Book Review : The Secrets of The Dark

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:

1. 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?
2. 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"

Good Bye Chacha Kalam!

Good Bye Chacha Kalam!

Hasti hui surat teri sabno bhari aankhein,

 tujhse mili har seekh har dum yaad rahegi

Smile on your face, dream in your eyes,

We will remember always your each advice.

Chacha or Uncle is used after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam or A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for being the only person after him who loved and cared for children. Mr Kalam who died last night (27.07.2015) was as inspirational in life as in death. He wished to die while working among the young generation which was granted by the almighty as he died while delivering a speech among students of IIM Shillong. 

I remembered him as the president who changed the way we looked at that office. Before he became President (11th President of India), this office was merely a decorative position granted under constitution to replace the Governor General position of British India. He chose this place to become closer to the people of India. He didn't sit in office to enjoy the comforts of presidency but visited different parts of the country to interact with students and public thus to impart in them his vision of India of the future. He always remained active for the cause of children's education which he believed is the first step towards change. He wrote many books which are inspirational and motivational. He was a pioneer in developing missile technology in India. He was the brain behind the Agni, Trishool and other such missiles we have with our army that's why he is also known as Missile-Man. 

The news of his sudden demise was shocking and painful at the same time. May Allah grant him the best place in the heaven. Although his lost is irreparable for the country but the legacy he left behind in the form of his works, his books and his life is an example of positiveness for all of us which will continue to instill hope and energy in the generations to come. He was also the best example of communal unity as he even practiced Hindu rituals in spite being a Muslim. I used to say him as 'The Einstein of India' for his looks. He was a simple man who believed in practice and not privilege. Good Bye Chacha Kalam may the journey to the heaven would be as satisfactory for you as the journey of your life. 

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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"