Chandramani-My Dreams The Kohinoor Saga by Siva Samraj

 Chandramani-My Dreams The Kohinoor Saga by Siva Samraj | Book Review

Siva Samraj's Chandramani – My Dreams: The Kohinoor Saga is an ambitious and deeply emotional tale about the fabled voyage of the Kohinoor diamond, weaving together history, fiction, and timeless themes.

The story begins with the Delhi Sultanate's invasion, when the diamond escapes the lovers' protection and passes through emperors, invaders, the Mughals, and finally the British Raj. The unwavering love here exists not only between these two lovers but also in their passion and patriotism for their homeland and heritage.

The notion of rebirth is powerful and magical. Each era depicted the progression of their love story against the backdrop of Indian history, engaging the reader emotionally. As the diamond glimmers through the ages, it becomes a symbol of enduring devotion, entwined with the fate of a nation. Each owner, captivated by its brilliance, unwittingly becomes a guardian of the love story that transcends time, reminding us that true love, like history, is forever resilient.

I admire the author's creativity since it kept me interested throughout the entire book with its concept of rebirth across time eras. The portrayal of Surya's numerous reincarnations as Ajay, Irfan, Puran, Joseph, and Vignesh is excellent. Despite the challenges they face in each incarnation, Chhaya and Surya's constant affection shows through as they are again reborn as diamond guards.

Overall, "Chandramani – My Dreams: The Kohinoor Saga" explores not only the rich history of the Kohinoor diamond but also India's intricate history. If you enjoy historical fiction, romance, and thrills, you should pick up this book soon.

Once Upon A Realm by Mary Ting

 Once Upon A Realm by Mary Ting | Book Review

This third book in the Once Upon a Legend series masterfully continues Idrisa's story, offering a thrilling blend of action, high fantasy, and emotional depth.

Idrisa's return to Dumonia, an empire she had swore never to visit again, quickly sets a tense tone. The mission to destroy the Tree of Life and Death, which represents the world's life-and-death powers, feels tremendous. But, as often, nothing goes as planned, and Ravana's intervention adds to the danger by sending in even more creatures of darkness. Ting's world-building shines through here, with rich details and a vivid magical system that adds dimensions to the battle.

I appreciated how devotion and betrayal continually changed who I trusted. Artheo's past and ambition made me uneasy—he was both scary and magnetic. Merrick and Rocco's joking provided some solace amid the tension.

I loved Idrisa's unwavering courage; she never let fear rule her. The world-building drew me in: caves, palaces, and dungeons—each scene was alive. The concept of sealing the rip in the sky also struck me because it represented the closure of ancient wounds. The stakes felt personal, as if friends were risking everything for one last chance.

 Mary Ting will take you to a high and then build you back up with another character. In the end all will be the way it is supposed to be, with a huge WOW moment. I absolutely loved this series.

Highly recommended!

Shut Eye by Abhinav Bhatnagar

 Shut Eye by Abhinav Bhatnagar | Book Review

With its suspenseful atmosphere and mind-bending narration, "Shut Eye" is an engrossing thriller that will keep you watching.

The protagonist of the tale is Aadil, who recently recovered from an unexplained sickness and was freed from the sanatorium. He soon secures a position as a forensic photographer at the local police department, but he continues to search for his family.

Aadil, who is plagued by episodes involving a mystery guy and his own memories, quickly learns that the victims he is seeing have connections to his own family members who have gone missing. What ties them together? Or is there a more significant plot in the works?

As he returns to his hometown after a long absence, the dynamics of the plot significantly shift. The introduction of an enigmatic individual sets the tone for the narrative. Tension was created for our protagonist by this man's massive institutional and diplomatic plot.

We were unable to put the novel down since it is so compelling and fascinating. There aren't many characters, and the narration is clear and well-written. The pace fluctuates throughout, and the plot is captivating.

I admire the author's ability to create people that have a genuine outlook on life. Abhinav shows us the characters' sensitive sides, such as their helplessness, suffering, dependency, etc., that you feel among us, even though they are essential to overcoming all the obstacles.

 
A excellent crime fiction book that merits recognition is produced by the deft balancing of components such as a detailed portrayal of a corrupted society, astute and perceptive insights, and a well-planned storyline.

Since the book's final chapters leave certain things unanswered, I am eager to read the second section. I will suggest this book to everyone who enjoys criminal fiction.

Purchase  here.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

Design Your Thinking: The Mindsets, Toolsets and Skill Sets for Creative Problem-solving by Pavan Soni

 Design Your Thinking: The Mindsets, Toolsets and Skill Sets for Creative Problem-solving by Pavan Soni

‘We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience".

This book is an exercise in design thinking, with all of its key elements in action: human centricity; visual thinking; iterative thinking; and prototyping mentality. The book includes case studies and practical lessons on creativity, innovation and design thinking from companies like 3M, Accenture, Amazon, ANAND Group, Apple, Aravind Eye Hospitals, Asian Paints, and many more.

The book has ten chapters, each addressing a specific aspect of creative problem-solving, through the lens of design thinking. I was hooked by the first chapter, ‘What is Design Thinking?’, offers a primer on design thinking, as a philosophy and an approach, and delves into how the approach is different from other popular practices of creativity, such as critical thinking, lateral thinking and lean thinking. 

The chapter also presents an overview of the design thinking process model, comprising these stages: inspire; empathize and define; ideate; prototype and test; and scale. Each of these stages is presented in a separate manner.

This book is stimulating and serves as a wonderful reminder of how design thinking can advance strategy. It's just as useful, in my opinion, for startup founders as it is for business executives looking to encourage creativity among their staff.

Highly recommended!

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations #designyourthinking

LET THE CATERPILLAR FLY: Habits that Unfold your Hidden Wings by Yashpal Sharma

 LET THE CATERPILLAR FLY: Habits that Unfold your Hidden Wings by Yashpal Sharma

Let the Caterpillar Fly – Habits that Unfold  Your Hidden Wings, is a reflection of the author's lived experience.  These are not just theories or borrowed ideas – they are  habits he embodies. 

These 18 habits aren't secret recipes. The author has experienced, taught, and witnessed the transformation of lives, including his own, through these tried-and-true, soul-approved procedures. Additionally, each of us receives both the how and the why.

Through his work, he shares timeless  wisdom in a simple, actionable way that opens a path for  anyone willing to take charge of life. Each of the 18 habits  in this book has the power to awaken something deep  within you. Whether navigating personal transformation or seeking a more meaningful life, this book will be a trusted  companion. 

His writing is straightforward, occasionally almost airy, but it has the kind of underlying wisdom that forces you to underline sentences. I kept nodding, as though a friend had just spoken aloud something I had always understood but had never put into words.

Overall, it  is an easy-to-use yet effective tool for evaluating eight key aspects of your life is the Life Wheel. Highly recommended!

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

BAKHTIARPUR: Story of the Destruction of The World’s intellectual Capital NALANDA by Pankaj Lochan

 BAKHTIARPUR: Story of the Destruction of The World’s intellectual Capital NALANDA by Pankaj Lochan

Bakhtiarpur by Pankaj Lochan's Nalanda serves as a striking reminder of a past we've all but forgotten. The book transports us back to the heyday of ancient Magadha and the sad demise of prominent educational institutions like Odantapuri and Nalanda.

The author uses geography as a witness, personifies unanswered questions, and depicts the invader's legacy with unnerving honesty rather than malice. I occasionally found myself underlining because of the way he weaved concepts rather than facts.

The author uses the intensely intimate process of remembering to weave together the events of Magadha's splendour and Nalanda's destruction. Not only did I follow wars and ruins as a reader, but I also stopped at the railway station signboard that silently displays the conqueror's name—a startling reminder of how quickly amnesia can turn into tradition.

Anyone who has ever stood before a relic or a ruin and pondered what ghosts might be concealed in its silence should read this moving and essential book.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

Lead Or Be Left Behind by Hemant Jain

 Lead Or Be Left Behind by Hemant Jain | Book Review

The book delves into the significance of educating oneself on the methods and resources for effectively utilising AI to support industry growth. describing how AI tools function and how they are no longer future ideas but rather cutting-edge technologies that are influencing human leadership qualities and driving a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, finance, marketing, and the creative sector.

Whether a student, business owner, or seasoned professional, the author breaks down difficult concepts into doable tactics that anyone may use right away. His portrayal of adaptability as the real currency of contemporary leadership is particularly noteworthy. Adaptability is no longer optional in a world that is always changing; it is now vital.

According to the author, being "AI fluent" is now crucial for everyone, not only techies.
The notion that AI should enhance human intelligence rather than replace it motivated me.
I learnt how leaders can integrate AI into their teams and workflows from the book.

Hemant Jain's book Lead or Be Left Behind offers a concise and useful manual for surviving in the AI era. Highly recommended!

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

 

The Legend of Break-Up Bhavani: Part 1 by Vinay Kanchan

 The Legend of Break-Up Bhavani: Part 1 by Vinay Kanchan | Book Review

Title: The Legend of Breakup Bhavani
Publisher: @locksleyhallpublishing
Author: Vinay Kanchan
Literary Agency: @thebookbakers

"The Legend of Break-up Bhavani" by Vinay Kanchan is a lively, humorous, and completely captivating book. It begins as a typical college tale, teasing, friendships, and campus turmoil. It swiftly transforms into something far more complex, fusing mythology with contemporary issues.

Bhavani, is notable for being a strong representation of humour and fortitude. The environment feels genuine and alive because of the humour and depth provided by the supporting cast, which includes mentors and friends.

The book does a great job of balancing youthful energy, college humour, and hints of epic drama. It is light-hearted and enjoyable, but it also lays the groundwork for something grandiose in the following scenes.

Each of the distinct characters—Gargi, Ramba, Agastya, and Urvashi—is expertly constructed. It's entertaining because it combines mythology with fantasy. Superheroine is a novel concept to bring to the mix. The story moves quickly, and the prose is captivating.

All things considered, 'The Legend of Break-Up Bhavani' is an entertaining and distinctive book. This is the book for you if you want to read something enjoyable.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #thelegendofbreakup #bookrecommendations 

Whispers In The Water: A Chilling Horror Story by Bidisha Bhattacharyya

 Whispers In The Water: A Chilling Horror Story by Bidisha Bhattacharyya | Book Review

The short collection of horror stories in Whispers in the Water manages to deliver a powerful blow in just a few pages. The three stories are a compilation of truly reading but spine-tingling tales that are sandwiched between traditional, straightforward horror elements—including haunted lakes, voices of the dead, and weird mirrors.

The way the characters get involved and depict their presence of mind in weird situations is commendable. The characters indirectly share valuable life insights, making the story more interesting rather than merely haunting.

Even silence feels heavy because author Bidisha Bhattacharyya infuses an undercurrent of uneasiness into relatively regular places. I found myself holding my breath unconsciously because of the writing's sharpness and the seamless way the tension is introduced.

Although "Whispers in the Water" is brief enough to read in one sitting, it is thought-provoking enough. It is a collection worth exploring if you enjoy ambient horror with a mythology foundation.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ 

Why Not? by Ankitha Rajendaran

 Why Not? by Ankitha Rajendaran | Book Review

This isn’t a book about getting it “right.” Instead, it’s about how travel shifts the ground beneath your feet, showing you what really matters: courage, connection, and the stories you didn’t even know you were carrying.

As I read this book, I found a story not of invincibility but of adaptation. I saw how vulnerability has been the greatest teacher rather than an adversary. The author highlights on the fact that your vulnerability is not something to hide. It’s something to embrace, for it’s in those fragile moments that we truly discover our strength.

Every chapter is a subdued protest against stereotypes. Her narratives sense the environments rather than merely describing them. Every chapter serves as a gateway to a wealth of knowledge. The knowledge of hazardous zones in Syria, Iraq, and other places astounded me.

Lyrical yet grounded, the prose effortlessly transitions between contemplative pondering and useful observations. She allows us to witness both the confusion and the serenity, the uncertainty and the revelation.

Overall, this book isn’t a guidebook. It’s a map of the lessons the author has learnt, the people she met, and the moments that have changed her. It’s a story of breaking down barriers and building connections. It’s a story of how her understanding of the world shifted. 

Her travels—whether navigating checkpoints in Iraq, listening to the stories of Yazidis, or crossing borders with a pounding heart—gave me the kind of credibility no classroom or book ever could.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations 

BANARAS An Eternal Love Story by Saurabh Singh

 BANARAS An Eternal Love Story by Saurabh Singh | Book Review

I wonder when I could get a chance to visit Varanasi. When I saw this book about a love story based in Varanasi, I picked it up instantly. This book lived up to my expectations and hence gave me a picturesque view of the place and its aroma.

The narrative centres on Shourya and Naina. Naina is the daughter of the "Liquor King" of Uttar Pradesh, and Shaurya is the reserved heir to an empire of sand from Bihar. It feels like a love letter to Banaras and the idea of defying fate because their love story was formed between the vivid pandemonium of Varanasi Hindu University and the peaceful Ganga Ghats.

On the day of Shourya and Naina's wedding, the story begins. Shourya is anxious yet prepared to start a new life. The family and their interactions are also introduced to us. The lovely wedding ceremony of Naina and Shourya is also shown to us. However, before it is over, Shourya receives a call from his brother, who is also his best friend, and that one call alters everything.

The author paints a vivid picture of the city with words that breathe, capturing its soul through the hallowed Ganga, the bustling lanes, the marigolds at sunrise, and the echo of evening aartis. Reading it is like strolling through Varanasi's historic lanes alongside the characters.

I found their happy moments entertaining, their struggles upsetting, and the fact that two regular individuals could carry such a weight impressive. The most striking thing to me was how naturally strong their love felt, never forced.

This is more than just a romance; it's a tale that lingers in your mind and forces you to consider the consequences of your own decisions.

Purchase here.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations