Karma by Abhirup Dhar | Horror Fiction Novella

    

Karma by Abhirup Dhar

Horror Fiction Novella

Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi

Karma by Abhirup Dhar

Author: Abhirup Dhar

ISBN: 978-8119750528

Genre: Horror Fiction

Length: 136 Pages

Publication Date: 27^th August 2024

Publisher: Om Books International

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/3VRKclz

About the Author: 

Abhirup Dhar is a Kolkata-born bestselling author. His books include Once Again... With Love! and Stories Are Magical after which he delved into horror with Hold That Breath (1 and 2), Hauntings and The Belvoirbrooke Haunting which were very well-received, with Hauntings being an Amazon bestseller for months from the very first day of its release. A name to be reckoned with in the genre of horror writing in India, one of his most famous projects, Ghost Hunter: Gaurav Tiwari, was phenomenally received, topped the Amazon charts, and has been acquired for a screen adaptation. Abhirup is also a screenwriter, working with esteemed people from the Indian film industry.

Abhirup Dhar

Instagram: @abhirup.dhar0906

Disclaimer: This review is only intended to initiate discussions. The opinions and views presented in this article are my own and do not reflect anything about the book's author. 

REVIEW

The allure of a haunting often lies in the spaces where the past whispers into the present, its echoes ricocheting through shadowy corridors and fractured sense of reality. In this meticulously crafted novella by Abhirup Dhar, these whispers are deafening, reverberating across decades to weave an unsettling tale. Set against the brooding, mist-draped mountains of Darjeeling, the narrative alternates between 1985 and 2016, inviting readers into a labyrinthine structure that is both mesmerizing and, at times, maddening.

The story begins in 1985, with Anuradha and Arnab relocating to an isolated, atmospheric house, a place intended to serve as a retreat from Kolkata’s frenetic pace. Their six-year-old son, Ricky, becomes the unwitting harbinger of the inexplicable as the family is drawn into an escalating vortex of paranormal occurrences. Fast-forward to 2016, when Karma, a professor of parapsychology, and Sakshi take residence in the same house. As the timelines entwine and fragment, the house itself emerges as a malevolent character, its secrets spilling forth with each revelation.

The narrative excels in its use of non-linear storytelling, particularly in the 2016 segments, which oscillate between Karma and Sakshi’s harrowing present and the origins of their relationship. This disjointed approach amplifies the suspense, forcing the reader to piece together a puzzle whose final image is as haunting as it is tragic. The interplay between the two eras is skillfully orchestrated, with fleeting details—an eerie piano chord, a ghostly voice—creating moments of recognition that further excite you.

Yet, the novella is not without its shortcomings. The relationship between Karma and Sakshi strains credulity; their whirlwind romance, forged over a chance encounter and a few eerie jaunts in the mountains, lacks the depth necessary to make Sakshi’s decisions seem plausible.

Thematically, the book delves into profound questions about the fragility of modern relationships. Sakshi and Karma’s interactions expose the fault lines of distrust, impulsivity, and emotional withdrawal, contrasting sharply with the more grounded (if equally tragic) dynamic of Anuradha and Arnab. This subtle critique of human connections in an age of impermanence lends the book a layer of universality, even as its horrors are firmly rooted in the supernatural.

The horror elements themselves are impeccably rendered, eschewing cheap thrills for an atmosphere steeped in dread. The house becomes a tableau of spectral phenomena: a mirror that serves as a portal to another realm, the hollow resonance of a piano played by unseen hands, and the chilling lore of Darjeeling’s haunted past. The author’s restraint is commendable, unveiling just enough to keep the reader teetering on the edge of comprehension without ever slipping into exposition.

Despite these flaws, the book triumphs in its ability to meld two distinct timelines into a cohesive whole, its structural elegance matched only by the vividness of its fear factor. The climactic unravelling is both devastating and cathartic, offering readers a satisfying resolution to the intricate web of events. This is a book that demands patience, rewarding readers who can endure its slower moments with a payoff that lingers long after the final page.

Happy Reading!

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Book Review: KaiKa's Songs by M.A. Modhayan | Mythopoeic Speculative Fantasy

        

"KaiKa’s Songs by M.A. Modhayan"

Book Review by Dhiraj Sindhi

KaiKa's Songs by M.A. Modhayan

Author: M.A. Modhayan

ISBN: 978-0143459125

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 160 Pages

Publication Date: 30^th January 2023

Publisher: Penguin Random House India

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/3IMXZTU

About the author:

M.A. MODHAYAN is a devoted father and husband. A middle child, yet an elder brother. A debut writer with a deep interest in music history and theory. Mostly inspired by man-made gods, the concept of time, futurism, and humanism. KaiKa's Songs is his debut novel.

