Review: Yama’s Lieutenant and the Stone Witch

Yama’s Lieutenant and the Stone Witch by Anuja Chandramouli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second instalment of Agni Prakash and his adventures. In the first book, we saw Agni Prakash battling Naganara the necromancer along with his friends Minothi and Dharami. In this book too, they help him to overcome Nayima the stone witch who is unleashing terror on humanity. He is approached by Mara the agrami or the leader of the kimkaras to find the samayakalas (Vela, Pari and Vasana) keepers of time, to unwind and reverse the time to avoid humanity being decimated by Nayima. There is also a brief appearance by Naganara, his old adversary from the first book, who has changed for the good. All in all a very interesting read.

I liked it better than the first book. The writer has a good command over the language and the prose flows naturally. I have not come across another fantasy novel in the Indian context and the author has exploited this genre superbly. Readers better read her first book to get a hang of her language and more importantly, to familiarise with the characters, almost all of them are present in the sequel.

Thank you Anuja for providing me with a copy in exchange for a review.


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Review: The Kind Worth Killing

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was recommended to me and the blurb seemed interesting. However it was sometime before I could my hands on this.

This was one of the best thrillers I have read in a long long time. Peter Swanson has concocted a gripping thriller which will keep you hooked. The first 100 pages was a drag and then the story starts getting wild and interesting. From 150th page onward it becomes a roller coaster ride throughout. You get surprised after every few pages. There are four main characters and all of them are evil. Needless to say, it becomes interesting as the author delves into each character and their backgrounds.

Truly vile and evil ! Hats off to the author ! Go for it without reading the reviews. You will enjoy it more.

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Review: An Invisible Client

An Invisible Client by Victor Methos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Came across this book on Amazon deals and bought it for the heck of it, being a sucker for thrillers, especially legal ones. I don't regret it a bit. This was a fantastic book. A law firm takes on a pharmaceutical giant over wrongful death of a child. The lawyer with a one-point goal of being rich and working for money, starts turning over a new leaf when he gets emotionally attached to the victim, a 12 year old boy, risking his career and law firm in the process.

The book grips you from the start and is a definite page turner with a simple but stunning climax. The author being a lawyer himself, brings his experience and expertise in the book which makes it interesting.

Have read similar plots in Grisham's earlier novels. Ever since Grisham has ventured into non-legal stories, I feel a void in this genre. Victor Methos fills the gap. Will check out other Methos books soon.

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Review: Undelivered Letters

Undelivered Letters by J. Alchem
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another book (rather, booklet - considering the short reading duration ) by J. Alchem. The story is about a postman who forgets to deliver some letters one day. He finds it twenty years later at home lying forgotten in a corner and is filled with remorse on failing to do his duty. He decides to deliver the forgotten letters with predictable consequences. The book focuses on three stories with the feel-good factor and happy endings.

Book is an easy read and the prose flows beautifully. However the plot is tepid and not stimulating enough. The best thing is the author has found a niche format, not too long and not too short. Not too many have tried this before, I suppose. Hopefully, he should exploit this format and maybe come out with newer genres.

PS:- Free copy in exchange for a review.

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Review: Best Kept Secret

Best Kept Secret by Jeffrey Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The third instalment of the Clifton Chronicles. As usual, the author churns out a thrilling series with new characters added. The third book is more about the life of Sebastian Clifton. It seems like somewhat like a replay of Harry Clifton's childhood. Enter Harry's old foe Alex Fisher who tries to Barringtons' company along with Giles' wife (a new character), almost jeopardising the political career of Giles. Enter Don Pedro (another new character), who plays with the life of Sebastian.

The books in this series always ends with a nail biting suspense which spills over to the next book in the series and you are bound to pick up the next book.

Will take a break here before picking up #4 !!

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