Bookish Indulgences

15 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 15, 2017 1

#SpecialFeature :: #GuestPost - What to Expect when People Read Your Novel

*** Special Feature - May 2017 ***

About the Author:

Kurt KammMalibu, California resident Kurt Kamm has written a series of firefighter mystery novels which have won several literary awards. He is also the author of The Lizard’s Tale, which provides a unique look inside the activities of the Mexican drug cartels and the men dedicated to stopping them. Kurt has used his contacts with several California fire departments, as well as with the ATF and DEA to write fact-based (“faction”) novels. In his chilling and suspenseful multi-award winning novel, Code Blood, Kurt takes the reader into the connected lives of a fire paramedic, a Chinese research student with the rarest blood type in the world, and the blood-obsessed killer who stalks her. Colt Lewis, a young Los Angeles County fire paramedic responds to a fatal accident. The victim dies in his arms. Her foot has been severed but is nowhere to be found. Who is the woman, and what happened to her foot? During a weeklong search, Colt risks his career to find the victim’s identity and her missing foot. His search leads him to a dark and disturbing side of Los Angeles…an underworld of body part dealers and underground Goth clubs. He uncovers a tangled maze of drugs, needles, and rituals. Emergency medicine, high-tech medical research, and the unsettling world of blood fetishism and body parts make for an edgy L.A. Noir thriller. Kurt has built an avid fan base among first responders and other readers. A graduate of Brown University and Columbia Law School, Kurt was previously a financial executive and semi-professional bicycle racer. He was also Chairman of the UCLA/Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Foundation for several years.

Visit his author Website & on Facebook!

What to Expect when People Read Your Novel

For most writers, the real reward for writing a novel is self-satisfaction. Unless you become one of the few truly successful writers, great fame and fortune will probably not be on your rewards list. The real payback from writing a novel is writing a novel. I'm talking about the pleasure you get from the considerable effort it takes to conceive a story with a good plot and then the hard work necessary to get it on paper.

Hopefully, you will get feedback from readers who enjoyed and were entertained by your creation, and if you do, savor those comments. Deposit them in your memory bank for future withdrawal. Just be aware that most people, including some of your best friends, won't give a damn if you've written a novel. They will have other priorities and reading your book will be way down on their list. Don't expect them to run right to their computer and order your masterpiece. I can't tell you the number of times I have been disappointed when I tell a friend or a particular group that I have written something that should be of great interest to them, only to get blank stares. Well, get used to it, it happens.
Now, what about the readers who read your work but were not entertained or enlightened? I know, you spent hours thinking through plot details and adding things which you thought were colorful touches, perfect descriptions, or humorous twists, only to discover that your readers missed or ignored them. Remember, by the time you finish a novel, you have read and reread each line so many times that you can recite everything by heart. Your reader, however, may read just a few paragraphs a day, may be distracted, or may be skimming, and much of your beautiful detail is lost. Others may misinterpret some of your characters and their motives. Never be surprised at the different—and seemingly illogical—ways readers can interpret parts of your story. Again, it's going to happen and you're going to be disappointed. Just get used to it, move on, and if necessary, make a memory bank withdrawal and savor one of the favorable comments you received.

One other thing—it is an absolute crime to allow your novel to be published without professional proofreading and editing. Your cousin Sally can't do it for you, and your best friend Paul can't do it. Please, please pay for professional proofreading and editing. (Note that these are two separate functions, usually performed by two separate people.) It's hard enough to please an audience without subjecting them to misspellings, awkward dialog, and plot inconsistencies. Many readers will not take you seriously and simply stop after the second or third misspelled word.

So, with that said, I hope you enjoy reading Code Blood and I'm waiting for comments—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

About the Book:

Colt Lewis, a rookie fire paramedic, is obsessed with finding the severed foot of his first victim after she dies in his arms. His search takes him into the connected lives of a graduate research student, with the rarest blood in the world and the vampire fetishist who is stalking her. Within the corridors of high-stakes medical research laboratories, the shadow world of body parts dealers, and the underground Goth clubs of Los Angeles, Lewis uncovers a tangled maze of needles, drugs and maniacal ritual, all of which lead to death. But whose death? An unusual and fast-paced LA Noir thriller.