Instagram: @modhayan

Disclaimer: This review is only intended for initiating discussions. The opinions and views presented in this article are my own and do not reflect anything about the book's author. 

REVIEW

KaiKa's Songs is a speculative mythopoeic fantasy that explores the origins of gods and their relationships with mortals through a fictional world. The novel is set during no particular time on an island, and rather it defines the time for the island through the songs the people of the island must sing to keep sandstorms at bay, the primary antagonist for the story. Sandstorms are seen as monsters that destroy the island and devour the inhabitants. The novel begins with a proem informing readers of the death of the last mother on the island, which leaves behind only five inhabitants on the island - two men (NooaKhi & LaKhi), two women (KaiKa, the chief & SeeKa), and a blind girl (AiYi).

The plot revolves around the survival of the islanders, the violence of the mad fathers, matriarchal leadership, and reproduction in a situation where everyone is a half-sibling to others. Songs are the only way to transfer knowledge about everything, from hunting to motherhood. The second part of the novel, called Green Island, acts as a catalyst; until then, the story progresses quite steadily. KaiKa's Songs is exposition-heavy and suffers from 'tell, don't show,' which takes away the fun of an immersive experience in a different world built by the author and distances readers from the characters, leading to a complete passive reading experience. Although the characters are well-defined with sharp edges, the plain storytelling makes it boring.

The last few chapters are dedicated to the depiction of the origin of sandstorms and the significance of songs/prayers. The last few pages reveal the potential of the novel that it didn't live up to and fell beneath its possibilities. The book, thus, becomes a tiny fraction of a possibility among the limitless narratives it may have explored with lyrical and creative prose dealing with each feeling of the islanders rather than naming the emotions separated only by commas and not by powerful imagery. The abstract portrayal of the essence of the story through these 150 pages may be futile since it can be conveyed in a short story. My disappointment may be attributed to the fact that I expected it to be an epic fantasy. Overall, I'm glad I got the gist and could understand the essence of impermanence and the transience of existence, where gods rise and fall, planets cease to be,and the construct of time holds the potential to diminish memories in this vastness of history.

Happy Reading!

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Book Review: Azrar and the Tale of the Curse by AKR | High Fantasy | Indian Author

Book Review

Azrar and the Tale of the Curse by AKR

Azrar and the Tale of the Curse by AKR

Author: AKR (Ayush Kumar Rajput)

ISBN: 978-9385440540

Genre: Fantasy

Length:  232 Pages

Publisher: Petals Publishers (30^th September 2018)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2WT19wX

About the author: 

Ayush Kumar Rajput writes under the pen name AKR. He is currently pursuing his MBA and has completed his graduation from KCMT. Besides studying, he loves reading about various mythologies of the world and wishes to present them with a seasoning of fantasy. AKR lives in Bareilly and is presently working on the next book in the Azrar series.

AKR (Ayush Kumar Rajput)

Instagram: @i.am_a_k_r/
Twitter: @AKR8395

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorakr/

REVIEW

Summary

Azrar and the Tale of the Curse is a fantasy novel, set in the small village of the Leothe ─ perfect reflection of the Earth─ a world wonderfully created by the author, where the protagonist from the Earth becomes the guardian of Azrar; an ingenious and creatively plotted story about bravery and determination of the main character who selflessly sacrifices everything to protect Azrarians and reinstate power and splendor of the Azrar; that will fire your imagination and would excite you at times.

Narration

Azrar is actually a diary written by Henry Smith, containing his adventurous life story. It is narrated in first-person POV and follows the lead character, Henry. The writing style is pretty fantastic, which is compatible with the setting and the environment. The novel is divided into 21 chapters, where the reader gradually explores the world of Leothe. The language is simple and comprehensible including a lot of author-invented and strange-sounding nouns.

Location and Setting

Azrar is, well, set in a small village called Azrar, the residents of which are suffering from a curse. The story takes place in the year 2016 when Henry unknowingly travels from the Earth to the Leothe. The infrastructure and functioning of this kingdom are portrayed elaborately. Currently, it’s in ruins and indicates very little of what it used to be. Watchtowers, a cave protected with a password, enormous and beautiful castle, sculptures, royal gardens, ponds and a magical forest are some remarkable places you can find in this book. The Derindoras forest is visibly the source of magic for this land that possesses mystifying creatures and unfathomable structures and it is what sets Earth and Leothe apart.

