God is a Gamer - Ravi Subramanian: A Review

This book is woven around one of the most controversial crypto currencies of our time - BITCOIN. Bitcoins allow you to make a secured money transaction without exposing yourself and remaining anonymous online. This book battles the good and evil side of this crypto-currency in form of a thriller ride which leave you craving for more.

Aditya runs a gaming company Indiscape with the help of Sundeep. Indiscape is struggling as they are unable to replicate the success they had with their flagship online game, in their upcoming venture Townsville. They fail to understand the gamer's psychology, to make it short. He also heads the tech company eTios which provides a critical support to various banking firms of the country, especially NYIB - New York International Bank. While the chairman of NYIB Malvika slips off a highrise building and commits suicide, FBI is busy investigation a big shot crime in US of someone who has links with the POTUS. The finance minister of India gets caught in this turmoil and it looks as if it is an open and shut case. While the FBI was busy with their investigation, a terrorist group unleashed havoc in America which sends the FBI on a wild goose chase to catch the person behind the admins of Cotton Trail (a fictional version of the real life Silk Road, an online market operated as a Tor hidden service, such that online users are able to browse it anonymously and securely without potential traffic monitoring). They discovered that this black market website is fueled by Bitcoins. Aditya’s son Varun enters the scene as a genius who knows the in and out of the online gaming industry and turns Indiscape’s figures upside down before another disaster strikes the company. Meanwhile, the FBI investigators plunge headlong into the shady world of Bitcoins and the Dark Net, where websites like Cotton Trail exist for illegal transactions—drugs, sex and weapons. This brings the FBI to Mumbai where this book gets a few more unexpected twists and ends in a killer way which leaves you craving for more.

The book gets you hooked and makes sure that no page is left unturned. The author leaves clues all along which makes you guess the mastermind, until you encounter a new twist which takes the story to a whole new level. Kudos to the author. The writing style is new as each chapters last for 2-3 pages and cover places all over the globe. Sensitive topics pertaining to cyber-crime have been dealt well and the author has made sure to simplify things to spread awareness among the general masses as this book is really close to reality – The things mentioned can happen!

Who's got the poker face? Who's the mastermind? What will happen to eTios, Indiscape and NYIB? Will FBI be able to unravel the mystery behind the Dark Net and catch the admins of Cotton Trail?

And above all who is Satoshi Nakamoto - the founder of Bitcoin?

Read God is a Gamer to know more.

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English Bites by Manish Gupta: Book Review

English Bites is a completely novel way of learning English and improving your vocabulary. Manish Gupta has taken a completely different approach which I had never come across before. He has weaved 1000+ words around his story - The struggle and determination to improve his English which was an essential part for shaping his career.
 
Each chapter of the book represents a phase in his life which he narrates in a humorous fashion and not just combines it with some lessons in English, but also presents various interesting facts. This book is definitely a fun way of learning English and I recommend you to give it a shot and I am sure it won't just improve your vocab, but also there will be times when you will see yourself rolling on the floor laughing when you will read some gems hidden in this book. 

According to the author this book can be used by candidates of CAT/GRE/XAT/GMAT, those who wish to develop a better command over English, and any language enthusiast. Personally, I feel it should be read by everyone as it is definitely worth the time you spend on it and you will definitely end up gaining something in return.

Looking forward to his next release.

Compass Box Killer

'Akurle is just the first to die.
To find out who is next, find me first.'

One muggy afternoon in Mumbai, a senior police officer is found murdered at his desk. When Inspector Virkar from the Crime Branch arrives at the scene, he finds a cryptic note that spills out of a student’s compass box. Then begins a series of killings and in each, a tell-tale compass box reveals more clues.

Accompanied by the attractive, ambitious TV reporter, Raashi Hunerwal, Virkar has to race against time to catch the killer before the bodies pile up. As the investigation shuttles from Mumbai to Khandala to Belgaum, Virkar is taken deep into a labyrinth of backroom deals that lead to shocking revelations about the ruthless killer’s motives. Slick plot twists and high-adrenaline action mark the story where Virkar finally confronts the killer himself.

