The Tantric Curse - Anupama Garg - Book Review

Book: The Tantric Curse

Author: Anupama Garg

Publisher: Rupa Publications

Genre: Fiction| Thriller

Pages: 280

Price: 295 INR

Synopsis

On an amavasya night, eight-year-old Rhea mysteriously lands at the doors of Shaktidham, a Tantric house of worship, in a trance. Realizing that she is blessed with unusual faculties, the guru of Shaktidham, Satya, chooses her as a disciple over his own son, Krishnam, to carry on his lineage, a privilege previously bestowed only to males. But the lineage has been cursed for generations, and it is up to Rhea to either break the curse or perish in the attempt.
Will she succeed in her endeavour? Will her love for Krishnam become an obstacle in her path? The Tantric Curse, an unusual story set in the world of Tantra that aims to dispel most of the myths about the practice, will keep you spellbound till the very last page. 

My Take

I was really happy on receiving this book from the author as I was really intrigued By the subject of Tantra. In India or anywhere else this topic is always that of mystery, of hushed voices, suspicion, little knowledge and more gossip. 

Though everyone talks about it in whispers everyone sure wants to know more. 

I was all the more glad to Read this book as this is selected By the National Book Trust and is being showcased in Indian Pavilion at the Frankfurt Book Fair (world's largest fair for books )

My first thoughts on this book were that it Might be boring with a lot of gyan (knowlwledge) and a slow Read. However I was in for a suprise, I underestimated this book. Once I started reading, I couldnt keep it down. 
A breezy read surely and made very interesting with a surreal love story in the background.
Its a page turner for sure and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

. 

The book has an intense story woven with a beautiful love story. The author has very cleverly imbibed the principles of tantra and narrated them through the story. The story progresses with different aspects being told of this subject. 

The pratogonist of the book is the disciple of Tantra and takes us into this world of ancient and authentic Tantra.

Tantra has originated from Lord Shiva himself. Though misrepresented and misunderstood this art is pure and positive. 

The author strives hard to tell this fact and I think she is successful in doing so through this book.

Anupama Garg herself is a disciple of  Baba Batuknathji , a well known Tantric and head of Bhoot Nath ashram, the main centre being Lucknow ,Uttar Pradesh India.

She took it on herself to shed some light over Tantra and show people the true meaning of this art. 

The author uses Simple language and holds the readers interest in the world of Rhea. Her journey compels one to think that all things are happebing for a reason in our life.. its a chain action. The purpose of our life is self discovery to attain the BEST of ourself to achieve self satisfaction By being true to our purpose in life.

Looking at life in reverse we can join all dots and understand why things happened. However it is us who have to keep going forward to discover our worth on this planet, to know why we are born and to fulfill our roles. It is this awakening that allows one complete satisfaction in ones life. While telling this and more the author holds the plot completely with the strong storyline and chatacters which are etched beautifully with utmost detailing. All questions are answered and the plot unfolds one mystery after another. 

The Guru Satya, the Sadhak Rhea, the saint Krishnam weave a magic on us and draw us into their world of Tantra, awakenings, beautiful love, principles, will and determination.

This book is a must read in all aspects. The author has done a tremendous job and has been successful in not only explaining the world on true principles of Tantra but also in giving a beautiful story who draws the reader in and keeps you mesmerised.
Looking forward to more books from her.

Thumbs up from my side - Must read.

Check out the complete video on the book review below.

Here is the link to buy The Tantric Curse from Amazon

Hope you have fun reading it.
Let me know.

Happy New Years Guys...

xoxo
Bhakti

The Guardians Of Halahala - Shatrujeet Nath - Book Review

Title: The Vikramaditya Trilogy:

Book 1 - The Guardians of the Halahala

Authors: Shatrujeet Nath

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Publication Year: 2014

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction, Historical, Alternative History

No. of Pages: 428

Price: Rs 350

My Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

Shatrujeet Nath has sold ice creams, peddled computer training courses, written ad copy and reported on business as a journalist and assistant editor at The Economic Times. His first book, The Karachi Deception, was published in 2013. He divides his time between writing fiction and poetry, reading, playing with his daughter, and dreaming of buying a small castle in Scotland. Till that happens, he plans to continue living in Mumbai.

Mythology and History is loved by all. We have grown up listening to stories about our heroes, of grandeur, of demigods, Asuras, Gods, wars, palaces, princesses, magic and much more all through our childhood. I Sure am a fan of this genre.

So when I get my hands on such a book which weaves spell through all these ancient fictions, magic, power, love, Gods, humans and more I just chance on the opportunity.

Retelling stories, Filming old folk lore's, history and mythology with liberties are trending now a days and everyone loves a good story.

The Guardians Of Halahala is just that written by Shatrujeet Nath its the first book in the series of Vikramaditya Veergatha and it sure makes an impact. This book right from its cover is captivating.