Book Details:
Genre: Suspense, Vampire
Published by: MCM Publishing
Publication Date: October 2012
Number of Pages: 233
ISBN: 0979855136 (ISBN13: 9780979855139)
Series: Code Blood is a Stand Alone Novel

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Code Blood Literary Awards:
* Writer’s Type - First Chapter Competition. January 2011- First Place
* 2012 International Book Awards - Fiction: Cross Genre Category – First Place
* National Indie Excellence Book Awards – Faction (fiction based on fact) - Winner of the 2012 Award
* The 2012 USA Best Book Awards - Fiction: Horror - Winner
* LuckyCinda Publishing Contest 2013 First Place – Thriller
* Reader's Favorite 2013– Finalist – Horror Fiction
* Knoxville Writer’s Guild - 2011 Novella or Novel Excerpt – 2nd Place

Giveaway
6 Winners can get their choice of Kurt Kamm's books in Digital format.

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12 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 12, 2017 0

#BookReview :: The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman arrives at a grand house in Amsterdam to begin her new life as the wife of wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt. Though curiously distant, he presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift; a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations ring eerily true.

As Nella uncovers the secrets of her new household, she realises the escalating dangers they face. The miniaturist seems to hold their fate in her hands - but does she plan to save or destroy them?

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When eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman moves into a grand house in Amsterdam to begin her life as the wife of a wealthy merchant, she comes with hopes and dreams. But she is soon faced with the bitter end of her reality. Her husband presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift; a cabinet-sized replica of their home which is to be furnished by a miniaturist. But that is about it. Her husband shows no interest in her or in her life and her sister-in-law takes the charge of the house. Living in house full of secrets, she is curious about the miniaturist and his work.

I picked up this book because I heard conflicting reviews of it. Some loved it and some couldn’t even finish it. Obviously, that made me curious enough to pick it up to judge for myself.

I must admit that I found it a bit difficult to get in rhythm with the narrative. It took me quite a few chapters to really settle in with the book. I guess it has something to do with the narrative style which is slightly different from anything I have read before. After the initial hiccup though, once I settled into the story, it turned out to be an engrossing read.

What I loved best about the book is its plot and its ending. The mystery around the miniaturist kept me turning the pages. I do not want to give out any spoilers and so all I will say about the ending is that it was perfect for the buildup it got. It may disappoint some people as it is more of an open ending than anything. But for me it was the only way to do it.

11 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 11, 2017 0

#BookReview :: A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

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It is no secret that I am a fan of Sarah J. Maas and so it is needless to say that I have been waiting to get my hands on this book for about a year.

The book picks up shortly after where A Court of Mist and Fury left off. Feyre is now in the spring court, spying on them to try and find out what the King of Hybern is planning. She utilizes her time pretty well in the Spring court and love her revenge against Ianthe. From the naïve little girl that she was in the first book, Feyre has come a long way to manipulating Tamlin and the Spring Court in the way she did it. Then her journey takes her back to the Night Court and into the war. Now here’s where I had a small little problem. For people who knew that Hybern could attack any moment, they spent an awful amount of time dawdling. I don’t know why anyone would wait twelve days for a meeting (gathering of the High Lords) when the King of Hybern already has the cauldron and could attack at any moment. For a war that could break out any moment, people seemed awfully laid back and lacked the sense of emergency at the beginning that usually comes with a war.

The first thing that I liked about the book was Feyre’s development. She seemed more in control of her life and her destiny. The cursebreaker finally lives up to the expectation that we usually have from a protagonist. Looking back, she has really developed a lot over the three books and though it was a bit tedious towards the beginning, it was worth the wait to see her transformation. Rhysand’s character though was bit underplayed in this book to give Feyre the full attention. He is supposed to be the most powerful High Lord in the history of Fae, yet we are only told that he ‘fought’ with everything. I wish we had been able to see more of Rhysand in action on the battlefield. Azriel, Cassian and Mor lived up to their names. I loved Mor in action in the Summer Court. And OMG! Amren… yes, we see her true form in this book and that is all I am going to say about this character.

I loved the diversity of characters in the book. A High Lord who is Bi-Sexual, and a major character confessing to like people of the same sex (I am saying it this way so as not to give a spoiler on who that character is) brings in some diversity that is much needed to be normalized.

The climax was awesome, except for Feyre’s dad’s part. That felt too much like a Bollywood twist to me – Prince of Merchants! Also, I am glad the closure that the author gave to Feyre and Tamlin’s relationship.

Over all it was a complete page-turner.

Book Review :: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review :: A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2) by Sarah J. Maas

09 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 09, 2017 0

#BookReview :: Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas

Freya was never meant be queen. Twenty third in line to the throne, she never dreamed of a life in the palace, and would much rather research in her laboratory than participate in the intrigues of court. However, when an extravagant banquet turns deadly and the king and those closest to him are poisoned, Freya suddenly finds herself on the throne.

