THE OTHER SIDE: Reader's Cosmos

Showing posts with label Reader's Cosmos. Show all posts

Book Review - Is It Maya?

Is It Maya? By Saikat Baksi is a crime thriller which is inspired by a real life event. The book is published by Frog Books of Leadstart Corp. I have received this book from Readers Cosmos as part of their Book Review Program.

Cover: Cover is covered with hint of crime and a women face probably depicting Maya the protagonist in the novel. It creates excitement which is much necessary to create thrill about this book.

Plot: Maya Mukhija a media tycoon and wife of another high profile personality David Mukhija is arrested by Mumbai Police for the murder of her sister whom police believed to be her daughter Veena. The high profile case was dealt by commissioner himself. Vivek a senior journalist who secretly love Maya from the childhood also interested in the case and believes that Maya is not the killer. Police on the other hand has received photographs of Maya disposing of Veena's body in the Raigarh forest. Emails which were send by Veena after her death also emerged from Maya's computer, she was also appeared to hate her relation with Ritvik son of David from his first marriage. All evidences pointed towards her. Her mysterious life history was also against her. Will police find more evidence to convict her? Will Vivek able to save her as he did previously for her without her knowledge? The plot full of twists and turns leads to a shocking climax.

Highs: The theme inspired by real life events which are still fresh in readers mind make it a worth read. Author has beautifully weaved the plot taking that event in mind and giving it a believable climax. Narration is also interesting and with right pace. The twists and turns in the plot always keeps you at the edge of your seat and made this an unputdownable read.

Lows: There is nothing to called as low but I feel flashbacks at some points stall pacy narrative and the fact that it is inspired from real life make it non-original plot.

Verdict: If you are fan of crime thrillers then you can't miss this one. It is how crime fictions should be written.

Rating: I would give it 4/5.

Book Review - Anya's Lyric

Anya's Lyric is written by Nikhil Kumar. It is a story about the journey of a girl with learning disability to find peace from the chaos of her life. I have received this book as a part of Book Review Program by Readers Cosmos.

Cover: Beautiful cover design. It is artistic and gives you a glimpse of scattered life of a girl in the form of leaves falling from the tree. The girl I imagine depicts Anya whose story is told in the book.

Plot: A girl is born to a postman with one hand as a result of love making with his wife on the day he lost his job for failing to deliver a letter because of his inability to read the address correctly. They named her Anya meaning different. She was a special child who understands things differently. When she was just eight years old, her father the man with the one hand discovered adultery of her mother and killed her. The story then has small stories or incidents experienced by her on course of her journey with her father. At the age of sixteen her father died and she fell on the trap of a prostitute racket. How she escape from there and how the chaos of her life ended makes the climax of the story.

Highs: I like the idea of not naming any character because the story is going on with the perspective of Anya who is slow in learning and has disability. The chapters written in an engrossing way. The confused state of mind of Anya is developed well with the story in a lyrical way.

Lows: The unconnected chapters creates confusion and it became really difficult to figure out what is happening in a particular chapter when something else has happened in the previous one. The story has no twist and turns. It is just a recollection of thoughts by the character named Anya. If we take book as a complete story you feel bored.

Verdict: Read to know how a male writer describes thoughts from a female's perspective.

Rating: I will give it 2/5.

Book Review : Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures

Monkeys, Motorcycles and Misadventures is a travelogue written by Harsha and published by Frog Books of Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd. It is a non fiction and I have received this book as part of book review program of Reader's Cosmos.

Cover : I didn't like the cover much as it not indicate to an adventures journey. Hanuman's picture is connected to the content along with other animals shown in the picture but it somehow fail to ignite curiosity to read.

Content: The book is about narrator's dream to follow Lord Hanuman's path which He took in search of Sita(according to Ramayana) from Hampi, Karnataka to Mahendragiri near Nagarcoil, Tamil Nadu and to Sri Lanka. He started this journey with his friends Sri and Sam his best friends who also accompanied him in his previous tours. This book is an account of this journey, their experience and author's retaining faith in humanity and God.

Comments: When I applied for reviewing this book I thought it would be interesting anecdotes of authors journey to Hanuman path but sadly it failed to impress me. The description of places is like reading a boring tour guide without any interesting tales to involve the readers to this book. There are instances in this book which have potential to be interesting but the writing style make them just plain description of events without any humor and adventure. At times it became difficult to continue further reading but since I have to review it I painfully read it till the last page. Although the Sri Lanka journey part was bit interesting than the first half of the book. I like many quotes given in the book and some conversations between author and his friends were also interesting but overall impact of the book is one word - Boring. Non-fictions should be engrossing with interesting anecdotes, humor or stories.

Verdict: Don't read if you are not interested in following the path taken by Hanauman to reach Sita through author because I am sure the path would be interesting otherwise. Read for some knowledge of places in South India and Sri Lanka.

Rating: I would only give it 1/5.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review : You Are The Best Wife

You Are The Best Wife is a memoir written by Ajay K Pandey for his wife. It is story of their love and how he lived his life after her sudden death. I received this book published by Srishti Publishers and Distributors from Reader's Cosmos.

Cover : Cover is nice actually more interesting than the story of this book. Picture of a man and woman meeting at hospital depicting the pain of separation. Pen at one corner is indication of his writing about his wife.

Plot : It is a true story which starts with Ajay's admission in IERT, Allahabad, he is from Rihand Nagar, Sonebhadra, UP who came to study in that institute. Here he met Bhavna Pradhan who was his classmate. It was love at first sight. They became good friends and Ajay started loving her, sensing similar feelings from her side he proposed her but she wanted only friendship with him. Their love grew gradually with course of time and it was then they decided to marry each other but only with parent's consent. Resistance came from Ajay's family due to their different castes but after some emotional drama by Ajay they were also ready for their marriage. After two years of successful marriage she suddenly died of Dengue leaving an incomplete wish behind. Story ends with Ajay's realization of true life and the lessons learned from it.

Note : It is difficult to review such a book which is so much emotionally connected to author's real life but here as a reviewer it is my duty to judge it as a love story book and point out its good and bad for readers.

Hits : The language is simple and easily understandable. The flow of the story is nicely maintained till the end. I also liked the message of the story i.e. 'To find happiness in the happiness of others.' There are few more inspirational quotes which I liked in the book.

Miss: The story is predictable. It is straight without any high points. By not writing about incidents of Ajay's visit to Bhavna's house during her sister's marriage and Bhavna's visit to Ajay's house during his sister's marriage writer has lost the opportunity of humor and romance during these occasions. It is not clear in the end what he learned from life and what he was doing after learning these lessons. He has tried to insert some funny lines or incidents which not came out the way he wanted and allegory used at some place are not in sync. If he would have connected the incidents of his life with situations of some movies the story would be more interesting.

Verdict : Read for Ajay's love for his wife Bhavna.

Rating : I would give it 2/5.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review : 35 and Sexless in Ahmedabad

35 and Sexless in Ahmedabad is written by Robin David and is published by Harper Collins India. I have received this book as part of Book Review program from Reader's Cosmos. It's a darkly comic story about a lonely man's quest for real connections. A mature subject suitable for adults only.

Cover: Cover depicts Anant's (protagonist of this story) nightmare a three leg dog and some other parts of his dream which is in sync with the story. Heart, girl's footwear and empty red couch justifiable to the title of the book.

Plot: Anant a photographer by profession lived alone in an apartment of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He left his father's home to become a photographer like Diana Arbus (American photographer) after an argument with him regarding his photography and remained disconnected from him for over a decade. He started experiencing nightmares of a three legged dog resulting in distraction from work leading to disturbed life. He tried to contact a psychiatrist to know reasons behind such nightmares but eventually found all answers from self realizations. The story gives you interesting anecdotes of Anant's life, his loneliness and his sex craving.

Highs: Its interesting how author easily switches between real and imagination of Anant's mind. The references to Diana Arbus, and other photographers and their style of photography to draw similarities or differences between situation's in Anant's life is commendable. The language of book is simple and narrative is in flow with the pace of the story.

Lows: The story ends where it starts it doesn't move forward from Anant's compartment i.e the book is static. There are instances where one feel for some twist in the tell but sadly it falls flat with no high points in the story. Sexual references at some places in the narrative are irrelevant.

