Book Review- Flames of Anahata by Saranya Umakantan

Book Details-
Book Name- The Flames of Anahata
Author- Saranya Umakantan
Genre- Fiction/Love
Publisher- General Press
Pages- 240

Blurb- "They turned to see his tears of love wiping away her blood of agony..."
Diya throws Suraj's proposal back in his face, leaving him broken-hearted. Why would she do so when she loved him desperately?
Suraj finds his Guruji unconscious beside a cave clutching the warrior Indrajith's diary. His heart-rending love story then unfolds. Being trapped in a web of emotions, Indrajith endured the pain of his lost love, hurting himself and trampled Deepali's hope for his adopted brother... Who was he?
Sealed for centuries and holding the Mann-Parivarthana astra, the cave is besieged by evil now. But all attempts to unlock it go futile. Faced with baffling hints, Suraj's intelligence is sorely tested. What is the potent power required to break through that Paanch-Dost-Gupha?
THE FLAME OF ANAHATA!
Will the fire of love ever flicker in the hearts of Diya and Suraj?

Review- The Flames of Anahata is the second book of the Comeback Warrior Trilogy and even though I haven't read the first book of the trilogy, this book was still a good read.
This book is a mixture of Thrill, Romance and Mystery.

I received a free copy of this book from Kalamos Literary Services and Anuj Kumar in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Book Cover and Title- Book Cover is very interesting, but I failed to see any connection between the cover and story.
The tittle is appropriate and the word 'Anahata' has a deeper meaning in the story which was interesting to read.

Language and Narration- The language used is simple and easy to comprehend. Narration is done well and binds readers with the book. Editing is also done well and the book is without any grammatical errors.

Characterization- Saranya has done a great job portraying her characters. All the characters are having their little stories which makes the overall book an interesting read.
Even the side characters are justified properly.

Storyline and Plot- Storyline of the book is simple with some twists and turns  and follows a simple plot.

There are two stories running parallel and are separated by the time. I liked the way the author has balanced the present and past story and the reader does not get confused between them. I liked the story from past more interesting than the current story.

The pace of the book is neither too fast nor too slow and flows continuously till the end.

Rating-
Book Cover and Title- 2.5/5
Language and Narration- 3/5
Characterization- 3.5/5
Storyline and Plot- 3/5

Final Rating- 3/5

Overall, The Flames of Anahata is a good book which delivers us not so unique plot, but smooth storyline with well justified characters.

Book Review- Kaliyug: The Secret Plot by B.S. Sarwagna Kumar

Book Details-
Book Name- Kaliyug: The Secret Plot
Author- B. S. Sarwagna Kumar
Genre- Mythology/ Hindu Mythology
Publisher- Half Baked Beans
Pages- 300
Price- ₹299 (paperback copy)

Blurb- If you think humanity has lost its meaning, greater darkness is on its way. What could have happened in the past that made our present to be in this way? And how would our present society demolish the future to crumbles? This is war; war between the first devil, and his nemesis...war between religion and divinity of 'spirituality & knowing'...war between cruel hearted and kind ones. This is the war of KALIYUG. An army consisting an axe, a sword, a horse, great wisdom, and the remains of a dead child, is coming to slay the first of evil, and his minions. Pick your side. Good, or evil? Respect, or rape? Kindness, or cruelty? Come join Kaliyug's secretive battle with its twisted secretive plot!

Review- Kaliyug The Secret Plot is one of the most interesting Indian mythological book I have read. There are lot many mythological books which are in market and many more are coming. What makes this book brilliant is that it not only serves us a wonderful storyline and narration but also teaches us a thing or two about Spirituality, Religion and Karma.

Book Cover and Title- Book Cover is appropriate and catchy at the same time. It attracts readers at the first glimpse. Title is appropriate with the content and gives us clear hint about the genre and content.

Language and Narration- Language used in the book is lucid and rich in vocabulary. Language and narration is one of the reason why I was so connected with the book. Narration is done well. For the first part, story flows smoothly with fast pace but in second part it slows down. However, storyline keeps us hooked with the book.

Storyline and Content-
Kaliyug: The Secret Plot is first book of Kali Trilogy. The book is divided into parts, that are-

1. The Journey so far
2. The Journey Afar

In the first part, Author tells us mythological stories which we all have heard in our childhood. Author skillfully brings out the common connection between the stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata with Kali's story.

In Second part, Book Deals with short stories of different timelines ending with the Victory of Lord Vishnu over Kali.

Author has done brilliant job with the stories and connecting them with one another to serve us a altogether new storyline which was interesting to read. However second part of the book is not boring and it could have been cut shorted. Climax could have been better.

Likes-
1. Language and Narration
2. Common Connections between various stories.
3. Author beautifully teaches us about Spirituality and Religion.
4. Emotional scenes between Kalki and his mother.

Dislikes-
1. Second part was messy and it could have been cut shorted

2. Climax could have been better.

Rating-
Book Cover and Title- 4/5
Language and Narration- 5/5
Storyline and Content- 4/5

Final Rating- 4.3/5

All in all, Kaliyug The Secret Plot is one of the brilliant Indian Mythological book which could be read by every reader. Even if you don't like the mythological genre, read this book for its literature and vast knowledge about Spirituality and Religion.

Note- I received free e-copy of the book from Mr. Kumar in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Book Review- Should I Hate or Love by Kisnaa

Book Details-
Book Name- Should I Hate or Love
Author- Kisnaa
Genre- Romance/Fiction
Publisher- LeadStart Publishers
Pages- 158
Price- ₹175

Blurb- Samaira, who seemed to be madly in love With Aayan, was still trying to be romantic with him. She believed that one day Aayan would marry her and make her complete with his unconditional love. But perhaps she hadn't listened to Aayan properly when he said that Siya was the same girl whom he had loved since he saw her for the first time, and every night he sleptjust to meet her in his dreams...

Review-
Review- Should I Hate or Love is journey of Aayan, who is successful, handsome and very talented guy. This book is about his journey from Love to Heart break and to Love. Author has done good job keeping this book simple and realistic also the poems in the book add charm and make this book more interesting.

I received free copy of this book from Cyclopes Literary Services and Nishant Joshi in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Book Title and Cover- Book Title is confusing but in positive manner and catches readers to know more about the story. 
Cover is beautiful and eye pleasing. A man walking down a road with his back towards us. It is appropriate with the content.

Language and Narration- Language of the book is very very simple yet lucid. Narration is done in third person narrative. Narration is simple and binds readers with the book.

Every Chapter contains one or two poems and makes reading an interesting experience. Some of the poems are really brilliant.

Characterization- Aayan is successful and simple guy. He's tall, handsome and everything a girl would fall for.  His love interest is Siya, who is rather complex character. She left him for a reason.

Samaira is chirpy and cute and loves Aayan so much. It was really fun to read about her.

Storyline and Plot- Storyline is simple and realistic without many twists and turns. Although simple and realistic storyline, book fails us to give anything new and fresh.

The book could be enjoyed by Romance Fiction lovers.

Rating-
Book Title and Cover- 3/5
Language and Narration- 3.5/5
Characterization- 2.5/5
Storyline and Plot- 2/5

Final Rating-  2.5/5

All in all, Should I Hate or Love is simple tale of love which follows a simple plot and serves us poetic storyline.

Book Review- Silent Invaders by Shree

Book Details-
Book Name- Silent Invaders
Author- Shree
Genre- Psychological/Crime Thriller
Publisher- Petals Publisher
Pages- 96
Price- ₹140

Blurb- Silent Invaders' is a mystery-thriller novel. It revolves round the life of a young woman Sana and the story involves hate crimes which were nurtured due to childhood assaults. Sana develops a horrific mental illness, which impacts her normal life drastically. She remains totally oblivious of what was happening to her and around her. But her near and dear ones finally stir the society to become aware of the reasons and the consequences of the traumatic condition Sana went through.

Review- Silent Invaders is short novel written by Shree which serves us a very neatly written, fast paced psychological thriller. Intriguing Storyline, un-revealed clues and strong plot makes reader hooked with the book.

I received a review copy from Lab Academia and Naaz Farhaa in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Book Cover and Title- Book Cover is attractive and gives hint about the genre. It goes well with the content. Title is catchy and attracts readers. Blurb is short and up to mark.

Overall First Impression of book attracts readers.

Language and Narration- Language used in the book is simple and easy to understand. Narration is done in third person narrative. Narration is done well and keeps readers glued with the book. Editing is done well and book is free of grammatical errors.

Characterization- As a crime story, there are many characters in the book but author did well to justify each of them as per the demand of story.

Sana is our main character who is fun loving girl with dark past. Her past included child abuse which follows her with the age.

From other characters, I liked Sana's parents the most. They're supportive and ideal parents one could ask for.

Theme- Main theme of the book is Psychological Crime thriller but it also covers Child Abuse and Love. All in all this book gives us all the essential elements one could ask for.

Storyline and Plot- Story starts with brutal murders in Durham city, England. There also runs story of Sana, who was adopted by Lahiri couple. Sana has dark past. The story is about how her past changes her and her parents' world and how her past is linked with the murders.

Storyline is fast paced and I completed it in one sitting. From the first page only incidents starts taking place and reader is forced to turn page by page. Author leaves clues here and there and makes readers guess about the suspense before giving us unexpected turns.

Also, I liked the way author has given detailed account of Mental illness.

Rating-
Book Cover and Title- 4/5
Language and Narration- 3/5
Characterization- 3.5/5
Storyline and Plot- 4/5

Final Rating- 3.5/5

All in all, The Silent Invaders is fast paced, gripping novel about crime with perfect blend of psychology and thriller.

Book Review- Strangers With Known Faces by Gautam Datta

Book Details-
Book Name- Stranges With Known Faces
Author- Gautam Datta
Genre- Fiction
Publisher- Invincible Publishers
Pages- 257 pages
Price- ₹185

Blurb-
Rajat, Meenakshi, Sadaaf, Amol, and Shanaya are five University students with nothing in common- who should never have met in the first place. They meet after winning a lucky draw- the prize of which was to take part in a puzzle game. Though the game was engrossing, they were unable to solve the puzzle in the stipulated time. However, this lead to the beginning of a deep friendship between them. Their friendship blossomed. But ego and misunderstanding led to an acrimonious break up. They meet again- two decades later- when Shanaya is murdered, and the other four are suspects. The four soon realize that in spite of being estranged for so many years, there were unknown ties that bound them- ties of treachery, deceit, and subterfuge. Ties that have led them to come together in circumstances that no one could have foreseen. And the game that they had left incomplete two decades back has to be played yet again – on a much bigger canvas. Now they have to trust each other, clear their names, and get to the bottom of the mystery, which threatens not only their lives and relationships, but also the fabric of democratic India. As their travels and travails continue, they discover hitherto unknown facets of the people around them, as well as their own selves. Can they succeed in resolving the puzzle this time? Or is history doomed to repeat itself? As hidden aspects of the human personality are revealed, they realize that no one is what he or she appears to be. For the world comprises of ‘Strangers With Known Faces’.

Review- Review -  Strangers With Known Faces is a crime thriller written by Gautam Datta. This book is a perfect treat for people who enjoy complex stories with complex characters where by each passing page you get to know more about the characters; slightly irritating but engaging. 

Book Title and Cover- The book title is interesting. It creates curiosity about the book and gives a hint about the story. Cover is appropriate however it could be made more interesting.
Blurb is intriguing and up to mark.

Language and Narration- The language used in this novel is lucid and rich in vocabulary. The narration is done in first person narrative. It is done well.
Book is without any errors and thus it makes for a wonderful reading experience.

Characterization - The author has done a beautiful job of portraying his characters. As the story continues, the characters grow and have a unique impact on the readers. The back story about the characters was very interesting and glued me to the book.

Storyline and Plot- This book surely serves us a unique plot with fresh story line. Author has done a well job weaving complexity of characters with broken friendships and crime. 
Twists and turns are given throughout the book which binds readers with the book.

Rating-
Book Title and Cover- 3/5
Language and Narration- 3.5/5
Characterization- 3.5/5
Storyline and Plot- 3/5

Final Rating- 3/5

I would recommend this book to crime thriller readers.

Book Review- My Father Is A Hero by Nishant Kaushik

Book Details-
Book Name- My Father is a Hero
Author- Nishant Kaushik
Genre- Fiction
Publisher- Srishti Publications
Pages- 200
Price- ₹195

Blurb- Vaibhav Kulkarni has had few accomplishments worth boasting about in his modest life and career. Yet, his happy universe lies intact in the love and pride his ten-year-old daughter inspires in him. Nisha Kulkarni justifies every reason to be the favourite child of Pune's premier school-be it her academic brilliance, her exceptional facility with music, or simply her unassuming charm. With his daughter showing promising signs of a stellar success story, Vaibhav has made peace with own unrequited dreams of the past. But when the girl mysteriously starts losing mojo and spirals into despair and seclusion, Vaibhav faces the toughest test of his life as single father - to reclaim his child's trust and happiness. What distance will a middle-class man with limited means go to show his daughter the merit in believing in a dream? Read this gripping tale of love, courage, and of the emergence of an ordinary man as an extraordinary hero.

Review-
My Father is a Hero is simple yet emotional tale of Vaibhav Kulkarni who is single parent of a 10 year old, Nisha. Book describes the beautiful relationship between Father and Daughter. One thing I liked about the book is Author kept the story real and simple making it more relatable.

Book Cover and Cover- Book Cover shows a little girl and her father walking with their back towards the readers. Its simple and  appropriate cover however fails to attract readers. It could be made more improved. Title is appropriate as per the content of book. Blurb is short and up to mark.

Language and Narration- Language of the book is simple and easy to follow. Narration is done in third person narrative. Narration is done well and glues readers with the book.
The book is well edited without any errors.

Characterization- Story revolves around Vaibhav Kulkarni and Nisha. Vaibhav is middle class single parent and lives for his daughter. Nisha is 10 years old, talented and loves her father. She's a huge fan of Rihanna.
Mr. Kaushik has beautifully portrayed his characters and kept them simple, relatable and believable. The middle class father is portrayed beautifully.

Storyline and Plot- This book delivers us fresh story with simple plot. Book is simple tale of Father- Daughter relationship. Their love, misunderstanding and understanding. How one event changes their life and hoe vaibhav tries to get back his life on track.

Book is simple without many twists and turns to thrill you but it gives you an emotional tale of Father- Daughter relationship.

Storyline is slow paced till first half but it picks the pace in the second half. Climax is beautiful and makes you smile.

Ratings-
Book Cover and Title- 3/5
Language and Narration- 3.5/5
Characterization- 3/5
Storyline and Plot- 3/5

Final Rating- 3/5

Overall, My Father Is A Hero is a simple yet emotional tale of Father-Daughter relationship and is a enjoyable read.
You can enjoy this book if you're a fan of simple emotional stories.

Note- I received free copy of this book from Writersmelon.com in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Book Review- The Mind Game by Devika Das

Book Details-
Book Name- The Mind Game
Author- Devika Das
Genre- Self Help
Publisher- PepperScript Publications
Pages- 190
Price- ₹190

Blurb- Crests and troughs, ups and downs, joys and sorrows are a part of everyone's lives. While many choose to simply succumb to bad times, the winner is the one who remains strong, successfully wades off negativity and rises, unbound. All of us, at some point of time, have experienced situations involving emotional outbursts where we have, albeit unknowingly, hurt others or even our own self and have only ended up regretting our actions. Wouldn't it be great if we could somehow become mindful of our current emotional state and maintain equilibrium in our personal and professional lives? Moreover, mindfulness helps us realize what we really want from life. It helps us to first think, then act and not vice-versa. The Mind Game is a self-improvement guide that talks about how to manage emotions wisely, and lead a powerful, but stress free life.

Review- Review- The Mind Game is self help book written by Devika Das. With this book Devika speaks about different sections and how human mind works in different situations. This book is divided into six different sections and every section is further detailed with few chapters.

The six different sections are divided as-

Section A- Mastering your emotions.
B- Simple Living... High Thinking
C- Analyzing People
D- Secret of True Happiness
E- Manage Your Anger Creatively
F- A Happy Workplace- The Secret of a Long, Successful Career.

Though The Mind Game is a self help book, Author has done a really good job to keep it real without being too preachy. All the points are explained with little theories to keep it more real.

Further the little examples given in the book makes it more simple to understand. Language used in the book is simple and easy to comprehend. The quotes in the beginning of the chapters are beautiful. Book title and cover of the book is attractive and goes well with the content and theme.

All in all, The Mind Game is well written, thoughtful book which will surely teach you a thing or two to lead a successful life.

Note- I received free copy of this book from Urbookmyreview.com in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.