Twilight .. By Stephene Meyer

Here comes my take on the book which has always been under the scrutiny of many critics over the years. Undoubtedly, this is one of those books that has been slammed by many but adored by a lot. It was widely noted that the idea behind this book was not entirely new, although the writing style definitely left its mark to be called as one of the extensively read books in the last decade.

I remember the first time I started reading this book in the British Library late one evening and you wouldn't believe, but I was done reading the entire book within 2 hours 40 minutes until the lights of the library went out and the librarian had to kick me out. I was absolutely engrossed in the story and couldn't wait to get my hands on its sequel the other day and I made sure to finish reading the entire four volumes, that same week.

Picking this book up was to curb my curiosity to know what the hype was all about as this book was made a huge deal during those days. Even though it cannot be categorized as a fine literature, still I have to say it definitely lived up to the hype for me. I think the book exhibited a surprising depth of emotion, intimacy, and even sensuality without ever resorting to anything explicit. The amazing level of communication between the two teen protagonists had a stark honesty and the consistent battle that rages inside the lead character - Bella's mind between the knowledge that Edward is perfect for her and the knowledge that being with him constantly puts her in danger, was endearing.

The first two-thirds of the book moves at rather languid but steady pace owing to the extensive character and relationship development. After that, it almost instantly turns into a taut suspense/thriller when Bella's life is threatened. Even though the book is written entirely in first-person from Bella's perspective, I thought the author did a good job of conveying Edwards's thoughts and feelings too, through extensive use of dialog, which brings to my point on thinking that the book - "Midnight Sun", which tells us Edward's perspective of Twilight version, was completely unnecessary.

So, to summarize what I have been trying to convey is that Twilight is one of those books that has touched me in profound ways, right from its preface. And to the people who seriously hate it, I would like to say that it is pure fiction! Why do you want to look for realism in it and make sense of what the supernatural means? Can't you just appreciate the creativity of the imagination behind a story that puts fantasy to yet another level?

Happy Reading!!!

Treasure Island .. By Robert Louis Stevenson

A fine and widely known classic by Robert Stevenson is an absolute delight to a reader and one of my favorite childhood books, which no doubt inspired the adventure - movies like Goonies and Pirates of the Carribean. 

For those of you who are not familiar with the plot, here goes the shortest summary -

It tells the story of Jim Hawkings who assists in running an inn in England during the 18th century. One of the individuals who stay at his inn, Billy Bones, known as Captian Flint, a notorious pirate is visited by a former fellow crew member, Pew, who gives him a treasure map. When Bones opens the map, he sees a "Black Spot" that foretells bad luck and he drops dead of a stroke. Jim and his mother open his chest to get the amount due for Bones's lodging but before they could get the money, pirates arrive searching for the treasure map. Jim, who finds the treasure map, shares it with the local physician, who deduces the map of an island buried with a vast amount of treasure. The squire proposes buying a ship and going after the treasure. What follows is the treasure hunt that has so many hiccups than a sloop in a storm with enough action and humor to provision a lengthy voyage. 

It is a swashbuckling adventure where the stakes were high and the Gentlemen of Fortune weren't so gentle while seeking their fortune. Stevenson brings every character to life in a new and frightening way that always holds me captivated. The brilliance of the writing lies in the meticulous vagueness of his descriptions, allowing the reader to take the direction of their choosing, with the character's appearance. My personal favorite character is Long John Silver, who reminds me much of Jack Sparrow and his wickedness from the Curse of the Black Pearl. 

Treasure Island is a beloved tale for both the young and older readers alike. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED .. Happy Reading!!!

The Iron King .. By Maurice Druon

Let me present the book review of the first installment of the Accursed Kings series by French author Maurice Druon, which deals with France's Philip IV "The Fair" (1268-1314) and scandals of his reign. It is said that this book greatly inspired George R.R. Martin, who called it as "The Original Game of Thrones" which led to its stupendous publicity. It certainly covers the last days of Capetian dynasty, which has its fair share of murder, adultery, and conspiracy.

However, it is nothing like Game of Thrones, apart from its unbearably nasty politics or bloody-minded cruelty. Secondly, it cannot be called so much as a fiction, but a European history book. 

The writing was somewhat monotonous because of the dreary monologue and imaginary, non-engaging conversations. This might be because the book was written in the early 1950s and was not re-published until recently. However, I agree that the events that took place in the 14th century Europe that led to a 100-years of war between England and France are nothing short of fascinating.

The rival families of the French Capets and the English Plantagenets did have ambitious men and deceptive women that have the capability to create sheer drama in the novel and Druon has managed to infuse those with enough machinations and manipulations to make Littlefinger himself proud.

Well, the story that begun to unfold here is continued in the second installment, "The Strangled Queen", whose review I will bring to you shortly.

Happy Reading!!!

August .. By Bernard Beckett

Trapped upside-down in a car wreck, bleeding and brooding over the past, Tristan and Grace are waiting for death, while reciting their stories to each other. 

Tristan is a philosopher, struggling with the idea of free will, while Grace lives a life that allows no place for such questions. How they came to be in a car together, balancing between life and death is a thought-provoking tale of loss and tragedy.

Well, do not expect it to be a tangled love story, as what the synopsis suggests. It is more about theology and complex characters trying to find their way to freedom. In my opinion, the book seemed little unremarkable, even though it had a profound message to spread, it had too much philosophical swaggering against too little plot.

If you are into insightful arguments about humanity and the nature of free will, I would recommend this book to you. For others, it might seem a little disappointing, if not disturbing.

Happy Reading!!!

The Mahabharata Secret (The Mahabharata Quest # 1) .. By Christopher C. Doyle

Before the nuclear scientists, Vikram Singh is murdered at his home, he leaves a coded email trail for his nephew, Vijay. A quest that is 2300 years old, through the ruins of the time of Asoka, has to be pursued. While Vijay and his friends are set to decipher the riddles to save it from getting into the wrong hands, bad forces are at work to make things difficult for them.

The first book of the contemporary quest series is somewhat lame compared to the next novels from Christopher Doyle's Indian version of Da Vinci Code. He has literally tried very hard to make it as good and exciting. Although, it was not a completely failed attempt because even though it had a secret brotherhood, encrypted puzzles, historical codes, Intel Agency agents, conspiracy theories etc., all that I found rather too familiar, was nevertheless a good attempt in capturing a reader's interest. 

One thing that I liked the best was how the story kept its non-linear pace by moving back and forth in time, that could easily keep the readers on their toes. Its narration leading up to its climax was also unnerving and was the most driving unit of the book.

The part where the book fails to make its mark is its characterization. Especially, Vijay's relationship with Colin sounded really bogus. I found Imran's character to be a fair addition, but what disappointed me the most was that he was not the central protagonist of the plot. One other thing that bothered me was how the story shot at an unnatural speed and ended so soon. It had the potential to weigh the book with more content and explain the situations with deeper clarity.

Overall, I would say the book was mediocre but it didn't stop me to reach out for its sequel. And I am glad I did because it had drastically improved in its next version, of whose review, I am gonna post soon. 

Happy Reading!!!