May 30, 2016

Book Review: No Time to Pause by Pavithra Ramesh

No Time To Pause

Author: Pavithra Ramesh
Publisher: Half Baked Beans
Rating: 3/5

Summary
“I made decisions that I regret, and I took them as learning experiences... I'm human, not perfect, like anybody else.” - Queen Latifah

‘’No Time to Pause’ is a narrative that describes the emotions, problems and other events that form a major part of the adolescent life. It is these events that start as being the bane of one’s life but eventually, help in transforming one into a confident and experiences individual.

Read this book to know more.


My opinion
“No Time to Pause” is a perfect narration of experiences that a young and enthusiastic girl goes through, during her college life. The cover of the book is nice and catchy. The title is apt. The blurb is precise and urges the readers to turn the pages of the book.

The font (size and style) is fine. No where during the narrative will the reader be bored. The way the authoress has projected all the episodes is commendable. Not only the sequence of events is relatable but gives ample opportunity to the readers to empathize with the characters.

However, there are some drawbacks that can put the readers in a black mood. One- The switching from monologue to dialogue- there is no flaw in the monologue, except the grammar and editing, but when it comes to dialogue or to be more precise when other character (other than the protagonist) is narrating his/ her experience, there is no demarcation to differentiate between who is narrating. For an instance, the last chapter (14) baffled me a lot. I had to read it twice to understand whose monologue it was.

Two- there are grammatical errors, especially wrong use of tenses and missing punctuation marks. There are editing errors where Rita is replaced with Raina and vice versa. Somewhere in my subconscious mind I wished- only if Aditi was the narrator because the majority of narration is about Aditi’s life and not about the life of the protagonist.

Overall, a nice and light read.


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Review Copy: Courtesy HBB


May 29, 2016

Book Review: Trapped in Want and Wonder by Roswitha Joshi

Trapped in Want and Wonder

Author: Roswitha Joshi
Publisher: Frog Books (Leadstart Publishing)
Rating: 4.8/5


Summary
“As long as greed is stronger than compassion, there will always be suffering.” ~Rusty Eric

‘Trapped in Want and Wonder’ is a potboiler that offers an insight into the world that has a darker side to it. The story revolves around a couple- Dora and Dev, who strive in their respective fields and have the hunger to reach the summit. But what all do they lose in the way? Dev opts for a new assignment and that when the tables are turned. What happens to their blossoming relationship? What odds are in store for Dev and Dora?


Read this book to know more.

Read more here.

May 26, 2016

Pre- order link available now!


UNBOUNDED TRAJECTORIES

Pre- order link is available now.

Order your copies today and avail 7% discount. Hurry!

Click here.

May 24, 2016

Book Review: Envisage by Jaydeep Khot

Envisage

Author: Jaydeep Khot
Publisher: Notionpress.com
Rating: 3/5


Summary
Power is all that is needed to conquer our deepest fears. Kasak is an ebullient child, who discovers that she is more than just a human. Her ability to predict or rather foresee future enables her to keep the ball in her court. “Envisage” is a clear and simple tale about Kasak and her loved ones. But her powers have a motive. She is destined to solve a mystery that becomes the bane of her life. Will her extraordinary abilities help her solve the biggest problem of her life?

Read ‘Envisage’ to know more.


My opinion
‘Envisage’ is a simple story about a girl who has super powers to foresee the future. The title of the book is catchy. The cover is perfect. The blurb is precise and apt. The author introduction is fine. The font used on the back cover could have been better. The font (size, style) inside the book is fine. The language is lucid and understandable. I would like to compliment the author’s ability to present this piece of fiction in a language that can be understood by everyone.

The plot is gripping; the chapters prove out to be very to-the-point and serve as a quick read. The characterization and the introduction of different characters could have been done more chronologically. This could have prevented the pauses while reading and could have helped the readers to focus on one character at a time. 

The plus point in the book is the smooth flow of the story, the suitability of the titles of the chapters and the simple language. The book lacks proper editing and proofreading as one can encounter punctuation errors, typing mistakes, and incorrect grammar usage. This is a simple story with not many twists and turns. 'A light read' is what I would like to call it. 

Overall, a good and sincere effort by the author!

