My review for the book - "Laughing Gods" by Wilbur Arron

 

Language	English
Link	https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52826081-the-laughing-gods
Rating (stars)	4 / 5

Wilbur Arron in his 'Laughing Gods' -- the second book in the trilogy -- has given a good mix of fantasy, concepts and necessary ingredients, thus making it into a very good story. Well-portrayed situations and apt characterizations of protagonists and antagonists with brilliant plans outsmarting each other make it effective. The deceptive plot schemes by the antagonists and the dramatic plot twists are interesting. It just got better and better as I kept reading. 

Alexio Sopholus is authentically portrayed as a powerful mage. He just wants to lead a very simple life with a singular aim to protect his friends, though saddened that his meritorious deeds to save his homeland were denounced by his ruler and Brotherhood of Mages. 

Alex never relinquishes his responsibility to protect his State, his people and forest-friends against all challenges posed by his enemies. Wilbur has maintained the continuity of this core theme. I remembered a famous line from 'The story of my experiments with truth' of Gandhi  -- "All his talks had referenced only to the good of the country and were absolutely free from any trace of untruth or insincerity."

A military onslaught by the barbarians forces Alex to undertake an ambassador role, to seek aid from the king of a distant land. There he faces numerous challenges, multitudes of conflicts and complicated situations. He faces political betrayals and cruel realities. His life is threatened. He has to identify the true enemies and outsmart them. He is compelled to make frightening decisions. After thwarting such attempts when he arrives back home, he finds the dangers to his homeland are much deeper. He becomes vulnerable to strange threats from unexpected enemies. He does get extraordinary powers to protect his fraternity but how is he going to deploy it against his enemies?

Wilbur has given engaging moments for the readers. He has beautifully depicted Alex as one who possesses great magical powers which empower him to audaciously challenge even his ruler of deceit. Also, as a noble, ethical and moral soul, he pardons the same ruler though he made Alex's life miserable. Alex is clear in his principle of non-violence and is non-revengeful. Alex’s love for his wife to lead a typical family life, dearest care for the lives of even non-human friends and such multitudes of emotions of various characters is genuine. A reader can see himself in the pitch-perfect character of Alex.

Wilbur's storyline flows describing things in simple terms but in detail, sometimes sarcastically. His flights of imagination and scenic portrayals are delightful. The situations where Alex never falls for temptation to wield wealth and power are well-described. The portrayal of power delusions and the fact that absolute power corrupts absolutely add liveliness to the story. Wilbur's writing style is impressive. He is firm on his focus and the direction of the storyline. His three portrayals are convincing:- 1) Alex's sensibilities to use his magical powers only for protecting his people rather than to rule the world. 2) Alex remains a humble human, thus reluctant to accept powerful magic stones, even when offered by God. 3) The acceptance by people can only be won by solving their problems and never by sheer domination.

Well, the book caused some confusion in names and places of events. Though it has over-abundant characters, it didn't lessen my interest.

Readers who love fantasy books, especially stories of Greek world of ~200 BC would like this book as the characters, settings, religion, morality, and politics truly reflect that period.

My review for the book : The Quest: Search for a lost brother by Dorothy Mbori

 

Language	English
Link	https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55532907-the-quest-search-for-a-lost-brother
Rating (stars)	4 / 5

Tolkien in his THE LORD OF THE RINGS says -  "For where am I to go? And by what shall I steer? What is to be my quest? Why did I come on this Quest? Little did I know where the chief peril lay!"

I am reminded of these famous lines when I read Dorothy Mbori's debut novel "The Quest: Search for a Lost Brother"! It is indeed an impressive fantasy story. Its cover-art and blurb kindled my interests. 

Fatherless Eli always enjoys his association with his three dearest teen friends Zuri, Iddah and Jeremiah. He considers his younger brother Blankie as a nuisance; but for Blankie, Eli is a hero. In a prank, together with friends, Eli offends Blankie instigating his disappearance. Now they feel guilty and hence take on the responsibility to restore him to Eli's mother. It becomes their chief mission. For that, they have to undertake an adventurous quest -- an activity-filled shocking journey, through a dangerous forest and are forced to pass through intriguing territories. That's on the surface. Underneath, though, there are startling revelations - Eli and his friends don't know what's in store for them, surprises after surprises coming and then, alas, it's there hitting them straight on their face!