Verdict: Anyone interested in knowing a lonely man's sexual desires should read it. Those interested in photography would learn a lot about it from this book.

Rating: I would like to give it 2/5.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review : Deliverance of Sarpa Meru

Deliverance of Sarpa Meru is written by Vadassery Thaiparambil Rakesh and is published by Partridge India. I have received this book from being part of the Book Review Program of Reader's Cosmos. The book claims to be a thriller set on the backdrop of modern,evolving energy wars and its repercussions on this side of the globe.

Cover : Although the art work by Mallika on the cover is good but for a book cover it is not attractive enough to seek reader's attention. It give a feel of snake monster as the villain or something which is not true for the book. The cover is unconnected to the story and if connected gives a wrong impression.

Plot: The plot is confusing and starts in a fantasy land. Sage Kshiprajyoti inhabited an island with his eleven disciples including a lady Tripu. They got control over their senses and started living naked on that island. When some disciples died , sage discovered an eight headed snake behind it whom he fought and turned into rock from which island got its name Sarp Meru. When Tripu became pregnant with a baby of a disciple of sage he left them to an unknown place. The story than describes inhabitant of islands Nightingle, Woodpeckers, Ostriches, Adi Gauravs , arrivals of Strokes and Vultures with little story of Lily, Jasmine and Rose who opened a restaurant in island after their failed relationships. The story took a drastic turn in the end with Indian army's military attack to bring back peace in the island.

Thriller : I liked the part of military action in the book. The sexual drive and some scenes related to it are well penned in the narrative.

Spoiler : The story is confusing as I mentioned in the plot. Reader don't understand what is happening in the book. Communities are highlighted more than the characters. Sudden mention of India and other world countries in a book which otherwise looked as if set in an ancient world is a let down. The story makes no sense for me. The narrative is more about libido of communities than about the story. If writer has tried attempting something different, then he has failed in his efforts for me.

Verdict : I would not like to recommend it to anybody because I have only completed a full read of the book for my commitment to review it. A confusing story which is boring.

Rating : I would give it 1/2 from 5.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review : The Secrets of The Dark

The Secrets of The Dark written by Arka Chakrabarti is first part of the series The Saga of Agni. This book is published by Shrishti Publishers and Distributors and I have received this book as a part of Book Review program by The Reader's Cosmos. The series is a fantasy fiction about adventures of Agni.

Cover : The cover justifies the title by depicting some dark figures signifying The Seven which were discussed in the book. It's an ordinary design and after reading the book I think this could be better if a picture of Agni surrounded by some shadows at the background of a burning ship would be there, anyways it is not a bad cover design.

Plot : There are two stories running simultaneously in the narrative which may connect in the next part:

Agni was an orphan found at sea shore by Briksha a merchant sailor and raised as King Adhirath's ward along with Prince Yani and Briksha's son Vrish. Agni loved Briksha's daughter Malini and wanted to marry her to experience the joy of a family he never had. She died along with her father at an accidental fire in their ship when Agni and Vrish were at festival of Trinetra in the city of Himadri at The Land of the Rising Sun. His last meeting with Malini on her death bed revealed that fire was not an accident but a planned act of killing. His search for truth lead him to discover his past and the motive of his birth. Agni and Vrish in journey full of dangers uncovers many secrets to know the reason behind Malini's death. Will they overcome all dangers to know the secret?
Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Leu in The Land of The Setting Sun was under threat from Beast's attack after the seat of king became empty because of ill health of King Crux who had only a daughter Princess Lysandra which according to the law of land is not entitled to become heir to the throne. The Lysandra known as warrior princess decided to have a war to regain their city than to give her kingdom easily to them. Will she win?

Thriller : How story unfolds in a captivating narrative is the highlight of the book. Author has beautifully created a new world and have made it believable in a fantastic way. You started thinking that such a land really exists and all of them, Darshana, King Arkansas, Mahaguru Sidak, Agni, etc are real characters. The suspense is maintained till the end and it unfolded naturally in the climax without extra efforts. The book is part of a series but where it finishes it completes a chapter properly and reader not feels that it is incomplete.

Spoiler : Malini was killed without exploring romantic side of Agni which further detaches reader from Agni's pain of her loss. I think the story of Kingdom of Leu shouldn't be there but told in next chapters. Here in this chapter it stops the flow of narrative and make this book a lengthy read.

Verdict : If you love adventure, if you love thriller, if you love suspense, if you love fantasy or if you just love reading a good fiction than this book is for you. A thrilling tale of an unknown world which looks believable.

Rating : I would give it 4/5.

I have read the second part much before the first part. The Book Review of second part : The Rise of Grey Prince.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review : Rise Of The Grey Prince

Book Review : The Saga of Agni - Rise of The Grey Prince

The Saga of Agni - The Rise of The Grey Prince is a fantasy fiction written by Arka Chakrabarti who is a tax consultant cum content writer. His debut novel was The Secrets of The Dark which was the first part of The Saga of Agni. It was published by Shrishti Publishers and Distributors. I have received this copy from Readers Cosmos as part of their Book Review Program.

Cover : Cover suits with the theme of the story. An image of a man looking like a monk but with face hidden in the dark ignite the curiosity in the reader about the character. The sword in the forefront and landscape in the background give a glimpse of Agni's weapon and the land of Gaya where the story is set.

Plot : It's plot can be divided into three parts:

Agni was going to The Land of The Setting Sun from The Land of The Rising Son to know about his destiny and to find his mother,he was lost in the thoughts of Malini whom he loved and who was killed in the first part. He was accompanied by Guru Sidak, Param and his best friend and Malini's brother Vrish.
Yani the prince of Himadri came to know of a secret about his past. He was keen to know about his past and was ready to do anything to know it and is also ambitious to become more powerful.
The rise of the Beast and Charvi's quest to know about the disappearance of her father.

How Agni reaches his desired destination ? How Yani reveals the secret of his past and Darshana? And other such questions were answered in this roller coaster ride.

Thriller : The speed of the narrative is apt for the kind of story. I liked the switching of scenes making narrative engrossing and attaching. The fantasy land came in front of your eyes with its description at each step. The action, drama and suspense is maintain artistically. Although I haven't read the first part but most of it became clear to me as the plot unfolded in this part.

Spoiler : Use of some terms and words is confusing. The story has not moved much. It's end is also abrupt as it,s not ending in a finishing note. Switching to different scenes looks interesting but at some place scenes are switched in haste leaving readers clueless about what has happened.

Verdict : If you loved fantasy fiction and want to roam in a land of adventures , you must read it and its better to read first part before reading it.

Rating : I would like to give 2/3.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review : The Recession Groom

The Recession Groom is written by Vani and published by Jufic Books of Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd. I have received this book from Readers Cosmos as part of Readers Cosmos Book Review Program. The book is a story of a Hindu Punjabi boy working in Toronto, Canada whose family is desperately searching for a bride for him.

Cover : A handsome boy in corporate suite with a garland of dollars in his neck perfectly suits the title. It not only hints that the story is related to marriage but also to the fact that the character is working in corporate office. Full marks for the cover.

Plot : Parshuraman who works in a multinational company Vezza in Toronto, Canada goes to India his home country for the project he was working on along with Jennifer Gomes his colleague who was also working in this project. On his visit to his home in Chandigarh, India he founds that his sister Ragini have arranged a proposal for him to marry. He didn't like that girl but his sister fixed his engagement with her. On his return to Toronto , he receives a call from his Aunt Parvati from San Jose, California,USA, she has also arranged a match for him. She liked that girl and everything was settled for their marriage. Meanwhile Jennifer also expressed her love for him which he rejected as he loved the girl Tara with whom his marriage was arranged. Suddenly due to recession he loses his job and everything changed. His marriage with Tara got cancelled. The twists and turns in his live finally give him a better job and a life partner whom he loves.

Boiler : The setting of characters is the boiling point of the story. Indian thinking about marriages is well expressed. It is real and connectable to the people in the Northern India. Aunt Paravati is a character easily available in this part of the world. Simple language makes it a easy read. The pace of the narration is maintained throughout in the narrative and at no single point it sinks to the level of boredom. The recession angle is nicely merged with the story.

Spoiler : The story is predictable and right from the very start I was aware of its end which disappointed me. Many dialogues,sentences and instances appear to me repetative. I also felt that the story is bit stretched.