Piyush Jha's films are noted for the unconventionality of the subject matter and treatment. For instance, Chalo America is about young college boys and emigration. Similarly, Sikandar has young teenagers as the leads, while King of Bollywood has a British Documentary filmmaker through whose eyes the story unfolds.

Similarly, his book also unfolds the story in a rather unconventional manner. It is a remarkable crime thriller story set with Mumbai as its backdrop, but I felt it lacked depth in the plot/characters/emotions. It is a fascinating read, but it won't leave you craving for more. None of the characters are so well developed to make you fall in love with them, except Inspector Virkar who is tough, daring and relentless in his pursuit of justice, a policeman one wishes every city had.




**SPOILER BEGINS**

I wish the author had spent some more time on refining his work emotionally by sharing some more flashback sequences showing the development of bond between Tracy and Hari. That way the readers might have connected to Hari emotionally to understand his feelings.

**SPOILER ENDS**



It is fast paced and gripping one time read.
You can definitely visualize the entire story unfolding in front of you as a Mumbaistan movie.
 

The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve.

Book Review: Shoes of the Dead

Journalist Kota Neelima has delivered a powerful political novel in the form of 'Shoes of the Dead'. It is a chilling parable of modern day India, featuring characters that readers don't encounter too often - greedy money lenders, farmers burdened by debt, unscrupulous middle men, corrupt doctors and district collectors struggling to work. Also we encounter the big city journalists, the well heeled academics and the smooth-talking politicians.

The story begins with the death of Sudhakar Bhadra who kills himself over-burdened by debt due to successive crop failures. The powerful district suicide comittee of Mityala routinely dismisses the suicide and refuses compensation to his widow. Gangiri Bhadra, his well educated brother, makes it his life's mission to bring justice to the dead by influencing the committee to validate similar farmer suicides. His own personal life is full of crisis where he is barely able to feed Padma, his brother's widow, and her two children two square meals a day. Fully determined he comes up with a plan and soon commitee members turn to vote for suicide due to debt. While he treads on this path, the readers come across some harsh realities of rural India like poor healthcare. Dr. Hemant Rao who has his own dark side where he cheats the hospital by stealing medicines and faking innovices in order to treat the poor farmers for free.

Keyur Kashinath of the Democratic Party is the MP from Mityala and son of Vaishnav Kashinath, a veteran politician. He never visits his constituency and inherits his father's power in Delhi politics. He believes that owing to his lineage it is his divine right to rule and forgets the people's right to rule. He faces his first crisis when every suicide in his constituency certified by the committee as debt-related turns out to be a blot on the party's image and his competence. Meanwhile Nazar Prabhakar, a journalist, comes up with his article "Mityala MP should quit if farmer suicides continue: Demand Voters, seek relief measures" which forces Keyur to visit his constituency.

The brilliant farmer battles his inheritance of dispair, the arrogant politician fights to keep his inheritance of power. The two worlds collide in a conflict that pushes both to the limits of morality, from where there is no turning back. And in the end, there can be only one winner.

This well researched novel surely gives readers a deeper understanding of the complexities at the heart of this nation and brings up the issue very well.
A must read!

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RIP by Mukul Deva

'Rang De Basanti' stirred the nation when a group of youngsters felt helpless and pledged to change the system.
'A Wednesday' carried a similar tinge where a simple common man emerged as a role model for new India.

Mukul Deva’s RIP is a similar saga which twists some real life Indian characters, including corrupt politicians, to present us a battle for a clean system. But this time the rain-makers aren't youngsters or the common man. But a bunch of ex-para commandos who wear this mantel for a great cause – The benefit of their nation. They remind me of Batman – a silent guardian who is brave and methodical.

