pages hold. Maybe for next edition author can choose a better cover. Secondly, the story although is impressive but loses essence from time and again.

Overall, it is a pretty nice read and my rating is 3.5/5

You can grab your copy here.

Love and Cheers

Interesting Facts #5

#SomeInterestingFacts

Nose prints are used to identify dogs, 

just like humans use fingerprint!

Book - Chariots of Mahabharata: A Newer Version

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Title:  Chariots of Mahabharata

Author: Himanshu Rai

Publisher: Invincible Publisher

Pages: 230

Price: Rs. 240

My Rating: 2.5/5

Blurb:

"It is not a story of Mahabharata. It is a story of people, progeny who pulled the story of Mahabharata on their shoulders, to let Dharma win over evil. It is a story of Unknown characters of Mahabharata. Whatever stories we heard of Mahabharata from our ancestor, are they the only ones or are there more facts hidden We have read the Mahabharata in terms of Kauravas and Pandavas. Read about how Draupadi was insulted in an open court. But little do we know about the land of Mohoma. Mohoma, a courtier of King Shantanu's kingdom, whose legacy had a role to play in the Mahabharata war. How his family was cursed, divided in taking sides between the two; Kauravas and Pandavas. But the land of Mohoma is nowhere mentioned in the depths of time. This is the story of that family who went through turmoil because of someone else's war, in the war of their master's rivalry, and how they and the progeny of the two great armies viewed the entire war. After all, were the Pandavas really correct? Were the Kauravas so wrong in what they did?"

Review:

When thinking about mythology most of us question its possibility, isn't it? At least I do, and the first question that always pops in my mind is - 'did this really happen?' Yes, many argue that it did and believe me I have an unwavering faith in God but these stories make me question. They make me question about how can God allow all such ugly things (especially when he was present on Earth back then)? Anyways, I have read many versions of mythologies and Himanshu has brought in a newer one to add.

Talking about plot, it is a spin-off of the old school Mahabharata and have delved into parts which other writers (of previous versions) have chosen to ignore.

Characters are more and less same. However, they have been woven in such fashion that it confuses at times.

To me it is an okay read because of a few points. I couldn't find anything super-exciting. Yes, it is a new version of Mahabharata but it felt like re-invention of wheel. Also the writing style and editing need a lot of changes. Writing needs to be more engaging, currently it is very bland.

Also, the cover is very simple. Given the concept it holds, it could have been much more happening and exciting.

My rating: 2.5/ 5 (An Okay read)

You can grab your copy below:

Love and Cheers

House of Cards S5 is Manipulative and Full of Power Hunger

#HOConZCafe 

When thinking of 'House of Cards' show, the first thing that comes to mind is Politics. Yes the show is about politics but it is also turning into terrorism -no, not the kind that blows up our homes with bombs, but of the kind that creates chaos and menace in a slow and steady fashion.

I have been watching this show for quite some time now and it has always been a kickass show. It always keeps us on our toes and leaves us hanging in anticipation of 'what will happen next?' The way it introduces characters - so many times they are dark and shady, it gives a perfect glimpse of what might be happening in the world that we are totally unaware about. It also dictates how people do foul play, just to get into the seat.

Each season mesmerizes viewers more. And the way people come into power and the way they fall out is most impressive. 

However, what is most impressive is the lead character, Frank Underwood. You hate him so much but you love him at the same time. You want Claire to be with him, yet you want them separated. It is the beauty of these characters that keeps us totally hooked to the show. 

I don’t want to put in spoilers, but election of Donald Trump has put the show even in high gears. While reading about Trump and watching Underwood, you can’t help but consider the similarities both have. I was stumped with similar strategies as well. The minds, the ruthlessness, the intolerance makes this show even more realistic now.

Overall, it is a fascinating and a mind blowing show. And now, the wait is finally over as Season 5 has released and it is impressing the world with each episode. I have watched Episode 1 and it is even more ruthless and terrorizing then ever. If I can say, it is dominating the world with its manipulation and power-hunger. A must watch...

If you have not watched the show yet, I would strongly recommend that you do. And please start with Season 1 and not with Season 5. Well, you can watch Season 5 directly but you might miss out on the charm of how Underwood actually got into power. And if you have watched all 4 seasons, don’t wait up and watch it starting this weekend.

So, set your timetables right because Frank Underwood is coming to India with the television premiere of House Of Cards Season 5 on Saturday, 3rd June, 5 PM onwards, only on Zee Café.

Follow https://www.facebook.com/ZeeCafe for more updates.

I hope you are going to watch it, because I am.

Enjoy.

Love and Cheers