PS: This rating is only because the author has actually streamlined his thought process and highlighted on ‘Envisage’.


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May 17, 2016

Book Review: Hues of Modern Love by Paras

Hues of Modern Love

Author: Paras
Publisher: Author’s Ink Publishers
Rating: 1.5/5


Summary
“Hues of Modern Love” is a story that attempts to explain the difference between the actual meaning of Love and the one that is being interpreted these days. Love is not restricted to physical intimacy but it is also a sublime connection with the soul of the other person. The plot revolves around three people, who become friends during a journey. Their conversation takes a different turn and they disclose secrets that had been buried in their past.

Grab your copy to know more!


My opinion
It is true that you can’t make an Omelette without breaking the eggs. Similarly it is impossible to make important changes without causing some unpleasant effects. ‘Hues of modern love’ speaks about the difference in the perception of love. The author has taken into account the very minute details of the life of the three main characters and has portrayed them finely. The story runs at a comfortable pace but there are some awkward pauses that can confuse the readers.

The cover of the book is subtle enough to break the ice between the content and the readers. The print quality is fine. I, however, could not figure out the target audience for the book.

The major drawback in the book is that of content presentation and editing. The are numerous grammatical errors. The author has completely ignored the importance of getting his work proof read by a professional editor. The switch from first person to second person is fuzzy. Moreover, the tense usage is baffling. There is no distinction between quoted dialogues and monologues.

The book fails to leave a better first impression, for the very first chapter lacks substance. The plot is weak and the book fails to qualify as a great literary feat.

Overall, an average read!


Drawbacks
The major drawback in this book is the lack of flow in the story and inappropriate proofreading. For an instance, the story is written in a combination of first person as well as third person and this leaves the readers befuddled. Although there is lucidity in the expression, the grammatical errors nullify the advantage. The grammatical are too many to be ignored.


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May 16, 2016

Book Review: Rays and Ripples by Carlos Luis

Rays and Ripples

Author: Carlos Luis
Publisher: Author Ink Publications
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary
“Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” ‘Rays and Ripples’ serves experience, learning and the secret to become courteous and honorable- hot on the platter. The book is a collection of short poems and stories, which give a chance to the readers to introspect and change the way of their life. 
Read more here.

Book Review: Let the Game Begin by Sandeep Sharma

Let The Game Begin

Author: Sandeep Sharma
Publisher: Inspire India Publishers
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary

“Let the game begin” is a miscellany of emotions ranging from friendship to revenge. The story revolves around the game of chess and how it has evolved over the years. Two kingdoms- Chaturanga and Sarprakt are at war with each other. But defeating Chaturanga was ball and chain. When the king Viratha is bestowed with a son, the whole kingdom is drowned in the celebrations; unaware of the consipiracy that is brewing in the other kingdom. Hence, the Game of Chess is reborn. 

Read more here.

Read 'A Home in Tranquility' By Satyananda Sarangi- Unbounded Trajectories!

Life!

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. 
~Confucius

Indeed, this is true. What life has in store for us, we do not know. It is through our own experiences and the experiences of others that we learn to sail smoothly through the tough times.

Here is a book that offers an insight into different perspectives and different strokes of life that are sure to touch the hearts.

UNBOUNDED TRAJECTORIES
~that changed the course of life



Read Annihilation and His Salvation by Kumar Vikrant- UNBOUNDED TRAJECTORIES!


Life!

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. 
~Confucius

Indeed, this is true. What life has in store for us, we do not know. It is through our own experiences and the experiences of others that we learn to sail smoothly through the tough times.

Here is a book that offers an insight into different perspectives and different strokes of life that are sure to touch the hearts.
UNBOUNDED TRAJECTORIES
~that changed the course of life


 


Read 'SOulmates' by Nisha Raju- UNBOUNDED TRAJECTORIES

Life!

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. 
~Confucius
Indeed, this is true. What life has in store for us, we do not know. It is through our own experiences and the experiences of others that we learn to sail smoothly through the tough times.

Here is a book that offers an insight into different perspectives and different strokes of life that are sure to touch the hearts.
UNBOUNDED TRAJECTORIES
~that changed the course of life

May 13, 2016

First look at The Conspiracy at Meru: Vikramaditya Veergatha



First look at The Conspiracy at Meru: Vikramaditya Veergatha Book 2



Guardians of the Halahala has a new look as well!



The deadly Halahala, the all-devouring poison churned from the depths of the White Lake by the Devas and Asuras, was swallowed by Shiva to save the universe from extinction. But was Halahala truly destroyed?
 
A small portion still remains – a weapon powerful enough to guarantee victory to whoever possesses it. And both Asuras and Devas, locked in battle for supremacy, will stop at nothing to claim it.

As the forces of Devaloka and Patala, led by Indra and Shukracharya, plot to possess the Halahala, Shiva turns to mankind to guard it from their murderous clutches. It is now up to Samrat Vikramaditya and his Council of Nine to quell the supernatural hordes and prevent the universe from tumbling into chaos!

A sweeping tale of honour and courage in the face of infinite danger, greed and deceit, The Guardians of the Halahala is a fantastical journey into a time of myth and legend.




Reviews for Guardians of the Halahala

The story is interknitted with action, brilliant storytelling, and insightful of mythological and legendary elements that get under your skin and challenge the way you perceive history, as only few of the talented authors can. ~ Shreya Ganguly @ The Notepad Reviews

I am intoxicated, drugged, and floating in a world that has come to conquer my senses since the last few days. The world of Vikramaditya. The world carved by author Shatrujeet Nath. ~ Amrit Sinha on Goodreads

The quality of writing is powerful and beautiful, almost surreal. ~ By Manish Mahajan on Amazon

In fact the only disappointing thing about this book was that the second part isn't ready yet. ~ Srikanth Sarathy on Amazon


About the Author



Door-to-door salesman, copywriter, business journalist & assistant editor at The Economic Times; Shatrujeet Nath was all this before he took to writing fiction full-time. He debuted with The Karachi Deception in 2013, followed by The Guardians of the Halahala and The Conspiracy at Meru, the first two books in the Vikramaditya Veergatha series. At present, he is writing volume three of the series. Shatrujeet lives in Mumbai, but spends much of his time in the fantasy worlds of his stories.






Also by the Author


May 12, 2016

'UNBOUNDED TRAJECTORIES' Cover Release




It is time to acknowledge all those who helped me make this happen. The cover of ‘Unbounded Trajectories’ is out. After days of hard work, patience and perseverance, the UT team has finally put up a good show altogether. 



To start with, my sincere thanks goes out to all these wonderful people:



Harsh: Ah! My Precious! Right from the editing till the designing of the cover and the selection of appropriate title, you have been my constant support. We are definitely thick as thieves.


Shantanu & Nitish: My two lovely brothers! If only you two had taken me seriously and had helped with Photoshop, this book would have been completed one month back. But still, thanks for all the love.


Ratnadip Acharya Sir: Thank you sir for all the help with Grammar and formal English. Your motivation helped in moving the wheels of this project forward.


Himani Gupta Di: Thanks for your prompt response and for giving feedback on the book.


Supriya Mam: I cannot express how grateful I am to have received your feedback on the stories and poems. It means a lot to all of us.


Dr. Kanwal Sharma: Sir, the entire team of UT is thankful to you for giving us your valuable time and writing the preface of this book.


Nikhil Sharda Sir: I was sure that you wouldn’t deny my request for the foreword. Thank you so much sir. Probably, I can promise more reviews for your website now. You made this happen.


Kumar Vikrant Sir: ‘The guy behind successful promotions of the book’, yes, that is what I would address you as. Thank you, sir, for the never ending help.


Irfan Ali: Another enthusiast who isalways ready to help, be it the graphics or the video promotion. Thanks a lot.


Tejaswini mam: I can’t thank you enough. I know I bother you a lot- in school, on Whatsapp and now on Facebook. But I couldn’t help it. You are my mentor and your precious help is what I needed the most. Thank you, mam.


And last but not the least, this would not have been possible without the contributions of my fellow contributors. You are all wonderful people. Kudos to the UT Team!


PS: I could not write this acknowledgement in the book so this became my Letterpad.


Regards and best wishes

Enakshi