The cover depicts the action, storm raging within as well as all over. The mighty Vikramaditya amidst everything standing tall with fearless stride and his hell fire swords in hands is like the entire book summarised in one picture.

As soon as you open the book, an ancient kingdom map draws you in and just after you manage to read it you are taken by the glossary of names of characters from every kingdom with their short description.

The plot is laid and you are already in it, anticipation riding high all excited ready to lose yourself in the book and find new characters. No sooner than I started reading I couldn't stop, the narration is fast, captivating and the author builds suspense and entails you in it.

I found myself also wondering on the lines of Game Of Thrones (cant help, serious fan ) but the book does that to you.

The story is set in the middle of many kingdoms and all stories or happening are interwoven in one big plot. Be it the kings, their alliance, kingdoms, wars, devas, asura, enemies, relationships, loyalty, love, plotting, ghouls, magic and more - the crux the finality of it all is but one and that is power - supreme power.

Remember this book is not facts but fiction taking in from mythological stories and all the important characters and traits, happenings that we know of.

So the story revolves round Halahala - the poison that Lord Shiva consumed which made him blue in order to save the world from annihilation. So in this book a small portion of this poison - Halahala was stolen by a demon Veeshada and stored in his dagger.

Now after ages Lord Shiva himself entrusts the responsibility of this Veeshadas dagger to King Vikramaditya to keep it safe from the demons, the Gods and any other entity to safeguard the balance of power in the universe.

What follows is assaults on Vikramaditya's Kingdom from the Gods as well as Demons led by Indra and Shukracharya respectively in every form to attain the Halahala and achieve supremacy. On the other hand the book even follows the threats from Huna and Saka tribes, the disturbance of equilibrium in the Kingdoms. The ailing wife of Vikramaditya whom he loves dearly and can do anything for her but will he pay the price for her well being and in what way. Will she ever wake up from her deep slumber and recognise and love the king ever again.

The book revolves round the mighty Vikramaditya and his council of 9 and how they deal with this mayhem and emerge victorious on all accounts or not and at what price. The characters that the author has played with right from Betaal to the devas and asuras makes me want to get myself other books on them and relive these old characters and their stories (growing up on Vikram and Betaal series and tv serial too - what do you expect).

This is one of the good traits of a successful book - makes you want to read more and more about it and the characters involved in it.

The book ends on one of the battles- with lots of questions to be answered in the second part - The conspiracy at Meru.

Why and how did the Maruts disappear? What happened to Vishakha ? What will be the next step? What about Huna and Saka attack ? What price will this war incur? So many question - 2 more books.

I can hardly wait.

The book is a perfection in every way the author has been successful in involving, sketching and bringing to life so many characters with in depth research visible. There are no lose plots. The stories are interwoven beautifully. The author leaves you wanting for more with his immaculate descriptions of every scene. The grandeur, the seriousness, love, the war fare, mayhem, loyalty- every relationship is felt by the reader and every scene depicted and imagined to the hilt - such is the writing.

Must Read - Amazing book.

I was sent this personally signed book from the aurhor himself to review it however the views are completely mine and in no way influenced.
You can buy the book on Amazon for Rs 298 over here.

Check out the book review vlog 

Thanks To Jaico Books and the Author himself Shatrujeeth Nath enjoyed the book completely.

Cant wait to read The Conspiracy at Meru.

Until we meet again.

Happy Reading!

xoxo

Bhakti

Daughter of the Sun - Cult of the Cat Book 1 - Review

Title: Daughter of the Sun (Cult of the Cat series, Book 1)
Author: Zoe Kalo
Genre: YA mythological fantasy
Word count: 93,000 words
Release date: May 1, 2016

I was lucky to get my hands on this book before it launched.

This book is so good from the word go. 

The story revolves around Trinity and her amazing life and reason for it. The story starts in London and is set against the rich, cultural , mysterious and abundant backdrop of an island a little further away from Istanbul. It begins with Trinity at an orphanage in London. An unexpected visitor taking her to meet her only living family member living on the Island of cats - her grandmother who dies immediately when Trinity lands to see her. She is left in the huge mysterious palatial house with its secrets by herself with no one to give her answers or guide her. The hundreds of cats who are grieving for her grandmother, the will, her first love and the dangers it holds. Her changing body and traits, coming of age. Magic and mystery surrounds her and answers keep evading. The ever cunning and mean Dr Nassri and her ever suspicious ways, what is she hiding?

The heart of Egyptian mythology is the core of this book. Its rich in traditional tales, knowledge and way of life. The three feline goddesses—Bastet, Sekhmet, and Mafdet are the centre of this story.