Freya may have escaped the massacre, but she is far from safe. The nobles don’t respect her, her councillors want to control her, and with the mystery of who killed the king still unsolved, Freya knows that a single mistake could cost her the kingdom – and her life.

Freya is determined to survive, and that means uncovering the murderers herself. Until then, she can’t trust anyone. Not her advisors. Not the king’s dashing and enigmatic illegitimate son. Not even her own father, who always wanted the best for her, but also wanted more power for himself.

As Freya’s enemies close in and her loyalties are tested, she must decide if she is ready to rule and, if so, how far she is willing to go to keep the crown.

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The blurb of the book on Goodreads say, ‘The Girl of Fire and Thorns meets The Queen of the Tearling in this thrilling fantasy standalone about one girl’s unexpected rise to power.’ So, right off the bat, I want to say that it is not even close to as good as either of the book is.

When at the King’s Banquet, the King and almost all his court is poisoned to death, Freya finds that she is next in line for the throne. She has never been interested in the court and its politics, let alone in the throne. She finds solace in her laboratory and experiments. As an unwilling Queen who must not only learn court politics but also take up her responsibilities to turn the kingdom around from the face of this tragedy. But she isn’t safe… Neither do her courtiers trust her nor can she trust anyone; not even those closest to her. Will she be able to rise to the occasion, or will she succumb to the pressures, or will her enemies get to her first?

I liked the character of Freya… One because she had a clear mind thanks to her interests in science and experiments. She also really cared about the common folk and did not let the power of her newly found position go to her head. She was strong for most parts and her awkwardness at the title and the formality that it brought made her feel like a very genuine character. I wished for Naomi, Freya’s best friend, to have a bit more to her role in the story. Madeline was a character about whom I was never sure. There were times when I felt like she was a fake and at times I felt that maybe she genuinely cared. Either way, her character was well portrayed. Fitzeroy was a character that let me down. I expected a lot more trouble and fun from him. His relationship with Freya felt odd and out of place.

The problem with the book is that the antagonists aren’t scary at all. Even when Freya is cornered and one of them facing off with her, he does not come off as powerful even though he supposedly is. Also, the motivation of the other antagonist really wasn’t believable… This was a mass murder and the antagonist’s motivation really fit the action as much. Then there is the fact that the book lacks pace. We go through pages after pages without the plot really progressing. As a result, the book felt too long.

The plot had great potential, but somehow missed the mark.

08 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 08, 2017 1

#SpecialFeature :: #Excerpts from Code Blood by Kurt Kamm

*** Special Feature - May 2017 ***

About the Author:

These are excerpts from Code Blood which describe Markus’ girlfriend Audra, a woman with a full body tattoo. Audra works as an “exotic” dancer at a club in Hollywood, and Markus has a tumultuous (to say the least!) relationship with her.

The inserted picture below was supplied to me by Justice Howard, a world famous photographer of tattooed women, and was adapted for the cover of Code Blood. The tattoo took several years and reportedly cost $30,000.

Excerpts from Code Blood:

During the 20-minute drive from the beach to his apartment near the California University campus, Markus leaned against the passenger side door and admired Audra’s body. He wondered what she looked like six years ago, without her tats. She must have been hot even then. Some days he hated the bitch, but today she looked particularly delicious. She was wearing her cut-off jeans, short enough to show the beginning of the curve of her awesome ass, and a tank top that revealed the colors and mosaic of her upper body tattoos. Her long black hair cascaded down over her bare shoulders. While everyone in the parking lot was staring at the accident or looking at Audra, it was easy to pick up the foot.

****

Audra had lit the candles and Markus could smell the aromatherapy scent drifting out of the bedroom. He didn’t like it nearly as much now that he real¬ized she had the same scent on her hands from the massage oil when she came home from work. He paused at the door of the bedroom and saw her lying face-up on top of the bed wearing only a bra and panties. He watched her stretch, keeping one leg flat and bringing the other up at a right angle. She held on to the piece of old wrought iron cemetery fence they used as a headboard. A small patio table on one side of the bed functioned as a nightstand. A weath¬ered church pew and a massive Victorian dresser with spiral-turned legs were the only other pieces of furniture. Before Audra dragged him to the Salvation Army to buy furniture, Markus slept on a mattress on the floor.