Never having ventured far from their village, the friends discover things they would have never dreamt of. They realize their hidden unconventional abilities, new individualistic skill-sets when they face new challenges in various forms. The friends face their battle of life and death while trying to save the life of Blankie as they cross each barrier. They encounter formidable mythical animals -- and worse than that -- unpredictable human enemies! The friends get trapped, confront risks at every corner and do feel insecure. But like Tolkien says in his novel - 'they harden their hearts unflinchingly... the road must be trod.' 

The nightmarish deathly ordeals await them which pose threats to their objective. What are those painful trials? Who are the villains? What lifestyle changes happen in their desperate quest? How they resolve every new challenge and succeed in each step to realize their daring mission is the storyline. Indeed, their commitment to their objective keeps the story pleasant, as it rests on the slender shoulders of Eli and his friends. Now, it's for the readers to unravel some unpredictable twists and secrets!

Dorothy has captured our imagination with the main theme - to restore the lost brother, come what may. She has never compromised it throughout the course maintaining the chief purpose. The book is simple, clean and lean but has an effective storyline without any major plot holes. It has entertainment value and beautiful depictions for the readers to easily construct the story in their minds with straightforward narratives. It has a smooth flow, good pace, picturized scene settings, intriguing events and some touches of humour - "The smell itself is enough to kill an army."

Dorothy has etched rock-solid characters, carving their individuality. She has brilliantly portrayed the natural emotions and the determination among the friends to discharge the responsibility. The depictions of understanding among friends, their quarrels, pranks, moral support when one needs the other during the battle are superbly captured. The team's conflicts during their plans and their team-spirit have been well-conveyed -- "he was sure they could win this fight if they kept their heads straight and worked together as a team." Dorothy has added liveliness by creating mythical creatures. She has rendered a visual treat through supporting characters -- Smytie -- the saviour, Marguerite -- the healer, etc., Some characters turn out to be not what they seem and that's where you get glued to the story! There are intriguing twists, unfathomable politics as the narrative slowly unwinds the mental challenges overriding the physical strains of the friends and betrayals -- "They help you and treat you so well only to come back and betray you."

I did find certain illogical, unconvincing and unclear descriptions due to which the story was not self-explanatory in some places. I found that the editing needs to be worked on. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, as I had some unanswered questions. But, these are trivial.

I did feel part of the story as I was wholly drawn in, as the plot gradually unfolded. It was worth investing my time as I wanted Eli and his friends to succeed. As a writer, I found the story was quite engaging. I consider the book is appropriate for all age groups, not just for YA, because the story is a notch above normal fantasy stories in the marketplace. Dorothy has done meticulous homework.

Personally, amid the flood of fantasy novels, I liked the book as it captivated me and gave me a good break from my priorities and other routines; most importantly it gave me some happy moments as I accompanied Eli on his perilous journey when Dorothy describes: a) Eli's firmness in planning to face the challenges -- "When we are out of danger, then you can feel free to compete and argue about who is the better fighter, but for now, this is the plan"; b) Eli in simplistic terms -- "Eli had never considered himself a lucky person. He never thought he was the unluckiest person, either."; c) Eli's practicality -- "Eli had a lot of faith in people. He believed that there is always a reason behind every decision that people make. Good or bad, there’s always a reason why people are driven to act the way they do." 

I look forward to the author unfolding some more secrets in book Two. In essence -- I didn't feel like it's a debut novel -- commendable maiden effort by Dorothy to give a quality read is amply visible, and hence it appeals to me to give a 4-star rating. For those readers looking for relaxation -- indulge in your exclusive fantasy world through this book; with one word - Enjoy!

My review for the book: 'Maegics Heir: Druid Quest' by G L cramb

 

Language	English
Link	https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48662196-maegics-heir
Rating (stars)	4 / 5

The author G L Cramb had offered his debut novel 'Maegics Heir: Druid Quest' for my honest review. The book's title and its promising blurb attracted me. Also, the book is already a 2020 Reader's Favorites Gold Award Winner for Epic Fantasy! So, naturally, it fascinated me. I found it different and engaging with a good entertainment value. 