They call themselves the K-Team, as all their names start with K - Colonel Krishna Athawale, Major Karan Singh, Major Kevin David, Major Kashif Nadeem, Major Kamlesh Saikia and Major Kulwant Singh Bajwa. They methodically plan how to kill the corrupt without even letting him realise it. The description is so vivid and grotesque that it leaves you hooked till the entire operation per target is executed. The death of these corrupt politicians and bureaucrats at the hands of these messiah of the people, shakes the very roots of the government whose each and every corrupt minister, the Home Minister, wants to avoid himself from coming face to face with these Resurgent Indian patriots, who have woken up to save their motherland.

Vinod Bedi, Special Director CBI, wants to capture the K-team as these people are going against the law posing as the harbingers of justice. Also a rogue para commando, Raghav Bhagat, is leading his own team under the chaperon of the Home Minister to hunt down the K-Team.

This book is highly inspired by real life incidents and scandals like the 2G scam and the Jessica Lal murder. We come across some familiar characters like Arvind Hazarika who is none other than ? I will leave it up to you to guess ;)

Overall the book is very gripping and at times touching too. Motivating you to do something about the present state of our country. The language used is very casual so that you can get the feel out of the story.

After reading this book, definitely you will ponder what Lincoln once said – “Of the people, by the people, for the people.” The power of changing your country lies in your hands so stop criticizing and start acting just like Gandhi one said – “Be the change you want to see around yourself.”

A power-packed book and an awesome read. Do check it out!

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The Edge of the Machete : Review

After his first book of The Taliban Conundrum Trilogy, 'The Eye of the Predator', the senior anchor/deputy editor of Aaj Tak, Abhisar Sharma, who also won the Ramnath Goenka Indian Express award, introduces us to yet another scintillating tale - The Edge of the Machete.

The story opens with a CIA operative, Jason, being executed in front of the camera by a machete yielded by Aamir Sherzai, the 21 year old whiz-kid of Tehreek-e-Taliban, the Pakistan wing of the Taliban. He is as gruesome as he looks, with flowing, curly hair reaching his shoulders, wispy beard and eyes sharply narrowed down at the edge of his nose.

Eduardo Gomez, thirty-two, six feet three inches. Athletic and boastful of his six packs is the best kickboxer in the CIA. He was also Jason's dear friend. After seeing Jason's execution he pledges to eliminate Aamir. He assumes a new identity - Sarfaraz Khan and comes up with a deadly plan in order to infiltrate the enemy camp 'The Beast' in Khyber. But soon he has to face a struggle between Ed and Sarfaraz inside himself, as more and more people start idolizing him as the terrorist who dared to attack the CIA upfront.

Meanwhile we are introduced to another person in The Beast, Shaun Marsh aka Shahid Khan who has his own dark past tracing back to Margalla Detention centre, Pakistan and the Belmarsh prison, London. His destiny finally leads him to The Beast as fate had something big in store for him which will change his life forever.

A newly wed Indian reporter Rahul Sharma, is held hostage within the walls of the Beast. Shaun is given the responsibility to befriend him first and then behead him. But a sudden twist and you see a gripping link between Shaun and Rahul which turns both their lives upside-down.

I won't reveal the fate of these three, but you can surely read this page turner to find it yourself.

It is a thrilling tale which portrays the psychology of characters very well. A gloomy environment is maintained throughout the book which keeps the reader in the darkness and mystery unaware of the sudden twist that might come in the tale. Abhisar Sharma has surely done a very fine job in taking us on this thrilling journey.

Eagerly waiting for his third book 'The Dark Side of me'. 

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Gandhi and Churchill: Arthur Herman

`Frankly, if you had to choose the greater man between Gandhi and Churchill, 
there's no contest.'

A.A. GILL

Two men, born five years and four thousand miles apart, meet once when both are unknown. Then they go their separate ways and become two of the most revered figures of the 20th century. From time to time they pass each other as they pass through history, each bent on his own course. otherwise they find very different destinies. One saves his country and secures victory in the greatest war the world has ever known. The other cajoles a mighty nation into giving up its most prestigious possession and unearths the most populous democracy on earth. That is the usual story of Gandhi and Churchill as portrayed by historians, biographers and even filmmakers.

But it is not the whole story.

Historian Arthur Herman has written a well researched book that achieves an extraordinary balance in weighing two mighty protagonists against each other. It is a dual biography to be more precise. The first one I have read in my life. The lives of the two characters have been interwoven beautifully contrasting their qualities and loyalties. They emerge, from time to time, as large sized and leave a profound impression on you.

On one hand there is a modest Mohandas Gandhi born in rural India, who mastered law in London, fighting for independence of India from British Raj. Whereas his contemporary, political arch-enemy, Churchill’s basic point of view in his imperial capacity was that “India” was an abstraction; without British rule, it was a heterogeneous continent made up of peoples who would otherwise be at each other’s throats. Both led their own crusade to change the world, but history stayed on its steady oblivious course, despite their efforts to propel it towards:
In Gandhi's case, to a world without violence or exploitation.
In Churchill's, to a British Empire blossoming into a robust union of english-speaking peoples.

Still, both men had left a permanent mark on their age and a lasting legacy for future generations. They have inspired millions to shape their own destiny.

Herman has definitely penned down a vivid portrait of the greatest story of the 20th century.

The great ship is sinking in the calm sea.

Winston Churchill, 1946

If India wants her blood bath she shall have it.

Mohandas K. Gandhi, 1946

Great By Choice: Jim Collins & Morten Hansen

"People write how they became an extremely successful entrepreneur, 
but only Jim Collins can teach you how to become one." 

In "Great By Choice", Jim Collins and Morten Hansen unravel the secret behind becoming "Great". If you are wondering "luck" plays a role in it, then by the time you finish the last chapter you will realize that the secret mantra is actually your "Choice".

The book begins with the story of Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott’s attempts to reach the south pole. While Amundsen accomplished his goal, Scott’s attempt ended in a disaster. Collins builds on this story and connects to the readers by unraveling his secret of success. As you read further, you notice that, Amundsen displayed all the attributes of companies that thrive in chaos: "Fanatic Discipline," "Empirical Creativity" and "Productive Paranoia." That's the reason why he wasn't waiting for luck, rather he used to prepare every moment so that when luck knocks at his door - he is ready.Scott, on the other hand left himself unprepared and later on complained in his journal about his bad luck.

This books presents an extensive research done by Collins, which he presents in an interesting way. Taking 2 companies belonging to the same industry, pitched against each other. Where one thrives, the other does not. This book seeks an answer to 'why?'. Probably one of the reasons why subtitle of the book says: “Uncertainty, chaos, and luck why some thrive despite them all.”
The author entirely focuses on figuring out an answer to that single question, backed by tremendous amount of research and analysis, beautifully woven into a page turner. Instead of presenting the data bluntly, the author has figured out certain pragmatic principles which the reader can apply not just in his enterprise, but also his life.

Some of these pragmatic principles or ideas make up very interesting chapters of the Book:

10Xer
They are the ones we aspire to be one they. Level 5 leaders with fanatic discipline, empirical creativity, productive paranoia. They never blame their luck. Making most out the good ones and learning from the bad ones. They keep striving for success, no matter what comes in thier way.

20-Mile March
This shows us how important in life is consistency. Be it a good day or bad you need to move ahead, marching 20 miles every day on a trip, rather than worrying about the entire distance. This is what drives a 10X company, their consistency to go on and on.

Fire bullets, then cannonballs
This part was my favourite from techno-managerial point of view. The idea is to innovate first with small experiments(bullets) rather than launching big initiatives (cannonballs). This is something close to business calibration  Instead of exposing the cards in your hand, you make calculative moves to rise above your competitors. The role played by innovation is also discussed to point out that, although these 10X companies were usually first among competitors to innovate, it also took much more than pure innovation for them to outperform their peers. The idea is to not only innovate, but also to execute extremely well, as very well stated by Intel's slogan "We Deliver" (although they have an advance R&D Lab).

Leading above the death line
We are introduced to the concept of "productive paranoia" which exists in the 10Xers. The are prepared for all situations with backup plans to ensure that they survive no matter what. You may call it fear, but this fear gives an impetus to ensure their business remains well above the death line.

SMaC
Develop a specific, methodical, and consistent recipe, and relentlessly execute it. it minimizes mistakes that can amplify bad luck events. It helps in hindering bad luck to disrupt your plans.

The authors deliver the most inspiring passage in the Epilogue:
"The best leaders we've studied maintain a paradoxical relationship to luck. On one hand, they credit good luck in retrospect for having played a role in their achievements, despite the undeniable fact that others were just as lucky. On the other hand, they don't blame bad luck for failures, and they hold only themselves responsible if they fail to turn their luck into great results..."

Overall, this book is not good, but great. Do catch it out!

The Bankster

In Angola, a covert CIA agent is about to exchange weapons for blood diamond.
In Kerala, an elderly man will do whatever it takes to fulfil a promise made to a dying son.
In Mumbai, an international bank is stunned by the mysterious deaths of its key employees.
These three lines written on the back cover were sufficient to raise my curiosity in 'The Bankster' written by Ravi Subramanian.

It is a fast paced thriller with interwoven stories involving some of the most intricate characters. The primary setting is The Greater Boston Global Bank (GB2) of Mumbai which is shaken when it employees are found dead under strange circumstances. On the surface it appears as if it is an accident or a suicide, but on delving deeper we realise that these are gruesome homicides. The police is clueless and the motive appears unclear.
Who is to blame?
Who is driving these intriguing and bone chilling murders?

In the same office a young and pretty RM, Zinaida, is climbing up the corporate ladder. Beating targets by fetching several high portfolio clients.
Is it just merit or something else is cooking up in GB2?
When Karan Panjabi tries to unfold this case he realizes the case isn't just about a few murders, but it is a global conspiracy with far reaching implications - a secret that could destroy not only the bank but cast a shadow on the entire nation. He is running out of time and trusts only Kavya while he uncovers the truth and a connection you couldn't even imagine.

In Devikulam, Krishna Menon is fighting against the government nuclear project TNPP. He claims it is unsafe and wants the government to take proper measures. Jaya comes to his aid and along with him comes both financial and scientific backing which helps Krishna in his fight for a cause. But soon this fight turns ugly which pushes Krishna into dilemma through which there is just a single way to escape.

The style is simply gripping and filled with plenty of twists and turns which will keep you hooked till the end. Ravi Subramanian has surely justified what the Wall Street Journal said - 'Meet the John Grisham of banking.' His portrayal of the banking system and the employees, hits the bull's eye. The dark mystery surrounding the global organisation is evident throughout the tale.

Totally worth a read if you love a thriller based on Indian setting!
Thankyou Blogadda!
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The Fountainhead

If you have the passion for pure creation,
and the urge to drive the wheel of mankind ahead,
they say :
you are arrogant,
you are not listening to the masses,
you are an egotist.

But these so called second-handers do not realise that one man's ego is the fountainhead of human progress!

The Fountainhead revolves around this idea and is divided into four parts based on its four primary characters, unfolding them in great detail:
>Peter Keating
>Ellsworth Mokoton Toohey
>Gail Wynand
>Howard Roark

From the very beginning it is quite evident that Toohey and Roark are in a conflict. Toohey, a highly influential person believes in driving the masses in any direction he deems fit. He idolises Keating, a mediocre architect, as the face of modern architecture so as to stop Roark, the real face. Soon this egoistic battle enters the courtroom and you witness one of the most remarkable dialogues. An urealistic tale, yet so realistic.

A must read if you think :
you are a creator,
you are an innovator,
you are the fountainhead of human progress.  

Ashwin Sanghi - 'The Krishna Key'

Two months back I read the preview chapters of 'The Krishna Key'.

I wasn't excited.

Neither gripped.

Neither shaken,

Nor surprised.

All I knew was that a wave was on its way, ready to engulf me. Each day longing to grab a copy of this book. Little did I know those preview chapters were just the shore-line, beyond it lay, a vast ocean ready to be explored.

My review is divided into two parts. It is so as to give you the best perspective and analysis. I recommend you to read the part to which you belong.

If 'The Krishna Key' happens to be the first book of this author you are about to read

This is the third book by Ashwin Sanghi. His previous two books 'The Rozabal Line' and 'Chanakya's Chant'   had bowled me over completely. His writing style can be correlated to 'Time Travelling'. The author keeps juggling you back and forth in time. At one instance you are in the battlefield, a few pages later you will find yourself in a lecture room, then you are back again in a kingdom. This style has inspired me a lot and this is one of the reasons which make this book a page turner.

Believe me, it is a page turner. I am a voracious reader and it took me just 9 hours to complete the entire book (464 pages of content). I was so busy flipping pages that I skipped my dinner.

To begin with, the essence of the book is a single mythological character 'Krishna'. You realize it as soon as you progress. A fast paced thriller is based on exploring certain facts : 

Was the eight avatar of Vishnu really a myth ? 

The history we know is it truly true ?

Mahabharata : Is it just an epic to pass down values through generations or the events actually took place ?  

What about kalki and the divine 'brahmastra' ?

And several other questions which will ponder in you mind even after you complete the saga.

Sounds boring, huh.

Nope it isn't.

After all you are not reading a book on mythology. It is a thriller.

The entire event is triggered by a serial killer who takes you on a journey, slowly uncovering his secret.

A historian Ravi Mohan Saini is caught in between the web of murders of his associates.

Priya is a PhD student under Saini who is willing to go to any extent to help him out.

Radhika , an ideal cop who takes up this case.

Few more characters[ including an IITian Nuclear Physicist :) ] and a dark secret which finally ends with some soul searching.

Filled with scientific correlations. Lots of illustrations.

A time comes when you encounter a sudden twist, midway (around page 233). 

Pairon ke neeche se zameen hi khisak jayegi!

It is a true delight to read.Go grab your copy today !

Continue reading if you have already gone through other works of Ashwin Sanghi

I am a die hard fan of his previous work 'Chanakya's Chant'. 

'The Rozabal Line' has the best time traversing narration style I have ever come across.

'Key' is good, but surely not his best work. After reading the 'Chant' I had enormous expectations from the author. He drew correlations back and forth, but they were too scientific and at times drag. Somehow I felt that a human touch was missing as it was evident in the 'Chant'. It was great to see his cool trademark crypts like 'La Sara Kali' of Rozabal. The conclusion seemed to be open ended, maybe intentional, leaving a future scope to build over it. But, after reading 'Chant' I surely expected a better ending. 

Anyways it was an awesome read ! 

-Blogged after reading 'The Krishna Key' the second time. Do put your feedback below :)
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The story of Ravana and his people

I just finished the final chapter and took a deep breath.
For past few weeks I had been spending some time reading Asura - Tale of the Vanquished.

It took me weeks because the whole concept of the book was so deep that after every chapter I used to wonder for hours questioning myself, what I have been told since my childhood, was it the truth ?

It is the story of a simple boy, who faced poverty, hunger and various other hardships.
It is the story of a man , who was brave and ambitious;
who loved his country and his people; and who defined his rights in his own way.

Death Note amused us not because of the struggle between L and Kira,
but the fact that they were both right in their own ways.
When Pain took down Naruto, deep down in our heart we all knew, even if Pain was wrong, 
his philosophy was right somewhere down the line.

So in this book I met this simple boy who turned into an ambitious warrior named Ravana.
The author never glorified him, still he was the star in the eyes of his people.
Many a times he was wrong like any ordinary man, still his subjects respected him.

The story behind the origin of dashamukha was presented in such a fashion,
I wondered if we all have a Ravan rooted somewhere inside us.

But, the most striking thing was the parallel story of a common man named Bhadra. The way in which he evolved definitely left mark. We all hear about kings and their values, but what about a common man who even at that time had to struggle for a piece of meal and who would willingly die even for a glass of wine. I was mesmerized by this ordinary man who did some extraordinary feats in this journey of the rise and fall of the Asuras.

A must read :
If you are rational,
If you want to hear the other side of the story,
and if you have the ability to question yourself - Who is wrong and who is right !

Check it out here !

Today, he is a God. 4000 years ago, he was just a man.

Previously : A man whom legend turned into a God !

Well Bose and I couldn't resist getting the sequel to The Immortals of Meluha. The first book ended abruptly in midst of a battle which was a clever strategy deployed by the author. But this sequel was worth a shot.
The  Shiva Trilogy 2: The Secret of The Nagas came with a expanded map of India showing us the territory of the "evil" Nagas.

Rarely one comes across a sequel better than its predecessor. And this book can be surely counted as one of them. Every line of the book catapaults into opening a new secret.
Generally a book opens up with the author thanking his family and friends. This one opened up in a similar manner The lines were so few, but they sunk deep inside my heart ..

Unlucky are those who search the seven

seas for paradise

Fortunate are those who experience the only heaven

that truly exists, the heaven that lives in the company

of our loved ones

I am truly fortunate

Apart from the main story-line of Shiva finding and destroying the Nagas. This book also had some small parallel stories which were equally interesting. Notable one was that of Princess Anandmayi trying hard to win over General Parvateshwar who had taken a vow of brahmacharya , an open-ended word of honour that can never be broken.
The description of the gates of kingdom Branga [conjugate of Brahmaputra and Ganga] was nothing less than a fine example of an engineering marvel.
The arrival of Ganesh and Kali left me speechless.
Their character portrayal was simply way ahead for an Indian author.
But what moved me the most was the very small story in 'The Curse of Honour'. The story was that of Parshuram which definitely reminded me of the honour killings rooted in our society.
Hats off to Amish for this one !

Some of the awesome lines in this book were ..
"I know this is not entirely right. But sometimes, the only way to prevent a grave wrong is to commit a small wrong." - Parvateshwar [A Small Wrong?]
"It's true that Gods don't give all abilities to one person. You truly are your own worst enemy." - Naga Queen [What is Your Karma]
"Gold means nothing. We have tonnes of it back home. It still cannot buy us out of our suffering. Nothing is more important than life. Nothing. You realise the simplicity of that point only when you confront death everyday." - Divodas [Even a mountain can fall]
"Lord Rudra said judge a person by his karma, not his appearance." - Athithigva [The Mystery of the Eastern Palaces]

Few excerpts from the book are ...
"How does it work? How is it that I can hear your thoughts?"
"Its a simple science really. The science of radio waves. Just like light, which helps you to see, there are radio waves to help you hear. While all humans can easily use the properties of light to see, most don't know how to use radio waves to hear. We are dependent on sound waves to hear. Sound waves travel much slower through air and for much shorter distances. Radio waves travel far and fast, just like light"
- Birth Pangs [Pg110]

Truth doesn't ask for belief. It just exists. Let me hear what you think. There is god in every single one of us. What is the obvious corollary?
There is evil in every single one of us.
Exactly, there is god in every single one of us. And there is evil in every single one of us. The true battle between good and evil is fought within.
- Birth Pangs [Pg112]

The hump caused by the injury restricted Uttanka's right arm's movements.
"You will not be able to battle a taller man."
"I will die before retreating, My Lord," said Uttanka.
"I have no use for soldiers who die. I need soldiers who will kill and live."
- The Mating Dance [Pg127]

You were my world, my God, my creator,
And yet, you abandoned me.
I didn't seek you, you called me,
And yet, you abandoned me.
I honoured you, lived by your rules, coloured myself in your colours,
And yet, you abandoned me.
You hurt me, you deserted me, you failed in your duties,
And yet, I am the monster.
- What is Your Karma [Pg146]

And my favourite line is...
“The opposite of love is not hate, its apathy, when u simply don't bother about that person!”

The next book in the series is expected to release this December.
Hoping for an epic ending !

A man whom legend turned into a god !

A few months back my friend chota bada was reading a book named "The Immortals of ..something". I wasn't interested as I am no book lover. So all day he was roaming here and there, but gripped in his hand, remained that book. Well I asked him what's so interesting in the book. He didn't answer, just lent me the book and told me to read it for an hour then he'll come back and grab it again. Well I started reading the book and then when he knocked after an hour I was so busy turning pages that I didn't open the door.

Oh by the way, the book was Shiva Trilogy 1: The Immortals of Meluha written by Amish Tripathi. Well he is an IIM grad so don't expect it to be much of literary value, but it definitely has something in it which made me blog about it. It is a true masterpiece when it comes to concept, logic and philosophy. Everything is so well justified and thrilling that reading it was a journey in itself. Well I am not writing a review .. you can read a good review here.

In simple words it is the story of an ordinary man whom legend turned into a god.

Altough I would like to share few passages from the book :

Ayurvati kept repeating, " Om brahmaye namah. Om Brahmaye namah."
"What happened? Is it serious?" asked a worried Shiva.
Nandi rushed in and noticed Ayurvati on the ground.
"What happened, my lady?" asked a startled Nandi.
Ayurvati just pointed at Shiva's neck. The neck shone an eerie iridescent blue. Nandi collapsed on his knees, " My Lord! You have come! The Neelkanth has come!"
- He has come! [Pg 23]

"But what was the system that Lord Ram set up?" - Shiva
"The system is simple. As we agreed, the best society is when a person's caste is decided only by his abilities and karma. Not by other factor. Lord Ram created a practical system that ensured this. All children that are born in Meluha are compulsorily adopted by the empire. Once the child is born he is then put into the Meluha Gurukul. Every single child receives the benefit of exactly the same education system. So every child, whether born to a brahmin or a Shudra, would get exactly the same treatment at the Gurukul. Thus every child has the same opportunity to succeed. At the age of fifteen, all the children are given a comprehensive examination. The results of this examination decide which varna or caste the child will be allocated to - Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya or Shudra."
- Vikarma, the carriers of Bad Fate [Pg 97]

one of my favourite passages ...

"You know what is the most powerful force in a man's life?"
"It is his intense desire to impress the person he loves most."
"Just out of curiosity, what do you think is the most powerful force in a woman's life?"
"I think the most powerful force in a woman's life is the need to be appreciated, loved and cherished for what she is."
- Love and its Consequences [Pg 153]

and this one reminds me of 300 ...

It took less than an hourbefore the vikarma(carrier of bad fate) brigade was marching out of the camp. The sun was high up in the sky and practically the entire camp was awake, watching the soldiers set out on their mission. Everyone knew the terrible odds the vikarmas were going to face. They knew that it was unlikely that any of these soldiers would be seen alive again. The soldiers, though, did not exhibit the slightest hesitation or hint of fear, as they walked on. The camp stood in silent awe.
Drapaku was at the lead, his handsome face smeared with war paint. On top of his armour, he wore a saffron angvastram. The color worn for the final journey. He didn't expect to return.
- Empire of Evil [Pg 333]

And I think you never pondered over this fact ...

"The destruction of evil? Wouldn't you say that is a very important reason?"
"These people aren't evil. They're just different. Being different isn't evil." 
The Pandit's face broke into his typically enigmatic smile.
"Exactly, you have realised it very quickly, my friend, a lot earlier than the previous Mahadev."
"Lord Rudra?"
"Yes! Lord Rudra."
"But he did destroy evil. He destroyed the Asuras."
"And, who said the Asuras were evil?"
"I read it ..." Shiva stopped mid-sentence.
- The question of Questions [Pg 391]

It is an awesome book worth a read . Hope you will grab your copy soon :)

Next :  Today, he is a God. 4000 years ago, he was just a man.