Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Science Fiction

The Republic of Texas (The Second Civil War) by Eduard Lehr |Book review

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America stands on the edge of a knife. Waves of terrorist attacks have eroded personal freedoms and heated political tensions to a boiling point. Citizen surveillance and gun control have become everyday requirements for safety and security. Captain Travis Kent, an Air National Guard fighter pilot and reluctant Texas oil tycoon, is thrust to the front lines of the fray after killing a terrorist and injuring a woman during an attack.

Roddy Jones, football player-turned legal marijuana salesman, is mistakenly arrested after the attacks and finds himself under constant surveillance in everyday life. He flees and finds himself a part of the militia fighting against the very things that had made his life a living hell. As political tensions begin to boil, violence erupts, shattering any hope for a peaceful reconciliation. Can Texas and the United States come to peace before they start a civil war that threatens to destroy the United States of America?

Title: The Republic of Texas (The Second Civil War) 

Author: Eduard Lehr 

Pages: 373

My review

Great book! In today’s world, this ‘fiction’ doesn’t seem all too far away. The book portrays how devastating a second civil war will be. The story is well constructed and well developed. The author has carefully constructed many parallel plots to merge them at the appropriate point. All the issues explained in one point or another contributes to the cause of civil war. The author has incorporated serious issues such as gun control and monitoring of personal liberties along with internet freedom in the story. These issues are relevant in the current scenario too. Moreover, the story reflects the emotions and mindset of people in the state. Their growing frustrations and how these thoughts will end up fueling the civil war is captured in the plot.

I don’t see any issues mentioned by some of the previous reviews. Perhaps it has been updated?

Highly recommended read to all!

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Science Fiction

The Quarter Percent by Lily Nicole|Book Review

 

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Author: Lily Nicole

Pages: 285

Blurb

It is summer 2030. Truth is the weapon and profit is the territory. Over thirteen intense days, combatants wage war, wielding influence and prestige. Behind the screens, wealthy recluse Marvin Stone has unimaginable power and rewrites the rules of the game. As the rules change, a former fashionista struggles to adjust. On the continent, the popular and charismatic King Cordial of Vale works covertly to undermine his rivals. His youngest daughter, Costmary, is in the cross-hairs. Rue, his older daughter, takes on an exciting new challenge and Gala, Cordial’s first-born, when she is named Princess Regent, forges new ties and unveils her master plan.

My Review

The Quarter Percent by Lily Nicole is a unique dystopian science fiction blending politics and technology together. The plot has many parallel storylines which are woven together through mutual connections.

Set in the near future, the book begins giving a glimpse of the technical takeover on our day-to-day lives. Every information ever put out on the internet is now archived into a ten cubic meters of nanocellulose and silicon called Pai. Every user can point your device to this jelly block to access their data and modify them according to their taste. Access to this unique technology is only given to an extremely rich quarter percent of the population. This manipulative illegal technology which is controlled by a group of eight companies called The Conglomerate plan to market their product in the near future. This will cause a phase-out of the internet and the rise of Aeterna, the replacement. The source code of Aeterna is owned by Marvin Stones’ technology firm, Stone Technology Partners, LLC.

The plot thickens when Marvin Stone decides to rewrite the rules of the technology over the course of thirteen days. This will disrupt many lives depending on social media and the internet. The equations of marketing and advertising are going to take a toll due to this. This storyline is blended with the life of King Cordial of Vale, whose family problems have started spilling into the media. The King and his daughters are trying to squeeze the last drop of profit and power through covert plans.

This is not a simple story that can be expressed through a few lines. The story is getting complicated with the introduction of new characters. This complexity adds suspense and thriller elements in the story. The satirical account of family politics to gain more power and profit is portrayed very accurately. When people lose their ethics and only concentrate on profits, their grounds also change. This leads then to unquenchable greed to impair their opponents and rise above them. The human nature to wage war for their selfish goals is the soul-cause of the fall of humanity. This story explains them all. With accurate turns and twists, the plot never loses its charm.

The creative mind behind the story demands a huge applause. It is not easy to weave many storylines together and combine them to a single concept. The author has done this job very well. This book is absolutely a great treat for readers.

Rating: 5/5

Purchase here: Amazon.in  https://amzn.to/3iquCr7

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Science Fiction, Young-Adult

Gypsy Flower by Diana Dawn|Book review

Title: Gypsy Flower: Book 4 of Whispering Willows series

Author: Diana Dawn

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Blurb

Snow is willing to risk everything to find the sister she never knew she had, even her new happy life in the Willows. Leaving her true love behind in search of her family, her plans are to bring her sister back to the Willows with her. But will her journey into the mirror bring her the outcome she desires…will she find her sister, or will she again face the witch, her stepmother Margurite? ‘Gypsy Flower’ is the fourth book in the Whispering Willows series.

Review

Gypsy Flower by Diana Dawn is the fourth installment of the Whispering Willows series. I have been following the story from the very beginning and was eager to know what happens next, when I took this one to read. Princess snow embarks a journey to find her long-lost sister at any cost. The path was unknown. She had absolutely no clues about her sister’s whereabouts at first. But slowly everything clears. She finds clues on the way. But this quest is just the beginning. The entire world of Princess Snow took a turn through this journey. As the author is revealing more and more at times, the story is becoming more mysterious. Just like other installments, she ends the story at a cliff hanger. But I must say this ending has a hint of unpredictability more than other books. Making readers dying to know what happens next!

The relationship between Snow and Mitch also getting interesting here. The author has given much depth to Snow’s character through all these books. A gradual evolution of her character is evident from beginning to now. A maturity in character and relationship is expected from her as a protagonist and she is a perfect blend of all emotions. The author has taken much time to unravel the sacred bond between sisters in the middle. But she was careful to not lose the pace. She is not giving away many details. I think this adds up mystery here and there. Many of the characters in Willows are suspicious from the beginning. Here in this part too, their mysteries are growing chapter by chapter.

Apart from the third book, the author has given more importance to the life and people of Willows in this book. It was a heart-warming part to read. With the introduction of new characters, once again the lives of Willows were picking up their lost rhythm.

I read in a single stretch because just like other installments, the narration is impeccable. I’m eagerly waiting to read the next one!

Rating:5/5
Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Indian Authors, Indian Mythology, Science Fiction, Thriller

The Last Avatar (Age of Kalki #1) by Vishwas Mudagal

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  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins India
  • Language: English
  • Buy here: Amazon

Blurb

In the not-so-distant future, India has fallen, and the world is on the brink of an apocalyptic war. An attack by the terrorist group Invisible Hand has brutally eliminated the Indian Prime Minister and the union cabinet. As a national emergency is declared, chaos, destruction and terror reign supreme. From the ashes of this falling world, rises an unconventional hero – a vigilante known only as Kalki. Backed by a secret society called The Rudras, Kalki, along with Nushen, the Chinese superhuman spy, must do the impossible to save his country, and the world. But who is Kalki? A flesh and blood crusader with a mysterious past? Or the Messiah the world has been waiting for? The future of human survival depends on a single man. Will he become the living God prophesied as the last avatar of Lord Vishnu, or will he fade away as an outlaw?

My take

Kalki is a topic which is overused over time by many prominent writers in India. Still, it is a good subject to let your imagination build on. Mainly because of the mythological and modern background of the character. That’s why this topic never goes off the style.

First things first. Iwas really intrigued by the cover of the book at first sight. The depiction of Kalki with the touch of Lord Hanuman wielding a mysterious but seemingly powerful weapon. The curiosity built by the cover alone deserves an honorable mention.

Coming to the story, this one has everything for every kind of readers. I was absolutely fascinated by the plot and sub-plots in the story. The subplots are the main highlight. Because the author has woven many stories in a single string and connected them well to build an absolutely massive plot. This plot holds together every character in the story. This is also a well-built foundation for his upcoming books in this series.

The world is on the edge of an apocalyptic war. An attack by the terrorist group Invisible Hand in the Indian parliament has eliminated the Prime Minister, Union ministry and cabinet. The national emergency is declared and the subsequent chaos paved the way for destruction and terror. From this total terror, an unconventional hero has risen who is know as The Kalki. The protagonist Kalki, who has a double life as Neel who leads the Astra Group which manufactures most modern technological types of equipment. He is backed by a secret society known as Rudras.

What is the intention of this terrorist group led by Master Zar and what is his hidden motive to attack Indian parliament in one go? Who is Kalki and what is his intention behind saving the world? Who is the secret society known as Rudras and are they have some hidden agenda?

There are many more questions are arising from each page of the story. Every page creates suspense. There are too many different characters and the imaginary world which the author bought to the reader is absolutely magical. This suspense along with twists and addressing the geopolitical situation of India and China, the author never leaves any stones unturned.

The protagonist has no flaws. He has superhuman strength and abilities makes him the reincarnation of God. But I felt the character of the villain is slightly underdeveloped. The strength of the villain has a huge part in making a hero.

Altogether, it is a very good story and worth your time. Every mythological-historical fiction reader ought to try this book.

Rating:4/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Motivational Quotes, non-fiction, Science Fiction, Self-Help

“Where Will Man Take Us?: The bold story of the man technology is creating” by Atul Jalan

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  • Title: Where Will Man Take Us?: The bold story of the man technology is creating
  • Author: Atul Jalan
  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Penguin Portfolio

There are not so many books that I love to re-read or gift others. But this book is above all praises….

As evident from the title, this is a non-fiction work. The brilliant yellow cover of the book is perfect for this category book.

I can guarantee you, this is a 100 percent money worth and time worth read you can find.

The narration skills of the author are mind-blowing. From prologue itself, he ignites the interest and energy that a reader needs to complete this 300+ page book. The curiosity he made in the prologue itself points out the craft of the author. This is one of the best prologues I have ever come across in non-fiction category.

Usually, non-fiction books are subject-centric. They are purchased and read purely for academic purpose. But this book is clearly an innovation in this category. The presentation of each and every topic is fascinating.

The book is divided into 5 sections mainly. In the first section which is named as the ‘Drivers of change’, the author talks about 6 subjects ranging from Alan Turing to Genetics. It is a perfect introduction of technology from its past to the future. It gives a clear idea about the future technologies. In the second section, he talks about everything in societal life ranges from matchmaking and democracy to Artificial intelligence. The power of data is explained elaborately and it is something that everyone has to be educated. The third part is all about the magic of math. For me, the fourth section was most enjoyable because it deals with astrophysics and extraterrestrial life. The author has tried to answer some of the great mysteries of all the time. The fifth and last section is all about the future. The predictions and future technologies are elaborated here. The book is concluded perfectly. It has a beginning and an end.

A reader has to spend some considerable amount of time to complete this book but each and every minute will be worth it. If you are a person who has the slightest interest in science, then this is a treasure for you.

Honestly, I don’t know how to rate this book. The effort and knowledge that has been poured through these 300+ pages worth no less than a 5-star rating.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Indian Authors, Science Fiction, Thriller

Captain Elephant: The Mystery of the Bomb by Aseem Mahajan

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Book title: Captain Elephant: The Mystery of the Bomb
Author: Aseem Mahajan
Publisher: Petals

Blurb

Mayas Tondlulu is born with a medical condition due to which his parents are extra careful with him. Mayas is precious and they did everything possible to make sure that his health would not suffer because of their carelessness. After living an overly protected life Mayas discovers that he has a special ability and his alter ego “Captain Elephant” is born, but he soon invites trouble for himself and is wanted by the police of Pinzoora city at the tender age of 10! At the same time the dreaded terrorist Popananda escapes from prison and threatens Pinzoora with a nuclear bomb. He warns people against leaving the town. The only clue he gives is a riddle that haunts everyone. Panic grips Pinzoora. Masks fall and hidden skeletons come out. During this adversity when everyone fails, it is upto Captain Elephant to face the ruthless Popananda and unravel the murky mystery that will change the history of mankind and Pinzoora forever. What is the meaning of the riddle? What is the dark mystery looming over Pinzoora?

My Review

The story revolves around the protagonist, Mayas, who was born in the small Indian island Pinzoora, with a physical disorder. Mayas were born with his heart placed at his rear. The story covers the incidents that Mayas has been facing in a certain time. Due to this special condition, Mayas has been restricted by his parents from his childhood. They are always determined to protect him from his condition. But all these restrictions are often mocked by his classmates from time to time. They are also quite jealous of his certain privileges. This makes Mayas to became independent in his life and to live his life according to his terms.

Suddenly he finds out that, his disorder is not a curse like he thinks in most of his life but a boon. Next thing, we saw is how a superhero is born and became useful to the entire city. Mayas, the Captain elephant with supernatural powers, proves his power when there’s a massive terrorist attack in his city Pinzoora.

I believe every children’s book ever written is also for all adults. Because there is always a child within our mind. I often pick up children’s book as a change of genre. In fact I’m quite fond of them. This book also never disappoints me. Because it is all that I expected from the cover, title, and blurb.

The plot is really unique, and the author made a really commendable approach in creating this. Because creating a superhero from nowhere needed a great extent of creativity. Also creating an absolute fiction background demands much more skill than writing in other genres.

The first part of the story revolves around describing the medical condition of Mayas and the difficulties he faces in school and everywhere. After the superhero is born, the story picks up pace and energy and describe the terrorist attack by the dreaded terrorist named Popananda, and how Captain Elephant has saved the city from the bomb attack.

There were a limited number of characters and the author builds every character beautifully. The narration is really good. The author also gives a touch of humor from time to time. This also makes the narration really interesting.

The climax was a little disappointed in nature because it was abrupt and lacks explanation at some points.

Altogether, this is a good superhero novel which is built excellently.

Rating: 4/5

 

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Indian Authors, Indian Mythology, Science Fiction

The Code Of Manavas: Beyond The Realm by Arpit Bakshi

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“The earth and the human race as we knew it have ceased to exist.
Bhoomidium, discovered by Krishna, healed the unstable core of Bhoomi during the last apocalypse. It has transformed Man to Manavas and Kali-Yug into Swarnim-Yug.
The year is 2050.2.0000001 and the Manavas are divided into two states, Madhavpur and Ayudhpur.
Krishna sees another apocalypse around the corner and he has a way out – an alternate universe, which can be reached by travelling through Omechta realm.
Can he save his race this time?”

My review

The Code of Manavas: Beyond The Realm is the first book of the Maha Vishnu trilogy written by Arpit Bakshi. The plot of this book is crafted in the combination of two unlikely genres, Indian Mythology, and Science fiction. Often the stories written on these genres are perfect entertainers because it is very difficult to build a story compared to other genres. The difficulty is because it demands much more research and knowledge along with creativity. Also without good storytelling skills, the plot may slip away or become weak. This story is the best example of the fusion of these genres. The author has done a commendable job to create a story with a strong backbone.

I loved the plot very much purely because of its uniqueness. How often you can see the mythological characters blended in the science world?

The creativity of the author has to be mentioned. For the first 40 pages, the author took his time to explain the new world, he crafted. Then only the true struggle was started. This is very much an unlikely skill because often the story becomes weak because it will lack the details of the background at the beginning. This is carefully avoided by explaining the new world at first. Through this, the author can take the reader their present to the future which he created rather smoothly.

The cover is excellently designed giving the glimpse of the story. The characters are uniquely named after many prominent mythological characters such as Krishna, Raghav, Gopal, Meera, Mohan, Vasu, Shyam etc. This is a very unique thought that I found interesting. From the title, it is evident that this is a Maha Vishnu trilogy, so the author named the characters according to that.

Being the first book of a trilogy, this book has an important role. It has to set a stage for crafting the remaining two stories. The Code of Manavas leaves the reader in a cliffhanger giving a perfect opportunity to the remaining two books.

I like the science fiction genre because they always offer something new to learn along with a beautiful story. This story also never disappointed me on this.

Overall, this is a nice read and takes away the reader from our present to the future for some time.

Rating: 4.5/5

I received a copy of this book through the BOOK GENIE REVIEW PROGRAM.