Maegics Heir is an interesting medieval story happening in the Kingdom of Aeryth. It revolves around the main character Arias, a young innocent lad of 17 years. The author has depicted through his powerful world-building technique, Arias's 'coming of age story'. Arias grows in a comfort zone - on the lap of his mentor dad Etoen, like a frog-in-the-well. Suddenly, Arias is orphaned and thrown into the 'real' outside world with a responsibility to find a Druid, as the King of Aeryth and his men are desperate to kill him, driven by a past unpleasant happening. He must undertake a quest to meet that Druid, the custodian of magics, to unravel the mystery in his life. But he is not sure what exactly is in store for him.

The story is narrated eloquently from Arias's PoV with occasional changes from the author's PoV too. Cramb has remarkably developed the interplay of intriguing events with certain well-formed characters, marking out their individualistic traits. Grayce as neighbourhood supporter helping him through difficult times, Moor the trainer & guide, Maamel Braeder the healer, tutor and philosopher, sow confidence in him to find his courage more than he knew himself.

Along the eventful breathtaking journey, covering the length and breadth of the kingdom, Arias discovers new relationships and establishes reunions. In the process, Cramb has given good descriptions about the places. Arias faces agonizing ordeals but gets saved by a friend -  Finnie - his lover-turned-wife. King Aegeas who holds a secret about him, and Mensae the King's ill-advisor, invisibly pose a threat as they want his head, through Thaos - the evil exploiter and child-trafficker. A strong, mægical, spirit-animal type bond with Bane, Lilit, Jilly etc., have added liveliness to the story -- "He had an empathy for all creatures and they just naturally trusted him". Altogether, they aid the story flow distinctively.

Arias is forced to make hard decisions that also come to him with more clarity through 'calming and letting the nothingness embrace him'. There's a lurking inherent danger from the treacherous dark magicians who reappear to take control of everyone in Aeryth destructively. The beauty is Arias doesn't know two important things - that he is an eligible heir to the throne; and that he is an heir to five types of ancient maegics … of healing, prediction, communing with beasts and make them obey, telekinetics and 'power over the elements, such as wind or fire.'

The life-changing quest lasts almost a year. Arias is also exposed to find the true purpose of his life -- "Life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans"; "My faith in people restored in that moment, knowing though evil and villainous actors existed in this world also." There are of course interleaved sub-story depicting subtle friendships.

How he achieves his goal forms the story. His insatiable quest keeps the story delightful.

Cramb's diligence to comprehensively portray the medieval period holding up a mirror for the readers is laudable. His depictions of Arias's adventure with iconic scenes is brilliant. I enjoyed Cramb's unique style, a literary licence he has taken to narrate, and his unusual grammatical structure with real medieval period language, beautifully portraying that period. Initially, though I found it strange, I got accustomed to a different kind of imaginative storytelling. Indeed, I felt it a pleasure to accompany Arias on his emotional and arduous journey. I could empathize with Arias and his feelings when he successfully saves the children subjected to merciless slavery. 

The story has variations in the pacing and sequencing, unexplained descriptions, misspellings, cultural/colloquialism issues depicting a particular region, repetitive longish descriptions of daily habits, story swaying off the course. Sometimes, I found that the story gets bogged down due to missed 'narratives vs dialogues' balancing. I was a bit disappointed with the abrupt ending and an unclear prologue. Despite these issues, the book did sustain my interest.

Still, do I consider this as a good book? Yes, because the author has cleverly set the reader's imagination in some places. Also, because the book helped me to have a glimpse of the medieval period as I have a fancy for such stories. In my opinion, the author has delivered what I wanted to see with his painting of those times, scenes, and character depictions. I was captivated by the depictions of: a) an evolving Arias from an immature lad to a worldly-wise man - "We would protect each other as family; this gave the meaning to my life"; "there was an insight and calmness that overcame me with the experience."; b) his practicality - "my mind accepted what I could not change." c) his gratitude - "Always do good for others if you can and that will satisfy any debt you feel on my par"; and d) his kindness - "see again the good in people and the value of such a peaceful life with peaceful folk."