An ordinary kid with extraordinary gifts. The life she lives and the life that awaits. Is she really an orphan? What is so special about her bloodline? An unexpected visitor, the turn of events, propelling her headfast in the world of mystery, questions, prophecies, Egyptian goddesses, demons and a house as well as an island filled with cats - Will Trinity find her way out of this ? Will she get her answers and how ?

The book is a fast paced read and I finished it within two days as I couldn't resist keeping my hands away from it. A hard core adventurous, mysterious thriller. It kept me hooked on the edge of my seat till the very end. 

The suspense is well maintained and I really loved it. The language is easy and simple, the author tells the story in the most fluid way. The characters are well sketched and in depth research and knowledge on the subject is evident in the book.

However I was not very satisfied with the end though, Needed a few answers, a clearer picture on Seth and what happens to them how she rules? what happened to her father? What about church ownership, Dr Mildred Taylor ?  what does Arya do? How does everything come together?

May be its kept for the next part but I really would have loved one chapter more at the end giving the story a clean finish and a happy ending.

Its a nice breezy suspense mystery, I really liked it. I cant wait for the second book.

I give it a 4 rating.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Its a must read, highly recommended.

Here's the Amazon Purchase Link:

Hope you guys like it, let me know your views.

Thanks a lot for sending this book to me.

until we meet again

Stay cheerful and happy

xoxo

Bhakti

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This Review is a part of the Blogger Outreach Program by <a href="http://b00kr3vi3wtours.blogspot.in/" target="_blank">b00k r3vi3w Tours</a></div>

Disclaimer - This is a sponsored post however all the opinions are my own.

Sunday Reads

I love to enjoy my Sunday in a laid back way.❤️

Being Ganapati Visarjan in this part of the world ( Pune, Maharshtra, India ). 

We are stuck at home due to huge Ganapati processions and blocked roads outside. So what more reason do I need to immerse myself in the world of books, while hubby loves to explore the new gadgets and his tech things.

Curled up in bed I enjoyed Reading Mrs Funnybones -- true to all the accolades it's getting, this books deserves every bit of praises and compliments and fan fare coming it's way .
I completely enjoyed reading this book thoroughly, after a long time the most entertaining book I have read.

I laughed loudly on most of the jokes, I related to it on many levels. 

Incidents narrated by celebrity author Twinkle Khanna are hilarious.
The way she  narrates the story of her house, making it real and normal like ours in the most amusing sort of ways. She presents her views on daily matters in the most entertaining non traditional ways and some age old things which never change. She does have a bright point of view in her kitty which she perfects, just like her easy fashion which comes naturally to her.
 I enjoyed her humour completely, it's not forced it just comes spontaneously and naturally.

Just taking a break for lunch, I finished the entire book at one go. It's a feel good book which is an enjoyable read from start to finish. I loved the writing style of Twinkle Khanna. 

Must read, go grab your copies now . I even gifted it to couple of friends (they loved it too) and the book sure make a great gift. 

Perfect score from my end. 👍👍 📖

This makes it more than perfect an acknowledgement by the author herself ☺️

 

Catch the equally funny launch of the book here, i am sure you wont be disappointed.

How's your Sunday going? 

What's your current favourite read? 

Do let us know, would love to know. 

Hope you are having a great weekend.. 

xoxo

Bhakti

 

Mrs Funnybones

by Twinkle Khanna

4.2 out of 5 stars   (130)

Publication Date: 18 August 2015

Paperback

  Rs. 234.00   Rs. 187.00

Princess : a true story behind veil of Saudi Arabia - Jean Sasson

I never read books according to the latest ones coming in the market. I just randomly pick up the ones I like while browsing the store.

I happened to read one such book. 

1. Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia

   Book by Jean Sasson

   
   

A shocking story of a true princess of Saudi. 

The book is heart wrenching. 

It tells you what really goes on behind the veils, the truth of the magnificent palaces and one of the richest places. 

It engulfs you from the starting in the world of princess Sultana ( true name changed). She is heroic in her own rights, fighting and being a rebel to the entire system from the start. Every episode brings out the shocking tales of women in Saudi, of their struggle, of their fight to survival. It's heart breaking to know of the lives these royalty clad woman live having every luxury at their disposal and yet prisoners in their house, without any control or right on their life. 

The battle of Princess Sultana and all the women around her. 

You get immediately drawn to the ferocious little girl who denies to bow down, the punishment, her suffering , yet she grows into a beautiful teenager with the same wild heart, the anguish , her pain, her love affairs, rebels, her fearless nature, the way she becomes a wife and then a mother. The lessons in life, hard hitting ( pun intended) and fierce change her or does she change her life is the question kept burning throughout. 

Yet every time she plans and plots and Rebels to get her ways, your heart skips a beat for her. Every victory of her is rejoiced and you feel her pain equally.

The truth of Saudi woman this book tells is a must read. 

I couldn't get my eyes of it, finished it in a day. 

xoxo

Bhakti