The Devil’s Prayer- Book Review

The Devil’s Prayer- Book Review

Book name: The Devil’s Prayer

Author: Luke Gracias 

Genre: Mythological thriller

Standalone/Series: Series

Publishing Date: February 18th 2016

My ratings:

Blurb:

A nun commits suicide in front of thousands in Spain. In Australia, Siobhan Russo recognises that nun as her mother, Denise Russo, who disappeared six years ago. 
In search of answers, Siobhan travels to the isolated convent where her mother once lived. Here she discovers Denise’s final confession, a book that details a heinous betrayal that left her crippled and mute, and Denise’s subsequent deal with the Devil to take revenge. In the desperate bargain Denise made with the Prince of Darkness, she wagered Siobhan’s soul. 
As Siobhan discovers the fate of her soul, she learns that hidden within the pages of her mother’s confession is part of The Devil’s Prayer, an ancient text with the power to unleash apocalyptic horrors. 
And now her mother’s enemies know Siobhan has it. 
Can Siobhan escape an order of extremist monks determined to get the Prayer back? Can she save the world from its own destruction? 
Explicit Content Warning: “The Devil’s Prayer” is a historical horror thriller that contains brutality, rape, sex, drug abuse and murder. Readers may find its content offensive and confronting. 

 Goodreads

MY REVIEW

First of all, This book was not what I expected it to be! It was a complete opposite, in an AWESOME way! I loved the book so much and it has such a gripping story, always keeping the reader on edge.

I was into the story from the prologue only and I was NOT disappointed. The story line was AMAZING! I couldn’t put the book down, I was just hooked to it and couldn’t resist reading further.

Plot:

This story revolves around a nun, or as she became one. It’s about her life and the events that took place before she became a nun.  The secrets of the world keep spilling in an astonishingly good manner at the perfect time. She leaves behind a book, her confession, for her daughter Siobhan and the Confession is THE BEST part of the whole book.

Denise finds that all those whom she considered her friends have different brutal faces and in her time of need when she can find no one to help, not even God, then it is the Devil who comes to her rescue and being the devil he has some tricks up jis sleeves which we discover throughout the story.

In this book we went through Denise’s adventures or her life’s happenings and it ended with a cliffhanger. I am so excited for the next book, I am pretty sure we’ll live with Siobhan, Denise’s daughter and our protagonist, during her adventures in that one and I just can’t wait!

My Thoughts:

The pace of the book was PERFECT! It was a bit fast, EXACTLY what the reader wants from a story like this and I was flipping through the pages like this is The end.

The character building was really good. The first impression of everyone I had was changed by then end, literally EVERYONE!

Historical facts were mixed with fictitious elements the the mixture was fascinating. I don’t know how much of it is true and not but it seemed true to me. A very important thing one can learn from the book is saving the environment. We humans are just another species in the teeming spectrum of evolving life, but we consider ourselves superior, and the only thing we die for is money! For centuries we’ve been killing and just thinking about ourselves, one thing that has suffered the most is our earth. I was very accurately quoted in the book-

“We are not killing the planet. It is our arrogance that makes us believe that we are capable of such destruction. The earth will be here at the end of it all, long after we’re gone. The only thing the human race is destroying is out ability to inhabit it.”

A lot of research was put int he book and being a history lover this book appealed to me to a whole different amazing level. I didn’t know anything about that history but it as all explained in a very easy way.

Summary:

The fact that we were born alone and die alone too, was very well conveyed in the story plot. There is murder, drama, revenge, thrill, excitement, betrayal and just name the thing which makes us like, or should I say LOVE a book!

The story was a combination of history, connected all parts of the world in this web of a plot, and just leaves one awestruck after reading it.There was a mixture of God and Devil and THE STORY WAS PERFECT. I don’t know any other way to describe this story or the plot, it was just perfect and so so SO interesting. There was mystery and suspense at the end of each chapter and I JUST LOVED IT!

There are some incidents which can be triggering for some, as quoted in the goodreads blurb too:

Explicit Content Warning: “The Devil’s Prayer” is a historical horror thriller that contains brutality, rape, sex, drug abuse and murder. Readers may find its content offensive and confronting. 

HAPPY READING EVERYONE!

This Book Review/Interview is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Book Promotions” to know more log on to http://thereaderscosmos.blogspot.in/. All opinions are my own and NOT biased in any way!

Nice men finish last- Book Review

Book Review- Nice men finish last

Book name: Nice men finish last

Author: Pravesh Vir Siddhu

Genre: Indian Romantic Fiction

Standalone/Series: Standalone

Publishing Date: July 12th 2017

My ratings:

Blurb:

Bad ones get into the pants, whereas the good ones get friend-zoned.Bad ones have a blast and the good ones suffer.Bad boys take it all, while Nice Men Finish Last.Nandu pays an unfair price for being nice; he is dumped by his girlfriend.Depressed by the brutal break-up, he follows in the footsteps of his womanizer friend Sattu, who firmly believes that nothing good ever happens to a nice man.Duly brainwashed to shed his lovelorn avatar, along with the skin of the nice man, Nandu gets a character reboot. Things change rapidly, as he uses lies and all the unfair means to score girls. It works wonders for him till he realizes how powerful karma is. That makes him come out of this transitional filthy state, choosing to become a nice man again.That’s when he falls in love with Tanishq – a beautiful dentistry student.Will he be able to win her heart being a nice man or do nice men really always finish last?

Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The book is about a boy Nandu, who is in the dental field, and is struggling with his life and feels devastated when his girlfriend betrays him. His friends are his support and one his friend, Sattu, tells him his theory of life that ‘Nice men finish last’ the story goes on, showcasing the ups and downs of nandu in his love life and his career and how both of them affected the other.

The main concept of the book was that being a good and decent person will surely find you love of your life and make you successful, which is a pretty good moral, but I felt that it was overpowered by the other aspects or some incidents.

It could’ve been a lot better and the main theme of the book had a lot of potential. it was pretty fast paced and humorous also!
It was filled with bollywood cliches, just everything, it was a typical bollywood movie, going on in one’s mind, so if you are a fan of them then hopefully you’ll like the book too.

Friendships between characters were very well portrayed and the fact hat as we grow older and get out in the world, everyone we thought we once new changes, our friends have different lives and are busy, we ourselves become busy but amongst all this having and maintaining connections with them all is very important as they are thee people we fall back to and who have been part of a major phase of our lives.

I really like the character of Madhiha and her character plays a very important role in this book and in spreading a very important message also. She is from Pakistan and initially Nandu, being from India resents her just for hr nationality, but then this narrow minded thinking is proved wrong in the book. One of the things I loved about it. Honestly we hate people just fro their nationality! I personally discourage and try to tell my family and friends all the ways in which this is wrong and disadvantageous for humanity and just so so stupid! Just imagine if the 2 nations would forget their rivalry, won’t our lives be much better, the many soldiers lives be spared at the border? Just imagine and think!

Nandu’s father seemed to be pretty sensible and I was hoping the author would elaborate their relationship but it was still okay. Also Tanishq seemed to be a cry baby to me, and the type of girl who acts like a child deliberatelt, so I didn’t like her either.

I honestly hated the book in the beginning. It was just gross, it was offensive for me, being a girl, and I did not like that stuff at all! It felt disgusting to read that and I just wanted to stop reading, but later on the book got to a decent level and was pretty good after that.

One thing I disliked in the story was the first time Nandu saw Tanishq he was in love with her. honestly, its not love in my opinion if you are drooling over a girl or a guy just after seeing them and you don’t know then nor have you both ever talked, buT since you saw her, and found her exceptionally beautiful, were mesmerized by her physical appearance then my friend, let me tell you, its NOT love, it may be lust or infatuation or just your hormones working but NOT LOVE AT ALL! Well, that was me when Nandu was describing her appearance and saying how he loved her soo much after just seeing her.

 Also the fact that the friends you have, the company you keep will definitely affect you, was pretty well conveyed. Nandu used to be a ‘nice’ man but then he broke up with his girlfriend Noor in the beginning of the book and his friend Sattu, whom I resent the most, gave him advice which was pretty bad and contributes to mostly all the gross and offensive content in the book with extensive usage of the word- ‘boobs’ and reading that part I was just like- “Seriously man! stOp, just stOp!”

All in all, it reflected Indian love stories and life in a pretty well. The concept of friendship rather than relationship was also good but should’ve been elaborated on a bit more.

If you like reading Romantic fictions with a blend of friendship and life and are looking for a short read then I’d recommend this book to you.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Book Review- Kalki

Book Review- Kalki

Book name: Dharmayoddha Kalki

Author: Kevin Missal

Genre: Indian Mythological thriller

Standalone/Series: Series

Publishing Date: 14th October 2017

My ratings:

Blurb:

Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an upsurge in unrighteousness, at that time, I take birth again. 
– LORD GOVIND. 
Born in the quiet village of Shambala, Kalki Hari, son of Vishnuyath and Sumati, has no idea about his heritage until he is pitted against tragedies and battles. 
Whisked into the province of Keekatpur, which is under the fist of Lord Kali, Kalki sees the ignominy of death trumping life all around him. He learns that he has been born to cleanse the world he lives in, for which he must journey to the North and learn the ways of Lord Vishnu’s Avatar; from an immortal who wields an axe. 
But trapped in the midst of betrayals, political intrigue and forces that seek to decimate him, will he be able to follow his destiny before the Kaliyug begins?

MY REVIEW

Indian Mythological thriller fiction. What are our expectations from a book falling in this genre? Must have elements or influence from Mahabharata and Ramayana, 2 of the greatest Indian mythological fiction(√), Set in India showcasing India’s rich ancient culture(√), Amazing characters reflecting the Indian heritage(√), a nice dashing plot to blow our mind(√). Well, that’s what I expect from a book like this and  All of this was present in the book Dharmoddya kalki.

I haven’t read many mythological books but this was literally my favorite till now and I think it will be also. I have many theories regarding the book and what will happen in the sequel, that’s the kind of book it was, it always kept me on edge and I was always speculating what would happen next but it took me by surprise most of the times.
It’s a story full of action, love, drama, revenge and just name the thing, everything was present in this book and it was a really swirly roller coaster for me.

Strength in a person doesn’t define a hero. But where he uses his strength is what matters the most. A hero isn’t born. He’s made. Through people, through journeys and most of all, through tragedy.

There were 2 parts in the book. The main plot of the book revolves around the dharm and adharm,i.e, the good side and the bad side. Kalki is a simple village boy who wants to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, whereas kali, on the other hand has made his way through thicks and thins with his sister Duruukti, to emerge as a leader with great aspirations. These two lives, and those of many others get connected in a phenomenal way as the story progresses.

The author made the fictional village of Shambala and the province of keekatpur seem so real by his prolific writing. The world building was done in an astounding way with both historical fiction and mythology. 

This book was from multiple perspectives and we got to see from literally the point of view of every main and many side characters and I just loved how they were so skillfully joined and woven together. It just reflects the refinery writing of the author.

All the characters were amazing and really well portrayed. They all had their own different unique backstories and motives and all of it felt so real that I couldn’t actually fathom the fact that the author had created this world, though with the help of Indian mythology. The diversity of the characters, belonging to so many different races and cultural backgrounds were living in this fictional, yet real, world created by the author.

I loved the character development throughout the whole book. Each character had his or her own flaws and strengths, just like we all do in real life, and my perspective of many of them was changed as the story progressed. I came to really like many of them whom I thought to be unimportant initially and detest many who seemed really wise, and that I think was the doing of the multiple perspectives only, because many times we just assume things but then when we see them from the other person’s perspective, when we get in their shoes, we come to know their reasons and problems and just about them. That’s why I like books with multiple perspective 

In this book the characters used modern-day language and the combination of this with Indian mythology was very well-balanced. I actually enjoyed the characters set in a traditional land using modern-day language. about the overall language of the book, it was written in simple language and the quotes of the book were amazing. There are a lot of lessons to be learnt this book, another thing I loved about it.The pace was perfect, it was neither too fast nor too slow and the events happened at the precise timings.

One thing I really liked about the book is that it dealt with he fact that how there are so many stereotypes and misconceptions about various groups of people and cultures.We, without even knowing the essence of something just assume things for a group of people and judge and label them on that basis, whereas in reality all the rituals and the traditions in every culture are ultimately for the greater good of humanity and better lives and development of the people or at least they are meant with a good motive! No God promotes hatred or bad quality of life, but just love and prosperity of its people, and this fact was presented in a really good way in the book making it stand out for me.

One skepticism I have about the book is that there were a lot of emotional moments and I feel they could’ve been conveyed in a better way so as to actually bring tears ro the readers eyes (that’s just me being a sucker for books that make me cry, I can’t help loving them the most) Some moments could’ve had a really huge impact on the reader just if they were written in a better way but except for those few moments the writing in the whole book was pretty enjoyable.

Finally, I would recommend this masterpiece to every mythology lover to read this book filled with action, fighting, betrayal, love, emotions, killings and what not. Otherwise also this was an entertaining and occupying book having the element of surprise at mostly the end of every chapter and if you want to read something inspirational, diversifying and thrilling then this Kalki it is!

Book Blogger Test Tag

HELLO *waves frantically* My exams ended a few days back and now DOBBY IS A FREE ELF! At last I have time to read and welcome to Avni doing a book tag! This is the first tag I was tagged to do and cAn yoU telL ThaT I aM eXcited?!?!?!
I was tagged by the wonderful @betweenthepages (Sarah) and you gotta check her out!

Rules

1. Thank the person who nominated you and add a link to their blog
2. Answer the ten questions asked on this post
3. Nominate at least five people to do it also
Q1) What are your top three book pet hates?

1. I hate stickers on book covers. like why the hell do they put stickers?!
2. Books which promote the wrong things or seem to be doing so to me or picture the wrong things as something right and acceptable.
3. Stupid Riddles in books! I'll confess that once they are stupid I am able to find the answer and when the author reveals it I am the happiest person in the whole world but since I do not have any other thing so this is it. I do not loathe them though because of the little self motivation those idiotic riddles give me :)                                                       

Q2) Describe your perfect reading spot.
A book (ofcourse) with coffee and the place gotta be comfy. I can't describe a comfy place it just is comfortable to read there. And there should be NO disturbance. I also like reading outside in my balcony with the natural lightning. It's Surreal.
Q3) Tell us three book confessions

1. If I say I like a book doesn't mean I JUST like it. NO. It means that it is my baby and all the characters are my family and I know them personally and I am not present with you in this world so STOP BOTHERING ME REALITY.                       
2. I don't know if it would count as one but I get on book reading bans, YES you read it right! BOOK READING BANS. Most people have book buying bans but Oh Well. My parents do not like my reading habit and are really skeptical that it will affect my marks so for them I do't read any books during my exams and it starts from like half a week before my exams till they end. BUTTT after that I just READ BOOKS ALL DAY EVERYDAY.
3. I don't get to buy that many books. Since my parents are against my reading they don't allow me to buy that many books but that ain't stopping this girl from reading *smirks* I borrow books from my friends or the library or read them in as soft copy.

Q4) When was the last time you cried at a book?
I cry A.LOT. while reading books and I mean A LOTTTT. i literally cry reading every other book idk what's wrong with me but I just do! you can't blame me either, It is the authors who are to blame! KILLING AND HURTING OUR BABIES! THAI SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!!! Well the book was 'Blue lily,lily blue' and though it was a Hilarious read throughout the frigging ending had me sobbing baaadly. also being the sjm trash that I am I would like to point out that 'A court of Wings and Ruin' and 'Empire of Storms' WILL KILL YOU AND YOU WILL DIE AND YOU WI; BE BOTH HAPPY AND SAD ABOUT IT! *remembers the incidents and oh is this girl crying now? not crying, ikts actually ugly crying :)*                                            
Q5) How many books are on your bedside table?
I don't know, maybe 198376477364564 seems the right number :) like seriously, no kidding but that is the actual number and yeah also the school books added separately which are always haunting me :)
Q6) What is your favorite snack whilst you’re reading?
Chocolate biscuits, specifically hide n seek biscuits. with nutella.with cold coffee. *starts thinking about them and oh well can't concentrate now*
AND BOOKS
Q7) Name three books you’d recommend to everyone.
I'd skip listing the obvious AND first choices (they are ACOTAR and TOG and Harry Potter and Percy jackson series though)

1. All the bright places by Jennifer Niven. I.LOVE.THAT.BOOK. AND YOU NEED TO READ IT NOWW
2. The five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom. This is honestly a life changing book and is just enchanting. the ending is just amazing, infact the whole story is.
3. The Kite Runner by khaled hoesseni. I will recommend ALL of his books as they ALL are just amazing and so realistic. they all just changed my life and are honestly THE BESTESTT.
4. The Book thief by Markus zusak. THIS.IS.THE.BEST.BOOK.WRITTEN.IN.THE HISTORY.OF.MANKIND. *casually pretends there were only 3 books mentioned*

Q8) Show us a picture of your favorite shelf on your bookcase.
LOL I don't even have a bookshelf, I keep my books in a drawer and in my almirah and on my bed and just all places except a bookshelf because my parents won't buy me one. So yeah, i don't think I can share this one with you :)                                                                
Q9) Write how much books mean to you in 3 words.
EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING. (it seems like I don't so anything else but I actually don't so yeah)
Q10) What’s your biggest reading secret?
I don't like finishing books. I am fast in the beginning but as I approach the end my pace just slows down. Not that my interest goes away but I just don't like finishing books, maybe because you know, it all ends after that.
Also earlier I used to read the least page of the book at first and then read whole book. It seems funny to me now as I recall that habit, but thankfully I have stopped doing it now.
Soo That's it for this tag. All of you feel free to do this tag if you wish. I am also tagging some lovely people to do this tag it they want to :) (Rules y'all)

1. @fictionnthoughts
2. @ruqkishreads
3. @theliquidsunset
4. @abookishhuman
5. @booksarelife987

TELL ME IF YOU CAN RELATE TO ANYONE OF THESE? HAVE YOU READ THE BOOKS MENTIONED?

Book Review: Inside the heart of hope

Book name: Inside the heart of hope

Author: Rishab Puri

Genre: Contemporary

Standalone/Series: Standalone

Publishing Date: June 1st 2017

My ratings:

 Goodreads blurb:
We’re all a little broken, and that’s okay.
Or is it? Rick has a medical condition that makes his life different from the rest. But unlike others around him, he sees this not as a curse, but as an opportunity to cherish life and all the bitter-sweet gifts it brings with it.
Amidst frequent visits to the doctor, multiple surgeries that risk his life being, and a life that meant surveillance all the time, Rick has to fight for himself each day. But he pulls through, thanks to his family and friend Jacob, who become his pillars of strength.
And then, at a time when he is least expecting it, and with someone he meets by accident – love happens. It’s a new feeling for his heart and he is scared to lose it.
Will Lisa really understand the goodness of his heart or just walk away?
Inside the Heart of Hope is a story of strong will, perseverance and optimism which will make you wonder if sky is really the limit. 
Goodreads

MY REVIEW

This story is about a boy Rick who is suffering from a Heart disease because of which his life gets affected in all places and I believe that many people suffering with heart or any sort of disease will be able to relate to this short and amazing story of rick's life and journey and learn a lot from it. It is a must for people who feel that they are born different in any way and doubt their abilities, to not loose hope and always feel positive, have faith that God is with them and will guide them.
the name 'Inside the heart of hope" perfectly describes the main message of the book that one has to have preservence and if you have hope the things are going to turn out good and everything will be fine then it will be!
The story was pretty fast paced and I feel that a lot of incidents could've been more elaborated in a better way including more conversations and giving more details but nonetheless the book was on point and succeeded in conveying its message. Some moments were quite emotional but again could've been written in a much better way to enhance the emotions the reader feels during them.
The story was light hearted as well and I absolutely loved Rick! He is humorous and wants to enjoy life to the fullest and that is the only reason why he loathes his disability in the beginning and I feel that this 'want' it a must which mostly all 'normal' people lack because they are not thankful for all that they already have. Another thing I really liked about this journey of Rick is the huge difference during his down and up moments. This story reflects all the emotions and states of the human mind from elation to despair, from success to failure and what not.
The ending of the book was my favorite part of the novel. It sums everything up and you feel all the dots connecting and its surreal. In the end all the dots were connecting and one can actuakky feek one thing leading to another. The ending was very well written, summing up everything and It is something that needs to be read by literally Everyone!

Rick meets many people in his life who play a very important role in shaping him as a person and had it not been for those people then Rick's life might just as well have been very different. The side characters were very well portrayed and played very important roles and they were not just there, like in many other books, but actually had a say.
A thing I learned from this book and am thankful to it for making me learn is the importance of self love. In our life many times we feel that we are unwanted and that the world will be a better place without us but this thinking is absolutely wrong, because actually the world will a better place only when we do something to make it that way! we need to accept our flaws and if we are different then we should use them to our advantage and test our limits at what all it is that we can do that others can't. Everyone IS different and just imagine if the various infinite number of abilities of each person were developed, just imagine the possibilities!

A thing that bugged me though were the names, the family is described as Indian but I just couldn't get that Indian representation in this book and I think I know the reason, it is because of the huge western influence on us Indians. None of the names was of Indian origin and maybe it shouldn't bother me that much but it did because I have realized the need of representation in books after all thee wrong that has been going on in the world.
I will recommend this immensely beautiful narrative to everyone feeling low and unsure about themselves or I should say literally Everyone because we all need hope and positiveity at least once and this book is perfect for lifting your spirits and believe me when I finished the book I felt on top of the world and that I could conquer the world if only I dare and you will too when you read it whole.

Book Review: Harappa-blood of the curse river

Book name: Harappa- Curse of the blood river

Author: Vineet Bajpai

Genre: Indian Mythological thriller

Standalone/Series: Standalone

Publishing Date: June 4, 2017

My ratings:

Goodreads blurb:

The story oscillates from history to mythology, from occult to religion, from exorcism to gunfights, from taantrics to warriors, from love to ambition. It knits 3,700 years, powerful ancient and modern-day characters and a nail-biting conspiracy - all in one literary thriller. Harappa is the first among a series of four books.
2017, Delhi – Vidyut’s dying ancestor summons him to Banaras. The old Brahmin chieftain of the Dev-Raakshasa Matth, or the God-Demon Clan, bears a chilling secret. Their bloodline carries an ancient curse that will plague mankind - towards its own violent extinction.
1700 BCE, Harappa – Harappa is a magnificent city on the banks of the mighty Saraswati river. The darkness of treachery, taantric exorcism and bloodshed unleashes itself on the last devta, paving the way for his devastating revenge…and the horrifying truth behind the fall of the glorious civilisation.
2017, Paris – The world’s most powerful religious institution is rattled. Europe’s dreaded crime lord meets a mysterious man in Paris. A lethal assassin boards a train, as Rome fears the worst. The prophesied devta has returned.
connects Banaras, Harappa and Rome? What was the ancient curse and who was the last devta? What is the terrible secret behind the fall of the colossal Indus Valley? Read on as you travel through a saga of violence and deceit, gods and demons, love and ambition.
MY REVIEW

I am half human, half God

An amazing Indian mythological thriller which connects 1700 bce Harappa civilization to 2017 delhi with connections to Rome, paris and the whole world basically.
It was a page turner and kept me hooked till the end! It just kept on getting better and better and I loved how skillfully the connections were made. The story unfolds steadily and perfectly. All the characters were bought to life effortlessly and beautifully.
Plot
A curse given to this world during 1700bce which vanquished the first ever metropolis of the world Harappa is finally unfolding amd vidyut shastri, a modern man is actually a demigod, the last devta, from the bloodline of the mighty vivasan pujari. Through treachery and greed harappa mixed with ruble. What is now known to us as the Indus valley civilization is describes to be the sarasvati civilization. The story unfolds giving reasons that led to the curse and information about the curse itself.
Charachters of 2017
Vidyut Shastri, the main charachter from 2017, is a successful IT engineer to the rest of the world, but actually he is a demigod- Half Human, Half God, and the bearer of the ancient curse haunting mankind from centuries. I personally loved Vidyut! He is really sweet and noble and the perfect person to be a devta or God.

Another one of my favourite charachter was Damini, Vidyut's girlfriend. She is a journalist amd her curious nature is just lovable!
The side charachters are also very prominentky described in the book and I really loved Sonu, Naina and balwanta. They are not jusT present but also have a say in things and play a great role.
Another important charachter is Romi. The opinion I had about him from his initial description was really changed as the story progressed!
Charachters of 1700bce
Vivasan pujari, or the great mighty devta, is the most noble person I have ever read about but then again, he is actually a God. I really liked his charachter and his devotion to his 'home' which was harappa and its people.
Sanjana (vivasan pujari's wife) and Manu's (his son) charachters developed a lot by the end.
Priyamvada is the devil queen of this whole story and I didn't like her at all! Her nature amd some of her actions really disgusted me!
Pundit chandradhar's charachter I felt was not defined upto the mark and his actions could've been a bit diverse which would've added to the action ans drama.
My thoughts
The stories, speculations and element of fiction in history feels so real that I badly wanted to believe it but then its only fiction, who actually knows though :)
Throughout the book we go from 1700bce in one chapter to 2017 in the next chapter but you can barely feel the time lapse and the way the story evolves and ooscillates between the two huge time zones just adds to the interest of the reader and is an amazing example of the wicked and polished writing of the author.

Another thing I loved about this book was revealing the truths of hinduism. It is said by its own followers that hinduism is polluted, but this book removed many such illusions from my mind regarding hinduism by telling actual facts and not made up things.
Women empowerment was highly encouraged throughout the book and this book proved that women can do whatever they think of, buT I could also grasp the fact that women, or anyome in general, should not be respected because of their gender, there are bad ladies who have changed the course of mankind by their ill deeds and poisoned thinking and ought to be punished just like a man would've been, for doing the same. That's equality.
In the end it just felt a bit like the whole book was kind of an introduction to the upcoming sequel- Pralay-the great deluge'. I think the book could've been better if more happened during the whole story in the modern time rather than just recapitulating the incidents of the past but then again while reading it everything fit perfectly when it came and I really enjoyed it, though the sudden ending could've been improved. The ending is the only reason this book got 4 stars from me instead of a total 5. More Happenings of 2017 going to take place in the next book, and I hope they are just as captivating, and I can't wait fir it.
This book was a complete mixture of suspense, thrill, action, mythology, history and what not and I just loved it! If you love reading mythological thrillers and are looking for an Indian one to be specific then I'd highly recommend it.
This review is a part of the reader cosmos review program.
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New covers of 'An ember in the ashes' series

Recently the new covers of 'An ember in the ashes' came out. I haven't read the books but I felt proud and represented seeing people of my skin color on the covers as hero of a famouse novel, especially after the incidents of Charlottesville.
We need to spread love, kindness and keep up with the name with which we have seperated ourselves from other living beings- Humans, and show humanity rather than spreading hatred on any basis be it skin color, relegion, beliefs, culture, sexuality or any thing which can divide us. No one can live peacefully if the society is divided, nor the attakers or oppressors- trying to think of ways to oppress; and neither the victims- always living in fear. In such a society it is only natural that even people not attacking or being at the receiving end won't be able to live in peace if the world, which should be a family as a whole, is dividing and fighting. There are differences or should I say 'diversity' in every society, in the world, but it is not important for these differences to become divisions!
Never before the incident of Charlottesville had I actually felt the need of representation in books but now I understand why it is important. Books, articles and media as a whole play a great role in shaping people's mindset about the diversities in the world and see them as a blessing, to know so many different cultures, rather than a burden trying to 'pollute' the existence of a single community.
I appreciate this step by Sabaa Tahir and feel loved and cared for that I and people like me also have a stand in this world where even the existence of humanity is in question now. To be honest, these cobers are okayish and better covers could've been made WITH PoC representation but the step us worth appreciation and means a lot.Many people may not like the covers but it is important to people like me and cAn make a difference.
Here are the new covers and I think I know what my next read is going to be:

Tell me your opinions on the new covers? On this step taken by Sabaa Tahir? What do you think of them?

Me and Milo the Great

Book name: Me and Milo the Great

Author: Michelle Schlicher

Genre: Young Adult

Standalone/Series: Standalone

Publishing Date:  September 14th 2017

My Rating: ★★★★★

Goodready Blurb
My name is Holiday Sanchez. I carry a heavy burden.
But I'm not the only one.
There are others who know what it feels like to remember. Maybe they are the answer. Maybe we can help each other. Maybe I'll finally get past it.
Maybe it just takes time—and a little bit of magic.
Goodreads

My Review

“I guess you could say it was a bit like well… magic”

This line from the book actually defines it! It wasn't and harry potter magic but magic in the simple things that happen to us, which if had happened in a different way then  life won’t have been the way it is. That’s magic too, isn't it?!

This story is about a girl- Holiday Sanchez, who had a father- Stan, who was never her dad and her lovely mother Rita. Her life changed because of Stan’s craziness and now she suffers with anxiety and is afraid of interacting with people. But then she meets Milo the great- a Magician who brings magic in her life.
I LOVED THE BOOK! The plot was amazing and I loved the writing style. The writing was what you can call comfortable and easy and things just went on with the flow. Things were revealed slowly throughout the book and they seemed to be coming at the perfect time. It all made sense in the end and brought a genuine smile to my face thinking about this wonderful journey with life completely going out of hand and the healing. It was a roller-coaster of emotions for me, I cried and laughed and loved the characters and the book.

I really liked Holiday. Reading from her point of view didn't make me think that she was crazy at all but when I though as a third person I realized that’s what she would've looked to me like- crazy. She grew as a person throughout the book
Milo is soo cute. I just love him! You have to love him. He is like the perfect guy, why can’t there be people like him in the actual world!Also, I tried to think what might’ve been Stan’s reasons for doing what he did. I got some crazy ideas though none of them makes any sense.

This book makes you wonder. About life. About the people around you-Their life, Their pain, If they are also suffering.It also gives an insight in the life of an introvert, why are they so and if something happened to them to make them so(though some people are introverts nature wise also). I am much of a listener than a talker and am frank only with people I know. I could relate to the protagonist to an extent, not with the things that she endured but I just could. I feel like I am getting sidetracked from the review and talking about myself instead, but that’s just the way this book is! It makes you relate to the characters taking in account you can actually relate and in my case I could, not completely but to some extent, which was enough to get tears in my eyes.
It deals with the issue of terrorist attacks making you think about the families of the terrorists, who have to live with the guilt that their family members- father, brother etc. are destroying others families. Though its not their fault that they are born in that family or their parents take up such occupation.This is a book people should be reading, to make a difference and bring a change in the world. Everyone has problems and every person’s life takes turns but that doesn't mean we will harm others or try to inflict pain to others.

This book has a really deep meaning and everyone should read it. It had the perfect pinch of romance, suspense, heartbreak and the storyline was Mind-blowing!
 I will recommend it to everyone, it is a book the needs to be read to bring change in the world and make it a better place to live in!So grab your copy if you want to leave the world a better place than how you found it by doing your little bit- smiling and making others smile.