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?