Verdict : You will love the blend of business with the romantic tale. It is not at all boring and a must read for all those who love love stories.

Rating : I would give it 3/5.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review : Project S.A.I

Project S.A.I is written by Srinivas Gopal is a small book of 86 pages which is published by Frog Books of Leadstart Publishing Pvt.Ltd. Srinivasa Gopal completed his B.Tech from IIT-Madras & then went on to do his M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Regina, Canada, for which he even received the prestigious Governor General of Canada’s academic medal in 1992. Since then, he has worked for several leading multinational firms in India and in the U.A.E. I have received this book as part of Readers Cosmos Book Review program.

Cover : The faded image gives an impression of spirit or something supernatural which looks good. The small teddy bear at right hand corner somehow implies that this supernatural experience is related to this toy which seems different when we explore the book.

Plot : Sarangan and Lakshman lived with their wives in Namakkal. Lakshman left their village to study and work in the city leaving the family tradition behind. After years when his children grew up he realized that how he forget his rituals and traditions in the city life and even after successful life he couldn't rest as his duties for his children were not fulfilled. When he met his brother again after years they decided to repeat their family's Dipawali pilgrimage tradition which they haven't performed in years, Lakshman and his wife were unable to visit so they send their sons instead. Something happens on this journey which made Ananth the elder son of Lakshman to suggest Inspector Muthu to use the Ghost Machine he had developed with Raghav , this leads to Project S.A.I.

Thriller : The book is not lengthy and uses easy language which make it a quick read. Comparison between Sarangan and his family's village life to Lakshman and his family's city life is nicely gives the contrast between both the places and people.

Spoiler : Their are more bad things about this book than the good ones. The story lacks any motive except to fit his fantasy of Ghost Machine in the narrative without any solid purpose for it. The beginning of the story gives a different conception about the story than what it would end. The Project S.A.I which is the title of the story is not thoroughly explored. The story would be interesting and appealing if it would have started with discussions of Project S.A.I in the beginning and then revealing why it was discussed. I have also found many grammatical errors in the book.

Verdict : If you don't have something interesting to read or wants to finish a book in a day it is a good book. Otherwise it lacks directions and a proper story.

Rating : I would give it 1.5/5.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review : Rapescars

Rapescars is written by Gaurav Sharma a Mathematics teacher by profession. His first novel is Love @ Air Force. He also contributed a poem in The Essence of Eternal Happiness. Rapescars is published by Petal Publishers and I have received this book as a part of Readers Cosmos Book Review Program. This book is a story of an unusual revenge on her rapist by a rape survivor.

Cover : Cover design is nice and apt to the story. A rape victim putting fingers on her lips while the news of her rape has became a topic of debate on national media.A true reality of our society emerged from this cover.

Plot : Akriti a young college girl start loving a boy Raman Chaudhary who used to travel in the same bus which drop her to her college. After few casual glances Raman proposes her which began their relationship. She crosses all limits she decided for herself in his love and succumb to his advances of sexual relationship. After few sexual encounters he betrays her and invited his two friends to have sex with her. She was gang raped by them. The story then revolves around her fight of seeking justice and how she grew as a woman in her fight. It ends with her decision of an unusual revenge for her rapist.

Highs : The story is narrated by the girl who have faced this heinous crime thus perfectly highlights the psyche of a girl during her journey from being in love for the first time to the time she decides her fate. The court room trials are penned realistically one can easily feel the trauma of the victim and debate between defence and prosecution. The narrative is pacy which keep you to hold your seats till the end. Simple language and small chapters strengthen the grip of the plot.

Lows : The story take a downward turn near the end. The speed of the narrative slows down and you forgets that the narrator is a rape victim. Though I do believe in killing the crime and not the criminal even then I am unable to gulp the existence of such a perfect scenario to repent.

Verdict : A story which bring you face to face to the ferocity of rape and rape trials while highlighting the situation of victim's mind.

Rating : I would give it 3.5/5.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review : The Winner's Curse

The Winner's Curse is a political thriller about National ID Numbers, power and greed which is written by Dee Walker who is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and published by Srishti Publishers and Distributors. I have received this author signed copy from Reader's Cosmos.

Cover : Cover lacks intriguing quality. Though the picture of a metro city and some hint of computer language points out at the involvement of technology and engineering which is clarified by the tag line ' A political thriller about national ID numbers, power and greed'. The voyage of secrets,betrayal,trust and crime you are going to experience in the book is not revealed with the cover.

Plot : The story is mainly revolves around Harsh Mittal a multi billionaire businessman enjoying patronage of the Master of the Popular Party Zoon Draboo. The Master wants to control the politics of India and regain majority in the coming elections with the help of Harsh who was an orphan whose destiny allowed him to study and conquer the IIT. Harsh is ready to do anything for his Master without asking anything in return and he did so with help of some old friends and foes. But the Master has some other plans to acquire his Guru Dakshina from Harsh.. What is he planning for Harsh? How Harsh fulfill his master's dream? Business rivalries, old friendships, money, power, ideals and conscience all are at stake in this thriller.

Thriller : Introductions of characters is superbly done in this book with pointing at commandments out of Ten Commandments suitable for that particular character. First a hint of the character and then description of the background in a separate chapter have made these characters realistic and for readers it becomes easier to understand their psyche. The power game in business and politics showed beautifully. Reading abusing Hindi language felt bad but again it was important for character building in some scenes.

Spoiler : The climax. Nothing hurts more than loose climax. The story which was taking turbulent turns with each passing page fell to a low in climax. It wasn't in haste but in laziness. I was expecting public uproar, News Now debating about heroism of few characters, nationwide demand for hanging the culprit,etc. Their are also some possibilities of love angles which was ignored in it.

Verdict : Read to know how governments can exploit us by infringing our privacy and to affirm that Truth always triumphs.

Rating : I would recommend it as one time read and would give 3/5.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Book Review : Six Teen Mistakes - The Waxing Moon

Six Teen Mistakes - The Waxing Moon is a romantic fiction written by Nikhil Kushwaha and published by Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd. I have received this book as a part of Book Review program from The Reader's Cosmos. This is writer's debut novel having glimpses of his own life.

Cover : Cover page with a shadow of a girl and a boy is enough to have an idea of romantic story you are going to read. But as you look at the back page a poem in remembrance of a loved one and a shadow of a lonely boy hints at their incomplete love.

Plot : First of all I want to make it clear that this book is only half the story and to read the complete story you will have to wait for the second part. This part starts with narrator's claiming himself as DILM (Deficiency in Intelligence, Luck and Money ) while narrating his teenage life to a girl named Priya at Puri Beach in Orissa where they both appeared for the first phase counselling of JEE. He then describes his teenage life after when he joined the Kendriya Vidhyalaya in 11th standard. How he make new friends? How he involved in some immoral practices? His love at first sight? The separation with that girl and then finding true love in another girl. Will his second attempt at love was a success? The story ends with many unanswered questions about his unfinished love story and about that girl who made him realize true love.

Boilers : The high points of this book is small poems weaved in between the story giving a unique style to the narrative. All teenage characters are believable and you can easily finds them in today's school or perhaps experienced them in your own school life. Simple language and fast narrative make it engrossing. The writer is not judgemental about any character and that's what give you liberty to have your own opinions about the characters and the story. Being a Bollywood movie buff myself I also liked the movie references and one liners from them. It is a complete masala kind of a novel.

Spoilers : Writer seems influenced by Bollywood movies and specially Shahrukh Khan. Sharing story with a stranger (Anjana Anjani ), experiencing presence of beloved after death ( Mohabbatein), preserving tear drop (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai ), believing in true love and waiting for someone special (Dil To Pagal Hai). These and many such instances in the story reminds you of Hindi movies. Story would have been better if based in college than school for the kind of freedom they are getting there. Incompleteness is also a setback.

Verdict : Read for a feel of youthfulness,energy and for the poems weaved in between the narrative. Specially recommended for Hindi movie buffs.

Rating : I would give 3/5.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"

Spotlight: Fraudster

Title: Fraudster

Author: R V Raman
Category: Fiction

Publisher: Hachette
Date: 2014
Price: Rs. 250
Pages: 272

ISBN: 9350098008

Fraudster : The Story of Corporate India’s Black Sheep:

Fraudster is a suspense thriller from R. V. Raman set in the world of corporate finance.

Summary of the Book

Some people will do anything to silence anyone they think are obstacles. They won’t stop at anything, not even murder. In this thrilling novel, a young banker deposes before a commission investigating large-scale financial fraud. She is found dead the very next day. Meanwhile, a leader of corporate India falls to his death from his South Bombay flat. In a multinational accounting firm, the high-security server room is hacked. The hackers want more than just company secrets. Illegal finance, high-profile crimes and brutal manipulation combine in this tale of greed, treachery and corruption amidst corporate India’s worst members.

About R. V. Raman

R. V. Raman is an Indian writer and the former head of KPMG's Consulting Practice and the co-head of their Risk Advisory Services. He was also partnered with A.T. Kearney and Arthur Andersen, and boasts an experience of over three decades and covering four continents. Currently a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Management, Trichy, he teaches Business Strategy. He is based in Chennai and this is his first book.

Copies Available at all online stores:

Flipkart: http://www.flipkart.com/fraudster-story-corporate-indias-black-sheep-english/p/itmdzwremrxkzpga?pid=9789350098004&otracker=from-search&srno=t_1&query=fraudster+by+RV+Raman&ref=aa380f32-7bd9-474b-9aec-6be0feaa924b

Amazon: http://www.amazon.in/Fraudster-Story-Corporate-Indias-Black/dp/9350098008/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415539773&sr=8-1&keywords=fraudster+by+RV+Raman

Infibeam: http://www.infibeam.com/Books/fraudster-r-v-raman/9789350098004.html#variantId=P-M-B-9789350098004

Know More Inside Stories, Connect with The Author:

Twitter: RVRaman_

Read the book? Write a review on Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22585967-fraudster

This is a spotlight feature for Reader's Cosmos of Fraudster by R V Raman. My Review here

Book Review - Fraudster

Fraudster is a suspense thriller set in the world of corporate finance written by R.V. Raman who was the former head of KPMG's consulting and the co-head of their Risk Advisory Services. He was also partnered with A.T. Kearney and Arthur Andersen, and boasts an experience of over three decades and covering four continents. Currently a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Management, Trichy, he teaches Business Strategy. He is based in Chennai and this is his first book. This book is published by Hachette India and I have received this book from reader's cosmos as part of their book review program.

Cover : The cover reminded of Aamir Khan in the poster of Dhoom - 3 but there is no such connection in it. But yes the connection with bank is common in the story but in different way. The man's shadow here at the cover is signifying a fraudster looking at Mumbai as his target. The gun in his hand indicates his intentions of killing anybody who came in between his goals and ambitions to make money.

Plot : A girl named Shruti Mathur who was fired by her bank after she deposes before a commission investigating large - scale financial fraud and found guilty of negligence in duty. Before police gets some clues about her death, one of the member of commission investigating the fraud Mr. Visht also died. Detective Inspector Ranade of Mumbai Police investigates the case as some more deaths, assaults, attacks, bomb explosions were waiting for him. The people related to Visht and his secrets faced danger of their lives as Ranade further investigates to finally grab the fraudster and reveals his plan. A fast paced thriller about illicit finance take you to the world of corporate finance full of money, deceit, corruption, fraud and the fraudster where you will keep on guessing the culprit behind all these scams and murders.

Thriller : Being his first book , R V Raman has kept it simple without confusing the plot with sub plots within the main story. Yet he remained hooked to the thrill and suspense till the end and a reader has so many suspects to doubt before the real revelations. His knowledge of banks and financial corporations gave a touch of reality to the plot. He didn't tried to bring lust and sex unnecessarily in the narrative as most of thriller genre writer practice these days. Also I liked that story is inspired by real frauds happened in political and financial circles recently which make it real and acceptable for the readers.

Spoiler : The financial angle is bit confusing, common reader finds it hard to grasp it in one read. I think details of that level are not necessary for the narrative. There are so many men and women but no romantic angle, no relationships, this lack of love angle appears missing to me.

Rating: This is a real thriller strictly dealing with suspense which you must read. I will give 3/5 to it.

"This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. To get free books log on tothereaderscosmos.blogspot.com"