I have given 4 stars, just for the uniqueness of story-telling in medieval times' style. I chose this rating because the book depicted relatable characters, gallant efforts and passion of the author to write something new. So, if I mention that I found it just good, it would be an understatement. As a fellow writer, I recommend this book to those curious readers of all age-groups, who possess a characteristic taste for epic fantasy stories of such periods. Its unconventional style will definitely satiate your appetite.

In essence, the author has "walked the walk”. Very good efforts!

My review for the book - "The First AI Cyborg" by Dr Allen Fleishman

 

Language	English
Link	https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48505225-the-first-ai-cyborg
Rating (stars)	4.55 / 5

As per my scoring system, the book is in the  "Excellent" category, meaning I thoroughly enjoyed and am moved beyond words.  

****

This interestingly titled Sci-fi book by Dr Allen Fleishman could throw some futuristic insights for the scientists. Perhaps like HG Wells did for robots and lasers through his 'The War Of The World's"? I don't know. The book aroused my curiosity when the author offered it for my review, based on my general invitation to all the authors of Fantasy/Sci-fi genres on the Goodreads platform. The fantastic storyline with good attention to details revolves around David "linked since birth to a computer." An enhanced AI Cyborg lad, with unconventional energy, is mentored by his father Martin. David is homeschooled till his age of 13. The author portrays a good father-son relationship and vividly narrates David's accomplishments as a genius and ends it with a brief chapter at his age of 62. 

The story unfolds characterizing David as hyperactive and creative, who knows almost everything in the world. His father desires to make him worldly-wise. He decides to expose him to college life. The twists in David's life begin when he tries to mingle in society. He shows his abilities in mysterious new ways of thinking. In that process, we readers can learn about interesting concepts embedded with profound knowledge. David achieves the status of "Overlord of Earth" through his various amazing inventions …"the first gravity reflector generators",  "floating cars",  "floating city of Olympus", "economically growing diamonds". Fleishman boldly describes David's intriguing journey in his life, his mixed feelings as a Cyborg with humane sentiments to save a child from a coma and his quest to shape a better World...  "I have 217 Billion US dollars I’d like to spend to help humanity; already donated 6 billion dollars to the UN, earmarked solely for creating the infrastructure of intra-solar system colonization".

 

The author has painted an amazing portrait of certain memorable characters with convincing individualistic traits ... Philly as his romantic girlfriend-turned-wife.."I stored into the diamond, in every language ever written by man -‘I love you, Phyllis’ about 50,000,000,000,000 times."; Charlie as David's roommate, Windseig as David's college president, Janet & Sidney Ryan as senior scientists, Corey as their veterinarian friend, besides some characters who created obstacles in David's life. He has colourfully described some places...the way David enters his University with his 'enhanced dog'. David exhibits his wisdom which surprises all his professors. Such scenes depicted in abundance should be read to be enjoyed. A clever portrayal of 'the enhanced menagerie' in David's home depicting his peculiar lifestyle, YA focus, subtle friendships, and action-packed scenes add liveliness to the story. I could easily imagine David's Birkhead college campus and his extraordinary home.

How does David transform himself and thereby change the world? It's not fair on my part to reveal more than the above, as the readers themselves have to appreciate the entertainment value provided in the book. 

The author's well-researched painstaking efforts with years of planning is quite visible. A gripping story flow, despite minor shortcomings in editing, ambiguities in a few places, and non-sequenced descriptions, gave me a unique reading experience worth my time. Certain terminologies bogged me down in some places and I had to give a great deal of attention. However, I could learn abundantly. Hence, it didn't reduce my enthusiasm as the author didn't disappoint me. Rather he overwhelmed me with a visionary storyline, constantly keeping me inside the story!

This book is refreshingly different, with Dr Fleishman's unique style of dialogues. It stands out as the ingenious storyteller, in his audacious style, leads us remarkably. The book is captivating and groundbreaking and gives an amazing experience. Its effective flavour would appeal to all ages. 

The author's description of David's wedding party attended by Bill Clinton inside a floating hemisphere  - his creation - is fascinating! I did escape from reality very often, as the book completely blew my mind and surpassed my initial expectations I had when I read the blurb. I feel the admirable story has a lot of ingredients for a Sci-fi movie. For intellectually poised readers it's a grand treat!

Dr Fleishman has successfully delivered some special aspects: 1) From the enchanting storyline, conceptualized through his vision, SF fans can expect to grasp the amazing possibilities of disruptive changes that could occur in the aspects of Power generation, Cyborgs, Computers, the way we could live, travel ... "A subsidiary (David's)... was already making vehicles for interplanetary travel and farming of the asteroid belt."  2) This book will surely kindle the readers' imagination and fascination 3) Of course, there are lots of things to reflect!

What else fulfilling features does one need in a book? 

It is my habit to look for the deeper hidden meanings in a book. This book with genuine portrayals filled my appetite. As a fellow author, I am satisfied as the book gives pleasant moments. The book is a great read to those who love unique Sci-fi - don’t miss it to extract more knowledge out of it and sure, it will stay with you! I have given a 5-star rating unhesitatingly because the book deserves it. I will keep the novel as a favourite in my library forever. I plan to read this series.

David - the AI Cyborg is just adorable. I would love to have such a Cyborg in my home along with the diamond computer drive and the 'enhanced smart dog'! Really!! Who wouldn't love?

My review for the book … "The Forest of Allund" by Wilbur Arron

 

Language	English
Link	https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42827389-the-forest-of-allund
Rating (stars)	3.5 / 5

As per my scoring system, the book is in the  "Very good" category, meaning the author can achieve excellence with his potential. 

****

 'The Forest of Allund'  is a fantasy tale told in the first person in the past tense. The story revolves around a young wise man, Mage Alexio who has achieved distinction in his studies at the Mages Academy. "A Mage is honest in his words and deeds." Alex naturally is a principled man, morally and ethically bound to the admirable value systems in life. As a peace lover, declining the attractive opportunities offered to him by a city ruler, he has chosen to defend his favourite place ... 'Allund Forest' with its myths and mysteries. He joins his old acquaintances ... 'talking' intelligent animals in the forest. He wants to take the responsibility to save the forest and his friends from the intruders. There he meets a wandering Amazon woman "Philie".

He faces challenges from a dominating barbarian enemy. With the help of his friends and legendary mythical "Old Ones", he thwarts the attack temporarily. Pleased, his superiors confer him with certain administrative powers and his fame begins to spread. His responsibilities get expanded..

'New' challenges arise from an unexpected enemy. Alex takes his own hard decision beyond his conferred powers; despite a dilemma between his moral codes and a need to protect the motherland... "When faced with a complex problem, try to view it from as many angles as you can. One way of viewing should offer a solution.”

Alex faces a trial, although he had fought with his enemies, only to save his motherland. But his leaders who celebrated him before, soon begin to hate him and fear his magical powers and rising popularity. They want his help to protect them in emergencies, but at the same time, they want to suppress him, using his innocence. Ulterior motives, cunningness, fear syndromes and power games begin to rule. It angers Alex. 

Alex, an outcast, now is disheartened. He finds his cherished values in life have no meaning. The deceitful enemies make Alex decide ...well, what's that? What's that 'new' challenge which changed the course of his destiny?

The story has a good start and an entertainment quotient, due to attention to the details. Its good features like the flow, absorbing style, editing, fluid narratives and dialogues, appeals to me in many aspects of realistic portrayals of Alex. I appreciate the creativity in the memorable characterization of Alex, his noble fair-minded outlooks; besides the true depiction of certain characters ... loyal 'Amazon' Philie, Cleon, Melina, Pallas, and Lycus. A good and uniqueness in the portrayal of the world of strange magic, mythical creatures and talking animals, add liveliness to the story. 

The author has kept me pretty indulged in the interleaved sub-stories depicting: 1) Love between Alex and Melina; 2) Amazing Magical skills of Alex; 3) Sacrosanct friendships; 4) Battles; 5) Adventures. 

Well, it is a very simple storyline. Some twists would have made the reading more interesting! Yes, the story has dragged due to lengthier and repetitive narratives. I sometimes felt I was lost in the 'forest' due to the excessive dosage of Greek words which deter the flow; also, the author has used so many names, sometimes confusing, which impedes the ease in reading. There are certain unconvincing and missed aspects leading to confusion. In essence, a reader can enjoy this book if he devotes good attention.