****

The first time he saw her at the Alley Kat, with her tattoos, he couldn’t get over her intense body. He dreamed about her. He thought about her. He kept coming back to look at her like all the other men and even some women. Everyone liked to inhale Audra’s body and fantasize about what they wanted to do with her. He decided he had to have her. He wanted her to belong to him. Now she had moved in with him, but he still had to share her with everyone else at the club. Markus couldn’t bear to go back and watch her dance while everyone ogled her tats and reached out to touch them.

****

She stormed into the bedroom. “Shut up. I’ve told you, don’t ever say that.” She kicked off one of her high heels. It sailed over the bed and hit the far wall. “You sound just like my father.” She stepped out of her other shoe. “’Audra honey, come to bed with daddy.’ That’s how he always started it.” She moved around the room in the semidarkness, her voice rising. “Every time I heard it, I cringed. When I got older, it got worse. He got more demanding and more impatient and then it was, ‘Audra, NOW!’” She lit several red candles on the dresser, walked to the side of the bed and stood over him in the flickering light, hands on her hips. “You sound just like him. I don’t ever want to hear that again. Not ever.”

****

Audra rolled away from Markus.
“If you like white skin so much, how come you covered yourself with tats?” he asked.
“Because my father’s fingerprints were all over my body. It was like everyone could see what he did to me. As soon as I got off the bus in LA, I started checking out tattoos.”

About the Book:

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06 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 06, 2017 0

A Visit with Rothgar from The Viking’s Witch By Kelli A. Wilkins

A Visit with Rothgar from The Viking’s Witch

By Kelli A. Wilkins

www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

Hi everyone!

Today we’re chatting with Rothgar, the hero from The Viking’s Witch, a Gold IPPY Award winning historical romance from Kelli A. Wilkins. Before Rothgar answers our questions, let’s learn a bit about the book.

The Viking’s Witch

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short-lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?

After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning woman be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other…before time is up.

Welcome Rothgar. Can you tell us how you came to the Orkney Islands in Scotland and met Odaria, the heroine in The Viking’s Witch?
Ja. I was sent there to look for my cousin, Orvind. His ship had vanished and my uncle wanted me to find him. After we came ashore, I found Odaria hiding in a gathering hall and I rescued her from a vile attack. To repay my kindness, she hit me! It was a very unusual first-meeting.

You sound very noble. How would you describe yourself?
A strong warrior who does not tolerate disloyalty or fools. I’ll fight for a cause I believe in, but I cannot stomach excess violence or abuse toward women. I’m a disciplined man who stands by my word, and I expect the same from others.

What was your first impression of Odaria?
I had never known a woman like her before—soft and tender one minute, then feisty and fighting the next. I was impressed by her inner strength (she had just been tied to a stake and nearly burned to death), and her ability to cope with tragic situations. Later, when she wept like a frightened girl, I saw how vulnerable she was deep down, and my heart melted.

What is it about Odaria that makes you crazy in a good way?
She’s very strong-willed and opinionated and likes to do things her own way, no matter what. When I first met her, this was very frustrating and drove me crazy, because I knew what was best for her, and yet, she fought me at every turn. Only later did I come to realize that all these traits made me love her even more.

Tell us one thing you had to overcome to win Odaria’s love.
Winning her love wasn’t easy. When we first met, she didn’t trust me at all, and after the way she had been treated in the past, I could see why. But after a little while, we grew to trust (and love) each other, but she always worried that I would betray her. In a way, I did, but I did it for a good cause. Naturally, she didn’t see things my way and I had to earn her trust all over again.

What was the sweetest romantic gesture you ever did for her?
When we were in Scotland, I gave her flowers and a gold brooch that made her happy. (I also did some rather naughty things with her in the bedchamber that I would not dare repeat here!) Now that we’re home, I’ll surprise her with flowers, jewelry, or a very romantic night spent under the stars.

What is your most important goal in life?
Now that Odaria and I have settled into a peaceful home life, my main goal is to provide for her and keep her safe. Odaria likes adventure, so I also strive to keep our lives interesting and make sure we never grow bored.

Who is the one person you respect and trust the most?
A man must trust his wife. Odaria has proven that she’s unlike any other woman, and I trust her with my life. I have the utmost respect for her and know that she will fight with me, and for me, if necessary. I also have great respect for my berserkr friend, Nordskog. His great courage and loyalty saved Odaria and me from certain death.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing Odaria. I lost my first wife and son in a fire, and I would never be able to live through something like that again.

What is your greatest hope?
That Odaria and I have several healthy, strong children who make us proud.