Theme

It is commendable how seamlessly the author AKR has narrated the sequence about Henry finding himself in the whole new world. Indeed, it comes with shocks and surprises. As the story progresses, Henry comes to know about Azrar, the residents, their culture and most importantly, why he is supposed to be there. Every day is a new adventure for him until he sets Azrar free from the curse. Macwood, an important supporting character helps him through this. Henry learns fighting with the sword, gets familiarized with Azrar, fights massive saber-toothed cats called Narzies, becomes more knowledgeable about Azrarians and the curse, fights horned fiery monsters and gets to know more of the secrets concealed from him. Each chapter is packed with absolutely new things and a fresh adventure.

Plot

Children began to born dead in Azrar due to the curse. While some availed the privilege of life, but none could survive beyond the age of 20. There only remain 9 youngsters now who are waiting for their death. Although, when Henry came, Azrarians developed faith in him, as he could be the possible guardian according to the prophecy. He shares an intimate relationship with Meriul, daughter of Macwood. Meriul is one of those nine youngsters, which motivates him further to conquer anything that stood between them.

My Opinion

I personally loved this book and the world of Leothe. I have never read such high fantasy by an Indian author. The mechanism and functioning of this world are what captivated my attention, that not everything is magic-driven. You may find syntax errors here and there in this edition. Otherwise, it’s completely fine. The idea of this story becomes very clear after a certain point and delivers a strong message. The otherworldly setting and creatures don’t overshadow the human feelings and the accomplishment of the protagonist. Narzies are my favorites from Azrar.

Lastly, I would say, this could have been better. It lacks something. The bond between Henry and others seemed illusory. I wish there were other prominent supporting and opposing characters.

Happy Reading!

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10 Popular Books I Want to Read in 2020 | Book Blogger | India

Hello readers' fam! We have been together for more than one year and I'm back with another Top 10!

10 Books I Want to Read in 2020

10 Books I Want to Read in 2020 | Book Blogger | India

I read many books this year, more than I expected I could read. All these books were review copies I got this year and most were debuts. For some reason, I couldn't read more popular books so these are 10 books I'm gonna read in 2020.

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Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/dhirajthereader/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DhirajWriting

1. An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India by Shashi Tharoor

An Era of Darkness by Shashi Tharoor

It's been a few months that I am planning to read Shashi Tharoor books but didn't get to get my hands on any of it. So, my first goal would be to read Shashi Tharoor, and for that, I have selected this one title which I think can be my good first read by Shashi Tharoor.

Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India (published in India as An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India) is a historical text by Shashi Tharoor, an Indian politician and diplomat, about the effects of British Colonialism on India.


Buy An Era of Darkness from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZC4wsQ

2. Rebel Sultans: The Deccan from Khilji to Shivaji by Manu S. Pillai

Rebel Sultans by Manu S. Pillai

Manu S. Pillai is an Indian historian and author known for his debut non-fiction The Ivory Throne: Chronicles of the House of Travancore for which he won the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in 2017. This year I listened to his interviews and talks and speeches, I was just amazed by this personality. The knowledge he shared with his audience was perspicacious and I couldn't stop listening to his interviews. He changed my perspective about 'history' and now all I want to do is explore more.

In Rebel Sultans, Manu S. Pillai narrates the story of the Deccan from the close of the thirteenth century to the dawn of the eighteenth. Packed with riveting tales and compelling characters, this book takes us from the age of Alauddin Khilji to the ascent of Shivaji.

Buy Rebel Sultans from Amazon: HERE

3. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy

While talking about popular Indian authors, we cannot overlook Suzanna Arundhati Roy, best known for her novel The God of Small Things (1997), which won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction in 1997 and became the biggest-selling book by a non-expatriate Indian author. She is also a political activist involved in human rights and environmental causes.

2019 has been a very different reading year for me, I mostly read review copies and could not read the books which I really wanted to read. One of my friends recommended this book right after he finished reading this book, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, her second novel published in 2017, twenty years after her debut. Also, I would be reading The God of Small Things, but this is my first pick.

Buy The Ministry of Utmost Happiness from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QxkaSm

4. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattnaik

Jaya by Devdutt Pattnaik

I have been reading the first few pages of this book whenever I get a chance, in the library or in Crossword stores, but now I want to just dig into it and read the whole book. Jaya is one of the best modern adaptations of Mahabharata and as I said I have already started reading, I wish to continue. Devdutt's retellings are the way to go if you are looking for mythological retellings.

Devdutt Pattanaik is an Indian mythologist, speaker, illustrator and author, known for his prolific writing on sacred lore, legends, folklore, fables and parables, and for challenging wilful misinterpretations of ancient Indian scriptures, stories, symbols and rituals.

Buy Jaya from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MKdBuv

5. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

As you all know by reading the post: Top 10 Favorite Books of 2018, Erin Morgenstern and her  The Night Circus has charmed all the readers with the phantasmagorical tale of the two empowered magicians. Now after so long wait of six years, she is back with another (her second) captivating novel. The Starless Sea will be following a character named Zachary Ezra who finds an unusual book in the library in which he encounters his own childhood. Strange right? Intriguing. There is much more in the synopsis. Have a look at the Goodreads page. It is going to be as fantastic as The Night Circus. I am craving more of Erin Morgenstern's 'fairytale in one way or another'.

Buy The Starless Sea from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2rDK2Dw

6. Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

Legacy of Orisha was declared a trilogy by Tomi Adeyemi. The first in the series Children of Blood and Bone was completely successful and made it to #1 on The New York Times Bestsellers List. The story follows the character Zelie Adebola whose mother was killed by a brutal King Saran who rules over the land of Orisha. The second in the trilogy was released late this year on 3rd December. After reading the Children of Blood and Bone, I was waiting for second release desperately because this is the story you cannot wait to explore.


Buy Children of Virtue and Vengeance from Amazon: https://amzn.to/36izvNq

7. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale, originally published in 1985, is a dystopian novel written by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. It is set in a near-future New England, in a totalitarian state resembling a theonomy that overthrows the United States government.

Margaret Atwood is such a phenomenal writer, I adore her writing. I recently signed up for her MASTERCLASS and I'm loving it so far and as a pre-requisite, I have to have a sound knowledge about her literary works so that would be my first step towards learning to write from her. 

Buy The Handmaid's Tale from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2F4p7gd

8. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Among all these non-fiction, fantasy, dystopian novels I wanted to include historical fiction and I could not come up with a better idea than reading this one. All the Light We Cannot See is a war novel written by American author Anthony Doerr, published by Scribner on May 6, 2014. It won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the 2015 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. Set in occupied France during World War II, the novel centers on a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths eventually cross. I'm am really eager to read this book.

Buy All The Light We Cannot See from Amazon: https://amzn.to/39s4oka

9. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This book doesn't need any introduction but here we go. The Book Thief is a historical novel by Australian author Markus Zusak and is his most popular work. Published in 2005, The Book Thief became an international bestseller and was translated into 63 languages and sold 16 million copies. Recently I bought The Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak during the BookChor sale. But I think it would be really unaesthetic to not read The Book Thief before I read anything from Markus.

Markus Zusak is an Australian writer of German origin. He is best known for The Book Thief and The Messenger (US title: I Am the Messenger), two novels which became international bestsellers. He won the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 2014.


Buy The Book Thief from Amazon: https://amzn.to/37lKiq3

10. Becoming by Michelle Obama

Becoming by Michelle Obama

I was very excited to read this book when it was launched. I got the audiobook of this and I have already started reading it, few chapters in and I am loving this. No doubt this book is going to be the best book I'll be reading next decade. I hope so.

Becoming is the memoir of former United States first lady Michelle Obama published in 2018. Described by the author as a deeply personal experience, the book talks about her roots and how she found her voice, as well as her time in the White House, her public health campaign, and her role as a mother.

Buy Becoming from Amazon: https://amzn.to/35cZu7w

I hope, you guys enjoyed this 'End of the Year Series'. So these are all the books I want to read. I wish you all the readers a Very Happy New Year, have a great reading/writing year ahead. Thank you so much for sticking with me throughout the journey of this blog.

FIN

If you have survived through this, please give it a chance! Holly crap. I wrote a book! (Sorry Superwoman for stealing the line.)

Buy on Amazon

(Click on above image to buy Winged Sisters)

Thank you so much for reading y'all. I hope you enjoyed and got some recommendations.

Comment below if you have read any of this and tell me your views on it.


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