I have rated the book 4 stars, despite the shortcomings due to the author's delivery of some special aspects: 1) The author has insightfully portrayed the core of the human psyche, explaining the ugly minds. 2) Beautiful depictions of war which happens within ourselves and with others in our daily life. 3)bSome hidden touches of sarcasm and subtle hints for the current leaders. 4) Alex's character etched with ethics, philosophy, morality, has offered something to human society… that it is a human tendency to always take control of others advantageously, with selfish motives. And how an innocent Alex is exposed to the new vistas. 

 

If you are interested in a book filled with adventure, magic, myth, mystery, gruesome punishments, please read this book.

My review for the book … "As Time Narrows" by Tony Brunal

 

Language	English
Link	https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54342953-as-time-narrows
Rating (stars)	3.5 / 5

As per my scoring system, the book falls in the  "Very good" category, meaning the author can achieve excellence with his potential. 

The author Tony Brunal treats us to a good world of sci-fi and adventure, in this book "As Time Narrows". It's a period after 2075... after 'years of war, famine, and pestilence', thereby the world is reduced to a mere population of just 200,000. 

The story written in the third person, in the present tense, revolves around a group of scientists, from various countries of the devastated world. There is a subtle sub-tale of friendship, love and a battle.

Suddenly, the scientists discover a thrilling signal of hope from 'trillions of miles' away. It is from a sleek spaceship, from an alien planet, which they think can help the dwindling humanity. They estimate that it would land on Earth on frozen land. The experts decide to assemble there in order to capitalize on the new discovery. Thereon, the author authentically leads us on a journey as if we travel with the groups of scientists from various countries. Once the spaceship lands on Earth the scientists are in for a great surprise. What challenges do the groups of scientists face in between? How do they overcome and help humanity? Please read the book to find it out for yourself! 

I found the plot has good entertainment value. Some interesting parts of the whole story are in the aspects of the Aliens, Wormhole, and Space travel undertaken by humans, with the thrills associated with it!

I found the writing, substantially, very interesting, articulate and brilliant. The attention to the details is commendable. The author has complete control of his style, in narrating the happenings by painting vivid pictures. I felt happy while reading some lines ……'They evacuated the remaining humans and welcomed them into their society. There would be a period of adjustment for the new arrivals, but soon prosperity flourished, and the two groups formed close friendships and even inter-being families.' … 'Mikael lays his body and says prayer to a man he never met.'

The story has creative depictions, good portrayal of emotions, and characterization of Mary, Eason, Tim, Mikael, Walt, Meri especially. A lively visual treat of portrayal as if they exist in front of you would help readers to construct the story in their mind quite easily! There are good realistic descriptions of the events, especially the main characters' arduous journey towards the spaceship's landing spot. The author has demonstrated his potential in describing the things as they are! So, it sustained my interest to continue reading, despite some shortcomings like drags in some chapters. 

Well, there are definitely certain things that may not enthuse the readers. I felt some more care could have been taken for professional editing, for the book to achieve its meritorious place. If some important aspects of the main storyline had been elaborated in detail, it would have made a very impactful story. The biggest stumbling block I felt was in the mixture of different languages in the conversations. Though absolutely realistic, still it's my opinion, it impedes the story flow. Also, the story was not self-explanatory and emphatic in some places, demanding better clarity to understand the flow due to liberal usage of acronyms. A glossary at the beginning itself would have helped.

 

If the storyline had some twists, and a faster tempo it would have made the reading more interesting!

Why do I recommend this as a good book despite its shortcomings? I liked this book because: 1) I had some really beautiful moments. 2) of the honest efforts by the scientists across the world, coming together, to find a solution for the dwindling humanity (though could have been articulated in-depth); 3) vivid descriptions of a humane approach to saving a life while undertaking an arduous journey, when the crew members made a great struggle, facing a challenging crisis. 

My rating is based on my ability to appreciate the scientific temper of the author, and the utmost care taken by the author to elucidate the things as they are; also based on the true joy I derived when I read the book leaving aside the flaws. If you’re looking for a delightful adventurous experience, and if you like SciFi genre, my recommendation is ….please read this book!

Book review - Batman Story: A Vampire from Brooklyn by Kamala P Harris

Language	English
Link	https://www.amazon.in/Vampire-Brooklyn-Kamala-P-Harris-ebook/dp/B08HW82X3G
Rating (stars)	3.95 / 5

AN AMAZING CONCEPT WITH A GRIPPING STORYLINE

The storyline had me intrigued since the very beginning with suspense and anticipation. The book has all the interesting, highly imaginative elements to enthuse a reader ...vampires, telekinetic powers, currently trending COVID19, Werewolf, shape-shifting creatures, skinheads, action sequences, adventure, fantasy, SciFi, mystery, thrill, crime, subtle sarcasm, historical figureheads, twin towers episode etc., The author has cleverly interlaced some real-life events into the storyline to build-up the tempo. The author could have focussed on the International readers as well, by making the book more comprehensible. Professional editing would have made the book more enjoyable. Overall, in essence, I enjoyed reading the book and hence would recommend this book to everyone. Period.

Book review - "Entanglement" by Alina Leonova

Language	English
Link	https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55804884-entanglement
Rating	3.75 / 5

Alina Leonova in her cyberpunk story -  'Entanglement' - takes us to an altogether different world through an enjoyable storyline by infusing fascinating imaginations:- A person getting the exact copy of the brain with feelings and memories of the other person; editable DNA to keep the body immortally healthy via most modern brain implants that replicate themselves; suits of the person due to which a camera sees him as an inanimate object; an unimaginably powerful, yet extremely compact power source. 

Alina has set a fantastic tone which delves into the aspects of nature beginning to overrule the humans. Living virtually via almost realistic simulation is a widespread phenomenon in the era of this story. She has crafted some good characters with interesting situations. A strange plague caused by non-destroyable plants forces people to live only on the upper floors of high-rise buildings, to escape from its devastating effects. Cay, affected by peculiar feelings, begins to doubt his reality. He cuts his palm implant and undertakes a quest to fulfil his innate desire of finding a truth concerning his wife Limea - "I am no one. I am a work in progress.” Inexplicably, I remembered a line from 'Cyberpunk' by Victoria Blake - “Every separate human life is a moment in the life of some great being which lives in us.”

An uncompassionate psychopath - the Master - has perfected cloning technology. He manipulates Vietra for his enigmatic mission. Vietra wants to escape even at the cost of her life, from the cruelty of the Master - better late than never. She knows how to deploy psychological tricks of deception. Vietra and Cay, hitherto total strangers, accidentally meet each other and surprisingly find an inexplicable bond between them. They decide to cross the stream where it's the shallowest. Vietra sees interesting paradigms about the universe in her final pursuit against the Master:- about those who pollute, destroy whole species of animals and plants not only on the Earth but also by colonizing other planets as well, through interstellar travel, even to a parallel universe; about people who ignore to live in the present as a united cosmic consciousness beyond boundaries. It's indeed an engaging read, due to the suspense built-up about the Master and his mission!

I had a true delight in some places. I liked Alina's portrayals of mistaken identity of true happiness and descriptions about those misleading humanity in a mirage-like 'glorious' civilization. One of my favourite lines is:- "They wanted a world where everyone could have access to resources, education, medicine, power and technology, and they wanted this world to live in harmony with their planet and other beings. They were ready to rearrange their lives and give up their habits to achieve that."

There are adorable features:- Alina's matter-of-fact writing style and flow; vivid detailing of some smart scenes with a good dose of sentiments; the right mix of science and emotion for science fiction. They overshadow the book's moments of hesitation and flaws:- unbalanced narratives; slow pickup; drag; sequencing issues; indirectness; doubts while reading; wavering direction; and predictable climax. Alina has narrated the story in a way that anybody with a willingness to pay attention can follow it. The story may not be perfect but gives many wonderful moments to the readers. In effect, the small themes work cohesively, but the bigger theme lacks clarity.

I could infer Alina's passion to protect the environment from her writing. In Nature, the best things in life are free. Alina's narratives for preserving the nature and issues that arise due to advanced technologies are commendable - ''They kept changing the environment, bringing it closer to collapse each year, kept driving animals and plants extinct, kept committing atrocities in the name of greater good the understanding of which was constantly shifting.'' 

Alina has breathed through Vietra a blend of Utopia too - 'And those people looked so genuinely happy, so serene as if they rediscovered some deep truth that set them free. They didn’t see themselves as lords of nature but as an organic part of it, as nature itself. They saw clearly that their well-being depended on the well-being of the whole system and everyone in it."

'Entanglement' is captivating with intriguing concepts, good plot twists and unexpected events. It has beautiful psychological depictions of how advanced technologies, and its side effect of apathy towards the environment, can have adverse effects on humans.

I recommend it to all the lovers of cyberpunk stories.

Book review - 'First Chasm: A Simple Harpy Hunt'

 

Category	Book / Film / TV Show
Title	First Chasm: A Simple Harpy Hunt'
Author / Director	Michael G. Karabinis
Posted on medium	Goodreads
Rating	3.65/5
Lead Actors

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55294419-first-chasm

A 19-year-old Daren is a military academy grown trainee warrant officer. He is unexposed to the real world because of his protected upbringing inside a fort. Being due for a promotion to become a prestigious Lieutenant, he has been assigned a challenging task, the real purpose behind it is unknown to him.

A nest of harpies often kill the live cattle stock, thus disturbing the peace of cattle herders in settlements around a mountain. Daren has to hunt them down. To aid the process in that mission, he is supported by three military personnel... a 60-year-old Sergeant Fran, a jealous low-ranked Armon, and Armon's schoolmate Anthia. 

During the expedition, there is travelling in much the same vein -- they walk, they rest, they talk, and they climb through dangerous terrains helping each other. They pass through ruined village statues and monuments that dot the landscape. Then they spot a Gamayun …" Yara " with 'prophetic powers' ...'woman's head' … 'stunning collection of colourful feathers' …' imitating human voices'. They befriend her. Though they manage to kill a few harpies, their real challenge comes in the form of a Gryphon, an evil Alpha Chasmal with…' four intimidating legs' …' each hair resembling an oversized needle.'

Then, what happened? Who survived the attack? What did Daren learn?

The novella, a dark fantasy, written in the third person, has a simple plot but has good readability with some fluid narrations. The author has been able to give each character their own distinctive voice and personality. It has some originality features. It has good entertainment value with a good portrayal of a subtle sub-story of the love Anthia has for Daren, whereas Armon has it for Anthia. A good description of Yara and Gryphon, and the battle scene between the squad and the Gryphon, is a visual treat as if they are in front of you!...wholly absorbing towards a natural climax!!

I liked this particular book because: a) There is a perilous adventure. b) Well depicted humane consideration of helping a person in dire need though jealousy was ruling the mind! c) Courage exhibited by all the 3 young characters against the formidable force of Gryphon. d) Amazing Yara ...(though I wish her prophetic character could have been detailed out in this first novella (of the series) itself).

This is the author's maiden attempt but amazingly powerful and fresh. I enjoyed some really beautiful moments when the party members helped each other during the blood-chilling crisis. I liked the fun when the characters interacted with each other in their own characteristic ways.

My favourite line: "And I had just started getting acquainted with this whole ‘freedom’ thing that Anthia seemed so passionate about."

Sure, there are some things that may not enthuse the readers. The author could have added some more good flavours and twists to make the story more interesting. The narrative had some drags and the story lacked momentum initially till the squad spotted Yara. However, I relished the reading experience after that incident. I think a balance between the narratives and the dialogues in each page could have kept the reader more excited. True, the author's cryptic narrations in some places have disturbed the flow. I must admit that I zoned out a bit.

However, do I recommend this as a good book? Yes, if you persevere until the squad spots Yara. In my opinion, the novel started being engaging from this checkpoint onwards. Read it to understand for yourself. Being the first attempt of the author, I had my own reservations, but the novel has managed to surpass my expectations. 

My rating is based on the true happiness I derived when I read the novella leaving aside the flaws. I do possess a soft corner for the creators… I mean the authors. Fantasy is my all-time favourite genre as it's filled with fantastic creativity from an author. And for pure escapism, it provides me to go out of the "real world" during reading. Hence, I don't undermine the efforts of any good author as it's almost impossible for an avid reader to do so.