What is the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome?
I had to overcome many obstacles in my life, and a major one was learning how to carry on after my first wife died. For a few years after that terrible tragedy, I gave up raiding and traveling and was considered “soft” by many warriors. (Laughs). I’ve certainly overcome any reluctance to show them my stronger side—and many of them still have the bruises and scars to prove it! Sailing to Scotland and meeting Odaria renewed my strength and self-confidence and gave me a second chance at a happy life.

If Odaria could describe you in one word, what would it be?
Sexy? Strong? Virile? Brave? Bold? (Laughs.) Although all of those are true, knowing Odaria the way I do, if you asked her the question, she’d tell you: “Mine.”

Do you sometimes want to strangle your writer? Thrash her to within an inch of her life for what she put you through in the book?
Yes! Over the course of the book, Kelli put me through several very emotional trials. I had to discipline (and battle) fellow Norsemen, contend with the local villagers, protect Odaria, and still look for my cousin. It was a very exhausting few days, but I know that Kelli did it all for a good reason. She brought Odaria and I together and changed our lives forever. We’re both very happy now and quite indebted to Kelli for all she’s done for us. (Although she could have made things a little easier!) I’m also proud to tell everyone that The Viking’s Witch won a Gold IPPY Award for best romance ebook, so Kelli did an excellent job telling my story.

Thank you for your time, Rothgar. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes. On Kelli’s behalf, I’d like to invite everyone to visit her website and social media pages to catch up on her latest romances and other news. She has written several other great books in all genres (historical, paranormal, gay, erotica, and contemporary) that readers will enjoy. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts today.

Now here’s an excerpt from The Viking’s Witch:

Odaria scanned the cookroom and spotted a large table piled high with food. Brennan must have been planning a feast to celebrate her death. There would be plenty of meat and beer in the underground storage area. Men liked to eat. The Norsemen must be hungry from their long journey. Mayhap she could offer Rothgar a meal and strike a bargain with him.

“Are you hungry?” she asked, cocking her head. “I know where to find food and drink, wood for the fire, clean water, and—”

“Hvat ist das plass?”

She scowled at him, trying to decipher his words. A few seconds later, she understood. “This is a cookroom. Women in the village prepare meals here. See?” She waved at the iron pots, wooden pitchers, and other cookery items stacked on the shelves around the room. “They make food.”

Rothgar rolled his eyes. “Ja. Vat ist dat?” He pointed to the door behind her.

“The gathering hall. The men conduct business here. There is a room upstairs for sleeping. The larder, the food and drink, is below,” she said slowly, hoping he’d understand.

He nodded and inched closer to her. She tried to move away, but she had nowhere to go. Her back was pressed against the door. Rothgar grinned and cupped her chin in his wide hand. Her heart fluttered. What was he doing? She stared into his eyes as he bowed his head. His rough beard grazed her cheek as his lips lightly brushed against hers.

Her body tingled, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. The room spun and seemed to grow dim. As everything faded, she had a clear vision of wrapping her arms around Rothgar’s neck and eagerly pulling him close for a kiss. Dizzy, she pitched forward. Rothgar caught her and clutched her to his chest.

“Shh,” he soothed, running his hand through her loose hair. “I will not harm you, Odaria.”

She relaxed against his broad chest, letting him support her weight. His touch was calming, and she felt safe here, leaning against Rothgar as she would rest against a thick tree. She inhaled deep. Rothgar didn’t stink of rancid sweat like the other men. He smelled clean and salty, like the sea. The scent comforted her. She could almost fall asleep where she stood.

Rothgar curled his arms around her ribs. She didn’t protest. In spite of everything, he hadn’t harmed her and he had saved her from that horrible Norseman in the red tunic.

After a few moments, her dizzy spell passed, and she gazed at him. “You are not like the others. You are different, Rothgar.”

He smiled. “Ja, in some ways. But fear not, Odaria. I will not share you with the others. I wish to have you all to myself.” Rothgar chuckled and winked at her. “Now, show me this food.”

“Aye.” She had no choice but to obey Rothgar’s wishes—for now.

Order The Viking’s Witch here:

Amazon * B&N * Medallion Press

About the Author:

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels.

Her trilogy of erotic romance novellas, Midsummer Night’s Delights, Midwinter Night’s Delights, and Ultimate Night’s Delights was released in spring 2017.

Loving a Wild Stranger was published in January 2017. This historical/pioneer romance is set in the wilds of the Michigan Territory and blends tender romance with adventure.

Kelli's third Medallion Press romance, Lies, Love & Redemption was released in September 2016. This spicy historical western is set on the Nebraska prairie in 1877.

Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative guide filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.

Kelli posts on her Facebook Author Page and Twitter. She also writes a weekly Blog.

Visit her Website to learn more about all of her writings, read book excerpts, reviews, and more. Readers can sign up for her newsletter HERE.

Catch Up with Kelli:

Website * Blog * Amazon * Newsletter * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Pinterest

05 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 05, 2017 0

#BookReview :: The Width of the World (Vega Jane #3) by David Baldacci

This is it. Vega Jane’s time. She’s been lied to her whole life, so she breaks away from Wormwood, the only home she’s ever known, in search of the truth. She battles horrors to fight her way across the Quag with her best friend, Delph, and her mysterious canine, Harry Two. Against all odds, they survive unimaginable dangers and make it through.

And into a new world that’s even worse. Not because deadly beasts roam the cobblestones, but because the people are enslaved but don’t even know it. It’s up to Vega, Delph, Harry Two and their new comrade, Petra, to take up the fight against a foe that’s unrivaled in savagery and cunning. Not only is Vega’s life and the lives of her friends on the line, but whether she triumphs or fails will determine whether a whole world survives.

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Vega and Delph reach the end of the Quag along with their new friend Petra. At the end of the Quag is a wall with a town on the other side. At a glance, it seems like a normal and happy town; it is only when you take a closer look that you realize that not everything is as it seems. The town is ruled by a race who brainwashes the townsfolk and steals magic from those who have it. With the discovery of a safe-haven for herself and her friends, Vega fights for the rights and life of these common folks.

Here’s the thing… three books into the series, the characters should have settled down by now. While Vega and Delph seemed to grow in book 2, the characters and their dynamics didn’t really work for me in this book. Most of them felt flaky to me for most part. The fun part in this book is Vega discovering where her ancestors came from and the training of the new recruits. Like the previous book, there is a lot of action and drama to pull the book through.

Then again, there were certain inconsistencies in the book that didn’t quite add up and made the reading experience more like a hurdle race. I was hoping that this would be the conclusion, making this a trilogy. But from the climax of the book, it is quite clear that there are more books to come in the series. On one hand, I do want to know if Vega will evolve further, but on the other hand the general inconsistencies and the inconsistency with the characters are really bummers.

At the end of this book, I am not sure whether I want to pick up the next in the series when it releases.

Review Copy received from Pan Macmillan India

Book Review :: The Finisher (Vega Jane #1) by David Baldacci

Book Review :: The Keeper (Vega Jane #2) by David Baldacci

04 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 04, 2017 0

#BookReview :: Pound of Flesh by Mukul Deva

Minutes after landing at Delhi airport, Pamela Stewart, a beautiful, young American lawyer vanishes without a trace.

Retired Inspector General of Police Ravinder Singh Gill knows that he has only hours to track down and recover the missing girl, his daughter Jasmine’s college-mate and friend. As he digs deeper he realizes that Pamela is only one of scores of young girls who have gone missing. Not one of them has been recovered. Not alive. And those found have had their organs harvested.
The search for Pamela turns even more vicious and murkier as the finger of suspicion swings towards Harpal Singh, a powerful political broker with a shady past, and also the father of Dr. Mandeep, a surgeon, and recently betrothed to Jasmine.
Spearheading Harpal’s operation is the mercurial Santosh Kumar aka SK aka The Hammer, a ruthless enforcer who hates Ravinder for killing his father. The battle becomes intensely personal for The Hammer when he realizes that Pamela is the friend of Ravinder’s daughter.
Torn between rescuing Pamela, finding the truth and protecting Jasmine’s happiness, Ravinder battles alone.
Could Harpal be the man behind this deadly gang of human traffickers and organ traders? Could Mandeep, his future son-in- law, be the surgeon who is cutting up these missing girls and harvesting their organs? And why is Chetan, the police officer investigating the case, covering up the facts?

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Ravinder Singh is a retired police officer. When he looks into the disappearance of Pamela Stewart, his daughter’s friend, he uncovers a plot of trafficking and organ harvesting that goes much deeper than what he initially thought. Investigation and suspicion leads him to Harpal Singh and Santosh Kumar. However, Harpal Singh is a powerful man and Santosh is a ruthless one. Will Ravinder Singh be able to solve the case and put the perpetrator behind bars before it is too late for him and his daughter?

The plot is complex with sub plots going on parallelly. For instance, Ravinder Singh is investigating Harpal Singh while his daughter is Engaged to Harpal’s son Mandeep. So, things are more than complicated for Ravinder and his investigation into not only Pamela Stewart but also the other missing girls who seem to be connected to this case. While both human trafficking and organ harvesting are serious issues in the modern-day world, the author could have with dealt the issues with more gravity. The characters are well developed and each character is placed in the story just so they can contribute something. I liked Ravinder Singh’s character quite a bit and understood his dilemma. Though his intelligence does not really get a chance to shine through as in this case he mostly stumbles across things quite accidentally. It was like the antagonist was doing half his job for him. The antagonist’s character though needed some more work towards the end as I felt that all the buildup he got wasn’t really justified at the end. He seemed to get what he deserved a bit too easily.

Overall, this book is a brilliantly paced work of thriller. With witnesses disappearing and plot twists being delivered, I was so engrossed in the story that I finished reading the book (and it is quite a big one) in one day.

Review Copy received from Westland Books

03 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 03, 2017 0

#BookReview :: Ashvamedha - The Game Of Power by Aparna Sinha

"You have to dethrone a powerful man to become the most powerful. I was itching to defeat the single most powerful person, but there wasn't any. I was left with only one choice — to create one."

Little does Ashwin Jamwal know that the last twenty-five years of his life have been controlled by a master manipulator, who wanted to make him the most powerful man on earth, though for a reason! Ashwin steps up to take oath as the youngest Prime Minister of India and is unknowingly thrown into a vortex of power and authority as the entire world is threatened by a faceless enemy — Hades.

The world starts to look up to Ashwin as the savior, but he was just a pawn, reared only to be sacrificed in the end.

A story of greed, lies, deceptions, manipulations and corruption, Ashvamedha is a thriller revolving around the infamous game of power in a maddening bid to seek absolute control.

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Ashvamedha is one of the best political thrillers that I have read in IWE in recent times.

It is a story with many lines to it. On one hand, we have Ashwin who is honest to a fault. But he soon realizes that being honest and straight in this society will get him nowhere and he will never get anything done. So, he uses not so legal ways to get the right thing done. His fate soon brings him into politics, where he amasses huge power and following. He soon becomes the youngest Prime Minister of India. On the other hand, we have a kidnapping case where a politician and his cohort are taken and killed. Then there is the presence of Hades, an identity in the shadows who seems to be omnipotent and omnipresent. What is his connection to everything and what does he/she want?

The book had me hooked from the word go. The pace picks up right from the word go and struggles a bit in the middle and then picks back up towards the ending. The book has several important characters and the author has done a good job of bringing these characters to life. However, there are a couple of characters whose presence was not required in the story as they did not have much to contribute to it. The plot has a lot of things going on. There are sub plots who importance emerges later in the story. What made this book un-put-down-able was the fact that the author kept giving us information and twists in installments which kept me going until I turned the last page.

The book is interesting and keeps the suspense going throughout. It was a well-done story that was held back by its editing. For someone like me to notice errors says a lot as my mind normally auto-corrects while reading (Yes, it is a thing!). I wish authors would take this stage of publishing more seriously as a polished story is always better than one littered with typos. It takes away from the reading experience as well.

Review Copy received from Srishti Publishers

02 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 02, 2017 1

#BookReview :: Harry Potter Series by J.K.Rowling

I have been suffering from a book review block for quite some time and a friend suggested I should try reviewing a book I love. So here I am trying to review the Harry Potter Series in one post.

I was late to join the Harry Potter bandwagon because I thought magic and dragons were for kids… Yeah! And then while babysitting a kid who wanted to watch Harry Potter, I got hooked. I watched the first movie and there was no turning back. I borrowed the first three books from that very kid and finished each in one sitting. Rest is as they say is history!

What attracted me to the series first was the friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione. From hating Hermione to making a team that so complete together was awesome. Their friendship made them stronger as they each had something to offer the others in the group. Then to see them grow through their own share of ups and downs was an experience like no other. They had their fair share of fights, yet they always found their way back to each other. Also, I fell in love with Hermione for her dialogue – “Now, if you two don’t mind, I’m going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed or worse… expelled!” Epic!

The second thing that I love about the series is the plot. Sure, there are holes here and there – like how Voldemort always waits to attack till the end of the year… But the fact that few details mentioned in the passing in one book becomes so important in others. To have seven books so thoroughly interlinked is super awesome.

Then there are themes throughout the book that taught me a lot and reaffirmed some of my beliefs. For instance, with the support of true friends, one can overcome anything. If it wasn’t for Ron, Hermione and the Weasley family, but mostly Ron and Hermione, Harry wouldn’t have survived for long; That it is okay to be scared and need help; That we should treat people well irrespective of their stature and power. But most of all it is the message that people can rally surprise you that resonated with me. Luna, anyone? For all her weirdness, she is one of the bravest, kind hearted and intelligent person in the series. She alone can teach us so many lessons – like it is okay to be different or how to embrace yourself as the person you truly are but mostly, that it doesn’t matter what people think about you as long as you are true to yourself. She is probably the one character that stands out of the rest for so many reasons. Then there is Snape… who would have thought that behind all his rage and darkness there is a person who can love so completely and unconditionally. Neville, the scared little forgetful boy from first year turns out to be the first one to defy Lord Voldemort’s orders right in front of him in the seventh year. And let us not forget Hagrid, the gentle giant – the first surprise of the series.

The Weasley family taught me that family is strength. From Fred and George I learnt that life is too short to take seriously. Sirius taught me that friends can be family. I learnt to appreciate my individuality from Luna. Dumbledore taught me that even the best of us makes mistakes. Neville taught me that we can be strong. Ron taught me the meaning of loyalty. And Hermione taught me to READ 😊

This series is so much more than fantasy book for children. You have to only give it a chance, it will change your life for better.

01 May, 2017

Debdatta Dasgupta May 01, 2017 2

#SpecialFeature :: #GuestPost - How (Not?) to Write a Novel by Kurt Kamm

Under "Special Feature" every month I feature a Special Author.

During this month I put up 5 posts about the Author/Book, including Interview / Review / Excerpt / Guest Post / Author Bio / Fun Facts or whatever else we can come up with. Also on the first day of the month we will launch the Giveaway contest along with the first post and will announce the winner on the last day of the month.

So be sure to check out my blog every 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th of every month for something new :)

*** Special Feature - May 2017 ***

About the Author:

How (Not?) to Write a Novel

A rookie fire paramedic responds to a fatal accident. A woman’s foot is severed. Who is she? Where is her foot? CODE BLOOD plunges the reader into the connected lives of the paramedic, a Chinese medical research student with the rarest blood in the world, and a killer who stalks her. Emergency medicine, stem cell research, Goth club culture and the shadow world of body parts dealers provide the background for my noir novel, Code Blood.

Did I have a detailed plot before I started to write what turned out to be an 80,000 word story? Did I know all of my characters? Did I have a complete list, along with an outline of their personalities and physical descriptions?

NO!

I have read that some mystery writers develop incredibly detailed plot outlines before starting their novels. Some even supposedly plan every chapter and each event within the chapter. Code Blood is my third mystery, and I have never started with anything more than a basic plot idea. Before starting every novel, I resolve to develop a detailed outline, and find that I simply cannot do it. All I have ever been able capable of is beginning with a general idea about the plot and a couple of the characters. In Code Blood, I started with the idea that a woman’s foot is severed in a freak accident, a rookie paramedic responds to the call, and a weirdo picks up the foot.

My plots unfold as I begin to write. This is where imagination comes into play. I start with a few words about what is happening, and the action begins to unfold. What is the paramedic thinking? Where is the severed foot? What kind of person would pick it up in a parking lot? All of a sudden there is a lot to write about. I am drawn into it and begin to visualize what comes next. The same applies to my characters. I always begin with a couple of two dimensional individuals and stick them in the action. Soon they fill out. They begin to live their own lives, make their own decisions, involve their own friends and enemies, and create their own crises. At that point, I become no more than their mouthpiece—they determine their own courses of action and tell me what to put down on paper.
I wouldn't tell you that this is a perfect process—there is a lot of cutting and pasting, and revision. But it works. Sometimes partway through a novel my characters paint themselves into a corner. If that occurs, I may have to stop writing for days at a time and just try to think through what will happen next in the story. Usually, if I concentrate on my character's personalities, and think about what they would do, the solution becomes apparent.

I find that as the novel progresses, it builds momentum, and about halfway through, I am suddenly immersed in a complex story with multiple individuals. During the day, when I am not writing, I often think about each character, and try to imagine what he (she) is thinking and doing. By the end of the novel, I am close friends with my leading individuals, and I often miss them when I finish writing about them.

Code Blood has been a particular surprise. Colt’s missing mother was something I thought about halfway into the novel. And, at the outset, I never imagined what a weirdo Lukas would be and how much trouble he would get himself into. The Chinese medical researcher, A Li, didn’t exist until I had to create someone who carried the rare Bombay blood type.

When Code Blood was complete, I was amazed at the number of twists and turns, and the events that I never could have imagined at the beginning.

I hope you enjoy reading Code Blood.

About the Book: